AKU faculty wins HEC award

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Dr Sadia Bhutta of AKU’s Institute for Educational Development (IED), has received the Best University Teacher award from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for the year 2015 at a ceremony in Islamabad.

The annual award from HEC, Pakistan’s university accreditation and regulatory body, honours teachers in higher education who have made a contribution to society through innovative teaching practices, research and community service. 

An IED alumna from the Class of 1999, Dr Bhutta went on to earn her doctorate in Education with a specific focus on Health Promotion through Schools from Oxford University’s Department of Education before returning to Pakistan to take up a position as the IED’s Head of Research and Policy Studies. 

In this role, she ensures that research at IED is relevant to the country’s education challenges and that studies are designed to inform government policy. Alongside her research responsibilities, she also teaches graduate classes in research methodology, health promotion and science.

Her innovative teaching methods have seen her win IED’s annual student-nominated on five occasions, including a period where she won the prize for four years in a row. 

Speaking about the award from the HEC, Dr Bhutta said: “I’m honoured to receive this national award. I’ve always felt at home in the classroom where my focus has been on engaging students so that they really enjoy learning. IED has helped me understand how people learn, how to use different teaching methods and how important it is to constantly reflect on one’s educational practices.” 

Dr Bhutta started her academic career as a secondary school science teacher in a government school in Balochistan. 

In recent years she has focused on teaching science education, the development and validation of assessment tools as well as leading and conducting large-scale studies in the field of education in general and science and health education in particular.

Expert advice on combating antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The experts have warned that misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals has resulted in the widespread distribution of resistant organisms in several countries, including Pakistan which means that antibiotics which were previously able to cure will not work any more.

They were addressing a national symposium on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) organized by the Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi. 

The symposium coincides with the launch of the National Strategic Framework for Antimicrobial Resistance by the Government of Pakistan the other week. 

“Antibiotic resistance is as much a problem in Pakistan as in the Western hemisphere,” Dr Sadia Shakoor, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at AKU, reckoned. 

“We know that infections acquired in the community are becoming resistant because antibiotics are available freely to the population even without prescriptions, leading to overuse. This needs to be checked through physician training to limit prescriptions and legislation to prevent over-the-counter availability of antibiotics,” she added. 

Superbugs, resistant to antimicrobials, are estimated to account for 700,000 deaths each year worldwide. A study shows that drug resistant infections will kill an extra 10 million people a year – more than currently die from cancer, by 2050 unless action is taken.

“At the UN General Assembly in September this year, leaders from 193 countries signed a landmark declaration agreeing to combat antimicrobial resistance,” Dr Rana Hajjeh, Director, Department of Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean., observed. 

“Every signatory has agreed that drug resistant infections must be tackled as a priority. The nations have committed to develop surveillance and regulatory systems on the use and sale of antimicrobial medicines for humans and animals, encourage innovative ways to develop new antibiotics and improve rapid diagnostics, and raise awareness among health professionals and the public on how to prevent drug resistant infections,” she said while having ongratulated Pakistan for developing the first national policy on antimicrobial resistance.

Dr Rumina Hasan, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at AKU highlighted the need for strengthening diagnostic facilities to better diagnose infectious diseases and detect AMR to guide health care providers in selecting appropriate treatment. The AMR develops naturally over time, usually through genetic changes in bacteria. However, misuse and overuse of antimicrobials accelerates this process. 

“Most illnesses with fevers, e.g., colds, flu and diarrhea, are caused by viruses, for which antibiotics are not recommended. However, due to over-the-counter availability, antibiotic consumption is found to correlate with these seasonal illnesses implying the misuse of antibiotics,” Dr Erum Khan, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at AKU, remarked. 

“Other examples of misuse include use of antibiotics as growth promoters in farming of animals for food, livestock, fish and poultry farming. As for humans, antibiotic usage in animals too should be restricted to manage bacterial infections. The rate of discovery of new antibiotics has slowed down drastically and the antibiotic pipeline is running dry. There is an urgent need to conserve and safeguard the antibiotics that we have available.” 

The other speakers included Dr Muhammad Salman from National Institute of Health, Dr Ejaz Khan from Shifa International Hospital, Dr Rene Hendriksen from Technical University of Denmark, Dr Ali Ahmed from University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, and Dr Revathi Gunturu and others from AKU. 

The event was organized by AKU’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in collaboration with the University’s Department of Continuing Professional Education, Health Security Partners, USA, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Society of Pakistan, and Pakistan Academy of Sciences

Karachi Railways Division completing mega projects

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The work on Rs 7 billion project of dualization of railway track from Port Qasim to Bin Qasim Railway station will be completed by June 30, 2017. 

