PNSC signs loan agreement with Faysal Bank

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

 

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has successfully swapped its loan of Rs 3.3 billion with another loan on soft terms with a repayment period of four years on low mark-up. As a consequence, the PNSC has saved tens of millions of Rupees.

 

In this respect, a signing ceremony was held in the PNSC Building on November 18 which was attended by Senator  Kamran Michael,  Federal Minister Ports and Shipping, Arif Elahi, Chairman, PNSC, Tayyaba Rasheed, Head of Investment Banking Faysal Bank, Jarrar Haider Kazmi, General Manager Finance,  PNSC, and other officials of the two organizations.

 

The agreement was signed by Bilal Asghar, Head of Corporate Investment Banking on behalf of Faysal Bank and Imtiaz C Agboatwala Executive Director, Finance, signed on behalf of the PNSC.

 

On this occasion Arif Elahi, Cjairman, PNSC, informed that the agreement has enabled the corporation to repay the outstanding loan and replace with a loan on softer terms, saving substantial financial cost.

Veteran mathematician Prof Dr Rana Khalid Naeem passes away

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The mathematics department of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, (SSUET), and the Karachi Mathematical Association (KMA) have condoled the sad demise of Prof Dr Rana Khalid Naeem, a former Chairman of the mathematics department of the University of Karachi, who passed away the other day. 

The meeting was presided over by the SSUET’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, who is also the President of the KMA. 

He recalled the services of Dr Rana Khalid in the field of mathematics and highlighted his achievements and contribution towards the promotion of mathematics. 

The President and members of KMA offered Fateha and prayed to Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the family and the circle of friends to bear the great loss.

SSUET Chancellor announces medical insurance, revised pay scale and other facilities to employees

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Jawaid Anwar has announced medical insurance and revised pay scale besides other facilities for the university’s employees.

He made the announcement amidst applause while addressing the Aligarhians at a reception held at the university campus to celebrate the victory of the Zakir Ali Khan Panel in the recently held elections of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA). 

"I have always believed in governing with respect and look forward to work together to meet the challenges ahead with no political conflict,” the AMUOBA President stated

He congratulated his team on a hard-fought campaign adding that the Zakir Ali Khan Panel has been provided a golden opportunity to bring about changes for a constructive growth and betterment at the campus. 

He declared that AMUOBA will provide a favorable environment for everyone to pursue the cherished objectives. Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said he will not be carrying anyone to a blind optimism or to wishful idealism. 

“In keeping our promise we have immediately started to deliver and as a first move the hockey ground opposite the campus has been reopened for parking of vehicles of SSUET employees and students after so many years," he remarked adding that the place will also be provided with facilities for sports activities. 

He announced that employee’s pay scales will be revised in coming months while tenders have been invited for introducing their medical insurance in a transparent manner. 

The Chancellor informed that instructions have been issued for preparing a performance-based audit report of each department on the basis of which promotions and facilities will be announced on merit.  

Appreciating the role of teachers in the society he pointed out that faculty is the backbone of the university and they must be provided with better facilities. He asked them to strive to improve the SSUET’s image. 

He advised the Vice Chancellor and faculty members to join hands with him to bring a constructive change in the university in pursuing the vision of great educationist and reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who awakened the Muslims from slumber and ignorance and opened up venues for modern learning. 

On the occasion, in recognition of 50 years of valuable service of ideal Aligarian Late Muhammad Zakir Ali Khan, shields were presented to his sons Muhammad Nadir Ali Khan and Muhammad Akbar Ali Khan. 

The guests gave a standing ovation to Mazhar Aslam Zuberi who had Rs 5.1 million, a big chunk of his retirement dues, as donation to the Association and recently gave Rs 1 lakh for the construction of Sir Syed Tower, while he himself is living in an ordinary apartment. 

Earlier, in his speech, Vice President AMUOBA, Tariq Sabzwari, said: “We follow the mission of the great visionary Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and victory of Zakir Ali Khan panel is a pleasant change. 

The event was conducted elegantly by Noshaba Siddiqui, a member of AMUOBA’s Executive Committee, and concluded with the National Anthem and the Tarana e Aligarh. 

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr.Syed Jawaid H. Rizvi, Registrar Prof Dr Mumtaz ul Imam, AMUOBA’s Muhammad Moshin Khan (Treasurer), Abdul Rasheed Khan (Vice President), Syed Anwar Ali (Vice President), Wasif Nazar Siddiqui (Joint Secretary), Waqas Jawaid Bukhari (Joint Secretary Sports), Cmdr. (R) Saleem Siddiqui, Mukhtar Naqvi, Shajar Hashmi, Mustafa Bin Ibrahim, among others, were also present on the occasion.

