International Day of Sports celebrated

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

An exhibition volleyball match marking the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace was played between Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) and the University of Karachi at the SSUET campus on April 6.

 

In what turned out to be a one sided contest, SSUET emerged victorious in straight sets with the scores 25-14, 25-18 and 26-24.

The SSUET captain Asif alongwith Humayon, Sohail, Azadar and Hatim outclassed the opponents. KU's Anus and Ammar offered some resistance to but they were unable to change the complexion of the match.

Shahid Masood, Joint Secretary, Pakistan Volleyball Federation, and Secretary Sindh Volleyball Association, was the chief guest on the occasion and he appreciated the efforts of SSUET in promoting the sports.

At the end, Shahid Masood, alongwith the SSUET Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali, and the SSUET Director Sports, Mubashir Mukhtar, distributed the prizes and souvenirs to both the teams.

A large number of faculty members, staff and students from both the universities witnessed the match.

SSUET Chancellor greets eminent scholars

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jawaid Anwar, Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, warmly welcomed Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari and Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, two of the most prolific library science scholars of the country, who called on him at the campus on April 6.

The SSUET Chancellor wholeheartedly congratulated the duo for their accomplishments in the field of library science, particularly their contribution in running the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB) for more than 50 years. 

“You have done an exceptional service to the nation. Your scholastic brilliance has inspired and motivated a lot of people of various generations. You have not only enriched the arena of library science but you have also made a significant contribution to Urdu literature. Your achievements merit wider recognition,” the Chancellor complimented. 

“It’s really marvelous that you have continued working with missionary zeal without caring for the support from the other stakeholders. That should be the spirit. We should do our best without waiting for others to do it. You have proved your selflessness by devoting your life to the cause of the profession without being materialistic at any stage,” Chancellor Jawaid Anwar added.

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari and Prof Dr Nasim Fatima presented copies of their latest books to the SSUET Chancellor who gifted them a copy of his iconic publication ‘Muslim World Almanac’ to both the learned guests. 

The Chancellor shared the programmes being held in connection with the 200th birth anniversary of the legendary Sir Syed Ahmed Khan which is being celebrated during the current year by the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) of which he is the President. 

Both the distinguished scholars appreciated the vision of the AMUOBA and they conveyed their best wishes for the success of the ongoing programmes aimed at educating the present generation about the monumental role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in the reawakening of Muslims of South Asia. 

“A lot has been written on Sir Syed over the years. But we need to keep reminding the youth in particular about the various aspects of his personality. More books should be published to highlight his contributions and the electronic and digital media should also be used for spreading the word,” they reckoned. 

The meeting was also attended by Arshad Khan, Secretary General, AMUOBA, and Dr Amna Khatoon, a member of Executive Committee of the Pakistan Library Association (PLA), Sindh Chapter.

Admore Daulatpur Oil Terminal inaugurated

By Rashid Zia Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Minister Petroleum and Natural Resources, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has credited Prime Minister Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif for the economic boom in the country.

Talking to media on the occasion of inauguration of the Admore Daulatpur Oil Terminal, the Minister said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was the outcome of the efforts of the present government and it would prove to be a milestone for economic boom and development in the country.

The Minister regretted that the previous government didn’t initiate many projects during its five-year tenure while on the contrary the present government expanded the network of highways throughout the country, introduced new projects of Metro Bus, Orange Line besides power projects. 

He said that Pakistan Muslim League (N) would field its candidates in the coming general election from all over the country and would win majority of seats to form governments in all the provinces on the basis of its performance. 

He added that PML (N) was providing natural gas to cities, town and villages of Sindh and giving heavy subsidy of Rs 30 billion every month. 

Speaking about the oil prices, the Minister informed that OGRA had proposed Rs. 2.50 increase in petroleum prices but government increased just Re one, adding  that OGRA proposed increase in oil prices nine times but the government increased the prices only three times. He stated that the oil prices in Pakistan were the lowest among the oil importing countries including neighboring country where it is being sold at Rs 140. 

He revealed that the government has started supplying oil of international standard in the country and soon Euro three, four and five standard oil would be imported after deregulation process. 

