THIS is apropos of Altamash M. Kureshi`s letter, “Establishing `Benazir Chair` in varsities” (Oct 4) as regards Cultural Department Sindh`s decision on establishing chair in Universities in the name of a great leader.

Mr Kureshi has rightly pointed out that once chair in the name of Zulfkar Ali Bhutto was also under serious consideration of Sindh University but the matter did not materialise.

Basically it was the idea of Benazir Bhutto to establish a chair in Sindh University in the name of his illustrious father. The reason for this was to start intellectual and educational activities to keep ZAB`s mission of enlightenment alive, as well as to highlight the various achievements ZAB had made as a distinguished statesman in the world affairs, from national and international perspectives.

Since I was officer on special duty to the prime minister on Sindh affairs during Ms Bhutto`s second tenure, I was, therefore, also actively associated with the project of establishing a chair in the name of ZAB.

According to Ms Bhutto`s directives, I had several meetings with G. A. Allana, the then vice chancellor of Sindh University. These meetings were attended by senior professors such as Dr Qazi Khadim, chairman of the Sindhi department, Iqbal Qureshi and the late Rasheed Ansari of the department of political science.

The team of these eminent educationists, headed by the VC, and I acting as a liaison officer/representative of the PM started making preparatory strategies. Initially various steps were suggested, such as acquisition of suitable endowment and selection and setting apart of a sufficient space on the campus to house the chair offices.

Unfortunately, after the change of government this scheme was consigned to the cold storage. Since establishment of the ZAB chair was envisioned by no less a person than Benazir Bhutto, I would request the president, the prime minister, the Sindh chief minister and others to reactivate this project at the earliest so that the mission envisaged by her could reach its fruition.

AKHTAR MIRZA

Ex-OSD to Prime Minster

On Sindh Affairs