SSUET’s 2014-15 budget approved

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Board of Governors of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has passed the Rs 2.10 million surplus budget for the fiscal year 2014-15. The budget showed the income at Rs 980.91 million and the expenditure at Rs 978.81 million. 

While an allocation of Rs 160.89 million has been made for development, the current expenditure will stand at Rs 817.92 million. 

Of the total development budget, the university will spend Rs 50.6 million on the construction of new Academic Block while Rs 14.9 million earmarked for research projects and a provision of Rs 6 million made for financial incentive to faculty carrying out research project work and Rs 0.8 million for Ph.D graduate programme. 

Another allocation of Rs 38 million was made for introduction of new technologies including Electrical Engineering as approved by the Board besides development of new campus and IT Park. 

The university will spend Rs 3.5 million on purchase of new books , research journals and equipments for the library. The SSUET has focused on its existing laboratories and made an allocation of Rs 29.3 million for purchase of additional equipments. 

In keeping with its tradition that no student would be allowed to give up its academic pursuit merely because of financial constrains, the university has earmarked Rs 40 rpt 40 million for scholarships to be given to deserving and talented students. 

A provision of Rs 8.5 million has been made for financial help out of profit of Endowment Fund to students and employees. The university’s Endowment Fund stands as today at Rs 330 million while the budget shows accumulated development fund at Rs 148 million. 

Chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jawaid Hasan Rizvi, the Board meeting was attended by Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Prof Dr Ata-ur-Rehman, Lt Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin, Haider, Dr S M Makhdoomi, Dean, Yusuf Siddiqui, Commodore (Rtd) Saleem A. Siddiqi, Registrar, Syed Abrar Ali and Director Finance, Munawar Hasan.

Dr Rubina Bhatti praises Bazm-e-Akram, Library Promotion Bureau

Pakistan News & Features Services 

Dr Rubina Bhatti, Chairperson & Associate Professor at Department of Library & Information Science, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, was thoroughly appreciative of the efforts being made by the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB) and the Bazm-e-Akram in serving the cause of the profession.

She was honoured by the Bazm-e-Akram, a proactive literary forum, during a meeting held in Karachi on June 27. All the top officials, including its founder Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, were present on the occasion. 

The President of the Bazm-e-Akram, Abdul Samad Ansari, chaired the meeting which was also attended by its Vice Presidents, Dr Nasreen Shagufta and Dr Amna Khatoon, and a couple of other office-bearers of the forum, Syed Ateeb Ahmed and Azra Qureshi.  

Dr Rubina Bhatti paid glowing tributes to Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, the Founder President of the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB) and the Founder Editor of the Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal (PLISJ) whose worthy students have established the Bazm-e-Akram. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima presented her the latest issue of the PLISJ while Dr Nasreen Shagufta signed a copy of her famed book ‘Darakhshan Sitarary’ for the distinguished visitor from Bahawalpur. 

Dr Rubina Bhatti was briefed about the upcoming sixth edition of Adab-o-Kutub Khana 2014, the flagship publication of the Bazm-e-Akram, which has now been expanded to 200 pages and all was set to bring it out during the next month.

Glowing tributes paid to Bahadur Yar Jung

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The distinguished speakers paid glowing tributes to great leader and fiery orator, Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung, while highlighting his struggle for the cause of Muslims as well as his achievements at a seminar organized by the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) with the collaboration of the Bahadur Yar Jung Academy on the occasion of his death anniversary. 

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Engr Mohammad Adil Usman, Chancellor SSUET, described Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung as a national hero who, through his fiery speeches, inspired the Muslims to support Muslim League and vote for it. 

Lauding the efforts of Nawab Bahadur Yar Jang, he pointed out that Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung had a multidimensional personality and devoted all his life to the renaissance of Mulsims’ sovereignty, undoubtedly a great asset of our national history and culture. 

Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung, he said, was a forefront leader of the independence movement which paved the way for the creation of Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to whom he was so close that he himself had declared him as his successor. 

In his speech Prof Mir Hamid Ali, President Bahadur Yar Jung Academy, pointed out that Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung possessed the unique quality of doing extempore translation of Quaid’s speeches in Urdu. 

Renowned writer, Prof Dr Tahir Masood, regretted that although the nation worshipped the heroes, yet reluctant to adopt their good qualities. Prof Haroon Rasheed, an educationist, observed that Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung touched the point of end of his political and practical life at the very young age when others start their career. 

