Prominent Journalists Discuss the Challenge of Fake News at Greenwich University

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Greenwich University’s Department of Media, Art, and Design hosted a compelling panel discussion titled "Navigating Fake News in the Digital Era" on May 22 at its DHA campus. The event brought together several renowned media professionals who shared candid insights into the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation in today’s digital landscape.

The two-session panel featured leading names in journalism, including Manzar Naqvi, Syed Khalid Mahmood, Mazhar Abbas, Mubashir Mir, and Muhammad Nazakat Ali. Their thought-provoking commentary engaged a diverse audience of students, scholars, and media practitioners, sparking meaningful dialogue on digital journalism, ethics, and media responsibility.

Moderated by veteran journalist Iqbal Jamil and Dr. Sundus Basharat Ahmad, Assistant Professor and Programme Manager of International Relations at DHA Suffa University, the event was a showcase of expertise and experience in tackling fake news.

The first session, led by Dr. Sundus Basharat Ahmad, featured Mazhar Abbas (Senior Journalist and Columnist, Geo News/Daily Jang), Mubashir Mir (Senior Journalist and Resident Editor, Daily Pakistan), Tariq Moin Siddiqui (Bureau Chief, Geo News), and Syeda Hoor Shumail (Editor-in-Chief, Pakistan State Time). The discussion highlighted the media’s ethical responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of unbiased and fact-based reporting. Panelists also reflected on the challenges media organizations face when navigating state narratives, especially in sensitive contexts such as international conflict.

The second session, moderated by Iqbal Jamil, focused on the role of digital media literacy in combating misinformation. Panelists included Manzar Naqvi (Editor-in-Chief, The Financial Daily), Syed Khalid Mahmood (Journalist, Author, Blogger), Muhammad Nazakat Ali (Chief Editor, KarachiObserver.com), and Ali Asghar (Senior Journalist, PTV News). They offered real-world examples and called for collaborative strategies to counter the spread of fake news across digital platforms.

Speakers underscored the importance of media literacy, urging joint efforts by media houses, academia, and civil society to foster critical thinking and safeguard the integrity of information. It was noted that audiences increasingly rely on traditional and credible sources, such as established newspapers, to verify digital content.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees posed insightful questions to the panelists. The exchanges were handled with clarity and openness, reinforcing the educational value of the discussion.

In their closing remarks, Iqbal Jamil, Dr. Uzma Qazi, and Dr. Sabir Ahmed reaffirmed Greenwich University’s commitment to promoting ethical journalism and announced plans for similar initiatives in the future.

The panel discussion was praised as a timely and impactful initiative. Many students expressed that they left the event better informed and more aware of their role in discerning truth in the digital age.

Sindh Government Intensifies Crackdown on Traffic Violations Following CM's Directives

Karachi: In a determined effort to enforce traffic regulations and enhance road safety, the Sindh government, under the directives of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, has continued its crackdown on traffic violations across the province. The Traffic Police presented a progress report to the Chief Minister detailing their actions from April 9th to 18th.

According to the report, a significant number of motorcycles, totaling 15,217, were impounded for various violations, primarily for riders not wearing helmets and other breaches of traffic laws. Furthermore, action was taken against 1,124 vehicles for using unauthorized fancy number plates and tinted windows (kaalay sheeshay).

The Traffic Police also reported the impounding of 274 dumpers and tankers for issues related to fitness and over-speeding, highlighting a focus on heavy vehicle compliance as well.

In a strong recommendation to further improve road safety, the Traffic Police proposed the permanent cancellation of registration for 25 large and small vehicles found to be unfit. Additionally, they have recommended the temporary suspension of registration for another 200 vehicles with fitness issues.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, upon reviewing the report, issued further stringent directives to the Traffic Police. He emphasized the need for immediate action against those involved in over-speeding and reiterated that underage drivers should not be allowed on the roads under any circumstances.

The Chief Minister also instructed the police to take strict action against individuals driving without a valid license and to ensure that fines are imposed on those who violate traffic signals.

Furthermore, CM Murad Ali Shah ordered a complete ban on the use of pressure horns in vehicles and called for special measures to be implemented at zebra crossings for the safety of pedestrians. He also directed immediate issuance of challans for vehicles using additional lights and creating unnecessary noise.

Recognizing the importance of public awareness, the Chief Minister stressed the need to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens about traffic laws.

These ongoing efforts and new directives underscore the Sindh government's commitment to ensuring safer roads for all citizens by strictly enforcing traffic regulations and promoting responsible driving habits.

