Brief Profile: Dr Khalida Ghaus

Pakistan News & Features Services

Dr Khalida Ghaus is one of the most eminent scholars of International Relations and Human Rights. A former chairperson of the Department of International Relations at the University of Karachi, she holds the distinguished honour of being the first PhD in Human Rights from Pakistan. 

Currently she is the Managing Director of Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC), a Karachi-based research centre of international repute. She did her PhD under the supervision of eminent jurist and scholar Khalid M Ishaq. 

She has been the director of the Centre of Excellence for Women's Studies, University of Karachi. She was also the editor of the Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences published by the university. She is Honorary Director of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences as well as the Pakistan Centre for Democracy Studies. 

The widely travelled Dr Khalida Ghaus had the honour of being a delegate in the General Assembly of World University Service at Lima, Peru, in 1988. She attended the Salzburg Seminar on Transnational Law and Human Rights at Salzburg, Austria, in 1992 while she visited the United States under the International Visitor’s Programme on Conflict Resolution Tensions in South Asia later the same year. 

She represented Asia-Pacific Region in the International World University Service Delegation at the 50th and 51st Session of United Nations Commission on Human Rights at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1994 and 1995 while she was bestowed the honour of Asia Fellow at the Henry L. Stimson Center, Washington DC, in 1999. 

Besides teaching Human Rights and Foreign Policy Analysis for more than two decades, she has also written extensively on the subjects. A published author, she has been actively involved in the policy-making both with the federal and provincial governments on gender-related issues.

Dr Khalida Ghaus on Jumbo Karachi Guide

Pakistan News & Features Services

“The new generation, sadly, is not familiar with the history of Karachi. Be it the cultural or literary heritage or the historic buildings and structures. Most of them are unaware about the evolution of this great city and how the society was transformed over the years.” 

“Karachi is an acclaimed mega city. It has the diversity of culture very few metropolitan cities can match. The city has accommodated people from every nook and corner of the country who have enriched its culture.” 

“Jumbo Karachi Guide can be immensely helpful in familiarizing the youth in particular about the many facets of this glorious city besides promoting the soft image of Pakistan”

Aziz Memon desires level playing field for Pakistan’s textile products

Pakistan News & Features Services

Aziz Memon, a famed entrepreneur, firmly believes that Pakistan’s textile products have the desired attributes to compete in the international market. He, however, sought a level playing field to be able to flourish.

In his presidential address at the reception of the English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) held at the Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi, on January 29, he spoke about the significance of the bilateral with neighbours. 

The ESUP President was convinced that Pakistan’s business community stands a very good chance of breaking into the Indian market if the access was granted to the Pakistani products without any barriers. 

The Canadian High Commissioner, Greg Giokas, who was the chief guest of the evening, enlightened the audience with his thoughts on ‘Role of Agriculture in Pakistan’s Economic Development and Trade with India’ which generated tremendous interest.

Canadian envoy advises Pakistan to boost farm products

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Canadian High Commissioner, Greg Giokas, has advised Pakistan to further mobilize its resources in the agriculture sector to achieve a better market share internationally.

In his thought-provoking speech as the chief guest in a reception of the English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) held at the Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi, on January 29, the Canadian envoy described Pakistan’s agriculture sector as robust one which had potential to do even better. 

The topic of his speech was ‘Role of Agriculture in Pakistan’s Economic Development and Trade with India’ in which he spoke about the benefits on offer to Pakistan if they capitalized on the opportunities. 

On the occasion, he was presented a plaque by Aziz Memon, President, ESUP, in the presence of the Union’s office-bearers Majyd Aziz (Secretary General), Byram D Avari (Senior Vice President), Tariq Ikram (Vice President) and Tariq Rangoonwala (Treasurer).

Jumbo Infomedia seeks marketing professionals

KPT celebrates Arfa Karim Day with great enthusiasm

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

On the occasion of the second death anniversary of the youngest Microsoft expert and the Pakistani icon, Arfa Karim, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) organized a harbour cruise for students alongwith Mrs Samina Amjad, mother of the late IT wizard.

Speaking on the occasion, Samina Amjad highlighted the goals set forth by the Arfa Karim Foundation and said that her daughter wanted to bring about a revolution in the field of education using IT as a tool, for imparting quality education to under privileged students particularly in rural areas of Pakistan. 

This, she pointed out, was even shared by Arfa with international and national media interactions as her daughter has always dreamed big in her short life. 

The Arfa Karim Foundation is striving hard to preserve her complete legacy and moving forward to pursue her dreams, Samina told the gathering adding that with this objective in view the 2nd death anniversary of Arfa is observed to pay tribute to the ‘daughter of the nation’ by lighting candles and organizing various activities starting from January 14 and they will continue until February 2. 

She reminded that Arfa Karim lost her battle against life on January 14 and her birthday was celebrated on February 2 until her daughter was alive.

Mrs Samina Amjad appreciated the KPT's efforts for coming forward with this harbour cruise on a passenger ferry boat which was named after Arfa. They profusely decorated the boat for this particular occasion. 

