KARACHI: The Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS) has completely rejected the “International Centre for Science Bill 2025” and announced that a Black Day will be observed on Wednesday in protest against the proposed legislation. KUTS stated that the development of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) is fundamentally linked to the University of Karachi, and attempting to transfer full control of the center to two donors—Nadira Panjwani and Aziz Jamal—whose contributions reportedly comprise less than one percent of the institute’s budget, is a serious mockery of higher education. The organization warned that this move threatens the future of 45,000 students and risks separating the largest research center of the university without proper justification.
These views were expressed by KUTS President Ghufran Alam during a press conference held on Monday at the University of Karachi. KUTS General Secretary Rauf bin Maroof, ICCBS Assistant Professor Dr. Shah Hassan, society members, and a large number of teachers were present on the occasion.
Speaking to the media, Ghufran Alam voiced deep concern over the Sindh government’s decision and urged Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to withdraw the bill immediately to prevent escalating unrest at Karachi University—particularly within ICCBS. He warned that separating ICCBS from the University of Karachi would damage the institution’s academic and research activities. Transferring billions of rupees’ worth of research infrastructure, land, and educational assets to donors who contributed only a few crore rupees, he added, amounts to hostility towards education.
He also criticized the proposed immunity for board members and the director in the bill, calling it a violation of basic accountability principles. He expressed concern that the bill may negatively affect the research work of 650 MPhil and PhD students. He further noted that the rights of teachers and employees have been completely ignored in the draft legislation and said any attempt to split the university into two parts is unacceptable. Ghufran Alam demanded that the Sindh government take all stakeholders into confidence before proceeding.
He informed journalists that a consultative meeting of teachers has been scheduled for Wednesday, followed by a joint strategy session of all teachers’ associations on Thursday. He added that if the bill is not withdrawn, the issue will be escalated to FAPUASA and other relevant forums.
Speaking at the press conference, Prof. Dr. Shah Hassan said that transferring property worth billions to donors who contributed only a few crore rupees is unjust and contrary to democratic norms. He said that depriving teachers of their right to seek legal remedy or file complaints undermines constitutional values and academic freedom.
The leaders of KUTS stressed that the Sindh government must uphold democratic principles and university autonomy. They asserted that if new universities are required in Karachi, they should be established on new infrastructure rather than by dismantling existing institutions.
