KARACHI: The ICCBS Action Committee and stakeholders of the University of Karachi have strongly rejected the proposed International Center for Science (ICS) Bill 2025, terming it a “capitalist-driven, ill-intentioned initiative.” They demanded immediate reforms in the statutes of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in line with Sindh High Court directives and the University Act.
The leaders of the Action Committee — Safeer Muhammad, Ali Kazmi, and Dr. Shah Hasan — expressed these views at a press conference held on Thursday at the main entrance of ICCBS. Representatives of faculty, staff, students, employees’ bodies, and student organizations, including IJT, APMSO, and ISO, were also present.
The Committee called for implementing a rotation policy at ICCBS and fixing the Director’s tenure at three years, similar to other departments of the University of Karachi. They also demanded a ban on the entry of retired Prof. Iqbal Choudhary, whom they accused of “authoritarian behavior” and conspiring against the university.
Speaking to the media, Safeer Muhammad said the Sindh High Court had previously ruled that ICCBS statutes must be approved by the University Senate. He alleged that Dr. Iqbal Choudhary had served as a “self-appointed director” for 21 years without an official appointment letter and warned that drafting a new ICS Bill while multiple donor-related cases are pending in court violates judicial norms. The Action Committee also termed donor Ms. Nadirah Panjwani’s inclusion in the Charter Inspection Committee a conflict of interest.
Committee leaders referenced the DG Audit Sindh report, which declared Dr. Choudhary’s 17-year directorship illegal and recommended a NAB inquiry. They alleged violations of the University Act, service rules, and misuse of authority, including issuing unjustified increments worth approximately Rs. 3.6 million and supervising students who have been unable to complete their degrees for years.
The leaders said that on July 31, 2024, ICCBS teachers, officers, and staff submitted a resolution to the Vice Chancellor demanding a ban on Dr. Choudhary’s entry due to his alleged interference in administrative matters. They also cited a 2019 letter from the Chief Minister of Sindh directing urgent action regarding his “illegal reappointment” after retirement.
The Committee accused the former administration of attempting to fragment the University of Karachi and privatize public land and resources by converting ICCBS into a private trust. They warned that handing over “public land worth billions” to private control would damage national interests and serve personal and institutional lobbies.
The Action Committee declared that no member of the University of Karachi would accept the proposed ICS Bill “under any circumstances.” They vowed to oppose the bill at all forums and demanded action from NAB, FIA, and the Auditor General of Pakistan on audit findings. They also urged the University to cancel agreements with donors who exert undue influence, ensuring institutional autonomy remains protected.
