Glowing tributes paid to noted scholar Dr Nabi Bux Baluch

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Glowing tributes were paid to noted scholar, educationist and researcher, Dr Nabi Bux Balcuh amidst an announcement for the establishment of Dr Nabi Bux Baluch Chair at Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, and dedication of corners in the libraries of universities and colleges of Sindh .

The announcement for establishment of Chair after the name of Dr Baluch was made by Engr Z A Nizami, Chancellor SSUET, while the Sindh Senior Minister for Education, Pir Mazhar-ul-Huq, announced the decision to dedicate the corners in his name in the libraries of various universities and colleges of the province. 

The two important announcements were made at a Literary Reference in memory of Late Dr Nabi Bux Baluch held at Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, in collaboration with Academy of Letters, and it was largely attended by educationists, scholars, researchers and noted writers.

Besides Pir Mazharul Huq, who was chief guest on the occasion and Chancellor Z.A. Nizami, who presided over, the Reference was addressed, among others, by noted scholar and writer Dr Awaz Ali Shauq.

In his speech on the occasion Pir Mazharul Huq said that Late Dr Baluch was although from Sindh, but he was not merely a Sindh writer but an internationally recognized scholar and educational expert who was imbibed with the Aligarh spirit.

He recalled that his grand father, Pir Illahi Bux was a politician, yet he used to take academic advices from Dr Baluch and used to follow the same.

Pir Mazhar said that while framing national education policy when the stage of getting Sindh’s input came, he (Pir Mazhar) organized a meeting of educational experts at the residence of Dr Nabi Bux Baluch and he can say without doubt that Dr Baluch played a key role in this regard.

He said it was such a vibrant and practical policy that if implemented, many of our problems being encountered today ca be solved.. He said that Dr Nabi Bux Baluch wanted 7 percent of National GDP to be spent on education which presently is only 1.2 percent.

Referring to a suggestion from Agha Noor Mohammed Pathan, Resident Director Academy of Letters for opening of one room libraries after the name of Dr Nabi Bux Baluch at tehsil level in Sindh , Pir Mazhar said that there is no problem in opening such libraries, but what was required is to create an eagerness of book reading among students .

He noted that many universities and colleges in Sindh did had good libraries but the over the years these were not upgraded.

He said Sindh Education department has prepared a lists of modern books to be purchased for these libraries and it is for the third consecutive year that tendering process for procurement of such books has been undertaken.

In his Presidential remarks, Chancellor SSUET Z.A. Nizami said that Dr Nabi Bux Baluch had very deep association with Sir Syed University and he remained on its Board of Governors till his last. He said his decisions in the meetings of Board of Governors proved land mark decisions.

Nizami said that Dr Baluch had acquired his education from Aligarh and he used to follow Aligarh Spirit and Concept. He disclosed that SSUET has collected most valuable material about the life and achievements of Dr Baluch and will publilsh the same in the form of a book.

He declared that SSUET will have a chair in the name of r Baluch in recognition to his services for the cause of education.

In his address Dr Nawaz Ali Shauq said he learnt a lot from two personalities Dr Nabi Bux Baluch and Pir Hasamuddin Rashdi and this helped him in determining his direction of practical life. He said that Dr Baluch’s works are glorious and he lived an exemplary life without leaving anything which one would consider imperative for a nation to reckon with.

He highlighted his outstanding research on the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and said while other researchers may had collected five written scripts, Dr Baluch collected 50 in a span of 50 years and got published source material which he could collect from anywhere in the world.

Mazharul Siddiqi recalled his close association with Dr Baluch and said thaht when he was a student in Sindh University, Dr Baluch had then been the head of Department of Education which was established by Allama I.I. Kazi. He said Sindh is greatly indebted to r Baluh for highlighting its history and culture as he used to consider culture as soul of a society. He said he particularly highlighted the the aesthetic aspects of Sindh’s rural life.

