Aligarhian Zakir Ali Khan remembered

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Rich tributes were paid to the late General Secretary of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), Engr Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan, on the occasion of his fourth death anniversary observed by the Association at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology SSUET), Karachi.

Eminent speakers, on the occasion, highlighted the educational and literary services of Zakir Ali Khan, particularly his contribution towards the advancement of Sir Syed’s Mission. 

In his thought-provoking discourse, the SSUET Chancellor and the AMUOBA President, Jawaid Anwar, while recalling the services of Zakir Ali Khan, said that in any society the freedom of expression plays a positive role towards promotion of healthy trends. 

“The true opinion-making among the human beings is very much connected to their independent thinking,” he stated. 

“We at AMUOBA desire to write down a new chapter at Sir Syed University through educational advancement to be achieved through developmental activities.” 

He described Zakir Aki Khan as a multi-faceted person, particularly in the field of Urdu literature in recognition of which he was awarded ‘International Award for Literature’ by the Aligarh Muslim University. 

He particularly referred to Zakir’s most famous book ‘Riwayat-e-Aligarh’ and said it is a valuable gift for Aligarhians and students as well as a reflection of his character and personality. 

“It is a very informative truly reflecting the traditions of Aligarh culture and an important source for character building of students.” 

The Chancellor told the gathering that the University’s present setup is all out for the welfare of its employees and announced that they soon will be given benefits including medical insurance and revised pay scales. 

Pointing out that a number of welfare measures have been taken in a short span of four months, the services of around 150 adhoc employees were regularized and due promotions given to deserving employees besides completing the new E Block named after the Late Z A Nizami while it has been proposed to name Block F after Zakir Ali Khan. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said that admission process has been completed smoothly and new and old entrants were pursuing university’s discipline. 

According to him the gap between two important sections of Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) and Faculty is being bridged through reorganization measures. 

Earlier in his speech the AMUOBA’s General Secretary Mohammed Arshad Khan said that a sad phase of our society was that due recognition is not given to personalities in their lifetime. 

He stated that Zakir Ali Khan was the true benefactor of the Association and his services for AMUOBA and SSUET will go down in its history with golden letters. 

In his speech the Vice-Chancellor Hamdard University Prof Dr Abdul Mannan remarked that Zakir Ali Khan was binding force for the entire Aligarhin community and kept them jointed through his unmatched behavior and literary works. 

Noted journalist and writer Mahmood Shaam that every soul departing from us takes away his bright phase. Previously it was an era of independence but now the mass of slaves was on the rise. 

He said that Pakistan would not have come into being if there would not have been Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and it was unfortunate that we failed to maintain traditions and their continuation, adding that Zakir Ali Khan was the one who had command over urdu and presented the conditions around in a fascinating manner. 

Noted writer and researcher Khawaja Razi Hyder described Zakir Ali Khan a best writer of his era who had the ability to make people realize what used to be just information and his writings had a deep rooted appeal for the new generation in relation to their character building and wanted to see a bright future for them. 

Renowned poet Jazib Qureshi paid poetic tribute to Zakir Ali Khan and said he never allowed love, affection and memories to disappear. 

The daughter-in-law of Late Zakir Ali Khan said that he was a most affectionate person and from day one he never allowed her to feel that she came to in-laws after leaving her home.

Dr Arshad Karim discusses teaching methodology with the SSUET’s academicians

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Matters relating to teaching methods with exploring the techniques that would help the teachers develop their skill of the art of teaching came under discussion at a high level meeting held by renowned educationist and a former foreign professor of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Arshad Syed Karim, with the faculty members of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi.

The meeting was chaired by the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, and attended by the SSUET Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, Registrar Prof Dr Mumtaz-ul-Inam, Deans and Chairpersons of various departments. 

The Chancellor introduced the distinguished guest and also discussed the various related issues which came up in the meeting. 

Earlier Registrar Prof Dr Imam-ul-Inam welcomed the eminent guest, who has had a distinguished career in the world of education enjoying teaching and learning and research guidance. 

Dr Arshad Karim holds more than 50 years cross-cultural global teaching, research and education administrative experience. He has authored 16 books and over 100 research articles in the discipline of social sciences. 

