Prof Ikramullah Khawaja highlights virtues of teaching as profession

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prof Ikramullah Khawaja, a former President of Youngtown State University, Ohio, USA, has called for a strong relationship between teachers and students, adding that good students cannot be produced without good teachers.

He stated this while delivering a lecture on ‘Teaching as a Profession’ at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi,where he was invited by its Chancellor Jawaid Anwar. 

“I feel an inner delight as a teacher when I see a student to have achieved success in his/her objective,” the distinguished visitor stated while addressing the faculty and students giving out his vast experience in teaching of over four decades. 

Prof. Ikramullah described teaching as his passion and said that keeping this background in view he established an Islamic Chair at the Youngtown State University and it was due to his sole efforts that this university is making 50 percent funding of this Chair while rest by the community. 

He called upon the students not to go for any field which is pursued by popularly others but adopt the field in which they think they can achieve excellence. 

Earlier the Chancellor Jawaid Anwar welcomed and introduced the eminent guest and narrated his experience as role model for the faculty members of SSUET. He also shared his views about teaching and said “a best teacher is the person who always makes his students agile”. 

He pointed out that in the era of twenty first century where technology is advancing in every field of life. He is of firm belief that our teachers can transform our students’ mind more innovative, productive and creative. 

He highly appreciated Prof Ikramullah Khawaja for his experiences in the academic and teaching professions and said these would be of immense benefit for our university.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi highlighted the role of SSUET in the promotion of engineering and said its Board of Governors include prominent figures like Dr A.Q. Khan, Dr Ata-ur- Rahman and others. 

He recalled that starting with two technologies, the university today has 10 technologies and plans are afoot to introduce some more in near future besides offering Masters and Ph.D programs. He informed that starting with 200 students in 1994 some 14,000 engineers have passed out from the SSUET. 

He also spoke about the facilities being provided by the university like scholarships, benevolent fund, financial assistance besides having quality enhancement cell, career planning department and others. 

The Director Quality Enhancement Cell and Faculty Development said that QEC is proud to have started its journey by inviting distinguished scholar Prof Ikramullah Khawaja. He said that the QEC has been established for the purpose of development of Quality of Faculty and Students. 

On the occasion, Dean Faculty of Engineering, Prof Dr S M Makhdumi proposed the vote of thanks and particularly referred to Prof Ikramullah’s remarks about teaching as passion and teacher-student relationship.

Aligarhian Zakir Ali Khan remembered

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Rich tributes were paid to the late General Secretary of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), Engr Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan, on the occasion of his fourth death anniversary observed by the Association at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology SSUET), Karachi.

Eminent speakers, on the occasion, highlighted the educational and literary services of Zakir Ali Khan, particularly his contribution towards the advancement of Sir Syed’s Mission. 

In his thought-provoking discourse, the SSUET Chancellor and the AMUOBA President, Jawaid Anwar, while recalling the services of Zakir Ali Khan, said that in any society the freedom of expression plays a positive role towards promotion of healthy trends. 

“The true opinion-making among the human beings is very much connected to their independent thinking,” he stated. 

“We at AMUOBA desire to write down a new chapter at Sir Syed University through educational advancement to be achieved through developmental activities.” 

He described Zakir Aki Khan as a multi-faceted person, particularly in the field of Urdu literature in recognition of which he was awarded ‘International Award for Literature’ by the Aligarh Muslim University. 

He particularly referred to Zakir’s most famous book ‘Riwayat-e-Aligarh’ and said it is a valuable gift for Aligarhians and students as well as a reflection of his character and personality. 

“It is a very informative truly reflecting the traditions of Aligarh culture and an important source for character building of students.” 

The Chancellor told the gathering that the University’s present setup is all out for the welfare of its employees and announced that they soon will be given benefits including medical insurance and revised pay scales. 

Pointing out that a number of welfare measures have been taken in a short span of four months, the services of around 150 adhoc employees were regularized and due promotions given to deserving employees besides completing the new E Block named after the Late Z A Nizami while it has been proposed to name Block F after Zakir Ali Khan. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said that admission process has been completed smoothly and new and old entrants were pursuing university’s discipline. 

According to him the gap between two important sections of Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) and Faculty is being bridged through reorganization measures. 

Earlier in his speech the AMUOBA’s General Secretary Mohammed Arshad Khan said that a sad phase of our society was that due recognition is not given to personalities in their lifetime. 

He stated that Zakir Ali Khan was the true benefactor of the Association and his services for AMUOBA and SSUET will go down in its history with golden letters. 

