THATTA: Expressing satisfaction over education, research and other academic activities at Sindh University’s (SU) Thatta campus, a delegation of senior politicians and members of civil society from Thatta, Hyderabad and Karachi here on Tuesday pledged their support to the development of the campus, including approval of PC-I, provision of transport and building within a short span of time.

The delegation comprising MPA Dr Syed Imran Ali Shah, Ms Afroz Shoro and other guests, visited the campus on an invitation of pro vice chancellor Prof Dr Sarfaraz Solangi.

The MPA said he was surprised to see an excellent education, research and activities set up on the campus with very limited resources. Definitely there were a lot of gaps and flaws, especially shortage of classrooms, laboratories, books and transport. He assured his full support and possible help for the development of the campus regarding land issues, PC-I approval, a transport system for students and building issues.

He also announced to provide buses to the campus subject to the condition that the SU would bear the cost of fuel and maintenance. He would talk to the governor of Sindh regarding the possibility of handing over any federal building, if vacant in Thatta district, to the university for smooth running of the institutional affairs.

The MPA also said the present federal government was interested in offering different packages for the coastal areas of Pakistan. Sindh’s coastal zone was rich in natural resources, therefore it needed much attention on fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture, agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.

In the address of welcome, Dr Mukhtiar Mahar said Thatta campus played a model role in disseminating higher education to the people of Thatta and its adjoining districts for strengthening the future of youth. Definitely educated youth would become the source of leadership for the future of new Pakistan. Always “readers become leaders”, he said.

Assistant Prof Haroon Bakari and lecturer Asadullah Lashari of the campus also briefed the team on teaching and research activities at the campus and also shared the issues of land and PC-I.

Later on, Dr Mahar thanked the team and presented the copies of recently published books on research findings on Sindh’s coastal and deltaic eco-region to the guests.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2019