SSUET announce Sept 22 as last date for submission of application forms

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has announced September 22 as the last date for submission of forms for new admissions in the 2015 academic year. 

The admission process has already started and Chancellor Engr Mohammad Adil Usman has given directives to ensure transparency at every stage.

He has directed that the deadline announced for submission of admission forms be strictly followed and no application be accepted beyond the given date. 

Meanwhile, the progress of ongoing admission process was reviewed in detail at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Syed Jawaid Hassan Rizvi, on August 22. 

Attended by Registrar, Dean and Chairpersons of different departments, the meeting reviewed the security arrangements at the campus keeping the law and order situation in the city in view. 

Expressing satisfaction over the ongoing admission process, the Vice-Chancellor told the meeting that this year admission test will be held on September 28 at the Karachi Expo Centre and admissions will be given purely on merit. 

The university has announced that the admission forms can be downloaded from SSUET’s website www.ssuet.edu.pk while prospectus is available at different branches of Burj Bank including the one at the campus. This year the university will offer admissions in as many as 10 disciplines. 

The SSUET, which has been placed in the highest W4 category, is one of the leading universities in Pakistan having qualified and experienced faculty. It has collaboration with the world’s prestigious universities with facility of transfer of credit hours. 

In keeping with its motto that no student should go without having higher education merely because of financial constraints, the university offers over Rs 50 million as scholarship and financial assistance to deserving and needy students.

Rashmita Patel’s Asian novels set to create waves

Pakistan News & Features Services

Rashmita Patel has had a love affair with books since her childhood. She wrote many short novels as a child and mastered the art of sticking and pasting pictures to make her books look real. Her dreams have started getting fulfilled and she has become a published author and appears on course of becoming a prolific novelist. She has already made her mark as a teenage fiction author.

Besides being a freelance journalist for The Asian World Newspaper, she works as full time school librarian at West Walsall E-Act Academy in Walsall, United Kingdom. 

But fame and recognition are coming her way more because of her writing abilities as the circle of admirers keep growing. 

Her third novel ‘Losing My Identity’ has been brought out this year by the London-based New Generation Publishing. Her maiden novel ‘Tina 'n' Nikil’ was published in 2006 while she produced ‘Web of Lies’ in 2008. 

Rashmita Patel was born at Walsall in 1971. At the age of 15 she had made up her mind to become a librarian, surrounded by books which made her feel like she was in her own world.  

She studied at The University of Central England and graduated in Library and Information Studies in 1994. Her first job after graduating was at Alumwell Comprehensive School in Walsall. After 21 years, she is still working at a school library.

Whilst working at the school library she noticed a gap in the market for Asian novels as the students often inquired about Asian teenage stories portraying Asian characters. 

The Asian teenage novels were found very few and far in between in the market and she felt the demand for novels portraying an Asian homelife setting. 

She wondered why were very few Asian novels for teenage students even when living in the 21st century, She took up the challenge and ventured into filling the vacuum herself. 

She had always dreamt about becoming a writer and the demand for Asian novels made her mind become clear what she should write about.

Rashmita Patel is doing a fabulous job and it seems a matter of time for her work to spread far and wide in the Asian communities all over the world. Her novels should also have considerable appeal in the massive South Asian market.

Shakil Ahmed Khalil enlightens Bazm-e-Akram

Pakistan News & Features Services

Shakil Ahmed Khalil, Senior Medical Librarian, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, enlightened the select gathering of Bazm-e-Akram, with his thought-provoking observations during a reception hosted in his honour in Karachi on August 19. 

It turned out to be an animated session between the eminent personalities from the field of Library of Information Science as the topic of discussion revolved around the dearth of public libraries in Pakistan and the possible measures for the turnaround. 

It was in the fitness of things that unstinted glowing tributes were paid 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 been running the Bazm-e-Akram with great enthusiasm. 

The knowledgeable Shakil Ahmed Khalil, himself a student of Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, desrcribed him a true mentor for whom sky has been the limit when it comes to helping out those in need. He also quoted a few instances in this regard. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, who has been chiefly responsible for turning the Bazm-e-Akram into a literary forum of high quality, lavished Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari with praise for continuing to guide his students at every stage of their career. 

