December 29, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 30, 1429

KARACHI, Dec 28: The 20th annual convocation of the University of Karachi is being held on the campus on Monday.

A KU official said on Sunday that 750 graduates who passed out from the university in the academic year 2007 would be conferred degrees by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, the chief guest of the convocation.

In all, 76 gold medals will be awarded for excellent academic achievements.

On Sunday, a rehearsal for the convocation was held at the Valika Ground on the campus. KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Akhlaq Ahmed, deans of faculties and senior teachers of the university attended the programme.

Security

The university administration has announced that all graduates must carry their invitation cards and national identity cards to enter the convocation venue. Mobile phones, electronic devices, bags, etc would not be allowed to be carried into the venue.

The administration has already announced that there will be no public dealing, classes or examinations on the campus on Monday.

Achievements

According to an official of the university, the KU had produced as many as 1,055 PhDs in various disciplines of Science since its establishment in 1951.

The outstanding scientists and scholars produced by the varsity include Dr Saleemuzzan Siddiqui and Dr Ata-ur-Rahman.

This year, 16 MPhil and 48 PhD degrees, in addition to 743 graduation degrees, will be awarded by the institution.During recent years, centres such as Dr A. Q.

Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Umair Basha Institute of IT, Dr Feroz Ahmed Institute of Mass Communication, Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine & Drug Development have been established in collaboration with private sector organisations and individuals.

—APP