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.

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.

Railways to undertake ML-1 project in phases

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan Railways has decided to take up ML-1 project, which was earlier to be carried out as a part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), at its own and it will be completed in different phases 

This was disclosed by the CEO of Pakistan Railways, Farrukh Taimur Ghilzai, while addressing the officials of the Karachi Division during his latest visit. 

Earlier he held a meeting with the Divisional officers at the Divisional Superintendent Office upon arrival here from Lahore during his two-day tour of Karachi. 

Upon arrival at the Karachi Cantonment Station, the CEO was welcomed by the DS Karachi, Kashif Rasheed Yusufani, and other senior divisional officers. 

In the meeting, the CEO was given a detail briefing on the attainment of targets in Karachi Division during the current financial year. 

The CEO informed that the ML-1 project will be completed from Karachi to Hyderabad in the first phase to be followed from Hyderabad to Tando Adam and Tando Adam to Rohri in the second and Rohri to Khanpur in the third phase during which the tracks will be fully upgraded. 

The Railways chief shared that their organization was fully aware of the problems of travelling public and they have decided not to raise the railway fares despite fuel prices hike. 

He called upon the officials to serve the people with true dedication and honesty to bring improvement in the railway’s credibility and quality of public service. 

After presiding over the meeting at the DS Office, the Railways CEO also met Engr Nisar Memon, Chief of PRFTC Chief, obtaining first-hand information from him about goods trains. He later went around the South-Asia Pakistan Terminal where he was given a detailed briefing by the CEO of Hohisin Company, Capt Rashid Jamil.

Railways authorities regret ghastly act

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Railways authorities have regretted the ghastly act of molesting a woman passenger who was travelling aboard the private sector Multan-Karachi Zakaraia Express whose contractor has been issued showcause notice. 

The CEO of the Pakistan Railways, Farrukh Taimur Ghilzai has reiterated that safety and security relating to travelling railway passengers would not be compromised at all as directives have been issued to contractors of private sector operating various trains to check recurrence of such disgraceful acts. It has also been decided that the credentials of all the private sector trains will be verified through concerned agencies. 

According to details, the molested woman had not reported the matter at Police Helpline Desk upon arrival at Karachi Cantonment Railway station. It was only after persuasion by DCO Karachi who, along with ladies police, visited the house of victim woman a day after the incident was reported in newspapers, on the directive of Divisional Superintendent, Kashif Rasheed Yusfani, the woman lodged a complaint to railway police. 

The DCO and ladies police had convinced the victim woman to report the matter after which railway police started raids and arrested the three nominated accused from Sumandari, Jahanian and Shorkot. 

A railway spokesman revealed that the victim woman, a resident of Orangi Town, was travelling in Multan-Karachi Zakaria Express, when one Zahid, ticket checker, offered her to travel in AC Compartment where train manager Aqib was already present. Both of them were accused of having molested the woman. 

When the train reached Karachi City Station, no one from woman’s family came to receive her as she kept waiting while sitting on a bench at the platform. A police constable on duty tried to inquire from her about her problem but she did not divulge anything. 

After sometime the railway lady police took her to police station help center and informed her sister Hina who later came to station alongwith husband and took her home. On this occasion the victim woman neither reported the incident not requested for any legal action. It was only after the incident appeared in the press, the DS Railways contacted her and requested to report the incident which she reported and got her statement

NLA ponders over street libraries chains

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has started pondering on establishing a chain of street libraries throughout the country and it has already shortlisted the sites which could be turned into places of learning. 

 

“We recognize the initiatives of a few individuals and organizations in relation of development street libraries in some parts of the country but we consider it just a drop in the ocean. We don’t need just one two or three street libraries but we require it in hundreds and thousands across the country to cater to the needs of the big population,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, remarked after presiding over a couple of meetings in this regard in as many days. 

 The first meeting was held at the historic D J Science College in Karachi where the waiting area in the newly constructed site on Burns Road has been proposed by the NLA by for the development of a street library in the densely populated locality. 

It was followed by another midnight meeting hosted by the Syed Sultan Ali, Member, Executive Committee, NLA, who volunteered to look into the possibilities of establishing a street library in the lawn of his corner bungalow, located in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. 

Besides the NLA President, Muzaffar Ali Shah, the meeting was also attended by its Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, who appreciated the spirit of fellow member Sultan Ali, who has actively participated in the other events as well.

The high energy of the NLA top functionaries augurs well for the community of librarians in the country which didn't have the kind of leaders needed to motivate and drive them.

AKU President hosts diplomat dinner

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of the Aga Khan University (AKU), hosted a dinner reception in the honour of diplomats from around the world in Karachi. 

“The AKU’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research and healthcare delivery,” the AKU President observed while briefing diplomats on the university's contributions and social impact.

