AKU introduce innovation into Emergency Room

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The first-ever Hackathon at the Aga Khan University (AKU) has brought together a variety of experts to solve pressing problems in the city’s emergency room facilities.

The hospital’s Emergency Room (ER) is often the first point of call for citizens whenever a disaster or public health outbreak hits Karachi. 

Hence the challenges arising from the prevailing situation, infrastructure failings and resource shortages are acutely felt in the ER as medical staff rush to treat a surge of patients facing life-threatening conditions. 

In order to find innovative solutions to these daily challenges, the AKU will be hosting a three-day medical hackathon. 

The event, from August 13 to 15, will see professionals from all walks of life, nurses, doctors, businessmen, engineers and designers, pool together their knowledge and ideas to find unique solutions to issues facing emergency departments in Pakistan. 

More than 100 participants and 25 mentors, divided into multiple teams, will ‘hack’ or find quick solutions to medical challenges. 

One of the speakers will be Dr Junaid Razzak, who was the head of Aga Khan University Hospital’s Emergency Room and led the development of Aman Foundation’s emergency medical services. 

Regarding the need for a medical hackathon, Dr Junaid Razzak said: "Traditionally, healthcare systems are hierarchical, risk averse and slow to change. While there are many benefits to this traditional approach, the lack of innovation especially in environments with few resources, have not delivered positive healthcare outcomes for the majority of people.” 

“I believe that solving the challenges of healthcare for countries like Pakistan is possible through innovation. I am excited that a group at AKU has taken the key first steps to organize and recognize non-traditional thinking to solve key health challenges. This has the potential to fundamentally change the discussion around approaches to healthcare systems," he added. 

Throughout the event, mentors and veterans from various professional fields from business to IT to medicine will share their experience of solving problems with participants.  

After two days of fast-paced work, the hackathon will conclude with presentations to a panel of judges, presenting concrete, sustainable solutions suited to low to middle income countries such as Pakistan. The panel will assess ideas worth being funded and launched. 

Speaking about the event, Dr Asad Mian, associate professor at the Department of Emergency Medicine at AKU said: “Hackathons are full of energy, drive and enthusiasm. I was inspired by Hacking Medicine’s event at the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and the drive and enthusiasm of participants to address and solve healthcare problems of global significance."

“The MIT’s Grand Hack 2016 was delightfully different. Therefore, with the MIT’s constant support and feedback, our team is now hosting the first-ever medical hackathon at AKU. We hope to improve lives through ‘hacking’ medicine in a manner that is critical, creative, innovative, and above all, resourceful,” he concluded.

SSUET hosts sports seminar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), as a part of its policy to facilitate the youngsters, has decided to lay astro-turf at here the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET). 

This was announced by Olympian Naved Alam, Director, Development & Domestic, PHF, during the seminar entitled ‘State of Sports in Pakistan’ organized by the Sports Journalists Association Sindh (SJAS) with the collaboration of the SSUET, held at the university campus on August 9. 

“Indeed it’s a tragedy that Pakistan’s hockey team is not playing in the ongoing Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Without blaming those responsible for the catastrophe we have decided to get on with it. We have the capacity to regain the lost glories in hockey. India had also not qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games but their team is playing now. There seems no reason why, with so much talents, we could not bounce back at the international level,” the PHF official remarked. 

The SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, who presided over the seminar, urged all the stakeholders to work jointly for the cause of promoting sports having brought laurels for the country in the past. 

“It’s time to join hands and rise to the occasion. The country is fortunate to be blessed with enormous talent in sports. It’s the responsibility of all those institutions and departments to work in cohesion to build a kind of infrastructure which is sports friendly,” he reckoned. 

“As part of our contribution to this cause, we are pleased to revive scholarships for our students who excel in sports and are able to earn colours at provincial or national level. We are also in the process of reinforcing our sports department and we would soon be engaging professional coaches to train our students in various games,” the SSUET Chancellor declared. 

Earlier in his opening remarks, the SSUET Registrar, Cdre (retd) Syed Sarfraz Ali, had briefly touched upon the accomplishments of the university in the field of sports. 

Dr Junaid Ali Shah, President, Asghar Ali Shah Sports Foundationa and a former Sindh Minister, believed that the turnaround in sports was very much a possibility if efforts were made collectively in this direction. 