In his opening remarks, Dr Arshad Karim pointed out that teaching can perhaps more aptly be defined as an art rather than a science. 

“It is the art of transferring knowledge, and of cultivating and nourishing independent thinking that breeds a national, responsible and disciplined generation,” he observed. 

He opined that the teacher carried tremendous responsibilities on their shoulders as it is through the teacher that the students learnt how to create a civil society. 

Among others, the discussion focused on building student-teacher relationship creating amicable classroom environment with special reference to the critical aspect of people discipline, classroom management and control. 

Dr Arshad Karim shared a wealth of information about classroom management strategies that successful teachers use to get and keep students on-task and engaged in lesson. 

According to him, the strategies were based on extensive teaching experiences as well as finding of numerous studies in learning theory, student motivation, behavior modification, counseling psychology, violence prevention, group dynamics, students engagement and classroom organization. 

The visiting educationist and the participants had an extensive discussion on the subject matter besides exchanging proposals thereof.

Railways recover over Rs 13 million from ticketless passengers

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan Railways, in raids over various trains, recovered over Rs 13 million from passengers travelling without ticket. 

On the directives of Divisional Superintendent, Engr Nisar Memon, the raids were conducted by the Divisional Commercial Officer, Nasir Nazeer during the month of January 2016. 

During the surprise raids the DCO with his commercial staff nabbed 12,751 passengers travelling without ticket and charged over Rs 13 million as fare and fine. 

The DCO said that on the instruction of Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq to discourage the tendency of travelling in the railway, these raids will continue with heavy fines to be imposed on violators as a deterrent.

SBCA warns people against land mafia

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The land mafia and encroachers are continuing with illegal occupation of parks, marriage halls, primary and high schools, public buildings, commercial, industrial and residential plots and their sale and purchase.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in a reiterated warning cautioned the people not to take part in the illegal sale and purchase of such plots or their booking and similar associated activities in their own interest. 

In this connection on the directive of DG SBCA, Agha Maqsood Abbas, a survey report was compiled by the Director Buildings Gadap Town along with their use as per Master Plan and presented to the Director General. 

According to this report, the plot numbers SJ 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 6/2, 8/2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 26, R-2, R-1 and plot numbers. A-30, L-8, L-12, R-5, Plot No ST-10 and 11 of the land under mafia’s occupation, are for park, marriage hall, public building, primary school, commercial and residential plots. 

Plot numbers FL-1 and 2, ST-1, ST 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, ST 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21 have been illegally occupied and were reserved for playground, high school, public building and marriage hall . Of the land occupied by land mafia included plot numbers ST 21, 17, 01 in Sector 4/B, Plot Nos. ST 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18 in sector 4/D, and ST 21 

In Surjani Town plot numbers ST 4, 6, 12 in sector 5/C, ST 8 in sector 7/A, ST 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20 and 21 in Sector 7B have been illegally occupied. 

The SBCA made it clear that no plan approval or NOC has been issued in respect of any constructions on the notified plots nor the Authority will bear any responsibility thereof. 

The Director Project Surjani Town, through letter, was informed a number of times to take action against illegal occupiers and mafia. 

In this regard, the SBCA also informed the SSP West and Registrar Surjani Town, besides service providers K-Electric, SSGC and KWSB about the legal status of these plots and told not to entertain them with regard to lease and connections of basic utilities.

Nadir Magsi, Tusna Patel clinch major Hub Rally titles

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)




Demonstrating speed, skill and masterly Pakistan’s top ralliest driver Nadir Magsi won the main title while Tushna Patel won the ladies crown of Toyota third edition of Off-road Hub Rally at the Nooriabad Track.




The seven-time Cholistan Rally champion and as many time Jhal Magsi champion, Nadir Magsi driving his 6500 CC left handed Red Ford, handled the sharp turns, muddy and hilly track to emerge on the top among the over 30 drivers.




Nadir Magsi covered course on his highly powerful vehicle in 15.20 seconds to the delight of his band of supporters and followers.




“It was fast track and I used it to my best in achieving good timing,” he told reporters after winning the title.




Mrs. Tusha Patel driving a Vigo 2500 CC completed the hat-trick by winning her third successive title. She covered the distance in 21.20 seconds.




