NLA, Delhi College explore conducting library courses

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top officials of the National Library Association (NLA) and the Delhi Anglo Arabic College Old Boys Association (DAACOBA), during their meeting on February 15, discussed the possibilities of launching library courses for the college students. 

The NLA was represented by its President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, in the meeting with the DAACOBA Senior Vice President, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Honorary Secretary, Dr Qazi Muhammad Wasiq. 

The NLA President will soon be submitting the details of curriculum of certificate and diploma courses for evaluation and further action to be taken by the Executive Committee of the DAACOBA in their next quarterly meeting expected to be held next month. 

“Ideally we will desire the courses to commence from the next academic session which may start at colleges by August or September. We have done the spadework for both these courses which were greatly appreciated by our Founder Advsior, Prof Anwar Ahmad Zai,” Muzaffar Ali Shah disclosed. 

“The DAACOBA is always open to implementing ideas which empower and enable the youth of our society. The proposed library courses can indeed be of immense value to the youngsters who will stand a better chance of getting employment at the various libraries after undertaking them,” Dr Qazi Wasiq reckoned.

NLA cherish its JS on promotion

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top functionaries of the National Library Association (NLA) have warmly congratulated one of their fellow office-bearers, Hira Yaseeen, on her promotion as senior college librarian. 

Hira Yaseen, Joint Secretary, NLA, has been promoted to BPS-18 and the notification in this regard was issued by the Sindh government authorities on February 10. 

“It’s a moment to celebrate for us as one of our very active members has earned a well-deserved promotion in government service,” the NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, observed.

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and the Association’s Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, in separate messages, have also greeted their Joint Secretary for moving up the ladder in her professional career.

“Hira has been one of the most proactive members of the NLA since its early days. It’s really gladdening to learn about her promotion in government service which should motivate her further to accomplish higher goals,” the NLA Advisor remarked. 

“All of us at NLA feel proud at the promotion of Hira and we wish her the very best of luck in future as well,” the NLA Secretary stated.

Having done masters in Library & Information science from the University of Karachi, Hira has been working as librarian at the Government Degree Science & Commerce College located in Block 16 of Karachi’s Federal-B-Area.

NLA appreciates ICMA initiatives

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has appreciated the initiatives of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA) towards the development of library culture. 

“It’s really gladdening to find the ICMA housing a library at every campus for facilitating its students. We are impressed by their efforts of running a neat and clean library where seating facilities are available for lots of people,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, observed after visiting the ICMA North Nazimabad campus in Karachi on February 9. 

The NLA President was accompanied by their Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, who were also impressed by the congenial environment at the library where good number of students were engaged in reading books. 

“The ICMA is known and respected for its professional work in the financial sector. It’s fascinating to watch them attaching due importance to libraries and encouraging the students to avail the facilities,” the NLA Secretary complimented. 

Upon arrival, the three-member NLA delegation was received by the ICMA Librarian, Zahid Hussain, who briefed them about the services being provided to the users. He also escorted them to different parts of the campus.

AKU initiates first solar power project at campus

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

As part of its commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030, AKU is investing in solar arrays on its campuses in Karachi. 

Three new solar installations will cut the University’s carbon footprint by more than 365,000 kg per year, the equivalent to 1.5 million kilometers travelled in a medium sized car. Three buildings are being fitted with a 550 kW solar photovoltaic system. 

These include the Sports and Rehabilitation Centre and Utilities Building on the Stadium Road campus, as well as a smaller installation on the Utilities Building in Education City, Karachi. Once all 1021 panels at all three locations have been installed, they are expected to generate nearly 500,000 kWh of carbon neutral electricity per year.

“AKU’s first solar power project in Pakistan is a key step forward to realising our environment and climate ambitions. Using renewable, clean energy brings not only cost savings but benefits people and the planet alikem,” the AKU President, Sulaiman Shahabuddin, remarked at the inauguration of the installation at the Sports Centre. 

Over the last decade, solar power has become one of the cheapest electricity sources, particularly suitable for locations such as Pakistan with a high number of sunny days. Once installed, solar energy requires no inputs, reduces operational costs and can improve the environment for the local community by reducing noise and air pollution.

“We are proud to say that currently, AKU is the only university and only healthcare provider in Pakistan having a publicly committed net zero carbon target. Our goal is to champion good stewardship of the environment: to mitigate the effects of climate change from our activities, and support resilience in the communities we serve,” the AKU President declared.

Promotions of college librarians notified

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has once again warmly congratulated the librarians, having been promoted to Grade-19 from Grade-18, whose notification was issued by the Government of Sindh on January 19. 

The top office-bearers of the NLA, Syed Khalid Mahmood (Advisor), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah (President) and Anwar Hussain (Secretary General), through a statement later the same evening, extended their best wishes to the newly promoted librarians. 

Muhammad Tariq, Bashir Ahmed Shahani, Aijaz Shaikh, Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Ghulam Murtaza Pirzada, Munir Ahmed Memon, Manoo Mal, Abdul Malik Abbasi, Muhammad Islam Shah, Muhammad Ghulam Hussain, Abdullah Brohi, Allah Wasayo Dayo, Muhammad Mansub, Zulfiqar Ali Channa, Haji Khan Maitlo and Mahmood Sultan are the male librarians to have been promoted into BS-19. 

Bushra Roohi, Farhana Parveen, Shabana Solangi, Raeesa Arif, Sadia Sultana, Shaheen Aziz, Shazia Qadir, Badshah Zaidi, Shama Bano, Naseem Begum, Shabana Memon, Mahrukh Baloch and Rani Baloch are the female librarians whose promotion has been notified into BS-19. 