“Let’s try to make things happen. The situation is not conducive but we can still achieve our goals with strong leadership. We have to trust our hopes not fears. Optimism holds the key here. We need to work overtime with missionary zeal in order to accomplish our cherished goals,” he stressed. 

Amjad Aziz Malik, Secretary, International Sports Press Association (AIPS), Asia, proposed that the resourceful departments like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) be handed over the management of one major sport each. 

“These departments have a history of supporting sports. It will make sense if one of them is entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of cricket while the other one can look after hockey or squash,” he added. 

Azeem Hafeez, a former Test fast bowler, pointed out that the lack of playing facilities was one of the major reasons in the declining standards of various sports in Pakistan. 

“In our playing days there were schools who housed playgrounds. We also had the access to the various cricket grounds which were open to the boys of all over the city. Unfortunately now the grounds have boundary walls and they charge hefty fees to let the cricketers play. Similarly schools cricket is also in doldrums,” he regretted. 

Rishad Mahmood, Editor Sports, Dawn, didn’t mince words in holding the sporting legends responsible for not giving back to sports. 

“It’s very painful to note that those sportsmen who’re able to make it a big, with the exception of just a few, have no inclination to give it back to the game which earned them name and fame. Similarly the sports organizers appear more eager for joyrides than finding ways and means to promote sports,” he lamented.

Mansoor Ali Baig, Editor Sports, Duniya, in his comprehensive speech, covered the ups and downs of the Pakistan sports over the years, recalling the golden era of 1990s when the country had four world titles at a time. 

The seminar was attended by a large number of the SSUET faculty and students besides the members of the SJAS and officials of the various sports bodies.

SSUET to organize seminar on Pakistan sports

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, in collaboration with the Sports Journalists Association Sindh (SJAS), will be organizing a seminar on the topic of ‘state of sports in Pakistan’ on August 9. 

The seminar is scheduled to be held at 12 noon at the SSUET campus in Gulshan-e-Iqbal with Mohammed Rashid, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs to the Government of Sindh, to be the chief guest. 

The SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, will be the guest of honour on the occasion with Amjad Aziz Malik, Secretary AIPS Asia, being the special guest. 

The key speakers on the occasion would include Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed, who is also the Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), squash legend Jahangir Khan, also a former President of the World Squash Federation (WSF), and Rashid Latif, a former Pakistan cricket captain.

SSUET to award B-Arch degrees instead of BS-Arch

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has decided to award degrees in the architecture’s five-year programme as B-Arch instead of BS-Arch. 

The matter came under discussion at a meeting of SSUET’s Academic Council which met here under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi.

The recommendation of the university’s Board of Studies to have architecture degrees awarded as B-Arch was upheld. 

After deliberations the Council approved that in future B-Arch degree will be awarded in Architecture programme and not BS-Architect in order to align with the requirements of accreditation of Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP). 

Meanwhile the Academic Council reviewed the curriculum of various engineering disciplines in the light of recommendations of PEC and normal annual upgrading. 

The meeting also reviewed the contents of prospectus for new admissions for academic year 2017 and approved the same. It also discussed the start of MBA programme in Management Sciences pending the approval of Higher Education Commission (HEC).

SSUET reopens after semester break

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The usual hustle and bustle at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, returned on August 1 as the institution reopened after seven-week semester break. 

The university students, after attending classes, were observed roaming around at the campus in Gulshan-e-Iqbal as they exchanged pleasantries in the overcast conditions, enjoying the weather. 

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the SSUET, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi visited the various blocks and went around class to class in order to review the resumption of academic activities. 

The SSUET faculty members had already joined their duties on July 25 for advance preparations for starting of classes.

University of Karachi, SSUET join hands

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) and the University of Karachi have entered into an agreement whereby the two reputed institutions will work together in the fields of research and training programmes. In this regard a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between them on July 28. 

The MoU was inked by the SSUET Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi and the University of Karachi Vice Chancellor, Dr Mohammed Qaiser, at a ceremony held in the SSUET’s auditorium. 

Speaking on the occasion the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, highlighted the significance of research in the development of a country and said that SSUET is all set to achieve this objective by promoting research activities. 

Referring to the MoU signed with University of Karachi, he observed that it will prove to be of great significance in promoting the cause of modern research in the fields of interest of the two institutions. Emphasizing the importance of research, he pointed out, that no country can march forward without it. 

