Tributes paid to Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Glowing tributes were paid to the great freedom fighter Rais-ul-Ahrar Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar at a seminar organized by the Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Rampur in Karachi to mark the latest edition of the Jauhar Day.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, a great grandson of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), emphasized that one could achieve success and glory only through hard work and determination.

He observed that Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar was not only a staunch Muslim but also a great scholar who was endowed by Allah with extraordinary abilities. His fearless leadership and devotion to cherished objectives were instrumental in dispelling the inferiority complex from the Muslims which enabled them to fight for their rights steadfast.

He recalled when Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar met Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in England and convinced him to join All India Muslim League and his sincere efforts eventually led to laying of foundation for the creation of Pakistan.

Chancellor Adil Usman said that at the first Round Table Conference in London (1930) the Maulana had declared not to return to India alive unless the country was set free.

“I would prefer to die in a foreign country so long as it is a free country,” he announced and told the British that ‘if you do not give us freedom in India you will have to give me a grave here.’

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Federal Urdu University, Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, pointed out that the Maulana was an important chapter of the history whose only demand was total freedom for the Muslims of South Asia. He was sincere to his cause and devoted his whole life to fight for the truth.

Former Station Director Radio Pakistan, Shakeel Farooqui, said that contrary to the contemporary politicians, the Maulana was of different nature. He was a man of commitment as he did what he thought and preached.

Renowned scholar Khawaja Razi Haider said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Maulana Mohmmad Ali Jauhar had a great resemblance together. He made Muslim League a popular party. The Maulana supported Quaid’s 14 Points and believed that only under the leadership of Jinnah the Muslims of South Asia could achieve freedom.

Prof Dr Mazhar Hamid paid poetic tribute to the legendary Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar whose accomplishments remained source of motivation to the people of South Asia.

PMA to be made as leading marine university of the region

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael, has said that the government fully recognized the important role of our seafarers towards strengthening of economy and the elevation of the Pakistan Marine Academy to a degree awarding institution was a testimonial to it.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the passing out parade of the PMA in Karachi on January 3. The ceremony was largely attended, among others, by Chairman PNSC, Siddique Memon, Chairman KPT, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Azhar Hayat, and Chairman Port Qasim Authority, Agha Jan Akhtar,

On the occasion, the Minister announced a gold medal from his Ministry to be awarded to cadets and evinced his ministry’s interest to transform  PMA) into a Marine University, to  be the first of its kind in the region and  pledged to take up  this matter at all related levels.

He said that the PMA University will provide quality education of merchant navy and other specialized courses to the seafarers of the region.

Senator Kamran Michael stressed the need for strengthening technical institutions adding that greater attention will be paid to marine education and training.

He appreciated the progress made by the PMA in producing quality Merchant Marine Officers to serve the merchant fleet and in providing expertise in other disciplines of maritime sector. He noted that after undergoing two years of academic, professional and physical training the passing out cadets are awarded BSc Degree in Maritime Studies by Karachi University enabling the PMA to produce quality human resource for the maritime industry.

The Federal Minister felt proud by the accomplishments of the PMA cadets having participated in the International Maritime Conference for the first time held at the Bahria University where they clinched first and second prizes in poster making and essay writing contests besides winning laurels, medals and trophies in sports and athletics competitions. He hoped that the same spirit will be maintained.

Earlier on, in his welcome address Commandant PMA, Commodore (Rtd) Rana Aslam, informed the Minister about the computerization of exams as well as induction system of cadets.

Later, Senator Kamran Michael awarded Sword of Honour and medals to the top performers of the passing out cadets. 

SSUET’s orientation ceremony on January 16

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The admission process, having started a couple of months back at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, is continuing with the orientation ceremony planned to be held on January 16, 2014.

The admission test was held on November 24, 2013 and results of admission seekers were announced on December 13 and the admission letters were sent to the successful candidates soon afterwards.

There had been very good response for admission in three newly introduced disciplines of Architecture, Software Engineering and Bio-Informatics.

The University has already appointed faculties for the new programs and according to a market survey there is high demand for those passing out from these fields.

Earlier, the University’s Board of Governors had approved the introduction of these three new programs in view of their high market value.

In view of introduction of new technologies and ever increasing number of admission seekers in the existing disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Civil, Telecommunication, Bio-Medical Engineering and Computer science, the university has already undertaken an expansion project whereby construction of a new block is going on speedily. Upon completion, the new block will provide increased space for class rooms and laboratories. 

US Aligarhian visits SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, is an institution on which, anyone having an admiration and love with the great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, can feel pride for its being the fruit of Sir Syed’s educational endeavours.”