Noted religious scholar, Shah Misbahuddin Shakeel and Khawaja Qutubuddin, General Secretary Bahadur Yar Jung Academy, also spoke on the occasion, while former Director of Quaid e Azam Academy, Khwaja Razi Haider, conducted the proceedings.

PRGMEA expects 2nd Made in Pakistan Expo to fetch big export orders

By Syed Sajid Aziz
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has received an overwhelming response so far from the Pakistani exhibitors and about 70 per cent stalls have already been booked for the 2nd edition of the Made in Pakistan Expo 2014 being held in Mumbai, India, from August 31 to September 5, 2014 subsequent to the success of the inaugural edition of MIPEM 2014 held from April 3 to April 7, 2014 also at Mumbai.

The single country exhibition aims to provide a platform to the Pakistan based companies, for showcasing their range of products and services to the Indian public and business community. 

The exhibition will also be contributing in promoting Pakistan-India economic relations by diversifying the existing trade patterns thus introducing a wide range of quality Pakistani products in the Indian market with prominent business and trade sectors. 

The PRGMEA Chairman, Arshad Aziz, said that if all goes well then the event is likely to fetch at least $600 million export orders as compared to $400 million received in the inaugural edition. 

He said that the Pakistani garments especially ladies wear and lawn are in great demand in India and the long term business deals among the two countries will flourish the bilateral trade and Pakistan’s value-added sector could be given big boost. It’s the time when India should be considered as an opportunity than a threat to our Industries.

While spelling out details Arshad Aziz said that the 2nd edition of ‘Made In Pakistan Expo’ which would be held in Mumbai with the aim to promote Pakistan’s garments and clothing in the neighbouring country has been duly endorsed by the federal ministries of commerce and textile. 

He added that PRGMEA has arranged B2C and B2B meetings between the Pakistani exhibitors and manufacturer with Indian buyers and trade delegation would also visit India in the sidelines so that Pakistan exhibitors could avail maximum benefit from the event. 

He said that beside readymade garments, fashion clothing, and home textiles, handicrafts, marble items, food items and other goods would also be displayed in the event. 

Arshad Aziz remarked that Pakistani value-added sector will get this regional market in real term when Indian government removes all hurdles on Pakistan’s exports. PRGMEA has acquired 25,000 square feet space in World Trade Centre in Mumbai and it is expected that over remaining stalls would be booked in next couple of days.

Australian High Commissioner addresses ESUP gathering in Karachi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan, Peter Heyward, impressed everyone with his thorough understanding of the game of cricket during his keynote address to the English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) at the Hotel Beach Luxury, Karachi, on June 21.

The topic of his speech was ‘Cricket in Australia’ and he dwelled at length at the various aspects of the gentleman’s game. 

He enlightened the audience by sharing the historic perspectives in a candid manner and the intensity was sustained throughout half an hour as he combined his own thoughts while recalling the incidents having brought out about the most significant changes.

The High Commissioner touched upon the bitter memories of the early 20^th century when six of the leading cricketers of his country, including the legendary Victor Trumper, had revolted against the board. He also recalled the crisis of the 1970s when a man called Kerry Packer had taken on the cricket establishment of Australia.

The ESUP function, for a change, began with a presentation as Ehsan Qureshi, a veteran sports journalist and a prolific author, was invited at the stage to present copies of his World Cup books to the Australian High Commissioner who was appreciative of the gesture.

Aziz Memon, President, ESUP, while introducing the Australian High Commissioner prior to his speech, described Peter Heyward as an articulate foreign service officer, having brought laurels to his country during his long and illustrious diplomatic career which took him to different corners of the world.

In his welcome address, Majyd Aziz, ESUP, talked about some of the memorable cricket matches having taken place between Pakistan and Australia over the years. He particularly recalled the Melbourne Test of 1979 when Sarfraz Nawaz had turned the tables around by dismissing seven batsmen for only one run.

The man who had been in the thick of things during that match, having watched that magnificent spell from behind the stumps, Wasim Bari, was also present in the front row of the audience and the former Pakistan captain was duly recognized by the ESUP President at the start of the proceedings.

The interactive session turned out to be an interesting one and the Australian High Commissioner tried to do justice with every query posed to him. 

He pointed out that those desiring to travel to Australia for the Cricket World Cup 2015 will have to submit the normal visa forms and their cases will processed in routine manner.

Abdul Kader Jaffer, Senior Vice President, ESUP, and a former Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, presented the vote of thanks in the typically lively style of his.

