Launch of BS Programs in Karachi Colleges Faces Delay

A report submitted by the University of Karachi (KU) to the Sindh High Court has highlighted deficiencies in government colleges in Karachi seeking affiliation for BS programs in 14 disciplines. The report revealed that affiliation files from 11 colleges were incomplete, and lacking critical details about facilities, such as teacher records, library book titles, computer resources, and classroom availability.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Sheikh, an educationist and former Vice-Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam, commented on the issue, stating that colleges and universities in Pakistan operate differently compared to global practices. He explained, “In other countries, universities manage the academic administration of colleges, while financial administration is handled by the government. This system ensures timely teacher appointments and consistent academic standards. In Pakistan, the government’s retention of academic authority creates persistent challenges. Shifting academic administration to universities could resolve these issues.”

Key Findings from the KU Report:

1. DJ Sindh Government Science College
   • Requested affiliation for BS programs in Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science.
   • Faculty includes 10 Physics teachers, 9 Chemistry teachers, but only 3 Computer Science teachers.
2. Government Girls Science and Commerce College, Federal B Area
   • Applied for a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program.
   • No BBA/MBA-qualified teachers; only two Economics and four Commerce teachers.
   • Lacked details about computer facilities and a relevant library collection (only 3 of 15 proposed books were related to business studies).
3. PECHS Government College for Women
   • Sought affiliation for BS Economics and Finance.
   • The file mentioned computer facilities but lacked academic details for its seven listed teachers.
4. Premier Government Girls College
   • Applied for a BBA (BS) program.
   • No faculty from the business department, only three Commerce teachers, and no information on computer labs.

Other institutions, including Premier Government College, Premier Government Boys College (Evening), and Government College of Physical Education, faced similar deficiencies in their applications.

Response from Officials:

Dr. Naveed Rab, Director General of Colleges, stated that necessary affiliation files had been submitted and NOCs issued by the Education Department. However, the University of Karachi has yet to conduct inspection visits, which are essential for starting the BS programs from the 2025 academic session.

Dr. Anila Amber Malik, Secretary of the Affiliation Committee, confirmed the submission of the report and announced that phased visits to the colleges would begin in the first week of December. “Affiliation will be granted to colleges meeting the required standards,” she assured.