APPNA Spring Convention 2025 set to be held at Oklahoma in April

By Abdul Qureshi Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent in North America (APPNA), one of the most vibrant bodies representing the healthcare professionals, will be organizing its Spring Convention of the current year at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma, USA, from April 3 to 6. 

The APPNA President, Dr Humeraa Ahmad Qamar, who is engaged in pediatric practice in Ocala, Florida, after having grown up in Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore, is quite eager to make the event a resounding success. 

Her teammates, notably host Dr Afzal Akbar, Dr Saquib and Dr Naeem, are in the process of making arrangements to make the convention a memorable one. On the sidelines of the convention, they have planned to organize a fair to introduce and promote the Pakistani products. 

Having set APPNA as a family as its theme in 2025, Dr Humeraa and her team of office-bearers are making efforts to usher in a new era of growth for the association, marked by honest and transparent leadership and governance. 

With a record number of women physicians as Committee chairs and meeting chairs, the APPNA leadership is setting an example by empowering its women members by allowing them more opportunities to unfold their organizational talents. 

Creating partnerships with hospitals in Pakistan where their representatives can work to impart state of the art services and education to patients and physicians is also in the list of priorities for APPNA whose eventual goal is to create an APPNA hospital and nursing school in Pakistan.

SSUET Chancellor appoints new convenors

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Mohammed Akbar Ali Khan, who was recently elected as the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), has appointed convenors for the university’s three different departments. 

According to a SSUET notification, noted poet Tariq Sabzwari, has been assigned the convenorship of Literary, Art and Culture Forum while Wasif Nazar Siddiqi has been handed over the department of Sports and Masood Alam has taken over the responsibility of Research Journal and Newsletter. 

These appointments are expected to help imbibe students’ interest in research, sports and cultural activities in the SSUET, which has had enviable record in extracurricular activities since its inception more than three decades ago. 

Tariq Sabzwari has vast experience in promoting creative and cultural activities and so is Wasif Nazar who has been efficiently organizing successful sports events and giving boost to available talent. 

Masood Alam is greatly interested in promoting quality research work and it is being hoped that under his convenorship there would be significant progress in this important field. 

Felicitating the newly appointed convenors, Chancellor Akbar Ali Khan described them possessing the best of abilities and outstanding vision, expressing the hope that these departments, under their able guidance, would set new traditions of progress and enhancement.

With their vast experience and proven capabilities, all the three convenors are expected to add value to the institution and restore its pride. 

Newly-elected AMUOBA President committed to revive past credibility

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) and the Chancellor Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Mohammed Akbar Ali Khan, has pledged to restore the past glory of the AMUOBA for the attainment of its cherished objectives. 

Chairing the first meeting of the Association after his election as its President, he described his success as a momentous occasion to lead this glorious organization, and he committed to go ahead keeping in view its history and traditions. 

“Our mission is not only to revive its past credibility but also conceive new ideas for its future role,” he declared. 

Akbar Ali Khan pointed out that the mission of new leadership will be to bring educational reforms to match the present-day educational challenges and for this purpose curriculum changes would be introduced. 

“I promise to adopt modern day teaching practices by adopting modern technology and thus promote the creative talents of our youth by focusing mainly on research,” he announced. In this regard, he said, research activities would be encouraged by seeking international cooperation. 

The AMUOBA’s General Secretary, Jaffar Nazir Usmani, declared that his target would be to come up the expectations by utilizing his best of abilities and implement the promises made will be the foremost priority. 

“The time has come to move forward with new determination and ensure bringing positive changes by promoting mutual cooperation,” he observed. 

Speaking on the occasion, Erum Akbar described their success in the election as a result of teamwork and the anticipated success in future will also depend on mutual cooperation. 

She called for a comprehensive planning in the wake of the new situation and said she has not forgotten the time when Akbar Ali Khan’s membership was revoked and dislodged from AMUOBA. 

“However, no injustice will be allowed to be done to anyone and all decisions would be taken purely on performance and merit,” she thundered. 

Engr Adil Usman, a former AMUOBA President and Chancellor SSUET, hoped that associate institutions would be managed in a better way and the mission of late Zakir Ali Khan will be taken forward. 

Noted Aligarhian and poet Tariq Sabzwari recalled when the culture and traditions of Aligarh were set aside by introducing the culture of self-centered objectives. According to him it would take time to overcome the mismanagement of the past 10 years. 

