Town administrations led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have handed eight buses to the University of Karachi to help students get to and from campus.
The keys were handed over at a ceremony on the campus on Thursday. JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman passed them to Karachi University Vice Chancellor Dr Wasim Qazi, and Hafiz Naeem said another 10 buses would be provided next year.
Transport shortfall at Karachi University
Hafiz Naeem said roughly 30,000 students at the university lacked an adequate transport system and that the institution needed more attention to improve facilities. He said nine town administrations had performed well despite limited powers and resources.
He also argued that local governments had no basic authority over water supply and sanitation. Recalling the past, he said the university once operated 125 buses during the period when the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT) held the student union.
JI chief urges return of student unions
Hafiz Naeem called for the immediate restoration of students’ constitutional right to form unions, saying student representation was essential for improving the education system. He added that student unions had been banned in educational institutions across the country since 1984.
He also voiced concern over the declining condition of several university departments, which he blamed on a lack of attention. Education, he said, was a key priority for his party, and he announced plans for a nationwide campaign to promote it.
Sindh government criticised as petition filed in court
Hafiz Naeem accused the Sindh government of undermining the province’s development through corruption and a dysfunctional system. He also criticised the government over the heavy petroleum levy imposed on consumers.
Referring to international protests against Israel’s war on Gaza, he said people in Europe had also taken to the streets to condemn atrocities against Palestinians. Separately, students from the University of Karachi’s School of Law filed a petition in the Sindh High Court seeking the restoration of student unions. The petition names the chief secretary, secretaries of universities and boards, colleges and law, and the university’s vice chancellor and registrar as respondents.