He said Dr Baluch institutionalised the respect of teachers in the society and he used to listen to budding students with all intent as he used to say that one could learn even from these growing students. He used to give great importance to human potential. 

Dr Rauf called for completing the works of Dr Nabi Bux Bluch which remained incomplete.

Earlier Agha Noor Muhammed Pathan, Resident Director Academy of Letters said that besides paying tributes to Dr Baluch there is need to ensure practical implementation of his philosophy.

On the occasion Pir Mazharul Huq inaugurated a new website on Dr Nabi Bux Bauch developed by Academy of Letters.

The function ended with a vote of thanks by leading poet and Convenor of SSUET’s Literary and Cultural Forum, Khumar Farooqi.

Chancellor Nizami reviews workload of SSUET departments

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Engr Z.A. Nizami has directed the University’s library department to ensure availability of all books required by students before the start of new semester.

He issued the directive while reviewing the workload of this department as well as Examination Finance, Transport, Communication, Procurement and Audit departments.

On the occasion, he was informed that the library department timely procured engineering related books which are being taught in various international universities besides getting hold of research-oriented journals.

The Chancellor was briefed that the library was also donated books on various engineering subjects and so far over 19,000 books had been donated since the university came into being. Of these 6500 books were received as donation during 2011-12 alone.

It was pointed out that all information about the books received were being duly communicated to the faculty members so that they could avail the facility.

Chancellor Nizami directed that both the teachers and students should be duly facilitated while library books should be properly maintained on priority basis.

He was informed that the department carries out fumigation in the library after every six months while books damaged by white ant are discarded..

Chancellor Nizami opens exhibition for special children at SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET, Karachi, Engr Z.A. Nizami has said that our society will have to adopt a positive attitude towards special children.

“They are not a burden on the society and rather our support to them in winning Allah’s blessings”, he emphasized while inaugurating a painting exhibition on special children. The exhibition was organized by Cane Social Welfare Cultural & Literary Organization in collaboration with Sir Syed University.

Engr Nizami said it is our collective responsibility to to take full care of special children and rehabilitate them through education and necessary training.

He announced to start free computer classes for special children at the University and ensured to give jobs to them after training.

He paid tributes to those parents who groom their special children for making them useful members of the society and also praised the persons and institutions working towards their cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rehana Ali Shah, a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon, while referring to the paintings and art work of special children on display, said she was amazed to see their potential and creative abilities. 

“It is surprising that we being a normal and healthy person raise a hell with complaints but these special children despite their deficiencies live with no grievances”.

On the occasion she announced to provide free orthopedic treatment and facilities to special children.

Earlier children presented national songs and folk dance and drew big applause from the participants in response. 

Later, Chancellor Z.A. Nizami took a visit to the paintings of special children and appreciated their skill and craft.

Effective measures help increase revenue of Railways' Karachi Division

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

Despite ongoing resource constraints, Pakistan Railway Karachi Division, succeeded in making a leap forward with an increase in its revenue income during the months of March and April. 

The Division earned a revenue income of Rs 9 million per day in passenger sector only during these two months, an increase of Rs 2 million per day as compared to revenue generated during January 2012. 

According to Divisional Superintendent Railway, Anzer Ismail Rizvi, Karachi Division earned a revenue income of Rs 550 million during the two months under review. 

"The revenue increase was achieved mainly because of strict vigilance and monitoring against ticket less traveling,” the DS Railway stated. He said that black marketing of tickets has also been effectively controlled with passengers being facilitated in reservation of seats in various upcountry bound trains. 

He said effective measures were also taken to ensure that passenger could board a train without valid traveling document at entry points of three major stations of Karachi, Cantonment and Hyderabad Railway stations. 

Anzer Rizvi pointed out that speed restrictions at various points have been made normal by about 40 kilometers between Karachi and Tando Adam as a result of which the punctuality of trains have improved and now the trains were running at normal speed of maximum 105. 

He said that an additional train service has been started between Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas, restoring a previously closed service. This service was closed after railway sources started depleting. 