The 11-km long track is being renewed with laying of a new track to facilitate the transportation of coal from Port Qasim to Bin Qasim Railway station for supply to upcountry destination. 

Engr Nisar Memon, the Divisional Superintendent Railways Karachi Division, revealed during an interview that 80 percent work on the existing track has been completed, while plan was afoot for the construction of a new railway station between Port Qasim and Bin Qasim. 

He said that the renewal work on 135-km track between Landhi and Kotri Railway Stations has been completed at a cost of Rs nine billion, adding that the work on strengthening of the track is going and upon completion, the train speed will increase from existing 110 km/hour to 120 Km/hour thus reducing the journey time considerably. 

Replying a question the DS Railways informed that uplift and renovation work of Karachi Cantonment Station was in progress. 

According to him as part of beefed up security measures, the railway authorities have installed two scanners Cantonment Station besides 8-10 walk through gates. 

He said that for security measures entries into station were being sealed. He said that railway is raising the platform of various stations between Karachi City and Tando Adam railway stations and work thereon will be completed by March 2017. 

To another question, Engr Nisar Memon claimed that black marketing of tickets has been minimized through stringent measures taken for the purpose. 

He stated that online advance booking system, introduced on the directive of the Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, has greatly facilitated the traveling public, indicating after the initial slow the response, it’s picking up with every passing day.

Harmful levels of lead and arsenic in common foods

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Unusually high levels of lead and arsenic, heavy metals most commonly associated with human poisoning, have been found in common foods. These are the findings of a research study, conducted by the Aga Khan University in collaboration with Japan’s Jichi Medical University, that were presented at a seminar Heavy Metals, Food Safety and Child Development at AKU on December 5.

Lead and arsenic are two chemicals deemed to be of major concern to public health, according to the World Health Organization’s International Programme on Chemical Safety, since both elements have toxic effects that can cause irreversible neurological damage and even trigger a wide range of chronic diseases. 

To determine the cause of lead and arsenic exposure, the AKU researchers looked at common sources of lead and arsenic exposure including petrol, foods, drinking water, house-dust, respirable dust and soil across urban and rural areas of Pakistan. 

In addition, blood samples from pregnant women, newborns and young children were taken to assess their health risk. Surprisingly, drinking water and surma (kohl) were not the main sources of lead exposure. 

For pregnant women, foods such as potatoes and boiled rice and for children, food and house-dust were found to be the most important contributors of lead exposure. The women and children who took part in the study had blood lead levels significantly higher than the 5 µg/dl (microgrammes per deciliter) used as a reference level for health risk by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Describing the findings of the study, Dr Ambreen Sahito, research coordinator for the study, stated that more than “60 per cent of newborns and about 90 per cent of children aged 1-3 years had blood lead levels that exceeded CDC guidelines, with grave lifelong consequences. Finding of the research are also relevant to Sustainable Development Goal 3 that calls for efforts to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals.” 

Dr Zafar Fatmi, professor of Community Health Sciences at AKU, revealed that Pakistan’s population has a relatively higher exposure to lead than other countries. “Food contamination can occur during production (farming), processing (in industry or at home) or packaging (if materials are contaminated with lead) and this calls for food processes to be regulated and monitored at each stage. Policymakers will need to pay closer attention to how lead contaminants are entering food chain.” 

He said that the next step was a systematic investigation to reveal at which point in the cycle food is contaminated. Research is also needed into the most commonly contaminated food items, he added. 

Exposure to lead can be limited by simple home activities: hand hygiene, mothers and children washing their hands and washing well, as well as regular wet mopping. Poocha, swabbing, lessens house-dust, containing air pollutants and paint contaminants, reducing lead exposure among children substantially, Dr Shahla Naeem, a member of the AKU research team, remarked 

A second study looking into arsenic exposure had equally surprising findings. It is often thought that drinking water and ‘unsafe’ cookware determines arsenic exposure. 

The researchers looked deeper into the issue by cooking with water that had been boiled and in pans made of four different metals. What they found was that regardless of the type of cookware used, chicken had at least 15 times more arsenic than potatoes and up to 5 times more arsenic than lentils that had been cooked in identical water. 

Explaining the policy implications of the arsenic study, Dr Fatmi, Dr Sahito and Dr Ghani pointed out two areas of concern. “Water standards do need to be considered. The government needs to provide a safe drinking water supply for communities living along the riverbanks as groundwater is a well-known source of arsenic.” 

“Equally important is food standards. We suspect that chicken feed or vaccines given to poultry could be the source of arsenic in meat.” 

It was pointed out that the US Federal Drug Authority has banned an arsenic-based poultry vaccine in April 2015 and regulatory authorities should consider doing the same in Pakistan. However, speakers stressed that the public should not stop eating chicken for fear of arsenic exposure. 

