Advisor’s compelling address stuns librarians

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Advisor of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Khalid Mahmood, stunned the audience with a compelling address during the ceremony organized to celebrate the World Book & Copyright Day at the Junagadh Lawn in Karachi on May 21. 

Although he has never been a library professional himself, he has earned appreciation and reverence from the librarians spread all over the country for having promoted their cause for the last many years and yet again he pleaded their case for due recognition. 

“The librarians employed at the government organizations are blessed with proper grades and facilities but those working in the private sector were not getting adequate compensation which is a pity. This is a serious matter and it demands action. Unity in the ranks of librarians will help resolve such issues,” he advised. 

“The NLA has provided you the platform. Our President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary, Anwar Hussain, have worked with missionary zeal for the last five years to keep it afloat. A few others have assisted them from time to time but let me assure you that it’s in your own interest too if you contribute your bit in making this movement more effective,” Khalid Mahmood, a renowned media personality, remarked. 

“Post-registration the NLA will have mandate to do bigger things. Therefore start extending your support by whatever means right now, if you haven’t started doing it yet. Strong NLA will make you stronger, your profession stronger. It will be for the collective benefit of all professionals,” he stressed.

DS Karachi emphasizes on improving Railways efficiency, safety

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Emphasizing the imperative need for ensuring immaculate safety aspect in train operation, the Divisional Superintendent Railways, Karachi Division, Kashif Rashed Yusufani, called upon the Divisional Officers and all other concerned personnel to contribute their bit in achieving the cherished objective of providing hazard-free service to railway passengers. 

He was speaking as chief guest at a one ‘Train Safery Operation seminar organized at the Technical Training Center on his directive. 

The seminar was attended by Divisional officers, Assistants, Train examiners, PWI, Guards, Station Masters and other relevant officials. The main objective was to acquaint them about how to take measures in advance to cope with accidents. 

The DS was appreciative of the officials and the staff members who were working efficiently despite problems of material and staff shortage.

He exhorted the officials and subordinates in charges to essential ensure carrying out now and then inspection of various railway installations and told them that timely inspections will surely reduce problems by 60-70 percent because such inspections would surely help pin point the safety related problems. 

He emphasized that no one should hide the problems, if identified, whether it related to track system, rolling stock or engine defection and the same should be forwarded to concerned officials for immediate remedial action.

“The staff must necessarily share the same with their officials as hiding the same or keeping it in abeyance, will be harmful for the railway,” he declared, adding that they will have to work together in making Pakistan Railways a profitable entity. 

His emphasis was that rules and regulations must be observed fully as only this could help the organization in making further advancements.

On the occasion Divisional Transportation Officer (DTO) Sajjad Ahmed Wagho, apprised the seminar participants about the importance of the event in detail and recalled that many lives were lost in trains accidents during the past few years besides accruing financial losses to the railway which also caused damage to the Railways credibility. 

The seminar was informed about three main reasons for accidents which were the condition of tracks, rolling stock problems and human error. Besides, natural calamities, subversion, material shortage and problems in defective signaling system were identified as other causes of accidents. 

The seminar proposed setting up of safety cell, procurement of safety materials, surprise inspections and taking immediate corrective measures of minor deficiencies as short term remedies. 

The seminar was attended, among others, by Deputy DS Shahid Hussain Sammpn, DCO Ishaq Baluch, DME-I Junaid Ahmed, DME-II Habibullah Maher, DN-I Kamran Ghauri, Assistant Operating Officer Shahid Hussain Khilji, Assistant Transportation Officer, Jahan Babar, Station Managers Karachi Cantonment, Karachi City, Keamari, Kotri and Hyderabad.

Cottage industry in Karachi

By Abdul Matin Ghani 

LAUNCHED by the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) in 1995, about 4,000 plots were allotted through ballot in the Cottage Industrial Zone at Orangi Township. Some initial work was done by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), but due to the area having been encroached upon, further development was stopped. It is now claimed by the authorities that all encroachments have been cleared, but in spite of several appeals to many officials and political leaderships, neither the allottees have so far been given physical possession of their plot of land nor have they been refunded the amounts already paid.

