Prominent Journalists Discuss the Challenge of Fake News at Greenwich University

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Rotarians advised to avoid red-tapism in dealing with journalists

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A live webinar of Rotary International, held on August 22, highlighted the role of journalists in publicizing the various events and one of the speakers advised the fellow Rotarians to avoid red-tapism in dealing with professional newsmen if the idea was to get mileage for the various events and projects of their organization.

“It’s my personal request to the Rotary leaders of our district in particular to be polite and humble when dealing with journalists. Cultivating relationship is not a bad idea. But please don’t be rude or engage them in red-tapism, which is also against the spirit of Rotary,” Syed Khalid Mahmood, himself an eminent media professional besides being an active Rotarian, observed in his speech during the webinar titled ‘Promoting, Building and Enhancing the Image of Rotary’ and organized by Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan. 

“There’s absolutely no doubt about it that we need to build powerful campaigns from time to time to show and tell the masses what Rotary really is. We have to keep reminding them that we are a group of people that unites to work for good and actually rolls up our sleeves and do meaningful projects to help our communities,” he added. 

“Being a part and parcel of the editorial team at the largest media group of Pakistan for decades, I know exactly how challenging and demanding it is for the various organizations and institutions of different sizes and statures to be in the news on a regular basis,” Khalid Mahmood opined. 

“Those with greater public relation acumen or transparent track record manage to get their news in more frequently than others while in some cases haughty, arrogant or rude attitude of some individuals result in the killing of the otherwise newsworthy events which is surely a setback to the organization they lead or represent,” he reckoned. 

“At the outset it must be kept in our mind that the newspaper or the media organization is under no compulsion to publish any particular news item. Just as the visa officer at any embassy or high commission has the authority to reject or accept applications, similarly the working journalists also have a discretionary power what to cover and what not to cover on a given day, depending on their priorities,” he explained. 

“You have the example of a couple of Past District Governors of our District in whose tenure Rotary was in the news most often. And they appear in headline news even today whenever they get involved in any activity, Rotary or otherwise,” he pointed out. 

“The District leaders as well as the Club leaders should not forget the fact that the mileage given to their events through the courtesy of journalists bring multiple benefits to Rotary. You should make greater efforts to have your activities reported by newspapers and news channels as often as possible because the memory of public is short. We need to keep reminding them about our presence,” Khalid Mahmood emphasized. 

“Last but not the least, please don’t live under the illusion that your job is finished by posting your club activities on Facebook page or simply by updating your WhatsApp status with a picture of Rotary event. I am afraid, you will have to come out of your comfort zone to achieve the cherished goals,” he concluded.

Foreword to Dr Nasim Fatima: Bio-Bibliographical Study

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Following is the text of the foreword, penned by Syed Khalid Mahmood, to the recently published book ‘Dr Nasim Fatima: Bio-Bibliographical Study’ highlighting the accomplishments of the prolific library scientist:

“No hard-and-fast rules about forewords, allowing room to be creative and even have some fun, makes the task of penning my maiden foreword simpler than it could have been otherwise for a firm believer and practitioner of out-of-box thinking! 

Indeed it’s a great honour to be asked to write the foreword to such a significant book, bringing to light the accomplishments of Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, the famed library scientist, teacher, scholar, researcher, writer, author, editor and mentor, yet one of the unsung heroes. 

Her multi-faceted personality has been talked about with great awe over the years but she hasn’t been granted the kind of recognition she so richly deserved. On the contrary, she has had to endure some terrifying moments in her long professional career. In fact, she still has to combat some unforeseen challenges from within which don’t make her tasks simpler.

No praise could be too high for her for having overcome the obstacles with the iron will and the never-say-die approach. 

She has fought her way to the top and she’s going to be remembered for her overwhelming contributions for the cause of librarianship in particular and education in general. 

Obviously this book is not going to inform the readers about the trials and tabulations which she had faced, and continues to tackle in achieving the various elusive landmarks. 

Since she seems to have pursued the policy of just letting her work do the talking, without engaging into controversies or making even a noise at the injustices meted out to her from time to time, I am not sure if she will ever take the time out to narrate her tales of horrors and the dream of her autobiography may remain unfulfilled.