This was observed by Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Prof. Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi while speaking at a reception hosted by the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) in the honour of Dr Shaheer Khan, the visiting Aligarhian and a noted member of Aligarh Muslim University Alumni, Northern California.

Dr Jawaid Rizvi welcomed Dr Shaheer Khan and appreciated his services for the cause of the Aligarhians at the international level.

In his remarks on the occasion Dr Shaheer highlighted the establishment of the Aligarh Muslim University Alumni USA. He informed that its foundation was laid in the 1970s and now it has chapters in about 15 states which are playing an important role towards promotion of cause of education and Aligarh culture.

He further disclosed that a directory of Alumni members has also been prepared containing names and addresses of some 25,000 members from 102 countries of the world.

According to him quite a few websites have been developed and uploaded on the internet in relation to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and the Aligarh Muslim University which contain enormous information about the Aligarh Movement which ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan.

On the occasion he paid rich tributes to the late SSUET Chancellor Engr Z A Nizami and the the late General Secretary AMUOBA, Engr Mohammed Zakir Ali Khan, for the cause of promotion of the Aligarh Movement.

Appreciating the services of Dr Shaheed Khan in relation to the cause of Aligarhians, the AMUOBA’s General Secretary Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi, described the establishment of the Sir Syed University as a great achievement of the Alumni of the Aligarh Muslim University and this exemplary feat was being eulogized the world over.

He suggested that a campaign be launched in the US for Endowment Fund of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology. 

Shoaib Adil deserves recognition after unearthing embezzlement, irregularities

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Karachi Railway Division authorities have unearthed Rs 0.7 million embezzlement at Mirpurkhas Railway station which led to the arrest senior reservation supervisor.

The supervisor was arrested following a discreet raid conducted by Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO), Shaoib Adil Mughal, who earlier had received a tip of the loss being caused to Pakistan Railway.

According to railway sources, the Mirpurkhas booking supervisor had not deposited the ticket sale amount of Rs 0.7 million and thus caused a revenue loss to the railway.

The sources pointed out that an Inspection Team from Railway Headquarter Lahore had visited Karachi Railway Division on November 22 and 23 and also inspected Mirpurkhas Railway station but did not report this fraud to Karachi Railway division authorities.

Shaoib Adil Mughal, after taking over as DCO on September 9, was credited to have unfolded two frauds of Karachi division inside a couple of months.

In year 2012, he was also instrumental in nabbing a gang of retired railway employees who were selling fake railway Paper card tickets in Karachi. A case was registered against them.

On that performance the Railway administration, headed by Anzar Ismail Rizvi, had recommended his name for bonus salary which was awarded to him besides the appreciation certificates.

This year, despite unfolded two frauds, he has not been rewarded yet and instead having been recommended for OSD which was quite frustrating and demoralizing for any civil servant who has performed very well during the Mid career Management Course at NIM Karachi which offered him to join NIM and render his services for NIM as Additional Directing Staff.

Since joining in September 2013, he has shifted at least a dozen staff on their irregularities and disciplinary action is underway against them 

Recently he raided 19 up at Ghadar station and in midnight Khyber Mail 1 up surprisingly from Kot and a STE in 1 up Khyber mail has been caught taking money from a passenger and he caught him on the spot.  He also conducted inspection of HDR-MPS section and caught minor irregularities and one major irregularity of a booking clerk at Tando Allahyar.

SSUET hailed for making fast strides in engineering education

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has been progressing at fast pace because of its highest quality of education and best possible facilities available to its students.

This was stated by the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) and the Chancellor of the SSUET, Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, while addressing the Annual General Body of the AMUOBA held in Karachi.

He described the introduction of three new programmes of Architecture, Software Engineering and Bio Informatics from the 2014 academic session as a living example of the development and success of the university.

He said that since its inception, the university not only focused on providing best and most modern education but also produced a large number of engineers who have demonstrated their talent and skill not only in Pakistan but world over.

Engr Adil Usman pointed out that a major character of this university is that no student is deprived from acquisition of education merely because of financial constraints  but poor and deserving students are financially assisted and during the last academic year about Rs 35 million were given to 1884 boys and girls as scholarship.

He said that the establishment of CISCO Academy at SSUET was an important achievement and besides education in networking, the university has been made a center of online examination.

The Chancellor pointed out that the SSUET was the only university in the private sector where extracurricular activities were fully encouraged and its students won top positions in various important national and provincial events besides sports and which speaks of their talents.

Emphasizing upon making the promotion and pursuation of education mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan as the AMUOBA’s foremost objective he committed not to ignore the element of merit to achieve highest educational standards at the SSUET.

