Monday, February 29, 2016

SSUET students develop modern speed breaker

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The students of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, have developed a modern speed breaker which has the capacity to generate its own electric power.

It is considered as the Asia’s first and world’s third best ramp design generating its own power. 

The project was accomplished by a group students led by Tehsin Ilahi and included Arsalan Zafar, Murtaza Mohyuddin, Asif Nawaz, Shoaib Altaf and Khusro Bakht. 

The generator installed in the ramp automatically switches on when a vehicle passes on it and with just one push of the vehicle it generates 240 watts of energy which is then stored in a battery. 

The power generation system could be monitored through a control system which can be easily installed. The speed breaker has been developed with the concept to check wrong direction traffic movement and thus reduce the traffic accidents. 

According to the group members the energy produced from the speed breaker can also be used for traffic and street lights. They claimed that this ramp design is most suitable for traffic signals and u-turns. 

The speed breaker can be setup ahead of a zebra crossing and can also be installed at airports, shopping malls, toll plaza’s entry and exit points. The ramp is safe for vehicle tyres as well as its jumps 

Developed at a cost of Rs 2.55 lacs, the project is being considered more cost-effective than solar panel and windmill.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Prof Ikramullah Khawaja highlights virtues of teaching as profession

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prof Ikramullah Khawaja, a former President of Youngtown State University, Ohio, USA, has called for a strong relationship between teachers and students, adding that good students cannot be produced without good teachers.

He stated this while delivering a lecture on ‘Teaching as a Profession’ at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi,where he was invited by its Chancellor Jawaid Anwar. 

“I feel an inner delight as a teacher when I see a student to have achieved success in his/her objective,” the distinguished visitor stated while addressing the faculty and students giving out his vast experience in teaching of over four decades. 

Prof. Ikramullah described teaching as his passion and said that keeping this background in view he established an Islamic Chair at the Youngtown State University and it was due to his sole efforts that this university is making 50 percent funding of this Chair while rest by the community. 

He called upon the students not to go for any field which is pursued by popularly others but adopt the field in which they think they can achieve excellence. 

Earlier the Chancellor Jawaid Anwar welcomed and introduced the eminent guest and narrated his experience as role model for the faculty members of SSUET. He also shared his views about teaching and said “a best teacher is the person who always makes his students agile”. 

He pointed out that in the era of twenty first century where technology is advancing in every field of life. He is of firm belief that our teachers can transform our students’ mind more innovative, productive and creative. 

He highly appreciated Prof Ikramullah Khawaja for his experiences in the academic and teaching professions and said these would be of immense benefit for our university.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi highlighted the role of SSUET in the promotion of engineering and said its Board of Governors include prominent figures like Dr A.Q. Khan, Dr Ata-ur- Rahman and others. 

He recalled that starting with two technologies, the university today has 10 technologies and plans are afoot to introduce some more in near future besides offering Masters and Ph.D programs. He informed that starting with 200 students in 1994 some 14,000 engineers have passed out from the SSUET. 

He also spoke about the facilities being provided by the university like scholarships, benevolent fund, financial assistance besides having quality enhancement cell, career planning department and others. 

The Director Quality Enhancement Cell and Faculty Development said that QEC is proud to have started its journey by inviting distinguished scholar Prof Ikramullah Khawaja. He said that the QEC has been established for the purpose of development of Quality of Faculty and Students. 

On the occasion, Dean Faculty of Engineering, Prof Dr S M Makhdumi proposed the vote of thanks and particularly referred to Prof Ikramullah’s remarks about teaching as passion and teacher-student relationship.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Pakistan needs wider library culture

By Prof Dr Nasim Fatima
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

In order to march forward on the road of creating intellectual properties and accepting the challenges of information technology awareness, Pakistan surely needs a wide range library culture. 

It’s very heartening indeed the authorities of the University of Karachi have decided to establish a Dr Jameel Jalibi Research Library at the campus. Other universities of Pakistan should take the cue and follow similar pattern at their own campuses. 

Renowned personalities of literature, social sciences, humanities and other scientific and historical disciplines have huge and valuable personal libraries all over Pakistan. 

