Greenwich University, Management Development Centre embark on strategic collaboration

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Greenwich University (GU) and the Management & Development Centre (MDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to embark on a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing joint research, policy innovation, and capacity-building initiatives across Pakistan and beyond. 

The MoU, signed on June 25, marked the beginning of a three-year partnership between two highly reputed institutions committed to academic and socio-economic development. 

GU, a pioneering private sector university chartered by the Government of Sindh, and MDC, a development support organization registered under Section 32 of the Companies Ordinance, will collaborate in the areas of research, training, policy development, and cross-sectoral coordination. 

Under the agreement, both parties will work together to collaborate in co-developing technical and financial proposals for local and international funding opportunities; organize joint seminars, conferences, and policy dialogues; produce high-impact publications focusing on development dynamics and to engage in diplomatic and strategic development initiatives that serve mutual interests. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Seema Mughal, TI, VC, Greenwich University, emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to leveraging academic excellence for sustainable development. “This partnership reflects our belief in collaborative innovation, which is vital for addressing today’s multifaceted development challenges,” she recognized. 

Dr Muhammad Yameen, MD MDC, expressed optimism about the venture, saying, “This alliance will strengthen our joint capacities to deliver cutting-edge research and provide impactful development solutions across sectors. We are proud to work with Greenwich University as a strategic ally in our shared vision for national progress.” 

Avais Inayat Memon, Chief Operating officer, MDC, Hizbullah Memon, Director Information, Information Department, GoS, Dr Rab Nawaz, Director QEC, Ali Jilani, Advisor to Chancellor, Dr Fatima Agha Shah, Dean Liberal Arts, and Dr Marium Minhas Bandeali, Focal Person GU, also attended the MOU ceremony and shared their thoughtful insight. 

The MoU also outlined the importance of professionalism, confidentiality, and mutual respect in all joint activities. It establishes a framework for resolving disputes amicably and underlines both institutions’ dedication to quality, transparency, and integrity. The collaboration symbolized a forward-thinking approach to nation-building and academic diplomacy and it is expected to yield transformative outcomes in the years ahead.

Tourism can uplift Pakistan: Azeem Qureshi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Azeem Qureshi, a renowned hotelier and tourism promoter, reckons that tourism has the power to uplift Pakistan’s economy just as witnessed in countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan. 

“It’s not only the government’s responsibility to do it. All stakeholders and people in general have to play a vital role in welcoming and supporting tourists,” he observed while highlighting the vast untapped potential of tourism in Pakistan. 

Now working independently as an entrepreneur, after having held key positions at Hotel Pearl Continental, Beach Luxury Hotel and Avari Towers, he was invited as a special guest in the media briefing held at the Airport Hotel to announce its strategic transformation. 

“As part of broader efforts to promote tourism in Pakistan, the Airport Hotel, headed by the energetic General Manager, Muhammad Asim, is actively engaging with media and hospitality stakeholders. It’s heartening to watch fostering its media collaboration and boosting corporate engagement,” Azeem Qureshi recognized. 

“This transformation is a part of broader national strategy to restructure public-sector enterprises for greater efficiency, profitability, and service excellence. Once a forgotten gem, the Airport Hotel Karachi is now poised to become a flagship of modern hospitality in Pakistan,” he noted. 

“The Airport Hotel, in the past, has been a popular destination for travelers, transit guests, and dignitaries in the past. With this strategic shift, it is expected reclaim its top position near Jinnah International Airport. The hotel’s vital location and potential to cater to both domestic and international guests, particularly business and transit travellers offer them huge chance of success,” Azeem Qureshi concluded.

Karachi’s Airport Hotel embarks on strategic transformation

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Airport Hotel in Karachi has embarked on a new era of revitalization and strategic growth under the ownership of PIA Holdings, marking its transition from direct management by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag-carrier. 