“My husband Ronnie Patel is motivating force in my success,” she said afterwards. 




Ismail Tariq won the fastest driver award, having covered the 32-KM course on his 2300 CC Vigo in 15.20 seconds.




Nauman Saranjam Khan emerged winner in “D” category while Nadir Magsi’s brother Aamir Magsi took the honors in his Vigo 3000 C. Mohammad Mehdi Dhanji won the “D” Stock category on his 1000 CC car.




Former Sindh Minister Mukesh Chawla won the Stock C contest in his Vigo 2000 CC.




In ladies car class, Shazia Naveed secured first position. Mrs. Asma Muzzmil was second and Sadia Aamir was third.

DG Rangers Sindh, Major General Bilal Akbar, who was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony, distributed some of the glittering trophies.




Chief Organizer Shujaat Sherwani, CEO Toyota Indus Motors, Ali Asghar Jamali were also present on the occasion.




Asghar Jamali described it a great event and expressed the hope such Rally event will increase and more talented drivers will come in force.




General Bilal took part in the race driving Vigo and covered the 32-KM distance in 22 minutes.




Speaking on the occasion, General Bilal announced to hold a Thar Desert Rally in Tharpaker and decided to dedicate it to the area people.




He observed that sports united the people and felicitated the organizers for staging such a high magnitude and attracted large number of peoples and followers of automobiles racing. 




He remarked that 67% of the population of the country comprised youth and he desired to provide them the best support and security to excel in their respective fields.




General Bilal reckoned that Pakistan posseseds great potential in sports and the athletes deserve to be facilitated to achieve excellence




Earlier the rally was inaugurated at a simple ceremony in presence of hundreds of racing followers, supporters.




Speaking on the occasion, Director Marketing and Sales, Raheel Asghar, said that was great achievement that Toyota Highway Motors with Sherwani are conducting this exciting and attractive event.




He stated that Toyota was looking forward to promote this sport like elsewhere across the world.




Shujaat Sherwani thanked top rally driver for featuring in the race. He said that due to some unavoidable circumstances both Turkish and Japanese could not turn-up to take part in the sports vehicle gala.

SBCA razes illegal structures

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The demolition squad of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), on the directive of Director General SBCA, Agha Masood Abbass, demolished and sealed two illegal marriage halls in Korangi Town.

According to a spokesman of SBCA, the squad demolished Green Valley’s illegal marriage halls and banquet situated on plot number F-7 and F-8, Sector E, in the Lucknow Cooperative Housing Society. 

It also demolished illegal construction on Plot number C-47, Sector 31-E, Al Arabia Marriage Lawn in Darul Salam Housing Society and sealed the premises. 

The demolition operation was carried out under the supervision of Director Demolition, Jameel Memon, Deputy Director Sajjad, and Assistant Director, Korangi Town Ahsan Idrees. 

The SBCA’s police force was also present during the demolition operation to maintain law and order situation in the area.

Celebrities make sports gala memorable

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan’s leading cricket star Kamran Akmal has exhorted the young students to work hard not only for academic achievements but also in their extracurricular activities including sports like cricket, hockey, football etc. to come in their practical future as great academicians and sportsmen.

“It is time for them to focus on their studies as well as sports activities to achieve their cherished objectives which otherwise would not be possible without hard work”, he said while briefly speaking at the Annual Sports Gala of The Educators, Renaissance Campus, held at Pakistan Sports Board’s Karachi Centre on January 21. 

Celebrities from the various walks of life were the focus of attention of a big gathering of parents and kids and youth at their Annual Sports Day. 

They included Pakistan’s former High Commissioner to UK, Abdul Kader Jaffer, noted lawyer and former Justice of Sindh High Court, Barrister Khawaja Naveed Ahmed, former Karachi Commissioner, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, besides sporting legends like Kamran Akmal, Wasim Bari, Islahuddin, Iqbal Qasim, Shoaib Mohammad, Jan Mohammad and Tanvir Ahmed. The ceremony was conducted by the famous sports journalist and analyst, Ehsan Qureshi.

Their presence made a hay day for parents and their children who unabatedly took selfies with the star sportsmen besides seeking their autographs. 

