KARACHI: The Imamia Students Organization (ISO) Pakistan has rejected the Sindh Government’s proposed “International Center for Science Bill 2024/2025,” terming it anti-education and a direct threat to the academic integrity of the University of Karachi. Addressing a press conference at the main gate of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), ISO Karachi University Unit President Azhar Hussain demanded that the ICCBS Degree Awarding Bill be immediately withdrawn and any reforms for the institute be undertaken only after consultation with all stakeholders.
Azhar Hussain accused the government of attempting to hand over billions of rupees worth of public educational and research assets to two donors, Nadra Panjwani and Aziz Jamal, calling it an act of hostility toward the University of Karachi. He said the move undermines decades of public investment and risks compromising academic autonomy.
The ISO leader also called for a judicial commission to reinvestigate the 2020 suicide case of ICCBS student Nadia Ashraf. He alleged that the environment during the tenure of former ICCBS director Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary was deeply oppressive for students and contributed to the tragedy. He said a complete performance-based audit of HEC grants from 2002 to 2023—covering the entire period of Iqbal Choudhary’s leadership—must be conducted to ensure transparency and accountability.
Azhar Hussain further demanded an immediate end to what he termed the current and future interference of Iqbal Choudhary in the affairs of the institute. He also urged the removal of Nadra Panjwani and Aziz Jamal from the board and called for the urgent implementation of the Karachi University Audit 2020 recommendations. He stressed that justice, transparency, and a safe, enabling academic environment must be guaranteed for all students at ICCBS.