New AMUOBA President Vows to Revive Association's Credibility, Focus on Modern Education

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Mohammed Akbar Ali Khan, the newly-elected President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) and Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), has pledged to restore the association's past glory and implement modern educational reforms.

In his inaugural address during the first meeting after his election, Khan, speaking to members of the Pakistan News & Features Services, described his victory as a "momentous occasion" and committed to upholding the association's rich history and traditions. "Our mission is not only to revive its past credibility but also conceive new ideas for its future role," he declared.

Khan emphasized the need for educational reforms to address contemporary challenges, outlining plans for curriculum changes and the integration of modern teaching practices. "I promise to adopt modern day teaching practices by adopting modern technology and thus promote the creative talents of our youth by focusing mainly on research," he stated. He also highlighted the importance of fostering international cooperation to enhance research activities.

Jaffar Nazir Usmani, the AMUOBA’s General Secretary, echoed Khan's commitment, pledging to utilize his abilities to fulfill the promises made and prioritize their implementation. "The time has come to move forward with new determination and ensure bringing positive changes by promoting mutual cooperation," he said.

Erum Akbar, another key figure in the association, attributed their electoral success to teamwork and stressed the importance of continued collaboration. She also addressed past grievances, notably the revocation of Akbar Ali Khan's membership, vowing that "no injustice will be allowed to be done to anyone and all decisions would be taken purely on performance and merit."

Engr Adil Usman, former AMUOBA President and SSUET Chancellor, expressed hope for improved management of associate institutions and the continued advancement of the late Zakir Ali Khan’s mission.

Noted Aligarhian and poet Tariq Sabzwari criticized the past decade for deviating from Aligarh's traditional culture, introducing "self-centered objectives." He acknowledged that reversing this mismanagement would require time.

Members of AMUOBA engaged in open discussions, proposing both short-term and long-term strategies, emphasizing the integration of technologies with current market value. They highlighted the dawn of a "new era" for AMUOBA and SSUET, stressing the importance of strengthening ties between industry and academia.

Notably, some members expressed surprise at their inclusion in the AMUOBA, indicating potential gaps in communication. The meeting was also attended by prominent figures, including Farrukh Nizami, son of SSUET’s founder Engr Z.A Nizami, and Engr Adil Usman.

Happiness is indeed not something readymade; it comes from our actions

By Zara Waqas

Dalai Lama had famously declared that happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. This quote has fascinated me immensely. I am sure that many of you like it too. 

Happiness is a subjective phenomenon that everyone seeks in their own way. It varies from person to person and it can be influenced by different factors. 

Generally, we search for happiness in things, people, money, and experiences that we believe will bring us a sense of fulfilment and joy. 

However, happiness is not something that can be bought, borrowed, or begged for. It is a state of mind that can only be attained by taking action to nurture and cultivate it within oneself. 

According to Denis Waitley, happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. 

Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. It's all about our thinking. If we have a habit of looking at negative aspect of everything, and if we are unable to accept reality or cannot admit our mistakes, then what will happen in the end? 

Let me tell you, we will lose our confidence and grace. Blaming others for our mistakes or faults will turn us cruel and will affect our relations with classmates, friends, and relatives, and in the end, we will be left alone in this world. 

There is a simple formula for happiness. Try to help others by all means, make ways for others to progress, meet people with crystal clear hearts and sweet smiles on your face, use polite words, be humble and kind, be honest in your deeds and last but not the least, keep doing what makes you happy. 

Of course, watching videos or playing games all the time on mobile or tablets may not serve the purpose. Let us be realistic and use our time and energy wisely and positively. Because our future and happiness both are in our own hands. 

Always remember, happiness is a choice and it can only come from within you. Let us learn to appreciate all small blessings that we take for granted. It all depends on us, how we take things. It is upto us whether we make life a burden for ourselves or embrace it with open arms. 

I have read somewhere that life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what is there until you open and taste it. How true, isn’t it? 

Outside factors and other people can also affect our happiness. If someone close to us dies or if we fall sick or pick up a serious injury all of these things are not going to make us feel happy. Grief and feelings of sadness are all part and parcel of life and we need to go through them to appreciate all the good things in life that make us happy. 

Happiness is a result of our choices and mindset, not something that just happens to us. Another beautiful saying of Charles Spurgeon is that it's not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

Dewan Motors launch electric cars in a glorious ceremony

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News and Features Services)

Way is paved for assembling and later gradual manufacturing of electric cars and bikes in Pakistan with the launching of electric cars by the Dewan Motors Limited (DML), a reputed name in the automobile sector, at a glorious launch ceremony at the Convention Centre of DHA Golf Club on June 4. 

