SSUET reach out underprivileged population

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, took a lead this Ramadan, on the directives of the Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, and its Community Welfare Society of the University's Guidance Centre organized a Ramazan Ration Distribution Drive successfully. 

The Chancellor's directive was to share the happiness of Ramazan to the most underprivileged population in Karachi. 

Around 63 needy families of different localities of Orangi Town were provided ration bags, which contained items of all the basic needs of a family to keep and break their fast. 

The SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, lavishly praised the efforts made by the students and the zeal demonstrated by them in helping the needy families and said that this kind of activities did create a noble impression which must continue not only today but in future as well. 

The Convener of the Guidance Centre, Siraj Khilji, also appreciated the efforts made by the students of the SSUET for this cause, emphasizing that the students were the future of a nation they should know and care for every aspect of the community. 

He was of the opinion that as the citizens of a respectable nation the students be taught to have a vision to serve their people in need.

Bill Gates appreciates Rotary Pakistan’s efforts for polio eradication

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, while announcing a commitment of up to $450 million to support the eradication of polio, has appreciated the role of Pakistan’s Rotary Polio Plus Committee, headed by Aziz Memon.

Speaking to an audience of nearly 40,000 Rotary members attending the humanitarian organization’s annual convention in Atlanta, Gates recognized the good work being done in Pakistan by the Rotary Polio Plus Committee as he made a special mention of the Resource Centre developed in Nowshera. 

Besides exchanging views with the Chair of Pakistan’s Rotary Polio Plus Committee, Aziz Memon, Gates also had a one-to-one meeting with Senator Ayesha Raza, the focal person for the Prime Minister of Pakistan. 

Meanwhile Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation renewed their longstanding support for ending polio, a paralyzing, life-altering scourge on the verge of becoming the second human disease ever to be eliminated. Rotary committed to raise $50 million per year over the next three years, with every dollar to be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation. 

This expanded agreement will translate into $450 million for polio eradication activities, including immunization and surveillance over the next three years. This critical funding helps ensure countries around the world remain polio-free and that polio is ended in the remaining three endemic countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

“In 2016, fewer children were paralyzed by polio than ever before, thanks to the dedication of Rotary members and our partners. The paralysis of even one child by a preventable disease is unacceptable, and I'm proud to see our members redoubling their commitment to ensure we reach every single child with the polio vaccine,” John Germ, President, Rotary International, observed. 

In a partnership spanning a decade, Rotary and the Gates Foundation, along with the other Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners, have led the effort to end polio worldwide. 

This funding extension reaffirms a commitment established at the 2013 Rotary Convention in Lisbon, Portugal, when the Gates Foundation pledged to match Rotary contributions two-to-one, up to $35 million per year through 2018. Rotary, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, has donated more than $1.6 billion to polio eradication. 

“The vision of eradicating polio began with Rotary, and its support of that effort has been unwavering for more than 35 years. Rotary’s commitment to raise $150 million over the next three years to end polio forever is a testament to the compassion, generosity, and kindness of more than a million Rotarians around the world,” Gates stated. 

The announcement came on the heels of the news that world governments and other donors have pledged to contribute US$1.2 billion total to the GPEI for polio eradication efforts. The government funding, also announce at the Rotary Convention, will substantially help to close the US$1.5 billion funding gap, allowing partners to immunize 450 million children every year and support rigorous disease surveillance in both endemic and at-risk polio-free countries. 

While the government funding announced made considerable headway in the fight to end polio, continued support from donors remains vital to achieve a polio-free world. The global eradication of polio has been Rotary’s top priority since 1985. 

Through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership that includes Rotary, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year at the start of the initiative to just 37 cases in 2016. 

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteers dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

SSUET to organize biomedical conference

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has announced to organize the inaugural International Conference on biomedical engineering and medical sciences in the second week of October 2017. 

It will be a mega event to be held as part of the celebration activities on the eve of 200th birth anniversary of great reformer, educationist and visionary Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. 

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) has declared year 2017 as the year for celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.  

A number of memorable events have already been held under the aegis of the SSUET and the AMUOBA while more are to follow during the year with the biggest being the Sir Syed Day, an annual feature, to be observed on October 17. 

The Chancellor SSUET, Jawaid Anwar, is the Patron-in Chief of the Conference while Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr M Afzal Haque, is the patron. 

