Senator Dr Sarmad Ali awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz second time for services to newspaper industry

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Another feather was added to the already star-studded cap of the iconic figure of Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, who has now been conferred Sitara-i-Imtiaz for the second time. President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred the prestigious award upon him, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Pakistan’s newspaper industry. 

It has been deemed as a well-deserved honour for Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, who has worked tirelessly for the cause of the newspaper industry in particular for more than three decades. He has been hailed for his outstanding and longstanding contributions to Pakistan's media, advertising, and print journalism industry. 

Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, currently serving as President of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), had previously been conferred the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz award in 2013. He is one of the very few personalities to have been decorated more than once in their lifetime. 

Besides spearheading the APNS with distinction, Senator Dr Sarmad Ali has served three terms as President of the Marketing Association of Pakistan besides heading the Pakistan chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA). He continues to serve on the global Board of Directors of the IAA, representing Pakistan at the international level. 

Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, Managing Director, Jang Media Group, has come to be known as one of the trailblazers in the advertising and marketing sectors and he is venerated internationally at the strength of his accomplishments. An avid reader from his childhood, he is one of the protagonists of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), now aiming to spread the flame to Lahore and Islamabad.

Dr Naveed Mughal appointed Greenwich University’s Pro-VC

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Greenwich University, upon the recommendations of the Vice Chancellor Greenwich University, has appointed Dr Naveed Ahmed Mughal as the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the Greenwich University. 

Dr Naveed Mughal is recognized as an accomplished educationist with over 10 years of experience in global and higher education. 

He has led the establishment of the Greenwich University's International branch in Mauritius, expanded educational access across Africa, and championed cultural diplomacy through student delegations to the European Parliament. 

Holding a PhD in Educational Leadership and Management, with degrees from the University of Warwick and Lancaster University, he continues to drive impactful educational reforms locally and internationally. 

With the vision and the expertise of Dr Naveed Mughal, the Greenwich University is set to move forward and bring more laurels to the institution in the future.

Governor Shakeel Kaimkhani praises Rotary Darakhshan’s services during official visit

By Dr Beenish Khalid 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Governor of Rotary International District 3271 (Pakistan), Shakeel Kaimkhani, appreciated the contributions from Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) over the years in boosting the image of the largest voluntary service organization of the world. 

He made these observations during his official visit to the club on May 7 which culminated with a well-attended dinner-reception at the picturesque Karachi Club Annexe. 

Earlier, he also participated in the board meeting of the club. Besides District Governor Shakeel Kaimkhani, the other Rotary dignitaries present on the occasion were Furqan Ali Sheikh (District Secretary), Shehla Dutta (Assistant Governor), Raza Tabish Farooqui (District Regional Coordinator), Chaudhary Fahad Sikander (District Governor 2027-28) and Abdul Jabbar Sheikh (District Governor 2027-28). 

The District Governor described PDG Jahangir Moghul, who is also the Charter President of RCKD, as one of his mentors who remained a source of inspiration for him all along. 

It was in the fitness of things that PDG Jahangir Moghul, one of the leading philanthropists having been affiliated with Rotary for the past 44 years on a trot, proposed the vote of thanks in the concluding ceremony. 

It turned out to be yet another momentous day in the history of RCKD, who have made Rotary proud, since its charter in November 2004, with flurry of projects in line with the motto of Service Above Self. 

“During our journey of 22 years, we have prided to have contributed to the cause of Rotary in many ways. We have continued doing lots of projects from time to time, which have duly been recognized and praised at the district level. We have worked proactively in all avenues of service and we have earned goodwill for Rotary with our deeds and projects,” Farzana Moghul, Secretary RCKD, observed in her report at the general body meeting. 

“Education is one area where we have been contributing on a regular basis. We have supported quite a few educational institutions in different parts of the city to help them sustain and serve the cause of humanity. We have reached out to various schools in the less privileged areas and provided them help in cash and in kind. We have sponsored extracurricular activities for them to keep them healthy and hearty,” she recalled. 