Senior intellectuals desire to donate their intellectual properties to the academic or public libraries like Liaquat Memorial Library, Punjab Public Library, Balochistan Provincial Library and Ghalib Library. 

The public libraries should provide a study room for the donors and security of the material besides proper management of library resources and services by the directorate of library or concerned authorities. 

Personal collections are treasures on various subjects whose worth cannot be estimated. These are priceless books which cannot be acquired in million of rupees. They reflect the sacrifices and the passion of the donors. It possesses the historical cultural and archival heritage of the subjects, Personalities and facts. 

There is a lot of reference s periodical literature which has rarities not known to general public. On the other hand their personal collections and libraries have wide variety of rare documents and archives like personal diaries, documents, photos, colours, stamps, audio-video records, maps and most importantly the rare manuscripts. 

The Mushfiq Khawaja Information Resource Centre is already being established in Karachi for online access of end users. This is another example of preserving the past. A network of personal libraries established all over Pakistan will not only preserve a library heritage but coordination among personal collection will enhance the scholarship and research. 

The collections, when automated, will become public assets as well as personal properties to reserve the future generation of Pakistan providing information technology for transfer and access will earn respect to the country on global horizon. 

Senior library scientists can share the responsibilities of management if they devote their time and experience in developing an intellectual library culture in Pakistan for providing easy accuse to knowledge to end users.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Aligarhian Zakir Ali Khan remembered

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Rich tributes were paid to the late General Secretary of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), Engr Mohammad Zakir Ali Khan, on the occasion of his fourth death anniversary observed by the Association at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology SSUET), Karachi.

Eminent speakers, on the occasion, highlighted the educational and literary services of Zakir Ali Khan, particularly his contribution towards the advancement of Sir Syed’s Mission. 

In his thought-provoking discourse, the SSUET Chancellor and the AMUOBA President, Jawaid Anwar, while recalling the services of Zakir Ali Khan, said that in any society the freedom of expression plays a positive role towards promotion of healthy trends. 

“The true opinion-making among the human beings is very much connected to their independent thinking,” he stated. 

“We at AMUOBA desire to write down a new chapter at Sir Syed University through educational advancement to be achieved through developmental activities.” 

He described Zakir Aki Khan as a multi-faceted person, particularly in the field of Urdu literature in recognition of which he was awarded ‘International Award for Literature’ by the Aligarh Muslim University. 

He particularly referred to Zakir’s most famous book ‘Riwayat-e-Aligarh’ and said it is a valuable gift for Aligarhians and students as well as a reflection of his character and personality. 

“It is a very informative truly reflecting the traditions of Aligarh culture and an important source for character building of students.” 

The Chancellor told the gathering that the University’s present setup is all out for the welfare of its employees and announced that they soon will be given benefits including medical insurance and revised pay scales. 

Pointing out that a number of welfare measures have been taken in a short span of four months, the services of around 150 adhoc employees were regularized and due promotions given to deserving employees besides completing the new E Block named after the Late Z A Nizami while it has been proposed to name Block F after Zakir Ali Khan. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said that admission process has been completed smoothly and new and old entrants were pursuing university’s discipline. 

According to him the gap between two important sections of Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) and Faculty is being bridged through reorganization measures. 

Earlier in his speech the AMUOBA’s General Secretary Mohammed Arshad Khan said that a sad phase of our society was that due recognition is not given to personalities in their lifetime. 

He stated that Zakir Ali Khan was the true benefactor of the Association and his services for AMUOBA and SSUET will go down in its history with golden letters. 

In his speech the Vice-Chancellor Hamdard University Prof Dr Abdul Mannan remarked that Zakir Ali Khan was binding force for the entire Aligarhin community and kept them jointed through his unmatched behavior and literary works. 

Noted journalist and writer Mahmood Shaam that every soul departing from us takes away his bright phase. Previously it was an era of independence but now the mass of slaves was on the rise. 

He said that Pakistan would not have come into being if there would not have been Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and it was unfortunate that we failed to maintain traditions and their continuation, adding that Zakir Ali Khan was the one who had command over urdu and presented the conditions around in a fascinating manner. 