The Chairman of Senate, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, also a former Prime Minister, was the guest of honour as hundreds of participants from various walks of life celebrated another remarkable achievement by Pakistan. 

Speaking on the occasion, he acknowledged and applauded the ground breaking initiative undertaken by the Yousuf Dewan Companies (YDC) in the automotive sector. 

“The establishment of a state-of-the-art vehicle assembly plant equipped with cutting-edge robotics technology, signifies the strength and capabilities of the company,” he remarked. 

He was confident that, based on its reputation and track record, the YDC will not only meet but exceed the expectations, paving the way for Pakistan to become a major player in the global automotive market. 

The Senate Chairman extended his support for the ecosystem being incorporated into the automotive industry, particularly the emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

“As we move towards a greener future, it is imperative that we prioritize eco-friendly practices and technologies,” he emphasized. 

He described the YDC’s commitment to this cause as commendable and sets a positive example for other industries to follow. 

“Indeed, the year 2024 marks the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry we applaud Chairman Dewan Yousuf and the YDC for taking the first bold step into this future,” he complimented. 

Earlier in his welcome address, Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui announced the YDC collaboration with KIA of Korea and HORNI of China, two of the global leaders in the automotive and technology sectors respectively. 

“This partnership makes a significant milestone in our quest to revolutionize the automotive landscape and pave the way for a sustainable eco-friendly future. We are on the cusp of a transformative journey, one that will not only redefine Pakistan’s automotive industry but also prosper our nation towards a brighter and more sustainable future with the vision of an electric Pakistan-a Pakistan where innovation thrives, where economic growth is fueled by sustainable practices and where we lead the charge towards a greener tomorrow,” he elaborated. 

Dewan Yousuf stated that in the coming years, Pakistan will not only witness the assembly of small electric cars but also emerge as a key player in the global electric vehicle market. 

“We are laying the groundwork for a robust infrastructure that will support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the country. This includes the establishment of charging stations in strategically positioned throughout Pakistan. 

Dewan Yousuf shared that the YDC was building an entire ecosystem, from production to consumption with sustainability at its core. 

“We envision Pakistan as a hub for battery manufacturing, leveraging our resources and expertise to produce cutting-edge battery technology. This will not only reduce our reliance on imports but also create employment opportunities and foster technological innovation within our borders,” he hoped. 

He mentioned that first step towards the goal had already been taken by renewing their partnership with KIA and commencing the assembly of the Horni in Pakistan. Earlier the Senior Vice-President of KIA Corporation, IK Tae Kim, and Consul General of Korea, Yi Sung Ho, also spoke at length on the occasion. 

The memorable ceremony was largely attended by Ambassadors, Consul Generals, and dignitaries from financial institutions and stock exchange besides the movers and shakers from various sectors of automotive sector. 

On this occasion, two agreements were also signed for manufacturing batteries for electric cars and establishment of charging stations in Pakistan. 

Dewan Motors has launched Honri Ve, its first small electric vehicle (EV) with the collaboration of Eco-Green Motors Limited. The vehicle was revealed during the ceremony and the guests were allowed to inspect its different features.

Ceremony of Konpal Internship program held in Karachi

Last session and concluding ceremony of Konpal Internship program was held on 23rd Sept 2023 at Konpal office .Twelve nursing students of ziauddin and KU attended the program. They presented the survey results of their last assignment and shared their recommendations for the Community of Musa colony.

The program ended with the certificate distribution. Students highly appreciated the Internship program and volunteered to participate in any future activities of Konpal. Dr Pamela Marshall Dean ZSN thanked Prof Aisha Mehnaz, Ms Shahnaz Yasin , Mr Adil and konpal team for taking this initiative.

Sindh CM, bigwigs laud Barrister Sarah’s cultural diplomacy paintings

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Barrister Sarah Asim Khan’s creativity earned more accolades as her second Art Exhibition, in collaboration with the Consulate of Italy in Karachi, turned out to be another success story. The admiration of guests for her artwork also encouraged women empowerment. 

The recent exhibition was aligned with the celebration dinner of Italian National Day at the Hotel Avari Towers in Karachi, hosted and organized by the Consulate of Italy in Karachi under the leadership of Consul General of Italy, Danilo Giurdanella. 