A 14-member organizing committee comprising of Prof Dr M.A. Haleem, Chairman of biomedical engineering department, Dr Bushra Jabeen Mehdi, Dr Engr Zia Mohy-ud-Din, Dr Darakshan M. Saleem, Dr Mariaz Raziq, Dr. Engr Eraj Humayun Mirza, Dr Uzma Mahmood, Engr Nadia Sikandar, Engr Mohammed Muzzamil Khan, Engr Syed Fahad Akbar Ali, Engr Shafia Tabassum, Engr Syed Muhammed Omair, Engr Nageen Shahid and Engr Sania Tanvir has been delegated the task of hosting the event in a befitting manner. 

Besides a large number of biomedical scientists and engineers from home, about a dozen speakers are expected from abroad including those from USA, Sweden, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Finland and UK having confirmed their participation. 

Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles to medicine and improving quality of life for humans and animals. It is a highly trans-disciplinary field, integrating physical, chemical and mathematical sciences with clinical studies. 

Biomedical engineers use their expertise in engineering, biomedical engineering sciences (biophysics, biochemistry, biotechnology and physiology) besides medicine to make the world a healthier place. They develop and apply trans-disciplinary knowledge and skills to solve complex problems and improve health care technology, from diagnostics to treatment. 

The two-day conference aims to address new developments in the domain of biomedical engineering and medical sciences. It will host talks of internationally renowned speakers from industry, academics and research institutes.

Olympian Jaseem Khan visits Alma Mater

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The captain of the Pakistan hockey team, Olympian Jaseem Khan, who remained a student of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, and obtained an engineering degree from the institution, visited his Alma Mater. 

On the occasion he met Chancellor Jawaid Anwar and Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammed Afzal Haq besides Registrar Syed Sarfraz Ali, Dean of Engineering Prof Dr Altaf, Faculty Chairpersons and other university officials. 

The Chancellor eulogized the services of Jaseem Khan and described him a special talent which emerged from the SSUET and became a national asset. 

Wishing him all the best in his future career, Chancellor Jawaid Anwar presented him the university's souvenir The Director Sports SSUET, Mubbashir Mukhtar, Javed Iqbal and Asif Zaheer were also present on the occasion.

Journalists working in electronic media need training: Mahmood Sham

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Noted journalist, writer and thinker, Mahmood Sham, has reckoned that the journalists in electronic media are less skilful and trained in comparison to those in the print media and there was a need to hold workshops for their training.

He was replying to questions from participants on the occasion of the launch of his book ‘Indifference in the time of extremism’ held in Karachi. 

On the occasion, the author read out selected excerpts from his book and observed that electronic media did commit errors but there was no doubt about the talent and wisdom of people attached to this sector. 

He was of the opinion that there’s a vast gap of technology between the electronic and print media as electronic is much ahead of print media but those in print media are literary in nature and take advantage of libraries. 

In journalism, he viewed, no one can be made a reporter or sub-editor with out proper training whereas in electronic media get hold of the microphone on the very first day.

He told a questioner that he was satisfied with his career and he didn’t feel repentance on adopting any other profession. 

To a question from the resident editor of Nawa-e-Waqt, Amin Yousuf, Mahmood Sham recalled that the journalists’ movement of early 1970s was much bigger than that of 1978 when newspapers did not publish throughout the country for nine days and the government shunted out 200 journalists. 

Speaking on the occasion Prof Tausif Ahmed said that official secretariat was in vogue even today. He recalled that Mahmood Sham was the first to become victim of attack on press and at that time official secret comes under the purview of treachery. 

Others who put questions to Shamji were Agha Masood, Kazi Asad Abid, Yawar Mehdi and Aijazul Yaqin. Mahmood Sham said that Roedad Khan who today was championing the cause of democracy and revolution had been in the forefront during his time in putting restrictions on him and the press.

Sir Syed’s bicentennial birth anniversary celebrations underway

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), in collaboration with Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) plans to hold numerous programmes during the current year to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of the legendary reformer and educationist, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan befittingly.

This was stated by AMUOBA President, Jawaid Anwar, who is also the Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), in his latest interview. 

 Preparations were in full swing and the events would include a conference and a seminar, besides the celebration of the Sir Syed Day in a grand style this year. 

Sir Syed Day is celebrated every year on October 17 but this year will mark the 200th birth anniversary of the great reformer and educationist. 

Jawaid Anwar informed that the celebration activities had already started and in that regard two lectures on the life, achievements, mission and philosophy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had been held. The lectures were delivered by Prof. Islahi who specially came from Aligarh for the purpose. 

