PLA election process nearing completion

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The election process of the Pakistan Library Association (PLA), which got underway about six months ago, is finally nearing completion and the ballot papers for the polling is now set to be dispatched all over the country, following the issuance of the final list of the candidates. 

The Election Officer, Munir Ahmed Baloch, vide an official notification dated October 16, announced the final list of the candidates which he was going to share for the information on all the members. 

He added that the ballot papers will be dispatched to members of Sindh for both the Headquarters and the Sindh Branch Council. All the members have been advised by the Election Officer that the details and relevant instructions regarding the electoral process will be communicated in due course of time. 

Although no deadline has yet been set for the submission of the balloting papers but it is being hoped that the election results would be declared within this year. 

The PLA, since its inception in 1957, has had a chequered history and its elections have been delayed due to different reasons in the past as well. The results for the elections being held for the next term of two years (2026-28) were originally scheduled to be announced earlier this month. 

Mandated to be the representative national body of the librarians in the country, the constitution of the PLA has been based on rotational basis and its headquarters is bound to be moved to another unit upon the completion of every term of a couple of years. Accordingly, the headquarters will now be shifting to the province of Sindh, upon the notification of the ongoing election results.

Younis Hashmi, other expatriates missing buddies, memories left in homeland

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

It is indeed not uncommon to find profound nostalgia, home-sickness, and emotional fragmentation experienced by people living outside their native country, particularly by those in advance age groups. 

A short social media video, popularly known as a reel, has surfaced from the Canadian province of Ontario recently in which a group of senior citizens, having their roots in the Indo-Pak sub-continent, have candidly expressed their feelings of missing buddies and memories left behind in their homeland. 

The reel, starting with the remarks from Muhammad Younis Hashmi, a former Chief Librarian of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), captures the unique grief of leaving behind a familiar life and the social network that shaped who they are. 

“Having spent quality time with them for the last many years in Pakistan, I dearly miss my buddies, besides siblings and other close relations back home having relocated here,” Younis Hashmi declared. 

“It is a great collection of valuable comments from a talented, experienced, second innings holders of our society whom have spent a valuable part of their life to support, uplift and development of their families. Even today, they are extending their full sport for their family and society in Canada. Golden memories of home country are bound to come again and again because home is, after all, sweet home always,” the soft-spoken Sulakhan Singh commented while wishing all his friends and contemporaries a happy and healthy life ahead wherever they are.

Dewan Yousuf invited as speaker at summit of Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Dewan Mohammad Yousuf Farooqui, Chairman, Yousuf Dewan Companies, has been invited as one of the speakers at the inaugural summit of Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of the Muslim world being organized by the Al Ghazali University, Karachi, in collaboration with the League of Islamic Universities, on October 11 and 12. 

Acclaimed as one of the most respected industrialists, Dewan Yousuf will be speaking on the topic “Bitcoin in Pakistan and the Prospects for Developing a Shariah-Compliant Digital Currency” at 11 am on October 11. He has also been invited as a guest of honour in the closing ceremony to be held on October 12. 

The four broad themes of the summit are future-proof curriculum development; digital transformation and AI in universities; sustainable development and green economy; and entrepreneurship and community and industrial partnership. 

According to the information provided by the organizers, around 30 Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, and Presidents of universities including the Islamic University of Medinah (Saudi Arabia), Al-Azhar University (Egypt), Ez-Zitounna University (Tunisia), Gaziantep University (Turkiye), International Islamic University (Malaysia), and University of Palestine (Palestine) have confirmed their participation. 

Several dignitaries of Pakistan, including federal ministers and government officials, are also expected to attend the summit which seeks to find practical ways of integrating into academic curricula and syllabi, patriotism, counter-narrative of private militancy, all-inclusive concept of Islamic welfare state, nurturing the youth in line with national interests, and inculcating importance of national security. 

The summit will help address capacity gaps by enabling structured exchanges around its thematic areas like curriculum modernization, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship.

