In Karachi, Hyderabad: Bahria Town to establish 2 universities

These institutions will be named after the MQM chief Altaf Hussain

KARACHI:

Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz announced plans to establish two private universities in Hyderabad and Karachi respectively, which will be named after the leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain.

Addressing a press conference at Governor House, Riaz said, “These universities will be affiliated with international institutions where deserving students will be awarded full scholarships.” It would be a one-year project and construction of the universities will start from January 2015, he added. Riaz also announced that he would give plots in Bahria Town to the families of slain MQM workers.

During the press conference Riaz assured Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan that his construction company would also launch two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors in Karachi, one from Bahira Town to Tower and the other from Bahria Town to airport.

Later, the Bahria Town chief also visited MQM headquarters at Nine-Zero, where the party had arranged an event to welcome Riaz.

Addressing the gathering via telephone, MQM chief Altaf Hussain asked the prime minister and Punjab chief minister to exhibit tolerance towards protestors on November 30. At the same time, Altaf urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to refrain from violence and bloodshed. Altaf also suggested that the prime minister should make Riaz the chief minister of Sindh.

Earlier, before the press conference, Riaz held meeting with the national hockey team at Governor House. The team players complained against the federal government for not releasing funds to them. Riaz announced Rs5 million for the team, while Ebad also promised to give Rs1 million to them.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2014.