Small industries are the backbone of emerging economies. It is now time to revive all such dead projects, making them operational without which the vision of seven to eight per cent growth with greater employment opportunities can never ever be fulfilled no matter how dedicated an individual or relevant a ministry is.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2021

Close coordination between ABAD, cantonment boards sought

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Director General of the Military Lands & Cantonments, Major General (R) Furrukh Rashid, has announced that the building bye-laws in the cantonment areas would be amended in the light of suggestions from the Association of Builders & Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) in order to upgrade them technologically.

He made the announcement while talking to a delegation of ABAD, led by its chairman, Junaid Ashraf Taloo, which called on him at his office. The Additional Director General, Military Lands & Cantonments, Amir Rashid also attended the meeting. 

The ABAD delegation included chairman, Junaid Ashraf Taloo, Vice Chairman, Mohammad Hanif Memon, Chairman Southern Region, Mohammad Hassan Bakshi, Ex Senior Vice Chairman, Saleem Kassim Patel, Convener Cantonment Boards Sub-Committee, Arif Siddik, Co Convener, Cantonment Boards Sub-Committee, Haroon Karim and members Rizwan Adhia and Mahmood Tabba. 

DG Furrukh Rashid, while appreciating the role of ABAD in the promotion of construction industry, assured that issues of members of ABAD engaged in construction activities in cantonment areas will be resolved on priority. 

Saleem Kassim Patel gave a detailed briefing on the role of members of ABAD and demanded close coordination between ABAD, the Director’s Office and the offices of Cantonment Boards. 

Arif Siddik highlighted the issues of delays in the approval of projects of some members of ABAD. A detailed appraisal of delayed projects of members of ABAD was also done during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, 

Junaid Ashraf Taloo suggested that in view of the delay in the approval of projects, the process of approval of projects in the Director’s office be made simple and short. At this point, 

DG Furrukh Rashid informed that he will consult his team in this connection to simplify the process of approval and also fix a time frame for approval of projects. 

Mohammad Hassan Bakshi suggested mandatory membership of ABAD for all builders engaged in construction activities in cantonment areas. Rizwan Adhia proposed one window operation for quick approval of projects of members of ABAD. 

At the end of the meeting, DG Furrukh Rashid said that the office of Director Military Lands & Cantonments was examining the process and policies for delay in the resolution of different issues and these will be resolved soon.

Khawaja Saad Rafiq terms new locomotives as lifeline for Railways

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Pakistan News & Features Services

Federal Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, has said that after many years new locomotives are being inducted into the system as they are the lifeline for the Railway system. He briefed the media corps after formally receiving nine locomotives from China at the port in Karachi.

Five engines had arrived early this month while the second consignment of four engines arrived on April 27.

So far nine locomotives had reached here out of total 58 engines being acquired from China and the remainders would be supplied by the manufacturers by the end of the current year.

The Minister said that a team of 50 Railway officials had been sent to China for training to operate and maintain these locomotives which will also serve as the master-trainers to guide other staff.

He said that contract for these engines was signed by the previous government, adding that that a Chinese and an American companies had jointly manufactured these locos and assured that these are of high RPM capacity made of durable material.

A modern shed had also been built for them where the trained maintenance staff would look after them, he informed.

He said that in the next three to four years 400 more locomotives for goods and passenger train operation and another 100 exclusively for coal operation would be needed by then.

The Railway Minister about train punctuality said: "When I took the charge of his ministry it had dropped to 10 per cent but since then it had improved to 50 percent due to discipline.”

“The Railways was now focusing more on quality than quantity and decisions were being taken on administrative grounds and not for political considerations,” he remarked.

Photography competition held at Alliance Francaise

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Massive response was received to the Localens Photography Competition, whose lucky winners were awarded prizes at the Alliance Francaise, Karachi, on March 22.

It was an opportunity for the youngsters  who pursue photography as a hobby to demonstrate their creativity and talent. Nearly 14,000 entries were received and the judges, Jean-Francois Chenin, Director, Alliance Francaise in Karachi, Izdeyar Setna, a photgrapher, and Max Becherer, a freelance photo-journalist, had a challenge to meet while shortlisting 30 of these pictures which were put on display on the walls of the auditorium.

“I have nothing to hide, these pictures were beautiful,” Chenin was quoted as saying while pointing to the wonderful picttures he had to judge.

The participants were awarded certificates while cash and gifts were presented to the winners of first, second and third positions.

Sikandar Hayat's 'Paddy Crop' was adjudged first, Asfand Majeed's 'Roadside barbeque' second and Mehlum Sadriwala's 'The early morning walk' third.

