The University of Karachi (UoK) has announced an extension for the submission of the Fall 2023 semester and examination fees for the evening program. The deadline has been extended until December 31, 2023, providing students with additional time to fulfill their financial obligations.

The university has taken a student-friendly approach by allowing the submission of semester fees without any late payments until the revised deadline. This decision is expected to alleviate the financial burden on students and ensure a smooth academic process.

In a directive issued by the UoK, students from all previous semesters have been urged to clear any outstanding dues by December 31, 2023. However, a 10 percent late fee surcharge will be imposed on late payments. This move aims to encourage timely payments and streamline the university’s financial operations.

Furthermore, the University of Karachi has implemented a new procedure for the issuance of semester marks proforma. The marks proforma will now be released for every semester after the clearance of dues through the Students Fee Tracking Cell. This systematic approach is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in academic record-keeping.

However, the KU administration has issued a stern warning to students who fail to comply with the payment deadlines. Admissions of defaulting students will be canceled, effective from January 1, 2024. This decision reinforces the importance of meeting financial obligations promptly and emphasizes the consequences for those who neglect their responsibilities.

The University of Karachi encourages students to take advantage of the extended deadline and clear their dues to avoid any disruptions to their academic journey. The administration remains committed to facilitating the educational experience for all students while maintaining financial discipline.

For further details and clarifications, students are advised to contact the Students Fee Tracking Cell or visit the official university website for updates on fee-related matters. UoK Deadline for Fall-23

Related: UoK’s Syndicate Appoints Retired Prof Nusrat Idrees, Stirring Controversy

A sweeping investigation has been initiated on a significant scale today in response to directives from the Chief Minister of Sindh issued a few days ago. The focus of the inquiry will be on financial irregularities and manipulations within the examination results of the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK). Key figures implicated in corruption include Azim Siddiqui, Zareena Rashid, Zahid Rashid, Shujaat Hashmi, and Kashif Siddiqui. Additionally, the former Chairman, Dr Saeeduddin, and the former Examination Controller, Islam Chohan, find themselves entangled in the web of this mega corruption scandal.

The investigative team, comprised of Rafique Barirro, Shah Mir Khan Bhutto, and Shahzad Fazal Abbasi, will delve into allegations that span the past three years, exposing high-scale favoritism towards specific students in the allocation of A-grades. Shockingly, millions of rupees were recklessly spent from the board’s financial budget.

Dr. Saeeduddin and Islam Chohan are among those held accountable for manipulating results, while the current Deputy Controller, Azim Siddiqui, along with Zareena Rashid and Shujaat Hashmi, are implicated in various wrongdoings. Azim Siddiqui, in particular, is accused of acquiring millions of rupees through fraudulent billing practices within the board.

Further complicating matters, it has been revealed that a government vehicle is being unlawfully utilized under Azim Siddiqui’s authority. Moreover, the children of officers associated with the Intermediate Board and Matriculation Board were allegedly preferentially granted A-grades, casting a shadow over the integrity of the examination process.

Related: CM Sindh dismissed and suspended top officials in various examination boards

In a significant step towards fostering student representation and campus engagement, the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) has granted approval for the revival of student unions in federal educational institutes. Led by Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, the Islamabad Capital Territory Students Unions Bill 2023, takes center stage in the ongoing initiatives to rejuvenate the pivotal role of student bodies in educational institutions.

This legislative proposition, forwarded from the Senate after its deliberations in July 2023, received unanimous backing from the committee. Lawmakers engaged in extensive discussions, acknowledging the adverse consequences of the prior ban on student unions. They emphasized its detrimental impact on law and order within educational institutions, noting its contribution to the emergence of religious and regional ethnicities among students.

The sweeping prohibition on student unions, enforced by military ruler Zia-ul-Haq in 1984, stifled a platform that had once propelled numerous student unionists into political prominence. Several of these individuals have since ascended to ministerial roles or secured positions within their respective political parties.