The AMUOBA members expressed their views with an open heart and came out with their suggestions which, they contended, would include short-term and long-term strategies and introduce such technologies having present day marketing values. 

According to them a new era of the history of the AMUOBA and the SSUET has just dawned in which it would be most imperative to strengthen the relationship with industry and academia. 

Surprisingly some of the members complained that it was not in their knowledge before of them being members of AMUOBA. Farrukh Nizami, son of SSUET’s founder and first Chancellor Engr Z.A Nizami and Engr Adil Usman who served SSUET as Chancellor after the death of the founder were conspicuous with their presence.

Karachi Theosophical Society undertakes Human Library project

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Karachi Theosophical Society (KTL), established in 1896, has undertaken the Human Library Project in Pakistan as an initiative dedicated to fostering human understanding, tolerance, and peace. 

It aligned closely with the first objective of the Theosophical Society which is the establishment of a universal brotherhood transcending social and cultural divides. 

The teachers, students, staff, and volunteers of Jamshed Memorial School, under the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS), were honoured for their dedication in organizing the first-ever Human Library session at Jamshed Memorial Hall on February 22. 

It was in the fitness of things that the historic Jamshed Memorial Hall, named after Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta, the first elected Mayor of Karachi, was chosen the venue of such a wonderful initiative which could catch the imagination of those in search of learning and knowledge. 

The event was designed to promote deep understanding and meaningful connections. Participants engaged as ‘books’ or ‘readers’ to share life stories that challenged stereotypes, break down biases, and cultivate empathy. 

Through authentic conversations and attentive listening, the Human Library became a space for personal growth, mutual understanding, and the celebration of diversity, strengthening shared humanity. 

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran’s Verse of Light: ‘God is the light of the heavens and the earth’ and it was followed by Dr Annie Besant’s universal prayer. 

Mushtaq Jindani, Secretary General, TOS, in his welcome address, warmly recognized the efforts of the members of the KTS and the TOS besides the volunteers, teachers and students of Jamshed Memorial School who worked diligently to ensure the smooth execution of the event. 

The event was structured into four 30-minute sessions, where readers engaged with four different books. Each book represented a diverse background, offering perspectives on societal challenges, resilience, and personal growth. 

The sessions fostered open dialogue, breaking down barriers and deepening mutual understanding. 

Upon arrival, the guests were graciously welcomed at the reception desk, where they were registered and provided with name tags. Each participant chose whether to be a book or a reader. Name tags were prominently displayed, and readers noted their selected book name. 

The Human Library provided a platform for personal storytelling, becoming a space of collective empowerment where diverse individuals celebrated the strength found in differences. 

The event successfully created an inclusive space for dialogue, challenged preconceptions, and fostered connections that transcended cultural and social boundaries. 

As the world becomes more digitally connected yet socially fragmented, the Human Library continues to evolve. 

Some exciting developments include virtual human libraries where digital sessions allow people from around the world to engage with human books, making the initiative accessible to those in remote areas or those who may feel unsafe attending physical events. 

In regions with religious, racial, or political tensions, Human Library events provide a safe space for constructive dialogue, helping to counter misinformation and stereotypes. 

At its core, the Human Library is a movement of hope. It demonstrates that deep understanding can dismantle walls of prejudice and foster a more tolerant, compassionate, and united world. 

In an era of increasing social divisions, the Human Library stands as a powerful reminder that conversations, not conflicts, are the key to bridging our differences. 

The Human Library, having originated at Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000, is a global initiative that tackles societal prejudices by fostering dialogue. It follows a unique model where individuals who have faced discrimination, social exclusion, or stigma serve as living books. 

The readers engage with them through open conversations, gaining insight into their experiences and challenging their own biases. Currently, the Human Library operates in over 80 countries, both through permanent libraries and event-based initiatives.

Akbar Ali Khan elected AMUOBA President, takes over as SSUET Chancellor

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Akbar Ali Khan, a son of the illustrious Engr Zakir Ali Khan, the close associate of Engr Z A Nizami, the founder of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), has taken over as its fourth Chancellor, replacing Jawaid Anwar. 

At the time of the establishment of the SSUET in 1993, Engr Nizami was its first Chancellor and, after his death in 2013, Engr Adil Usman and Jawaid Anwar occupied the coveted position. 

Akbar Ali Khan has become the SSUET’s Chancellor by virtue of his election as the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA). 

The AMUOBA elections were held after a gap of 10 years in which the Zakir Ali Khan Panel ousted the Alig United Panel by clinching 158 votes as against 130 bagged by the opponents. 

