MPAs want KU campuses in Naushero Feroze, Tharparkar

PPP MPAs complain Karachi’s biggest university denying admissions to Sindhi students.

KARACHI:

A resolution to set up two campuses of Karachi University in Naushero Feroze and Tharparkar was adopted by Sindh’s house of elected representatives on Tuesday.

There was some debate, however, as initially some Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) members opposed it. But later all MPAs of the party, except for one lawmaker, voted in favour of it.

Pakistan Peoples Party MPA Dr Ahmed Ali Shah wanted to table the resolution, demanding that since all the prestigious universities located in Karachi have campuses in other Sindh districts, Karachi University should set up two campuses in other districts as well.

There was already a great influx of students at the main KU campus where the doors have been closed on students from rural Sindh.

MQM parliamentary leader, Syed Sardar Ahmed, opposed it, saying it was not phrased properly. “It will create a gulf between rural and urban areas,” he said, suggesting they remove the words ‘rural and urban’.

Dr Sagheer Ahmed disputed that KU was denying admissions to Sindhi students. “There are equal opportunities for all students. Please do not create a controversy here,” he advised. “This is injustice. We always think and work for the betterment of people living in Sindh, but a wrong impression is being created and we are being held responsible for wrongdoings.”

He questioned why a majority of students from Karachi have been denied admission to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University in Lyari. “Students only from the four specific towns have a right to get admission in this university,” he said without disclosing the names of the towns.

PPP’s Humera Alwani said that no member was trying to create a controversy. Admissions were, however, denied to Sindhi students because of KU’s policy that gives admission to students who either belong to Karachi or had their earlier education here. “The students of Gilgit, Kashmir and Punjab can easily get admission under their quota, but there is no place for the students from rural Sindh, even on merit.” She argued that the campuses established by other universities in other districts were gaining popularity. She referred to the IBA campus in Sukkur.

MQM MPA Khalid Ahmed opposed the resolution, saying that universities and not campuses were needed for economic prosperity.

Pir Mazharul Haq referred to acts which allowed each university to set up two campuses. He suggested a bill should be tabled with the consent of the universities.

As the majority of PPP members insisted the speaker take up the resolution, he allowed a vote. It was amended to demand the government set up two KU campuses in Naushero Feroze and Tharparkar. The MQM’s Syed Wasim Ahmed opposed it but it was adopted by a thumping majority.

Threats

New provinces once again raised their head in the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday with the PPP and its coalition partners hurling threats.

Ayaz Soomro brought up statements in the media by PML-Q, NPP and PML-F leaders in which Jam Madad Ali, Shaheryar Mahar and Arif Mustafa Jatoi declared Ayaz Soomro and Pir Mazhar traitors. “I think these members are trying to get publicity. I suggest they join the film industry,” he said.

Sardar Ahmed called the remarks ‘derogatory’.

Despite repeated requests, the speaker did not allow Mahar and Jatoi to speak, saying that the law minister had made a statement under certain rules and no member could start a debate on it.

“If you do not allow me to speak I will give him a response outside the assembly,” responded Jatoi.

“I will also see you. Be careful while using such words,” came Soomro’s response.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2012.