Dr Fatmi said: “While more research is needed on this topic, it’s important to note that people shouldn’t stop eating chicken altogether as it is an important source of protein. For the public, health risks from arsenic exposure are not only determined by the amount of toxins found in food but also by the rate of consumption and the body mass (height and weight) of the consumer.” 

Epigenetic studies are underway, in collaboration with the Japanese that investigate how lead and arsenic exposure affect genes and could potentially lead to chronic diseases. Such research would help understand the long-term impact of heavy metals on public health, speakers added. 

The studies have been funded by Japan’s Ministry Of Health, Labour and Welfare with support from AKU’s University Research Council. Dr Abdul Ghani, Dr Ambreen Sahito and Dr Shahla Naeem from the Aga Khan University’s Community Health Sciences Department and Professor Fujio Kayama from the JICHI Medical University spoke at the event. 

Professor Asad Saeed from Karachi University, Amna Khatoon and Seema Ashraf from the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, M Yahya from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, Professor Masood Kadir from the AKU’s Community Health Sciences Department and Dr Ghazala Rafique from the AKU’s Human Development Programme were also present at the seminar.

New strategies can renew hope for Pakistan’s five million disabled

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“We are running successful businesses, leading civil rights organizations and inspiring students in schools,” members of the public with disabilities spoke at a seminar on December 2 at the Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi, 

The strategies to prevent injuries that cause disabilities, initiatives to broaden access to rehabilitative services and steps to make educational services more inclusive were discussed at the event celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In Pakistan, five million people suffer from some form of disability. 

“Yet less than 1 in 5 of the country’s persons with disabilities (PWD) can access the social and educational support they need to thrive. Only 1 in 7 receive the help they need to participate fully in the workforce and just 1 in 10 have access to rehabilitative services that can help them recover.” 

“If the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members, then Pakistan has much more to do on this front. We can make a small start by ensuring that facilities for wheelchair users are present in all public spaces,” Dr Mohammad Wasay, professor of neurology at AKU, pointed out. 

The speakers at the event noted that the 2002 National Policy for Persons with Disabilities calls for the creation of an environment that provides full support to PWDs by 2025. 

They reckoned that much work still needs to be done to fulfill the government’s policy goals and also drew attention to the theme of this year’s world day Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want which refers to international commitments under the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 

“Pakistan is committed to the global agenda and there are 11 specific references to persons with disabilities in the Sustainable Development Goals, under Goals 4, 8, 10, 11 and 17. These goals call for access to quality education, steps to reduce inequality, strategies to promote inclusive economic growth, initiatives to make communities and cities accessible to all, and formal efforts to track the impact of programmes on the most vulnerable populations.” 

“Support for these goals is needed across all sections of society so that Pakistan adopts policies that support PWDs and creates an environment that enables them to achieve their full potential,” Dr Wasay added. 

Outlining the steps that can help prevent disabilities and create an inclusive society, experts called on members of civil society, welfare organizations and the government to collaborate to introduce three types of measures. The first is to improve the enforcement of road traffic laws on speed limits, rash driving and mandatory helmet wearing that the results in one million trauma injuries a year in the country. 

About 10 per cent of these injuries, which affect the brain and spinal cord, lead to disabilities which can be prevented by ensuring that traffic laws are obeyed. 

A second initiative that needs to be taken is within hospitals, said speakers. Many types of disabilities related to childhood development delays, sensory impairments and motor disabilities can be treated through rehabilitative programmes, therapies, and the provision of orthopaedic devices. 

Unfortunately, these vital services are not available in most public sector hospitals. Experts said the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has taken the lead in this area by ensuring the presence of rehabilitative services at every district level public sector hospital and urged other provincial governments to follow KP’s example. 

Commenting on the importance of rehabilitative services, Javed Sheikh, CEO of HR consultancy e-square, spoke of the severe spinal cord injuries in 1995 that left him paralysed from the waist down. 

“After my injury, I went through 25 days of rehabilitation and occupational therapy which helped me to understand how to return to daily tasks at home and work. The therapy enabled me to return to living my life. Today, I continue to lead the company I founded in 2006, 11 years after my disability. I may be in a wheelchair but I can go wherever I please and I am independent.” 

Dr Wasay also mentioned the need for public awareness initiatives to help in the early detection and treatment of diseases such as stroke and diabetes that can cause disabilities. 

He explained that stroke could cause paralysis while diabetes can result in vision loss, renal issues and complications requiring amputation. 

Finally, speakers also stressed how professional bodies, the media and public sector stakeholders can play an important role in helping the disabled access higher education. Nasimuddin, an associate professor at the Government College for Women, Sharea Liaquat, who is legally blind, said: “There are many institutions devoted to supporting the education of those with special needs but they lack the funds and workforce to make a difference. Scholarships and reserved seats for the disabled can empower PWDs to achieve their potential.” 