Muhammad Asim, General Manager, Airport Hotel, flanked by Deputy General Manager, Agha Aftab, and Marketing Manager, Fiza Javed, briefed a group of journalists about the initiatives taken in the recent past for uplifting the facilities. 

Azeem Qureshi, a renowned hotelier and tourism promoter, was also present on the occasion. 

The top office-bearers of the Karachi Editors Club, Mubashir Mir (President) and Syed Manzar Hussain Naqvi (Secretary), were present on the occasion alongwith fellow veteran members like Agha Masood Hussain, Khurshid Hyder, Iqbal Jamil and Syed Khalid Mahmood. They actively participated in the ensuing lively discussion.

A video presentation showcased newly renovated room categories, with special focus on the premium Corporate Club rooms, which boast elegant interiors and garden-facing views. 

The hotel is now fully equipped to host a variety of large-scale events, from weddings to business functions, with banquet capacity for 250 guests, a garden space for 150, and a poolside area capable of accommodating up to 600 people. 

“The hotel is now operating with increased autonomy and a renewed commitment to excellence. This is not just a change in ownership but it represents a complete transformation in service, infrastructure, and guest experience. Under PIA Holdings, we are adopting international standards and prioritizing customer satisfaction to restore the hotel’s legacy and appeal to today’s travellers,” Muhammad Asim, General Manager, Airport Hotel, announced in his opening remarks. 

It was explained that the hotel had once flourished, particularly from 1984 to 1990, due to high volumes of international transit passengers. However, changing travel trends, particularly the growth of Islamabad as a transit hub, led to a decline. 

Over the past two years, comprehensive internal reforms have been implemented. They have repositioned the hotel to focus on commercial and corporate clientele, treating transit business as a valuable addition. 

Drawing from their prior experience with PIA, the management team has overhauled operational procedures, enhanced service quality, and introduced structured systems, including the establishment of boardrooms, well-defined Policies, SOPs, JDs, ERP Modules and improved maintenance protocols. 

The expired licenses have been renewed, and new standards are being introduced to meet contemporary hospitality expectations. ISO Quality and Management Certification and Halal Certification for Food & Beverage department are also underway. 

The hotel currently features 208 rooms, including corporate rooms, suites, and standard rooms, and is seeking new investment to further elevate its offerings. As many as 101 rooms are being renovated at the moment. 

“With the right investment and a clear strategy, we are confident that this property can become a model of corporate hospitality,” the General Manager declared with hints of conviction. 

Spread across six acres, the hotel currently operates as a 3-star facility. However, plans are already underway to upgrade it to a 4-star status, building on the momentum of recent improvements and consistently positive guest feedback. 

The media briefing was followed by a guided tour of the upgraded facilities and it was agreed in principle to be made available at exclusively discounted prices for members and guests of the Karachi Editors Club.

Aziz Memon, Marcos Franco cherish Sao Paulo book moments

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The widely travelled Aziz Memon, having many feathers in his cap, has a magical personality. His mannerisms charm even the most influential characters and he has the knack of producing incredible one-liners befitting the occasion which cling in the minds of people for ages. 

The prolific Brazilian columnist, Marcos Anselmo Ferreira Franco, was no exception to this elite list which continues to grow. He was also greatly impressed with Aziz Memon when the two Rotary leaders met each other at Sao Paulo. 

Having authored the books like Success Management, An Unforgettable Journey and The Farm of Paraibuna besides the famous series of Tennis Dreams, Marcos Franco availed the opportunity by presenting a signed copy of his book titled ‘The Magic Balls at the Rio Open’ to Aziz Memon. 

“Yes, I enjoyed meeting him in person at Sao Paulo. It’s good to learn about his accomplishments,” Marcos Franco, himself a member of the Academy of Letters in Santos, recalled. 

Aziz Memon, Co-founder of Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), also vividly remembered his meeting with the Brazilian author and praised his Tennis Dreams series of books whose thousands of copies were distributed in public schools in an effort to promote tennis and highlight the importance of reading.