“We have been regularly supporting libraries by providing them books and equipments. Our club has helped establish new libraries at different schools. We have held polio camps to raise awareness about this deadly disease which we are trying to control and eliminate by means of vaccination,” the RCKD Secretary added. 

“PDG Jahangir Moghul has remained our inspiration throughout our journey. He was elected as the District Governor for the Rotary 2015-16 and his tenure is still talked about with reverence. Under his able guidance, we have continued to deliver on all fronts to be recognized as one of the leading clubs of the district,"  the RCKD President, M Awais Moghul, remarked in his welcome address.

"Our membership strength may not be on the higher side at the moment but we are fortunate to be blessed with some outstanding Rotarians whose work speak for themselves and all of you are aware about them. We have worked with missionary zeal in the past and we will continue doing it for the sake of humanity,” he pledged.

Greenwich University celebrates Marka-e-Haq befittingly

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Glowing tributes were paid to the Armed Forces of Pakistan for their sacrifices and defending valiantly the borders of the country. Greenwich University organized a seminar on Marka-e-Haq, reaffirming solidarity with the Armed Forces of Pakistan and highlighting the nation’s enduring commitment to truth, justice, resilience, and sovereignty. 

The speakers highlighted the fact that our Armed Forces have defeated five times bigger enemy with dominance. The seminar was followed by a solidarity march participated in by the faculty, students, and staff of Greenwich University. 

The event brought together members of the university’s faculty, students, and distinguished guests, providing an engaging platform for dialogue on patriotism, national responsibility, and the invaluable sacrifices rendered by Pakistan’s Armed Forces in safeguarding the country’s integrity and stability. 

Addressing the audience the speakers emphasized that Marka-e-Haq symbolized the triumph of truth, courage, and national unity, while paying tribute to the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces. They further encouraged students to remain informed, united, and actively committed to the progress, peace, and development of Pakistan. 

Speaking on the occasion, the university leadership underscored the importance of nurturing patriotic values, civic responsibility, and social awareness among the youth. It was pointed out that higher education institutions play a vital role in developing responsible citizens and future leaders who uphold the principles of integrity, resilience, harmony, and national cohesion. 

The seminar also featured active student engagement and interactive discussions focusing on national development, peace building, and collective responsibility. Following the seminar, a prize distribution ceremony was held to recognize and appreciate students for their outstanding participation and performance in activities organized under the theme of Marka-e-Haq. 

The event concluded with a strong message of unity, patriotism, and collective national responsibility, reaffirming Greenwich University’s commitment to promoting academic excellence alongside civic awareness, national values, and constructive societal engagement.

Senator Sarmad Ali’s initiative; Hameed Haroon’s enthralling session enlivens APNS Talks

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

First thing first. The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), since their inception in 1953, has had a reputation of being an active entity. The latest initiative of inviting media icons for sharing their thoughts and experiences with fellow members, a brainchild of Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, their incredible President, seems to be another masterstroke. 

The series of APNS Talks is here to stay. Hameed Haroon, the erstwhile Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dawn Media Group, one of the largest media houses of the country, was the guest of honour on April 29. 

It was a warm afternoon on a working day. Yet, the majority of seats, looking like more than 100 in number, were occupied in the meeting hall of Hotel Pearl Continental, Karachi, by the time the clock ticked 4 pm. 

Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, President, APNS, and Managing Director, Jang Media Group, set the tone with a lively welcome address in which recalled his brief stint with Daily Star, a proud publication of the Dawn Group of Newspapers, owned by the Haroon family. 

He spoke about the launch of the APNS Talks, a series aimed to enlighten the media fraternity by engaging them with the icons. 

He disclosed that Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Shami, a veteran journalist, was invited to share his views and opinions during the inaugural edition of the APNS Talks which was held in Lahore. He described Hameed Haroon, alongwith Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, as his mentors. 

“I have known Hameed Haroon since debuting at Daily Star in Lahore way back in 1982. We have worked together at the APNS for a very long time. I have served as the APNS Secretary during quite a few tenures when he was our President. It has always been a privilege and honour, working with him,” Senator Dr Sarmad Ali acknowledged. 

