The status of Sindh Madressatul Islam (SMI), Karachi, as a residential institution would be restored. This was stated by Principal of SMI, Mohammad Ali Shaikh, on Tuesday. He said negotiations to this effect with the government of Sindh are in progress. Shaikh pointed out that SMI had three boarding houses namely Hassan Ali House, Khairpur House and Sardar House which were built in 1909, 1913 and 1919 respectively.

Last of these boarding houses was taken over by Sindh Education Department in 1972 and from then on the SMI remained a day-time institution.

Shaikh, further said these three boarding house are presently with the S M Science College.

He maintained that Sindh Education Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro has assured him that these three boarding houses would be returned to the SMI.

Shaikh stated that the minister has told him that the department is looking for an alternate place for S M Science College.

He said this would help restore the status of SMI as a residential institution. At present some 1,700 students are enrolled at SMI from class 1 up to class 12.

Sindh Madressatul Islam, one of the oldest educational institutions in the province, has the distinction of being the alma mater of Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005