Chancellor Adil Usman stresses on importance of character building

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Engr Muhammad Adil Usman, has said that changes depend on values and morals, and character is the magic component that makes someone unique among the contemporaries.

   

“Each of us has the ability and potential to develop and strengthen our character that, of course, ensures the success in life”, he said while speaking at a reception hosted for visiting senior Aligarian Brig (Rtd) Iqbal Shafi at the SSUET campus. 

Focusing on the importance of character building, the Chancellor pointed out that character is an amalgam of many qualities like honesty, integrity, dependability, diligence, loyalty, compassion, sincerity, attentiveness, determination and confidence. 

“Good character is when your head, heart, soul and hands agree to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons and the combined effort gets the right results in the midst of the most adverse conditions,” he elaborated. 

Chancellor Adil Usman reckoned that education without character is like a flower without fragrance and education isn’t mere textbook knowledge.

   

“As a matter of fact education in the true sense has a great role to play in shaping ones personality and character. Let a student learn thoroughly whatever he may learn and let his conduct be worthy of his learning,” he stated. 

He was of the view that the students should give top priority to education which necessarily builds their character. Following the thought and vision of the great educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the students of the SSUET are promoting the Aligarh spirit throughout the world, he added. 

Speaking on the occasion the visiting Aligarhian Brig. (Rtd) Iqbal Shafi emphasized the need for character building for true development of the country, and which is totally ignored in our country with no one give importance to it. 

“We have nearly 177 universities in Pakistan but none of the university has any inclusive and comprehensive plan for character building of their students. Our universities are producing employees, professionals but no leaders. We have failed to produce leadership so far in the country,” he regretted. 

Observing that Pakistan lacks actual democracy, Brig Iqbal Shafi said charter of Medina or Meesaq-e-Medina was the 1st written agreement in the history of world. After emigration to Medina, Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) drafted the Charter of Medina, establishing a kind of alliance or federation among the eight Medinan tribes and Muslim emigrants from Mecca, which specified the rights and duties of all citizens and the relationship of the different communities in Medina including that of the Muslim community to other communities, specifically the Jews and other. 

   

“The Charter of Medina reveals the Holy Prophet’s great diplomatic skills, as it instituted a number of rights and responsibilities for the Muslim, Jewish, Christian and other communities of Medina bringing them within the fold of one community-the Ummah,” he stated. 

Brig Iqbal Shafi informed that he got the charter for Sir Syed University, Islamabad, having affiliation with the University of Punjab. He said that, in addition to BBA, they were planning to start M.Ed and B.Ed courses in near future. 

“If we produce teachers, they will motivate students focusing on character building wherever they will go and it will eventually turn into a movement of character building,” he said. 

It may be recalled that Brig Iqbal Shafi was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his commendable services in Army. He also received Tehreek-e-Pakistan Gold Medal for his valuable services during Pakistan Movement. He is qualified in Chinese language. He was posted as Head of Military Mission to China from 1974 till 1976. He has been Honorary President of Pakistan-China Friendship. 

He worked as Director of the Aga Khan Foundation for 12 years. He is the President of Sir Syed Society, Islamabad and also the Chancellor-designate, Sir Syed University, Islamabad 

The ceremony, attended by members of AMUOBA and oothers, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by SSUET’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Syed Jawaid Hassan Rizvi.

Auto-CAD course inaugurated at SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has been inculcating a culture of skill development through in-house training programmes for its staff working at various levels in different departments with the objective to depict the true picture of SSUET as a Centre of Excellence.

 

In this regard a two-week Auto-CAD Course, which was third in the series of skill development programmes, was inaugurated by Prof Dr S.M. Makhdumi, Dean Faculty of Engineering, in which 36 trainees are participating. 

Speaking on the occasion Dr Makhdumi emphasized the need and importance of both training and research in order to keep pace with the current developments taking place around. 

“Latest knowledge and skills in the relevant field have become the key towards success. The students as well as the professionals need to keep themselves informed and updated,” he stressed. 

Dr Syed Faisal Ahmed Bukhari, Chairman, Computer Engineering Department, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the need for such courses and suggested a similar course in C+ +.