The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, was the chief guest on the occasion and he graciously endorsed Sarah’s cultural diplomacy paintings pertaining to different countries. 

The Acting Governor of Sindh, Agha Siraj Durrani, Sindh Minister for Health, Azra Pechuho, Rear Admiral Mian Zakirullah Jan, Commander Karachi, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, MD Shipyard & EW, Sector Commander Rizwan, Iqbal Memon, Commissioner Karachi, Faisal Edhi, Chairman, Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation, and Ahmed Shah, President, Arts Council of Pakistan, were also present on the occasion along with diplomats and dignitaries from Britain, United States of America, Kuwait, Germany, Indonesia and various other countries. 

Barrister Sarah is acclaimed as the pioneer of cultural diplomacy and international mythological art in Pakistan. She has created paintings for 30 countries during the last couple of years which were displayed at the event. 

She created one of the paintings for the Consulate of Italy to promote friendship, trade and harmony between the countries which is titled ‘Italy and Pakistan Solidarity Beyond the Borders’ and it is displayed at the Consulate of Italy in Karachi. 

Another of her painting, which pertains to wildlife, is displayed in the office of Deputy Consul of Italy, Enrico Alfonso Ricciardi, also at the Consulate of Italy in Karachi. The diplomat had mentioned and praised Sarah’s paintings during his speech at Italian National Day. 

A lawyer by profession with varied experience in the UK and Pakistan, having diverse extracurricular interests in art, wildlife, hiking, travelling and social work, Barrister Sarah has emerged on the horizon as one of the most versatile young leaders. 

She attained her entire legal education at the University of London, including Bachelor of Laws, Masters in Corporate and Commercial Laws from Queen Mary College and a qualification in Intellectual Property Law and Policy from the London School of Economics & Political Science. 

Upon being called to the Bar at the Society of Lincoln’s Inn, she underwent Pupillage with a Chamber at King’s Bench Walk, London, and acclaimed eligibility to practice as a Barrister in the UK. She remains active in the legal fraternity and was the Programme Host and Master of Ceremony of 4th National Judicial Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Karachi in which the then Federal Law Minister, Barrister Farogh Nasim, was the chief guest and the Attorney General of Pakistan, Anwar Mansoor Khan, was the guest of honour.  

Inspiration for arts made her a self-taught artist, patronizing conservation of wildlife, harmonizing world cultures and heritage and with it promoting the soft-image of Pakistan to the world. Enthused by socializing with people from different countries, cultures and walks of life, her art-work is unique and creative in blending mythologies and national symbolism of the countries in art. 

As President of Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, RI District 3271 during 2018-19, she was recipient of the Outstanding Services to the Cause of Rotary Award as well as Recognition of Performance District Support Rotary Award. 

Her artwork and columns have supported Rotary’s cause of protecting the environment. Some of her paintings pertain to abstract wildlife which cultivates eagerness for the prosperity of flora and fauna. Furthermore, she is a columnist on subjects relating to wildlife conservation and environmental protection. 

Her columns diligently create awareness about safeguarding the natural environment for a thriving ecosystem which plays an essential role for the harmonious coexistence of humans and wild animals; and, ecofriendly recreational activities. 

As an active Rotarian, Barrister Sarah has contributed to enhance the positive public image of Rotary International which remains committed to providing humanitarian services around the globe with magnanimous and high spirits.

Waqar Hashmi likely to become new KWSB chief

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

With the post of Managing Director of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) having fallen vacant, the Sindh Government has started considering names of four officials for the lucrative posting as MD KWSB with Waqar Ahmed Hashmi, a Grade-20 officer working as Deputy Managing Director, being considered as the favourite. 

The names of the candidate for the new incumbent are under review at the Sindh Government level following the retirement of Farida Salam. Out of four names being given due consideration for the post, two officials are in Grade 20 while the remaining two are in Grade-19. 

The two Grade-19 officials are DMD Finance Rafiq Qureshi and Salahuddin who have started drumming their sources to clinch the coveted slot by hook or by crook. 

According to the sources, the name of Waqar Hashmi is being given top priority consideration keeping in view his capabilities and expertise besides his solid reputation of being an honest and committed officer throughout his career. He has vast experience of working at the KWSB in various cadres including Secretary Karachi Board, Principle Staff Officer, Director Revenue, Taxes and other important slots 

Meanwhile some of the former MDs of Water Board are learnt to have suggested those at the helm of affairs in Sindh Government about the name of Waqar Hashmi and pinpointed that being the most experienced officer he can play a pivotal role in resolving the water and sewerage problems of this ever sprawling city.

