AIOU introduces tracking system to facilitate students to check degrees’ status

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, has introduced a new computerized tracking system to facilitate the students to check status of their academic degrees and certificates.

For this purpose, a new website (ds.aiou.edu.pk) has been launched to enable the students to know position of their application for issuance of degree or certificate. 

Under the university’s policy, each student is required to formally apply for the degree or certificate of the qualified courses, with required documents. 

“The new arrangements are aimed at streaming and expediting the whole process of issuing degrees and certificates to the students. We are focusing on promoting students’ friendly environment in the University, providing them best possible services to the students in the educational pursuits,” Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor, AIOU, informed.

The students’ applications to this respect were being handled on the fast-track basis. It is pertinent to note that the university’s Controller of Examination issued 44, 899 degrees during the last five months. These are the record figures as compared to corresponding period during the last four years. Similarly, the process of issuing provincial certificates (PCs) has also been expedited. 

During the last five months, 2,26,435 certificates were dispatched to the students and the same were uploaded at the university’s website. For PCs, the students are not required to apply, except in the cases where they are some objections. 

The entire process is done through computerized system to facilitate the students. However, the issuing process of PCs is done manually where thesis is involved at the higher education level or in case of objections. 

According to Controller Examination, Sohail Rana, all backlog till the second last semester in case of issuance of degree to students has been cleared. Only those applications are pending where there some objections and the scheme of study was not followed. 

Dr Shahid Siddiqui remarked that the AIOU was actively working to bring about qualitative improvement in the university’s overall system. 

“Now there is considerable reduction in the students’ complaints in regard to the admissions and examination as well as delivery of books. Meanwhile, the students’ support system has also been strengthened with setting up online complaint management centre,” he added.

AIOU’s Complaint Management Centre activated

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

An Online-Complaint Management Centre of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), set up at its main campus in Islamabad, has got fully activated to attend students’ queries and complaints on fast-track bases. Queries are handled in real time, while the complaints or suggestions received through the Centre are given urgent attention by the relevant department. An average of 8,000 calls is received per month. 

The staff of the university’s Helpline and the Call Centre has been advised by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui, to provide effective support to the students in addressing their queries and complaints, The queries are mostly related to admission, examination or the mailing books. 

Their prompt handling is being ensured so that students while sitting at their home and work places could pursue their study, without any inconvenience, he added. The students can feel free to call at its help-line (051-11112468) for any query or assistance. 

A software has been installed to record their complaints, whether received directly or through emails, letters or telephone. On receiving complaints, these are immediately referred to the relevant departments. As soon as complaint is received, an online ticket is generated through which a student can track the status of respective complaint. 

Meanwhile, an action plan has been prepared to strengthen students’ support system, providing them best possible facilities in their educational pursuits. 

“The AIOU being the mega university in public sector wanted to cater the educational needs of its around 1.4 million students through a well-managed system. He reiterated that the support system will remain the top priority in his on-going efforts of bringing about qualitative improvement in the University’s overall administrative system,” the Vice Chancellor revealed 

“A technology-based strong tracking-system has already been introduced to facilitate the students for having necessary information relating to their admissions, degrees or books mailing’s status,” he added. 

“The SMS service is also being utilized to communicate with the students that help them to check the status of their books or about their application for degree. A plan has also been prepared to revise the content and layout of textbooks, updating them according to recent developments and students’ needs,” Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui further disclosed.

SSUET hold Eid Milan party

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Engr Mohammad Adil Usman, hosted a grand Eid Milan get-together at the campus on July 22, the first working day after Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

Highlighting the importance of celebrating Eid in the spirit of brotherhood, the Chancellor observed that the month-long fasting ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr that symbolizes a reward for their fasting. 

“Eid-ul-Fitr is observed with great enthusiasm and the celebration perks up the spirit inherent in all the festivity,” he added. 

