Federal Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has approved the establishment of three Islamabad-based major universities campuses in Karachi.
According to details, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), the National University of Technology (NUTECH), and COMSATS University will set up their campuses in the city.
According to a statement from the education ministry, the decision aligns with the government’s goal of expanding access to quality education.
A temporary campus of Comsats University will be set up on Hub Road, while a budget of Rs4.6 billion has been allocated for a dedicated campus.
However, no further details were shared about Nust and NUTECH campuses.
The initiative is expected to benefit students in Karachi, offering them access to prestigious universities without the need to relocate.
Dr Siddiqui, who hails from Karachi, had previously announced plans for National College of Arts (NCA) and Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) to establish campuses in the city.
Comsats University, which already operates campuses in six other cities, has faced multiple failed attempts in the past to expand to Sukkur, Gujar Khan, and Dera Murad Jamali. However, the Karachi campus is now considered a major step forward.
Meanwhile, Comsats University Islamabad (CUI) continues to struggle with administrative challenges.
The university has been without a permanent rector since July 2023, leading to key positions being managed on an ad hoc basis.
President Asif Ali Zardari recently barred the acting rector from making major decisions, further delaying governance matters.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Science and Technology has urged the government to appoint a permanent rector for CUI to ensure smooth operations.
As the university expansion moves forward, authorities are expected to address these internal challenges.