ABAD, Police to work jointly for problems resolution

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The DIG South, Dr Jamil Ahmed, has recognized that the construction industry provides job opportunities on a very large scale and, therefore, its problems relating to law and order would be tackled on preferential basis.

He was speaking at a function organized by the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) at the ABAD House in Karachi Those present on the occasion included Chairman ABAD, Mohammed Hanif Gohar, Vice-Chairman Mohammed Ramzan Adhia, Regional Chairman Asif Sumsum and others. 

The DIG reckoned that the law and order situation in Karachi has improved by 80 percent while efforts are being made to curb other minor crimes as well. 

He was appreciative of the ABAD's role towards promotion of national economy and stated that his doors were open for every ABAD member. 

He said that the cooperation with ABAD will not be restricted to District South but the entire Karachi Police will extend its helping hand. 

On the occasion he formed a mutual coordination committee to help immediate resolution of the problems being faced by the ABAD members. The committee will comprise SSP Investigation, Abid Hussain Qaimkhani, from the police side and Junaid Ashraf from ABAD. 

Addressing the function, the ABAD Chairman, Hanif Gohar paid tributes to the Karachi Police and specially DIG Dr Jamil Ahmed for re-establishing law and order in Karachi. 

He said that the confidence of builders has greatly been restored because of high performance of Police and Rangers and now they felt themselves more secured while carrying out their business activities. 

The Chairman of ABAD’s Southern Region, Asif Sumsum, remarked that builder's 90 percent problems have been resolved mainly due to restoration of law and order for which he paid tributes to the police.

Chinese get 650 acres of land in Gwadar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chinese have been handed over 650 acres of land in Gwadar in connection with the development of infrastructure facilities at Gwadar Port. 

In this regard a MoU was signed between the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and visiting Chinese delegation headed by Wang Xiatao. 

The Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael, was also present on the occasion. 

In his remarks on the occasion, Kamran Michael stated that Gwadar will become a smart port city in three years thus opening up more job opportunities for the people of Gwadar and reducing prevailing poverty from the area. 

He described the MoU as the first step towards a new journey of Pakistan-China friendship and said it will benefit both the countries in future.

Jawaid Anwar takes over as SSUET Chancellor

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The newly elected President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), Jawaid Anwar, on November 2, took over as the new Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, replacing Engr Adil Usman who lost to him in the AMUOBA elections held on October 31.

In his first address to the faculty members and senior AMUOBA members in the university’s conference room, Chancellor Jawaid Anwar vowed to carry the SSUET to continuous improvement with the cooperation of every one. 

“We have to move forward without looking back at the drawbacks as it will not serve any purpose,” he stated. 

The Chancellor emphasized upon every one to show performance if they want to carry the university ahead towards cherished goals and said that it would be possible only with the cooperation of every one here support of whom is imperative. 

Jawaid Anwar pointed out that there are lot of working opportunities and what was needed is only to effectively exploit them. 

He stated that the main focus will be to maintain merit in every department and section and for this purpose there will be audit of performance of every department and in the light of the same future policies will be devised. 

He made it clear that politicking will not find any space as this only weakened the organizations while our effort will be to make the institution stronger. 

Earlier welcoming the new Chancellor, SSUET’s Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi assured full cooperation to the Chancellor in the fulfillment of his mission of taking the university towards meritorious goals and said that continued improvement in the university will be ensured. 

The Registrar, Engr Syed Abrar Ali, also welcomed the new Chancellor on behalf of the university and said that he is known to every one as a senior Aligarhian since very long. 

He added that with his national and international experience to his credit, the Chancellor Jawaid Anwar will sewe tremendous development. 

Besides some senior Aligarhians, the newly elected Vice-Presidents Syed Anwar Ali and Abdul Rasheed Khan, General Secretary, Mohammed Arshad, Joint Secretary (Sports), Waqas Jawaid Bukhar, Joint Secretary (Academic) Shajar Ali Hashmi were also present on the occasion.

Zakir Ali Khan panel sweeps AMUOBA elections

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jawaid Anwar was elected as President and Muhammad Arshad as General Secretary of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association (AMUOBA) for next three-year term in the Association’s elections held on October 31. 

The other office-bearers elected were three Vice Presidents, Abdul Rasheed Khan, Mohammad Tariq Sabzwari and Syed Anwar Ali besides Mohammad Mohsin Khan (Treasurer), Wasif Nazar Siddiqui (Joint Secretary) and Waqas Jawaid Bukhari (Joint Secretary for Sports). 