“The government can also help by conducting a census of PWDs so that they can understand that there are many PWDs who are capable of excelling in school and in the workplace. In addition, we also need the electronic media to profile successful people with disabilities so that people believe that we can play a useful role in society.” 

Javed Sheikh also highlighted how support among one’s immediate family and colleagues plays an important role in adjusting to the new reality and in encouraging PWDs to take charge of their lives. 

“I was working as the regional sales manager of a large telecommunications company when my spinal cord injury meant that I had to use a wheelchair. I remember the CEO of the company sending me a letter assuring me that I was an integral part of the organisation. My colleagues and immediate family were also very encouraging in the early days. When you give people such a harmonious and encouraging environment it empowers them to take charge of their lives and overcome any obstacle.”  

Other speakers on the day included deaf businessman Khursheed Akhtar, the President of the Deaf and Dumb Association, Aamir Nizami, a patient with multiple scelerosis who manages a retail business, Mohsin Kaimkhani, Director, Revenue, of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, who is paralysed from the waist down, and Nazir-ul-Hasan who earns a living as a rickshaw driver despite limb disabilities caused by polio.

SSUET to raise boxing team

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Besides some other sports, the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, is now raising its boxing team.

According to the SSUET Director Sports, Mubbashir Mukhtar, the work has started on preparing the university's boxing team of eight to 10 members. 

So far, he said, 35 students got themselves registered for induction in the team. 

Mubbashir Mukhtar said that the trials for selection of team members have been conducted and required number of team members selected. 

He added that these selectees will undergo training for which a 10-day training camp, planned to be organized at some reputed martial art club in the city. 

The trials were conducted under the supervision of boxing coach Nasir Khaleeq and witnessed by the SSUET Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali. 

The university already has teams in cricket, hockey, football, volleyball, basketball, swimming, judo, taekawndo, table tennis, badminton and bodybuilding.

US-based scientist honoured at SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Shaheer Khan, the US-based Muslim scientist and a senior Aligarhian, currently on a short visit to Pakistan, was the chief guest at a luncheon hosted by Prof Dr Jawaid H Rizvi, Vice-Chancellor Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET).

A senior staff scientist at Applied Biosystems (Thermo Fisher Scientific), San Francisco Bay Area Biotechnology, Shaheer Khan is an accomplished multidisciplinary scientist with 20 plus years of research and product development experience in Biotech Company. 

He has demonstrated strong synthetic and analytical chemistry background for discovery and development of new products in a multidisciplinary team environment and has an extensive background in organic chemistry with an emphasis on nucleosides/nucleotides and oligonucleotide. 

During an interaction with the luncheon participants Shaheer Khan praised the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) for its efforts for the establishment of an engineering university after the name of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. 

He praised the SSUET founders late Zakir Ali Khan and Z A Nizami who, he observed, steered the AMUOBA towards achievements of cherished objectives in the field of education, particularly engineering. 

Shaheer Khan spoke about the AMUOBA like associations elsewhere in the world and expressing his desire to establish associations on the pattern of the Association at Aligarh University and called upon the SSUET's passed out graduates and now living abroad to contact him for the very purpose. 

He informed that the preparations have started to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan on October 17, 2017. 

As regards his association in US, he said that its functions are attended by people belonging to all religion as they don't allow any political and religious discussions from its forum. 

In his remarks on the occasion the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi welcomed Shaheer Khan to the SSUET describing him as a proud Aligarhian rendering most important services in the field of science and technology in the US.

He disclosed that during his meeting with him he discussed with him important matter like visiting fellowship, research collaboration, student guidance, post-graduation programme with faculty. 

The luncheon was attended, among others, by senior Aligarhians, Vice-President AMUOBA, Anwar Ali, General Secretary Arshad Khan, Dean, Associate Dean, Chairpersons of various departments and senior faculty members besides Registrar Syed Sarfraz Ali. 

Later the visiting scientist, accompanied by Anwar Ali and Arshad Khan visited the under-construction Sir Syed Tower at M.R. Kiyani Road opposite Arts Council of Pakistan. He praised the AMUOBA for its outstanding projects and said these projects would contribute greatly towards national development as a follow up of the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

LUMS students learn about Railways operations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A six-member group of students of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) visited the headquarters of the Pakistan Railways in Lahore to acquaint themselves with the infrastructure, operation and working of the railway system.

The group consisting of four girls and two boys, called on the Chief Personnel Officer, Shoaib Adil, at his office and had an in depth interaction with him about the railway affairs. 

