KARACHI – The University of Karachi (KU) would start generating its own electricity through a substation that was launched at a ceremony held at the Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) on Thursday.
The project of the substation, funded by the Higher Education Commission, was constructed with a cost of Rs 9 million.
With its 802-kilowatt installation capacity, the substation would be able to provide uninterrupted power supply to the institute, so that research work could continue without disruption.
On the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim said that it is imperative for the varsity to take measures for establishing its own power generation system.
“This will not only help in maintaining the momentum of academics and research, but will also help in cutting down the university’s expenses. KU pays around Rs 19 million a month in electricity bills alone.”
He said that the need of the hour is to work together and make collective efforts for development and positive changes at the varsity and in the country as well.
He appreciated the efforts of the university’s engineers who worked tirelessly and launched the substation after long hours of hard work.
He also admired the extensive research being conducted at the KIBGE and encouraged young scientists to come forward and exhibit their potential.
KIBGE Director Prof Dr Irtifaq Ahmed expressed his satisfaction and considered the event as one of the best moments for the institute because “it brings good news for the students of the institute that they will be able to indulge themselves in extensive research from now on and not be interrupted by frequent power failures.”
KIBGE Co-Director Prof Dr Abid Azhar said that the substation would ease the load of power supply and, thus, be able to meet the long-term demands of regular power supply at the institute.
KU Faculty of Science Dean Prof Dr Darakhshan Haleem, engineers, students and KIBGE faculty members were also present at the occasion.
