The University of Karachi is the largest university in Sindh province, with 47,940 full-time students. According to The Times Higher Education Ranking 2026, the ratio of female to male students is in the university is 62F:38M. The university offers admissions under a minority quota – for students other than Muslims – without limitation of seats. According to the university website, it is spread over 1,200 acres of land.
Let me now come to the point. While there are 12 to 15 canteens within the university premises, during Ramazan not a single one remains open for those who are not fasting. One cannot even purchase a bottle of water or a packet of biscuits in case of any emergency. Thus, students belonging to religions other than Islam face problems during the fasting month.
The government officially allows hotels and restaurants located in crowded public places, such as hospitals and bus stops, to remain open during Ramazan. The University of Karachi also fulfils this criterion, as it has a campus clinic and bus-stops within its premises, but no canteen remains open. The university community not only includes students but also teachers, staff members and daily-wage earners. These individuals include the elderly, pregnant women, those suffering from illnesses, non-Muslims and visitors – all of whom should have the option to buy food or drink. A large number of sanitary workers at the university belong to the Christian community, including some who reside on the campus along with their families. They are among the ones who face problems because not a single eatery is allowed to operate during Ramazan.
The university administration, under whose orders the canteens remain shut during Ramazan, must ensure meeting the needs of those who are unable to fast for any health issue, or those who have religious reasons not to fast.
Zeeshan Jamsher
Karachi
