Karachi Conference to be organized on November 2, 3

Pakistan News & Features Services

A two-day conference on Karachi, the biggest city of Pakistan, is set to kick off on November 2 at the Arts Council of Pakistani premises located on M R Kayani Road.

Titled ‘Karachi Conference’, it aims to converge and celebrate critical discourse on the metropolitan city’s cultural mosaic, the processes of its historic evolution and its impact on the country’s development and culture. 

The conference will provide a unique opportunity for the citizens to engage with emerging discourse on the history and development of the city’s archaeology, culture, society, political economy, planning, built environment and related themes. 

A number of high-profile figures from different sectors will share valuable insights and thoughts during the conference, which is open to public free of charge. 

The Karachi Conference is a joint venture of the Karachi Conference Foundation, Karachi Youth Initiative, Habib University, Pakistan Arts Council, American Institute of Pakistan Studies, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and Avari Hotels.

Collection of Iqbal Haider’s articles published in book form

Pakistan News & Features Services

Glowing tributes were paid to Iqbal Haider, a former Law Minister, at the launch ceremony of a book titled ‘Voice of Reason’ which is a collection of his articles compiled in book form by Zulfiqar Halepoto.

Intellectuals and civil society activists gathered in large numbers at the Karachi Press Club on October 31 to make the book launch a memorable event. 

Justice (Rtd) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, a former Governor of Sindh, observed that Iqbal Haider was a true humanist, who worked for humanity without any discrimination. 

He recalled having invited him to the Governor House where the idea of declaring it a public place, especially the portion which was in use by Quaid-e-Azam, was discussed. 

Karamat Ali of PILER praised the efforts of Iqbal Haider for workers, particularly for fishermen of Pakistan and India. He shared that in 2011, he had appeared in the Supreme Court of Pakistan on behalf of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) and PILER, in a case for release of Indian fishermen, which gave relief to over 450 Indian fishermen and released by the Pakistan government. 

Dr Jaffar Ahmed, Chairman of Pakistan Study Centre, University of Karachi, and Justice (Rtd) Majida Rizvi, the first woman judge of the country Justice (Rtd) Majida Razvi, also spoke and appreciated the efforts of Iqbal Haider for human rights.

Bazm-e-Akram to honour Dr Nasreen Shagufta on November 2

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Bazm-e-Akram, fast emerging as an active literary forum of the library professionals, will be honouring their Vice President, Dr Nasreen Shagufta, in a reception to be held at the Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi, on November 2. 

The reception is being held on the eve of Dr Nasreen Shagufta’s departure for a three-month tour of the United States of America (USA), due to start in the middle of November. Her maiden book ‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ which is an account of 30 women library scientists of the country, being published by the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), is also expected to see the light of the day around the same time. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, a former Chairperson of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi, who is editor of Bazm-e-Akram’s flagship publication ‘Adab-o-Kutub Khana’ besides being the moving force behind the forum, and Abdul Samad Ansari, President of the Bazm-e-Akram, have planned the reception to honour Dr Nasreen Shagufta, one of the editors of the Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal (PLISJ).

The Bazm-e-Akram, a forum named after Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Founder President, LPB, and Founder Chief Editor, PLISJ, had come into being in 1976 with Adil Usmani being the Founder President. It has withstood the test of the times and the founder members remain determined to carry forward the mission of their beloved 'Ustad-e-Mohtaram.'

Dr Nasreen Shagufta to debut as author with Darakhshan Sitaray

Pakistan News & Features Services 

Dr Nasreen Shagufta, after having written extensively in library journals and other publications over the years, is set to debut as author with her maiden book titled ‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ which is expected to be published within the next few weeks. 

‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ is an account of 30 women library scientists of the country, having made the most significant contribution to the noble profession over the years. The book is being published under the auspices of the Library Promotion Bureau (LBP), founded by Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari about five decades ago. 

The accomplishments of the eminent library scientists like Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Prof Dr Kanwal Amin, Prof Dr Rubina Bhatti and Prof Dr Rafia Shaikh have been highlighted in the book, spread over more than 200 pages, to inspire the younger generation of library professionals. 

Dr Nasreen Shagufta, having taught library science at the college level for a number of years, is one of the editors of the prestigious Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal (PLISJ) besides being a Vice President of the Bazm-e-Akram, a forum formed by the worthy students of Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari. She is also a member of the editorial board of Bazm-e-Akram’s annual publication Adab-o-Kutub Khana.