“The AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, including Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom. Being a not-for-profit institution, all revenues generated by the University and its hospitals are invested back in education and research, and in helping patients and improving healthcare,” he stressed. 

Sulaiman Shahabuddin also talked about AKU’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. “The AKU’s first solar power project in Pakistan is a key step forward to realizing our environment and climate ambitions. Using renewable, clean energy brings not only cost savings but benefits people and the planet alike,” he said. 

The dinner was attended by diplomats from France, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and other countries.

#karachi #karachinews #karachialerts #AllAboutKarachi #karachipakistan #karachieducation #karachi #karachipakistan #KarachiUpdates #karachilatest

Railways DS inspects Karachi City Station

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Divisional Superintendent, Pakistan Railways, Karachi Division, Kashif Rasheed Yusfani, paid a detailed visit to the City Railway Station and inspected various railway installations, reservation offices, washing line, carriage and wagon store beside other facilities. 

At the washing line he inspected the coaches of Sukkur Express and issued directives for immediate repairing of the hydrants, which were out of order, and also repair the afflicted pits. 

He directed the officials of engineering branch to personally carry out inspections of tracks by foot. He gave a cash award of Rs 1,000 to TXR Shabbir Ahmed of Mechanical Branch. 

He called for proper maintenance and cleanliness in the reservation office and stressed on cordial behavior with visitors. He also issued on the spot directive of making fans and air-conditioning system operational.

Aziz Memon installed as ESUP Patron-in-chief

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The outgoing President of the English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP), Aziz Memon, in recognition of his exemplary services, was installed as the first-ever Patron-in-chief of the body during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 26 while Kalim Farooqui was elected unopposed as President for the term 2022-23.

It’s another feather in the cap of the popular figure of Aziz Memon, who was also elected as the Vice President of ESU International, becoming the first Pakistani to achieve the global recognition for his services and initiatives. 

After having led the ESUP with distinction, he has now passed on the baton to Kalim Farooqui, who also happens to be the President of the Pakistan Japan Business Forum and is on the board of various bilateral forums as well as the Horticulture Society of Pakistan. 

The following were also unanimously elected on the National Committee of the Executive Council of ESUP: Senior Vice President (Pervez Madraswala), Vice President (Irfan Qureshi), Secretary General (Majyd Aziz), Honorary Treasurer (Najeeb Moochhala), and Joint Secretary (Afshan Lalani) while members are Moin Fudda, Shahzad Sabir, Bakhtiar Khan, Ghulam Ali Muhammad, Farooq Afzal, Sunayna Ismail, Athar Iqbal, Dr Farhan Essa, Saleem Zamindar, Nadeem Kazmi and Abbas Lavingia. 

Moin Fudda, Chairman of the Rules Committee, proposed innovative amendments to the ESUP Rules that were unanimously approved by the AGM. It’s for the first time that new categories of youth and journalist have been introduced. 

Aziz Memon announced that due to his extensive lobbying and in recognition of the fact that ESUP is the most active chapter among all ESU Chapters, his proposal that the next international conference of Members would be held in Karachi on October 28, 29 and 30, 2022 was approved at the ESU International meeting in London.

Kalim Farooqui, in his acceptance speech, requested members to fully support ESUP and pledged to enhance the exposure and influence of ESUP during his tenure. He paid glowing tributes to Aziz Memon who during his tenure introduced far-reaching changes and ideas. Past Presidents Byram Avari and Abdul Kader Jaffer and a large number of members attended the AGM.

Dedicated libraries for women demanded

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Association)

The speakers at a seminar ‘Role of Libraries in Women Empowerment’ which was held at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on March 26 demanded of the concerned authorities to develop libraries exclusively for women in major cities of the country. 

The seminar, organized jointly by Literary Committee of KPC, National Library Association (NLA) and Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD), highlighted the issues being faced by women library users besides throwing light on the opportunities awaiting them by making frequent use of libraries. 

Revealing that a library exclusively for women has been operating in Balochistan for the past six years, they urged the government as well as other stakeholders were to set up such libraries in various cities to facilitate women in learning and earning. 

Farheen Mahmood, Vice President, NLA, and Principal, Government Degree College, North Karachi, was the keynote speaker in the seminar while the session was presided over by Jahangir Moghul, a renowned social figure and philanthropist. 

The speakers in the seminar included Asma Hassan, a famous motivational writer and author, besides experienced librarians, Muhammad Ibrahim, Huma Mannan Butt, Muhammad Nasir Nayab and Muhammad Amin Jamali. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and its Secretary, Anwar Hussain, also spoke on the occasion while the proceedings were conducted by Syed Khalid Mahmood, a veteran journalist and library activist. 

The audience, mostly belonging to the field of library and information science, was enlightened by the thought-provoking narrations by the worthy speakers for about two hours. 