The President of the Bazm-e-Akram, Abdul Samad Ansari, was out of country, but its Vice Presidents, Dr Nasreen Shagufta and Dr Amna Khatoon, were in attendance alongwith a few other office-bearers of the forum, Syed Ateeb Ahmed, Azra Qureshi and Syed Khalid Mahmood. Bashir Ahmed Abro, Director, Liaquat National Library, was also present on the oocasion. 

Dr Nasreen Shagufta presented a signed copy of her maiden book ‘Darakhshan Sitarary’ to Shakil Ahmed Khalil who praised her for authoring such an informative publication under the guidance of Prof Dr Nasim Fatima.

KMC to carry out Tannery Zone development work urgently

By Syed Sajid Aziz
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Administrator of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Rauf Akhtar Farooqui has assured the industrialists to carry out development work shortly in Korangi Industrial Area despite the paucity of funds.

Addressing a reception hosted by the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), South Zone, in his honour on August 18, Rauf Farooqi announced to re-construct dilapidated Jam Sadiq Bridge very soon as the Chief Minister had approved the PC-I of the project. 

The Chairman PTA SZ, Fawad Jawed, Deputy Commissioner Korangi, SSP Police Korangi, former Chairman PTA and Vice President FPCCI, Gulzar Firoz and prominent tanners were also present on the occasion. 

He said that massive repairs and reconstruction of the bridge that connects the city to the Korangi Industrial Area was the long time demand of the industrialists and now the work would be commenced in a week’s time. As pointed by the PTA chief, he immediately ordered the carpeting of link road in Tannery Zone which was left incomplete by the KMC.

The KMC Administrator further announced to repair the refinery road which has turned into a very bad shape. He said that encroachments on refinery road would be removed with the help of area deputy commissioner and police. 

He said that despite the fact that the KMC has very limited resources and facing massive shortfall of revenue, would complete the remaining work in Tannery Zone with its own funds. 

Rauf Farooqui, however, added that water to the industrial areas specially the Tannery Zone could only be supplied when the government increase water quota from Indus for at least 1,000 cusecs as present quota of 1,200 cusecs could only cater to the needs of the less than half of the population of Karachi. 

He said that reverse osmosis plants installed by DHA have been failed either. He advised the industrialists to urge upon the federal government to release KMC’s funds so that several projects that have been shelved due to non release of funds in the city should be executed. 

Gulzar Firoz pointed out on the occasion that people have extended their houses on the link nullah which connects to the treatment plant, illegally should be removed otherwise any untoward incident could have occurred anytime. 

The PTA Chief, Fawed Jawed, in his welcome speech urged the federal, provincial and local governments to rescue falling exports of leather and leather garments by providing water to the country’s largest cluster of tanneries. 

He pointed out that Tannery Zone contributes over 35 per cent of the total exports of leather and leather goods and its tanneries are starving due to drought like situation for the last several years as the sub-soil water is also depleting fast. He urged the KMC Administrator to use his good offices to prompt the KWSB to release water into the newly laid pipeline in Tannery Zone.

Godhra Education Award ceremony attracts massive turnout

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Godhra Muhammadi Anjuman (GMA), a reputed social organization, continued its tradition by holding the Godhra Education Award ceremony in a befitting manner on the Independence Day of Pakistan.

This year the award ceremony was held at the PMA Lawn, located in Block 17 of Federal-B-Area, Karachi, in which a large number of people turned out, who were entertained by national songs, tableau and comedy shows. 

Sadiq Mohammad Kalu, President, GMA, and Abdul Latif Jujara, Chairman, GMA Education Award Committee, felicitated the brilliant students who were recognized in the presence of the august gathering. 

Those having obtained degrees in engineering, medicine, management, accounting and other fields were presented shields and gifts. There were special awards for those having done masters in their respective disciplines. 

The students, who obtained positions in schools and colleges, were also rewarded. Glowing tributes were paid to the national heroes by all the speakers, who urged the youngsters to leave no stone unturned in devoting their energies for the cause of the beloved country.

Police takes measures to control crime

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Additional Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Karachi, Ghulam Qadir Thebo, recently chaired a meeting which discussed traffic system in the city and reviewed traffic police performance. 

The meeting, held at the Central Police Office (CPO) in Karachi, also reviewed the performance of investigation cell.