In his speech the Vice-Chancellor Hamdard University Prof Dr Abdul Mannan remarked that Zakir Ali Khan was binding force for the entire Aligarhin community and kept them jointed through his unmatched behavior and literary works. 

Noted journalist and writer Mahmood Shaam that every soul departing from us takes away his bright phase. Previously it was an era of independence but now the mass of slaves was on the rise. 

He said that Pakistan would not have come into being if there would not have been Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and it was unfortunate that we failed to maintain traditions and their continuation, adding that Zakir Ali Khan was the one who had command over urdu and presented the conditions around in a fascinating manner. 

Noted writer and researcher Khawaja Razi Hyder described Zakir Ali Khan a best writer of his era who had the ability to make people realize what used to be just information and his writings had a deep rooted appeal for the new generation in relation to their character building and wanted to see a bright future for them. 

Renowned poet Jazib Qureshi paid poetic tribute to Zakir Ali Khan and said he never allowed love, affection and memories to disappear. 

The daughter-in-law of Late Zakir Ali Khan said that he was a most affectionate person and from day one he never allowed her to feel that she came to in-laws after leaving her home.

Dr Arshad Karim discusses teaching methodology with the SSUET’s academicians

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Matters relating to teaching methods with exploring the techniques that would help the teachers develop their skill of the art of teaching came under discussion at a high level meeting held by renowned educationist and a former foreign professor of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Arshad Syed Karim, with the faculty members of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi.

The meeting was chaired by the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, and attended by the SSUET Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, Registrar Prof Dr Mumtaz-ul-Inam, Deans and Chairpersons of various departments. 

The Chancellor introduced the distinguished guest and also discussed the various related issues which came up in the meeting. 

Earlier Registrar Prof Dr Imam-ul-Inam welcomed the eminent guest, who has had a distinguished career in the world of education enjoying teaching and learning and research guidance. 

Dr Arshad Karim holds more than 50 years cross-cultural global teaching, research and education administrative experience. He has authored 16 books and over 100 research articles in the discipline of social sciences. 

In his opening remarks, Dr Arshad Karim pointed out that teaching can perhaps more aptly be defined as an art rather than a science. 

“It is the art of transferring knowledge, and of cultivating and nourishing independent thinking that breeds a national, responsible and disciplined generation,” he observed. 

He opined that the teacher carried tremendous responsibilities on their shoulders as it is through the teacher that the students learnt how to create a civil society. 

Among others, the discussion focused on building student-teacher relationship creating amicable classroom environment with special reference to the critical aspect of people discipline, classroom management and control. 

Dr Arshad Karim shared a wealth of information about classroom management strategies that successful teachers use to get and keep students on-task and engaged in lesson. 

According to him, the strategies were based on extensive teaching experiences as well as finding of numerous studies in learning theory, student motivation, behavior modification, counseling psychology, violence prevention, group dynamics, students engagement and classroom organization. 

The visiting educationist and the participants had an extensive discussion on the subject matter besides exchanging proposals thereof.

Railways recover over Rs 13 million from ticketless passengers

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan Railways, in raids over various trains, recovered over Rs 13 million from passengers travelling without ticket. 

On the directives of Divisional Superintendent, Engr Nisar Memon, the raids were conducted by the Divisional Commercial Officer, Nasir Nazeer during the month of January 2016. 

During the surprise raids the DCO with his commercial staff nabbed 12,751 passengers travelling without ticket and charged over Rs 13 million as fare and fine. 

The DCO said that on the instruction of Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq to discourage the tendency of travelling in the railway, these raids will continue with heavy fines to be imposed on violators as a deterrent.

SBCA warns people against land mafia

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The land mafia and encroachers are continuing with illegal occupation of parks, marriage halls, primary and high schools, public buildings, commercial, industrial and residential plots and their sale and purchase.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in a reiterated warning cautioned the people not to take part in the illegal sale and purchase of such plots or their booking and similar associated activities in their own interest. 

In this connection on the directive of DG SBCA, Agha Maqsood Abbas, a survey report was compiled by the Director Buildings Gadap Town along with their use as per Master Plan and presented to the Director General. 

According to this report, the plot numbers SJ 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 6/2, 8/2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 26, R-2, R-1 and plot numbers. A-30, L-8, L-12, R-5, Plot No ST-10 and 11 of the land under mafia’s occupation, are for park, marriage hall, public building, primary school, commercial and residential plots. 