Senator Tangi highlighted the potential of student unions to prevent administrative challenges, citing the recent upheaval at Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) as a compelling example. He underscored the role of union representatives as mediators between the administration and students, envisioning a campus environment characterized by peace and effective conflict resolution.

However, the efforts to reinstate student unions encountered resistance from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), a development lamented by Senator Tangi. He accused the HEC of attempting to impede the resurgence of student unions but asserted that their commitment to a public service cause ultimately prevailed.

The anticipated reinstatement of student unions is envisioned as a catalyst for fostering peace within educational institutions and eradicating regional ethnicities. Committee chair Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui proposed the formulation of rules to guide these unions, advocating for inclusivity across the board rather than aligning with specific groups or mainstream political parties.

Acting Executive Director (ED) of the HEC, Awais Ahmed, stressed the necessity for a comprehensive mechanism in this restoration process. He recommended the establishment of elected bodies within the unions, selected through democratic elections. Ahmed emphasized the core purpose of educational institutions – the dissemination of education and the promotion of research studies – asserting that this fundamental objective should remain uncompromised at all costs.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it marks a pivotal moment in reshaping the landscape of student involvement within federal educational institutes.

Related: Reinstating the Student Unions: Challenges and Prospects

The Department of Sociology at the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) continued its annual tradition by hosting a conference focused on marginalized populations. Researchers presented their studies, offering key recommendations across three main themes: (I) Religious Minorities and Exclusion; (II) Health-seeking Barriers and Patient Safety; and (III) Agency in the Political and Informal Sectors on November 29, 2023.

Dr Fatima Syeda and Dr Qurratulaen Liaqat, from the English Department, underscored the vital role of literature and fiction in shedding light on challenges faced by minorities, specifically highlighting issues within the Dalit community and among Christian women. Dr Ayra Inderias, from the Political Science Department, delved into the Jaranwala crisis, addressing barriers to recovery and reconstruction that necessitate collaborative efforts from both the state and civil sectors.

Dr Shahid Rasheed and Dr Julie Flowerday, representing the Sociology Department, discussed the situation of the Hindi community and the fault lines in the Kashmir dispute. Their recommendations included preserving Hindu temples and fostering improved dialogue between Pakistan and India.

Dr Ain ul Momina and Dr Shazia Ilyas from the Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, respectively, examined the challenges faced by invisible groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on operating department practitioners and waste workers. They advocated for enhanced support for these groups, emphasizing the importance of patient safety practices and public health concerns.

Dr Anum Muzammil, from the Mass Communications Department, and Ms Tehniyat Fatima, from the Sociology Department, shed light on environmental challenges faced by aging women in urban slums and Afghan cancer patients seeking healthcare services in Pakistan. Their recommendations centered around the improvement of the primary health sector and the medical tourism industry.

FCCU alumni students and researchers Haider Ali and Shezad Ali addressed the lack of agency afforded to women in Gilgit Baltistan and the Hazara Shia community residing in gated communities. They argued for increased political representation to empower these communities in advocating for their rights. Dr Bushra Usman, from the Business Department, discussed home-based women entrepreneurs, offering key suggestions for their inclusion in the formal sector to access employment and social security benefits.

The conference opened with an address from conference patron Dean of Social Sciences Dr Sikandar Hayat and concluded with remarks from FCCU Rector Dr Jonathan Addleton. Both emphasized the diverse efforts of FCCU faculty across departments in conducting impactful research on marginalized groups, contributing to the goal of building a more inclusive society in Pakistan.

Related: FCCU celebrates Two Decades of Denationalization

The recent appointment of Retired Professor Nusrat Idrees to the Syndicate of Karachi University (UoK) by the Vice-Chancellor has ignited a storm of controversy within the university community. The decision has prompted criticism from faculty members and individuals associated with Karachi University, who cite various reasons for their discontent.