KCA celebrates World Cotton Day befittingly; highlights challenges

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) celebrated the World Cotton Day befittingly by organizing an event at the Federation House in Karachi on October 7. The global importance of cotton was brought to light on the occasion besides highlighting the challenges faced by the world’s cotton economies. 

The top KCA leaders, Muhammad Atif Shakoor and Rizwan Iqbal Umer in particular, discussed the multiple problems being faced by the cotton community in Pakistan for increasing production and meeting the rising costs of raw material for the local textile industry. 

Atif Shakoor, Chairman, KCA, urged the government to take all steps on war footing basis to increase cotton production, produce quality cotton and avoid imports of cotton to save foreign exchange for the country. 

Rizwan Umer, Senior Vice Chairman, KCA, reckoned that cotton holds a special place in the Pakistan industry. H pledged to make efforts to increase cotton production, improve quality of cotton and safeguard the interest of growers. He also emphasized on playing due role to strengthen the cotton trade and textile industry further. 

Prem Chand, Vice-Chairman, KCA, was of the opinion that various stakeholders like KCA, APTMA and PCGA should jointly take-up the matter with the government to increase cotton production, improve quality of cotton and allow import of cotton seed to achieve the desired results. 

Khawaja M Zubair, ex-officio member of Executive Committee and a former chairman, KCA, felt that in order to increase cotton production in the country, availability of healthy/certified cotton seeds to the farmers should be ensured by the Government. 

He suggested the need to organize a seminar on cotton for highlighting the problems being faced by the cotton trade and the country in the backdrop of drastic decline in cotton production and evolve solutions to overcome the situation for consideration of the government. 

Muhammad Arif Piracha, former member of the KCA Executive Committee, described cotton as an environmentally friendly crop. He advised to make a slogan of cotton that would help to ensure boost marketing of cotton. 

Chandarlal, a member of the KCA’s Brokers Advisory Committee and a licensed cotton broker, urged the KCA to send letters to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Federal Ministers for Commerce and Finance highlighting the importance of cotton in the GDP of the country and inform them that with the increase of cotton production, the trade deficit would be reduced considerably.

Usman Ahmed assumes PSMA leadership; calls for greater competitiveness, innovation, sustainability and value-added exports

By Gul Nasreen

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The 59th Annual General Meeting, followed by the Annual Dinner 2026, of the Pakistan Soap Manufacturers Association (PSMA) was held at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi, in which Mohammad Yunus Ibrahim, Consul General of Malaysia, was the chief guest, while Dr Ahmad Syofian serves as the Consul for Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, attended as the guest of honour. 

Besides the diplomats, the event was largely attended by prominent representatives of the soap, FMCG, oleochemicals, fragrance and allied industries from across Pakistan. Usman Ahmed, CEO and Managing Director of Gamalux Group, the newly elected chairman of the PSMA for the 2026-2028 term, warmly welcomed the guests and members of the Association. 

He acknowledged the services of the outgoing office-bearers and expressed his appreciation for the confidence reposed in the newly elected leadership. In his address, he highlighted the important role of Pakistan's soap industry in meeting the country's essential hygiene requirements and contributing to manufacturing activity, employment, trade and government revenues. 

He emphasized that soap was not a luxury product, but an essential daily-use commodity directly linked with personal hygiene, public health and sanitation. He noted that the industry was currently operating in a challenging economic environment, facing pressures from international prices of essential raw materials, exchange-rate movements, energy and utility costs, financing requirements, taxation and regulatory compliance. 

He particularly highlighted Pakistan's dependence on imported palm-based and fatty raw materials and stressed on the need for a rational and competitive tariff structure for essential raw materials which are not sufficiently available locally. 

Usman Ahmed observed that the industry's objective should not merely be protection from competition, but the creation of an environment in which Pakistani manufacturers can become more competitive, efficient and capable of serving consumers with quality products at reasonable prices. He also called for a level playing field between compliant manufacturers and businesses operating outside the formal regulatory framework. 

He spoke about the importance of addressing smuggling, under-invoicing and the availability of substandard products while ensuring that legitimate trade and manufacturing remain facilitated. Looking ahead to his two-year tenure, the chairman outlined a broader vision for PSMA based on five key priorities, competitiveness, quality, sustainability, innovation and exports. 

