• Pakistan’s space program is in line with our national requirements; we are not in a race with contemporary countries,’ says Pakistani space agency official Amer Ahsan Gilani

Aamir Latif Arain 

KARACHI, Sindh, Pakistan

Pakistan has initiated the process to select astronauts for its inaugural manned mission to China’s space station, marking a significant step towards Islamabad’s ambitions in human spaceflight.

“We have already started the selection of astronauts in Pakistan, which will culminate by the last quarter of 2025,” Amer Ahsan Gilani, secretary of the Pakistan Human Spaceflight Cooperation at the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), told Anadolu.

The astronaut selection process follows an agreement signed last month between the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) and SUPARCO. Under this landmark agreement, a Pakistani astronaut will become the first foreign visitor to China’s Tiangong Space Station (CSS).

Last May, Pakistan launched its first lunar satellite, ICUBE-Q, into the moon’s orbit aboard Beijing’s historic Chang’e 6 mission, which made China the first country to successfully collect samples from the lunar far side.

Under the latest agreement, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo specialized training at the Astronaut Center of China, with one selected to serve as a scientific payload specialist conducting research aboard CSS.

“Being a space-faring nation, Pakistan envisions itself as a fast-developing country in space technology encompassing all areas including communication, remote sensing, navigation, and scientific exploration in deep space and manned missions,” Gilani said.

He emphasized that China’s selection of a Pakistani astronaut as the first foreign astronaut on the CSS mission symbolizes the deep bilateral relationship between the two nations.

This achievement would enhance cooperation between the longtime allies, particularly in sophisticated aerospace technologies, he added.

According to the current timeline, Pakistan’s first astronaut will undertake their spaceflight after completing training by the end of 2026, with the specific mission aligned with the CSS crew rotation schedule.

Not in a space race

Gilani asserted that Pakistan’s space program aims primarily to fulfill national requirements and is not driven by competition with neighboring countries, including India.

“Pakistan’s space program is in line with our national requirements; we are not in a race with contemporary countries,” he said.

India has recently achieved notable space milestones, making history in August 2023 as it became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon’s South Pole, and the fourth nation ever to reach the moon.

India is also planning a fifth lunar mission in collaboration with Japan.

In contrast, Pakistan is advancing its space ambitions through collaborative lunar exploration missions with China.

The country is participating in China’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program and various projects involving communication and remote sensing satellites, along with indigenous satellite launches into Earth orbit.

Barriers to space exploration

Pakistan’s space program was launched in 1961, and its notable achievements include launching Badr-1, the country’s first indigenous artificial digital communications satellite, in July 1990, followed by Badr-2, Pakistan’s first Earth observation satellite, in December 2001.

Other significant milestones include successful launches of sounding rockets, indigenous customer-furnished items (CFIs) for communications satellite Paksat-1R in 2011, the locally developed Earth observation satellite Paktes-1A in 2018, and additional CFIs for Paksat-MM1 in 2024.

In January 2025, China also launched Pakistan’s indigenously developed Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite – PRSC-EO1 – into space.

Despite these limited successes, Gilani acknowledged that Pakistan’s space program faces significant obstacles.

He highlighted financial constraints, limited industrial support for space hardware development, and insufficient academic involvement in advanced space technology education as some of the primary challenges hindering further growth.

“Pakistan’s space program is for the national benefit across the spectrum of space applications, in line with UN SDGs (sustainable development goals), while making optimal use of national resources,” Gilani said.

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 26.03.2025) 

Read: Working at the edge of human possibility…

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Abu Dhabi

A team of researchers at the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Space Exploration Laboratory, led by Dimitra Atri, Ph.D., has developed a novel lunar soil simulant that closely replicates the properties of moon dust.

Known as the Emirates Lunar Simulant, it will allow scientists to test instruments for the upcoming Emirates Lunar Mission and the UAE’s future astronauts on the Moon.

Because transporting large amounts of Moon soil to Earth is impractical, soil simulants are essential for preparing future lunar explorations. The researchers developed the Emirates Lunar Simulant from anorthosite-rich rocks found in the UAE. These rocks closely resemble the mineral and chemical composition of Moon samples, making them ideal for testing.