Traditionally, the appointment of a senior and experienced individual to the Syndicate is considered a merit-based decision. However, the selection of Retired Professor Nusrat Idrees has raised eyebrows due to her comparatively limited experience. The controversy is rooted in her appointment under a clause in the 1972/2018 Karachi University Act, which mandates the Vice Chancellor to appoint a principal from an affiliated or constituent college as a member. Despite the availability of other highly experienced candidates, the decision to appoint Prof. Nusrat has been met with disapproval, with the Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association (SPLA) openly condemning the Vice Chancellor’s choice.

Another point of contention revolves around the affiliation of the Awaz Institute of Media Sciences (AIMS) with Karachi University. The Affiliation Committee, responsible for reporting to the KU Academic Council, faced challenges regarding the standards met by AIMS.

During the Academic Council session on October 14, 2022, the Chair of the Affiliation Committee presented a report allowing AIMS admissions for specific programs for only one year, contingent upon the improvement of college conditions. Prof. Nusrat Idrees, who previously served as the Dean of Social Sciences and was a member of the Affiliation Committee, played a role in facilitating the affiliation of AIMS. The controversy deepens as admissions at AIMS commenced in January 2023, prompting questions about the approval process and the subsequent appointment of Prof. Nusrat to the Syndicate.

The approval of AIMS affiliation in October 2022, while Prof. Nusrat Idrees held positions in both the Dean and Affiliation Committee member, raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest. Despite objections and inquiries within the Syndicate, details regarding the one-year condition and re-inspection report remain elusive.

The significant influence of Retired Prof. Nusrat Idrees is evident in her appointment to the Syndicate, despite the ongoing criticism. Furthermore, her subsequent nomination to the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB) has raised eyebrows, as it is considered illegal under the Karachi University Act. According to the Act, ASRB positions should be held by three University Professors, excluding Deans, appointed by the Syndicate. Given Prof. Nusrat Idrees’ retirement in February 2023, she is no longer eligible for this role.

In light of these controversial developments, there is a growing demand for a thorough inquiry. Concerns about the potential influence of Prof. Nusrat Idrees within the university have prompted calls for an impartial team of academic experts, appointed by the Chief Minister or Chancellor, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these matters.

Related: Student’s dead body found in ICCBS – UoK restroom

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan’s (JIP) Ameer e Karachi Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that Alkhidmat’s Bano Qabil Program facilitates thousands of youth in Karachi and revealed that the JI is also going to launch an IT based skill development program for housewives.

He expressed these views while addressing a graceful certificate distribution ceremony for female volunteers, held on the other day at Idara Noor-e-Haq — the JI Karachi headquarters.

A large number of female volunteers who have contributed in holding programs under the banner of Bano Qabil Program, participated in the event. Certificates were also distributed among them.

Speaking on the occasion, the JI leader paid a rich tribute to the volunteers for rendering their services in connection with holding historical events under the banner of Bano Qabil.

On the occasion, he vowed to establish an IT university in Karachi and said that the Pakistani youth is less than none when it comes to talent and potential. He held the rulers responsible for failing the youth of the nation.

He said that the JI propagates a message of hope and support for the youth in the country. He further said that Alkhidmat has signed an agreement with the Sindh Technical Education Board — under which the board will bestow a certificate to all the successful participants of the program.

Similarly, he said, all the participants having passed three courses will receive a diploma certificate equivalent to intermediate, from the board.

Talking about the crises in Palestine, he said that Alkhidmat was also serving in Gaza during the ongoing onslaught. He urged the nation to boycott the political parties who did nothing for the oppressed children and women of Gaza. Like the Europeans and the United States nationals boycotted the political leaders for siding with Israel, the nation should follow the same path, he said.

The JI leader said that the rulers and the ruling parties sided with Israel and the US against Hamas by opting for no practical step in connection with Gaza.

Related: Thousands of female students appear for JI’s Bano Qabil Program