Noted writer and researcher Khawaja Razi Hyder described Zakir Ali Khan a best writer of his era who had the ability to make people realize what used to be just information and his writings had a deep rooted appeal for the new generation in relation to their character building and wanted to see a bright future for them. 

Renowned poet Jazib Qureshi paid poetic tribute to Zakir Ali Khan and said he never allowed love, affection and memories to disappear. 

The daughter-in-law of Late Zakir Ali Khan said that he was a most affectionate person and from day one he never allowed her to feel that she came to in-laws after leaving her home.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Library Promotion Bureau celebrates Golden Jubilee in befitting manner

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), having played a pivotal role in the development of the profession, celebrated its Golden Jubilee in a befitting manner at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST), Karachi, on February 6. The LPB, founded in 1966, has completed 50 years of its existence. 

The Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium at FUUAST witnessed some of the eminent library scientists of the country sharing their thoughts in a gathering of more than one hundred professionals of different generations having assembled at one platform. Most of the participants were from Karachi with representation also coming from the United States, Canada, Multan and Hyderabad. 

Abdul Samad Ansari and Syed Ahmad Naqvi, both of them seasoned campaigners, conducted the session in lively fashion, enlightening the audience with their invaluable input about the bureau. Fozia Bano, Chief Librarian, FUUAST, delivered the welcome address. 

Dr Asif Ali, Registrar, FUUAST, was the chief guest in the ceremony, presided over by Anwar Shoaib, Acting Chairman, Department of Library Information Science, University of Karachi.

As many as three former chairpersons of the department were also present on the occasion which included Prof Dr Ghaniul Akram Sabzwari, Founder President, LPB, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima and Prof Malahat Kaleem Sherwani, 

Dr Amna Khatoon, Principal, PBWG School of Librarianship, introduced prominent personalities of the bureau which included Abdul Wahab Khan Salim (New York), Muhammad Adil Usmani, Dr Rais A. Samdani, Abdul Samad Ansari and Zainuddin Siddiqui. She also briefly mentioned about the present team of Dr Nasreen Shagufta, Azra Qureshi, and Prof Liaquat Ali Khan. 

Azra Qureshi, Ex-Chief Librarian, Aga Khan University, spoke about the bureau’s English publications and made special mention of the PLISJ Index, Bibliographical Heritage of Pakistan, In Search of Readers and Famous Facts of Muslim World. 

Dr Nasreen Shagufta, former Librarian, Riaz Government Girls College, touched upon the subject of the Urdu publications of the bureau. 

Also an Executive Committee Member of the Cradle Welfare Organization and Secretary of the Bazm-e-Akram, she praised the bureau for promoting LIS publications of books, especially in Urdu. 

Hina Naz, Assistant Librarian, Dr Mahmood Hussain Library, University of Karachi., who had done her master’s thesis on LPB, indicated the problems faced by bureau and proposed their solutions. 

Zain Siddiqui, having worked at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, besides the University of Karachi, discussed about the bureau’s attached organizations like Idara Ketabyat-e-Pakistan and Bazm-e-Akram whom he praised for publishing Adab-o-Kutub Khana regularly for the last many years. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Ex-Chairperson, Department of Library Information Science, University of Karachi, who has been the backbone of the bureau, recognized its founder for his competence and devotion in the profession. She recited few poetic verses in his favour. She declared him the leader of the group and prayed for his long life and good health. 

Prof Malahat Kaleem Sherwani, Ex-Chairperson, Department of Library Information Science, University of Karachi, and now the acting Librarian at the Dr Mahmud Hussain Library, congratulated LPB functionaries and prayed that the bureau will also complete its century. She praised Adil Usmani, Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima and Prof Dr Rais Samdani for having worked tirelessly for the LPB. 

Anwar Shoaib, Acting Chairman, Department of Library Information Science, University of Karachi, talked about the faculty of LIS and appreciated the activities of the bureau over the years. 

The LPB Founder, Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, in his address, candidly recalled about the various problems which the bureau was able to overcome and survived. 