The Chancellor remarked that although MoUs were signed but their terms were generally not implemented in letter and spirit. In order to make this MoU effective and working tool, he advised the two institutions to appoint their focal persons for the purpose of implementations of its related terms. 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Dr Mohammed Qaiser, described the present as an era of inventions, innovations and research, believing that it’s very difficult to achieve the desired goals of development without entering into the field of modern research. 

In this regard he emphasized the imperative need for exchange of information in every field to augment the research activities and to cope with the present day challenges. 

Earlier in his remarks the SSUET Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, said that the Sir Syed University was the first major and self-dependent engineering university to be established in the private sector. 

He highlighted that the university was being run in accordance with the Aligarh spirit whereby it was focusing greatly on dispensation of modern education to the upcoming generation with greater stress on discipline and promotion of brotherhood among students. 

In his comments the SSUET Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali, reckoned that the agreement will prove an important mile stone in promoting research activities and resultant achievement of national goals of development. 

The ceremony was largely attended by chairpersons of various engineering departments and senior faculty members.

Girls display consistency in AKUEB exams

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKUEB) has announced results for its Secondary and Higher Secondary School Certifications for the May 2016 examination session. This year, the Examination Board assessed students in 95 subjects across 23 cities in Pakistan.

The overall passing rate for SSC Part I was 85.5 per cent with 46.7 per cent of candidates scoring ‘A’ grade and above. Meanwhile, the overall passing rate for SSC Part II was 88.8 per cent with 55.6 per cent of candidates obtaining ‘A’ grade and above. 

Alina Fatima from the Al-Murtaza School, Karachi and Hira Naz from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Kuragh (Chitral, KPK) scored 93.36 per cent and secured the first position for the Secondary School Certification (SSC). Alina also gained the second position in the elective subjects of the Science Group along with Ali Mehdi from IBA Community College, Khairpur. 

Ruhaina Nadeem from Nasra School (Malir Campus) secured the second position for SSC with a score of 93.18 per cent. Shehla Tanveer from Maryam Siddiqa Girls Higher Secondary School, Chenab Nagar (Punjab) and Maryam Ihsan from Nusrat Jahan Academy Girls High School, Chanab Nagar (Pubjab), scored the third position in SSC with a score of 92.6 per cent. Maryam also gained first position in the elective subjects of the Science Group.

Komal Fatima from Habib Girls’ School, Karachi, secured the first position in elective subjects of the Humanities Group secured first position in the electives of the SSC Science Group. 

The first position in the Higher Secondary School Certification (HSSC) has been secured by Areej Al Medinah from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Karimabad, Karachi. She did not only achieve the overall first position in HSSC with 91.63 per cent but also gained second position in the elective subjects of the Pre-Engineering group. 

The second position holder for HSSC, Areeba Muhammad scored 91.36 per cent. She also gained the first position in the elective subjects of the Pre-Engineering Group. Fatima Muhammad Asad from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Karimabad, Karachi secured the overall third position in HSSC with a score of 91.27 per cent. She also stood third in the Pre-Medical elective subjects. 

The HSSC group-wise position holders for elective subjects included Duaa Ahmed from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Karimabad, Karachi and Mohammad Ghazanfar Sakrani from Habib Public School (Commerce), Areeba Altaf from Habib Girls School (Humanities), Abdul Manan from Nasir Higher Secondary School, Chenab Nagar (General Science) and Simran Kumari from Habib Girls School (Pre-Medical). 

This year the passing rate for HSSC Part I is 86.6 per cent with 45.1 per cent candidates scoring ‘A’ grade and above. The passing rate for HSSC Part II is 84.5 per cent with 47.5 per cent candidates obtaining ‘A’ Grade and above.

SSUET Chancellor hosts Eid milan party

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Jawaid Anwar, hosted a grand Eid Milan party at the university campus which reopened after a vacation of 10 days on July 11.

Accompanied by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi and Registrar Syed Sarfraz Ali, the Chancellor mixed up with the faculty members, the university staff and employees and extended to them heartiest greetings.

In his informal conversations, the Chancellor highlighted the importance of Eid celebration and described it as a reward from Allah for all those who spent the month long fasting.

