Chief Minister Sindh assures land for a Catholic University
KARACHI (Fr. Mario Rodrigues): In an exclusive meeting held on Wednesday with a nine-member Christian delegation, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said, “We will give you the land to build a Catholic University in Karachi.” He mentioned Link Road in Education City Karachi for the site of the first-ever Catholic University in Pakistan.
Presided by the Archbishop of Karachi Joseph Coutts, the chief attendants were Vicar General of Archdiocese of Karachi Fr. Saleh Diego, Rector St. Patrick’s Cathedral Fr. Mario Rodrigues, Executive Secretary Catholic Board of Educational Karachi Anthony D’Silva, and Advocate Saleem Michael. Government officials in the meeting included Provincial Minister for health Dr. Sikandar Ali Mandhero, Former Special Assistant Naveed Anthony, Member of the Provincial Assembly Saeed Ghani and Principal Secretary of Chief Minister Sindh Sohail Rajput.
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The Archbishop Joseph Coutts informed CM Sindh of the large Catholic community of Karachi and its contributions towards the progress of the society. CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah lauded the unmatched services by Christians in the fields of health, education and philanthropy. While mentioning the 56-Christian schools in Karachi, hospitals such as Holy Family, Dar-ul-Sakoon, and centers for education of special children, he particularly acknowledged the services being rendered without any religious borders across the province.
Appreciating the restoration of peace and order in Karachi, the Christian delegation requested for better arrangements of security for the Churches to which CM Sindh assured special security on special events. He added if there is more need of security, the government will surely facilitate as possible.
The case of YMCA Karachi was also presented at the meeting. The delegation brought it to the notice of CM Sindh that the ground of YMCA is illegally captured by an influential group, and while the case is pending in Sindh High Court, it should be rightly returned to the Christian community. CM Sindh, recalling his days of sports in the YMCA ground, noted the case as a top priority.
The Archbishop especially also stressed on the need for a new cemetery as the historic ‘Gora Qabristan’ has outgrown the number of graves. Responding to this request, CM Sindh marked this request as a matter of great importance.
Other issues discussed during the meeting included the renewal of the lease agreement of Mary Villa Old. Additionally, CM Sindh issued orders to resolve concerns related to the extortions and drainage issues in Issa Nagari.
