I HOLD a PhD degree in Sindhi literature and am author of 15 books, five of which were published by the Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai chair and the Sindhi Department, University of Karachi, four by the Sindh Culture and Tourism Department, and the remaining by different organisations.

Two of my books are included in the syllabus of the Sindhi Department, University of Karachi.

I completed my PhD thesis in 2004, under supervision of Dr. Fahmida Hussain, the then Director, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai Chair, and submitted it to the University of Karachi. During those days Prof Saleem Memon was the chairman of Sindhi Department, University of Karachi.

After the approval by the academic council, my thesis was sent to India for expert opinion of two Sindhi PhD scholars.

After their consent my interview was conducted by Dr Qazi Khadim, former dean, faculty of Arts, Sindh University, Jamshoro, as an expert; Dr Shamsuddin, the then dean, faculty of Arts, University of Karachi; Prof. Saleem Memon, the then chairman, Sindhi Department, University of Karachi, and Dr Fahmida Hussain, my supervisor/PhD guide.

After fulfilling all procedures, the Academic Council, University of Karachi, awarded me PhD degree on May 30, 2006.

My PhD thesis was published by the Sindh Culture and Tourism Department in 2008.

The Sindhi Adabi Sangat gave the best research book award 2008 on my thesis 'Sindhu Ja Geet'.

The jury of award committee was composed of Dr. Qasim Bughio, Dean of Faculty of Arts; Dr Noor Afrooz Khuwaja, chairperson, Sindhi Department, and Dr Anwar Figar Hakro, Associate Professor, Sindhi Department, Sindh University, Jamshoro. (Ref. news item in Dawn, Jan 2,010).

After passing of five years of availing of my degree and three years of publishing of the thesis I found a report in a section of the press accusing me of plagiarism.

On the application of the accuser, expert opinion was taken from my guide, Dr Fahmida Hussain, and the case handed over to the plagiarism committee, University of Karachi.

However, news in this regard continues to appear in sections of the press. It appears somebody is playing politics.

I request Karachi University and the Higher Education Commission to speak on the matter.

DR KAMAL JAMRO
Karachi