The Gurumandir image captured by Asfand Majeed portrayed many of the things from streets to cars and barbeque on the roadside as the youngster desired glorifying Karachi, known for its food, with his stunning picture.

Mehlum Sadriwala won the third prize which the photograph he had clicked in November 2013 of Old Lahore. He believed that there’s an old world charm in the old Lahore city, near the Wazir Khan Mosque and  the picture he took of an old man walking past was done in a poetic way. 

Karachi facing water shortage due to power cuts

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Karachi is experiencing a water shortage of about 20 mgd daily and by the fifth day it had reached the shortage level of 90 mgd because of the shortage of power supply to its pumping stations.

“The Water Board is unable to supply 650 mgd water which has by now come down to 450 mgd,” a spokesman of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) disclosed, adding that a water crisis had developed in all areas of the city because power cut by the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC).

The KWSB has now enforced rotated water supply system and there had been shut down of water in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on November 25.

There will be no water supply to PAF Masroor, Baldia, Sher Shah, Pak Colony, Old Golimar, Nazimabad and SITE from 8 pm on November 26 for next the 24 hours, a KWSB announcement said.

It had already been warned the disconnection of power supply to the pumping stations of the KWSB could cause a severe crisis situation.

The KWSB, a public utility organization, has been supplying water on a very nominal rate on no profit no loss basis, despite the rate of recovery being on the lower side.

Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Siddiqi reviews prices

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqi, has announced that all out measures are being taken by the Deputy and the Assistant Commissioners against hoarders and profiteers to provide relief to people and action in this respect being taken on daily basis.

Reviewing the price control measures at a meeting in his office, Shoaib Siddiqi noted the action taken against 30 atta sellers, 18 profiteers and five meat sellers and overall fines amounting to Rs 77,900 recovered by the concerned Deputy and Assistant Commissioners while four shop keepers were remanded to jail.

The Commissioner made it clear that undue profit making is a moral and legal offence and directed all the Deputy and Assistant Commissioners to ensure that price lists were conspicuously displayed by shopkeepers to let people know about officially fixed prices.

He also appealed to people that while buying goods, they should demand price list from shop keepers and also force them to display such lists prominently.

He urged the people not to hesitate in registering their complaints with the offices of Deputy and Assistant Commissioners against those charging prices higher than the officially fixed prices.

SSUET Board of Governors appreciative of Convocation practice

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Board of Governors of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, met on March 25 under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid Hasan Rizvi.

In its 44^th meeting, the Board granted the formal approval to the program of SSUET’s 16^th Convocation scheduled to be held on March 26 at the Karachi Expo Center to be presided over by Chief Justice of Sindh High Court, Justice Mushir Alam.

The Board appreciated the University for holding its convocations regularly every year, considering it a worthy tradition.

The Board approved the minutes of its 43^rd meeting which was held on October 20, 2012 and reviewed the action taken on the minutes of the meeting.

The Board also considered and approved the Audit Report/Financial Statement for the fiscal year having ended on June 30, 2012.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Board members including Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Lt. Gen. (R) Moinuddin Haider, Prof Dr M.D. Shami, Engr. Mohammed Adil Usman, Cdre. (R) Salim A. Siddiqui and Dean Basic and Applied Sciences besides Registrar Shah Mahmood H Syed.

SSUET to continue its role towards promotion of education: Chancellor Nizami

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) has  achieved a significant place among the top institutions due to the excellence in teaching domain and its students, after getting equipped with knowledge and skills, are serving in the national and international institutions with devotion and dedication.”

This was stated by Engr Z A Nizami, Chancellor, SSUET, in an interview prior to the university’s 16^th convocation scheduled to held on March 26 in which Chief Justice of the Sind High Court, Justice Mushir Alam will be the chief guest.

Over 1000 graduates, besides those having done masters, in the disciplines of computer, electronics, civil, teleom and bio-medical engineering will be receiving degrees in their respective engineering disciplines at the convocation.

Pointing out that the outgoing students will embark upon a new phase of life as they are at the threshold of practical life the Chancellor wished all of them a glorious career.

He stated that holding of convocations has been a permanent feature since 1998. “Our convocations have the honour of having been graced by the presence of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governors and other dignitaries of the country,” Engr Z A Nizami recalled.

      

“The SSUET has been imparting quality education in the most modern disciplines, which are constantly revolutionizing the human life and adoring it with beauty comfort and ease. The intake of the university has steadily increased from 200 students to the present strength of more than 6,000 students,” he added.

