Japanese Consulate’s gift of books to Greenwich University

By Iqbal Jamil

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Hattori Masaru, donated 110 books to the Greenwich University as a part of the Read Japan Project at an impressive ceremony held in Karachi. 

The books were donated through the initiative of the Nippon Foundation and have been placed at the Japan Resource Centre, a specially designated section within the Greenwich University Library. 

Speaking at the book handover ceremony, Hattori Masaru remarked that the objective of the Read Japan Project was to promote a deeper understanding of Japan around the world through books. 

He encouraged students to read the donated books covering various aspects of Japan, including its history, culture, politics, and sports, to gain greater knowledge and insight into the country. 

The Consul General also urged students to take advantage of scholarship opportunities available for higher studies in Japan. 

Addressing the ceremony, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Greenwich University, Dr Naveed Mughal, described Japan as a remarkable example of nation-building and development. He highlighted the importance of utilizing the donated collection and encouraged students to read the books to enhance their understanding of Japan’s achievements and contributions across different fields.

Governor Fahad Sikandar begins his tenure with a bang

Dr Beenish Khalid 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Chaudhary Fahad Sikandar, District Governor 2027-2028, Rotary International District 3271, has begun his innings with a bang. He showed his intentions very clearly by arranging a fabulous meetup of President Nominees at the Karachi Gymkhana on June 5. 

He was the pivot around which the whole ceremony revolved, although officially it was hosted by the Rotary Club of Shahrah-e-Faisal Karachi. The participation of nearly 100 Rotarians spoke volumes of his organizational skills. 

Although the past as well as the current governors were accorded far too much recognition, exceeding the global Rotary protocols, the night belonged to Fahad Sikandar, who stole the limelight with his excellent presentation skills.

The President Nominees, who will be a part of Governor Fahad Sikandar's team, were thoroughly appreciative of the efforts of their versatile leader who is expected to bring about the much-needed change in Rotary affairs in Pakistan.

Digital edition of Rotary District Directory for 2027-28 unveiled

Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Chaudhary Fahad Sikandar, District Governor 2027-2028, Rotary International District 3271, has already created waves and the launch of the digital edition of the Rotary District Directory during the President Nominee Fellowship Meetup at Karachi Gymkhana on June 5 was declared as a pleasant surprise. 

Very rightly, he was lavishly praised for the initiative on the occasion as the directory was unveiled in most spectacular of fashion in the presence of the cheering Rotarians. 

As pointed out by the various dignitaries, present on the occasion, collecting and compiling data from the different clubs has always remained a challenging proposition even for the most resourceful of Rotary leaders but Fahad Sikandar proved the point that he indeed desires to let his work do the talking.

By bringing out the directory more than an year before the start of his tenure, he has provided adequate time to his team members to plan something big when they take charge their respective responsibilities on July 1, 2027.

A chapter is over with Pervez Iqbal’s death

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Hundreds of his former colleagues, contemporaries from the different walks of life, close friends and family members gathered to bid farewell to Pervez Iqbal, hailed as one of the trailblazers in the advertising and marketing industry, who passed away on May 30. They attended the funeral prayers held later the same evening at the Sakeena Masjid and he was buried in the DHA Phase-VIII Graveyard in Karachi. 

Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, President, All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), and Managing Director, Jang Media Group, was particularly moved by the sad demise of Pervez Iqbal, whom he described as a highly respected professional, a gentleman of great warmth and integrity, who will be dearly missed. 

Another large turnout was also witnessed during the dua for the departed soul, which was organized at his residence, located on the Zulfiqar Street in the DHA Phase-VIII on May 31. They condoled the death of Pervez with his brother, Shahid and Arshad, and son Asim. 

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Bashir Memon, Senator Javed Jabbar, Talib Syed Karim, Asad I A Khan, Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Naveed Moghul, Jamal Mir, Iqbal Munir, Zulfiqar Ramzi and Arshad Nawab. 

They were unanimously firm in their belief that Pervez Iqbal’s death will certainly leave a vacuum in the advertising and marketing industry and his contributions will be remembered for a long time to come.