DHA City Karachi praised, awarded at Washington ceremony

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, Washington DC, has cited the DHA City Karachi project as a model of modern housing development, as it awarded the Defece Housing Authority (DHA), Karachi, and consultants Osmani & Company at a ceremony held at the US capital on June 20.

William J Bertera, President and CEO of the Institute, which administers sustainability rating system for infrastructure, praised the planning, designing and development work of the city, saying the DHA City is the first of its kind project that meets international requirements of sustainable development.

Spiro Pollalis, Prof. of Design, Technology and Management Harvard University, and Director of the Zofnass Program for the Sustainability of Infrastructure also acknowledged the high standard being maintained with regard to work, design, construction and development of the facilities at the DHA City, which will house one million residents.

The DHA City Karachi is located on the Karachi-Hyderabad Superhighway at the eastern border of Karachi, bordering Thatta District in the South and Jamshoro District in the East, and its mater plan includes development of education, health and residential infrastructure.

The recipients of the awards given by the independent and non-profit Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure included Engr Inam Osmani, President and Founder of Osmani & Company (Pvt) Ltd, Arif Osmani, Director, Osmani & Company, and Brigadier (retd) Mohammad Rafique, Project Director, DHA City Karachi.

In their presentations, the recipients informed the gathering at the ceremony about progress on development of the massive project, which also uses alternative sources of energy to meet work requirements of the city envisioned as the first sustainable city of Pakistan in accordance with latest international standards.

According to the organizers, the awardees also included the top leaders including Prof. Spiro N Pollais, the Chief Planner, Lt Gen. Sajjad Ghani, President Executive Board, Brig Mohamamd Abdullah, Administrator DHA City, Colonel (retd) Mohammad Sagheer, Director DHA City, and companies including Doxiadis Associated, Planners, RMJM Planners and Osmani and Company Pvt. Ltd.

A leading Virginia-based Pakistani business leader, Mohammad Nasimuddin Mirza, speaking on the occasion, said it’s heartening to see Pakistan developing such a modern city.

Dr Nasim Fatima’s birthday celebrated

Pakistan News & Features Services

A graceful ceremony was organized by Bazm-e-Akram, having emerged as a proactive literary forum, to celebrate the birthday of one of its founders, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, who is credited to have set very high standards on all fronts. 

The modest and unassuming Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, who has steadily transformed Bazm-e-Akram into an internationally acclaimed forum of library professionals, was overwhelmed by the graciousness of her team members the majority of whom reached there at the designated time to enjoy every minute of the party. 

The President of Bazm-e-Akram, Abdul Samad Ansari, was there alongwith the Vice Presidents, Dr Nasreen Shagufta and Dr Amna Khatoon. Some of the other office-bearers of the forum, Syed Ateeb Ahmed, Azra Qureshi and Syed Khalid Mahmood, were also present on the occasion. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, who has earned numerous laurels during her distinguished career, informed that the sixth edition of Adab-o-Kutub Khana 2014 is expected to see the light of the day within a few weeks. The Chief Editor revealed that the flagship publication of Bazm-e-Akram, which will now be spread to 200 pages, was done with the pre-press stage and soon it will be handed over to the printer. 

Bazm-e-Akram is a forum formed by the students of the venerated Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, the Founder President of the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB) and the Founder Editor of the Pakistan Library and Information Science Journal (PLISJ).

International award for DHA City Karachi, Osmani & Company

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure, Washington DC, USA, and the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at the Harvard University have recognized the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) City project and their consultants, Osmani & Company, by means of an international award.

The award is due to be presented on June 20 at a ceremony in Washington for planning the first-ever planned sustainable city of Pakistan.

The institute, a non-profit organization, has neen structured to develop and maintain a sustainability rating system for civil infrastructure in the World, was founded by American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Public Works Association (APWA) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

After a year long exercise, the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure decided to give the coveted award to the DHA City Karachi as well as  Osmani & Company, the lead project consultants..

“This will be a great honour for Pakistan, DHA City Karachi as well as the lead consultants,” Engr Inam Ahmed Osmani, CEO of Osmani & Company, remarked before leaving the shores of Karachi for Washington to receive the award.

Osmani & Company has been acclaimed as one of the leading consulting companies of Pakistan with standing of more than half a century in the consulting profession. Established in 1960, it has grown from a small private group of engineers & architects to a large organization over the years.