An 18-member Executive Committee comprising of Aamir Misbah, Adil Masood Faridi, Arif Ahmed, Atif Nazar Siddiqui, Farhan Tasneem Siddiqui, Iqbal Ahmed Siddiqui, Mazhar Aslm Zuberi, Muhammad Aijazul Yaqin, Muhammad Aleem Ansari, Muhammad Muzammil Mukhtar, Muhammad Yousuf Bin Azhar, Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi, Muneer Muhammad Khan, Sajid Ali Khan, Saleem-uz-Zaman, Saleemuddin Chishti, Syed Adil Askari and Syed Nasir Hussainwas was also elected. Jawairia Urooj and Noshaba Siddiqui were elected on the Executive Committee as female members. 

Meanwhile in his remarks after his victory, the newly elected President AMUOBA Jawaid Anwar, who by virtue of this office has also become the Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), said: “I am truly glad at this remarkable victory and congratulate each and every Aligarhian at this amazing achievement.” 

“I look forward to a fruitful, efficient and highly professional cooperation with all Alig brothers.We need to elevate the status of the AMUOBA and our academic institutions to a level of professionalism. The change has taken place and now is time to deliver,” the President AMUOBA and the Chancellor SSUET declared. 

Vice President Muhammad Tariq Sabzwari observed that a new team has come up with a new resolution that will reinforce the Association. Vice President Syed Anwar Ali said institutions must be preferred over the personalities. 

“Whatever promise we made, will be redeemed in time and we will never ignore our manifesto”. General Secretary Mohammad Arshad vowed not to turn down the expectations of Alig brothers.

Water Board chief promises to lift ban for new connections by Nov 15

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Managing Director of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, (KW&SB), Misbahuddin Farid, alongwith senior officials of the organization, visited the ABAD House on October 29 where a meeting was held with the functionaries of the Association of Builders and Developers.

The ABAD delegation, led by their President, Mohammad Hanif Gohar, briefed the KW&SB officials about the problems caused by the ban on new water connections and route alignment to the K-IV project. 

After a detailed disucusion, a committee, comprising of two members of ABAD, was formed to coordinate with the KW&SB in order to resolve the problems being faced by the housing and construction industry. 

However, Misbahuddin Farid, Managing Director, KW&SB, categorically announced that the ban on new connection of water for builders and developers will be lifted by November 15 and those having already paid the water challans will also be provided connection by this date.

AMUOBA election fever reaches peak; presidential candidate Adil Usman vows to continue efforts for promoting education

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

With only a couple of days left, the election activities of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) have reached their peak and the Sir Syed Panel has announced its candidates, having nominated Engr Mohammed Adil Usman for the slot of President. 

The panel has also nominated Saleem Siddiqi Muhammed Afzal Kazmi and Abdus Sami Khan for the offices of three Vice-Presidents while Masood Alam will be contesting for the post of Honorary General Secretary. 

The presidential candidate, Engr Adil Usman, has vowed to continue his endeavours for the promotion of cause of education and recalled the untiring efforts made for the further development of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology during the last three years. 

He remarked that it was during this period that the landmark project of Sir Syed Tower was launched and a 6-storey new academic Block named after the founding Chancellor and President AMUOBA, Late Z A Nizami, was constructed where educational and administrative departments have started working. 

During this brief period, he pointed out, that four new technologies of electrical, software engineering, biomedical and architecture were introduced while addition of a few more new technologies was in the pipeline. 

Engr Adil Usman stated that aside from these developments steps were also taken for bringing improvement in the SSUET’s administrative and academic affairs whereby provision of modern facilities to students and teachers were ensured. 

He said that special attention was focused on surmounting the university’s financial crisis through recovery of long standing dues besides extending financial assistance to deserving students and employees. 

Engr Adil Usman reckoned that, as a result of steps taken, there had been conspicuous increase in the number of admissions under overseas quota as a result of which the deficit financial position turned into surplus.

Aligarhian Qasim Sualeh passes away

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

 

Mohammed Qasim Sualeh (Alig), a prominent member of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Associattion (AMUOBA) passed away here in Karachi on October 29.

 

The 76-year old Qasim Sualeh was the younger brother of Salman Sualeh, Treasurer and member of AMUOBA’s Executive Committee. He leaves behind widow, who is a retired professor of Urdu, and two doctor daughters.

 

His Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at Masjid Quba, located in Block-13 of Federal-B-Area, and later laid to rest at the Alnoor Society graveyard. The funeral was largely attended by members of AMUOBA, friends and relatives.

 

The soyem will be held on October 30 at his residence, B-576, Block-13 Federal-B-Area, between Asr and Maghrib prayers.