According to a press release issued by the department, the meeting was attended by district SSPs of Karachi and other senior police officers. 

Ghulam Qadir Thebo, during the meeting, directed the officers to establish crime scene units at districts level.

He ordered to take initiatives to provide modern investigation kits with mobiles so that the evidences from the crime spot could be saved and make investigation more effective. 

He ordered to depute officers of Inspector ranks only as SIOs and to ensure training of investigation staff. He also directed to improve coordination with Forensic division Sindh.

SSUET imparts training in fire safety

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

On the directive of Chancellor Engr Mohammed Adil Usman, the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has trained twenty one of its employees in fire fighting and fire safety.

The training course was carried out under a 10-series programme of skill development devised on the Chancellor’s directive. It was the seventh programme of the series aimed at capacity building of the university in various fields. 

The successful trained employees were awarded certificates by Registrar, Engr Syed Abrar Ali, at a ceremony held in the university’s auditorium. 

On the occasion, in his brief remarks, the Registrar highlighted the importance of capacity building in fire fighting and fire safety at this ever expanding university.

SSUET reopens after semester break

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, reopened on August 4 following the conclusion of the semester break as well as the Eid holidays and the regular classes have started right away.

It may be recalled that the university was closed after semester examinations held in June while their results have already been announced. 

Meanwhile the process for Admissions-2015 has also started and according to the schedule, the admission test will be held on September 28, 2014. 

According to a university announcement admission test papers are available at the bank branch in the university campus. 

The SSUET proposes to start a new BS programme in Electrical Engineering from the 2015 academic year, subject to approval from the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). The university is already offering BS programmes in nine disciplines and electrical engineering is expected to be the tenth on the list.

Zaibunnisa Bukhari remembered

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Quran Khawani and Fateha for Esal-e-sawab of prominent trade unionist and woman activist, Zaibunnisa Shanta Bukhari was held at the residence of her son Munawwar Sultan Bukhari. 

It was largely attended by eminent people from various walks of life including trade union leaders, activists, friends, relatives and senior journalists. Zaibunnisa had passed away on 27th Ramazan at local hospital. 

She was the wife of Comrade Jamaluddin Bukhari and mother of Dr Muzaffar, Munawwar Sultan, Mukarram Sultan, Moazzam Sultan (APP Correspondent at Larkana) and Hakim Bukhari. 

Conspicuous with their presence on the occasion were prominent leftist leader Comrade Sobho Gyanchandani, former Ambassador to Libya and UAE Jamil Ahmed Khan, former AG Sindh and Chairman Larkana Old Boys Association, Zulfikar Qadri, Vice-Chancellor Urdu University, Dr Zafar Iqbal, noted poet and critic Taj Baluch, Chairman Taraqqi Pasan Musannafeen, writer and intellectual Muslim Shamim, Executive Director SLIC, Basimul Huq, former Controller SBCA, Mohammed Shafiq, Secretary, Pir Illahi Bux Foundation, Ali Asghar Shah, Human Right activist Engr Indur Auhuja, Monis Ayaz Shaikh, son of revolutionary poet Ayaz Shaikh, Pir Abid Siddiqui, Javed Iqbal and others. 

On the occasion prominent participants spoke about the life, achievements and contribution of late Zaibunnisa Shanta Bukhari. 

Both Munawwar Sultan Bokhari and Mukarram Sultan Bukkhari had worked as correspondent of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) at Larkana. Munawwar Bukhari is a former civil servant and Chairman Larkanians while Mukarram Bukhari retired from KDA as Director a couple of years ago.

LCCI chief regrets longest-ever Eid holidays

By Syed Sajid Aziz
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“Due to one of the longest ever holidays’ spell during Eid-ul-Fitr, the country has remained cut off from the rest of the world for the whole week having halting all kind of trade and exports with foreign countries.” 

This was stated by Ismail Suttar, President, Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and Vice President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI).

He regretted that due to these long and unnecessary holidays the country has had to bear an irreparable monetary loss. 

While commenting on the long spell of Eid Holidays together with weekly holidays, the LCCI President said that due to these nine-day holidays, the industrial and commercial activities were stopped thus rendering heavy losses to the national exchequer, besides no contact with international business community for more than a week, which is not desirable for a country like Pakistan, whose economy is already in oxygen tent. 