Read: Astronaut Sunita Returns To Earth After Being Stuck In Space For 9 Months

The NYUAD team, which included researcher Vigneshwaran Krishnamoorthi and undergraduate students from NYUAD, is using the simulant to assess instruments for key mission operations, including landings, surface exploration, construction, and resource extraction.

“By leveraging local geological resources to advance planetary science, this project strengthens the UAE’s role in space exploration and contributes to global efforts to prepare for future lunar missions,” said Atri, Principal Investigator at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Space Exploration Laboratory. “The Emirates Lunar Simulant will be instrumental in testing rover performance, training astronauts, and validating lunar equipment, helping optimize missions and reduce risk for future lunar exploration.”

The Space Exploration Laboratory at NYU Abu Dhabi, based within the Centre for Astrophysics and Space Science (CASS), is dedicated to advancing planetary science and space exploration.

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business Abu Dhabi

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Read: Sharjah, US Mission discuss space exploration future

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NASA astronauts Sunita (Suni) Williams who is Indian American, and Butch Wilmore, returned to Earth after an 8-day mission to test the Boeing Starliner capsule turned into an unplanned 9-month stint in space. The pair traveled into space in June 2024 and returned safely home on March 18, 2025, after a 17-hour descent.

When the Starliner capsule encountered technical difficulties, NASA returned it to Earth empty, leaving the two astronauts behind on the International Space Station (ISS).

In a fiery re-entry through the Earth’s atmosphere, the SpaceX Dragon Crew-9 capsule carrying astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov splashed down off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee and were welcomed by an unexpected pod of curious dolphins.

“What a ride,” said Hague, the Crew-9 mission commander inside the Dragon capsule, told mission control moments after splashing down. “I see a capsule full of grins, ear to ear.”

The astronauts emerged smiling and waving from the Space X capsule and will spend some time in recovery to stabilize and adapt to Earth’s gravity. After medical evaluations clear them, they will reunite with their families and take some well-deserved time off, said NASA.

Williams and Wilmore are veteran NASA astronauts and retired U.S. Navy test pilots. During their nine months on the ISS, they conducted 150 experiments and 900 hours of research that will improve the chances of NASA landing a person on Mars. The football field-sized ISS has been a research lab staffed continuously by international crews of astronauts for nearly 25 years.

Indian PM Narendra Modi acknowledged their courage in a post on X.

Sunita Lyn Williams (59) is the daughter of Deepak Pandya, an Indian American neuroanatomist, and his Slovenian-American wife Ursuline Bonnie Pandya. She grew up in Needham, MA, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in physical science. She began her career as a commissioned ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1987 before becoming a naval aviator and test pilot. She was selected for NASA’s astronaut program in 1998. Following her third spaceflight, Williams has the second-longest combined time in space of any US astronaut – 608 cumulative days – second only to Peggy Whitson (675 days).

In India, William’s ancestral village of Jhulasan in Gujarat plans to honor her achievement with a grand procession and festivities. The villagers had offered prayers and lit an ‘Akhand Jyoti’ to celebrate her safe return.

Read: Kalpana Chawla – Citizen of Galaxies

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Courtesy: India Currents (Posted on March 19, 2025)

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• Universities must realign their priorities, placing academic excellence above financial considerations

By Dr. Mahmood Laghari

The pursuit of quality education is the cornerstone of any academic institution. However, a troubling trend has emerged in some universities, where the focus on financial sustainability has inadvertently led to the deterioration of academic standards. This systemic issue, rooted in flawed admissions practices and inadequate support structures, threatens the very essence of higher education. This article delves into the underlying causes, the cascading effects on the academic ecosystem, and actionable recommendations to address these challenges.

Compromised admissions standards

The first link in the chain of declining quality begins with the admissions process. Many universities prioritize filling allocated seats to sustain their financial operations. While the intention is to maintain the university’s revenue stream, this approach often results in admitting students who do not meet the established merit criteria. These students struggle academically, leading to repeated failures in courses and the need for multiple attempts to pass examinations. This compromises the academic rigor of the institution and sets a precedent where mediocrity is tolerated, if not encouraged.

