SHEC’s building plan on KU land raises eyebrows

By Mukhtar Alam

KARACHI: As authorities seemingly ignore concerns being raised over the reported distribution of prime and hard protected land of the University of Karachi (KU), documents reveal the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) has sought two acres of KU land in March 2024, which the varsity syndicate approved in principle on August 31 in the presence of commission’s chairman.

Following the development, the SHEC has set its sights on a prized land within the university’s sprawling campus, amid considerable outrage and concern raised by faculty, alumni, students and other stakeholders.

According to a press release, the university’s syndicate, led by Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, attached various conditions to the approval: the SHEC building would be non-commercial, the land would remain KU property, and the university administration would manage the building upon SHEC’s departure.

However, critics argue that these conditions were mere window dressing, designed to appease dissenting voices. “Once KU opens its doors to external entities, it will be challenging to prevent other parties from encroaching its land under various pretexts,” warned a concerned alumnus.

Sources suggest that the commission plans to invest heavily in its future buildings on campus, only if the land is transferred to its ownership. This raises questions about the university’s autonomy and its potential to resist external influence.

Notably, KU’s administration and SHEC officials remained tight-lipped as repeated attempts to solicit comments were met with silence.

A reminder letter issued by SHEC’s administration director to KU VC on July 26 offers a glimpse into the commission’s persistence in this regard. Insiders claim that the letter’s contents reveal a concerted effort to “influence” university’s decision-makers.

“The university has approved the construction of a SHEC building with conditions, which is a disturbing and uncalled for move subduing the exclusivity of the campus,” this was a consensus observation among the quarters concerned, particularly when a KU-syndicate proposed committee is about to start work on framing modalities for the purpose.

According to official sources, the KU syndicate in its said meeting had in principle accepted the SHEC request to construct its complex on a two-acre KU land, and constituted a four-member committee, headed by an engineer, a government nominated member of syndicate, with three more members, including only one member from KU faculty constituencies.

Sources revealed that the SHEC wrote to the KU on July 26, referencing previous correspondence, to identify a two-acre land parcel within the campus for allotment in SHEC’s name. This would enable SHEC to submit PC-1 to the Sindh government’s Planning and Development Department, they added.

Criticism and opposition: A Commission’s member confirmed awareness of the commission’s demand but declined further comment when asked if the SHEC chairman had consulted the commission before approaching KU.

A sitting vice chancellor in the city remarked: “Only the public sector universities’ charters or acts can determine whether the commercial activities are allowable or not. Collaborations in academic and research projects are viable, but land transfers are unwarranted.”

A former KU syndicate member and senior faculty member slammed the development, fearing external encroachment. “Late Mahmood Haroon, former governor and controlling authority, had pledged to safeguard educational institutions’ land years ago,” she recalled. “The SHEC should have sought alternative options through its controlling authority, such as Education City, rather than asking for KU land.”

KU syndicate member Dr Haris Shoaib emphasised that multiple steps still remain, making it premature to comment. “A committee will discuss all aspects, including concerns about external entities disrupting campus exclusivity.”

Fellow syndicate member Dr Hassan Aouj had opposed the agenda item, warning colleagues that once the land was handed over, it will become irretrievable. “I hope sense will prevail, and KU’s interests will be protected.”

Dr Faizan Naqvi, an elected member of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society, criticised the syndicate’s “principled approval” of the SHEC’s land request, calling it “unthoughtful” and “without precedent”.

“The teachers’ community is unhappy with this administrative move, which has no connection to academics and research on campus,” Naqvi added. He questioned the formation of a follow-up committee, suggesting the KU administration has already made up its mind.

Long-drawn process ahead: Engineer Memon Abdul Jabbar, head of the four-member committee, declined to comment on the committee’s working, citing unconfirmed minutes. “We’ll start work once the KU administration notifies us with Terms of Reference (ToR),” he said.

Jabbar emphasised that the committee will examine SHEC’s request letter (its competency) and address concerns from various quarters as well. “The process will take a long time and it’s premature to conclude anything right now,” Jabbar added.

Courtesy: Social Track, weekly.