The restoration of service has greatly facilitated the commuters between Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas. Meanwhile the Divisional authorities also restored the Lower AC coach service between Karachi and Sukkur on alternate day for which power generating unit was arranged through local resources. 

The DS Railway informed that a schedule of repair of 28 locomotives out of 111 allotted to Karachi Railway Division has been prepared whereby four locomotives will be repaired and brought on track every month from January 2013. 

However, he said it will depend on arrival of spare parts either imported or made available locally. To a question, he said, that freight trains, which are a main source of revenue, have again been made operative with an average one train per day with containerized goods for Premnagar dry port and Furnace oil for Lal Pir Power station. He said that efforts were underway to run two freight trains daily from Karachi within a fortnight. 

Chancellor Nizami rewards SSUET cricketers

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

The Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Engr Z A Nizami, has renewed the pledge that all the talented sports persons will be supported and patronised by the institution in order to breed healthy competition in the society. 

He was speaking at a reception in the honour of the SSUET cricket team which finished runners-up in the recently held Red Bull Tri-nation Cricket Championship in Sri Lanka besides having clinched the national Inter-Varsities title. 

The SSUET had qualified for the Sri Lankan event by winning the National Inter-Varsities championship. 

“We would like our students to excel in the fields of education as well as sports. We facilitate them to let them display their talent in extra-curricular activities,” Engr Nizami remarked in his brief speech. 

Former Test cricketer, Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu, who was the chief guest in the ceremony, observed that the outstanding athletes should be provided special assistance and facilities to pursue their education while unfolding their talents in the field of sports. 

“The students should also pay due attention to their studies in order to succeed in their future life. The curriculum should be designed in such a manner that allowed them sufficient time in the playgrounds,” Salahuddin, who has also been chairman of the national selection committee, urged. 

He lauded the role of the SSUET, named after the visionary leader Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, in promoting sports alongwith education and congratulated their team for the good show in the Saarc event and for winning the national Inter-Varsities title. 

“It’s a collective responsibility to have a kind of environment where we could produce dashing students, active athletes and above all good human beings,” he added. Chancellor Nizami and Salahuddin later distributed certificates of financial assistance among the members of the winning team. 

Shah Hasan Atta’s Maqamat-e-Dil launched at SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Engr Z A Nizami, has renewed the commitment to continue supporting the cause of promotion of Urdu language and its literature.

He stated this while speaking as the chief guest at the launching ceremony of Shah Hasan Atta’s book titled “Maqamat-e-Dil” which was held under the SSUET at its spacious Bashir A Malik Auditorium. 

The graceful ceremony was largely attended by noted writers, scholars and other eminent literary personalities.

The Chancellor pointed out that despite the fact that the SSUET is an engineering institution, it has published around 200 books on general subjects that showed the dedication and commitment to the cause of Urdu language.

“I personally feel that it is too difficult to preserve events and memories with complete truth and accuracy, yet Shah Hassan Atta wrote a book that is a valuable addition to the work of literature,” Engr Z A Nizami complimented.

He paid glowing tributes to the outstanding works of Shah Hassan Atta and announced to bring out his biography soon and also to print his unpublished works.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sehar Ansari, an eminent poet, said that author Shah Hassan Atta has left indelible marks in the period when every other person was a giant. He had deep studies and knowledge. He was the first Secretary of the students’ union at Aligarh Muslim University and later became the Vice President of students’ union. 

Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi, a noted writer and critic, described Shah Hassan Atta was a fabulous writer whose focus was much more on spirituality and Sufism.

Senior Aligarian Saeed Siddiqui and Shah Umar Atta, author’s son, also spoke on the occasion, appreciating the SSUET’s gesture of encouraging scholastic works for the promotion of Urdu, the national language of Pakistan.

Engineering & IT Fair 2012 held at Aligarh Institute of Technology

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Engr Z A Nizami, has observed that technical education provides a boost to the economic advancement and plays a significant role in the national human resource development creating skilled manpower, enhancing industrial productivity and improving the quality of life in general. 