He said that the occasion also provided a boost to the spirit of brotherhood. Jawaid Anwar observed that the Eid celebrations not only had religious essence but also carried a social connotation when Muslims showed the spirit of forgiveness and extend charitable support to their less privileged brethren.

The Eid Milan was largely attended, among others, by Dean Engineering, Prof Dr S M Makhdumi, Associate Dean Engineering Najeeb Siddiqui, Chairpersons of various engineering departments besides prominent members of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA).

The Eid Milan was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants as they got an opportunity to mingle informally.

Nawabshah Press Club receives Rs 10 million grant

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)


The Nawabshah Press Club has finally received a grant of Rs 10 million sanctioned as part payment for the reconstruction of the club’s building. 

In this regard the grant chequue was handed over to the President of the Club, Anwar Shaikh, at a ceremony held at the Sindh Chief Minister House, Karachi. 

The cheque was presented by Advisor to Chief Minister for Law, Murtaza Wahab, and MPA Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar. The Deputy Commissioner Nawabshah, Ghanwar Ali Leghari, and President, Pakistan Peoples Party, Shaheed Benazirabad, Akber Ali Jamali, besides office-bearers and members of the press club’s working committee were also present on the occasion. 

Speaking on the occasion, Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar appreciated the role of the Nawabshah Press Club towards promoting the democratic causes and hoped that its journey towards strengthening democratic rules will continue with greater zeal and vigour.

He commended the office-bearers of the club for having undertaken the task of building a new premises for the institution.

The President of the club, Anwar Shaikh, thanked the Sindh Government for its support and said that the new building of the Nawabshah Press Club will emerge as a model club of Sindh.

He was of the opinion that the new building of the club will help in facilitating the members in discharging their professional duties.

Later the visiting office-bearers of the Nawabshah Press Club were hosted an Iftar-Dinner at Hotel Avari Towers.

SSUET signs technical advancement contracts

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has entered into a technological advancement phase with the signing of two agreements, one for the development of state of art website and the other related to the long outstanding requirement for Campus Management System.

"It is just a beginning and process for this technological advancement will continue to bring this university as best among top engineering universities,” the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, declared while speaking at the signing ceremony. 

The agreement for Campus on Cloud was signed between the SSUET Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali, and Amir Gilani of Technologist, while the agreement for development of website was signed between Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali, and Syed Mohammed Fahad of Bell Cow. 

Besides Chancellor Jawaid Anwar, present at the ceremony were Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, Dean Engineering Dr S M Makhdoomi, chairpersons of various departments, Director Finance, Director Procurement, System Manager Abdul Moid Khan besides representatives of the two companies. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said that today a dream has come true to lead the university towards advance technological campus management and also presenting the brand face of the university.

He appreciated Registrar Syed Sarfraz Ali for opening the door for this purpose through these well conceived agreements. 

He observed that the selection of the products under these two innovative advancements would be par excellence and prove immensely not only for the university itself but more for its students. 

He called upon the two companies to take care of time frame as the process for admissions was due to start by September. 

In his brief remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi said that this advancement should have come much earlier. 

He remarked that the university has committed itself to take care of its students through such innovative technologies and this process will continue under the Chancellor's guidance. 

Registrar Syed Sarfraz Ali in his opening remarks pointed out that achievement of a major milestone was being witnessed for transformation of the SSUET into a modern state of the art university befitting to its name. 

He informed that it was after weeks of marathon deliberations that the two agreements were finally prepared. He hoped that the project will be completed and launched at a soft launching ceremony was being planned at the SSUET on August 14. 

He thanked the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor for having bestowed their full confidence, trust and liberty to negotiate these two major contracts that will reshape the image of this university, named after Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the icon for Muslim education in South Asia. 

Later the representatives of the both the companies briefed the ceremony participants about salient features of the two projects. 

Amir Gilani said that the project of Campus Management will cover the entire life of a student from admission to graduation besides all campus related working, functions and events, adding that his team will start work on the project from next week and first module will be offered by August and the entire project will be ready by September before the admission process commences. 

Replying to a Chancellor's query, he said the project will incorporate all the future requirements and developments. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar advised the website developers to design the SSUET's which should be outstanding both scientifically and artistically. 

Mohammad Fahed assured that the website will fully relate to modern parameters along with Sir Syed's legacy.