The CPO briefed the visitors about the railway working in greater details and specially the efforts being made by the Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, for the railway's turn around to make it Pakistan's prestigious organization. 

He explained to the students the railway's soaring revenue income, the addition of new locomotives and carriages and the working of different cadres of the railway staff besides other things. 

The LUMS students pitched a volley of searing questions especially about the steps taken for increasing the railway's revenues, the hiring system for the employees, the train operations, the safety and security measures for passengers. 

Shoaib Adil informed that since the present leadership took over, the efficiency of the railway staff has went up manifold which brought amazing changes in the organization leading to achievement of remarkable results. 

He said as of today any hiring is made on total merit and more focus is paid on their training particularly with regard to provision of travelling facilities, safety and security of travelers and related aspects.

Karachi Railways Division makes steep revenue gains

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan Railways has made great strides in its revenue earnings with Karachi railway division alone having achieved amazing targets with total revenue earnings rising from Rs 4172.468 million in 2011-12 to Rs 15,615.820 million in 2015-16.

The statistics showed that railways’ revenue earnings stood at Rs 2326.312 million in 1988-89 and soared to Rs 4726.668 million in 2012-13 but shot up to Rs 15,615.820 million in just 2 years 2014-16. 

"The earnings of the division stood at Rs 12,158 million in 2014-15 as against the target of Rs 9304.276 million and went up to Rs 15,615.820 million as against the target of Rs 12,732 million in 2015-16,”Engr Nisar Memon, the Divisional Superintendent Railways Karachi Division, informed in an interview. 

Giving head wise earning position, he revealed that from July 2016 to October 2016, the railway's passenger earnings touched a record Rs 2126.150 million as against the target of 1978.068 million and on the goods side it stood at Rs 3161.55 million as against the target of Rs 2941.462 million. 

According to him, the passenger earnings of Karachi Division stood at Rs 575.817 million in 1988-89 which entered into four figure when for the first time railway earned Rs 1064.570 million in 1995-96 and shot up to Rs 3102.947 million in 2012-13 after the present regime came into power registering a steep rise to Rs 4081.624 million in 2014-15 and a record Rs 5779.633 in 2015-16.

On the freight side, Nisar Memon stated that the earnings stood at Rs 1,610 .906 million in 1988-89 which soared to Rs 6391.714 million in 2013-14 and rose to a record Rs 9151.506 million in 2015-16 thus carrying the total earnings from both passenger and freight sides to Rs 15,615.820 million. 

He observed that these targets were achieved primarily because of the leadership provided by the Federal Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique who has made tremendous efforts to eradicate corruption from the organization which in the past badly devoured its resources. 

He remarked that the minister's appreciation of their performance had provided them a boost to their efforts to make Karachi Division the highest revenue earning Division of Pakistan. 

The minister, he said, has directed that the facilities being provided to traveling passengers be further improved and Karachi Railway Division is working on various projects in this regard. 

As a result of the efforts made the trains’ punctuality rate has increased to over 80 percent for Down trains and almost 100 percent for upcountry trains.

Sindh CM highlights importance of a broad-based, multidisciplinary education

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his address to Aga Khan University’s 29th convocation, highlighted the importance of a broad-based, multidisciplinary education in tackling the country’s problems.

“We need natural scientists and social scientists, writers and artists, entrepreneurs and public policy experts who can work across boundaries of all kind in order to start and lead progress in wide range of fields,” he observed while speaking to the university’s 383 graduands. 

While praising the AKU’s plans to invest in a new Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) in Karachi, he spoke of the social contribution that a liberal arts education can make. 

“The FAS will fill a deep need within Pakistan for universities that create leaders who possess the critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills, an inquiring mind, breadth of knowledge and respect for all people needed to tackle the most complex challenges the country face. This is the mission of the FAS and the government of Sindh encourages the AKU to make this a reality,” he declared. 

The Chief Minister, who is himself a qualified civil engineer, also spoke of the ‘unyielding power of their education to impact humanity and urged graduands to use their skills to address the many issues in Pakistani society. “Be conscious of that power and use it to give the best to humanity,” he added. 

Firoz Rasul, President, AKU, in his welcome address spoke about how we, as human beings, seek a higher purpose, a challenge that brings meaning to our lives, and that leaves a mark on the lives of others. He mentioned that one great challenge is the Sustainable Development Goals that 193 countries, including Pakistan, have committed to by 2030.

“If Pakistan were to meet them, it would be a country transformed,a place where no child suffers from hunger, every boy and girl is taught by well-qualified teachers, and all people have access to high-quality healthcare. At AKU, we are working to make that vision a reality, as an educator of leaders, a source of research that generates solutions to critical challenges and a provider of life-saving health care,” he stated. 

