KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)-led town administrations have donated eight buses to the University of Karachi to improve transportation facilities for students.
At a ceremony held at the university on Thursday, JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman handed over the bus keys to Vice Chancellor Dr Wasim Qazi.
Addressing the gathering, Hafiz Naeem announced that another 10 buses would be provided to the university next year. He said around 30,000 students lacked adequate transport facilities and stressed the need for greater attention to improving campus services.
Despite limited powers and resources, nine town administrations had delivered commendable performance, he said, while pointing out that local governments lacked basic authority over water supply and sanitation.
Recalling the university’s former transport system, Hafiz Naeem said it had 125 buses when the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT) had a student union. He called for the restoration of students’ constitutional right to establish unions, arguing that student representation was essential to improving the education system. Student unions have been banned in educational institutions across Pakistan since 1984, he added.
The JI chief also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of several university departments, attributing their decline to a lack of attention.
He described education as a priority for his party and announced plans to launch a nationwide campaign to promote it. He urged people from all walks of life to unite in raising their voices for their rights.
Criticising the Sindh government, Hafiz Naeem alleged that corruption and a dysfunctional system were hindering provincial development. He also condemned the heavy petroleum levy imposed on consumers.
Referring to international demonstrations against Israel’s war on Gaza, he said people across Europe had also taken to the streets to protest what he described as atrocities against Palestinians.