Bazm-e-Akram’s Adab-o-Kutub Khana becomes international publication

Pakistan News & Features Services

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, a former Chairperson of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi, who is editor of Bazm-e-Akram’s flagship publication ‘Adab-o-Kutub Khana’ has decided to make it an international entity by accepting editorial contributions from all over the world.

Earlier this year, she had convinced the fellow members of the Bazm-e-Akram, founded initially by a group of dedicated library scientists who were taught by the legendary Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, to strengthen it by welcoming eminent persons from the various fields sharing the passion for literary works. 

Credited for having kept the group of like-minded library scientists intact for the last many decades, she was the driving force behind convening yet another meeting of the Bazm-e-Akram at the Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi, on October 26. 

During the course of the meeting, which continued over working lunch, Abdul Samad Ansari was re-elected as the President of the Bazm-e-Akram while Dr Nasreen Shagufta and Dr Amna Khatoon were elected as the Vice Presidents with Iqbal Farooqui and Syed Ateeb Ahmed getting elected as the General Secretary and the Joint Secretary respectively.

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima has continued working with missionary zeal in promoting the Bazm-e-Akram, a forum named after Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, which had come into being in 1976 with Adil Usmani being the Founder President. 

“We are morally bound to keep the mission of our beloved teacher alive by hosting get-togethers and bringing out a magazine yearly by the name of Adab-o-Kutub Khana which is a collection of poetic and prose contributions from the members of the Bazm-e-Akram,” she remarked, informing that the 2013 edition of Adab-o-Kutub Khana has gone to press and the spadework on its 2014 edition has already commenced. 

She recalled the services Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Founder President, Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), Karachi, and Founder Chief Editor, Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal (PLISJ), whose guidance and support to his large number of students continued unabated.

Aligarhians vow to carry forward of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s mission

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aligarhians have vowed to continue to carry forward the mission of great reformer and educationist, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who devoted his entire life for emancipation of Muslims of South Asia and Islamic renaissance. 

The commitment of Aligarhians came in this regard on the occasion of Sir Syed Day marking the 196th birth anniversary of great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, observed under the auspices of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA). 

“The steps taken by AMUOBA and its members will continue to carry forward the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan,” said Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, President AMUOBA and Chancellor Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology while addressing the Sir Syed Day function held at AMUOBA’s headquarters in Karachi. 

He said that the AMUOBA observed Sir Syed Day every year to pay homage to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and to refresh the minds of younger generation about the life and achievements of the great reformer who brought a revolution among the Muslims of South Asia and which finally led to the creation of Pakistan. 

“The objective is to continue with the struggle to further propagate the educational perception propounded by Sir Syed,” Chancellor Adil Usman said and added that the life of great reformer was rich with the implementation of mission for the aforesaid cause. 

“He is our role model and will continue to be so and the AMUOBA will keep moving forward for the fulfillment of Syed’s mission and the implementation of his thoughts and ideology.” he declared. 

At the end of his presidential speech, Engr Adil Usman recounted the services of late SSUET Chancellor and President AMUOBA, Engr Z A Nizami, and late General Secretary AMUOBA, Engr Zakir Ali Khan, for their contribution towards propagation of the mission and the cause carried forward by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and said that establishment of Aligarh Institute of Technology and Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology was reflective of their efforts made with the contribution from AMUOBA members. 

Earlier noted intellectuals, researchers and writers in their speeches shed light on the life and achievements of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and said that today again the nation needs another Sir Syed who could emancipate it from its present day vows and tribulations. They included Prof Waqar Ahmed Rizvi, Azad Bin Hyder, Mahmood Sham, Prof Sehar Ansari, and Khawaja Razi Hyder. 

Mohammed Umer Khan, a SSUET student earned big applause when he spoke on the life and history of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and his contribution towards Islamic renaissance in South Asia. 

Prof Waqar spoke at length about Sir Syed’s efforts for promotion of the cause of Urdu and particularly the establishment of Scientific Society which was reflective of his wisdom and farsightedness. He pointed out that Sir Syed’s visit to London too was for the cause of Urdu and where he conceived the plan for publication of “Tehzib Iskhlaq” through which he later brought a mental revolution among the Muslims of South Asia. 