The ripple effect in advanced degrees

The ramifications of lenient undergraduate admissions extend to postgraduate programs. Graduates who have benefited from this leniency often proceed to enroll in masters and doctoral programs. Financial stability allows them to bypass regular academic engagement, treating their studies as a part-time endeavor while focusing on private businesses or jobs. PhD students, in particular, often face the dual burden of supporting themselves financially and pursuing their research without adequate institutional support. The lack of funding for research projects further diminishes the quality of their academic output, leading to theses that lack originality, rigor, and practical application.

Faculty overload and neglect

The shortage of qualified faculty exacerbates the problem. Overburdened professors, tasked with handling large undergraduate classes, often deprioritize postgraduate teaching and research supervision. This creates a vicious cycle where postgraduate students, already disengaged from their studies, receive minimal guidance and mentorship. The result is a generation of scholars who lack basic laboratory skills, writing proficiency, and the ability to present and defend their work effectively.

Read: Fostering Creativity in Pakistan’s Universities

The long-term consequences

Perhaps the most alarming outcome of this flawed system is the infiltration of poorly trained PhD holders into academic positions. These individuals, leveraging their degrees, secure visiting or volunteer teaching roles that eventually transition into permanent faculty positions. Over time, this perpetuates a culture of mediocrity within academia, undermining the credibility of institutions and producing graduates ill-equipped to meet the demands of the professional world.

Read: The Dire State Of Higher Education In Pakistan

Urgent solutions for systemic reform

Addressing these challenges requires immediate and sustained efforts at multiple levels. The following recommendations aim to restore the integrity and quality of higher education:

1. Revise admissions policies: Admissions should be based strictly on merit, with supplementary remedial programs for borderline candidates. This ensures that only capable and motivated students enter the system.
2. Provide financial support: Institutions must allocate dedicated funding for postgraduate research. Scholarships, grants, and stipends can alleviate the financial burden on students, enabling them to focus fully on their studies.
3. Strengthen faculty resources: Recruit additional faculty to reduce the workload and ensure that both undergraduate and postgraduate students receive adequate attention. Faculty development programs should also be introduced to enhance teaching and research capabilities.
4. Implement accountability measures: Establish strict monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for postgraduate programs. Regular assessments of student progress and faculty engagement can help maintain high standards.
5. Foster industry collaboration: Partner with industries to provide funding, internships, and real-world research opportunities for students. This ensures that research is aligned with practical applications and societal needs.
6. Enhance academic rigor: Enforce stringent criteria for coursework, examinations, and thesis evaluations. Proper external reviewers and standardized benchmarks can help uphold academic quality.
7. Promote a culture of excellence: Recognize and reward academic achievements among students and faculty. Encouraging healthy competition and celebrating scholarly excellence can inspire a commitment to quality.

Conclusion

The decline in the quality of higher education is a multifaceted problem that requires comprehensive reform. Universities must realign their priorities, placing academic excellence above financial considerations. By adopting merit-based admissions, providing adequate support for research, and ensuring accountability at all levels, institutions can cultivate an environment where education thrives. The journey toward quality is challenging but essential for the growth and development of individuals, institutions, and society as a whole.

Read: Time to Address the Toxic Smoke of 2-Stroke Rickshaws in Hyderabad, Sindh

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The writer is a professor at the Department of Energy and Environment at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh Pakistan

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• The initiative aims to provide quality manpower for local economic zones and CPEC industrial special economic zones by launching the Chinese Culture Technological Employment Model Sino-Pak Dual Diploma & China Education Program

Karachi

The Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) and TANG International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration on Tuesday to enhance collaborative efforts in developing Chinese Language Competency among learners at SEF-supported and allied institutions.

This initiative aims to provide quality manpower for local economic zones and CPEC industrial special economic zones by launching the Chinese Culture Technological Employment (CCTE) Model Sino-Pak Dual Diploma & China Education Program.