He argued that if taken one day’s exports as $71 million on the basis of Pakistan’s total annual exports of $26 billion, we have lost over $356 million in just five days. 

“The government has made it a precedent to declare long holidays just to please government employees who already do not have tendency to work honestly,” Ismail Suttar observed. 

He also pointed out that due to these long holidays, the public resorted to unhealthy activities causing great losses, as was evident from the tragic incidents at the Sea View Beach in Karachi and the terrible traffic jams at Murree and other big cities. 

The business leader urged the power-corridors in Islamabad to refrain from allowing such a long spell of holidays, which the nation cannot afford both economically and socially, as the public resorts to unhealthy practices in the name of entertainment, which the local administrations of big cities are not fully equipped to cope with such abnormal public activity thus causing great losses of life and property.

SSUET Chancellor hosts Eid Milan party

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, hosted a grand Eid Milan get-together at the university campus on August 1. 

“It is in keeping with the traditions of Aligarh,” Engr Adil Usman, who is also the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), stated in a brief remark on the occasion. 

The Eid Milan party was largely attended, among others, by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, Registrar, Engr Syed Abrar Ali, Dean Faculty of Engineering Dr S M Makhdoomi, chairpersons of various engineering departments besides faculty members. 

Conspicuous with their presence were a large number of prominent members of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association. The participants also included members of the Administration department besides a good number of womanfolk.

SANA Convention in Chicago from Aug 29

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The local organizing and executive committees of the Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) held a meeting, chaired by its President Jamil Daudi, in Houston to review and finalize the arrangements of the upcoming Sindhi diasporas annual cultural and social get together. 

The SANA arranges a mega annual event for Sindhi diasporas every year and this time its 30th Convention is being planned to be held from August 29 to 31 in Chicago under the theme of “Sindh in 21st Century; Education-the way Forward.” 

In the meeting, the SANA General Secretary, Noor-ul-Nissa Ghaghro, and Chairman Convention’s local organizing committee, Dr Khalil Memon, Dr Aijaz Turk and Dr. Valeed Shaikh apprised the participants that 120 Rooms were arranged at Westin O’Hare Hotel, the venue of the meeting, which were booked by intending members from the community immediately and the demand for more rooms was received from all over North America and other parts of the world. 

They said that keeping in view the demand, some 40 more rooms have been arranged at another hotel in Chicago, Marriott Suites O’Hare, which is just across the road of venue.

They further informed that the participation of civil society members from Pakistan including Kaiser Bengali, Jahangir Siddiqui and Sadiqa Sallahuddin have been confirmed while visa applications for Abdul Hameed Akhund and Zameer Ghumro were in process. 

As per schedule, the event will start with a cultural show on the evening of August 29 after the registration of participants. The Sindhi youth will present tableau and cultural show will be arranged in the session followed by a light musical show. 

The second day (August 30) will be starting with a medical camp to facilitate participants with diagnostic service and a seminar on health issues. Thereafter a session will be arranged to highlight the role of ‘Sindhi Woman in 21st Century’ to be organized by the SANA Vice President, Shahida Soomro. The noted educationist and poetess, Sahar Imdad, will be keynote speaker in the session. 

The SANA general body, during the lunch break, will meet to discuss issues of community and its members and chalk our strategy to bring community close to each other. 

Later in evening, a literary session and mushaira will be held to be presided over by the veteran poet, Imdad Hussaini, with the participation of Secretary General Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Dr Mushtaq Phull, and other noted writers and poets.

At night, a show of an enchanted Sindhi sufi music will be arranged for which the availability of famous Sindhi and Urdu language singer Sanam Marvi and world known sufi vocalist Jamal Din Faqeer with his group has been confirmed. 

For the third and final day (August 31) two separate sessions have been planned to brainstorm and discuss the issues and causes of declining standards of education in Sindh. The convention will be concluding with a grand musical show.

Whereas the get-together includes tour of historical city Chicago’s famous places and other very interesting educational and career counselling based programmes for youth participants of the Sindhi diasporas. 

The meeting also discussed the process of upcoming elections of central body and decided to fix September 15 for the renewal of membership or to done with the membership of newcomers. The executive committee called upon all its regional secretaries belonging to different parts of USA and Canada to mobilize community in membership drive to bring maximum possible community members under the umbrella of SANA.