KU undertakes urgent energy, security, financial reforms, says VC

KARACHI, Nov 04 (APP): The Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi Professor Dr Wasim Qazi stated that the University is facing energy, security, financial, and administrative challenges which require immediate reforms.

He explained that while the sanctioned electricity capacity of KU is only 1.8 megawatts, current usage has reached 8.6 megawatts, resulting in monthly bills of Rs100–110 million. To reduce expenses, KU has engaged with K-Electric and submitted a PC-1 for a 12-megawatt solar project to the Chief Secretary Sindh.

He was addressing the annual dinner organized by the Karachi University Teachers’ Society at the Staff Club Lawn. On security, he said that several entry points have turned into public thoroughfares, increasing the presence of unauthorized individuals and criminal elements. A PC-1 has been prepared for a permanent solution, and discussions with the Chief Secretary Sindh and the Higher Education Commission are underway to secure financial resources.

The KU VC Professor Dr Wasim Qazi emphasized reforms in KU’s brand identity and administrative structure. He noted that while KU’s historic and scholarly legacy must be preserved, its institutional identity must align with modern requirements. For this purpose, a comprehensive Brand Book has been prepared and will be presented to the Syndicate for approval. He also proposed forming a Syndicate committee to review rules related to KU, its sub-institutions, and research centers.

On research, he stressed that KU’s research centers must be revitalized and the PhD policy revised. He pointed out the need for a Research Incentive Policy and a Teacher Excellence Policy to encourage faculty, with drafts already circulated among Deans for feedback before Syndicate approval.

For students, he announced a modern two-path educational system. The first path, the Corporate Readiness Path, will allow final-year students to gain practical training in industry and business. The second path, the Entrepreneurship Path, will establish an incubation center where students will work in groups on business projects, supported by venture capitalists. Under this model, KU will hold 15 percent shares, students 35–40 percent, and the remainder will go to venture capitalists. This initiative aims to achieve KU’s financial self-reliance within five to ten years.

Speaking on student financial difficulties, he said that representatives of five student organizations had expressed their inability to pay fees. He remarked that if it were within his power, he would provide free education to all 47,000 KU students, as undergraduate education is a vital responsibility. He mentioned that to support indigent-meritorious students, Rs50 million endowment fund has been established, and he emphasized the need for a permanent scholarship fund.

On financial reforms, KU VC Professor Dr Wasim Qazi noted that KU still operates under a single-entry accounting system even after 75 years, which undermines transparency. He announced that the Pension, Endowment, and Provident Funds will be registered under the Sindh Trust Act. He further highlighted that pension and provident payments are currently being made from the recurring fund, which is illegal. Although registration may take six to eight months, it is essential for protecting employees’ rights.

Earlier, President of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society, Syed Ghufran Alam, presented the KUTS’s annual performance report, stating that the past year had been extremely challenging for the Society. Nevertheless, efforts continued to serve all faculty members without discrimination and to address their issues, for which all office-bearers and members of the Teachers’ Society deserve congratulations.

He informed that the KUTS strongly opposed the proposal to separate International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) from KU and convert it into an autonomous degree-awarding institution. The KUTS raised an effective voice at all relevant forums to safeguard the University’s autonomy, academic identity, and continuity of research.

Ghufran Alam explained that the proposed changes included granting ICCBS the status of an independent degree-awarding institution, initiating degree programs in various disciplines, and giving donors decisive authority in the appointment of directors.

According to him, these proposals raised concerns regarding the institution’s administrative autonomy, governance, and the continuity of KU’s degrees and research activities. He added that the Society conveyed its reservations to the concerned authorities and maintained continuous contact and consultation with political parties, the Sindh government, and other stakeholders, while also presenting its clear stance through a press conference.

He noted that the Sindh government assured that any decision on the matter would be taken only after consultation with all stakeholders. He acknowledged that teachers, well-wishers of the University, and the media also played an important role in this struggle. He emphasized that the purpose of the Teachers’ Society is not publicity, but the protection of KU’s institutional identity, autonomy, and research prestige.

On this occasion, KU VC Professor Dr Wasim Qazi announced a personal contribution of Rs100,000 from his own account to the KUTS Benevolent Fund. During the ceremony, shields were also distributed among faculty members who completed their PhDs in 2026, those who retired, and newly appointed teachers. Dr Mahroof Bin Rauf conducted the proceedings of the event.