PNSC considers greater employment opportunities to PMA cadets

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), with the collaboration of the Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA), is considering providing more employment opportunities to the PMA cadets.

In this connection a high level joint meeting of both the organizations was held with the senior officials in attendance. Arif Elahi, Chairman, PNSC, and Commodore Syed Akber Naqi, Commandant, PMA, headed their respective delegations. 

The meeting constituted a three-member committee headed by Brig Rashid Siddiqui and comprising of Zaheer Baber and the Commandant, Marine Academy, as its members. 

The committee has been assigned to the task of developing a new recruitment system for the PMA cadets, with the cooperation of DG Ports and Shipping. 

The meeting decided that a conference of private marine training institutes and the heads of Merchant Navy organizations will soon be convened. 

It was also suggested that the private shipping companies be persuaded to provide employment to the PMA cadets, the number of cadets who sign on and sign off on the PNSC ships be raised from 18 to 30. These cadets may also be provided employment at harbor crafts and harbor rovers. 

It was  decided that during training these cadets will be paid scholarship (stipend) sponsored by the PNSC. The committee considered awarding scholarship of Rs one lac per head to the five position holder cadets of the PMA. The PNSC has offered financial assistance for upgrading physics and chemistry labs of the PMA.

It was also decided that only those institutions having ample experience of shipping would be allowed to impart training so that the practice of awarding certificate without any training is to discourage and brought to end. A committee comprising of the PNSC shipping experts would redesign the syllabus. 

The PNSC Chairman emphasized that the regulatory authority be reactivated particularly in the matters concerning the PMA. He also stated that he will get this matter investigated as to why the PMA cadets were not getting employment on foreign vessels. 

The participants of the meeting included PNSC’s Director Administration, Brig Rashid Siddiqui, Director, Ship Management, Zaheer Baber Qureshi, PNSC’ Manager Training, Commodore, Muhammad Aslam Rana and Hafiz Amin Nizami, the President gold medalist of the PMA.

Raeesuddin Paracha appointed Federal Insurance Ombudsman

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Mohammad Raeesuddin Paracha, a Grade 22 officer of the Federal Government, has been appointed as Federal Insurance Ombudsman at its headquarters in Karachi.

He was administered oath of office for a four-year term by the President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, at an impressive ceremony held in Islamabad recently which was attended by Senior Government Officials and dignitaries. 

Raeesuddin Paracha has a vast service experience in various government positions at the federal and provincial levels. 

Revered as a highly professional officer, he has served in the Ministry of Law, Justice & Human Rights as well as in the Ministry of Textile Industries, besides having worked as Executive Director State Life Insurance Corporation. He has also served as Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Sindh in different departments. 

He had received a Master’s Degree in Statistics from the University of Karachi in the year 1979 and subsequently he cleared the competitive examination in the year 1982.

He successfully participated in the training course in Public Administration organized by National Institute of Public Administration in 2003 and the National Management Course offered by National Management Collage, Lahore in 2010. 

He was also certified by the Executive Development Institute, National School of Public Policy, Lahore, upon the completion of the Executive Programme on Improving Government Performance in 2011.

SSUET VC condoles Jamiluddin Aali’s death

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Vice Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Prof Dr Syed Jawaid H Rizvi, has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of noted writer, poet and literary figure, Jamiluddin Aali.

In a condolence message, Dr Rizvi recalled the monumental services of Jamiluddin Aali and observed that his death has created a big vacuum in the literary circles of the country which will be difficult to fill. 

Jamiluddin Aali was the recipient of three awards from the Government of Pakistan, President’s Pride of Performance Gold Medal in 1992; Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Urdu Literature) in 2003, and Kamal-i-Funn Award. 

He remained the chairman of the Urdu Dictionary Board for three years. Besides dohas, Jamiluddin Aali was revered for ghazals, poems, lyrical ballads and geets. 

His immortal patriotic songs included 'jeevay jeevay Pakistan', 'aye watan kay sajeelay jawano', 'mera pegham Pakistan', 'hum ta ba abad saee-o-taghayyur kay wali hein' and 'itnay baray jeevan sagar main'. 

The Vice-Chancellor offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Allah to rest the departed in eternal peace.

AIT secure top three positions in SBTE exams once more

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) has once again secured top three positions in DAE Biomedical Technology, in Annual Sindh Board of Technical Education (SBTE) Examination 2015.

Bismah Inam secured 1st position with 80.71%, Sadaq Shahid got 2nd position with 80.46% and Rida Taqi gained 3rd position with 80.37%. 

The AIT has been achieving this distinctive honour for the last three consecutive years which is definitely a great achievement by AIT students and the credit goes to Nazish Tariq, HOD, and faculty member of Bio-Medical department who have made consistent efforts to bring out the commendable performance by the students. 

