KHAIRPUR - Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that his government is making all-out efforts for establishing peace in Karachi and other cities on the province. “We are carrying out peace-making activities in Karachi and other cities of Sindh to bring an end to armed conflicts with ethnic armed groups,” he added.
He said this while addressing the 7th convocation of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur here on Sunday. SALU Vice Chancellor Dr Parveen Shah presided over the convocation.
Qaim said, “I am really glad to be with you and feel proud for presiding over this outstanding session of scholars, researchers, educationists and intellectuals.” He congratulated all the graduates honoured with degrees and medals in the ceremony, and said, “We believe the graduates are our potential and would certainly serve the society and contribute in the country’s development. He said that he was grateful to the SALU authorities for fulfilling commitment in education sector. He said that it is really great to know about the SALU achievements as the university has been ranked at 7th position among the public sector universities of the country. He said the achievement has dispelled the impression regarding worsening education standard in Sindh.
The CM said it was he who had requested late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to establish Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. He remarked that after the landmark achievement of 18th Amendment, now the higher education sector is the prerogative of provincial governments and “knowing this serious responsibility on our shoulders, we are trying to improve quality education in the entire province.” He further said, “Being the only university of upper Sindh, SALU is and will always remain our priority.”  Qaim said that the university is running on proper directions of success under the leadership of Dr Parveen Shah, who pursues the vision, commitment and leadership of late Benazir Bhutto. “It is encouraging to know that the number of female students has increased in various academic disciplines of the university along with the establishment of department of Gender Studies,” he added. He said that majority of the girls belong to rural, low-income and agrarian background, so their education would enable them help their families as well as areas in a better way. He further elaborated that he personally congratulate Dr Parveen Shah for her achievements, team work, discipline and above all on promoting the culture of competition and merit. He assured that with such commitment and the spirit of team work, as manifested, this university is going to write a golden history of success. He advised to degree recipients to face the future challenges confronting with the nation.
Syed Qaim Ali Shah directed Sindh Forest Department to establish Sindh Forest Institute at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur and announced to allocate 75 acres of land for a housing society for the SALU faculty and staff after the Supreme Court ban on allotment is lifted. He assured that the provincial government would leave no stone unturned for the uplift of education sector in Sindh.
On the occasion, Prof Dr Parveen Shah in her presidential address congratulated all the recipients of degrees and medals. She also thanked the CM for attending the ceremony as the chief guest and allocating land for housing society of SALU faculty and staff.  Dr Shah pointed out that at present 516 students are enrolled in different programmes of MPhil and PhD. She said that 101 of the 516 students are female scholars, pursuing their research work under the guidance of more than 68 PhD faculty staff. So far, the university has produced 74 MPhil and 53 PhD research scholars. This number is growing rapidly. Moreover, infrastructure and facilities required for effective teaching and learning are being expanded, she added.
Dr Shah revealed that the capacity building of the university faculty is one of the top priorities. “There are 31 teachers who are pursuing PhD programmes in the UK, Netherlands, France and China and will join us after getting their degrees,” she said. Later talking to media, CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that over 1000 Taliban have infiltrated in Sindh and his government is committed to uproot the outlaws, restoring peace in Karachi and other parts of the province. “We started operation against criminals in Karachi, and would continue until the elimination of last criminal,” he resolved.
Meanwhile, Khairpur Press Club president Din Muhammad Kalhoro called on Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Kalhoro invited the chief minister to visit the Khairpur Press Club. Separately, two people were killed over a dispute near here. According to police, Nasrullah Solangi was attached by some unidentified armed men near Jhaloogi area when he was heading towards his residence in Gaghri village. He succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital while the assailants managed to flee from the scene.
As per reports,
Solangi had established disputes with scores of people whom he was used to give loan on interest and pressurise after they failed to return his money with heavy interest.  However, Pir Jo Goth police registered no case of the incident. It is worth mentioning her that the business of interest-based loan is in full swing in all eight talukas of the district.