Later, the students also shared their views and vision towards acquiring latest technology and some even shared to become computer experts like late Arfa Karim. 

One of the students in a very confident mood said that she wants to become software specialist and develop software for exporting to other countries to help boost our exports and earn foreign exchange needed for the economic stability. 

The students exhibited great excitement in having the company of a great mother of nation’s daughter and thanked the KPT management for providing them an occasion to share their feelings towards the great daughter of Pakistan.

SSUET has entered a new era of global competitiveness: Chancellor Adil Usman

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, has reckoned that the institution has entered a new era of global competitiveness. 

“We always wanted recourse to and not of replication,” he stated while addressing the SSUET’s Orientation Day function held for the newly admitted students of academic session 2014 at the Karachi Expo Centre on January 16. Chancellor Adil Usman pointed out that education is the most powerful force which may change the world. 

People without education will not be able to improve their economic situation in the highly technological and global economy. He observed that many students don’t progress successfully into secure employment or higher level education because they fail to acquire skills that will enable them to progress. A high quality engineer or technician can obviously be created only through high quality engineering and vocational teaching and training. 

He considered it an honour and privilege to welcome the new entrants to the amazing community and assured each and every one that they are here because they deserved to be here and can bring something new and exciting to this diverse learning community. 

“But remember one thing that the battle has just begun. You have to defend and protect the image of this great university - the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology,” he stressed. 

He said that they definitely had a reason to feel special when invited to an excited 'Orientation Ceremony' where they are briefed about all the formal and informal rules and regulations and their expectations during the coming four years. 

“I encourage you to be open to new ideas, experiences, and directions. And stay focused on your studies,” the Chancellor said adding that at the Sir Syed University they have got to learn from the most experienced and skilled faculty with the best and brightest surrounding. 

He appreciated the faculty for its commitment for inculcating the spirit of hard work and excellence in the students and advised the students not to hesitate to call on their teachers when ever required.

They will be their best source of support and the relationships they develop here with the faculty, staff, and fellow students will also help them in their career building. 

Success comes to those who truly distinguish themselves through preparation and make the very best use of any opportunity and advantage that they have. Share your knowledge and skills and absorb everything. And have fun. Expressing best of luck to each and every one of them, he called upon them to also remember and see towards Almighty Allah in all their endeavors as it is going to do a lot in every success one acquires. 

Earlier in his address Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, extended a warm welcome to the new entrants and urged upon them to devote their full energies on acquisition of knowledge at this university.

He told them that best facilities of teaching and laboratory are offered to students in this university which enjoys best reputation at the national and international levels. 

He advised them to remain punctual as only punctuality will pay them. As to the students who come from Urdu medium, to pay greater attention on English to achieve higher proficiency in learning engineering of their respective choices. 

Addressing the ceremony Dean Engineering Prof Dr Makhdoomi pointed out that Orientation and Convocation days bring important effects on a student’s life and said that during their stay here they should investment time in theory and practical to achieve what they have dreamed for their future. 

Associate Dean, Prof Najib, in his speech, dilated upon the role of career planning and placement bureau, the university’s development, various facilities available besides continuing education programs. Registrar 

Syed Abrar Ali, who conducted the proceedings, in his intervening remarks informed that the SSUET is the largest university in the private sector with nine disciplines while plans were afoot to add more in the coming years. 

On the occasion chairmen of various departments gave presentations to students about their respective fields. They included Dr Faisal Bukhari, Chairman Computer Engineering, Dr Prof Hilal Qureshi, Chairman Computer Science, Prof Dr M A Haleem, Chairman Bio-Medical and Bio-Informatics, Dr Bilal Alvi, Chairman Electronics and Dr Rehan Inam Qureshi, Chairman Telecom department. 

The Convenor, Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) and Member SSUET’s Board of Governors, Engr Yousuf Siddiqi, paid glowing tributes to late personalities of Engr Z A Nizami, Engr Zakir Ali Khan, Brig (Rtd) Qamarussalam Khan and Younis Khan and said they were the founders of this great university. He led prayer and offered Fateha for the departed souls. 

Among others, the orientation ceremony was largely attended by the members of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA).

Preparations continue for SSUET's Orientation Day on January 16

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The preparations are afoot for the Orientation Day at the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, to be held at the Expo Centre on January 16.

The arrangements for the day were reviewed at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi and attended, among others by Deans of faculties, Chairmen of various departments and Registrar Syed Abrar Ali. 

The Orientation day marks the beginning of new academic session for the students admitted to various engineering disciplines so as to customize them with their respective disciplines by the Chairmen of departments. 

According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid Rizvi, the admission process was in progress with January 10 being the last date for submission of admission fees by students declared successful for entry into the university. 

He said that timetable for the new classes has been prepared while laboratories and class rooms updated and renovated for the new entrants. Meanwhile the Vice-Chancellor along with the Registrar visited various departments to personally review the arrangements made for the start of the academic session 2014. 

The university has provided admissions in the engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Civil, Bio-Medical and Telecommunication besides Computer Science. This year new programs of Bio-Informatics, Software Engineering and Architecture are also being started and the response from applicants for admission in these fields was very encouraging.