Earlier addressing the ceremony the Petroleum Minister said that Admore Company has constructed oil terminal at Daulatpur at a cost of Rs.370 million with storage capacity of 2000 metric ton of oil in order to maintain continued oil supply in Sindh and Baluchistan. Its oil terminal storage capacity would be increased to further 3000 metric tons in future. 

The Minister said that in the past just three to four oil supply companies were functioning in the country while present government has during its tenure issue 40 licenses to oil companies that has created environment of competition and benefit reached the end consumers. 

The Chief Executive of the company, Nadeem Jaffery, Chairman, Lt Gen Shahid Iqbal, also addressed on the occasion. Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi later performed the opening ceremony of terminal and unveiled the plaque.

PM desires to see Karachi back to city of lights: Governor Sindh

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Governor of Sindh, Mohammad Zubair, has vowed to promote an investor-friendly climate in Karachi in fulfillment of a desire by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who wants to see the country’s biggest city returning to its old image of the city of lights and the hub of commercial activity.

In a recent interview, the Governor outlined his vision to transform the violence-prone city and once again make it attractive for foreign and domestic investment. 

“The Prime Minister has a desire to transform Karachi back to the city of lights and conducive to investments,” the Governor said and, citing PM directives, added that he would make all possible efforts to make the city an attractive destination for business activity. 

Although, maintenance of law and order in provinces is the responsibility of the respective provincial governments, the governor stated that he would coordinate with the Chief Minister and the Director General Rangers to achieve this goal. 

Responding to a question, the Governor stated that safety and security of common people is among the top priority of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and his government is taking all measures to ensure that people enjoy all the basic amenities at their doorsteps without any discrimination.

The Governor said that since taking over in 2013, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has focused his efforts to root out terrorism from the length and breadth of the country and is pursuing an ambitious agenda to eliminate poverty and economic deprivation for the common people.

“Economic prosperity will immensely contribute to achieving the goals of peace and development in the country,” he added. 

To a question, Governor Mohammad Zubair said that as a result of determined efforts by Prime Minister Sharif to curb heinous crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, target killings and other terrorist activities have dropped to their lowest level as compared to what the government inherited in 2013. 

He complimented IG Police Sindh and DG Rangers for their efforts to restore and maintain law and order and said that he will provide all possible help and support to eliminate crimes in the city and return its past glory. 

Responding to another question, the Governor agreed that reduction in street crimes in Karachi has not achieved the desired level owing to the fact that police force lack in numbers to monitor the country’s most populous city, which is home to a diverse community. 

“Karachi has the largest concentration of Afghan population in the world; there are people from all kinds of communities including Mohajirs, Baluch, Bengali, Punjabi and Pakhtuns” he said and added that Karachi police force is half the Lahore police force which has less population than Karachi. 

He said that a large number of security forces are detailed with ministers, advisers, MPAs and other political party leaders, leaving it less policemen to deal with law and order and control petty street crimes.

The Governor, who was overseeing the Privatization Commission before being appointed in the Sindh province, said that Pakistan of today is different from what it was in 2013. 

“It has now been transformed into a new era of hope that promised economic development and prosperity for all.” 

He cited country’s record foreign exchange reserves and a bullish stock market as evidence of heightened economic activity. 

He said that the KSE has set new records and is among the world’s best performing stock markets in recent years. 

The Governor stated that as a result of prudent government policies and fiscal reforms, the country’s economic growth which remained stagnant for years, is now back on an upward trajectory and has been duly acknowledged by international donors, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. 

He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has given special attention to Karachi, which is the country’s economic hub. The Governor was confident that the vision of the Prime Minister will make Karachi once again the city of lights where people lived in peace and prosperity. He expressed that the law and order will improve and goal of peace in the city will be realized soon. 

Governor Mohammad Zubair thanked the Prime Minister for reposing confidence in him and giving him the opportunity to serve the people of Sindh.

Pakistan, UK need to work jointly: Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“Pakistan has always maintained cordial relations with the United Kingdom (UK) over the years. With more than two percent UK nationals tracing their roots to Pakistan, the two nations share unique ties.”

This was stated by Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan, now also a respected analyst, while participating in a recent talk show on a TV channel. 