SSUET’s Academic Council meets

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Academic Council of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, met under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi and had an in depth review of courses of studies of all the disciplines being taught at the university.

The Council discussed the new prospectus for admissions-2015 and recommended the same for approval by the Board of Governors.

The meeting decided to introduce a new technology of Electrical engineering from the Academic year 2015 and recommended the same for approval by the Board of Governors.

At present the university is providing teaching facilities in nine disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Civil, Bio-Medical, Telecommunication, Software  Engineering, Computer Science, Bio-Informqtic and  Architecture and Electrical Engineering will be the 10^th discipline.

The Council reviewed the progress of teaching and research with Vice-Chancellor emphasizing upon the need for a continuous updating process. He said it is essential because of day to day changing taking place in various fields of engineering and to keep pace with the same.

Dr Rizvi called upon the faculty members to lay stress more on research and come out with increasing number of research papers along with their publication in recognized research journals  with impact factor.

Meanwhile the SSUET’s Board of Governors is due to meet on June 21 to discuss and approve the university’s budget for fiscal 2014-15. The Finance and Planning Committee has already finalized the draft budget proposals.

Tannery Zone becomes Pakistan’s first crime-free industrial area

By Syed Sajid Aziz

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Tannery Zone of the Korangi Industrial Area in Karachi has become Pakistan’s first ever crime-free industrial zone on self-help basis.

This was stated by the Chairman of the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) South Zone, Fawad Jawed, while talking to the association’s members and office-bearers in a meeting held on June 12.

The PTA official remarked that quite a few incidents of street crime and dacoity were taking place in the Tannery Zone in the recent past and the industrialists were extremely disturbed due to the deteriorating law and order situation.

He informed that the PTA South Zone then finally resorted to go for CPLC’s assisted system of surveillance, Neighbourhood Care, under which the association started surveillance of the area with the initial budget of Rs four million and purchased vehicles, motorbikes and hired private guards.

Fawad Jawed added that the area police and Rangers had fully supported the PTA in its quest and provided patrolling and mobiles vans to strengthen the CPLC-NC surveillance, revealing that the then DIG East had provided 29 police personnel for the patrolling and established pickets at some major arteries in the area while DG Rangers specially instructed the Rangers in the area to fully assist PTA.         

He was highly appreciative the role of the Rangers in fostering peace in the area and the entire city. He lauded the efforts of the Major General Rizwan Akhtar in improving the city’s law and order situation.

He   acknowledged  the endeavours  of   the  Rangers  to  have  contributed  to  put  the  wheel of  the  industry  on  track  once  again  so  that  the  national  economy  continues  to grow.

SSUET budget on June 21

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The budget of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, for the fiscal year 2014-15 will be passed on June 21.

In this regard the SSUET’s Board of Governors will be meeting on June 21 under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid Hassan Rizvi.

The budget proposals have already been finalized by the university’s Finance and Planning Committee and the same will now be presented for approval before the university’s Board of Governors.

Meanwhile the Academic Council of the SSUET has also convened a meeting on June 16 under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor in order to review the university’s academic programme for the next fiscal year.

The Academic Council is likely to approve the draft prospectus for 2015 and the forthcoming admission process.

The council will also consider the proposal approved and recommended by the Joint Board of Faculties for introduction of a new discipline of electrical engineering from next year. However, it will be subject to required approval of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).

Minister announces to give Halal accreditation, certification under one window

By Syed Sajid Aziz
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Zahid Hamid has assured the private sector to provide full assistance in promotion of Halal brands; establishment of one window under Ministry of Science for Accreditation and certification of companies.

Addressing to the World Halal Assembly held in Islamabad recently, the Minister announced that very soon the law would be presented in the National Assembly for the approval after it is being recommended by all stakeholders. 

The World Halal Assembly was jointly organized by the Halal Products and Services Association of Pakistan (HAP) and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), duly supported by the Standards and Metrology Institute of Islamic Countries (SMIIC), mandated by the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) to work on the Halal Standards and Accreditation. 

The guest of honour, Ayatollah Hassan Alemi, representative of Supreme Leader in Jihad-e-Agriculture, Iran, in his speech had emphasized on the need of harmonization and cooperation in order to achieve ‘One Halal’ logo and ‘One Halal’ standard. 

He informed that his government is fully supporting the SMIIC agenda. Furthermore, he informed his government priorities for the promotion of Halal brands, imports and exports procedures and the latest development made by his Ministry.