He appreciated and thanked Dr. Rubina Bhatti, Chairperson, Department of Library Information Science, Islamia University Bahawalpur, for her wholehearted support by facilitating around 35 subscriptions of the PLISJ and purchasing books of the bureau. 

He confessed having been disappointed once in a while but recorded his appreciation for the firm determination and support of Prof Dr Nasim Fatima for having kept the bureau alive, particularly its publishing programme. He was so much overwhelmed and engulfed with tears and passion when concluding his speech. 

Dr Asif Ali, Registrar, FUUAST, appreciated the contribution of the LPB, observing that those who cultivated writing by pen were always successful and rewarded by the literate community of the country. He also said that research was not possible without libraries thus its benefits were enormous.

Awards and certificates were also presented on the occasion to those having contributed to the cause of the LIS profession in general and the LPB in particular.

Prof Liaquat Ali Khan, Management Secretary, LPB, presented the vote of thanks in which he acknowledged the support of the FUUAST and the donors in making the function possible. 

Meanwhile the messages of Prof Dr Mumtaz Ali Anwar of the Punjab University and Ashraf Shakoori, Chief Editor, Sada-e-Librarian, were read out during the ceremony in which both of them lavishly praised the LPB for continuing to do against all odds for 50 years.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Bazm-e-Akram's Adab-o-Kutub Khana 8 glitters literary arena

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The eighth edition of Adab-o-Kutub Khana, the flagship publication of Bazm-e-Akram, a literary forum of the library scientists, named after Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, the leading light of the profession in the country, has been brought out at the start of the year once more, much to the delight and satisfaction of its readers.

The Adab-o-Kutub Khana-8 has lived up to its reputation of being rich in content and neat in presentation. The cover, having a snapshot of library setting in the centre, has added grace to an otherwise simple title. 

With a bouquet of research articles, travelogues, interviews, poetry and other literary ingredients, it can be classified perfect New Year gift for the library scientists. Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, a former Chairperson of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi, who is the Chief Editor of the annual journal, has added another feather to her cap by bringing out the latest edition of Adab-o-Kutub Khana. 

She has been assisted by the trio of Dr Nasreen Shagufta, Dr Amna Khatoon and Zainuddin Siddiqui. 

The Adab-o-Kutub Khana-8 is spread over 200 pages and as usual it contains contributions from some of the eminent library professionals as well as renowned literary figures of Pakistan alongwith a few articles from abroad. It has been priced Rs 400 in Pakistan with US$10 being its published international price.

It has editorial contributions from Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Dr Nasreen Shagufta, Abdul Samad Ansari, Dr Amna Khatoon, Karamat Gardezi, Tabish Dehalvi, Zainuddin Siddiqui, Ata-ur-Rahman Ata, Iqbal Farooqui Qamar, Mushfiq Khwaja, Dr Javed Manzar, Riaz Nadeem Niazi, Syed Ahmed Naqvi, Dr Mumtaz Ali Anwar, Seema Siraj, Shahnaz Muzammil, Farigh Bukhari, Wasil Usmani, Bashiruddin Khushid, Dr Nigar Sajjad Zaheer, Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Mohammad Misbah-ul-Haq, Syed Khalid Mahmood, Nazia Mukhtar, Syed Ateeb Ahmed, Azra Qureshi, Syed Jamil Ahmed Rizvi, Huma Mannan Butt, Imtiaz Ali Arshi, Farhat Hussain, Shamim Ahmed Farooqui, Shehla Nawaz, Ashraf Shakoori, Dr Shamshad Ahmed and Ehtisham Jahan Bahar. 

The support of Abdul Wahab Khan Saleem, Farid Sabzwari, Fahim Sabzwari, Nadeem Sabzwari, Shamim Ahmed Farooqui, Azra Qureshi and Shakeel Ahmed has been prominently acknowledged for having facilitated the publication of Adab-o-Kutub Khana-8. 

In the preface, the Chief Editor, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, has reckoned an improvement in the standard of the contents as well as the production of the annual journal. 

