The University of Karachi (KU) has convened an emergency meeting of its syndicate on Monday to discuss urgent measures for protecting its vacant land from encroachment and ensuring its proper utilisation.
The meeting — to be chaired by KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi — comes in the aftermath of an alarming incident last Friday, when officials from the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) allegedly attempted to encroach upon a portion of the university’s land.
According to sources, KDA staff appeared near the Silver Jubilee Gate of the university, asserting ownership of the vacant land. The move triggered heated arguments and minor scuffles between KDA officials, university staff, and students present at the scene.
In a separate development, another group has reportedly laid claim to land near Bhayani Heights, located in proximity to the university’s premises.
Currently, more than seven acres of KU’s land lies unused along University Road, in front of the main campus. While portions of this land have been converted into nurseries by the university, other parts are being used by commercial entities, including rent-a-car services and restaurant logistics operators.
