The Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Alumni Association, Islamabad, along with its Sindh chapter, in collaboration with the QAU Sindh Forum, organised an event in connection with 50 years’ celebrations of the university.
The senior alumni of the university, who are either working in various fields in the Sindh province or contributing their efforts towards the betterment of the society after their retirement, came to grace the occasion.
QAU Alumni Association Secretary General Murtaza Noor, in his brief address, discussed the most pressing matters concerning the university. He informed the alumni that the Quaid-e-Azam University, known for its research and technological advancements, had fallen upon hard times. Resulting from a lack of sufficient financing, the university’s educational standards have taken a sharp turn downhill. Research and technical facilities for students have also been compromised.
“The university should be declared a flagship institute and be awarded a special bailout package to overcome its financial constraints and raise the university to become one of the top 300 global institutions. Financial supplement and support of the government, faculty and alumni can help to eventually improve educational standards of the university while providing resources for research and other activities,” Murtaza added.
The participants observed that despite it being a federal university, where students from all over Pakistan come to satiate their educational thirst at the once-renowned institute, the provincial governments shirk from taking financial responsibility for the university, thereby leading to its consequent decline.
Furthermore, the land mafia and political encroachments have resulted in the loss of much of the university’s precious land, which can be used to expand the facilities of the university. Steps need to be taken to restore the areas that have been encroached upon by this land mafia. All four provinces must join the initiative to restore the Quaid-e-Azam University to its former glory. The institution that has produced a number of renowned intellectuals, scholars and academicians of the world repute, must stand proud and dignified like its namesake-contrary to its condition today.
In the end, the participants cut the Golden jubilee cake and discussed avenues of cooperation among the Quaidians of the four provinces by bringing them to one platform and working together for the betterment of this country.