“We have a galaxy of 490 intellectuals in the form of our faculty. Their guidance and extensive knowledge are real strength of this university. The functionaries of the university, with their professional performance, are also playing commendable role in managing its affairs,” he remarked.

“We are fully aware of the highly dynamic global markets, where employers require intelligent dynamic and enthusiastic engineering graduates. This calls us for a role that helps equip the students with knowledge and skills that are commensurate with the demand of the job markets.  The university has already incorporated the modification in teaching methodology that addresses the new demands. This is evident from the employment record of our graduates,” the Chancellor reckoned.

The convocation, he continued, has a significant feature in the sense that the outgoing graduates of the university carry a sense of achievement and fulfillment as they depart from their Alma Mater and it marks the completion of an important phase in their academic life.

He said despite being a technical institution, the university is fully alive to the importance of Islamic teachings.

“The Islamic studies are part of our syllabi. Besides, the Islamic character of the university dominates in its every function. Our Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) had been emphasizing the significance of education. He had advised the Muslims to acquire knowledge from cradle to grave. We impress upon the mind of our students the importance of knowledge in the light of this saying of the Holy Prophet (PBUH),” he added.    

He said that the SSUET strives to discover and disseminate knowledge and to produce young graduates of high caliber, who are able to run the wheels of the country to an enviable destination, through the innovative and modern techniques of teaching.

“In this regard the SSUET has already opened up new avenues and vistas of development in the field of higher education,” the Chancellor believed.

This convocation, he said, has a special significance for all and particularly for the graduating batch, it marks the completion of an important phase and as they enter the next phase, they will look back and feel that the years spent at the SSUET were the best years of their lives.

Chancellor Nizami informed that the SSUET has been offering master programme in the fields of electronics engineering with specializations in telecommunication since 2000, in computer engineering with specializations in computer networking and software engineering since 2001, in civil engineering with specialization in structural engineering started in 2009, ms in biomedical engineering was added in 2009, ms in mathematics was introduced in 2009, ms in computer science was started 2009.

The university, since the commencement of the MS programme, admitted in total 675 students out of which 209 have passed their MS while the SSUET has also been offering Phd programme in computer engineering and electronic engineering disciplines since 2005.

Replying a question the Chancellor pointed out that SSUET is a completely self-reliant institute of learning. The university is recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan while all engineering degree programmes of the university are accredited by the Pakistan Engineering Council.

He mentioned that the SSUET is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and also a member of UNESCO sponsored International Association of Universities.

“The SSUET graduates have been accepted into postgraduate programmes in many reputable universities of the world including Imperial College UK, California State University, USA, Dalhousie University, Canada, and University of Florida, USA. The university has strong links with the local and international industry leaders. These include our programmes of collaboration with siemens, CISCO systems USA, Lockheed Martin, USA, and many other universities,” he revealed 

Chancellor Nizami recalled that the SSUET attained another milestone by getting the prestigious ISO 9001:2013 certification for quality management.

He said to provide the opportunities for delivery of academic programmes in partnership with leading foreign universities that lead to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, MoUs have been signed after the course-matching exercise with Coventry University UK, Hertfordshire University UK and London Metropolitan University UK.

The MoUs provided the facilities of advance entry of our university students into degree courses with credit transfer facilities involving first 2 years study at the SSUET and subsequent two years in UK, first six months class work for MS students in UK and subsequent six months for preparation of thesis/projects in the SSUET under the local supervisors and staff exchange and collaborative research projects.

The Chancellor said that the recently chartered inspection and evaluation committee has placed SSUET in “five-star” category which was another feather in their cap.

To a question Engr Nizami said that he believes that no deserving student be deprived of education due to financial hardship and in this regard the university is very liberal in awarding scholarships to deserving students. Since its inception, the university has awarded more than 13,906 scholarships amounting to Rs 237 million while during the current fiscal year, Rs 45 million allocated for scholarships.

He also spoke at length about the university’s central library having over 75,000 books on latest research and applied engineering and modern engineering, a motivating career planning and placement bureau to guide the students to get suitable job after graduation.

He said the HEC after a thorough evaluation of the working, progress and achievements, holds a very positive view about the university having awarded the SSUET the highest category while being regarded very highly in academic circles as well as the corporate community.

