Sindh spends more on universities than other provinces, says provincial HEC chief

Hyderabad: The fee structure of universities throughout Sindh is less than that of the other provinces of the country. Sindh provides Rs23 billion to its universities whereas Punjab offers Rs5 billion to its varsities.

Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC) Chairman Dr SM Tariq Rafi made these remarks when he recently spoke at the 18th Degree Show (Annual Thesis Display/ Exhibition) of Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro (SABS) University of Art, Design and Heritages, Jamshoro.

Dr Rafi inaugurated the degree show. Speaking on the occasion, he said the Sindh HEC had adopted the criteria of appointments laid down by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) and that criteria was being used in all the higher educational institutes.

He added that except for faculty members, all other appointments were made on the basis of set rules and regulations, and the HEC had its nominees in various statuary bodies of universities to ensure transparency.

Sindh HEC Secretary Moinuddin Siddiqui, SABS University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Arabella Bhutto, University of Sufism and Modern Sciences Bhitshah Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Parveen Munshi and others were also present on the occasion.

The show featured display of paintings, sculptures, fabric designs, ceramics pottery, building models and advertisement concepts.

Dr Rafi said the exhibition reflected the creativity of students, which would help them to become entrepreneurs in the future.

He remarked that the students’ artwork was also important for creating a soft image of the nation and country.

The SABS University VC said the varsity was trying to promote peace, prosperity and positivity in society, and the artwork of students reflected such themes. She added that the beauty of the varsity was its close association with creativity through art, design, and architecture.

Dr Arabella was of the view that promotion of arts education was also important along with science education in society as science without art was bleak, and art without science was terrifying.

Earlier, the Sindh HEC chairman laid the foundation stone of a foreign faculty hostel at the varsity.

During the degree show, fine arts students displayed paintings and sculptures reflecting various themes such as fear, child’s learning journey, nature and revitalization.

Students of communication design also presented their ideas on various topics. Textile Design students displayed the fabric designs having pictures and symbols depicting themes of hope, fascination, resilience, big bang, lost glory of Tando Allahyar, Makli necropolis, nostalgia, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Sachal Sarmast.