On the occasion they presented medals to schools children who achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in various sports including cricket, hockey and athletics events. 

Kamran Akmal laid more emphasis on achieving physical fitness and said that only then the grooming children could think about becoming stars in various sports. 

Pakistan’s former High Commissioner to UK and Chairman of Jaffer Foundation, Abdul Kader Jaffer, observed that Pakistan needs a strong leadership which could lead the country towards progress and prosperity and bring the country to join the world’s most developed comity of nations.

He described the occasion a hay day for both parents and students and recalled that he, when he was of their age, used to take part in the same way in sports and their parents used to show delight like parents of today. 

He advised that besides taking part in sports, they should take greater interest in their academic activities as Pakistan would need to have good leaders in the coming future and it is the right time they should plan for the same. 

Through another advice he exhorted them that when they grow up and enter their practical life they will be expected to take care of their parents same way their parents are taking their care. 

“You have to make a strong, progressive and prosperous Pakistan and for this they need to focus on their education for which this is the right time,” he emphasized.

Earlier on arrival Abbdul Kader Jaffer was warmly greeted by a huge crowds of parents and their children besides students taking part in various sports. 

Eminent lawyer and former Justice of Sindh High Court, Barrister Khawaja Naveed Ahmed, called upon the students not to waste their precious time in uncalled for activities and rather focus more on their education so as to achieve the goals which might have been set for them by their parents. 

He delivered a typically inspirational little speech on the occasion which enlightened the students as well as their parents present on the occasion.

“You can achieve their objectives provided they maintain their physical fitness as well as achieve excellence in their educational life. Nothing is impossible to achieve, provided there is dedication and commitment to the cause. If we have achieved big name in our field, it is solely because of dedication and commitment without which every effort will prove futile,” he remarked 

“Today reminds me of my own childhood and that of my kids, who are grown up now. I still vividly recall such ceremonies in which I had participated as a student and then watched my children pass through this phase. Isn’t it quite extraordinary that parents, particularly mothers, appear more sentimental about the success of their children than the children themselves,” he added.

Railways organize medical camp at Tando Adam

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Railways Administration Karachi, under the directives of the Divisional Superintendent, Nisar Memon, organised a free medical camp at the Tando Adam Station on January 17. 

The camp started at 10 am and continued till late in the evening during which hundreds of patients were examined by doctors and provided treatment for various ailments. 

The Railways doctors including general physician, gynecologist, eye specialist, dentist and ultrasound specialist were available at the camp and they examined the departmental employees and their families besides the general public.

The area people also availed the opportunity in large number and they expressed their gratitude to the Railways authorities for having done the much-needed community service in their town.

The patients were provided free medicines besides carrying out various blood tests on the spot. 

The Divisional Commercial Officer, Nasir Nazeer, who supervised the camp from the start till the end informed that the DS Railways, Nisar Memon, has been taking special interest in the upkeep of health of Railways employees all over the division. 

He revealed that the Divisional Railways Administration had so far organised as many as 10 such camps at various railway stations including Mirpurkhas and Dadu and this practice will continue throughout the year.

SSUET Chancellor exhorts new entrants to follow Sir Syed’s mission

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The new academic year 2016 commenced at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, with the Orientation Session held for the new entrants of Batch 2016 at the Expo Centre on January 12.

It has been a tradition to organize the Orientation Session to familiarize the newly admitted students of the university about their respective engineering and non-engineering fields by the chairpersons of the respective departments. 

Addressing the session the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, in his thought provoking speech apprised the students about their present and future responsibilities. 

The SSUET, he pointed out, has a distinction that here the teachers are teaching their pupils on best possible lines while on the other the students are demonstrating their best capabilities in the context of acquisition of knowledge. 

“During the last 17 convocations, the Chancellor said, while on one hand the students passing out from here are rendering significant services for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, on the other they are occupying important positions in the whole of world because of their academic and technical capabilities.” 

“It is a matter of pride for Sir Syed University and it should be our equal responsibility to maintain this honour,” he exhorted. 

He reminded that after the creation of Pakistan, the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) has been pursuing the educational philosophy and footprints of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and it was in this very context that SSUET was brought into being. 

“We have all along been endeavored to promote an educational environment in this university in keeping with the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. 