“The most pivotal decision of our life is selection of right career. When the choice of career is to be an engineer than a center of excellence in engineering education is the SSUET known nationally and internationally for its outstanding educational facilities,” he opined.

Engr Nizami emphasized adding that promotion of research culture was always an objective of a university and the SSUET was successfully moving in that direction.

He said that the university faculty members are engaged proactively in research work which has been published in the prestigious journals of international repute.

“We believe, without strict adherence to the parameters of quality education, remarkable progress cannot be achieved. Besides academic activities, the university has shown outstanding performance in extra curricular activities like declamation contests, sports etc and won coveted awards,” he concluded.

AMUOBA elects office-bearers for 2012-15

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), the premier organization of the Alumni of the famous Aligarh Muslim University, held its elections for a term of next three years on September 30.

Engr Z A Nizami, the AMUOBA’s President in office, had already returned unopposed as no other candidate had submitted nomination paper for this coveted post.

Mohammad Salman Saleh and Masood Alam were also elected unopposed as Treasurer and Joint Secretary of the Association along with Dr Jaffar Nazir Usmani (Joint Secretary Sports), Ali Zafar Khan Afridi (Joint Secretary Publicity) and Shajar Ali Hashmi (Joint Secretary Academic).

According to the results, Adil Usman, Cdre (R) Salim A. Siddiqui and Mohammad Yousuf Siddiqui were elected as Vice Presidents while Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi was elected as new General Secretary, a post which was previously held by Late Zakir Ali Khan for a long time.

 The Aliagrhians also elected the 18-member Executive Committee for which 23 candidates were in the field.

Addressing the General Body on the occasion, Engr Z.A. Nizami, who is also the Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, by virtue of him being the President of AMUOBA, remarked that he felt  privileged and humbled to fellow members for re-electing him unopposed  for yet another term to serve the Association.

“I will continue to support the vision of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan through advocacy and communication with our stakeholders,” he declared.

He informed the audience that the SSUET, the first engineering university to be established by AMUOBA in the private sector, today  has  collaboration with 11 renowned universities of  the US and UK.

In recognition of its high standard of education, the university has been awarded the highest W4 category by Higher Education Commission and 5-star category by the Charter Evaluation Inspection Team.

On the occasion, the General Secretary-elect, Mukhtar Naqvi, presented the AMUOBA’s annual report, highlighting its activities and performance during the last three years.

The newly elected office bearers of AMUOBA assured that they will discharge their duties to the entire satisfaction of the organization and its members and work relentlessly to achieve the objectives of the Association and the goals set for the next three years.

Z A Nizami re-elected as AMUOBA President

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Engr Z A Nizami, a renowned educationist, was re-elected as the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA). He was once again elected unopposed as President of this august body of Aligarhians for yet another three-year term.

Engr Nizami has continued to be the President of the AMUOBA after Khawaja Waheed and Z H Lari headed the body in the 1960s.

The AMUOBA will be having its fresh elections on September 29 upon the completion of the three-year term of the present office-bearers.

The candidates for the posts of Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Joint Secretary, Honorary Joint Secretaries (Sports, Publicity and Academic) have already returned unopposed with Masood Alam, Dr Jaffar Nazir Usmani, Ali  Zafar Khan Afridi and Shajar Ali Hashmi, respectively having been elected to these posts without any opposition.

The contest on September 29 will be for the offices of Vice-Presidents for which five candidates are in the field and Honorary General Secretary with two candidates as the contestants.

For the election of 18-member Executive Committee, now there are 23 candidates left in the contest after withdrawal of intending nominees on September 26.

Engr Z.A. Nizami is the Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, since its establishment in 1993 by virtue of his being the President of the AMUOBA.

The SSUET was the first engineering university to be established in the private sector and starting with a few hundred students initially in four engineering disciplines then, it today has about 5500 students in six engineering disciplines of Computer Engineering, Electronics, Civil, Telecommunication, Bio-Medical besides Computer Science.

Besides the SSUET, the AMUOBA is also running Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) which has about a thousand students on roll.