After taking over the university’s Chancellorship, Akbar Ali Khan presided over the first meeting of AMUOBA’s Executive Committee in which Adil Askari, Atif Nazar and Mohammed Yamin were elected as Vice-Presidents while Jaffar Nazir Usmani was elected as General Secretary.

In his introductory address, the Chancellor pledged to set aside the bickering of the past and called for focusing on the future. He admitted that those who stood firmly by his side during the difficult period worth more appreciation than the clapping on their success achieved. 

Meanwhile in the Executive Committee important decisions were taken for future line of action and for rectification of SSUET’s worsened conditions. 

He stated that time keeps moving which continues teaching many lessons most importantly the deep feelings of responsibilities that now rest on their shoulders for a bright future of the university and its students. 

He made it clear that only joint and united efforts could lead towards cherished objectives. In this regard all out efforts would be made to attain the goals set for the purpose. 

Speaking on the occasion the General Secretary-elect, Jaffar Nazir Usmani, declared that no stone would be left unturned to strengthen and make successful the objectives of AMUOBA and its associated institutions. 

The Vice President, Adil Askari, declared that the foremost priority of the newly elected body would be for the advancement of AMUOBA and its institutions without compromising on principles. He believed that the souls of Z A Nizami and Zakir Ali Khan must have been happy that after ten years such leadership has come forward who truly respect their elders. 

Meanwhile the faculty and staff of the SSUET gave a vigorous welcome to the Chancellor and assured him of their full cooperation stating that they would fully follow their directives to be taken for the university’s advancement and accomplishment of the their mission. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Dr Munawar Hussain, was relieved of his responsibilities and handed over the charge to Dr Jaffar Nazir Usmani who is also the General Secretary of AMUOBA.

Aziz Memon condoles demise of Prof Dr Ejaz Vohra

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Aziz Memon, National Chair, Pakistan Polio Plus Committee, has condoled the death of Prof Dr Ejaz Ahmed Vohra, a renowned general physician and cardiologist, who passed away in Karachi on February 7. 

“Besides being a distinguished physician, he was also a respected academician, credited to have mentored a large number of doctors in the country. Indeed, he was an irreplaceable asset to the medical fraternity and his services to the field of medicine were well and truly remarkable,” Aziz Memon, Co-founder, Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), declared while expressing deep sorrow over his sad demise recently. 

“Professor Ejaz Vohra, throughout his life, remained an ardent reader of books. Despite being laid low by illness last year, he continued extending his warm support to the initiative of KFBL, which served as a source of encouragement to all of us,” Aziz Memon complimented. 

It may be recalled that Professor Ejaz Vohra was born in Madras, now called Chennai. He was a graduate of the famous Dow Medical College (DMC), Karachi, from the class of 1959. He served as the Director of Postgraduate Studies (Clinical) at the Dr Ziauddin Medical University, Principal of the Karachi Medical & Dental College, Regional Representative of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), Editor-in-Chief of the Pakistan Journal of Medical and Dental Sciences, besides holding many other prestigious positions throughout his illustrious career. 

He was hailed to have played a key role in the conferences and conventions organized by medical associations, generously sharing his wisdom with generations of doctors. Even during his illness, he remained committed to the noble cause and participated in a recent convention, demonstrating his unwavering dedication.

PCMA stands with business community against proposed 400% hike in security deposits

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Ahmed Chinoy, Chairman, Pakistan Cloth Merchants Association (PCMA), has expressed strong support for the business community’s unified opposition to the proposed 400% increase in security deposits by Power Distribution Companies (Discos). 

“We raise our significant concerns regarding this proposal and such a substantial increase would impose excessive financial burdens on consumers, particularly manufacturers and exporters, thereby negatively impacting industrial competitiveness,” he declared in a statement issued on February 10. 

“The proposed hike lacks transparency and logical justification, potentially discouraging industrial expansion and countering government initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and increasing exports,” he highlighted. 

“We stand in solidarity with the business community in opposing this unjustified increase. Such a move threatens to undermine the competitiveness of our industries and places an undue financial strain on businesses already grappling with rising production costs,” the PCMA Chairman stated. 

Ahmed Chinoy urged the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to consider the valid concerns raised by various stakeholders and to reject the proposed increase, advocating for Discos to focus on improving revenue collection efficiency rather than imposing additional financial burdens on consumers. A public hearing on this matter is scheduled for February 12 where the stakeholders will have the opportunity to present their objections and recommendations.