He was of the opinion that Pakistan's soap industry must increasingly focus on modern manufacturing technologies, productivity, energy efficiency, quality standards, research and development and development of skilled human resources. He further elaborated that sustainability and responsible manufacturing should become an integral part of the industry's future, including responsible sourcing, efficient use of energy and water, improved waste management and environmentally responsible production practices. 

The PSMA chairman brought to light the need for Pakistan to move beyond dependence on imported raw materials and develop greater value addition and export-oriented manufacturing. He said that the country's large domestic market, established manufacturing base and access to international raw-material supply chains provide opportunities for the development of higher-value soap, hygiene, oleochemical and allied products for regional and international markets. 

Referring to Pakistan's relations with Malaysia and Indonesia, Usman Ahmed observed that both countries remained important partners in the region's palm-based and oleochemical supply chains. He expressed the hope that cooperation could be expanded beyond conventional trade towards stable supply chains, technology transfer, investment, joint ventures, sustainable sourcing and value-added manufacturing. 

He declared that the PSMA would seek to strengthen structured engagement between industry and government and promote evidence-based policy recommendations for the development of Pakistan's manufacturing sector. 

Addressing the gathering, Consul for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Ahmad Syofian highlighted the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Indonesia and the strong people-to-people and diplomatic ties between the two countries. He noted the importance of palm-based raw materials, including palm stearin and other palm-derived materials, for the soap manufacturing industry and expressed the importance of further strengthening economic and commercial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia. 

The chief guest of the evening, Yunus Ibrahim, Consul General of Malaysia, appreciated the invitation extended by PSMA and highlighted the longstanding and growing economic relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia. He expressed his country's interest in exploring further opportunities for trade and investment and emphasized the potential for greater cooperation between Malaysian suppliers and Pakistani manufacturers. 

He also noted the opportunities for strengthening trade in palm-based raw materials and other products required by Pakistan's manufacturing sector. He was confident that the existing trade relationship between the two countries would continue to expand, and that greater business-to-business cooperation would create new opportunities for both Malaysian and Pakistani enterprises. 

Abdullah Zaki, the newly elected Senior Vice Chairman of PSMA, thanked the outgoing chairman,  Asif Iqbal Paracha, and the outgoing office bearers for their valuable efforts, contributions and achievements during their tenure. He appreciated their services to the Association and the soap industry and expressed his gratitude to all PSMA members for their participation and presence at the AGM. He conveyed his commitment to working together with the newly elected office bearers and members for the continued progress and development of the Association. 

At the conclusion of the event, Vice Chairman PSMA, Tariq Zakaria congratulated Usman Ahmed and the newly elected office-bearers and presented a vote of thanks to the distinguished guests, sponsors and members of PSMA who attended the event from different parts of Pakistan. The newly elected office-bearers reiterated their commitment to working collectively for the development of Pakistan's soap industry, strengthening industry–government coordination and promoting a competitive, sustainable and export-oriented manufacturing sector.

Jahangir Moghul elected to KCCI managing committee

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The popular figure of Jahangir Moghul, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, among others, was elected to the managing committee of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) whose elections for the term 2026–2028 were swept by the Businessmen Group (BMG), spearheaded by its Chairman Zubair Motiwala, on September 26. 

Jahangir Moghul, having held top slots at the Karachi Gymkhana as well as the Rotary International, is a welcome addition to the elite list of the leaders running the show at the biggest business chamber of the country. 

A founding member of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), he is credited to have contributed to various social causes. He possesses diverse business experiences across cotton, ginning, textiles, travel and tourism, commodities, finance, steel, oil, and petroleum. 

According to unofficial results made available to PNFS, all 30 BMG candidates emerged victorious against their rivals of the Businessmen Alliance (BMA). The candidates elected for the corporate class, besides Jahangir Moghul, included Shahid Ismail, Zafar Saeed Baghpati, Mubeen Waqar, Aslam Pakhali, Faisal Jahangir, Muzamil Rauf Chaplin, Aslam Parvez, Sheikh Waseem Ahmed, Ahsan Saleem, Syed Atiqur Rehman, Khalid Riaz, Zohaib Fakhruddin Dabba. Wala, Adnan Ahmed Paracha and Sadiq Abdul Razzaq. 