8th Karachi International Book Fair 2012 to be held from December 6 to 10

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi (Pakistan News & Features Services) The Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA), with the collaboration of the National Book Foundation (NBF), will be once again organizing the country’s largest book trade event, the Karachi International Book Fair 2012, from December 6 to 10 at the Karachi Expo Centre with Event and Conference International (Pvt.) Ltd being the event managers. The annual KIBF has continued to provide an exclusive opportunity to reach out to citizens and bookworms in Pakistan’s largest city and the trade hub of the country besides facilitating the international publishers to interact with the local industry specialists in order to explore business possibilities in this highly potential market.  This premier book trade event of Pakistan brings together domestic and international publishers, booksellers, librarians and institutional customers. The KIBF creates an excellent opportunity to the readers to view and purchase the best of the local and foreign books and publications at discounted prices. The growing participation of the exhibitors and the rising number of visitors every year has been the testimonials for the success of the KIBF over the years. “It is encouraging that the number of exhibitors at the KIBF is increasing every year. This clearly indicates that the object of holding such kind of events is highly appreciated by the book lovers of our country,” a member of the organizing committee remarked.  “The number of stalls is limited and the booking is being entertained on ‘first come first serve’ basis. We have advised the potential exhibitors to complete the Application Form and forward it to us along with participation charges as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience and disappointment,” the KIBF official stated.  The rates for the three by three square-meter stall would be Rs 43,000 for the national exhibitors and US $ 800 for the international exhibitors.  Meanwhile the KIBF, as in the past, will be setting up an exclusive arena for staging book launch ceremonies with the authors.

Karachi needs major drainage plan before monsoon: Z A Nizami

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology has, on the directive of its Chancellor Z.A. Nizami,  issued an exhaustive report on “Rain Emergency” in Karachi.

The Chancellor issued the directive  following Met Office forecast about excessive rains this year hitting the coastal areas of Sindh including Karachi.

Talking to media, Chancellor Nizami observed that whenever there is heavy rainfall in Karachi coinciding with high tides in Arabian Sea, the basic civic services like storm water drainage, water supply, sewerage, power supply, accessibility and movement within city get disrupted. and daily routine life of citizens comes to a standstill during this period besides loss of life and damage to property.

This situation, he emphasized, warrants suitable measures prior to the start  of monsoon season preferably well in advance as to minimize possible miseries suffered by citizen, save the loss of life and property.

The Chancellor pointed out that considering the  rainfall impact on civic service, the report discuss threadbare  problems and solutions thereof..

He pointed out that recommendations  of the report are mostly experience-driven,  service-oriented and at the same time, the role of civic bodies, efforts of NGOs and media coverage have also been included and  can go a long way to improve on-ground situation on lasting basis.

He said that precautionary measures are immediately needed for uninterrupted service during rains.

According to the report, there are 100 vulnerable spots in Karachi where flooding occurs whenever there is rainfall for which technical solutions for permanent remedy are needed.

“Purpose of these works would be to improve conditions, he said and pointed out that since monsoon season is approaching it is necessary for authorities to undertake proactive steps on fast track and on war footing..

It may be mentioned here that on the Chancellors directives, the SSUET’s  Institute of Human Setlements and Disaster Management of  University, has published many  reports on Environment and Disaster Management as a public service activity..

The report hinted that heavy rains are expected this year and it was imperative  to make full proof measures before rains start.

Considering gravity of situation and problems faced by citizen during emergency, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) has decided to contribute towards the public service by effectively using the expertise available in the institution.

The role of SSUET is to serve as a think-tank through independent scientific approach to reinforce efforts of the City District Government, Karachi (CDGK), and other stakeholders to cope with natural or manmade disaster situation.

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology has established the Institute of Human Settlements and Environment that produces research reports with recommendations on disaster management. As a part of this activity this report focuses on the heavy rainfall during 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 1010 and 2011. Monsoon season synchronizes with high tides and windstorm.

The overall impact on civic services is covered in the report and highlights problems. Report also includes some recommendation to address the issue on lasting basis. Now that Global Warming is a real phenomenon and after experience of Pakistan Floods 2010/2011, possibility of heavy downpour can be expected. Common problems that arise in provision of civic services include flooding of rainwater at a number of places, shortage of water, contamination of drinking water, sewage overflows, hazards of billboards, uprooting of trees, and power failure for long duration and live wire snapping.

The emergency situation has caused adverse consequences on infrastructure of city as a whole. The underlying weaknesses in our system, which originate from temporary solutions, do not last and break-down is common feature during emergency. Situation that occurred in past showed that local authorities are yet to get fully prepared to cope with the hazards.