   

The speakers emphasized the need for such cost free in-campus courses where the Trainers and Trainees are from the same institution and only available facilities are utilized, without disturbing the normal sphere of duties, as the staff is relieved one or two hours twice or thrice a week for 2-3 weeks. 

Upon completion of the course, trainees will be awarded a Certificate which will prove invaluable and an asset for them for future growth. On the other hand, staff gets trained in multi-tasking and gives better performance and output. 

So far the University has conducted three training programmes under the skills development scheme. These programs were conducted in various fields. Skill development was described as a continuous program launched this year to develop excellence in performance at all levels and in all the departments of the university.

Prof Noman Ahmed’s lecture presentation touches key issues of Karachi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prof Dr Noman Ahmed, Founder Chairman, Department of Architecture and Planning, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, touched upon the various segments during his comprehensive lecture presentation on the planning issues of Karachi at the Auditorium of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), Karachi Centre, on May 25. 

   

The nearly one-hour lecture, which was lively as well as informative, was followed by an inter-active session in which Prof Dr Noman Ahmed was asked to explain the finer points relating to the issues of Karachi. 

His lecture was punctuated with relevant maps and a few sensational images, like the ones shot in the slum areas, which kept the interest of the audience alive throughout the presentation and the extended question-answer session reflected the involvement of the IEP members until the very end. 

Prof Dr Noman Ahmed, with the help of charts, showed how the city had expanded in all directions during the last couple of centuries in particular. He described Karachi as a relatively young city in comparison to the cities like Lahore and Multan, having very old history.

   

He shared his view on the various development plans prepared for the city over the years. He expressed his concern over the transport problems in particular, hoping that it will be resolved in the near future. 

Malik Zaheer-ul-Islam, having headed the city government’s Karachi Mass Transit Cell, who was present in the audience, also took some questions relating to the transportation problems in the city. 

Engr Farhat Adil, President, IEP, Karachi Centre, in his brief remarks, commended Prof Dr Noman Ahmed for coming up with a very impressive presentation on the subject of planning in Karachi.

SSUET students develop Advance Wi-Fi Micro Controller System

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Electronics Engineering department students of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, have developed, what they described, ‘Wi-Fi Micro Controller System’ through which short circuit and cable burst problems can be monitor and manage the process of data transfer.

   

They believed that the Wi-Fi MCS communication system would make communication system more speedy and effective and help increase the industrial productivity. 

The project has been developed a group of students comprising Abdul Wahab, Muhammad Bilal, Raza Irfan, Talha Iqbal, Usman Khan, Aulqadar Irfan under the supervision of Farhan Ahmed Siddiqui and Engr Shah Zaib Siddiqui with an almost negligible investment. 

According to the group leader the project was brought on surface with joint application of both Hardware and Software and with the help of Visual Basic, Wi-Fi Module and Access Point, Temperature sensor, SPDT rilay, LDR as Flame Detector, For display their will be a LCD, RI sensor, DC motor void wall.

   

The group was of the view that Cable Burst and Short Circuit can cause a great damage to any company but this project will help overcome a potential loss while Data Transfer process from one place to another, would be easier and swift and end the expenses for treating scattered data storage. 

“Our system monitors all equipment and cable operations continuously”, the project members said and pointed out that main reason for making this project was to make Wireless Industrial Management System so that industrial operation is made effective. 

They hoped to get the cooperation of industrial sector for commercial development of this project which can prove less complicated as compared to other systems in vogue. They said that application of this system would help improve the industrial productivity.

Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui praises role of media in highlighting issues

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, has acknowledged that a vibrant media plays a significant role in highlighting the issues of public importance helping the authorities in solving them.

He made the observation while talking to a delegation of APP Employees Union (CBA) Sindh, led by its President Ehsan Qureshi, who called on the Commissioner on May 23.

Shoaib Siddiqui recognized the contribution of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the national news agency of the country, in different fields of national life and noted that the men holding its flag have worked with dedication, having kept the national interest foremost while discharging professional duty.

