KARACHI: Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, the youngest daughter of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and co-chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari, on Monday visited Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (SMBB) Medical College in Lyari that was closed even for many students and faculty members due to tight security arrangements, a statement and witnesses said.

The statement issued by Bilawal House stated the visit was designed by the youngest daughter of the former president herself to personally review facilities available there and requirements for further improvement in the college in the heart of Karachi’s old area, but there was no word about flaws in the security arrangements that deprived several students of their regular studies.

“The SMBB Medical College was established in the light of vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for progressive, prosperous and educated Lyari where Lyari General Hospital was approved by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto herself many two decades back,” the statement quoted Aseefa Bhutto as saying while interacting with the students and faculty members there.

“Earlier, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari visited the faculties and was briefed by principal Professor Anjum Rehman about the college and its needs. She intermingled with the medical students and exchanged pleasantries with them. Students were excited to see Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari among them and took selfies with her.”

She came to the college with a brigade of security guards, including women, in a number of vehicles that led to suspension of normal activities in the neighbourhood. The college gates were closed on her arrival and the students who arrived later were not allowed to enter. Regular movement of vehicles and people around the college were also banned for a couple of hours with armed guards and policemen deputed around the building.

According to the statement, Ms Bhutto-Zardari was pleased that the SMBB Medical College had been promoted to A-Category college within four years of its establishment. She was also happy to know that the first batch of 100 would be graduating from the college within the next few months and exhorted them to serve the poor humanity in their native areas, especially those having meagre health facilities, added the statement.

It stated that she also assured the students and the college management that she would talk to the chief minister and the health minister to solve the problems they shared with her during her visit.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2015

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