CCTE programs include China-Pakistan Dual Diploma, China-Pakistan Cooperation, Chinese Language Courses & Commercial Cultural Courses and Technical Education Subjects & Technology in Education & Employment. This model will foster industry-academia linkages to promote demand-driven vocational and technical education, ensuring skilled talent for modern industries, agriculture, and the service sector.

The MoU was signed by County Head of TANG International Mansoor Siddiqui and Director Programs and Planning, SEF, Nisar Banbhan.

The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the SEF including Managing Director, Zahid Ali Abassi, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Shahpara Rizvi and representatives TANG International. By combining the strengths of both organizations, the partnership aims to contribute significantly to the education through bilateral relation.

Before MoU the both organizations have worked on letter of understanding (LoU) and achieved great milestones in Karachi including 15 Foundation Assisted Schools have been registered through the online TANG Cloud platform. A total of 30 SEF partners and teachers, along with 25 SEF staff members, have been successfully trained and oriented. These efforts have led to the enrollment of 485 students in the registered schools. Furthermore, a mid-term online assessment was conducted on December 23, 2024, which revealed an impressive overall student progress rate of 82%.

Talking in the ceremony, Managing Director, SEF and Secretary Sindh Education and Literacy Department, Zahid Ali Abbasi said that this collaboration is setting an excellent example, and the results achieved so far are commendable. Through this MOU, we aim to expand the program across the province, creating a meaningful impact. Enhancing language proficiency, various trades, and technical skills is the need of the hour, and together, we will address this crucial requirement effectively.

County Head of TANG International Mansoor Siddiqui stated that, based on our previous experience working with SEF through the LOU, we have witnessed a significant positive impact. “We have high hopes for this new understanding and firmly believe that, together, we will create a meaningful contribution to society. This partnership represents a pivotal step forward in shaping the educational landscape, addressing existing gaps, and opening new avenues for growth and development.” (PR)

Read: Sindh Education Foundation to launch Digital Learning Project

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• In Pakistan, the commercialization of education has led to education being viewed as a commodity rather than a fundamental right.

Sabeena Mugheri

As the world faces the difficulties of the twenty-first century, education has emerged as a critical tool for nations to progress and thrive. Pakistan, with a population of more than 220 million, is no exception. However, the country’s education sector has seen considerable changes in recent years, raising concerns about the genuine value of education in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s education system confronts various obstacles, including a dearth of competent teachers, dogmatic curriculum, ineffective educational infrastructure, adult illiteracy, and insufficient finances. The literacy rate in Pakistan is 58.7%, with considerable differences between urban and rural areas, according to Pakistan Education Statistics. The development of private educational institutions has resulted in the commercialization of the industry, with many schools preferring money over academic achievement. Disappointingly, an education system that prioritizes profits over learning is fundamentally flawed.

it is high time that the relevant authorities must control private schools, fund public education, and put academic quality ahead of financial gain in order to solve these issues.

In Pakistan, the commercialization of education has led to education being viewed as a commodity rather than a fundamental right. The emphasis on profits over academic achievement has resulted in a drop in educational standards, making them unavailable to vulnerable communities. Public institutions are now offering lower-quality education as a result of the apathetical role of government and their lack of investment in this field.

These difficulties; however, have far-reaching effects. Pakistan’s education system fails to equip its citizens with the skills and knowledge required to participate in the global economy. As a result, unemployment, poverty, and inequality have all increased significantly. Furthermore, a lack of education has contributed to social and cultural concerns including fanaticism, bigotry, and violence.

Read – Higher Education in Pakistan: Navigating Challenges, Envisioning Prospects

In a nutshell, it is high time that the relevant authorities must control private schools, fund public education, and put academic quality ahead of financial gain in order to solve these issues. This can be accomplished by giving public education more funds, enforcing more stringent accrediting requirements for private schools, and offering instructors assistance and training. Hence, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, once stated that “Education is the Matter of Life and Death for Pakistan.” Therefore, it is imperative that the nation investigate this.