Azad Bin Hyder recounted the researches carried out by Muslims in the fields of science and medical and which was practiced by Europe. He cited an example of Dr Hamidullah whom the French government assigned the translation of Holy Quran in French and the then President Gen De Gaulle approved unlimited budget for the purpose. 

Noted Journalist and poet Mahmood Sham in his thought-provoking speech pointed out that the Aligarh Muslim University was established for the sake of a bright future of the Muslims and through his mission Sir Syed Ahmed Khan brought a change in the very complexion of sub-continent. 

“Today we are remembering the great reformer at a time when we are again a victim of unfortunate conditions,” he pointed out adding that once again we need a Sir Syed who could lead us to emancipation. He said the nation cannot get rid of selfishness and personal gains unless the very spirit of Sir Syed Ahmed is revived. 

Prof Sehar Ansari described Sir Syed a revolutionary personality and said there could hardly be anyone who would not be aware of his greatness, farsightedness and services and his wisdom and foresight emerged as guiding principles for the Muslims. 

Khawaja Razi Hyder said the sub-continent cannot brig to fore an example matching the achievements of Sir Syed. He said no one can envelope his multifaceted personality. He promoted educational thinking and provided a thoughtful base. 

On the occasion the SSUET students presented the “Tarana-e-Aligarh” which Aligarhians sung in unison. The function ended with a vote of thanks presented by General Secretary of the AMUOBA, Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi.

Rotary to highlight global efforts on World Polio Day 2013

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Rotary International will highlight progress in the global effort to end polio on the occasion of the annual World Polio Day to be observed on October 24.

“World Polio Day 2013 provides a golden opportunity for Rotary and its partners to build public support for the historic final push now underway to wipe out this disabling viral disease once and for all,” Rotary International’s Pakistan PolioPlus Chair, Aziz Memon, remarked. 

“In Chicago, where the humanitarian service organization was founded in 1905, Rotary and Northwestern University’s Center for Global Health will convene an international panel of experts to discuss the progress of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which Rotary co-launched in 1988. The event, World Polio Day: Making History, will be streamed live to a global online audience at endpolionow.org from Northwestern University’s John Hughes Auditorium, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, beginning at 5:30 pm. CST on October 24,” he disclosed. 

The confirmed panelists included Dr Bruce Aylward, the world’s leading expert on polio eradication and assistant director-general for polio, emergencies and country collaboration at the World Health Organization; Dr. Robert Murphy, director of Northwestern University’s Center for Global Health; and U.S. Paralympian Dennis Ogbe, a polio survivor and ambassador for the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life program. An executive with Brown-Forman Co, Ogbe is originally from Nigeria, one of only three countries where the wild poliovirus has never been stopped.

Also invited is Emmy award-winning actress Archie Panjabi, one of Rotary’s End Polio Now celebrity ambassadors. In 2012, Panjabi helped Rotary volunteers immunize children in India, where she spent part of her childhood. 

Once considered the nation facing the most serious challenges to eradication, India was removed from the polio-endemic list in January 2012. If Panjabi is unable to attend in person, the Chicago program will include exclusive video of her work in India. 

“This year, World Polio Day fundraisers will have greater impact due to the new fundraising campaign, End Polio Now: Make History Today, recently launched by Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation will match two for one every new dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication up to US$35 million per year through 2018,” Aziz Memon revealed.

“World Polio Day provides an important and timely opportunity for us to let the world know that every dollar contributed to Rotary for polio eradication will work three times as hard,” Dr Robert S. Scott, MD, Chair of Rotary’s PolioPlus programme, observed in his message. 

“Rotary invites everyone, private citizens, businesses, non-profits, to join us in this historic effort. Only one other human disease (smallpox) has ever been beaten. Now is our best chance ever to make polio the second,” he stressed. 

Rotary clubs in every region of the world have planned an array of activities on or leading up to World Polio Day. Rotary clubs in India planned a nationwide series of outdoor illuminations carrying Rotary’s “End Polio Now” message on World Polio Day. In January, India will celebrate three years of no new polio cases, a huge milestone for a country once considered to harbor the most serious challenges to eradication.

Scores of Rotary clubs worldwide working with local schools to organize Purple Clothes Days encouraged each student to wear a purple item of clothing and make a small donation to Rotary’s polio eradication program. 

