Khalid Mahmood, Nazakat Ali enlighten audience on blogging, digital media

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Syed Khalid Mahmood and Muhammad Nazakat Ali enlightened the august gathering of jurists, journalists, scholars, teachers and students about the popular subjects of blogging and digital media during one of the panel discussions organized by the Karachi Editors Club (KEC) at the Iqra University, Karachi, as part of World Press Freedom Day celebrations on May 3. 

The seminar entitled Media Justice comprised of five different panel discussions, which lasted about an hour each, engaging the participants with lively interactive sessions where the learned panelists replied to the probing questions in convincing manner. 

Mubashir Mir, President, KEC, delivered a thought-provoking introductory address while Professor Rashid Akbar, Head of Media Sciences department at Iqra University, formally welcomed the guests and dignitaries present on the occasion. 

Barrister Shahida Jamil, Senator Nehal Hashmi and Zia Awan, a Supreme court lawyer and activist, stole the limelight in the opening session which was about the role of media and judiciary. 

The proceedings were enlivened in the second session as the trio of Syed Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Nazakat Ali and Syeda Hoor Shumail appeared on the stage for session on digital media. 

Khalid Mahmood, a blogger for more than 17 years, updated the audience by briefly touching the history of blogging since its advent in the 1990s besides sharing his own experiences in candid manner. 

Nazakat Ali explained the phenomenal rise of digital editions of newspapers over the years while also mentioning about the decline in the print versions. He recounted how Karachi Observer, which was launched as a monthly magazine in 1988, switched over to its digital edition to become more accessible to its readers. 

Yaseen Azad, former President, Supreme Court Bar Association, highlighted the burning issues in the panel discussion on media laws and ethics, which was moderated by Mubashir Mir. 

Munawwar Mirza, a seasoned journalist, and Imtiaz Khan Faran, former President, Karachi Press Club, fearlessly shared their views in the interesting session on fake news, moderated by Iqbal Jamil of KEC. 

Manzar Naqvi, Secretary, KEC, moderated in the fifth and final session of the day in which educationists Dr Samreen Bari Aamir and Dr Sidra Ahmed were the panelists besides Irum Tanweer, Director General, Press Information Department, Karachi.

Finally, the dignitaries and the panellists joined in the KEC cake-cutting celebrations at the stage with its office-bearers. The KEC has turned nine and it has the plans to grow big in future.

Barrister Sarah proposes formation of committee for prevention of cruelty against animals

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Barrister Sarah Asim Khan has proposed the formation of a committee of lawyers and police liaison for the prevention of cruelty against animals in an effort to unite legal and law enforcement professionals to combat animal cruelty in all the divisions of Karachi. 

“Pakistan has made international commitments to improve animal welfare, notably through the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW), which emphasizes humane treatment and protection of animals. By expressing support for the UDAW, Pakistan aligns itself with global standards for animal rights,” she pointed out. 

“Locally, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890 serves as the primary legislation, though it is outdated and inadequately enforced. Recent reforms in 2022, including a ban on animal testing and increased penalties for cruelty, mark significant progress in enhancing animal welfare laws. However, challenges remain, such as limited public awareness and insufficient enforcement mechanisms, necessitating ongoing efforts for comprehensive legislative updates and effective implementation,” Barrister Sarah remarked in the proposal. 

The objectives of the proposed committee of lawyers and police, according to her, included facilitating arrests, FIR registrations, and public exposure of offenders. 

“Let us collaborate with shelters for injured animals and raise awareness about animal rights in Islam and promote kindness towards animals in schools, mosques, and community centres,” she added. 

Barrister Sarah declared that the membership of the proposed committee will be open to all interested lawyers and police officers, with no limit on membership while a board will oversee operations, ensuring effective networking and resource utilization. 

“Nominal membership fees will cover administrative costs, while offenders will be liable for animal medical expenses. The jurisdiction of the committee will be all districts of Karachi,” she concluded.

Ahmed Chinoy welcomes cut in power tariffs

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Renowned entrepreneur, Ahmed Chinoy, Chairman, Pakistan Cloth Merchants Association (PCMA) and Director, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE), has warmly welcomed the government’s decision to reduce electricity tariffs, terming it a significant and much-needed relief for the business community and the general public. 

He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his economic team for their commitment to the nation’s economic stability and well-being. The reduction of Rs7.41 per unit for domestic consumers and Rs7.59 per unit for industrial consumers, announced on April 3, was declared as a commendable step towards reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing the productivity of industries across Pakistan.

“This reduction in electricity tariffs is a positive development that will undoubtedly support economic growth and provide much-needed relief to households and businesses alike. The government’s dedication to easing the financial burden on the public and fostering a conducive environment for economic activities is truly admirable,” Ahmed Chinoy remarked. 

He also appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and its leadership for persistently advocating for measures that support the business community. 

“The FPCCI, under its dedicated leadership, has continuously highlighted the challenges faced by industries, and this reduction is a testament to the power of consistent and constructive dialogue between the private sector and the government,” he added. 

He extended his heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his entire team for taking this positive step, expressing the confidence that this initiative would boost investor confidence, stimulate economic activities, and pave the way for sustained growth.

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.