Read: Disparity among Pakistan’s Provinces in Education Sector

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The writer is BS- International Relations student at National Defence University, Islamabad

Read: Merit or My Writ in Higher Education Institutions

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Jamshoro, Sindh 

The Political Scientist’s Alumni Association, Department of Political Science, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, recently organized a welcome party in honor of students from 2K24 and a graceful farewell for the outgoing students of Batch 2K21.

Several students and faculty members joined and participated in this program held at the auditorium of the Institute of Commerce and Management, University of Sindh.

Highlighting the relevance and significance of education, the speakers quoted an Irish poet and writer, William Butler Yeats, who rightly pointed out that “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”, while Edward de Bono, a great physician and commentator, had noted that “an idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”

The speakers said, “Indeed, universities are made for generating ideas and are knowledge production houses. Students often get ideas and acquire knowledge in their respective fields during their academic journey. In line with this, different programs, seminars, conferences and workshops are part of this knowledge generation.”

In different programs, students and faculty members take a keen interest or they show a penchant for participating in these programs. These programs related to farewell and welcome parties turn into beautiful memories of educational journey. The faculty members fully participate and offer valuable insights for the outgoing students and those who are joining the Department of Political Science.

The scholars of the Political Science Department, like Chairman Prof. Dr. G. Akbar Mahesar, Assoc. Prof. Department of Political Science, Dr. Pervaiz Ali Mahesar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Imran Ali Noonari, Assistant Prof. Dr. Basharat Lanjwani, Assistant Prof. Dr. Jamshed Baloch, Lecturer Ahmed Hussain Shah Bukhari, Lecturer Hansraj Oad, Lecturer Khaleeq Zaman Mahesar, Sohn Jannat, Mukhi Chandio, and Muhmin Soomro, motivated, and inspired their students with new ways of learning and understanding, discussed opportunities, and identified challenges of modern-day society.

While addressing students, the Chairman Department of Political Science, Prof. Dr. G. Akbar, conceptualized the role, relevance, and importance of the state in modern times.  While quoting Aristotle, he said, “The ultimate aim of the state is to provide basic amenities of life to its citizens”. He further added that “people should not forget their country and show a patriotism”. He quoted Z.A. Bhutto and said that his constitution of 1973 offers complete security to the country of Pakistan. He terms it as a masterpiece, model, and complete code of conduct among the various modern constitutions of the world. He asked students to establish their careers and join various fields. He suggests that students can pursue careers in a variety of fields such as political experts, scientists, political analysts, and political secretaries in local government, diplomacy, and foreign offices.

Associate Prof. Dr. Pervaiz Ali Mahesar, while highlighting the power of knowledge, ideas, and learning, said, “Only the fittest will survive.” He stated that this phrase has now become outdated, and the new phrase is: “Only the innovative will survive.” He inspired students and motivated them to “learn, unlearn, and relearn in life.” He further explains that before entering university life, we possess ideas, beliefs, and values in our minds, but the fact is we cannot learn new ideas unless we relearn them. He stated that in order to relearn, we must first unlearn. He further emphasized that the modern world believes in innovative ideas. These innovative ideas come only after reading, writing, and learning. He praised students for their active and robust participation in the departmental activities. Moreover, Hansraj Oad, during his talk explained that “we are and should be proud of our culture, values, beliefs, heritage and history, old civilization and our heroes and Sufi poets.” He was optimistic about the future of students and reiterated that “students should play an active role in growth and development of their country”.

Dr. Imran Noonari also emphasized on education and learning. He said that after four years of hard work, students would get benefit of that. He said that we need to focus on three things: patience, perseverance, and hard work will make you successful. He emphasized that “work and worship don’t go unrewarded”. A good teacher always inspires, motivates to his students and acts as a role model for the society.