He went on to say how students can use the knowledge and skills they have developed at AKU to make an extraordinary difference, to “work on behalf of a great cause, to seek to do what has never been done is an experience as thrilling and inspiring as any you will ever know.” 

“There is no greater reward than the knowledge that your efforts have deeply and positively impacted the lives of a great many people. The chance to experience that knowledge for yourself is an opportunity indeed one I urge you not to miss,” the AKU President reckoned. 

The School of Nursing and Midwifery, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, saw 176 nurses graduate, 163 with undergraduate and 13 with graduate degrees. After today’s convocation, the School has almost 4,000 diploma and degree graduates in Pakistan. 

The Medical College awarded 1 PhD in the health sciences, 34 master’s, 95 undergraduate degrees and 19 advanced diplomas (16 in human development, 3 in health professions education) as well as 10 diplomas in dental hygiene. In education, 1 PhD and 37 Master of Education degrees were conferred and 10 Master of Arts in Muslim Cultures to students from the University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. 

In his valedictorian speech, Sheraz Hussain, an MBBS graduate, said: “AKU’s student body is like a multicultural family. Everyone knows everyone else. We find strength in our diversity. There is one thing I would urge all my fellow graduates to do, once you’re ‘established’ do come back to serve the people who need you. I will end with three golden words, which have been my guiding principle since high school: Perseverance commands success!” 

Aziza Jaffer Ali received the 2016 Best Graduate Award from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. She was also presented with the Nursing Practice Award given to the student as the clinical and community practice reflects a client-centered approach, distinctive critical thinking, problem solving abilities and ethical decision making. 

The Medical College’s 2016 Best Graduate Award was presented to Dr Saneeha Shahid, for the highest aggregate score in the certifying examinations through the five-year MBBS degree programme.

AKUH gets advanced laser technology for vision-correcting surgeries

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, has launched an advanced refractive surgery suite equipped with the latest laser technology for vision-correcting surgeries. The suite will enable eye specialists at the Hospital to customise treatment to each patient’s needs with improved performance in terms of precision, safety, comfort and recovery.

“A refractive surgery is a procedure that corrects common vision problems to reduce or stop a person’s dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses,” Dr Irfan Jeeva, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Service Line Chief of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, AKUH, observed at the inauguration of the facility. 

He described the most common vision problems as nearsightedness or myopia where distant images seem blurry, farsightedness or hyperopia where near images seem blurry, and astigmatism where close-up as well as distant images seem blurry. 

There are several types of refractive surgery and only a qualified eye specialist can advise what is suitable after evaluating and briefing a patient on advantages and anticipated side effects, if any. A laser procedure called LASIK is the most popular refractive surgery to correct refractive errors caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea. 

“The first thing we check is the evaluation if a person is a good candidate for LASIK. Then we provide a consultation to help patients fully understand what improvements they can expect based on age, vision and lifestyle requirements. Patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK would then be offered alternative solutions,” Dr Jeeva said. 

Dr Sharmeen Akram, Assistant Professor and Section Head of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, AKU, explained that all vision-correcting laser surgeries worked by reshaping the cornea, improving the eye’s ability to focus. 

“The laser portion of the treatment takes less than a minute and does not cause any pain. A person will usually be able to see well enough to drive on the day after the procedure,” he noted. 

“We at AKUH continuously seek innovative solutions that can solve local healthcare problems and also keep our institution current with advances in the industry. The new Refractive Laser Suite can help patients achieve the best vision,” Hans Kedzierski, CEO, AKUH, reckoned. 

“On top of that I would like to mention that our ophthalmologists will use protocols as per the best international practices. Training has been done accordingly and the protocols will be available on the Hospital website to support our patients,” he added. 

The AKU President, Firoz Rasul, thanked Bashir Dawood for generously gifting the suite. The facility was inaugurated by AKU President along with the donor, CEO Hans Kedzierski and ophthalmology faculty Drs Irfan Jeeva, Sharmeen Akram, Tanveer Chaudhry, Burq Maqsood and others. 

Ophthalmology or eye services at AKUH include assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of vision and eye conditions in both adults and children.

Prof Zulfiqar Bhutta wins 2016 TWAS award in medical sciences

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Professor Zulfiqar A Bhutta has been honoured with The World Academy of Sciences 2016 TWAS Prize in medical sciences, in recognition of his “incisive work on academic paediatrics and public health in Pakistan, which has contributed to shape global child health and policy”.

TWAS Prizes are in nine fields and this year 10 winners were announced at the Academy's 27th General Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. 

So far only three prizes have been given to Pakistani scientists, one each in agriculture and biological sciences previously, since its inception in 1983. 

Each year, TWAS awards prizes worth US$15,000 each to individual scientists from developing countries in recognition of their outstanding contributions to scientific knowledge, and to the application of science and technology to sustainable development. 