On the occasion the Chancellor read out a quotation from a speech of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and said no doubt the same is the centre of our ambitions as well. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said that Sir Syed’s speeches and publications testified the fact that he wanted to see the children of the nation as custodian of a bright future and always stressed upon making curricular and non-curricular activities as purposeful and bounded with morality so that a society could be brought into being which despite being developed and modernized, which may have the reflection of Islamic norms and tradition. 

He said that it was Sir Syed Ahmed Khan which infused a power of action into the subjugated Muslims of South Asia, which ultimately led to the creation of beloved Pakistan within half a century after his death. 

“The founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah also kept similar sentiments with reference to the youth and always emphasized upon augmentation of their education and training.” he added. 

He said that attitudes have witnessed a change because of change in the focus on educational system which has led to mental confusion. 

“It has, therefore, become imperative to prepare yourself in the light of Aligarh spirit, role of the seniors and practical steps.” 

He told them that it is this very age where character building is done and, therefore they should not waste their age in useless activities. He advised them that they would have create innovation and singularity in their attitudes which may conform the scientific priorities. So that they could achieve a better future after having finished their academic career for which purpose the university did have counseling arrangements. 

As regards the non-curricular activities, the Chancellor said that university students have won score of honors in this context and they have to carry these traditions forward. 

The Chancellor said that today they are going to start a new chapter of their life which would be an era of their future-making and, thus, improve their moral and professional life during this era so that they could introduce themselves as a successful person in their family and national life. 

Earlier Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, welcomed the new entrants and highlighted the importance of the orientation day. He exhorted them that during their stay in this institution they will be expected of realizing their vital responsibilities so as to serve the country and nation in a more effective manner. 

On the occasion, the chairpersons of Computer, Electronics, Telecom, Bio-Med. Civil, Electrical and Soft ware engineering and Computer Science Architecture and Bio-Informatics departments apprised the new entrants about the salient features of their respective fields. 

The Registrar, Mumtaz-ul-Imam, gave an introduction about the AMUOBA the sponsors of SSUET, sports, literary and culture forum, financial assistance, scholarships library medical center and various curricular activities. 

The Dean of Engineering, Prof Dr S M Makhdoomi also welcomed the students while Prof Dr Najeeb Siddiqi gave an introduction of Continued Education Program me and the CISCO Academy. The Advisor to Chancellor, Siraj Khilji, gave an introduction about Career Planning and Placement Bureau of the university.

SSUET Chancellor declares technically skilled persons as assets

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jawaid Anwar, Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), and Chairman, Managing Committee, Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT), has declared the technically skilled persons as assets for the country. 

“Technical education is vital for the growth of any country. There is a huge demand for technical education in modern age as it imparts knowledge of specific craft or profession. Technical education opens the door for employment and successful career,” he observed while speaking as the chief guest in the ceremony held to award gold medals to the AIT students having earned first positions in the examinations of Sindh Board of Technical Education (SBTE). 

“The Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) is providing modern facilities to the students according to the contemporary standards. Highly qualified, experienced and skilled faculty is available at the institute to teach and groom students in an environment cordial for learning,” Chancellor Jawaid Anwar observed. 

“We must focus on the education of our children because they are the future of the country. People roped with technical skills are an asset for a country and they may take the country to economic prosperity,” he added. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar, who is also the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), recognized the services of the philanthropist Aslam Shah, especially for giving gold medals and scholarships to the position holders and bright students of AIT. 

“We have a lot of talented and brilliant students here at the AIT and their resounding success in the SBTE examinations is a testimonial of their dedication and deep love to learning,” he stated. 

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President, AMUOBA, Syed Anwar Ali remarked that technical education was vitally important and useful in the present day society, because unlike graduates, diploma holders get jobs easily and they don’t have to run around for getting jobs. 

“The AIT is our first priority and we are endeavoring to help it scale greater heights,” he said. Special mention was made of eminent businessman and philanthropist Younus Shah alias Piyare Mian, who had a great contribution in establishing the AIT, and now his son Aslam Shah was carrying forward his father’s mission. 

Their support for the development and promotion of education was acknowledged and the decision to award scholarship and gold medals to position-holders of the SBTE, in order to encourage students, was commended.