Moving forward, the gravitating part of this program was the singing of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai‘s Waee by the Faqirs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai RA., Asst. Prof. Dr. Basharat Lanjwani led the group. The group performed Waee, portraying the message of “universality, peace and harmony, humanism, and spirituality enunciated by Shah.”  The Sufi view this as “the transmission of divine light from the teacher’s heart to the student’s heart, rather than worldly knowledge.” This approach enables students to adjust their progress accordingly. They also hold the belief that the “teacher should adhere to the principles of Divine Law”. The Chairman of the Department of Political Science and faculty members distributed academic excellence certificates to outstanding students, acknowledging their outstanding performance in both academic and extracurricular activities. The “Political Science Alumni Association, University of Sindh” organized this event. This event was celebrated in a befitting manner and concluded with a hope, optimism and promised to continue such programs, seminars, workshops and conferences in the future. (PR)

Read- Sindh University: Nostalgic Space Of Our Collective Memory

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• Turkish language classes will be introduced at SMIU; translation of Effendi’s biography into Turkish language will also be published

Karachi, Sindh

The Turkish Cultural Centre will be established at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) Karachi with the support of Turkish government to promote language, culture, literature and research of both the countries.

The decision was taken during a meeting of Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, Director of Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Cultural Center, Islamabad, and Mr. Elam Ali Teepu Turkish Lecturer at Karachi University with Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor, SMIU at his office on Monday.

It was also decided that Turkish language will be taught to the students of SMIU. Initially 30 students will be enrolled for Turkish language, and later number of students will be increased.

“Sindh Madressatul Islam University has more than 150 years old relations with Turkiye because the founder of SMI Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi had served as a Consul General of Turkiye in Karachi during the period of Ottoman Empire,” Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai said and added that SMIU is planning to establish Rumi Chair at the university.

Prof. Dr. Halil Toker said the Turkish government through its Embassy in Pakistan is going to organize international conferences on Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi in Islamabad and Turkiye. He further said the biography of Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi written by distinguished writer of Sindh Mirza Qaleech Baig will be translated into Turkish language. Additionally, collaboration between Sindh Madressatul Islam University and Turkish universities will be materialized.

Revealing the history Dr. Halil said he had read name of Hassanally Effendi in a history book of Ottoman Empire, where he was mentioned as giving donation to the Empire during the Turkish-Russia war.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai nominated Dr. Subhash Guriro, Chairperson of the Department of Social and Development Studies of SMIU as a focal person for coordination during all above mentioned developments. The Vice Chancellor SMIU and the Turkish delegation exchanged the souvenirs.

Dr. Zahid Ali Channar and Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, Deans of SMIU and Anwar Ali were also present on the occasion. Later, the Turkish delegation visited Jinnah Museum and other departments of SMIU. (PR)

Read: Turkish Universities, Sindh Madressatul Islam University to collaborate in Higher Education

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Karachi, Sindh

The Sindhi Shagrid Tahreek (SST) has announced a historic month-long protest movement titled “Save Education, Save Sindh”, aimed at addressing critical social and educational injustices plaguing the province.

The Sindhi Shagrid Tahreek (SST) is the student wing of Awami Tahreek, a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist political party in Sindh, Pakistan, founded by the dynamic leader Rasool Bux Palijo. The party, headquartered in Hyderabad, advocates for social justice and progressive political ideology in the region.

This decision was taken during a meeting chaired by SST Central President Naveed Abbas Kalhoro, with participation of other leaders including Awami Tehreek’s Social Media Secretary, Izhar Daudpoto.

The campaign, scheduled from December 1 to December 31, 2024, aims to highlight and combat pressing issues such as:

* Encroachments on the Indus River and the adverse effects on Sindh’s water resources.

* The increasing dominance of corporate farming, which threatens the livelihoods of local farmers.

* The lack of libraries and public point buses, which undermines educational access and student mobility.

* The leakage of MD-CAT exam papers, compromising the integrity of medical education.

* Widespread drug abuse among youth.

* The unavailability of sports grounds, which limits opportunities for physical development and recreation.

SST has decided to hold protests across all districts and talukas of Sindh, starting with District Badin. The detailed schedule for District Badin protests is as follows:

* Dehi Town: December 6, led by Suresh Bheel, Kailash, and Akash.

* Korwah: December 10, led by Jameel Sarang.

* Kario Ghanwar: December 12, led by Dildar and Gulzar.

