Benazir Bhutto Chair at KU: A Decade of Inaction
The Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Chair at Karachi University, established 13 years ago, remains non-functional, sparking serious concerns from the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). During a meeting chaired by Nisar Ahmed Khuhro on Tuesday, Benazir Bhutto Chair 13 Years of Inactivity at KU, the PAC expressed strong disapproval of the chair’s prolonged inactivity and ordered the university administration to take instant measures to make it operational. SindhNews.com
The discussion highlighted the considerable amount of resources already invested in the project.
Stalled Progress and Financial Constraints
According to officials, the university administration disclosed that the Benazir Bhutto Chair has been non-functional for 13 years due to funding shortages. The PAC chairman questioned the administration over why the chair had remained inactive despite spending Rs422 million on its establishment. The administration stated that additional funds were necessary to operationalize the chair, and the project’s PC-1 had been submitted for approval.
The PAC expressed regret over the situation. They strongly urged the university administration to take immediate steps to get the chair up and running. The committee also requested a review of the university’s admission policy. This is not the first time such an issue has been raised; concerns about the chair’s status have persisted for years.
Meeting Details and Attendees
The PAC meeting reviewed the audit reports of Karachi University from 2021 to 2023. Key attendees included Sindh Higher Education Commission secretary Moin Siddiqui, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Karachi University Professor Dr. Haris Shoaib, and Registrar Dr. Imran Siddiqui.Benazir Bhutto Chair 13 Years of Inactivity at KU, The meeting aimed to address the longstanding issues affecting the university’s operations and financial management.
Additional Concerns: Sindh Government Printing Press
The PAC also addressed the losses incurred by the Sindh Government Printing Press (SGPP). Located in Governor House under the provincial industries department, the SGPP suffered a loss of Rs281 million in 2022 and 2023. This was largely due to government departments choosing not to utilize the press for their official printing needs.
The audit department raised further objections, highlighting that the SGPP spent Rs395 million against a budget of Rs114 million during the same period. Furthermore, the SGPP has not maintained its annual accounts since 1970 and has failed to increase its revenue.
Conclusion
The Public Accounts Committee’s intervention highlights significant issues within Karachi University and governmental processes. The ongoing non-functionality of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Chair, coupled with the financial losses at the Sindh Government Printing Press, underlines the need for urgent action and improved financial management within the institutions. The PAC’s directives aim to ensure greater accountability and efficiency in the future.