The seminar was organized as part of the International Women Day’s celebrations. Copies of acclaimed book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, one of the speakers of the event, was presented to the dignitaries and participants.

WHO designates AKU as collaborating centre

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has opened a collaborating centre on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) at the Aga Khan University Medical College’s Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) in Karachi, This is the first such centre specific to SRHR in Pakistan and the fourth in general in the country. 

The partnership incorporates AKU into a network of over 800 WHO collaborating centres in over 80 member states working with the global health body on areas such as nursing, occupational health, communicable diseases, nutrition, mental health, chronic diseases and health technologies. 

Dr Sarah Saleem, a professor of population and reprictive health at AKU, will lead the centre and provide strategic support in implementing WHO's mandated work and programme objectives, and develop and strengthen institutional capacity in the 22 countries and territories within the EMRO (Eastern Mediterranean) region. She is also the principal investigator for the Eastern Mediterranean hub for research capacity strengthening, based within AKU’s CHS Department, which was initiated in 2019 and has trained over 200 participants in sexual and reproductive health research, including gender-based violence. 

“This enables so many people to take their first steps towards quality research, policy and development in SRHR. We are contributing to a cause, a country and a region,” she remarked. 

The collaboration aims to provide technical input and expertise on WHO’s repository of SRHR evidence, guidelines and training resources; to assist WHO in building national and regional capacity on sexual and reproductive health through training on SRHR; and to support WHO in conducting collaborative research, under WHO's leadership, on SRHR at the regional level.  

The team is in the process of forming a virtual network of institutions within EMRO to discuss their needs and share knowledge. The team is already developing an open-access SRHR repository housed within the AKU library. This project is led by Dr Peter Gatiti, AKU Associate Vice Provost and University Librarian, and it will serve as a region-specific one-stop rich resource for scientists, researchers and policymakers. 

The WHO collaborating centres are institutions such as research institutes, parts of universities or academies, designated by the director-general to carry out activities in support of the organization's programmes. 

The WHO gains access to top centres worldwide and the institutional capacity to ensure the scientific validity of global health work. Conversely, designation as a WHO collaborating centre provides institutions with enhanced visibility and recognition by national authorities, calling public attention to the health issues on which they work. 

Dr Farina Abrejo, a senior instructor, is the co-principal investigator at the centre. AKU's School of Nursing and Midwifery is also working with the centre, represented by Dr Saleema Gulzar.

Public-private partnership to boost immunization in high-risk Karachi UCs

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Efforts to integrate private providers for boosting routine childhood vaccination in Karachi’s low-income areas are set to receive a much-needed shot in the arm as a memorandum of understanding, signed by the Sindh Department of Health and the Aga Khan University goes into effect. 

The agreement entails integrating local private healthcare providers at the neighbourhood level to plug the gap in the government’s immunization infrastructure and develop sustainable community networks for increasing immunization coverage. 

The project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, targets hot spots of immunization refusals in eight union councils of Karachi to increase zero dose vaccination provided at birth as well as Penta-3 vaccination in under six-month children which is a marker of complete vaccination in under six-month children. Through the project, immunization services and basic preventive care will be offered at 18 Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) centres set up within neighbourhood private provider clinics, NGO clinics and maternity homes. 

Community members in the districts where the project is to be implemented report that private clinics located in the local neighbourhood are the mainstay for their daily illnesses but do not offer immunization services, and while polio teams go from door to door to administer polio drops, the same facility is not available for other childhood vaccines for which families must visit government hospitals located at a considerable distance. 

According to AKU’s senior lead for the project, Professor Shehla Zaidi, AKU with EPI Sindh and other government stakeholders will co-design novel action learning strategies for co-opting private providers for quality assured services including pay for performance, quality accreditation scores and positive behaviour recognition, supported digital communication and community networks. The project will build sustainable links with the Sindh Health Department’s Action Plan for Strengthening Public Private Partnerships 2021-26 and regulatory frameworks towards urban primary health centres. 

Elaborating on the unique challenges of immunization delivery in megacities, Dr Irshad Memon, head of the EPI in Sindh, asserted that immunization rates in Karachi are far lower than in the province’s rural districts. “So far we have struggled to put in place a system to ensure that private providers report immunization volumes, provide free services and deliver quality-assured services. Hence this project fills a key need for technical assistance for effective private engagement for the urban poor. We need sustainable health systems as we don’t want to see super high-risk union councils in five years,” he explained.

Younis Hashmi appointed NLA Overseas Coordinator

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has appointed Muhammad Younis Hashmi as its Overseas Coordinator with immediate effect. 

He has also been re-designated as the Association’s Public Relation Secretary, after having served as the Information Secretary with distinction for the past couple of years. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, while making the announcement in Karachi on March 24, thoroughly praised the efforts of Younis Hashmi in the formative years of the Association which had come into being in 2017. 

