At the recent Academic Council meeting of the University of Karachi, the decision to allow the transfer of MPhil and PhD students from private universities into our postgraduate programmes sparked passionate debate.

Concerns were raised, caution was advised, and multiple perspectives were articulated – all reflecting the seriousness with which the Council treats matters of academic integrity. Yet, after a rigorous and wide-ranging discussion, the policy was passed and rightly so.

As a member of this Council, I listened carefully to both opposition and support. Some colleagues feared this would blur institutional boundaries, or create complications in managing standards.

Others questioned the parity between the academic depth of private and public sector research work. But ultimately, a larger and more progressive vision prevailed one that rests on merit, inclusivity and institutional confidence.

Let us be clear: the policy does not open a backdoor into Karachi University. It introduces a........

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