“The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr not only has religious essence but also carries a social connotation. It is a day of forgiveness and charity and the day is also meant to bring peace and conciliation,” Engr Adil Usman emphasized. 

The Eid Milan party was largely attended, among others, by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, Registrar, Engr Syed Abrar Ali, Associate Dean Engineering, Najeeb Siddiqui, chairpersons of various engineering departments besides faculty members. 

Conspicuous with their presence were a large number of prominent members of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association (AMUOBA).

US think-tank develops report on Pakistan economy

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Heritage Foundation, a US think tank, has developed a detailed document on the economical conditions of Pakistan and what actions the government of Pakistan must immediately take to revive the economy.

The document has been authored by Huma Sattar, a visiting Pakistani scholar, and James Roberts, senior analyst at the Heritage Foundation, with the title of the special report being ‘Pakistan’s economic disarray and how to fix it’ whose launching event was held on July 1 at the Lehrman Auditorium in Washington DC. 

Huma Sattar remarked on the ocassion that corruption, poor rule of law, regulatory inefficiencies among the myriad of problems that ail the Pakistani economy today have hindered sustainable growth and will continue to do so until the government implements structural reforms to overhaul the tax system and deregulate sectors such as the power sector. 

A large number of experts academia media people and others attended the event and talked about the report. 

Marc Schleifer, Director of Eurasia and South Asia, Center for International Private Enterprise Michael Kugelman, Senior Program Associate for South and Southeast Asia, Woodrow Wilson Center Mark Karns Multi-Sector, Advisor to the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs of USAID, were other experts to have shared views in the panel discussion. Lisa Curtis conducted the programme.

ABAD appeals for withdrawal of new taxes

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top functionaries of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) have expressed their grave concern over the Finance Bill 2015-2016 and imposition of 0.6% withholding tax on all banking transactions including withdrawal of Rupees fifty thousand cash in a day from bank accounts.

Junaid Ashraf Taloo, Chairman, Mohammad Hanif Memon, Vice Chairman, and Mohammad Hassan Bakshi, Chairman, Southern Region, in a joint statement, said that the levy of this tax was unjustified and could prove to be a disaster to all businesses including the housing sector. 

The ABAD chairman added that it was the policy of the of government to increase the tax net but in reality it depicted the sheer failure of Federal Board of Revenue which had made tall claims of increasing tax payers during the last many years. 

It is pertinent to mention that each and every member of ABAD is a taxpayer but even then their names do not appear on the list of active tax payers. Whereas their names do appear in the FBR portal thereby tax amount of 0.6% is being deducted on all transactions. 

Hanif Memon, Vice Chairman, ABAD, stated that the imposition of withholding tax on banking services will create parallel system of direct cash dealings which will affect the banking sector as non-banking channels will flourish. 

Hassan Bakshi, Chairman, Southern Region, ABAD, remarked that account holders have already started withdrawing cash from their accounts to keep it in their lockers and it seems that we are moving in the old times when gold coins were used to make transactions. 

Furthermore the ABAD chairman felt that with great difficulty the business climate was improving, the politicians should not indulge in any adventure which derailed the economy. 

“The memories of freezing foreign currency bank accounts is still fresh in minds of the business community,” Junaid Taloo recalled. 

He appealed to the Federal Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, to abolish the imposed tax as it was creating confusion and unrest as businesses are being subjected to double taxation. “This abolishment will also help builders and developers, businessmen and industrialists to engage themselves in business without the fear of double taxation,” the ABAD Chairman concluded.

IT expert appreciates HEC, Microsoft initiatives

 

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, participated in the Academic Day 2015, organized by Microsoft Pakistan with the collaboration of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The event was attended by the representatives from different universities which included vice chancellors, deans, professors and IT experts.

Microsoft Pakistan has signed an Education Alliance Agreement with the HEC following which the multinational has ingrained their technological solutions among academia all over the country. 

