The Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio has expressed satisfaction over the completion of the first phase of the sports facilities development project at the KU, marking the successful construction of a modern football ground.
VC expresses satisfaction as Phase 1 completes with modern football ground
KARACHI, Sep 28 (APP): The Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio has expressed satisfaction over the completion of the first phase of the sports facilities development project at the KU, marking the successful construction of a modern football ground.
He stated that this project will play a vital role in promoting sports activities not only for the KU students and faculty but also for youth outside the university.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony of the newly constructed football ground under the Kamyab Jawan Sports Academies and Resource Center on Monday, the KU VC Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail noted that three major projects were included under the Prime Minister’s Program in Karachi: the KU sports project, a High Performance Center at NED University, and boxing facilities at Lyari University.
He acknowledged that delays and complaints arose due to administrative and other issues during the project, but the completion of the first phase is encouraging.
He emphasized the urgent need to complete the second phase, as only then will the project become comprehensive and fully beneficial for the KU students and faculty.
He added that universities once had excellent sports facilities, but neglect over time led to decline, making it essential to revive and strengthen them.
The KU VC Muhammad Tufail highlighted that these facilities will promote healthy and positive activities.
He praised those who contributed to the project’s completion and stressed that long-term upkeep and maintenance must be prioritized.
Earlier, the Acting Director of KU’s Planning and Development Department, Arif Salahuddin, stated that under the first phase of the sports complex, the construction of a modern football ground has been completed, and the ceremony was held to hand it over to the concerned users.
He explained that this project is part of the Higher Education Commission’s nationwide program to promote sports facilities in universities, under which the KU was selected for football facility development.
He mentioned that initially, Rs365 million were allocated, but due to financial constraints, the revised cost was set at Rs191 million, of which Rs181 million were released. With the available funds, the football ground was built along with an approach road, underground water tank, pump room, and modern automated sprinkler system.
According to him, the ground measures approximately 111 meters in length and 71 meters in width, covering about 1.95 acres, while the complete sports complex will span nearly five acres.
He added that once funds are provided for the second phase, facilities such as a pavilion, physiology lab, and other modern amenities will be completed, thereby promoting sports as well as related academic and research activities at the KU.
Another speaker, the Director Sports Rashid Qureshi said that the KU’s football ground is a valuable gift for Karachi’s youth, especially talented players with limited resources. The facility will provide opportunities for younger students, KU students, and city youth to engage in sports.
He emphasized that keeping the facility active and in use is his priority, as consistent utilization makes sports infrastructure effective and sustainable.
He noted that basic amenities such as electricity, water, and washrooms are still required, and efforts are underway to secure them from the relevant authorities.
He assured all concerned that the KU departments will work together to further improve and develop the project so that the football ground becomes a vibrant and useful sports hub for Karachi’s youth.