He was informed by the delegation that this is for the first time in the history of the office of Commissioner Karachi that the APP Employees Union's elected office bearers have been granted an audience by the administrative chief of the country’s biggest metropolis.

The Commissioner Karachi offered every possible support for welfare of deceased senior reporters of this organization and assured to extend support and assistance needed for the good cause.

Shoaib Siddiqui, who took over as Commissioner Karachi in April, stated having received big support from the APP and promised to help in raising funds for the late Chief Reporter of APP Karachi,  Khushnood Ali Shaikh, who lost his life in a road accident, and Rafi Nasir, another senior reporter  who died late last year.

"We will join hands with APP Sindh Union in their endeavours for extending support to the families of the late reporters," he announced while lauding the services of late Khushnood Shaikh and Rafi Nasir in their journalistic career.

On the occasion, Vice President of the Union Arshad Ahmed Khan briefed the Commissioner about the various plans chalked out for the welfare of members of APP Employees Sindh and introducing the annual awards for them. He also spoke about the plans for holding a reunion of retired APP staffers..

He said the national news agency has always played a positive role in projecting the real public issues through their reporting skills, photo journalism and video news service (VNS).

    

The other members of the delegation included Faheem Haider (Treasurer), Anwer Ali (Joint Secretary), Members Governing Body Toheed Siddiqui, Shoaib Qamar and Muhammad Saleem.

Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui forms broad-based committee of public service organizations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Taking notice of the lacking coordination among various public service organizations, the Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, as a first step, has formed a Divisional Coordination Committee.

 

The committee comprises of Sindh Police, Pakistan Rangers Sindh, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan Steel, Port Qasim Authority (PQA), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Social Welfare Department Government of Sindh, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA), Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Traffic Police, Deputy Commissioners Karachi Division., Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE), Malir Development Authority (MDA), Lyari Development Authority (LDA), Civil Defence, Pakistan Railways, Cantonment Boards, Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL) and Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).

The committee will act to improve coordination among various organizations of the division besides improving response to public complaints and issues. It will prepare and develop better strategy to combat disasters and resolve inter-organizational complaints/issues.

It will work to improve vehicular traffic flow and civic amenities/services The terms of reference of the committee also include activating implementation of government policies and instructions

The Commissioner hoped that this step will improve the coordination among various public services agencies in Karachi on one hand, help redress grievances and enhance the image of public sector on the other hand. 

Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui reviews prices in Karachi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, has announced that all out measures are being taken by the Deputy and the Assistant Commissioners against hoarders and profiteers to provide relief to people and action in this respect being taken on daily basis. 

Reviewing the price control measures at a meeting in his office, Shoaib Siddiqui noted the action taken against 30 atta sellers, 18 profiteers and five meat sellers and overall fines amounting to Rs 77,900 recovered by the concerned Deputy and Assistant Commissioners while four shop keepers were remanded to jail. 

The Commissioner made it clear that undue profit making is a moral and legal offence and directed all the Deputy and Assistant Commissioners to ensure that price lists were conspicuously displayed by shopkeepers to let people know about officially fixed prices. 

He also appealed to people that while buying goods, they should demand price list from shop keepers and also force them to display such lists prominently. He urged the people not to hesitate in registering their complaints with the offices of Deputy and Assistant Commissioners against those charging prices higher than the officially fixed prices.

SSUET to develop software for campus management system

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, has given go-ahead to the university’s computer department to develop software for campus management system.

 

He gave the green signal at a meeting held to review various matters including the spring semester examinations which are scheduled to start from May 27. The meeting was attended, among others, by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, Registrar Shah Mahmood Hussain Syed, Deans of faculties, chairpersons of various departments, Controller of Examination and other concerned officials. 

The proposed campus management system would deal with students’ data regarding attendance, examination results, outstanding dues etc. 

While reviewing the semester examinations, it was informed that exams will start in all the six engineering technologies from May 27 and continue till June 8. The papers will be held in the morning and afternoon shifts and every batch will have a one day gap in each paper. 

The also meeting reviewed the arrangements being made for the exams including seating and security arrangements.

Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui emphasizes on solving problems

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui has said that dutiful and hard working officials are always remembered with respect because of their good performance, no matter where ever they are transferred from one department to the other.

 

He was addressing a ceremony held to bid farewell to his Staff Officer, Syed Afaq Hussain, on his transfer from Commissioner Office to the Chief Secretary Office.

He pointed out that whenever assigned a task, it is surely fulfilled by officials enjoying good reputation and showing good performance. The administration of Karachi, its officers and employees, are endeavoring to ensure implementation of this kind of system in the public interest, he said while laying emphasis on solving the problems of people can be easily achieved if administration officials strengthen their liaison with the people and establish good relations with them.

“There is no doubt that hard working and dutiful officials not only bring improvement in the departmental working but it also enhances their own respect and prestige,” Shoaib Siddiqui pointed out.

In their speeches on the occasion, other officers appreciated Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui for introducing the tradition of welcoming the incoming officials and bidding farewell to outgoing ones besides award of commendation certificates and cash awards to them. They said that such trends would certainly infuse a new spirit of working hard in officials.

In his remarks, Afaq Hussain said that he has been able to learn a lot from Shoaib Siddiqi in a short span of time and this is going to guide him in his future career. The farewell ceremony was attended, among others, by Additional Commissioner Kamran Shamshad, Additional Commissioner-II and other officials. 

KCCI assures total support and cooperation to SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The elected representatives of the business community at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have expressed the hope that dwindled economy and battered industrial sector will witness a new surge during the next five years. 

They made the assessment on the basis of formation of new government to be formed by Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif which, they noted, has dedicated industrialists, businessmen and experts in the related fields in its fold who are capable to deliver which the previous government could not. 

Their remarks in this regard came in a meeting with Engr Mohammad Adil Usman, Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, held at the university campus on May 15 The 21-member delegation of KCCI, led by its President, Mohammed Haroon Aagar, visited the university and discussed various matters to further strengthen the existing coordination and relationship with SSUET. 

The KCCI chief pointed out that no expansion occurred in the industrial sector during the last 5 years and this sector has much hopes on the new government which is going to be formed with an industry-related background. He offered large scale internship opportunities for the SSUET students, foreseeing the rapid industrial growth that is likely to take place in the coming years. 

He specially referred to the ongoing energy crisis and said that with other sources of energy generation potential also existed to tap solar energy prospects for use in the industries. He also offered to extend sponsorships for the SSUET students, wherever required. 

In his remarks on the occasion the SSUET Chancellor, Engr Adil Usman, thanked the delegation for coming over and described it highly encouraging with fruitful discussion. He said while foreseeing the future development prospects, there is imperative need to encourage the students studying engineering in this university which is being run with its self-generated resources to provide best possible knowledge to future builders of the nation. 

The Chancellor said that the university does not receive any government grant, still no student is allowed to give his studies just for financial implications and all requirements of poor students are fulfilled by this university which has been awarded the highest “W4” category by Higher Education Commission. 

He suggested the KCCI to establish a fund for poor students of this university which will be utilized under the criteria to be worked out by KCCI itself. He also referred to the SSUET’s Research and Development programs and pointed out that world over such programs are supported by the industry. He said that R&D programs at universities ultimately prove beneficial for the industry. 

He informed the KCCI officials that the university can send talented students abroad if a fund is created by KCCI for this purpose.



Engr Adil Usman also referred to the bio-plant designed with SSUET’s cooperation and emphasized that it needs further development to launch it for meeting energy needs. 

He appreciated KCCI’s offer for 6-month IT training for the university students and said the University at its end can offer solutions for IT related problems if these come from the Chamber. 

On the occasion, Shamim Firpo, Senior Vice-President KCCI, appreciated SSUET’s participation in the Chamber’s ‘My Karachi; exhibition held at Expo Center last year and said that the projects displayed on that occasion drew big public liking. 

He said this year the KCCI is organizing the exhibition in July and will earmark an exclusive education pavilion to showcasing the projects of engineering students. He said such programs will help enhance greater SSUET-industry collaboration. 