“Being one of our founder members, he has played a very active role during the last five years. He has worked very hard during the past couple of years in particular and his contribution in reaching out the library professionals far and wide has helped the cause of the Association immensely,” the NLA President recognized. 

“We are confident that the twin responsibilities bestowed on him will further boost the NLA locally and abroad. His networking with librarians all over the world and his agility to personally visit libraries in different locations remain an asset to the Association,” Muzaffar Ali Shah commended. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, also lavishly praised the proactive approach of Younis Hashmi.

"He brings great energy and enthusiasm to the NLA team. His selfless attitude is praiseworthy and his dedication and commitment to the Association is second to none. He thoroughly deserves the twin portfolio and his efforts will surely enable the NLA to scale greater heights," the NLA Advisor reckoned. 

After having retired from long service as librarian at the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the soft-spoken Younis Hashmi has been commuting regularly to Canada besides visiting other countries.

NLA hails its officials’ contribution in Customs Cricket Journey

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has hailed the contribution of two of its key office-bearers, Syed Khalid Mahmood and Muhammad Ibrahim, in the 476-page hardbound epic book ‘Customs Cricket Journey’ which was unveiled in Karachi on March 21. 

“The NLA and the entire librarian community of the country feel honoured by the achievement of both our officials, who have been recognized in the book for their editorial contributions. The active involvement of our worthy colleagues in such a momentous project is also a testimonial for us,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, remarked during a brief chat at Karachi Press Club. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, a seasoned journalist and author, presented a copy of ‘Customs Cricket Journey’ to Muhammad Ibrahim, Member, Executive Committee, NLA, and Chief Librarian, Sindh High Court. Anwar Hussain, Secretary General, NLA, was also present in the presentation ceremony.

Veteran librarian Dr Khurshid Alam honoured

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Veteran librarian Dr Khurshid Alam, having relocated to Canada, was honoured by fellow library professionals on March 21 as he has returned to his home city Karachi for a few months. 

The top functionaries of the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Prof Liaquat Ali Khan, Syed Ahmed Naqvi and Azra Qureshi were present on the occasion alongwith Syed Khalid Mahmood, Advisor, National Library Association (NLA), Younis Hashmi, Information Secretary, NLA, Prof Dr Farhat Hussain Khan, Chairman, Department of Library & Information Science, University of Karachi, and Dr Riffat Parveen Siddiqui, Lecturer, KU.

On this occasion, Azra Qureshi presented a copy of her travelogue titled ‘Barah-e-Safar’ to Dr Khurshid Alam while Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari gifted copies of his book ‘Quest of Survival’ to Younis Hashmi and Syed Khalid Mahmood. Both these books were published by the LPB in 2021.

Rotary renews pledge to support books

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

While emphasizing on the importance of reading, the top officials of Rotary International renewed the pledge of the leading voluntary organization of the world to continue supporting the cause of books besides concentrating on other areas of community services. 

Rotary International’s District Governor for Pakistan, Dr Aftab Imam, and Jahangir Moghul, who is the Assistant Regional Public Image Coordinator of Rotary International’s Zone 1-B, addressed the during the seminar ‘Books are forever’ which was jointly organized by the Department of Library & Information Science (DLIS) of University of Karachi, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) and National Library Association (NLA) at the University’s Faculty of Arts Auditorium on February 18.

“It has been established that the progress made in the East and the West has been mainly possible because of their education system and their reading habits. Look towards Japan and China in the East or Europe and North America in the West they have grown phenomenally on the basis of education and books,” Dr Aftab Imam reckoned.

“If we also desire to progress then we must also pay full attention to education. We have to encourage our youngsters to read more books to gain knowledge and expertise. There should be more such activities to motivate and groom them,” he advised.

“Rotary Clubs have a history of supporting books and library related projects and our club, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan is among the front-runners in promoting such activities in Pakistan. We are alive to the situation that we need more books and more libraries in order to grow and progress,” Jahangir Moghul, the club’s Charter President, observed in his speech.

“As Rotarians our motto is Service Above Self and we pride ourselves in doing projects to serve the humanity. Many of you would have heard about Rotary. All you need is just to google the word Rotary and you will get to know a lot of interesting things. We play a proactive role in eliminating illiteracy from the society and books are the tools that help us achieve our goals,” he pointed out. 

“Let’s not forget that there are innumerable benefits of reading books. The younger generation needs to be more active in reading because this is the time where you can grow faster by acquiring more knowledge to beat the stiff competition which you encounter in different fields,” Jahangir Moghul reminded. 

“Let me urge you to enlist book reading among your top priorities. Trust me you never be disappointed or depressed by odd failures if you continue reading motivational books which given you courage and strength to continue working hard which is the key to success,” he concluded. 

The seminar was conducted by Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, while the vote of thanks was proposed by the club's Past President, Engr Asim Murtaza Khan.