September 03, 2008	Wednesday	Ramazan 2, 1429

KARACHI, Sept 2: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that a conducive academic environment would be ensured at all costs in the educational institutions of the province, particularly at universities.

He said that billions of rupees have been spent on research, teaching facilities and other projects of the universities so that they are developed at par with educational institutions of international standard, able to meet the demands of the present day.

He was chairing a high-level meeting held at the Governor’s House here on Tuesday in which the current situation in the province’s universities came under review.

The meeting was attended by Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, the vice-chancellors of NED, Karachi and Dow universities, DG Rangers and high officials of the police.

The meeting was apprised about the recent incident at Karachi University, in which several students lost their lives during a clash between rival student groups. Fateha was offered for the souls of the deceased.

The governor said the elements involved in the incident should be immediately brought to justice without any discrimination, while all possible cooperation would be provided by the government to help universities maintain a conducive academic and peaceful environment.

However, he directed the universities to also formulate their own security plans.

It was informed that the Rangers posted at Karachi University have chalked out a necessary line of action in connection with law and order and security in cooperation with the university administration.

The governor stressed on ensuring the implementation of a code of conduct in the universities and directed that the same should be further improved keeping in view the present situation.

It was decided that parents would also be taken into confidence about the steps for improving the teaching atmosphere on campus and action would be taken against criminals without any discrimination.—APP