“We plan to hold a Bio-medical conference dedicated to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan later this year. We will also organize a quiz competition on Sir Syed while the Sir Syed Memorial Lecture is also included in our plans", 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar informed adding that as many as three books on Sir Syed will be published and launched to highlight his monumental contribution. 

The AMUOBA President said that the concept of social reforms of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was based upon acquisition of modern scientific education. 

The key ingredients of his concept are proper upbringing, character building and tolerance and the Aligarh Muslim University proved to be the laboratory where these concepts were experimented, which produced students who possessed the above traits. The positive result of this experiment was the establishment of Pakistan, Jawaid Anwar stated.

Pakistan’s forgotten sports heroes honoured

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan’s forgotten national sports heroes in boxing, cycling and football who brought glories to the country in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international competitions were honoured at a grand function organised by Sherwani Sports Trust on May 25.

Those who to be honoured on the occasion included Olympic boxer and Asian and CW Games medal winner Meherullah Lassi, South Asian Boxing Games Champion Rasheed Qambrani. 

Financial assistance was also extended to to distressed sportsmen of yesteryears and the beneficiaries included boxer Azeem Jan, cyclist Sher Haider, footballers Jan Mohammad Baloch, Mohammad Sharif and Jafar Alam and former Olympic referee/judge Ali Akbar Shah. 

They were also awarded shields and mementos as a token of acknowledgement of their heroic feats Sherwani Motors set a noble example by distributing cash awards worth Rs 200, 000 among the needy sportsmen. 

In an emotional discourse, the 2002 Busan Asian Games gold medalist Meherullah Lassi complimented and lauded Sherwani Trust for coming forward and supporting and assisting those neglected sportsmen mostly from Lyari area. 

“They may be from the past but continue to be counted as national heroes and deserve respect and support from the nation,” he observed. 

He hoped that more organizations will feel their responsibilities towards the neglected heroes in the field of sports and follow this noble gesture demonstrated by Sherwani Sports Trust and assist these poor, needy and jobless sportsmen.

“The basic purpose of holding this program was to support and assist those needy sportsmen, who were neglected despite their achievements for Pakistan,” Shujaat Sherwani, the chairman of the trust, stated. 

“We are really honoured with the presence of galaxy of international sportsmen with us. It’s the duty of the society to support these great men, who served the country bringing honor and dignity in international sports arena. It is always a great sight and feeling when Pakistan flag is raised and national anthem is played at the international stage,” he said in an emotional tone. 

Shujaat Sherwani also announced scholarships to highly talented boys and girls, specially from Lyari who may show bright prospects for the country in coming months. 

Describing the assistance extended as meager token assistance for financially distressed sportsmen, Shujaat said our dream is that Pakistan should regain its lost glory in hockey and other sports in Asian Games and Olympics. 

Shujaat Sherwani pointed out that in order to achieve the cherished objective he was also running a free cricket academy and hockey club and staged Motorsports Really in Hub and Nooriabad in recent months. 

Speaking on the occasion Justice (Rtd) Zafar Sherwani, who was the guest of honour, expressed his delighted to be standing among the heroes of the country, reckoning that sports can play a vital role in the development of youth of the nation. 

Justice Zafar expressed dismay that Pakistan once a great sporting nation of the continent failed to win a single medal in Muslim Solidarity Games held in Baku where small host nation Azerbaijan emerged on the top. 

On the occasion Meherullah and Rasheed Qambrani also planted trees as part of the ongoing Go Green Karachi slogan.

AMUOBA celebrating Sir Syed’s 200th birth anniversary befittingly

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) in collaboration with Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) has chalked out numerous programs during the current year to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of the legendary reformer and educationist, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, in a most befitting manner.

This was disclosed by the AMUOBA President, Jawaid Anwar, who is also the Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET). 

He said that the preparations were in full swing in this regard and the events to be held would include a conference and a seminar besides the celebration of the Sir Syed Day in a grand style this year. 

“We plan to hold a bio-medical conference dedicated to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan later this year. We will organize a quiz competition on Sir Syed while the Sir Syed Memorial Lecture is also included in our plans. As many as three books on Sir Syed will be published and launched to highlight his monumental contribution,” the AMUOBA President revealed. 

The AMUOBA President reckoned that the concept of social reforms of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was based upon acquisition of modern scientific education. 