The award is given to those who have been working and living in a developing country for at least 10 years. The prizes are given in nine fields ranging from agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering sciences, mathematics, physics, social sciences to medical sciences. 

This year there were 10 prize winners: two each from Brazil, China and India; and one each from Chile, Mexico, Turkey and Pakistan. The winners will present a lecture on their research at TWAS’s 28th General Meeting in 2017, when they will also receive a plaque and the prize money. Prof Zulfiqar Bhutta’s nomination was made by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences. 

“I am deeply conscious of the fact that my contributions have largely been possible because of the phenomenal team of young people that I work with, and the opportunity for scholarship and research that my peers and mentors provided me,” the award-winning professor remarked. 

He has had a 30-year long academic career at the University and the global impact of his work has seen him take up prominent positions at leading universities in Canada, the UK and the United States. 

An expert on nutrition, newborn and child survival, and micronutrient deficiencies, Prof Zulfiqar Bhutta is one of the most cited health sciences scholars from the developing world. 

He has published 8 books, 88 book chapters, and over 725 indexed publications to date, including 145 in the world’s leading journal The Lancet alone. At the launch of the new Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health in September last year, he had represented AKU which has pledged to invest more than US$85 million over the next decade in support of the Global Strategy. 

In December 2015, he was presented with the prestigious Turkish award, the 2015 International TÜBA Academy Prize, in health and life sciences. 

The President of Pakistan has also conferred the Pride of Performance Award on Prof Zulfiqar Bhutta, in recognition of his major contributions in the field of healthcare education.

AKU-EB recognizes high achievers of 2016

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A total of 162 top students from all over the country were recognized for their outstanding performance in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations, held by the Aga Khan University Examination Board, at their high achievers award ceremony in Karachi on November 15.

A large number of parents, school principals and teachers were present at the ceremony to appreciate and encourage the high achievers. 

"We are proud of our AKU-EB graduates, many of whom have successfully obtained admissions to renowned national and international universities. It is heartening to see the impact that the Examination Board is having on our society by being a model of excellence and innovation in education for Pakistan,” Firoz Rasul, President AKU, remarked. 

Girls topped the SSC examinations with the overall first position awarded to Alina Fatima from Al-Murtaza School, Karachi and Hira Naz from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Kuragh, Chitral. In second position was Ruhaina Nadeem from Nasra School, Karachi and the third position was awarded to Shehla Tanveer from Maryam Siddiqa Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Chiniot and Maryam Ihsan from Nusrat Jehan Academy Girls High School, Chiniot, Punjab.

Hira Naz, one of the award winners, said: “An AKU-EB candidate has enough opportunities to demonstrate creativity through innovative ways of learning. I learned how to apply my learnings in daily life which made me confident about the knowledge I have. The high level of accuracy and transparency in AKU-EB is also a great source of confidence and motivation for candidates.” 

Among the HSSC candidates, Areej Al Medinah from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karimabad, Karachi, secured the overall first position, while Areeba M. Amin from Habib Girls School, Karachi stood second. Fatima M Asad Khan also from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karimabad, Karachi, secured the overall third position.

“With AKU-EB's application, understanding and knowledge scheme discouraging the rote system, we have successfully been instilled with the ability to comprehend and tackle real life problems and issues,” Areej Al Medinah observed while receiving her award. 

The winners of the AKU-EB Bridge Scholarship were also announced at the ceremony. The merit cum need-based scholarship, generously funded by the Fancy Foundation, is offered to AKU-EB SSC graduates and funds two years of HSSC education at an AKU-EB affiliated school or college in Karachi. 

“With more than 10 years of experience, AKU-EB has produced over 30,000 graduates and today these high achievers have also joined the parade by demonstrating with their excellent performance that they are future leaders and policy makers,” the chief guest, Jameel Yusuf,. Chairman, TPL Holdings and President of the ‘I am Karachi’ initiative, stated. 

“AKU-EB students demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to understand ideas and bring them to reality,” he added. 

“At AKU-EB we continue to strive and maintain consistency to attain international benchmarks. We must stay engaged on our essential role to inspire and develop versatile individuals who are responsible, articulate, who can think for themselves, form their own opinions and are empowered to take their place in leadership roles,” Dr Shehzad Jeeva, Director, AKU-EB, reckoned while presenting the vote of thanks.

The Hub School: Fulfillment of a cherished dream

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Hub School, a not-for-profit boys’ boarding school of excellence, has started its operations with 50 students thus making a cherished dream of the Ahmed E H Jaffer Foundation a reality.