She has recognized the contributors for having responded enthusiastically to her call, making a particular mention to those having sent their contributions from the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Burewala and Sibi. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, an icon in the field of library science, has urged fellow professionals to avail the opportunity of having their writings published in Adab-o-Kutub Khana whose ninth edition will be sent to press later this year.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Dr Arshad Karim discusses teaching methodology with the SSUET’s academicians

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Matters relating to teaching methods with exploring the techniques that would help the teachers develop their skill of the art of teaching came under discussion at a high level meeting held by renowned educationist and a former foreign professor of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Arshad Syed Karim, with the faculty members of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi.

The meeting was chaired by the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, and attended by the SSUET Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, Registrar Prof Dr Mumtaz-ul-Inam, Deans and Chairpersons of various departments. 

The Chancellor introduced the distinguished guest and also discussed the various related issues which came up in the meeting. 

Earlier Registrar Prof Dr Imam-ul-Inam welcomed the eminent guest, who has had a distinguished career in the world of education enjoying teaching and learning and research guidance. 

Dr Arshad Karim holds more than 50 years cross-cultural global teaching, research and education administrative experience. He has authored 16 books and over 100 research articles in the discipline of social sciences. 

In his opening remarks, Dr Arshad Karim pointed out that teaching can perhaps more aptly be defined as an art rather than a science. 

“It is the art of transferring knowledge, and of cultivating and nourishing independent thinking that breeds a national, responsible and disciplined generation,” he observed. 

He opined that the teacher carried tremendous responsibilities on their shoulders as it is through the teacher that the students learnt how to create a civil society. 

Among others, the discussion focused on building student-teacher relationship creating amicable classroom environment with special reference to the critical aspect of people discipline, classroom management and control. 

Dr Arshad Karim shared a wealth of information about classroom management strategies that successful teachers use to get and keep students on-task and engaged in lesson. 

According to him, the strategies were based on extensive teaching experiences as well as finding of numerous studies in learning theory, student motivation, behavior modification, counseling psychology, violence prevention, group dynamics, students engagement and classroom organization. 

The visiting educationist and the participants had an extensive discussion on the subject matter besides exchanging proposals thereof.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

SBCA warns people against land mafia

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The land mafia and encroachers are continuing with illegal occupation of parks, marriage halls, primary and high schools, public buildings, commercial, industrial and residential plots and their sale and purchase.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in a reiterated warning cautioned the people not to take part in the illegal sale and purchase of such plots or their booking and similar associated activities in their own interest. 

In this connection on the directive of DG SBCA, Agha Maqsood Abbas, a survey report was compiled by the Director Buildings Gadap Town along with their use as per Master Plan and presented to the Director General. 

According to this report, the plot numbers SJ 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 6/2, 8/2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 26, R-2, R-1 and plot numbers. A-30, L-8, L-12, R-5, Plot No ST-10 and 11 of the land under mafia’s occupation, are for park, marriage hall, public building, primary school, commercial and residential plots. 

Plot numbers FL-1 and 2, ST-1, ST 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, ST 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21 have been illegally occupied and were reserved for playground, high school, public building and marriage hall . Of the land occupied by land mafia included plot numbers ST 21, 17, 01 in Sector 4/B, Plot Nos. ST 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18 in sector 4/D, and ST 21 

In Surjani Town plot numbers ST 4, 6, 12 in sector 5/C, ST 8 in sector 7/A, ST 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20 and 21 in Sector 7B have been illegally occupied. 

The SBCA made it clear that no plan approval or NOC has been issued in respect of any constructions on the notified plots nor the Authority will bear any responsibility thereof. 

The Director Project Surjani Town, through letter, was informed a number of times to take action against illegal occupiers and mafia. 

In this regard, the SBCA also informed the SSP West and Registrar Surjani Town, besides service providers K-Electric, SSGC and KWSB about the legal status of these plots and told not to entertain them with regard to lease and connections of basic utilities.

Nadir Magsi, Tusna Patel clinch major Hub Rally titles

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services) 

Demonstrating speed, skill and masterly Pakistan’s top ralliest driver Nadir Magsi won the main title while Tushna Patel won the ladies crown of Toyota third edition of Off-road Hub Rally at the Nooriabad Track.