It may be recalled that the NLA, with the collaboration of the Sindh College Libraries Association (SCLA), had organized a function in the honour of the above promoted librarians during the recently held Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF).

Author Asma Hassan to speak in KU seminar

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Asma Hassan, one of the most promising young authors, who debuted with popular Urdu Book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ in 2020, has been unanimously approved as a speaker in the seminar titled ‘Books are Forever’ which is being organized by the National Library Association (NLA), with the collaboration of the University of Karachi’s Library & Information Science department next month. 

The seminar’s organizing committee, which met at the university campus on January 17, also approved the keynote speaker as well as other speakers for the event which is scheduled to be held at the auditorium of the University of Karachi, which has a seating capacity for more than 400 persons. 

Besides author Asma Hassan, regarded as the voice of the young generation, the list of speakers in the seminar includes professors of Library & Informational Science, working librarians, social reformers and journalists. They will enlighten the audience by sharing their views and thoughts on the subject.

Union Councils undertake library drive

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

In accordance with the guidelines of the Government of Sindh, the Union Councils in Karachi have undertaken the arduous task of developing new libraries besides renovating the old ones which had become dormant over the years. 

Agha Sameer Khan Durrani, Administrator, Union Committees, Gulberg Town, District Central, has set the ball rolling by not only allocating a premises for library but he got it ready in a matter of just one week and all seemed set to have it ready for opening in the coming week. 

The three-member delegation of the National Library Association (NLA), comprising of its Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, confessed having been taken by surprise they visited the office of the Union Council-30 Yaseenabad, located in Block 15 of Federal-B-Area, on January 17.

“We had visited this place exactly a week ago on January 10, upon the invitation of the UC officials to discuss the idea of setting up a library in the available space. Just in a matter of one week they have got the premises whitewashed coupled with installation of new fans and tube lights. It’s incredible to say the least,” the NLA officials complimented. 

Agha Sameer Durrani informed that the furniture for the library had already been ordered and the books will be ready to be shelved within the next few days. He also agreed to the NLA suggestion of having a qualified librarian posted to do the job. 

The NLA delegation reassured its support and technical assistance to the Union Council in their endeavours to run the library, equipped with all basic facilities. They were optimistic that Union Councils in various districts of Karachi and other parts of the province will also follow the guidelines of the Government of Sindh to have more libraries. 

Meanwhile the NLA office-bearers presented a copy of famous author Asma Hassan’s Mayar-e-Zindagi to Agha Sameer Durrani, who is a passionate lover of books and libraries. Glancing through the book, he declared that the contents looked impressive and he will like to read it fully as soon as possible.

NLA hail its EC member on Grade-20 promotion

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top leadership of the National Library Association (NLA) has greeted one of their Executive Committee members, Muhammad Ibrahim, working at the High Court of Sindh, Karachi, on his recent promotion to Grade-20.

“It’s a matter of pride for the librarians’ community in general and the NLA in particular that one of our colleagues has earned a thoroughly deserved promotion in government service,” the NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, remarked. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and the Association’s Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, have also extended their greetings and good wishes to the recently promoted librarian into Grade-20. 

The 56-year old Ibrahim, who has been associated with the NLA since its inception in 2017, had done Masters in Library & Information Science (MLIS), from the University of Karachi. He is credited to compiled as many as 15 books on the subject of law.

Former KDA chief passes away

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Ahmed Hussain, a former Director General of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), passed away on January 10. He was 85. He has left behind three sons and a daughter to mourn his death. 

He had become the Director General of KDA following the retirement of Muhammad Naeem. Earlier he also held the post of Director General of the then Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) for a few years. 

He was laid to rest at a local graveyard in Karachi. His Namaz-e-Janaza and burial were attended by close friends and relatives. 

Meanwhile, the mother of Agha Maqsood Abbas, a former Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), who also headed the Malir Development Authority (MDA), breathed her last on January 11. 

Her Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at the Imam Bargah in Ancholi, Federal-B-Area, and later laid to rest at Wadi-e-Hussain in the presence of friends and relatives.

NLA, National College join hands for book promotion

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Government National College, one of the most revered colleges of Karachi, and the National Library Association (NLA), the vibrant body of working librarians, have decided in principle to join hands in launching a programme aimed at the promotion of book and library culture in the country. 

The College Principal, Prof Syed Uzair Ahmed Madni, who is himself a proactive educationist, besides being a seasoned broadcaster, poet and writer, during his meeting with the NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, on January 11, volunteered to host the event in three parts, whereby the students will be firstly engaged in a group discussion on Asma Hassan’s book Mayar-e-Zindagi before entering the BCQ competition on the same book and then participating in an interactive session with the author. 

“We appreciative the initiatives of the NLA in book and library promotion. We understand that Mayar-e-Zindagi is the perfect book for such an event because its various chapters are related to character building which will be helpful in guiding the students to lead a better life. Most significantly the book has been authored by Asma Hassan, one of the younger writers, which will not cause any generation gap with the college students,” Prof Uzair Madni reckoned. 

“Let National College do this pilot project. Upon its successful completion we would recommend this template to be replicated at other colleges of Karachi and the NLA can think in terms of taking it to different parts of the country,” he suggested. 

It may be recalled that a two-member delegation of NLA, comprising of its President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary, Anwar Hussain, had also called on the Principal of the Government National College (Evening) a few weeks ago in which matters relating to holding programmes jointly were initially discussed.