The concept began with Rotary clubs in England, inspired by the purple dye that health workers in polio-affected countries place on children’s pinky fingers to show they have received the oral polio vaccine. 

Similarly, many Rotary clubs in England, Kenya and elsewhere are selling fabric “purple crocus” lapel pins in support of polio eradication. In Kenya, Rotary clubs will work with partnering agencies and the national government to use World Polio Day to launch the next round of national polio immunization activities in early November, a campaign deemed critical due to the recent outbreak of imported cases throughout the Horn of Africa.

Rotary clubs in Lagos, Nigeria, will be partnering with the Cycology Riding Club to do a six-hour relay bicycle ride to promote World Polio Day and the national immunization rounds set for early November. The event is reportedly Nigeria’s first-ever bike-a-thon. 

In partnership with UNICEF, Rotary clubs in Pakistan, another polio-endemic country, on World Polio Day will begin distributing 5,000 copies of a 16-page “speaking book” that health workers and parents can use to teach young children the importance of polio vaccinations and basic hygiene. The audio version of the text is in the regional languages of Urdu and Pashto. 

In Spain and Portugal, Rotary clubs are generating public support for polio eradication via the crowd-speaking platform, Thunderclap, in a campaign that concludes on World Polio Day.

Historically, Rotary had helped launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the WHO, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Since then, Rotary club members worldwide have contributed more than $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the polio eradication effort. Overall, the annual number of new polio cases has plummeted by more than 99 percent since the 1980s, when polio infected about 350,000 children a year. 

Only 223 new cases were recorded for all of 2012. More than two billion children have been immunized in 122 countries, preventing five million cases of paralysis and 250,000 deaths. Polio today remains endemic in only three countries, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, although “imported” cases in previously polio-free areas, such as the Horn of Africa, will continue to occur until the virus is finally stopped in the endemic countries. 

Rotary is a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary’s 1.2 million members hail from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

Veteran journalist S M Ozair passes away

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

S M Ozair, a veteran journalist, passed away in Karachi on October 20. His Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at Masjid Suroor in Block-N of North Nazimabad and he was later laid to rest at the nearby Sakhi Hasan graveyard. His burial was largely attended by relatives, friends and journalists. 

The 85-year old S M Ozair has left behind a son and two daughters besides grandsons and granddaughters to mourn his death. The Soyem will be held on October between Asr and Maghrib prayers. The arrangements for Quran Khwani and Fateha Khwani have been made for both gents and ladies at his house B-52, Block-N, North Nazimabad. 

He had retired from the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the national news agency of the country, after a long and distinguished career during which he served as Special Correspondent at Beijing, China. 

Upon return from China he had worked as Director Administration at the APP Headquarters in Islamabad and later served as Director Economic News Service at Karachi from where he finally retired in the early 1990s. S M Ozair was rated very highly in the profession. His competence as a reporter, particularly in the field of economics, was talked about with awe.

SSUET observes Liaquat Day befittingly

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The life and achievements of Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan were recalled at a Liaquat Day seminar organized at Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi.

Noted speakers paid rich tribute to the services of Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan during the Pakistan Movement and then as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion Chancellor SSUET Engr Adil Usman said that today we are living in an independent state which was achieved so that Muslims of South Asia could order their lives in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

The state in which we are living with respect and dignity was not achieved as a gift on a platter but as a result of strenuous movement steered by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah and leaders like Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, he pointed out.

He informed that Liaquat Ali Khan was a graduate of the Aligarh Muslim University and he rose into prominence within the Muslim League during the 1930s.

He was the one who persuaded Quaid-e-Azam to return to India, an event which paved the way for Pakistan movement in which Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan remained all along with Quaid-e-Azam and which culimnated into the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia on August 14, 1947.

Chancellor Adil Usman pointed out that during his parliamentary career Liaquat Ali Khan will always adhere to his opinion even in the face of severe odds. He took active part in legislative affairs and was a part of the Muslim delegation in the national convention held in Calcutta to evaluate the Nehru Report in 1928.

Addressing the seminar renowned researcher Khawaja Razi Haider said that in response to the division of India on the basis of bi-nation theory, around 144 proposals, plans, concepts and suggestions came forward.
 

Another speaker Mehfooz-un-Nabi Khan said Liaquat Ali Khan pursued an effective foreign policy, based on national interest. He did economic wonders and controlled price-hike in Pakistan when the world faced a severe recession.