The key ingredients of this concept are proper upbringing, character building and tolerance and the Aligarh Muslim University proved to be the laboratory where these concepts were experimented, which produced students who possessed the above traits. The positive result of this experiment was the establishment of Pakistan.

IBA, Shanghai University to collaborate in masters programme

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Dr Farrukh Iqbal, Dean & Director, Institute of Business Administration (IBA) and Dr Nasir Afghan, Assistant Professor & Director, MBA Programme, IBA, participated in the 2nd Belt and Road Initiative University Presidents' Forum’ at the Shanghai University in China recently. 

Focusing on the theme, ‘Innovative Talent Development in University’, the forum brought together eminent educationists and academics from the countries across the proposed belt; providing an excellent platform to exchange insights and to encourage collaboration on agendas, such as university development and innovative talent development. 

During the visit, Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, on behalf of IBA Karachi signed an MoU with Prof. Jin Donghan, President, Shanghai University China, to collaboratively offer a ‘Master of Finance’ programme between IBA Karachi and Shanghai University China.

Having been established in, IBA, located in the bustling port city of Karachi, is the oldest business school outside North America. 

Initially the technical support was provided by the world famous Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania while later, the University of Southern California set up various facilities at the Institute and several prominent American professors were assigned to the IBA. 

The course contents, the curriculum, the pedagogical tools and the assessment and testing methods, developed under the guidance of reputed scholars from these two institutions, laid strong foundation for IBA which has persued the high standards and academic traditions it had inherited from Wharton and USC while adapting and adjusting them with the passage of time.

Founded in 1922 and immersed in the distinguished heritage and pioneering track record in a leading global city, Shanghai University is situated in the heart of Shanghai. 

They combine educational achievement with forward-looking courses, attuned to the latest city developments in science, technology and culture. 

Shanghai University is a member university of the national project 211 and is a research-intensive and comprehensive university. 

The university has witnessed continuous progress and advancement, have a clear and vibrant educational mission, with far-sighted objectives to cultivate talents with all-around development, global perspective and creative awareness. 

Shanghai University is also known for its vigorous international exchanges and cooperation. So far the University has established academic links and cooperation with dozens of foreign universities, including faculty and student exchanges. Currently, over 4,000 international students are studying on Shanghai University campuses.

Pakistan has potential for renewable sources of energy: SSUET VC

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Vice-Chancellor Sir Syed University of Engineering and Tchnology (SSUET), Prof Dr Mohammad Afzal Haque, has said that the consumption of electricity was generally considered as an index of economic prosperity and technological progress of a country and Pakistan as a developing country was experiencing growing demand for electricity.

"Pakistan’s energy requirement is growing rapidly due to an increase in population and high energy intensive industrial sector", he observed and added that there is enormous shortfall in demand and supply of electricity in the country. 

He stated this in a message on the occasion of 2nd International Electrical Conference 2017 being held under the auspices of Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IEP). According to him the demand for electricity was nearly 24,000 MW. 

Due to weak transmission and distribution system there was a short fall of over 6000 to 7000 MW requiring long hours of load shedding. 

Dr Afzal pointed out that the mainstay of energy in Pakistan has always been fossil fuel using furnace oil which has to be imported using foreign exchange. 

He said the oil prices fluctuate with the passage of time, depending upon global economic conditions. With the rising fossil fuel prices, the cost of oil import is creating problem for foreign exchange reserves. 

The rising oil prices along with the rising demand for uninterrupted power, is an additional pressure on the already fragile energy grid of Pakistan. Our country, the SSUET's VC said, is yet to fully diversify our energy mix and reduce dependency upon use of furnace oil.

He said that Pakistan has potential for renewable sources of energy. Sindh-Balochistan coastal belt has wind corridor and can be utilized to produce abundant wind energy. Pakistan is one of those countries that have sunlight throughout 365 days and solar energy could be another option. 

"We are yet to fully utilize Thar coal reserves for energy generation, Northern part of country is rich for generation of hydro energy. We must develop renewable sources up to the optimal level". 

He was sure that experts at the seminar would come up with some do able, pragmatic and cost-effective solutions to address problems pertaining to the energy sector on long lasting basis. 

He appreciated that the Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) in collaboration with various other institutions addressed an important national issue as our country is faced with acute challenge of energy shortfall. 

Adding, he said, as we all are aware, the phenomenon of climate change is a reality now and overall rise in global temperature is expected. There is a need to address energy crises as it has become so important as never in the past.