He was speaking as chief guest at the 6th Engineering & IT Fair 2012 organized by the Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) at their campus in Karachi.

Appreciating the exhibits on display, Chancellor Nizami highly complimented the efforts of the students who, he reckoned, are producing best results in their respective fields of studies and applying practical use of their knowledge in a true sense. 

Speaking on the occasion, Convener AIT, and Vice-President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys' Association (AMUOBA), Engr. Muhammad Adil Usman, called upon the students to continuously keep themselves updated with latest information and knowledge in the area of learning to help compete in the market and industry. 

The Engineering & IT Fair is an annual event organized by AIT and its basic purpose is to provide Students of BS (Compter Science) and students of diploma programme a platform to showcase their talents.

He described the projects on display as innovative and motivational and believed that these would enhance the employability skill of the students. He announced that the AIT will soon be introducing a new technology - Bio-informative technology. 

The 6th Engineering & IT Fair attracted a very large number of visitors and proved to be a commendable venture of projects on displa, highlighting the interplay of academics, business and technology. 

Around more than 300 projects were on display at the fair. Guests from various universities, institutes and technocrats from industries also visited the fair to act as judges for the competition.

Later prizes were distributed among the top three winners in seven categories. Chancellor Z A Nizami gaveaway the prizes to the students of Computer Science and Electronic departments. 

The projects Shopping Cart System of Computer Science department and Digital Clock by using seven segment display of Electronic department secured first prizes in the competition. 

I A Usmani, and Convenor AIT, Muhammad Adil Usman, also presented prizes to the winning students.

GM Railways visits loco shed

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The General Manager Pakistan Railways, Junaid Qureshi, paid a detailed visit to Locomotive workshop at Karachi cantonment Station and reviewed the availability of locomotives.

He was accompanied by Chief Mechanical Engineer, Mubinuddin and other Principal Officers from Railway headquarter Lahore and Divisional Superintendent Anzar Ismail Rizvi. During visit, he found 28 out of a total of 111 locomotives allocated for Karachi Railway Division, out of order.

On arrival at Loco shed, Junaid Qureshi was warmly welcomed by workers who assured him of their full cooperation in his efforts for revival of railway’s glory. He also discussed with the workers their problems and assured to solve them within the available resources.

He noticed that these locomotives can be repaired at the very loco shed and ordered immediate transportation of necessary parts from Rawalpindi to Karachi.

After taking over as General Manager earlier this month, Junaid Qureshi has started a series of visits to various railway divisions to review their working and performance in a bid to bring improvement in the railway operations.

He started his visits to these Divisions with first visit to Karachi Division during which he held meetings with the officials, staff and railway unions. He has planned similar review visits of Sukkur Division and Multan Division during the next few days.

The GM has decided that he will always travel by train to have an indepth study of railway installations, infrastructure facilities as well operational problems.

Junaid Qureshi has vowed to take Pakistan Railways to another level by mobilizing all the resources at their disposal.

HEC grants highest “W4” category to SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has made a big leap forward with the grant of highest “W-4” category by Higher Education Commission.

This highest category of HEC was granted consequent upon the Inspection of this university by a HEC Committee on January 24, 2012.

Based on the information provided on Quantitative Assessment Form (QAF) and recommendation by the Committee, the Chairman HEC approved the categorization of the University in Category “W4”.

Earlier in 2008, the SSUET was granted the then highest “W” Category for fulfilling the HEC’s criteria.

It may be pointed out that earlier the categories designed by HEC were A, B, C and D which at a later stage got transformed into W, X, Y, and Z categories with “W” being the highest. Of late the HEC further transformed this categorization as W1, W2, W3 and W4 with “W5” being the highest.

It may be mentioned here that SSUET was established in 1994 under an Act passed by Sindh Assembly and was granted Charter by the Governor in 1995.