He recalled that when Liaquat Ali Khan took over as Prime Minister he had no official residence, and stayed at Haroon House.

Noted intellectual Prof Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi described Liaquat Ali Khan as a role model for the youth and said he was a true successor of Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Prominent scholar Dr Muhammad Raza Kazmi said when Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, his mother was alive and was proud of her son’s pure character.

Renowned poet Anwar Azmi presented poetic tribute to the great leader Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, while Registrar Syed Abrar Ali presented the vote of thanks.

SSUET admission process in full swing

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, is witnessing an ever growing desire of students seeking to take admission in this university ever since the process for admissions had started with November 11 being the last date for submitting application forms and the aptitude test to be held on November 24.

Over 2,200 prospective applicants have obtained prospectus while about 2,000 had purchased model test papers. The number of candidates obtaining prospectus was estimated to be higher by about 20 to 25 percent as compared to the same period last year. 

The process started for admissions in engineering disciplines of Electronics, Civil, Computer, Telecommunication and Bio-Medical besides Computer Science 

The University is all set to introduce new programs of Architecture, Software Engineering and Bio-Informatics from academic year 2014. The university is also exploring the possibility of introducing BS program at its Institute of Environment and Human Settlements. It has allocated limited seats on merit for the wards of overseas Pakistanis. 

The SSUET has over 5500 students on its roll studying in the engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Bio-Medical, Civil and Telecommunication besides computer science. The university is already offering post-graduate programs and at Master and Ph.D levels besides robust continuous education program in the evening. 

According to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, the introduction of new programs from new academic year would open up doors for those who want to enter the fields having greater potential to cope with the growing market demands. 

It may be mentioned here that Higher Education Commission has granted highest W4 ranking to the University while graded as 5-star University by the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee of Sindh Government. The ISO 9001 certified, SSUET is a member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and International Association of Universities (IAU), UNESCO, Paris. 

 According to the university announcement, the admissions will be strictly on merit giving weightage to marks obtained in Matric (SSC), Intermediate (HSC) and Aptitude test.

Liaquat College of Management & Sciences achieves 100% result

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Liaquat College of Management & Sciences (LCMS), Karachi, has achieved a big landmark when their students achieved 100 percent results. 

According to the results of Intermediate Board announced recently all the students of the College passed the examination and not a single student any group, Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering or Commerce, failed. 

It may be pointed out here that overall results of Intermediate Board have been 52.82% in pre-medical, 46.76% in pre-engineering and 56.5% in Commerce.

Experts reckon most of diabetes related leg amputations as preventable

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Foot complications are among the most serious and costly complications of diabetes and in Pakistan about 10% of the diabetics suffer from foot problems, many of which lead to leg amputation, Prof Dr Abdul Basit, Chairman Pakistan Working Group on Diabetic Food (PWGDF), stated. 

In an interview he disclosed that currently there are over 400,000 people with foot ulcers in the country. He described diabetic foot a source of huge economic burden as the direct cost of treating a diabetic foot ulcer comes to Rs 3500-61000, which is more than 10 times the average health expenditure of a Pakistani and added that to treat all the people with foot ulcers an amount double the total health budget of Pakistan, is needed. 

Prof Dr Abdul Basit said that unawareness, shortage of trained health care professionals and scarcity of foot care facilities are major causes of diabetes related leg amputations, 45-89% of which are preventable through timely and efficient foot care. “We have been conducting nation wide training programs and have established 115 diabetic foot clinics. However further 1700 such clinics are required,” he stated.

He recalled that PWGDF, in collaboration with Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, had organized a symposium on diabetic as part of efforts to create greater awareness against this serious problem. 

Dr Zahid Miyan, Chairman of Organizing Committee emphasized the need to discuss the current practices in Diabetic Foot management, to provide hands-on skills. 

He pointed out that the symposium organized in this regard at the end of last month, encompassed a wide horizon of diabetic foot problem, including prevention and early diagnosis, clinical & surgical management and recent advances in targeted therapies for diabetic foot, adding that over 200 health care professionals from across the country including subject specialists and eminent experts shared their diversified experience in this area. 

Dr Zafar Iqbal Abbasi, Symposium Secretary, stated that the event proved a great leaning opportunity for doctors, family physicians and health care professionals.