University of Karachi

Description

Spread over 1200 acres of land, University of Karachi was established through the parliament as a Federal University in 1951. However, through another act of the parliament in 1962, its status was redefined as a university of the province of Sindh. On 23rd October 1950, the Karachi University Act was passed, and after an amendment in 1951, it was enacted. Prof. A. B. A Haleem was appointed as its first Vice Chancellor. Initially, it served as an examination university for affiliated colleges. In 1953, it began teaching and research with the establishment of the Faculties of Arts and Science. Starting with 50 students, it now comprises 53 departments and 20 world-class research centers under eight faculties.

The university, originally housed near Civil Hospital, was relocated to a sprawling campus on University Road in 1960. This transition marked a new era in its development. Karachi University has had a long association with eminent scholars and educationists, many of whom contributed significantly to its academic reputation.

Today, it is the largest university in Pakistan in terms of student enrollment, with over 41,000 students and 700 faculty members. Its academic structure includes faculties of Arts, Science, Islamic Studies, Pharmacy, Management and Administrative Sciences, Law, Education, and Medicine. It offers BS, MS, M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs on campus and oversees examinations for affiliated colleges in disciplines such as Law, Medicine, and Education.

The Faculty of Science stands as one of the most significant scientific hubs in the country, comprising 23 departments and several premier research institutes including the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine, and the Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology. These institutes contribute substantially to national research output, producing a large number of M.Phil. and Ph.D. graduates.

The university's Central Library is one of the largest in the country, with a collection of over 360,000 books, and includes rare manuscripts, the Quaid-i-Azam’s personal collection, and All India Muslim League papers. The LEJ National Science Information Center enhances digital research capabilities and supports academic institutions nationwide.

To facilitate working professionals, Karachi University launched an Evening Program in 1995, which now spans several departments. It also introduced a four-year degree program aligned with international standards to increase graduates' employability.

Recent developments include the expansion of infrastructure, construction of faculty hostels, modernization of laboratories, and the establishment of centralized research facilities. New departments such as Food Science, Biotechnology, and Mass Communication have been upgraded with advanced facilities. The creation of a Botanical Garden and a Herbarium has provided new dimensions to plant science research.

With continuous support from the Higher Education Commission and the Chancellor, the University of Karachi is on a trajectory of rapid growth and excellence, contributing significantly to national development.