An impressive short documentary about the life of Hameed Haroon, produced by a couple of leading advertising agencies, was screened before inviting him for taking his position on the stage, alongwith journalist Mazhar Abbas, who was the moderator. 

The audience was charmed by the versatility of Hameed Haroon and he was in complete command of the situation while narrating the tales, many of which were being heard for the first time. 

As usual, he spoke his heart out on different burning issues but, more than once, chose to avoid sharing the full truth. 

Light was shed on various aspects of Daily Star but he did not deem it proper to state clearly the reasons which had led to its abrupt closure, despite being one of the leading evening newspapers of the country. Neither did he like to reveal the full story that had ultimately led to en bloc resignation of the staffers of Herald in 1988. 

Hameed Haroon was spot on in recollecting, however, that, despite their differences in opinion, he did not lose contact with the rebellion group of Herald which mobilized their resources to bring out a powerful newsmagazine by the name of Newsline. 

He was in fact believed to have attended the launch ceremony of Newsline in 1989, although the magazine was brought out to compete directly with his group’s Herald. 

Dr Seema Mughal regards KVTC a heaven on earth

By Iqbal Jamil

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A delegation from Greenwich University visited the Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) to review its facilities and programs aimed at empowering differently abled individuals through vocational training. 

The delegation was led by Vice Chancellor, Dr Seema Mughal, and included Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Naveed Mughal, Research Professor Dr A. Q. Mughal, Dean Faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities Dr. Naazir Mehmood, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor Ali Saeed, Director Academics Aliza Moiz, Director International Linkages Nazir Ahmed Khudabux, Director Office of Diversity Eesha Ali, and Head of Theatre and Cultural Arts Zainab Yusuf. 

Welcoming the delegation, the KVTC President, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, informed that the centre currently provided training to 172 students with different disabilities under the supervision of professional instructors. 

He disclosed that several students have gone on to secure permanent employment at the center after completing their training. 

During the visit, Dr Seema Mughal praised the institution’s efforts in equipping differently abled individuals with practical skills, enabling them to lead lives marked by dignity, independence, and purpose. 

After touring the facility, she described the KVTC as a heaven on earth, highlighting the quality and impact of its programmes. 

The KVTC also showcased its in-house initiatives, including Khudee and Jiddat, besides other projects. Jiddat empowers differently abled individuals through skill development, which features high-quality apparel and home accessories. 

Another standout feature is the Khudee Bakery and Café, recognized as Pakistan’s first café operated by differently abled individuals, providing both training and employment opportunities. 

The visit concluded with discussions on potential collaboration and continued support for initiatives promoting inclusive education and vocational empowerment.

Aziz Memon facilitates polio workshop for Ulema at Multan

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan National Polio Plus Committee organized an Ulema Workshop in Multan on April 26, aimed at strengthening community support for polio eradication efforts across Pakistan. 

The workshop was facilitated by the National Chair, Aziz Memon, and the event was graced by distinguished guests, which included EOC Coordinator Punjab, Rana Adeel, Dr. Abdinasir Team Lead, WHO Punjab, and Fatima Farz Team Lead, UNICEF Punjab, Director General Health South Punjab, Additional Secretary Health, Chief Executive Officer Health South Punjab, PDG Masrur Sheik, AG Nosherwan Khalil and Project Manager Asher Ali.

A large number of local Rotarians, who have remained alive to the situation by their engagement in activities aimed at eliminating polio, were also present on the occasion. 

The workshop was attended by 45 religious leaders of all sects while Father Iftikhar represented Christian communities. 

The workshop underscored the vital role of religious leaders and community influencers in supporting vaccination campaigns and advancing the goal of a polio-free Pakistan. 

In his welcome speech, Aziz Memon, National Chair, Pakistan National Polio Plus Committee, expressed the hope that polio could indeed be eliminated with the continued and consistent efforts from all the stakeholders.