Addressing a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Monem Zafar Khan voiced strong concerns over attacks on university autonomy, dual standards in educational institutions, and Karachi’s collapsing infrastructure. He highlighted that Karachi and Sindh’s universities are being subjected to unfair practices and demanded an immediate resolution. Khan emphasized the need for increased exam centers for the upcoming MDCAT test in Karachi on December 8, suggesting the Expo Center as a viable venue for accommodating 12,886 candidates.
He called for strict action against those involved in paper leaks and transparency in the exam process. “Karachi University is Pakistan’s largest institution, yet it faces severe administrative challenges. We fully support the demands of university faculty for autonomy,” Khan said.
He criticized the Sindh government for halting faculty promotions at Karachi University, calling it an attack on institutional independence. Monem pointed out discrepancies in tuition fees and facilities provided to Karachi University and Sindh University students. “Karachi University has 45,000 students and only 28 buses, compared to Sindh University’s 22,000 students with 70 buses. Tuition fees in Karachi are five times higher. This disparity is unacceptable,” he remarked. Khan strongly condemned the unchecked operations of the tanker mafia, holding the Sindh government and Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation accountable for public safety failures. “In the past two months, dozens of innocent lives have been lost in accidents involving dumpers and tankers. Karachi is plagued by this unchecked menace,” he stated. Criticizing Karachi’s infrastructure, Khan said, “Projects like the K-IV water project are plagued with delays and inefficiency, with new deadlines like December 2025 being nothing more than paper promises. Meanwhile, residents are forced to buy water at exorbitant rates.
Monem Zafar Khan also criticized Karachi’s mayor, Murtaza Wahab, for dismissing traders’ demands for improving the city’s infrastructure. He referenced the successful example of Sialkot’s private airline initiative, urging Karachi’s administration to address systemic issues rather than ignoring valid concerns. He further lambasted the mismanagement in public projects such as the Karimabad underpass and Red Line bus project, highlighting cost overruns and delays.
“The BRT Orange Line project took six years to complete a 3.8 km track that fails to serve the intended population effectively. This reflects the incompetence and priorities of the Sindh government,” Khan added. The press conference, attended by Jamaat-e-Islami leaders Raja Arif Sultan, Qazi Sadruddin, Zahid Askari, and Najeeb Ayoubi, reiterated that Karachi’s challenges require immediate attention. From educational equity to public safety and infrastructure reforms, Khan emphasized that systemic overhauls are essential to address the growing frustration of Karachi’s residents.