In 1994, the University had started with only 200 students admitted to the disciplines of Computer and Electronics Engineering and Computer Science and subsequently new disciplines of Bio-Medical, Civil and Telecommunication engineering were added. Today SSUET has over 5000 students on its roll.

Junaid Qureshi commits to bring improvement in the railway working

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The newly appointed General Manager Pakistan Railways, Junaid Qureshi, has stated that railway’s 60 percent problems can be resolved by overcoming mismanagement while the remaining 40 percent relate to financial implications.

He made the observation while talking to media after chairing meetings with Divisional officers and office-bearers of various workers’ unions in the office of Divisional Superintendent Railways.

Besides some Principal Officers from Railway headquarter Lahore, who accompanied the General Manaer during his maiden visit to Karachi, the meeting was also attended by Divisional Superintendent Anzar Ismail Rizvi.

Junaid Qureshi said he told the officials to spare no effort in resolving the related problems which they can do at their own level 

In this regard, he said, he issued various directives to them and hopefully these would result in bringing improvement in the railway’s working including control on late running of trains which emanate from Karachi.

He said that plans were underway to restart the freight trains on priority basis, which in real term are the real revenue backbone of the railway.

“Railway certainly suffered a revenue setback with the closure of freight operation”, he observed and pointed out that Karachi Railway Division has only 89 working locomotives out of a total strength of 111.

He said that he will be visiting the loco shed at Cantonment railway station on Tuesday to assess the possibilities for repair of defective locomotives and for this purpose the railway will release necessary funds as well.

He said that railway will start operation of two freight trains from Karachi from next week

To a question, the GM Railways informed that talks were in final stages for obtaining Rs 6 billion commercial loan from National Bank of Pakistan. He said this amount will be spent on the repair of 80 locomotives and will be repaid from the income generating from freight and other operational trains.

Junaid Qureshi informed that international tenders have been floated for purchase of 150 locomotives. He said the tenders will be opened in June.

Replying a question, the GM said that railway is going to run six more trains on public-private participation during the next 30 or 45 days.

He told a questioner that for the present the railway’s revenue was 30 percent below the target. But the situation will improve by next month when freight trains will be operational.

Meanwhile, the General Manager railway has under taken a visit to various railway divisions starting with Karachi Division He will be visiting Sukkur Railway Division on Tuesday and Wednesday and Multan Railway Division next week.

Junaid Qureshi said he is taking a team of senior officers along with him for resolving various issues on the spot.

He said he himself will under take journey to various destination on trains and has issued same directives to his officers to follow his suit in an effort to bring improvement in the railway’s working.

Sir Syed University to hold Grandparents Day

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, will hold a unique get-together of grandparents of its passed out graduates of Batch 2008.

The objective of holding this innovative get together is to pay tributes to them and to celebrate the passing out of their rand children as engineers in various engineering disciplines.

The decision to hold this function during first week of June 2012 was approved by Chancellor Z A Nizami at a meeting with the Girls Affairs Committee.

He was informed that an estimated 3000 grand parents accompanied by their grand sons and daughters would be attending the function to be held at the University’s spacious Convocation ground.

The Chancellor observed that SSUET will be the first university to organize such a marvelous gathering of grandparents.

While discussing the issues, Ms Attiya Abid, Chairperson of Girls Affairs Committee informed that the Committee has compiled the data exclusively of female students who passed out from this university since its first convocation held in 1998.

Chancellor Nizami setup a committee to review the authenticity of the data for its finalization and publication with the directive to complete the task within one week.

Upon the request of the Committee, the Chancellor ordered upgradation of four common rooms for girls with provision of essential facilities and asked the Director P&D to survey the common rooms and assess the facilities that were needed for provision.

It was informed that as against 14 female students of the first batch, some 650 female students will be passing out in 2013.

Chancellor Nizami pointed out that it is a mater of an honor for this university that one of its students Late Arfa Karim was crowned with International Microsoft Certification award.

The meeting was attended, among others, by acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Najeeb and Registrar Shah Mahmood Hussain Syed.