KARACHI: Washington has not officially confirmed that the US Seventh Fleet will extend its operations to the Indian Ocean, but American newspapers continue to publish inspired reports.

The reports say the US Government’s aim is to contain Communist China, as well as “show displeasure” to Pakistan and serve as a threat to Indonesia — the two largest Muslim countries in the world.

Indian reports deny that the US obtained Indias agreement to the step, but other sources affirm that Mr Nehru was consulted and welcomed the American move, just as he had agreed to the VOA deal.

The Pakistan Foreign Office withheld comment, but said that the reports are being examined. — Correspondent

New department at KU

KARACHI: The Karachi University has drawn up an ambitious scheme to set up a Department of Oceanography to conduct research in marine fisheries.

Dr I.H. Qureshi, Vice-Chancellor of the University, in an interview said yesterday that the project was estimated to cost about Rs seven lakhs.

He said that the scheme would be submitted for consideration before a Development Committee which was scheduled to meet soon.

After the formal approval of the Development Committee, the Government would be approached to include this scheme in the Third Five-Year Plan, he said.

Under the scheme, he further said, while the main laboratory will be opened on the University campus, a station will be set up on the coast. He said that there was no dearth of highly qualified hands in Biology, Botany and Zoology in the country to undertake research work.

Dr Qureshi hoped that with the implementation of the project, the country’s fish trade would greatly develop. He said that the experiments had shown that Pakistan had been gifted with rich fish resources in the Arabian Sea.

He suggested that the Government should devote its attention towards its exploitation to augment the country’s economy.

Dr Qureshi said that the scheme would take about two years to complete. Its estimated cost also included the cost of the equipment for the laboratory.

He said that all possible efforts were being made to provide adequate educational facilities to attract foreign students. — Agencies