Digitization can reduce poverty, corruption: Former Estonian President

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“If the willingness is there, states can transform themselves through the use of digital technology, significantly reducing levels of poverty and corruption and simplifying government services that are otherwise bureaucratic and time consuming.” 

This was the core message delivered in a special lecture by Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former president of Estonia (2006-2016). He is recognized for implementing bold and innovative policies that led the Baltic state to becoming a global leader in digital governance, especially in the areas of voting, banking, healthcare, transportation and education. 

The event was hosted by Aga Khan University (AKU) Information and Communications Technology division, led by Chief Information Officer Shaukat Ali Khan, and attended by prominent CIOs from other leading institutions in Pakistan at the as special guests. 

Following his presidency, the Estonian leader has actively worked to advance understanding of how technology can be used to improve lives and create a safer world. He co-chairs the Global Future Council on Blockchain Technology, which examines how blockchain technology can be used to enhance cybersecurity, and recently advised the World Health Organization on technological solutions to address the COVID-19 pandemic. 

President Ilves, who was speaking remotely, shared his experiences spearheading Estonia’s digital transformation. He built on his familiarity with coding to explore innovative solutions to overcome a highly inefficient bureaucracy. Using the example of registering a birth in Estonia, he described a colleague’s frustration at having to manually apply to numerous individual departments to register the birth of a child, a process that took weeks and involved significant frustration. 

Digitization meant that as soon as a child was born, the hospital would enter it into the system, after which it would instantaneously be shared with every other relevant department so records would automatically be updated, expediting the entire process with no involvement from the parent. This ethos to simplify the citizen experience has continued to the point that even to file taxes, citizens usually just verify forms readily filled by the government. Though this process can be quite cumbersome in most countries, it takes mere minutes today for most Estonians. 

Moreover, the former Estonian president emphasized the IT talent existing in Pakistan, highlighting that there were many brilliant Pakistanis working in Estonia’s IT sector. He also suggested building proprietary government systems, and shared that many of Estonia’s systems are open source and can be freely shared for the benefit of other nations. 

Answering questions from the audience as to how a nation with low GDP per capita and limited exposure to computers managed to digitize, President Ilves shared Estonia’s solution of creating computer centres for the public to come and utilize the machines with assistance, so they could engage with the new digital governance systems. He also indicated that the focus of digitization must be on the citizens, and what makes their lives easier, despite how tempting it is to initially pursue projects that make things easier for the government. 

As people notice and feel the benefits of digitization, there is a ‘halo effect’ which leads to greater adoption of other related digital services. Extolling the virtues and necessity of digitization, the President highlighted that Estonia only 30 years ago was a newly independent country with high levels of poverty and corruption. Today, it has a reputation as a digital leader with the most unicorns (companies valued above US$1 billion) per capita in Europe and the sixth lowest corruption levels in the world, a startling achievement. It is a transformation journey upon which any country can embark if the willingness exists. 

The AKU is engaged in its own transformation journey, as it implements a globally leading Electronic Health Records (EHR) system across its hospitals to enhance patient experience, care quality, and research capability. Shaukat Ali Khan thanked President Ilves for sharing his wisdom and experience with the audience, and expressed his gratitude to all the participants, as well as the University of Central Asia (UCA) and the CxO Global Forum, for helping make the event possible.

NLA officials sprint across Karachi libraries

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top officials of the National Library Association (NLA) recently undertook visits of some of the educational and research institutions of Karachi to obtain first-hand information about the libraries working. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and its Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, managed to sprint across no less than half a dozen such establishments in a matter of just two days. They were warmly greeted by the working librarians and almost all of them pledged support to the cause of the Association. 

Bahria University, Karachi School of Business and Leadership, University of Karachi, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transportation, Sindh High Court and Dow University of Health Sciences were among the institutions visited by the NLA delegation.

“It was both a fact finding mission as well as a reunion. Besides learning about their latest engagements and activities, we also brainstormed about doing things for the further progress of our fellow library professionals. It was unanimously agreed that coordinated efforts were needed to bring about meaningful changes,” the NLA President remarked. 

“The NLA was appreciated for its proactive approach and we have been assured cooperation and support of various kinds by the institutions we visited. On our part we urged all the library professionals to contribute their bit in this movement in whatever way it was possible for them. We made them understand that every effort, minor or major, will go a long way in further strengthening the NLA and let us achieve our cherished goals,” Muzaffar Ali Shah concluded.