Karachi, The Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool, has urged an increase in government funding and the establishment of public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure, faculty quality, and research capabilities in universities across the province. This appeal was made during his visit to Habib University on Wednesday morning.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, upon his arrival at Habib University, Justice Baqir was welcomed by the university’s President Wasif Rizvi, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Tariq Wasim Ghazi, and faculty members. During his campus tour, he visited various departments and expressed his views on higher education in the province. The Chief Minister acknowledged the establishment of several universities by the provincial government and emphasized the challenge of transforming these institutions into centers of learning.

Justice Baqir expressed satisfaction with the private sector’s involvement in higher education, citing Habib University as an exemplary instance of collaboration between industry and educational institutions. He commended the university for its modern architecture, qualified faculty, and contemporary teaching methodologies, describing it as more than just an institution but a complete package of excellence in education.

During the briefing, University President Wasif Rizvi highlighted that Pakistan ranks 119th in higher education globally, lagging behind countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Ghana. He pointed out that only 12 percent of students who complete intermediate education can secure admission in higher education institutions, which is a concerning issue that needs immediate attention. Rizvi suggested that the government should explore launching higher education initiatives through public-private partnerships to secure investment in this sector.