The HEC has been effectively implementing new technologies in academic sector. In collaboration with Microsoft, it launched Academic Initiative Programme which included free or subsidized OS licenses, technical trainings seminars, free academic license of office 365 imagine cup, faculty connections, technical conferences and workshops. 

“There is no doubt or ambiguity to admit that Microsoft office 365 cloud brought revolutionary growth in managing office documentation and correspondence, Abdul Moid Khan, an IT expert and System Manager, SSUET, remarked while sharing his valuable experience gained during implementing Microsoft Office 365, a cloud base technology and application at the campus. 

He revealed that the Sir Syed Univesrity is one of the pioneer universities who first successfully implemented Office 365 at the campus by its own team and expertise, however, migration process of 5000+ accounts and passwords from old system to Office 365 Cloud in a transparent way was a big challenge. The university is now moving towards automation and developing complete paperless environment at the campus. 

Moid Khan reckoned that it’s quite tough to introduce modern technology or new and innovative ideas in a pure traditional society. 

“Nevertheless, the HEC and its IT team must be appreciated for taking very dynamic step for introducing and implementing new technologies. The HEC is providing a great facility for the organizations to purchase costly software and hardware at very subsidized and economical rates,” he complimented.

SSUET budget of Rs 1,025 million approved

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

 

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has passed its Rs 1,025 million budget  for the financial year 2015-16 showing a deficit of Rs 2 million.

 

The budget was passed at a meeting of SSUET’s Board of Governors held under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, and attended, among others, by Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Lt Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin Hyder, Prof M.D. Shami, Sardar Yasin Malik, Cmmdr. (Rtd) Saleem Siddiqi, Ms Aziz Fatima and Additional Secretary Education.

 

The budget showed the current expenditure at Rs 884 million with development incurring an expenditure of Rs 141 million.

 

During the upcoming fiscal year the university will be spending Rs 37.3 million on further upgradation of its laboratories while a record allocation of Rs 40 million has been made for award scholarships to the deserving talented students.

 

According to the salient features of the budget 2015-16, the university will spend Rs 13.9 million on research projects, Rs 1.9 million on establishment of research innovative and commercialization centre, Rs 6 million on provision of financial incentive to faculty for carrying out research projects, Rs 0.8 million for Ph.D graduate program, Rs 5 million on hiring foreign specialists faculty, Rs 14.9 million for Faculty development and development of new campus, Rs 27.4 million on construction of new academic block, Rs 5 million on purchase of new books, research journals and equipment for the library, Rs 8 million, for provision of financial help out of profit of Endowment Fund, which today stands at Rs 340 million, to students and employees.

 

It may be mentioned here that 2015-16 budget is higher by Rs 73 million as against the revised estimates of Rs 952 million of fiscal year 2014-15.

The university mainly derives its income from Tution and Allied fees which has been set at Rs 882 million besides Rs 101 million other income, Rs 33 million from profit on endowment fnd and Rs 7 million donations.

The current expenditure encompasses establishment cost of Rs 566 million, scholarships Rs 40 million.

ABAD’s initiatives for rehabilitation of Katchi Abadies appreciated

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The rehabilitation of Katchi Abadies was discussed in length in a meeting between the top officials of the Association of Builders & Developers (ABAD) and the government officials held at the ABAD House in Karachi.

Mohammad Nawaz Shaikh, Secretary Katchi Abedies & Special Development Board (SDB), Government of Sindh, exchanged views with the ABAD delegation comprising of its Chairman, Junaid Ashraf Taloo, Chairman Southern Region, Mohammad Hassan Bakshi, Vice Chairman, Mohammad Hanif Memon, and a few other senior members. 

Hassan Bakshi highlighted the plan and programme of the ABAD for the rehabilitation of Katchi Abadies though Special Development Board. 

He said that the laws of board have been passed by the Sindh Assembly and ABAD needed protection by the Government of Sindh for rehabilitation of Katchi Abadies. The ABAD Chairman added that the Special Development Board was designed as a local planning authority to provide all the requisite approval for redevelopment of Katchi Abadies under one roof. 