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Jawaid Anwar, has congratulated with the position holders, the Principal AIT and the other staff members on bringing more laurels to the institution.

Pakistan Railways make train journey more comfortable

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

New coaches in the AC and economy classes have been attached with the Karakoram Express train on November 24. These coaches will also be having certain value additions. 

In the AC coaches, water dispenser has been made available besides the installation of LEDs and the availability of wifi services while in the economy coaches, curtain has been provided in each gallery of six berths to make the journey of the passengers more comfortable and secure. 

Moreover public address system with an arrangement of Azan has also been installed. 

The Chief Operating Superintendant of the Pakistan Railways, Mahmood Hassan, alongwith the Deputy Superintendant of Karachi, Haseeb Burgari, visited the station and examined the coaches.. The DCO Karachi and other departmental officers were also present on the occasion.

Sindh Police makes foolproof security arrangements

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Inspector General Police, Sindh, Ghulam Hyder Jamali, has directed that besides recording of majalis and processions on the occasion of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at the range, district and zonal levels, steps be taken for strict vigil at procession routes and parking areas besides police patrolling in targeted sensitive areas, snap checking and advance e intelligence collection and its timely sharing. 

He directed that all possible steps should also be taken for continuous watch on places of majalis and procession routes besides technical sweeping, scanning and clearance from bomb disposal squads. 

The IGP called for preparing security measures on the basis of inner and outer cordon of central Chehlum processions under close coordination between police and other law enforcing organizations.  

He instructed that every step be taken for removal of encroachments, abandoned or out of order vehicles in the way of processions, He called for extraordinary security measures on the day of Chehlum for small and major processions and the majalis to be held besides deploying snipers at selected high rise buildings on the route of central procession. 

He directed that special responsibilities be entrusted to police commandos, reserved and anti-riots platoons, special and crime branches.

US Vice Consul General briefs shipping companies on visa procedure

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) organized a briefing regarding the hurdles in obtaining US visa. The US Vice Consul General, James Allman Gulino, briefed the shipping companies regarding the hardships faced in obtaining US visa. 

The Economic Officer of the US Consulate in Karachi, Richard Rasmussen, PNSC’s Chairman, Arif Elahi, PNSC’s Executive Director, Brig Rashid Siddiqi, Director Ports and Shipping, owners of private shipping companies and their representatives attended the briefing. 

Gulino, speaking on the topic of visa policy and procedure, provided the attendants with the details regarding obtaining US visa and told them that one doesn’t have to face any undue delay or difficulty if he or she has a machine readable passport, SSB and is registered at the agent. 

“The applicants have to face difficulty if they lack the eligibility, don’t follow the standard procedure, provide invalid or incomplete documents or fail to provide required information,” he explained. 

The representatives of shipping companies requested that the procedure be made easier, some regulations should be relaxed and undue delay in issuance of visa be done away with. Speaking to media, 

Arif Elahi, Chairman PNSC, said that the main purpose of the briefing was to understand the matters related to US visa and give the Pakistani shipping companies proper orientation so that their cadets or deck cadets may face no undue difficulty at US ports. 

“The cadets passing out from Pakistan Marine Academy do not get jobs because of not having the US visas. The US visa gives them an additional international advantage as they can enter ports in many countries without any hindrances. This increases their chances of getting lucrative jobs,” he added. 

The PNSC Chairman also said that in order to obtain visa, one has to satisfy the visa officer with proper related documents. He related suggestions to make the visa process easy and curtail the difficulties of seamen with reference to documents.

PNSC signs agreement with Faysal Bank

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has successfully swapped its loan of Rs 3.3 billion with another loan on soft terms with a repayment period of four years on low mark-up. As a consequence, the PNSC has saved tens of millions of Rupees.

In this respect, a signing ceremony was held in the PNSC Building on November 18 which was attended by Senator Kamran Michael, Federal Minister Ports and Shipping, Arif Elahi, Chairman, PNSC, Tayyaba Rasheed, Head of Investment Banking Faysal Bank, Jarrar Haider Kazmi, General Manager Finance, PNSC, and other officials of the two organizations. 

The agreement was signed by Bilal Asghar, Head of Corporate Investment Banking on behalf of Faysal Bank and Imtiaz C Agboatwala Executive Director, Finance, signed on behalf of the PNSC. 

On this occasion Arif Elahi, Cjairman, PNSC, informed that the agreement has enabled the corporation to repay the outstanding loan and replace with a loan on softer terms, saving substantial financial cost.

Veteran mathematician Prof Dr Rana Khalid Naeem passes away

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The mathematics department of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, (SSUET), and the Karachi Mathematical Association (KMA) have condoled the sad demise of Prof Dr Rana Khalid Naeem, a former Chairman of the mathematics department of the University of Karachi, who passed away the other day. 