Isn’t it surprising, and hints of ungratefulness too, that those so many individuals having been, taught, trained, guided and mentored by her over the decades, didn’t reciprocate by furthering her mission? 

The community of the librarians in particular should wake up before it becomes too late. You people are extremely fortunate to be blessed with such an adorable personality like Prof Dr Nasim Fatima who is ever willing, and smiling, to lend a helping hand to everyone and anyone seeking assistance or guidance. 

 As the founder of the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, has publicly acknowledged repeatedly, the bureau and its flagship publication, the Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal (PLISJ), have survived for more than a half a century primarily due to her dedication and sacrifices.

I commend the joint efforts of the trio of Huma Mannan Butt, Abdul Qudoos and Saima Qadeer for having done this wonderful book which will surely be helpful in motivating the fraternity of the library professionals besides others. 

Now it’s your responsibility to play the due role in spreading the word and sharing it with the masses. You can pay your tribute to the living legend by promoting the book in your own circles. You will agree with me that this book merits a place in every library of the country.”

Chancellor Adil Usman desires to boost SSUET sports

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has emerged as an outstanding institution which has set high standards in the field of education. It has also laid emphasis on sports since its establishment in 1994.

This newly appointed Chancellor of the SSUET, Engr Mohammad Adil Usman, who is also the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), has expressed the desire to take the university sports to another level.

In a chat with a select group of sports scribes at his chamber on April 27, Engr Adil Usman, a great grandson of the legendary Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, agreed to look into the proposal of allowing admission on sports basis to the athletes having represented the country.

“In pursuance of the Aligarhian spirit we will continue supporting the cause of sports in a meaningful way and we will do everything possible to serve the community. The SSUET has had a policy of supporting sports from the outset and we will be even more proactive in future,” he stated.

“The Aligarhian philosophy is based on the fact that physical fitness leads to mental fitness. Our athletes used to excel in academics too. It’s very heartening to know that the same trend has continued at the SSUET as quite a few outstanding athletes have secured above average grades in their studies,” Engr Adil Usman added.

“We will surely look into the possibilities of granting admission in first year to the outstanding athletes having attained national colours. Ideally we will like to have it from as early as the next academic year,” the SSUET Chancellor declared.

Engr Adil Usman, who captained the Aligarh Muslim University’s badminton team besides representing the historic institution in billiards and snooker, also disclosed his plans to have greater facilities for indoor games at the SSUET.

“In the near future we will be emphasizing on developing more facilities for indoor games in particular besides taking care of cricket and football outfits. Our plans include procuring tables for billiards and snooker to let our students unfold their talents in cue sports,” he added.

“We desire to have training and coaching facilities for our athletes to let them enhance their skills. We will also encourage them to participate in the international events so that they could earn laurels for the country as well as the university,” the SSUET Chancellor announced.

SSUET Chancellor Adil Usman appreciates Jumbo Karachi Guide, sports books

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Engr Mohammad Adil Usman, who is also the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), has appreciated the high quality of books produced by Jumbo Infomedia and Jumbo Publishing.

Engr Adil Usman, a great grandson of the legendary Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, was presented a copy of Jumbo Karachi Guide by its Chief Editor, Abdul Qadir Qureshi, while authors Ehsan Qureshi and Syed Khalid Mahmood presented their latest sports books to the SSUET Chancellor at his chamber on April 27.

The soft-spoken Engr Adil Usman, who studied at the historic Aligarh Muslim University, reckoned that the literary and cultural activities were vital in the development of a nation and such initiatives merit recognition.

He went through the various chapters of Jumbo Karachi Guide and considered it as a very useful and handy book worthy to be presented to the visiting dignitaries. He praised Abdul Qadir Qureshi for putting together so much information between its covers.

The SSUET Chancellor was also impressed with Ehsan Qureshi’s recently published ‘Mohali Mystery’ while he lauded Syed Khalid Mahmood on authoring ‘Reflections’ and ‘Asian Glory’ which were presented to him on the occasion.