Glowing tributes paid to Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services) 

Glowing tributes were paid to the great freedom fighter Rais-ul-Ahrar Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar at a seminar organized by the Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Rampur in Karachi to mark the latest edition of the Jauhar Day.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, a great grandson of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), emphasized that one could achieve success and glory only through hard work and determination. 

He observed that Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar was not only a staunch Muslim but also a great scholar who was endowed by Allah with extraordinary abilities. His fearless leadership and devotion to cherished objectives were instrumental in dispelling the inferiority complex from the Muslims which enabled them to fight for their rights steadfast. 

He recalled when Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar met Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in England and convinced him to join All India Muslim League and his sincere efforts eventually led to laying of foundation for the creation of Pakistan.

Chancellor Adil Usman said that at the first Round Table Conference in London (1930) the Maulana had declared not to return to India alive unless the country was set free. 

“I would prefer to die in a foreign country so long as it is a free country,” he announced and told the British that ‘if you do not give us freedom in India you will have to give me a grave here.’ 

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Federal Urdu University, Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, pointed out that the Maulana was an important chapter of the history whose only demand was total freedom for the Muslims of South Asia. He was sincere to his cause and devoted his whole life to fight for the truth. 

Former Station Director Radio Pakistan, Shakeel Farooqui, said that contrary to the contemporary politicians, the Maulana was of different nature. He was a man of commitment as he did what he thought and preached. 

Renowned scholar Khawaja Razi Haider said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Maulana Mohmmad Ali Jauhar had a great resemblance together. He made Muslim League a popular party. The Maulana supported Quaid’s 14 Points and believed that only under the leadership of Jinnah the Muslims of South Asia could achieve freedom. 

Prof Dr Mazhar Hamid paid poetic tribute to the legendary Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar whose accomplishments remained source of motivation to the people of South Asia.

Doctors advised to demonstrate greater patience, endurance

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The practicing doctors have been advised to observe the principles of the Declaration of Geneva as approved by the World Medical Association and carry out their duties even while having difference of opinion with the authorities.

Prof Dr Masood Hameed, President, Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC), has clarified that their body didn’t believe in strikes at the cost of patients.

He regretted that quite a few deaths have taken place due to the strikes called by the Young Doctors Association (YDA), who greeted 2014 with a protest and renewed their pledge to get a service structure approved from the Punjab Government through road protest and boycott of duties. 

“The right for a peaceful strike exists in all civilized societies but calling strikes and not treating patients is unethical and breaches the Code of Ethics under section 4 & 5,” the PMDC President declared. 

He quoted the relevant bye-laws in an effort to remind the doctors about their duties and responsibilities.

“The duties of physicians include always bearing in mind the obligation of preserving human life, giving emergency care as a humanitarian duty unless he is assured that others are willing and able to give such care. The physicians have a duty to behave gently with their colleagues and abstain from enticing patients,” Prof Dr Masood Hameed emphasized. 

He warned that the PM&DC will not compromise on unethical behaviour of doctors and strongly condemned the YDA and the CPSP for holding strikes. 

"If the YDA calls for a strike and entices violence and treatment of patients is compromised and any untoward incident occurs the PM&DC will take appropriate action as per law,” he observed in a press briefing on January 4.

PMA to be made region's leading marine university

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael, has said that the government fully recognized the important role of our seafarers towards strengthening of economy and the elevation of the Pakistan Marine Academy to a degree awarding institution was a testimonial to it.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the passing out parade of the PMA in Karachi on January 3. The ceremony was largely attended, among others, by Chairman PNSC, Siddique Memon, Chairman KPT, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Azhar Hayat, and Chairman Port Qasim Authority, Agha Jan Akhtar. 

On the occasion, the Minister announced a gold medal from his Ministry to be awarded to cadets and evinced his ministry’s interest to transform PMA) into a Marine University, to be the first of its kind in the region and pledged to take up this matter at all related levels. 

He said that the PMA University will provide quality education of merchant navy and other specialized courses to the seafarers of the region. 

Senator Kamran Michael stressed the need for strengthening technical institutions adding that greater attention will be paid to marine education and training. He appreciated the progress made by the PMA in producing quality Merchant Marine Officers to serve the merchant fleet and in providing expertise in other disciplines of maritime sector. 

He noted that after undergoing two years of academic, professional and physical training the passing out cadets are awarded BSc Degree in Maritime Studies by Karachi University enabling the PMA to produce quality human resource for the maritime industry. 

The Federal Minister felt proud by the accomplishments of the PMA cadets having participated in the International Maritime Conference for the first time held at the Bahria University where they clinched first and second prizes in poster making and essay writing contests besides winning laurels, medals and trophies in sports and athletics competitions. He hoped that the same spirit will be maintained. 

Earlier on, in his welcome address Commandant PMA, Commodore (Rtd) Rana Aslam, informed the Minister about the computerization of exams as well as induction system of cadets. Later, Senator Kamran Michael awarded Sword of Honour and medals to the top performers of the passing out cadets.

Happy New Year 2014