THIS is with reference to the article ‘Pakistan’s universities at 75’ (Aug 13). I am sorry to say that the wishes will never be granted because the genie has now become commercialised and only fulfils the wishes of corporate giants and filthy rich people. Academia is a ‘no-go area’ for even the genie.

The first wish that Pakistani professors turn into an ethical community is unattainable as all these professors are a product of the same corrupt system where academic achievements are subsidiary to other considerations of pleasing the professors, cheating and intellectual dishonesty.

The second wish of keeping abreast of the latest knowledge involves reading habits and thirst for knowledge which they never acquired during their studentship. The last wish of ‘thinking for themselves’ can only come true if they create an environment of freedom ‘as learning does not take place under coercion’. And we all know it is a big ‘if’.

Do you expect graduates of staff colleges and war colleges to create an environment of creative thinking and academic research?

So the genie is dead; long live the new universities with impressive buildings, beautiful lawns and zero achievements.

Khayyam Durrani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2022