Teachers at the University of Karachi (KU) are strongly protesting a new government bill. They oppose the Sindh government’s plan to grant autonomous status to the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS).
Faculty members warn that the move threatens the future of students and researchers. They argue it could undermine decades of public investment in academia. The KU Teachers’ Society (KUTS) has convened an emergency meeting. The group plans to formulate a strategy against the proposed legislation.
KUTS President Ghufran Alam criticised the government’s approach. He stated that the bill was presented without consulting the university syndicate, the senate, or the faculty bodies.
“This non-transparent approach is deeply concerning,” Alam said. He questioned how a democratic government could attempt such a significant change based on limited advice. He also disputed claims that the center runs on private funding. Alam clarified that ICCBS receives funds from federal and provincial higher education commissions, as well as from its own revenue.
Alam warned that separating ICCBS would negatively impact students’ degrees and ongoing research. He stated it would also damage the university’s long-term academic reputation “ICCBS stands on KU land, resources and investment. Detaching it abruptly is unjust and unacceptable,” he emphasised.
KUTS has urged the Sindh Chief Minister and the PPP leadership to halt the move. The goal is to prevent the institution from falling under donor-driven control. In contrast, Sindh Higher Education Commission Chairperson Dr. Tariq Rafi supported the proposal. He noted it is common for large universities worldwide to spin off independent institutes.
He acknowledged that any stakeholder reservations should be heard and properly addressed. However, he stated the final decision rests with the government. The ICCBS is a globally recognised research hub. It has graduated over 600 MPhil and PhD scholars and currently supports 550 research students.
