KARACHI: Taking notice of the dilapidated infrastructure of Karachi University, newly appointed Vice Chancellor Dr Wasim Qazi has constituted a committee to address what he called decades of institutional decay and tasked it with phase-wise rehabilitation.
According to a notification issued on Monday, the committee will examine the condition of university buildings, classrooms, laboratories, offices, roads, pathways, utilities and other physical infrastructure. It will also review faculty-wise allocation and use of space and recommend measures for more efficient use of the available facilities and resources.
Talking to Dawn, VC Qazi described it as a “good beginning” and said: “These are the first steps towards addressing decades of institutional decay and setting the university on a path of renewal and progress.”
As per the notification, another part of the committee’s mandate is to assess the university’s energy requirements, consumption patterns and existing power infrastructure. It will recommend measures for energy efficiency, conservation and cost reduction, including the feasibility of solar energy and other renewable energy sources.
Committee to examine condition of classrooms, labs, etc for phase-wise repair
It will also assess lawns, gardens, green spaces and other outdoor areas and propose measures for landscaping, plantation, irrigation and campus beautification.
The committee is required to prepare a phased Physical Infrastructure Rehabilitation Plan setting out priorities, estimated costs, resource requirements and implementation timelines. It will also recommend measures for regular maintenance, energy management, security and sustainable management of university infrastructure and campus facilities.
The committee comprises the dean of the faculty concerned as its head with chairmen or chairpersons of the departments concerned as members.
Sohail Ahmed Siddiqui, representative of the Department of Engineering; Engr Arif Salahuddin, representative of the Planning and Development Department; Dr Muhammad Moiz Khan, campus security advisor; and Deputy Registrar (General) Administration Syed Farman Rasool, as member/secretary, are also part of the committee.
The committee has been directed to submit its faculty-wise assessment and comprehensive rehabilitation plan to the vice chancellor within 30 days of the issuance of the notification.
The Department of Engineering and Planning and Development Department will provide technical support, cost estimates, project planning and implementation assistance.
The notification said all concerned offices and departments would extend cooperation to the committee and provide the required information, records, technical assistance and access to university premises.
It added that the committee’s recommendations and proposed projects would be subject to approval by the vice chancellor and the competent statutory authority, where applicable.
Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2026