Chancellor Nizami rewards SSUET cricketers

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shoaib Siddiqui plans to take bowling from urban to rural Sindh

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh, who has been the motivating force in making things happens on a fast track as far as the activities of sports at the provincial level are concerned, has vowed to take the sport of bowling, popular sport of the urban areas, to the interior regions of the province.

Shoaib Siddiqui, who had taken over the chief of the sports department of Sindh in October 2008, firmly believes that it’s the fundamental right if every citizen to have access to the sporting facilities.

More significantly he also reckons that the government, besides the corporate sector, has a responsibility to create the sports infrastructure to let the common man engage himself in healthy activities.

The visionary and responsible government officers like him, who believe in meeting the challenge and overcoming the obstacles, are the ones who bring about a change despite the shortcomings in the system. It’s easier said than done.

Shoaib Siddiqui gladdened the hearts of the enthusiasts of the sport of bowling by supporting one of their tournaments recently which was organized by the Sindh Tenpin Bowling Association with the venue being the bustling Thunder Pins housed in Millennium Mall which is one of the favourite destinations for the youth of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and other adjoining areas.

It was the first ranking bowling event to be staged in Pakistan, made possible by the Sindh Sports Board (SSB). It was a major accomplishment for the organizers who had also made an appearance in the 13th Sindh Games 2010 held in Karachi.

The inaugural Sindh Inter-League Bowling Tournament 2010 was acclaimed as a success story with about 50 bowlers having registered in the masters and amateur categories. The outstanding performers of the landmark three-day were rewarded with cash prizes besides certificates and trophies.

Hanif Mohammad Mirchawala, Director Sports, Government of Sindh, was the chief guest in the presentation ceremony of the tournament having been inaugurated by the departmental chief, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui.

“I suggest that the Sindh Sport Board should provide us with the space to open up a bowling arena in terms of private-public partnership. We are trying our level best to make this sports reachable for every class, a technician who won gold dedal in 13thSindh Games Tenpin Bowling Event 2010 amateur category is the living example,” Romis Ali General Secretary, STBA, observed in his welcome speech.

Top Seed Shabbir Lashkarwala lived up to the billing to become the first Sindh Inter-League champion by scoring an average of 172. He was also the gold medalist in the13th Sindh Games 2010 Tenpin Bowling event.

Rashid Ali, Syed Zubair and Aleem Agha claimed the next three positions in the masters’ category with Mahmood Ahmed claiming the award for the highest score of 236.

Abdullah Tahir emerged the champion in the amateur singles while the next three positions were shared by Shahjahan, Abid Ahmed and Faizan Tariq. Abdullah Tahir got another prize for his being the top scorer with 214.

Sindh Whites, comprising of Khawaja Ahmed, Zubair Ali, Naeem, and Abdullah Tahi, won the team event with Sindh Green, featuring Robert, Shahjahan, Sarim and Mahmood Ahmed, finishing as the runner-up and Sindh Blues, containing Naseem Ahmed Qureshi, Shabbir Lashkerwala, Farhan Riaz and Abid Ahmed, getting third position. (www.skmsports.com)

Rotary recognition brings smiles

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

It was quite a big day for me on August 21 as I was presented a Certificate of Excellence by two of the leading Rotary personalities of the country, Aziz Memon and Syed Shahab Balkhi. It was deemed as a great honour for our Rotary Club of Karachi Airport as well.

Obviously every award as a significance of its own but the Rotary recognition is something that’s dearer to the heart because of the noble causes being pursued by this leading international voluntary organization of which I have been a member for the past six years now.

There was even greater pleasure to have received the award from a man called Aziz Memon, who has been one of my role models for the last many years. He was not only responsible for motivating me to join Rotary in 2004 but he has remained an inspiration all along with his deeds and words.

Different people have different reasons to know Aziz Memon because he has been blessed with such a versatile personality and for whom the sun never sets. He starts his day at office before 9 each morning and trust me he has the same energy level when we meet him late at night in various ceremonies.

His time management, besides quite a few other outstanding qualities, is truly incredible and I am sure we need to learn from him. He has set very high standards for himself but most importantly he meets the challenge with a smile.