The meeting was presided over by the SSUET’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, who is also the President of the KMA. 

He recalled the services of Dr Rana Khalid in the field of mathematics and highlighted his achievements and contribution towards the promotion of mathematics. 

The President and members of KMA offered Fateha and prayed to Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the family and the circle of friends to bear the great loss.

SSUET Chancellor announces medical insurance, revised pay scale and other facilities to employees

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, Jawaid Anwar has announced medical insurance and revised pay scale besides other facilities for the university’s employees.

He made the announcement amidst applause while addressing the Aligarhians at a reception held at the university campus to celebrate the victory of the Zakir Ali Khan Panel in the recently held elections of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA). 

"I have always believed in governing with respect and look forward to work together to meet the challenges ahead with no political conflict,” the AMUOBA President stated

He congratulated his team on a hard-fought campaign adding that the Zakir Ali Khan Panel has been provided a golden opportunity to bring about changes for a constructive growth and betterment at the campus. 

He declared that AMUOBA will provide a favorable environment for everyone to pursue the cherished objectives. Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said he will not be carrying anyone to a blind optimism or to wishful idealism. 

“In keeping our promise we have immediately started to deliver and as a first move the hockey ground opposite the campus has been reopened for parking of vehicles of SSUET employees and students after so many years," he remarked adding that the place will also be provided with facilities for sports activities. 

He announced that employee’s pay scales will be revised in coming months while tenders have been invited for introducing their medical insurance in a transparent manner. 

The Chancellor informed that instructions have been issued for preparing a performance-based audit report of each department on the basis of which promotions and facilities will be announced on merit.  

Appreciating the role of teachers in the society he pointed out that faculty is the backbone of the university and they must be provided with better facilities. He asked them to strive to improve the SSUET’s image. 

He advised the Vice Chancellor and faculty members to join hands with him to bring a constructive change in the university in pursuing the vision of great educationist and reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who awakened the Muslims from slumber and ignorance and opened up venues for modern learning. 

On the occasion, in recognition of 50 years of valuable service of ideal Aligarian Late Muhammad Zakir Ali Khan, shields were presented to his sons Muhammad Nadir Ali Khan and Muhammad Akbar Ali Khan. 

The guests gave a standing ovation to Mazhar Aslam Zuberi who had Rs 5.1 million, a big chunk of his retirement dues, as donation to the Association and recently gave Rs 1 lakh for the construction of Sir Syed Tower, while he himself is living in an ordinary apartment. 

Earlier, in his speech, Vice President AMUOBA, Tariq Sabzwari, said: “We follow the mission of the great visionary Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and victory of Zakir Ali Khan panel is a pleasant change. 

The event was conducted elegantly by Noshaba Siddiqui, a member of AMUOBA’s Executive Committee, and concluded with the National Anthem and the Tarana e Aligarh. 

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr.Syed Jawaid H. Rizvi, Registrar Prof Dr Mumtaz ul Imam, AMUOBA’s Muhammad Moshin Khan (Treasurer), Abdul Rasheed Khan (Vice President), Syed Anwar Ali (Vice President), Wasif Nazar Siddiqui (Joint Secretary), Waqas Jawaid Bukhari (Joint Secretary Sports), Cmdr. (R) Saleem Siddiqui, Mukhtar Naqvi, Shajar Hashmi, Mustafa Bin Ibrahim, among others, were also present on the occasion.

ABAD, Police to work jointly for problems resolution

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The DIG South, Dr Jamil Ahmed, has recognized that the construction industry provides job opportunities on a very large scale and, therefore, its problems relating to law and order would be tackled on preferential basis.

He was speaking at a function organized by the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) at the ABAD House in Karachi Those present on the occasion included Chairman ABAD, Mohammed Hanif Gohar, Vice-Chairman Mohammed Ramzan Adhia, Regional Chairman Asif Sumsum and others. 

The DIG reckoned that the law and order situation in Karachi has improved by 80 percent while efforts are being made to curb other minor crimes as well. 

He was appreciative of the ABAD's role towards promotion of national economy and stated that his doors were open for every ABAD member. 

He said that the cooperation with ABAD will not be restricted to District South but the entire Karachi Police will extend its helping hand. 

On the occasion he formed a mutual coordination committee to help immediate resolution of the problems being faced by the ABAD members. The committee will comprise SSP Investigation, Abid Hussain Qaimkhani, from the police side and Junaid Ashraf from ABAD. 

Addressing the function, the ABAD Chairman, Hanif Gohar paid tributes to the Karachi Police and specially DIG Dr Jamil Ahmed for re-establishing law and order in Karachi. 

He said that the confidence of builders has greatly been restored because of high performance of Police and Rangers and now they felt themselves more secured while carrying out their business activities. 

