Karachi, Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir, emphasized the importance of nurturing the country’s intellectual capital to support intelligent students contributing to society. His remarks came during a MoU signing ceremony between IBA Karachi and JFF-UGI for gifting a Computer Science School to IBA.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the ceremony, held in a local hotel in Karachi, witnessed the generosity of JFF-UGI, which donated a $1.5 million building to IBA’s School of Computer Science and Mathematics. Justice Baqir hailed this contribution as not just financial support, but a significant investment in the nation’s intellectual capital. The event was attended by provincial ministers, Brigadier (retd) Haris Nawaz, Rana Hussain, Secretary Universities and Boards Noor Samun, Mushtaq Chapra, Director of Alumni Affairs IBA Mulhit Awan, Dean of IBA Dr. Shakeel A. Khoja, Executive Director Dr. S. Akbar Rizvi, Executive Director UGI Dr Hasnain Walji, Chairman Jafar Family Foundation Alhaj Muhammad Taqi Jafar, among others.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the collaboration between the School of Computer Science and Mathematics at IBA Karachi recognizes the crucial role of specialized education in data science. He stressed that in a data-driven world, expertise in data science is increasingly vital, and this partnership underscores the need to equip students with the necessary skills for success in this field.
Justice Baqir also addressed the challenges in higher education in Pakistan, noting that despite improvements in primary education enrollment, many students face barriers to higher education. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like this collaboration in fields such as computer science and mathematics, especially given the lack of resources and specialized institutions.
The Chief Minister lauded the dedication and generosity of individuals like Muhammad Taqi Jafar, Dr. Hasnain Walji, and others involved in this collaboration. Their belief in the transformative power of education, he said, serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring individuals.
He commended the Executive Director of IBA Karachi, Dr. Akbar Zaidi, and his team for their commitment to academic excellence and creating a conducive learning environment. The Chief Minister concluded by encouraging continued philanthropy and systemic change in the education sector, highlighting the potential of this partnership to break down barriers, foster innovation, and create a more inclusive education ecosystem. He called for unity in championing a future where education knows no bounds, and every aspiring mind has the opportunity to flourish.