A delegation of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS), led by its president Prof Ghufran Alam, called on Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Muhammad Ismail Rahoo at his office on Tuesday and apprised him of the concerns and reservations of faculty and staff of the University of Karachi and the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) regarding the controversial ICCBS Bill 2025.
Prof Ghufran Alam and KUTS Executive Committee member Dr Fakhr-un-Nisa Memon briefed the minister on various contentious clauses of the proposed legislation. The delegation informed the minister that the separation of the ICCBS from the University of Karachi would gravely damage both institutions and create uncertainty for students.
They also rebutted the impression that the institute was built and sustained primarily by a few donors, clarifying that the two donors repeatedly mentioned in the bill contribute less than one percent, limited only to two buildings. The delegation pointed out that the remaining infrastructure—including laboratories, buildings, and equipment—was developed through government funding and contributions from other donors. Minister Rahoo reiterated his stance that no final decision would be taken without consulting all stakeholders. He also assured the delegation that their concerns would be presented before the provincial cabinet.
The KUTS delegation included Vice President Dr Nida Ali, Secretary Dr Maroof bin Rauf, and joint secretaries Taha bin Niaz and Dr Zeeshan Iqbal.
Separately, KUTS held a consultative meeting with representatives of various student organisations and general students to discuss recent developments regarding the proposed separation of the ICCBS from the KU. KUTS President Prof Ghufran Alam briefed participants on the latest situation and said the university has played the central role in building the ICCBS into the globally recognised institution it is today. “We will not allow this institution to be separated from the university at any cost,” he said. He added that any decision taken without consultation with all stakeholders of both Karachi University and the ICCBS would be unacceptable. “Our stance remains principled, and our doors remain open for dialogue with all institutions and stakeholders,” he said.
