KU syndicate greenlights SHEC building on campus, despite reservations

By Mukhtar Alam

KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) syndicate accepted a request from the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) to construct a complex on a two-acre prime land, despite some members' reservations. A four-member committee, headed by Engineer Memon Abdul Jabbar, will finalise the proposed land transfer modalities for the consideration of syndicate.

The committee comprises three syndicate members, including two government appointees and a provincial government nominee.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi chaired the meeting, addressing concerns raised by members, on August 31.

According to a KU press release, the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) requested two acres of land for its building. The KU syndicate addressed concerns by stipulating that the SHEC building will be non-commercial and the land will remain KU property. “Upon SHEC's departure, KU administration will manage and govern the building."

However, independent quarters have expressed opposition to the idea, warning that allowing outside entities on campus could have far-reaching consequences. They point out that parts of KU's strategic lands have already been usurped by unscrupulous elements.

A well-wisher noted that once KU opens its doors to external entities, it will be challenging to prevent other interested parties from encroaching on its land under various pretexts. “Given the Sindh Chief Minister's oversight, securing government land in Karachi or elsewhere shouldn't be an issue for SHEC."

Furthermore, the proposed construction site remains unknown, sparking concerns. Will it be along the university road's left or right side, within the campus, or near the kidney treatment facility? With the campus now accessible to HEC administrators, a source expressed apprehensions: The syndicate's designated committee must ensure site selection and establish Terms of Reference (TOR) for any land leasing or transfer. “Otherwise, the HEC building may compromise the campus's outer aesthetics, bring unwanted movements of people and logistics inside.”

A concerned observer noted, “As KU's exclusivity is compromised, how will it accommodate future needs for open spaces, academic facilities, and research premises?”

Efforts to reach KU and SHEC officials for insight into the action plan and justification for the land transfer yielded no immediate response.

KU syndicate member Dr Hassan Aouj, representing the officers' constituency, revealed his initial opposition to the proposal. "I warned fellow members that once we hand over the land, we'll never recover it," he said.

Dr Aouj suggested an alternative: "I proposed offering SHEC an empty Karachi University building, if any, on rent instead, where they can operate."

He recalled Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi's assurance: "The VC stated that no decision would harm KU's interests."

Dr Aouj expressed optimism about the newly formed committee: "Hopefully, they'll weigh all pros and cons, considering the possibility of leasing the land for a fixed term."

He commended the VC for promising that no action would be taken without syndicate members' consent.