KARACHI: The vice chancellor of Karachi University (KU), Prof Dr Wasim Qazi, has said that the varsity is facing energy, security, financial and administrative challenges that require immediate reforms.

He explained that while the sanctioned electricity capacity of KU is only 1.8 megawatts, current usage has reached 8.6MW, resulting in monthly bills of Rs100-110 million. To reduce expenses, KU had submitted a PC-1 for a 12-megawatt solar project to the Sindh chief secretary.

Prof Qazi was addressing the annual dinner organised by the Karachi University Teachers Society (Kuts) at the Staff Club Lawn.

On security, he said several entry points have turned into public thoroughfares, increasing the presence of unauthorised individuals and criminal elements. A PC-1 has been prepared for a permanent solution, and discussions with the chief secretary and the Higher Education Commission are underway to arrange financial resources.

VC Qazi says varsity needs urgent reforms to tackle multiple challenges

He noted that while KU’s historic and scholarly legacy must be preserved, its institutional identity must align with modern requirements. For this purpose, a comprehensive Brand Book has been prepared and would be presented to the Syndicate for approval.

He also proposed the formation of a Syndicate committee to review rules related to KU, its sub-institutions, and research centres.

For students, he announced a modern two-path educational system. The first path, the Corporate Readiness Path, will allow final-year students to gain practical training in industry and business. The second path, the Entrepreneurship Path, would involve establishing an incubation centre where students will work in groups on business projects, supported by venture capitalists.

Speaking on students’ financial difficulties, he said a Rs50 million endowment fund had been established to support indigent and meritorious students, and emphasised the need for a permanent scholarship fund.

On financial reforms, Prof Qazi noted that KU continued to operate under a single-entry accounting system even after 75 years, which undermines transparency.

He announced that the pension, endowment, and provident funds will be registered under the Sindh Trust Act.

Earlier, Kuts president Syed Ghufran Alam presented the society’s annual performance report, stating that the past year had been extremely challenging for the society. Nevertheless, efforts continued to serve all faculty members without discrimination and to address their issues, for which all office-bearers and members of the Kuts deserve congratulations.

On this occasion, Prof Qazi announced a personal contribution of Rs100,000 to the Kuts Benevolent Fund.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026