Rotary renews pledge to support books

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

While emphasizing on the importance of reading, the top officials of Rotary International renewed the pledge of the leading voluntary organization of the world to continue supporting the cause of books besides concentrating on other areas of community services. 

Rotary International’s District Governor for Pakistan, Dr Aftab Imam, and Jahangir Moghul, who is the Assistant Regional Public Image Coordinator of Rotary International’s Zone 1-B, addressed the during the seminar ‘Books are forever’ which was jointly organized by the Department of Library & Information Science (DLIS) of University of Karachi, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) and National Library Association (NLA) at the University’s Faculty of Arts Auditorium on February 18.

“It has been established that the progress made in the East and the West has been mainly possible because of their education system and their reading habits. Look towards Japan and China in the East or Europe and North America in the West they have grown phenomenally on the basis of education and books,” Dr Aftab Imam reckoned.

“If we also desire to progress then we must also pay full attention to education. We have to encourage our youngsters to read more books to gain knowledge and expertise. There should be more such activities to motivate and groom them,” he advised.

“Rotary Clubs have a history of supporting books and library related projects and our club, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan is among the front-runners in promoting such activities in Pakistan. We are alive to the situation that we need more books and more libraries in order to grow and progress,” Jahangir Moghul, the club’s Charter President, observed in his speech.

“As Rotarians our motto is Service Above Self and we pride ourselves in doing projects to serve the humanity. Many of you would have heard about Rotary. All you need is just to google the word Rotary and you will get to know a lot of interesting things. We play a proactive role in eliminating illiteracy from the society and books are the tools that help us achieve our goals,” he pointed out. 

“Let’s not forget that there are innumerable benefits of reading books. The younger generation needs to be more active in reading because this is the time where you can grow faster by acquiring more knowledge to beat the stiff competition which you encounter in different fields,” Jahangir Moghul reminded. 

“Let me urge you to enlist book reading among your top priorities. Trust me you never be disappointed or depressed by odd failures if you continue reading motivational books which given you courage and strength to continue working hard which is the key to success,” he concluded. 

The seminar was conducted by Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, while the vote of thanks was proposed by the club's Past President, Engr Asim Murtaza Khan.

Seminar highlights virtues of books

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The seminar ‘Books are forever’ which was jointly organized by the Department of Library & Information Science (DLIS) of University of Karachi, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) and National Library Association (NLA) at the University’s Faculty of Arts Auditorium on February 18 highlighted virtues of book reading. 

Every speaker unanimously agreed that books held the key to success at all levels and in all spheres of life. They shared their experiences and motivated the students to devote more time to reading books in order to succeed and flourish. 

Prof Dr Faiyaz Vaid, Dean Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, was the keynote speaker while Prof Dr Nigar Sajjad, former chairperson, Department of Islamic History, University of Karachi, delivered the Presidential address 

The other speakers were Dr Aftab Imam, District Governor, Rotary International, Prof Dr Farhat Hussain Khan, Chairperson, DLIS, Jahangir Moghul, Charter President, RCKD, Asma Hassan, author of Mayar-e-Zindagi,  Muhammad Ibrahim, Member, Executive Committee, NLA, and Qazi Rasheed Bhatti, an entrepreneur and social worker. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, made a few important announcements while Engr Asim Murtaza Khan, Past President, RCKD, proposed the vote of thanks. Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, RCKD, and Advisor, NLA, conducted the ceremony alongwith Hira Yaseen, Joint Secretary, NLA. 

Famous book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ authored by Asma Hassan was presented to all the dignitaries, alongwith shields and bouquets. The registration had started at 9 am while the meeting got underway at around the designated time of 10 am and concluded at 12 30 pm. Strict discipline was maintained throughout the two and a half hours sessions and the auditorium was packed to capacity with the students of DLIS turning up in large numbers.

Rotary, NLA join hands with KU for promoting book culture

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

As many as three organizations, Rotary International, University of Karachi and National Library Association (NLA), have joined hands for holding a seminar ‘Books are forever’ which will take place at the University’s Arts Auditorium on February 18. 

After a series of meetings between them during the past couple of weeks, the schedule was finalized on February 17, incorporating last minute changes due to sudden withdrawals of a few speakers at the eleventh hour. 

 According to the details, Dr Aftab Imam, Governor, Rotary International, and Chief Commissioner, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), will be the guest of honour while Prof Dr Faiyaz Vaid, Dean Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, will be the keynote speaker and Prof Dr Nigar Sajjad, former chairperson, Department of Islamic History, University of Karachi, will deliver the Presidential address. 

 

The registration for the seminar will start at 9 am while the meeting will be called to order at 10 am by Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, and Advisor, NLA, who will also conduct the ceremony alongwith Hira Yaseen, Joint Secretary, NLA. 

Prof Dr Farhat Hussain Kha, Chairperson, Library & Information Science department, University of Karachi, will present the welcome address while the other speakers will include Jahangir Moghul, Charter President, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, Prof Dr Nusrat Idrees, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Karachi, Asma Hassan, author of Mayar-e-Zindagi, and Muhammad Ibrahim, Member, Executive Committee, NLA. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, will make a few important announcements on the occasion while Engr Asim Murtaza Khan, Past President, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, will propose the vote of thanks at 12.30 pm to mark the conclusion of the two and a half hours session. 

The students of all classes of the university’s Library & Information Science department are expected to attend the seminar in large numbers and they will be engaged in an interactive session of about half an hour with the panel of speakers. A good turnout of working librarians was also being anticipated by the organizers.

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.