Responding to a question, he emphasized on enhancing framework of intelligence sharing on all security related issues, thus augmenting the efforts of UK encountering terrorism. 

Pakistan, he said, has an old ally in UK and it is the need of the hour that they joined hands in curbing terrorism in Pakistan by harnessing diplomatic efforts to eliminate the proxy war its neighbours indulge in. 

The Ambassador did not hesitate in pointing that quite a few organizations engaged in terrorism in Pakistan were being supported by some of its neighbouring countries. 

“The 21st century underhand mechanisms at the state level would not serve the purpose to anyone rather it would propel terrorism in the region,” he felt. 

The Ambassador concluded in the talk show that UK has very structured legal system which is hard to be bypassed through a political or diplomatic mechanism.

Tributes paid to Prof Dr S M Makhdumi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Glowing tributes were paid to Prof Dr S M Makhdumi, the former Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, who was laid to rest on March 22. He was also a member of the Board of Governors and member of the Academic Council at the university. 

He did his PhD in civil engineering from Nottingham, UK, MSc in Structural Engineering from Manchester, UK, and his BE (Civil Engineering) from the NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, where he also went on become chairman of the civil engineering department and later, Dean of Faculty of Engineering. 

He was also a consultant to many engineering firms in Pakistan who benefited from his vast experience in design of structures including multistoried buildings, industrial concerns, bridges and varied structures. He was associated in over 500 projects in the country.

The burial of Prof Dr S M Makhdumi was also attended by Prof Dr Sarosh Hashmi Lodi, who had taken over the charge of the Vice Chancellor of the NED University earlier in the day. 

Meanwhile a large number of teaching and non-teaching staff of the SSUET attended the condolence reference held at SSUET in which they offered dua-e-maghfirat for the departed soul and prayed to Allah to rest the soul in eternal peace and grant him highest place in Jannah. 

The SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawed H Rizvi, Acting Dean Prof Dr Najeeb, and Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali besides some senior Aligharians were also present on the occasion. 

In a brief speech Chancellor Jawaid Anwar recalled the services of the late Prof Dr Makhdumi as Chairman of the civil engineering department and Dean Faculty of Engineering for promoting the cause of the SSUET. 

He observed that the university has grown over the years and is recognized as educational centre of excellence both at home and abroad which was made possible by dedicated persons like Prof Dr Makhdumi. 

The Chancellor stated that the SSUET graduates were performing appreciative services and earning successes everywhere. He said that it was the very objective of the university and Prof Dr Makhdoomi too was working on this mission. 

Meanwhile, the Convener of the Aligarh Institute of Technology, Engr Anwar Ali, also paid rich compliments to the late Prof Dr Makhdoomi, describing him as one of the best teachers and a kind-hearted human being whose services will always be remembered. 

Prof Dr Abdul Samad, also working at the SSUET, informed that Prof Dr Makhdumi was his class fellow and they had both joined the NED University together. 

Engr Mohammed Shafiq, a former Director of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), recalled that Prof Dr Makhdumi was his teacher at the NED University, adding that even at the SSUET he used to visit him regularly to seek his guidance and advice on various issues.

Prof Dr Sarosh Lodi takes over as new VC of NED University

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prof Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, who was working as the Dean, Civil Engineering & Architecture, has taken over as the new Vice-Chancellor of the NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, on March 22.

A recipient of numerous awards for his scholastic accomplishments over the years, he was the front-runner for the post which became vacant following the completion of tenure of his immediate predecessor, Prof Dr Mohammad Afzal Haque. 

Having proven track record in the field of academics and administration, he is expected to lead the turnaround of the NED University, which is the oldest engineering institution of the metropolis. 

Currently the university has an enrollment of about 12,000, comprising of around 9,000 undergraduate students while the rest are engaged in master’s and PhD studies. At the time of taking over, 

Prof Dr Sarosh Lodi’s top priority would be to streamline and consolidate the functioning of the historic institution and to overcome its financial constraints with the collaboration of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Government of Sindh. 

Himself an alumnus of the NED University, he will be keen to strengthen the culture of research during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor, knowing his inclination for such tasks. 