Aziz Memon had rewritten the Rotary history when he was District Governor in 2007-2008. Now Shahab Balkhi has also taken over the reigns at a historic time, having become the first Governor of the newly founded District 3271, covering Sindh and Balochistan.

The visit of Aziz Memon and Shahab Balkhi to Rangoonwala Community Centre, where Rotary Club of Airports convenes its weekly meetings on Saturdays, on August 21 was a Red Letter Day in the history of our club.

The Club President, Anwar Jabeen Qureshi, was both happy and relieved. So was the Club Secretary, Shah Mohammad Anwar. Both these gentlemen had worked extremely hard to put the acts together in making the necessary arrangements for the visit of the two dignitaries at a rather short notice.

The other members of the club present on the occasion were Abdul Hamid, Mohammad Nazakat Ali, Shamim Khan, Wasim Yousuf, Sameer Baig and Mahmood Nawaz.

Besides the award presentation by Aziz Memon, there was a full board meeting chaired by Shahab Balkhi as it was also the Governor’s Official Visit to the club.

The Governor, who was generous enough to recognize our project of Mobile Library & Resource Centre in his speech in the installation ceremony on July 10, had a lively interactive session and he was thoroughly impressed by the efforts being made by the club.

He agreed that once the pilot project of Mobile Library & Resource Centre became ready our club will be in much better position to seek partner corporate organizations to spread it further.

He was informed that our club will be actively participating in community service by providing equipments to needy schools and colleges, donating books to educational institutions and public libraries, donating sewing machines to needy women, donating equipments to charity hospitals, holding free eye camps and medical clinic and holding career development seminars for youth.

Yousuf calls it a day in KPC's Meet the Press show

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

It was around 4.30 pm on March 29 when Mohammad Yousuf, one of the greatest-ever batsmen to be produced by the country, announced his decision to retire from all forms of international cricket.

The Sports Committee of the Karachi Press Club (KPC) had invited the world record-holder for the highest number of Test runs as well as centuries in a calendar year at the Meet the Press Programme upon learning that he was going to make an ‘important’ decision of his career.

Thanks to the media it had become an ‘open secret’ and it was no more going to be a ‘breaking news’ by the time the programme was held that Yousuf would be announcing his retirement. A large number of KPC members, particular those covering cricket, had reached the venue much before the designated time.

The popularity of Yousuf and the significance of the event of the members had also attracted quite a few cricket scribes who are not privileged to be the members of the KPC yet for different reasons.

Yousuf himself arrived at the KPC about 20 minutes before the start of the programme and he had to spend sometime with his media friends in the Ibrahim Jalees Hall before being escorted to the terrace.

The seats were full and everyone was waiting for the moment eagerly when the master batsman was going to make the ‘declaration’ in public. With the members of the electronic media requiring time to get their microphones in order we had to start the programme a few minutes past four.

Being the Secretary of the KPC Sports Committee as well as the host of the programme I did have the option of delivering a long opening speech to pay tribute to the accomplished middle-order batsman and also reflect on the controversies related to him.

But I chose to be precise as I normally prefer to do on all occasions because I know how restless one feels if the speaker goes anywhere close to ‘dragging’ or loses the focus even a bit.

The KPC Secretary, A H Khanzada, talked in detail about the recent failures of the Pakistan cricket team having made the whole country sad and depressed.

The KPC President, Imtiaz Faran, explained the national flavour of the club. He urged Yousuf to change his retirement plans in the larger national interest.

The clock had ticked half pas four when Yousuf, after a brief presentation ceremony, finally came to speak. The cameras became more attentive. The photojournalists started clicking his every move.

The stage was set for Yousuf to explode and play a breezy knock. But he preferred dead batting. He just read out a carefully drafted speech in which he thanked all his former captains and colleagues for the support they had extended to him over the years. Then he announced retirement from international cricket.

Yousuf was reluctant to take the questions from the media but he stood there for a while as it’s a tradition to have an interactive session with the KPC members in Meet the Press programme.

A number of critical questions were hurled at him but he evaded them. He was not prepared to speak his mind. He looked indecisive and unprepared as well for the volley of questions. He, however, registered his appreciation for the KPC.