Later, in the sessions, the international Halal industry experts from all over the world gave comprehensive information to the audience; addressed the issues and challenges related to Halal business, certification, accreditation and marketing. 

They also highlighted the role of trade bodies in promotion of Halal trade and highlighted the issues which could be taken up by the governments for promotion of Halal exports. 

The Chairman, HAP, Kazi Asad Abid and the Senior Vice Chairman, Asad Sajjad, in their speeches and presentations, threw light on the opportunities available and how to enter in this trillion-dollar Halal market to give a boost to the efforts of government to achieve desired export results. 

Pir Buksh Jamali, Director General, PSQCA stated that the World Halal Assembly was the largest Halal gathering in the region. He revealed that the delegates have given overwhelming response. 

Several cooperation agreements were signed during the World Halal Assembly between Pakistani companies and standardized bodies for the export of Pakistani Halal products. These MoUs would help Pakistan to increase the Halal exports of Pakistan in big volume.

Business leaders welcome Federal Budget 2014-15

By Syed Sajid Aziz

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Ismail Suttar, Vice President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) and President, Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has declared the federal budget 2014-15 as a difficult one but the incentives offered to the export sector was a welcome step which could help in accelerating exports from Pakistan.

He said that like the previous governments, this one too has refrained from taking revolutionary steps like imposition of income tax on agriculture sector and bringing big fishes into the tax net or even taking measures to prevent major tax evasions.

He remarked that the government, instead of scrapping Benazir Income Support Scheme, has not only extended it but increased the allocations from Rs75 billion to Rs114 which could be utilized in some productive schemes such as microfinance to the poor instead of turning them into beggars.

Ismail Sattar expressed his dismay over skipping proposed Hub Dry Port from the PSDP as demanded by the industrialists of Balochistan.

He opined that the budget outlay was quite complicated and it seemed that the government would have to depend on external resources than the internal ones in order to meet the budgetary allocations.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) South Zone, Fawwad Jawed, reckoned that the budget announced by the federal minister for finance was quite balanced one and full of incentives to the business communities especially the export sector. He also welcomed the establishment of Exim Bank and reducing the export refinance rate.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), South Zone, Arshad Aziz, praised the incentives given to the exports sector in the Budget 2014-15 wherein a four percent duty drawback is offered to the garments sector.

He stated that the establishment of Exim Bank was also a long time commitment by the exporters and hoped that it would be fulfilled this time. He hoped that government would clear all the pending claims of refunds as committed by the minister in his speech. 

The President of the All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Mian Zahid Husain, while welcoming the federal budget has declared it business friendly.

He said that Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, has taken a right step in right direction by bringing retail sector into tax net. He welcomed the imposition of advance tax on purchase of heavy vehicles, properties and electricity bills over Rs 100,000 per month. He however, regretted that government has refrained from imposition of tax on agriculture.     

Runh’s expertise to bolster power generation

By Syed Sajid Aziz
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“As energy demand continues to exceed supply, companies are looking for innovative ways to solve not only short-term electricity and heating issues but also future power generation needs that are cost-effective, secure, and sustainable.”

This was stated by Sohail Lashari, President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), while addressing a seminar, conducted by Runh Power Plant Engineering Technology Co Ltd, a global Chinese firm engaged in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of power plants. 

“Runh Power’s fossil fuel fired, waste to energy, and biomass power generation Technologies are particularly attractive to our country at this time,” the LCCI President added. 

“We have enjoyed a very cooperative business relationship with Pakistan since 2006, during last month, we were awarded 18MW co-generation power plant with Century Paper & Board Mills, and in the last year, we signed a 150t/h Biomass Boiler Island Project with Bullah Shah Packaging (Pvt) Ltd,” Dr Hui Jiang, Vice General Manager, Runh Power, remarked. 

The functionaries of Runh Power’s associates in the country from Century Paper, Board Mills Limited and Bullah Shah Packaging also delivered a speech highlighting Runh Power’s endeavor and services. Representative from private and government power sector were also present on the occasion and took active part in the interactive session of the seminar. 

Runh Power is a professional power plant EPC contractor, complete power plant equipment supplier and a global engineering firm that specializes in the construction of various types of power plants including coal-fired, gas-fired, oil-fired, biomass-fired, combined cycle and waste heat recovery. 

Its experience spans hundreds of power projects serving a range of industries such as steel, chemical, cement, paper, and sugar. Its branch office in Pakistan is located at Defence Housing Authority, Lahore.