He also referred to the menace of energy crisis and observed that if the new government surmounts this menace, the industry will grow and in turn new job opportunities will create and simultaneously ongoing law and order come under control. 

He assured KCCI's total support and cooperation for the SSUET along with other members of the visiting delegation who appreciated the presentation given on the occasion by Registrar SSUET Shah Mahmood Hussain Syed and particularly referred to the quantum of scholarships awarded and the financial assistance give to needy students. 

They were of the view that education and health are the two sectors where there is need to work on collective basis and promised all out support to SSUET in this respect. They also assured of extending coordination with SSUET for the Baby Care project of its Bio-Medical department as well as other industry-related projects. 

The SSUET Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, offered the industrialists to meet their industry-related requirements through the technical expertise of SSUET. 

Upon queries form the KCCI officials, the Registrar Shah Mahmood explained the procedure pursued for grant of scholarships and financial assistance and said that many organizations and well to do people give donations for this purpose without any self-projection.

SSUET top officials condole NED Vice Chancellor’s demise

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top officials of the Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, have expressed heartfelt sorrow and grief over the death of Engr Abul Kalam, a former Vice Chancellor of the NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, who passed away recently.

 

In separate condolence messages, the SSUET Chancellor, Engr Adil Usman, and Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, have paid tributes to Engr Kalam for his services in the academic and engineering fields. 

They particularly recalled his services as Chairman of the Karachi Shipyard and the Chairman of the Pakistan Railways and noted that with his God gifted qualities he brought far reaching engineering improvements in these two organizations. 

In the field of engineering education they recalled, Engr Kalam led the turnaround in the NED University and during his tenure as Vice Chancellor and added many more departments. They prayed to Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable and, no doubt, a national loss. 

Eng Abul Kalam held the distinction of being the country’s longest serving Vice-Chancellor of a public sector university. He died at the age of 90 at the South City Hospital in Karachi after a brief illness. 

Born on November 25, 1923 in the South Indian city of Vijayawada, he had received an acceptance letter from the University of Cambridge at the age of 17 but he didn't proceed due to the outbreak World War II. He did his graduation in Mathematics from the Loyola College, established under the University of Madras, in Chennai and completed his post graduation from the same institution in 1941. 

After having had successful stints as the helmsman of the large entities like Karachi Shipyard and Pakistan Railways, he was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the NED University in December 1996. He was credited to have turned around the historic institution during his 16-year tenure with the 21st convocation on March 18, 2013 being his last public appearance just before retirement.

SSUET launches innovative skill development programme for employees

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has launched an extensive in-house skill development programme for its employees to overcome the problem of over-staffing on one hand and meet the shortage of skilled persons in various departments on the other.

   

Under the programme, a first batch of 30 employees, mostly computer operators and office assistants is undergoing training in short hand writing and secretarial procedures. The training is being conducted by instructors who include three senior stenographers under the supervision of Deputy Controller Examination, Irfan Naqvi, who used to be a private secretary to Secretary Local Government, Sindh. 

According to Registrar, Shah Mahmood Hussain Syed, this ongoing programme will continue for six months after which the trainee will be subjected to a test and successful of them will be awarded certificates. They will also be considered for future promotions. 

He said that the university is faced with shortage of shorthand writers and this training program will help overcome the problem. Under the skill development programme, the University has trained 18 machine operators in maintenance and upkeep of various machines. They were imparted training through reputed GENCO and Siemens solutions. 

The programme also includes three-day training in examination system, item writing, MCQ Bank and Marking. The three-day course will be conducted in consultation with Thomas Christy, Professor Emiratus from Manchester with Dr Amin Rehmani as training coordinator. 

The university has also conducted two courses under Pakistan Procurement Regulatory Authority (PEPRA) whereby three employees were trained in Finance, Procurement and Audit. Another 50 employees will be imparted training in fire fighting. 

The training will be carried out in consultation with Chief Fire Officer KMC. An interesting course will also be conducted in waiting for hospitality in consultation with a reputed hotel at Karachi Airport. 

“The purpose of these skill development programmes is to train the university’s surplus staff so as to accommodate them in areas facing deficiencies in related fields,” Registrar Shah Mahmood explained.