Leading by example, Prof Dr Sarosh Lodi finds himself in a good position to engage the fellow faculty members in promoting and carrying out the research works. 

He is the son of Prof Hashmatullah Lodhi, a renowned educationist and author, who was also a brilliant hockey player in his younger years, having come very close to representing the British India’s all-conquering team.

Prof Dr S M Makhdumi passes away

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prof Dr S M Makhdumi, serving as Dean, Faculty of Engineering, at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, passed away after a brief illness on March 21.

Cardiac arrest was described as the reason for his death although he was having issues in his kidney lately. He is survived by one son and three daughters. 

He was a man of high stature and his death is being considered as a great loss to the academic sector. He had worked as the chairman of civil engineering department for 11 years and served in the capacity of Dean of Faculty of Engineering for the years at the NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, prior to joining the SSUET. 

The SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Syed Jawaid H Rizvi, Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali, office-bearers of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), senior Aligarhians and his colleagues have condoled the sad demise of Prof Dr S M Makhdumi. 

They have termed his death a great loss to the university and academic sector, noting that his death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill for a long time. 

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. 

While expressing his profound grief and sorrow to the bereaved family, the SSUET Chancellor Jawaid Anwar recognized that Prof Dr Makhdumi rendered commendable services in the field of engineering education and research.

Meanwhile the NED University of Engineering and Technology, as a mark of respect, has postponed the Spring Festival which was scheduled to be held on March 22.

Sana Mir desires stern action against spot-fixers

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan woman One-day cricket captain Sana Mir has desired stern action against spot-fixers to eradicate this menace from cricket.

“Whoever disrespects green-shirt should be banned and punished without any mercy,” she told reporters at the National Stadium, Karachi, where women training camp was taking place. 

She regretted that match-fixing and spot-fixing had brutally damaged the image of Pakistan cricket as well Pakistan 

She considered it a very serious issue and it should be dealt accordingly and those found guilty should never be allowed play for Pakistan again.

Pakistan suffered a blow when trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir were convicted in 2010 for spot-fixing during the tour of England. 

Now spot-fixing controversy involving southpaw opener Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Irfan and Shahzaib Hasan in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has caused another great damage. 

Earlier at the start of 21st century, several of top Pakistan cricketers were fined and banned. Former Pakistan skipper Saleem Malik and pacer Ata-ur-Rehman were banned for life for their involvement in match-fixing. 

She praised the role Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq in image building of Pakistan team after the 2010 spot-fixing controversy. 

“Misbah has played a great role in removing the spot-fixing stigma after taker over the captaincy,” she said. 

However, she said she was happy no such thing happened in women cricket and there no negative impact on them. 

“It was always pride to wear green Pakistan cap, Sana said. She added that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was conducting the fortnight camp to improve the skills of women cricketers. Former Pakistan Test fast bowler Kabir Khan is supervising the camp with assistant coaches.

Top wrestlers to feature in bouts in Pakistan

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Some of world’s top wrestlers will be seen in action in international bouts to be held in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in May, a spokesman of Pakistan Wrestling Entertainment (PWE) revealed on March 20.

“We are planning to hold bouts in three major cities involving around 20 wrestlers,” Zeeshan Bashir, Director of PWE Middle East on his arrival with four wrestlers from Dubai. 

These wrestlers having landed at the Quaid-e-Azam International Airport in Karachi included Tiny Iron (USA), Flesh Gordon (France), Yaseen Usmani (Algeria) and Badshah Pehalwan Khan (Pakistan/USA). 

The launching press conference of the PWE officials and wrestlers was to be held at Hotel Movenpick, Karachi, on March 21. 

He said that they were working on dates and list of wrestlers and it will be prepared in due course of time. 

“Pakistan is badly lacking in international sporting activities and we are looking forward to revive those activities through this event,” the Dubai-based USA/Pakistani national, maintained. 

He expressed the hope the successful staging of these action bouts will be soft image building of Pakistan. 

Zeeshan Bashir said the have various options for venue but considering greater Pakistan public interest in Karachi, they planning to stage the opening leg of bouts at National Stadium. 

He was fully aware of interest of WWE among the peoples of Pakistan and that is why he developed this ideal which will be reality in few weeks time.