Plot numbers FL-1 and 2, ST-1, ST 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, ST 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21 have been illegally occupied and were reserved for playground, high school, public building and marriage hall . Of the land occupied by land mafia included plot numbers ST 21, 17, 01 in Sector 4/B, Plot Nos. ST 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18 in sector 4/D, and ST 21 

In Surjani Town plot numbers ST 4, 6, 12 in sector 5/C, ST 8 in sector 7/A, ST 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20 and 21 in Sector 7B have been illegally occupied. 

The SBCA made it clear that no plan approval or NOC has been issued in respect of any constructions on the notified plots nor the Authority will bear any responsibility thereof. 

The Director Project Surjani Town, through letter, was informed a number of times to take action against illegal occupiers and mafia. 

In this regard, the SBCA also informed the SSP West and Registrar Surjani Town, besides service providers K-Electric, SSGC and KWSB about the legal status of these plots and told not to entertain them with regard to lease and connections of basic utilities.

Nadir Magsi, Tusna Patel clinch major Hub Rally titles

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)




Demonstrating speed, skill and masterly Pakistan’s top ralliest driver Nadir Magsi won the main title while Tushna Patel won the ladies crown of Toyota third edition of Off-road Hub Rally at the Nooriabad Track.




The seven-time Cholistan Rally champion and as many time Jhal Magsi champion, Nadir Magsi driving his 6500 CC left handed Red Ford, handled the sharp turns, muddy and hilly track to emerge on the top among the over 30 drivers.




Nadir Magsi covered course on his highly powerful vehicle in 15.20 seconds to the delight of his band of supporters and followers.




“It was fast track and I used it to my best in achieving good timing,” he told reporters after winning the title.




Mrs. Tusha Patel driving a Vigo 2500 CC completed the hat-trick by winning her third successive title. She covered the distance in 21.20 seconds.




“My husband Ronnie Patel is motivating force in my success,” she said afterwards. 




Ismail Tariq won the fastest driver award, having covered the 32-KM course on his 2300 CC Vigo in 15.20 seconds.




Nauman Saranjam Khan emerged winner in “D” category while Nadir Magsi’s brother Aamir Magsi took the honors in his Vigo 3000 C. Mohammad Mehdi Dhanji won the “D” Stock category on his 1000 CC car.




Former Sindh Minister Mukesh Chawla won the Stock C contest in his Vigo 2000 CC.




In ladies car class, Shazia Naveed secured first position. Mrs. Asma Muzzmil was second and Sadia Aamir was third.

DG Rangers Sindh, Major General Bilal Akbar, who was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony, distributed some of the glittering trophies.




Chief Organizer Shujaat Sherwani, CEO Toyota Indus Motors, Ali Asghar Jamali were also present on the occasion.




Asghar Jamali described it a great event and expressed the hope such Rally event will increase and more talented drivers will come in force.




General Bilal took part in the race driving Vigo and covered the 32-KM distance in 22 minutes.




Speaking on the occasion, General Bilal announced to hold a Thar Desert Rally in Tharpaker and decided to dedicate it to the area people.




He observed that sports united the people and felicitated the organizers for staging such a high magnitude and attracted large number of peoples and followers of automobiles racing. 




He remarked that 67% of the population of the country comprised youth and he desired to provide them the best support and security to excel in their respective fields.




General Bilal reckoned that Pakistan posseseds great potential in sports and the athletes deserve to be facilitated to achieve excellence




Earlier the rally was inaugurated at a simple ceremony in presence of hundreds of racing followers, supporters.




Speaking on the occasion, Director Marketing and Sales, Raheel Asghar, said that was great achievement that Toyota Highway Motors with Sherwani are conducting this exciting and attractive event.




He stated that Toyota was looking forward to promote this sport like elsewhere across the world.




Shujaat Sherwani thanked top rally driver for featuring in the race. He said that due to some unavoidable circumstances both Turkish and Japanese could not turn-up to take part in the sports vehicle gala.

SBCA razes illegal structures

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The demolition squad of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), on the directive of Director General SBCA, Agha Masood Abbass, demolished and sealed two illegal marriage halls in Korangi Town.

According to a spokesman of SBCA, the squad demolished Green Valley’s illegal marriage halls and banquet situated on plot number F-7 and F-8, Sector E, in the Lucknow Cooperative Housing Society. 

It also demolished illegal construction on Plot number C-47, Sector 31-E, Al Arabia Marriage Lawn in Darul Salam Housing Society and sealed the premises. 

The demolition operation was carried out under the supervision of Director Demolition, Jameel Memon, Deputy Director Sajjad, and Assistant Director, Korangi Town Ahsan Idrees. 

The SBCA’s police force was also present during the demolition operation to maintain law and order situation in the area.