Daily Times

KARACHI: Belinda Lewis, British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi has said that the university education is not only for achieving a degree, but it is about everything, it is about living life, lifelong dreams and extending skills.

Education is not a formal learning also, it is about lifelong learning, so keep pushing yourself and keep developing you.

Addressing the students of Sindh Madressatul Islam University on Tuesday at its Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium she said that there is a beautiful environment at Sindh Madressatul Islam University, and it is so interesting to be in Karachi to look at its architecture and to see similarities between the architecture of my own country. It is a rich mixture of architectural styles. Hence, this is very interesting place to see.

British Deputy High Commissioner further said that I have learnt many lessons and experiences from my university education, which were most stressful, and there was a lot pressure on myself, at Oxford University and Cambridge University, but I managed to balance all these things.

She further said that in our country and also over here in Pakistan we are lucky that we are studying in universities with fantastic facilities. Therefore, the students should teach their people in their spare time and volunteer for charity to improve people’s education. “If everybody has the sprit of generosity to give something to the community, which is around you,” she maintained.

Dr Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University in his speech while welcoming the British Deputy High Commissioner said that Sindh Madressatul Islam University has historic relations with the United Kingdom. He said it was Mr. James Strachan, an Architect of Karachi Municipality, who had designed the Main Building of SMIU and supervised its construction work, and in return, he didn’t charge a single rupee as fee.

Dr Muhammad Ali Shaikh said we are living in the era of international collaborations and cooperation, therefore, he hoped that British Deputy Higher Commissioner will play a role of a bridge for cooperation and collaborations between Sindh Madressatul Islam University and other universities of the country and the universities of UK.

On the occasion Dr Shaikh presented Ajrak and Khes and also his books to Ms. Belinda Lewis. A documentary on SMIU’s 131 years of historic journey was also screened on the occasion.

Later on, she visited Jinnah Museum and took keen interest in relics of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi and other alumni and old record of the institution. Mr. Naveed Shaikh, Secretary to Chief Minister Sindh on Universities and Boards also attended the program.