He specially recalled the services of AMUOBA’s late President, Engr Z A Nizami and its late Secretary, Mohammed Zakir Ali Khan, and said that foundation stone of a new 8-story academic block at the campus has been laid and the construction work was in full swing.

Earlier the AMUOBA’s Secretary Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi present the Association’s Annual report, highlighting the successes made towards the achievement of its objectives.  The meeting approved the minutes of the AMUOBA’s previous AGM. The Treasurer SSUET, Salman Saleh presented the audited accounts of the Association.

KWSB launches crackdown against defaulters

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

 

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has launched a crackdown against defaulting domestic water consumers who were earlier served final disconnection noticed and severed 116 connections in the city’s different areas on November 26.

 

However, a team of KWSB’s revenue collection was attacked by some mischievous elements who opened fire at them in Federal-B-Area and A FIR has been filed against them, the KWSB said.

 

Deputy Managing Director Revenue, Mohammed Aslam Khan disclosed that some 17 billion rupees are outstanding against water consumers and a recovery campaign has been launched on the directives of the KWCB Chairman, Mohammed Sajid Jokhio, and Managing Director, Qutbuddin Shaikh.

 

Out of 116 connections severed, 21 were disconnected in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, 18 in Jamshed Town, 17 in North Nazimabad, 15 in Federal-B-Area, in Orangi, nine each in SITE and Saddar, seven in Korangi, four in Landhi, three in Bin Qasim and two in Lyari.  

 

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.

NED University’s Petroleum Engineering department attains global recognition

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Texas-based Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has declared the Petroleum Engineering Department of the NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, as an outstanding chapter of the year 2013.

The NED University’s SPE student chapter has received the Outstanding Chapter Award (OCA) for the second time. The chapter has distinguished itself as one of the top seven distinguished SPE chapters around the globe.  

The other OCA recipients for 2013 are the University of Lagos, the Malaysia University of Technology, the University of Aberdeen, the Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense, Darcy Riberio, the University of Tulsa and Tyumen State Oil & Gas University.

The Exclusive SPE student chapter of Pakistan has received all the three prestigious awards including chapter of the month and the Gold Standard status besides the OCA in the SPE Middle East North Africa and India region.

After receiving these prestigious awards in 2011, the chapter has been crowned once again with the OCA for the year 2013 through assessment of its programmes, activities, and levels of participation during a single academic year in respect to over 200 other chapters worldwide.

The SPE Student Chapter team of Petroleum Engineering Department enjoys the pride and honour to raise the flag of Pakistan in the whole region and to have brought laurels to the university and the department through this regional and international recognition.

The SPE, founded in 1957 as a constituent society of the American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME), is acclaimed as one of the largest individual-member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry. It had become a separately incorporated organization in 1985.

The Oil and Gas Committee of AIME had evolved into the Petroleum Division of AIME as membership grew and as interest among the members was more clearly delineated among the mining, metallurgical, and petroleum specializations.

The SPE has reached its highest number of members in its history, partly due to the high growth rate in the number of student members and chapters. It continues its constant search for new ways to meet member needs in all phases of their careers in all parts of the world.

Meanwhile Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal Haque, Vice Chancellor, NED University of Engineering and Technology, and Prof Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Dean, CEA, have congratulated the Department of Petroleum Engineering, headed by its chairman Prof Dr Abid Murtaza Khan, on their accomplishments.

KWSB urge KESC to restore power supply to pumping stations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Karachi faced a shortage of 120 mgd in the supplies made to the city following the disconnection of power supply to the pumping stations of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) and the situation could go from bad to worse if the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) remained adamant in restoring electricity to pumping stations.

 “There is every possibility that a severe crisis situation may arise in the city due to water shortage as a result of KESC’s action,” Qutbuddin Shaikh. Managing Director, (KWSB), warned.

He said that schedule of water supply was badly affected due to shut down of power supply to pumping stations and if this continues, a volatile situation among citizens may erupt and particularly during the weekend when water consumption increases.

He pointed out that the KWSB was already faced with water shortage but KESC’s such behaviour could further worsen the situation making it difficult to maintain equitable supply of water.

Qutbuddin Shaikh reminded that the KWSB is a public utility organization which has been supplying water on a very nominal rate on no profit no loss basis.

He said although there is very low rate of recovery, still the KWSB was supplying water notwithstanding its limitations and KESC should keep the interest of people in view.

He said that the KESC should approach the Provincial and Federal Governments for settlement of its dues instead of punishing the citizens. He hoped that the KESC will make contact at government level instead of resorting to an extreme action.

Reiterating the caution that the water supply shortage can even result in a law and order situation, the KWSB Managing Director elaborated that it takes more time in restoring water supply than the shut down hours and as a result the water supply schedule gets badly affected.