Hassan Bakshi observed that the majority of Katchi Abadies were being used as the hideout of criminals, pointing out that the crime was increasing and registering growth due to Katchi Abadies. 

Nawaz Shaikh, Secretary KA & SDB, appreciated the efforts of ABAD for their plan and programme about Katchi Abadies. He also appreciated ABAD’s initiatives to provide free medical and education facilities for the residents of Katchi Abadies. 

He disclosed that there were 564 Katchi Abadies who were thickly populated and the data of population was not available. 

He desired another meeting with the ABAD officials next week to exchange information and data available with them and also to maintain a robust relation between two bodies.

Mirpurkhas schools directed to observe summer vacations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Director, Private Institutions, Mirpurkhas Division, Abdul Hameed Shaikh, has taken serious notice of the opening of private schools in Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts during the ongoing summer vacations.

Directing all the schools to observe summer vacations during the stipulated time, he has issued orders to suspend the registration of 16 private schools with immediate effect, advising them submit an explanation in this regard. 

Under the order the registration of Ideal School Hameedpura Colony, Tameer Millat High School, Green Pak School Hameedpura Colony, Ghousia School Hameedpura Colony, Child Care High School Hameedpura ColonyCity Grammar High School PM Colony, Askhia Progressive High School Adam Town, Al-Rehman School Adam Town, New Star High School Satellite Town, Junior English High School Gharibabad and Moon Light School Gharibabad of Mirpurkhas have been suspended with immediate effect. 

The Director has also suspended the registration of Kainat Public High School, Marvi Public School, Superior Public School, The Scholar Public School and Mehran Public School Mirwah with immediate effect and sought for clarification within a period of seven days.

ABAD appreciates budget, desires more relief

 

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) has welcomed the recognition of the construction industry at the national level as their proposal was incorporated in the federal budget for the fiscal year 20015-16.

Addressing a press conference Junaid Ashraf Taloo, Chairman, Mohammad Hanif Memon, Vice Chairman, and Mohammad Hassan Bakhshi, Chairman, Southern Region, observed that for the first time the construction industry was given its due importance with the acceptance of the ABAD proposal in the federal budget. Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi, housing expert, and Saleem Kassim Patel, Convenor Budget Committee, were also present on the occasion. 

“If our proposals would have been accepted in total, it would have reduced the housing cost by 15% and increased in revenue collection of government,” they declared. Junaid Ashraf Taloo appreciated the Federal Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, for taking some positive steps for construction industry. 

“We would have witnessed phenomenal growth of the construction industry if all our proposals were accepted. Further it would have provided greater relief to common man regarding low cost houses,” the ABAD Chairman stated. 

“A few automatic re-rolling mills hold monopoly and they are selling the steel bars at a much higher rate. In the local market steel bars are being sold through cartellization at the rate of Rs.85,000 per ton,” he pointed out. 

He appealed to the government to allow import of steel bars to the ABAD members directly whose benefit will be passed on to common man. He asked the government to abolish Federal Excise Duty on sale of cement may be abolished. The ABAD had proposed that sales tax on cement be charged at ex-factory rate instead of the market rate. 

He urged the government to establish Mortgage Finance Board to boost the housing sector so that the shortage of 80 lacs houses was minimized, besides asking the authorities to abolish Provincial Services Sales Tax on builders since they were not classified as service providers. 

“The government has to provide discount in Mortgage Financing and the Markup should be decrease to 4% or 5%, it will improve the purchasing power of common man. The ban on gas connection should be lifted,” the ABAD Chairman appealed. 

The ABAD proposals also included the start of first phase of Motorway M-9 from Karachi instead of Hyderabad, allocation of funds for K-IV water project to solve the water problem of Karachi, and the fixation of markup on house finance @ 3% only.