The elected members for the associate class were Talat Mehmood, Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, Muhammad Farooq Afzal, Haji Asif Chamdia, Chaudhry Amir Ali Khan, Atif Jameel-ur-Rehman, Abdul Khaliq Insaf, Aamir Mansha, Muhammad Faheem, Shabbir Ismail, Syed Umeeruddin Hussain, Alamgir Khokhar, Muhammad Usman, Saad Ali Younis and Johar Iqbal. 

There were as many 56 candidates in the field to have contested in the elections, vying for 15 corporate and as many associate seats. 

It was for the first time when separate elections for corporate and associate classes were held in the KCCI. According to the available information, a total of 3,582 voters cast their votes in the polls.

Manhaz Rahman’s memoirs hits stands

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Veteran journalist and women’s right activist Mahnaz Rahman’s memoirs titled ‘Love, Life and the Left’ has arrived. It is being acclaimed as an intimate epic about falling in love, making homes and dreaming revolutions. 

In the words of Senator Farhatullah Babar, the book Love, Life and the Left is more than a memoir. He considers it as a vivid journey through the personal and political history of Pakistan, which makes one ponder over the systemic decline of resistance in Pakistani politics, media and society. 

“Mahnaz Rahman recounts her eventful life lived at the intersection of love, politics & endurance and shines new light on the struggle of the Left in the country. With candour matched only by her grace and courage, Mahnaz Rahman traces her life through decades of activism, journalism and human rights advocacy, offering a deeply human portrait of resilience, dissent and hope,” 

Senator Farhatullah Babar, an engineer-turned-politician, wrote. Ammar Ali Jan reckons that Mahnaz Rahman’s life sheds light on the intimate entanglement between the passionate struggle for emancipation and the weight of tradition embodied in everyday norms, cultural practices, and one’s social position. Sifting through multiple identities, political hopes, passionate love and devastating defeats, the book shows what it means to hold onto principles in the midst of repression, strategic compromises, and outright betrayals. 

Shah Mohammad Marri has opined that the career of Mahnaz Rahman was defined by the courage of her writings and the clarity of her convictions and she remains a tireless guardian for women’s rights and the sanctity of the written word. 

“Written with daring honesty and truth it is both endearing and captivating. One can almost feel the pain as she relives the moments of making difficult decisions in life and love. She narrates her story but it is also the story of so many of us who lived and dreamt about the elusive revolution that would bring equality and justice to all individuals and create a peaceful, harmonious society,” Sheema Kirmani complimented. 

Anwer Sen Roy feels that Mehnaz’s memoirs provide solid and highly reliable testimony for the correction of history. “Every word of hers serves as historical evidence. This is because she was not merely a comrade; she was also the partner of a stern, uncompromising comrade, and the mother of a comrade’s children,” he observed. 

Born in Karachi on June 16, 1949, Mahnaz Rahman has been acclaimed as one of the most respected journalists and women's rights activists. She had earned the distinction of being the first female vice president of the Economics Society in the largest department at the University of Karachi. 

She started her professional journey by joining the magazine section of Daily Musawat in Karachi. Following its closure, she worked at Weekly Mahwar and later at Daily Amn. She stayed in China with her family for eight years. She wrote two regular columns, "Letters from China" for Daily Jang and "Letters from Beijing" for Weekly Akhbar-e-Jahan both of which were widely read. She also translated several works of Chinese literature into Urdu. In 1991, the Chinese government honoured her with the Friendship Award for her outstanding contributions to the country's economic and social progress. 

After returning to Pakistan, she worked with various NGOs and served nearly a couple of decades at the Aurat Foundation, including as its Resident Director Sindh. She is also an active member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). 

Mahnaz Rahman had presided over one of the sessions during the 2nd edition of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), produced by Jumbo Publishing, at the Habitt City in December 2025.