The seven-time Cholistan Rally champion and as many time Jhal Magsi champion, Nadir Magsi driving his 6500 CC left handed Red Ford, handled the sharp turns, muddy and hilly track to emerge on the top among the over 30 drivers. 

Nadir Magsi covered course on his highly powerful vehicle in 15.20 seconds to the delight of his band of supporters and followers. 

“It was fast track and I used it to my best in achieving good timing,” he told reporters after winning the title. 

Mrs Tusha Patel driving a Vigo 2500 CC completed the hat-trick by winning her third successive title. She covered the distance in 21.20 seconds. “My husband Ronnie Patel is motivating force in my success,” she complimented.

Ismail Tariq won the fastest driver award, having covered the 32-KM course on his 2300 CC Vigo in 15.20 seconds.

Nauman Saranjam Khan emerged winner in “D” category while Nadir Magsi’s brother Aamir Magsi took the honors in his Vigo 3000 C. Mohammad Mehdi Dhanji won the “D” Stock category on his 1000 CC car. 

Former Sindh Minister Mukesh Chawla won the Stock C contest in his Vigo 2000 CC. In ladies car class, Shazia Naveed secured first position. Mrs. Asma Muzzmil was second and Sadia Aamir was third. 

Director General, Pakistan Rangers Sindh, Major General Bilal Akbar, who was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony, distributed some of the glittering trophies. Chief Organizer Shujaat Sherwani, CEO Toyota Indus Motors, Ali Asghar Jamali were also present on the occasion. 

Asghar Jamali described it a great event and expressed the hope such Rally event will increase and more talented drivers will come in force. 

General Bilal took part in the race driving Vigo and covered the 32-KM distance in 22 minutes. Speaking on the occasion, General Bilal announced to hold a Thar Desert Rally in Tharparkar and decided to dedicate it to the area people. 

He observed that sports united the people and felicitated the organizers for staging such a high magnitude and attracted large number of peoples and followers of automobiles racing. 

He remarked that 67% of the population of the country comprised youth and he desired to provide them the best support and security to excel in their respective fields. 

General Bilal reckoned that Pakistan possessed great potential in sports and the athletes deserve to be facilitated to achieve excellence Earlier the rally was inaugurated at a simple ceremony in presence of hundreds of racing followers, supporters. 

Speaking on the occasion, Director Marketing and Sales, Raheel Asghar, said that was great achievement that Toyota Highway Motors with Sherwani are conducting this exciting and attractive event. He stated that Toyota was looking forward to promote this sport like elsewhere across the world. 

Shujaat Sherwani thanked top rally driver for featuring in the race. He said that due to some unavoidable circumstances both Turkish and Japanese could not turn-up to take part in the sports vehicle gala.

SBCA razes illegal structures

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)


The demolition squad of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), on the directive of Director General SBCA, Agha Masood Abbass, demolished and sealed two illegal marriage halls in Korangi Town.

According to a spokesman of SBCA, the squad demolished Green Valley’s illegal marriage halls and banquet situated on plot number F-7 and F-8, Sector E, in the Lucknow Cooperative Housing Society. 

It also demolished illegal construction on Plot number C-47, Sector 31-E, Al Arabia Marriage Lawn in Darul Salam Housing Society and sealed the premises. 

The demolition operation was carried out under the supervision of Director Demolition, Jameel Memon, Deputy Director Sajjad, and Assistant Director, Korangi Town Ahsan Idrees. 

The SBCA’s police force was also present during the demolition operation to maintain law and order situation in the area.

Railways recover over Rs 13 million from ticketless passengers

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan Railways, in raids over various trains, recovered over Rs 13 million from passengers travelling without ticket. 

On the directives of Divisional Superintendent, Engr Nisar Memon, the raids were conducted by the Divisional Commercial Officer, Nasir Nazeer during the month of January 2016. 

During the surprise raids the DCO with his commercial staff nabbed 12,751 passengers travelling without ticket and charged over Rs 13 million as fare and fine. 

The DCO said that on the instruction of Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq to discourage the tendency of travelling in the railway, these raids will continue with heavy fines to be imposed on violators as a deterrent.