It said considering difficulties faced by citizen during rains of 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009-2010, City District Government Karachi (CDGK), KWSB has taken a number of measures, but, a lot of work is required in future. More efforts are needed on immediate, short, medium and long term leading to master plan of city Storm Water Drainage. Rainfall 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 was although rainfall runoff was of less quantity, but it was of high intensity. It synchronized with high tides along coastal belt and wind-storm. During Monsoon season May to August although the quantity of rain is less but of high intensity both in space and time the flow of runoff from outfalls also gets affected.

The report suggests that there is a need to immediately undertake and prepare a storm water drainage master plan by concerned authority in the light of pervious history.

De-silting, cleaning of all nallahs and drains by CDGK and TMAs as a continuous activity. The report says that keeping in view the gravity of situation discussed above it is proposed to have a conference at SSUET to review the whole scenario and to suggest future course of action.

SSUET is a research oriented university: Engr Z A Nizami

Z A Nizami

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

“Sir Syed University is a research-oriented institution of higher learning which is making significant contribution in the field of research. The university provides a diverse, vibrant and stimulating environment for research and sees its graduate and postgraduate students as an important component of its success.”

This was stated by Engr Z A Nizami, Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Techonology (SSUET), Karachi, while presiding over a ceremony organized by the university in collaboration with Pakistan Intellectual Forum.

The ceremony was held to award gold medals to five persons in recognition of their proven work and services with valuable contribution to the development of research and education besides those who rendered great services in the social sector and public service.

Engr Nizami said that the SSUET’s faculty members were strongly encouraged to attend and participate in national and international conferences and also publish their works in research journals.

He referred to his offer to help in establishing a university at Pak Pattan Sharif and chalk out a complete charter for it. But no further headway occurred in this regard and he is still awaiting the work to start.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Qaiser, Vice Chancellor Karachi University, pointed out that universities don’t survive without research which, however, cannot be done without money. 

He was of the view that least importance is given to research and promotion of education in our present day society and only 4% is allocated in the national budget for education and health.

“In Pakistan, research is like investing money at one end and then retrieve it with profit from the other end,” he observed.

Former Federal Minister, Haji Hanif Tayyab, told the gathering that the holy saints played a significant role in the development of education and knowledge in this subcontinent. 

Dr Qamar, Registrar Federal Urdu University, said Pakistan has a great potential and it is the first country in the Islamic world to become a nuclear power.

On the occasion Chancellor Nizami awarded gold medal to Prof. Dr. Hakim Aaqil in recognition of his great work in IT Sector.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, Vice Chancellor Karachi University was presented gold medal for his grand contribution to the knowledge based research, while the youngest scientist Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhry got the coveted award for his valuable services in research development.

Haji Hanif Tayyab, Chief Patron Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust and Khawar Masood Butt, Chairman & Managing Director of English Biscuit Manufactures were also awarded gold medals.

Khawar Butt was presented gold medal in recognition of his visionary and strategic leadership in turning around the business. His gold medal was received on his behalf by his daughter Saadia Naved as he could not attend the ceremony due to his ailment. 

Wi-tribe Pakistan Celebrates Qatar Day

Wi-tribe, Pakistan’s highest rated broadband company for customer satisfaction, celebrates with the people of Qatar on their National Day, recognizing the tremendous progress and achievements under the leadership of His Highness Amir Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

While celebrating the auspicious occasion of Qatar’s 133rd National Day, the CEO of wi-tribe, Mustafa Peracha said, “On behalf of wi-tribe Pakistan, I congratulate the people of Qatar and Qtel on your National Day. Qatar has risen to become a leader in scientific and technological development and a hub of educational and cultural advancement. Having won the bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, one of many recent milestones, Qatar shows immense promise for future expansion and development in the GCC region.”

Qatar and Pakistan share many valuable relations, of which one is wi-tribe Pakistan, a proud part of the Qatar Telecom family. Together, we celebrate this day in great honor and happiness, looking forward to continued prosperity.

About wi-tribe Pakistan:

wi-tribe launched its largest operations in Pakistan in July 2009, and is currently operating in five regions; Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad.

wi-tribe is passionate about providing a unique and personalized customer care experience, teamed with instant connectivity and simplified service bundles and applications.

Backed by unrivalled experience, knowledge and ability, wi-tribe group, a Qtel Group company, was born in April 2007. The vast experience these world leaders bring to the table has fuelled the growth of this new venture, launching wi-tribe globally as part of Qtel’s 2020 vision.