* Rajo Khanani: December 14, led by Rasheed and Suresh Bheel.

* Golarchi: December 15, led by Dildar, Jameel, Sajid, and Shahzad.

* Budho Qambrani: December 17, led by Suresh, Kailash, and Nadir.

* Tando Bago: December 18, led by Rasheed, Sagar, and Asghar.

* Dumbalo: December 20, led by Dildar and Gulzar.

The “Save Education, Save Sindh” movement represents a unified stand against the systemic challenges Sindh faces today. The SST believes these issues are not just a hindrance to individual progress but a collective crisis that demands immediate attention and action.

President Naveed Abbas Kalhoro emphasized the movement’s broader goal: “This is more than a protest; it’s a call for justice. Sindh’s youth deserve access to quality education, a drug-free environment, and spaces for intellectual and physical growth. This movement aims to unite communities across the province and ensure these issues are brought to the forefront of public and governmental attention.”

Read – Anti-Sindh Federal Projects: Sindh Rises Against Injustice

“The SST invites students, educators, activists, and all citizens of Sindh to join hands in this movement and stand in solidarity for the betterment of education and the future of Sindh. Through consistent and collective efforts, the movement seeks to bring sustainable change and address the root causes of these issues,” SST press release said on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Aitezaz Gaincho, Ali Raza Jalbani, Manzoor Sodhar, Jameel Mallah, Mukhtiar Gaincho, Habib Khoso, Ghulam Ali Zaor, Ayaz Saleh Palijo, Kabir Bheel, Dildar Nohani, Nauroze Kalmaty, Qayoom Talpur, Amjad Sargani, Sami Abro, Lo Lakhani, Sarmad Moraiyo, Naveed Jan Khasakheli, Rasheed Halipoto, Sikandar Kandhani, Dildar Detho, Sarmad Khushhal, Saddam Bapar, Hameed Inquilabi, Atif Mallah, Altaf Mahesar, and Zain Jatoi. (PR)

Read – Historic Rally in Karachi: A Salute to Sindhiani Tahreek

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• Turkish envoy also assured support for ‘Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi Chair’ to be established by SMIU

Karachi, Sindh

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroglu has agreed to collaborate with various academic departments of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), specially the Departments of Business Administration, Artificial Intelligence, Media and Communication Studies and Social and Development Studies.

Dr. Irfan Neziroglu also assured that they will support Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi Chair to be established by SMIU at its City Campus and said that they shall make it possible to get it affiliated with the Selçuk University and other universities of Konya.

The Turkish Ambassador gave such assurance during a meeting with Vice Chancellor of SMIU Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai here on Thursday November 21, 2024. The Ambassador visited the SMIU City Campus along with Turkish Consul General in Karachi Mr. Cemal Sangu where he held meeting with the Vice Chancellor.

They discussed various matters including research, higher education, mysticism and possible ways to establish collaboration between Sindh Madressatul Islam University and universities of Turkiye.

Dr. Irfan Neziroglu praised the services of Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi, founder of Sindh Madressatul Islam, for introducing modern education in the region and his friendly ties with Turkiye during the period of Ottoman Empire.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai thanked Dr. Irfan Neziroglu and Mr. Cemal Sangu for offering cooperation in the fields of research and higher education.

He said we proudly say that founder of Sindh Madressatul Islam Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi had close relations with Turkiye in the days of Ottoman Empire and he was nominated as a Consul General of Turkiye in Karachi in the end of the 19th century. He further said that Hassanally Effendi had also supported Ottoman Empire in its war with Russia by providing them necessary things.

Vice Chancellor told the Turkish envoys that in the near future SMIU is going to build a new building, where a floor will be reserved for establishment of Maulana Rumi Chair and Hassanally Effendi Museum. The Turkish Ambassador said that the Government of Turkiye will also support the said project.

Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai presented a souvenir to the guest. Later, Turkish Ambassador and Consul General visited Jinnah Museum where they showed their keen interest in the relics of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi. (PR)

Read: Kosovo Artist Conducts Virtual Theater Workshop in Karachi

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