The Chairman of ABAD’s Southern Region, Asif Sumsum, remarked that builder's 90 percent problems have been resolved mainly due to restoration of law and order for which he paid tributes to the police.

Chinese get 650 acres of land in Gwadar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chinese have been handed over 650 acres of land in Gwadar in connection with the development of infrastructure facilities at Gwadar Port. 

In this regard a MoU was signed between the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and visiting Chinese delegation headed by Wang Xiatao. 

The Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael, was also present on the occasion. 

In his remarks on the occasion, Kamran Michael stated that Gwadar will become a smart port city in three years thus opening up more job opportunities for the people of Gwadar and reducing prevailing poverty from the area. 

He described the MoU as the first step towards a new journey of Pakistan-China friendship and said it will benefit both the countries in future.

Jawaid Anwar takes over as SSUET Chancellor

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The newly elected President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), Jawaid Anwar, on November 2, took over as the new Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, replacing Engr Adil Usman who lost to him in the AMUOBA elections held on October 31.

In his first address to the faculty members and senior AMUOBA members in the university’s conference room, Chancellor Jawaid Anwar vowed to carry the SSUET to continuous improvement with the cooperation of every one. 

“We have to move forward without looking back at the drawbacks as it will not serve any purpose,” he stated. 

The Chancellor emphasized upon every one to show performance if they want to carry the university ahead towards cherished goals and said that it would be possible only with the cooperation of every one here support of whom is imperative. 

Jawaid Anwar pointed out that there are lot of working opportunities and what was needed is only to effectively exploit them. 

He stated that the main focus will be to maintain merit in every department and section and for this purpose there will be audit of performance of every department and in the light of the same future policies will be devised. 

He made it clear that politicking will not find any space as this only weakened the organizations while our effort will be to make the institution stronger. 

Earlier welcoming the new Chancellor, SSUET’s Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi assured full cooperation to the Chancellor in the fulfillment of his mission of taking the university towards meritorious goals and said that continued improvement in the university will be ensured. 

The Registrar, Engr Syed Abrar Ali, also welcomed the new Chancellor on behalf of the university and said that he is known to every one as a senior Aligarhian since very long. 

He added that with his national and international experience to his credit, the Chancellor Jawaid Anwar will sewe tremendous development. 

Besides some senior Aligarhians, the newly elected Vice-Presidents Syed Anwar Ali and Abdul Rasheed Khan, General Secretary, Mohammed Arshad, Joint Secretary (Sports), Waqas Jawaid Bukhar, Joint Secretary (Academic) Shajar Ali Hashmi were also present on the occasion.

Zakir Ali Khan panel sweeps AMUOBA elections

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jawaid Anwar was elected as President and Muhammad Arshad as General Secretary of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association (AMUOBA) for next three-year term in the Association’s elections held on October 31. 

The other office-bearers elected were three Vice Presidents, Abdul Rasheed Khan, Mohammad Tariq Sabzwari and Syed Anwar Ali besides Mohammad Mohsin Khan (Treasurer), Wasif Nazar Siddiqui (Joint Secretary) and Waqas Jawaid Bukhari (Joint Secretary for Sports). 

An 18-member Executive Committee comprising of Aamir Misbah, Adil Masood Faridi, Arif Ahmed, Atif Nazar Siddiqui, Farhan Tasneem Siddiqui, Iqbal Ahmed Siddiqui, Mazhar Aslm Zuberi, Muhammad Aijazul Yaqin, Muhammad Aleem Ansari, Muhammad Muzammil Mukhtar, Muhammad Yousuf Bin Azhar, Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi, Muneer Muhammad Khan, Sajid Ali Khan, Saleem-uz-Zaman, Saleemuddin Chishti, Syed Adil Askari and Syed Nasir Hussainwas was also elected. Jawairia Urooj and Noshaba Siddiqui were elected on the Executive Committee as female members. 

Meanwhile in his remarks after his victory, the newly elected President AMUOBA Jawaid Anwar, who by virtue of this office has also become the Chancellor of the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), said: “I am truly glad at this remarkable victory and congratulate each and every Aligarhian at this amazing achievement.” 

“I look forward to a fruitful, efficient and highly professional cooperation with all Alig brothers.We need to elevate the status of the AMUOBA and our academic institutions to a level of professionalism. The change has taken place and now is time to deliver,” the President AMUOBA and the Chancellor SSUET declared. 

Vice President Muhammad Tariq Sabzwari observed that a new team has come up with a new resolution that will reinforce the Association. Vice President Syed Anwar Ali said institutions must be preferred over the personalities. 

“Whatever promise we made, will be redeemed in time and we will never ignore our manifesto”. General Secretary Mohammad Arshad vowed not to turn down the expectations of Alig brothers.