Its inaugural batch of 50 students from all over the country has set the ball rolling as The Hub School, situated on the outskirts of Karachi in the vicinity of Northern Bypass near Sindh-Balochistan border, aims to forge a national identity and consciousness by fostering close links and cooperation amongst all students as Pakistanis. 

"It will not only create a middle-class for future good leadership and good governance in all fields but will also produce young boys with character, discipline and integrity for a better world and a better and more prosperous Pakistan,” Abdul Kader Jaffer, the present President of Ahmed E. Jaffer Foundation and a former Pakistan's High Commissioner to UK, stated in an exclusive interview. 

"Education is a Jaffer Family legacy to Pakistan. The Islamia School in Pune was founded in 1907 by Ahmed E H Jaffer’s great grand Father Khan Bahadur Haroon Jaffer,” he recalled and explained that his grandfather Sir Ebrahim Haroon Jaffer organized the first Muslim Educational Conference in 1920. His late-father Ahmed E.H. Jaffer introduced reforms as a member of the Indian Legislative Assembly in 1940 and later after partition in the Pakistan Legislative Assembly he raised several bills and motions for improvement and increase in the allocation for education.

“By the Grace of Almighty Allah, The Hub School has become operational and the classes have commenced. We have begun our journey with special prayers for the prosperity of the country, school and for the wellbeing of our respected donors,” Abdul Kader Jaffer, President of The Hub School, said. 

He informed that after return from UK on completion of his assignment as Pakistan High Commissioner from 2000 to 2003, he had been working on this most challenging task of setting up a boarding school initially for 135 boys to be gradually increased to 800 boys in the next 5 years, followed by a boarding school for girls and finally a University of national stature on 240 acre of land donated by the family besides Rs 50 million in cash. 

According to him a dormatory for 135 boys is in use while another dormatory for 135 girls will be ready by next year to start boarding school for girls which will start from next academic calendar in August 2017. 

“The Hub School is the first boarding school in this area which will provide quality education to all on merit. We believe providing quality education to our youngsters is the only viable alternative to curb extremism and to produce leadership in all fields from young men and women who are broad-minded and enlightened,” Abdul Kader Jaffer, who founded the Ahmed E H Jaffer Foundation in 1996, observed.

“It is our mission to provide quality education to our younger generation at the Hub School as per the high standard available in USA and UK. I am sure we will be able to achieve these objectives with the kind and generous support of all our friends, relations and well-wishers both in Pakistan and abroad,” he hoped. 

“The objective of the Ahmed E H Jaffer Foundation is to work mostly but not limited to in the fields of education, healthcare and sports and for this purpose raised a fund of over Rs 800 million from generous donors in Pakistan and abroad,” he shared. 

He remarked that the institution has a Board of Governors comprising of quite a few eminent personalities like Aitzaz Shahbaz, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Lt Gen Tanwir Hussain Naqvi, Ghazala Nizami, Ismail Zakaria, Mian Mukhtar Ahmed, Aliuddin Ahmed, Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Dr Masuma Hasan, Professor Haroon Rasheed and Professor Mohammad Rais Alvi. 

He revealed that the Board planned to meet on November 21 in which some important matters concerning The Hub School will be discussed.

Advance publication of Bazm-e-Akram's Adab-o-Kutub Khana 9

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The ninth edition of Adab-o-Kutub Khana, the flagship publication of Bazm-e-Akram, a literary forum of the library scientists, named after the legendary Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, has come out well before the start of the coming year. 

The advance publication of Adab-o-Kutub Khana-9, which was due to be published in 2017, is considered a testimonial of the laborious efforts of its editorial team, headed by Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, the Chief Editor. 

It’s quite remarkable and praiseworthy that the Bazm-e-Akram has succeeded in bringing out Adab-o-Kutub Khana every year regularly since its revival in 2011.

More importantly they have added more pages to it with each new edition, providing more reading pleasure to its members.

The Adab-o-Kutub Khana-9 has many of the ingredients to keep the readers absorbed. As usual it’s rich in content and neat in presentation.

The cover has a picture of a library while the back cover has the portrait of Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari on top and there is a collage of the previous six titles, all in different colours. 

Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, a former Chairperson of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi, has been credited to have energized the Bazm-e-Akram by ensuring the regular publication of Adab-o-Kutub Khana. 

Like the previous edition, the Chief Editor has been assisted by the trio of Dr Nasreen Shagufta, Dr Amna Khatoon and Zainuddin Siddiqui in bringing out the annual issue. 

The Adab-o-Kutub Khana-9 is spread over 260 pages and it contains contributions from some of the eminent library professionals. It has been priced Rs 500 in Pakistan with US$15 being its published international price. 

In the preface, the Chief Editor, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, has noted that greater interest is being generated in the annual journal of late and it was on the road to progress. 

“It has been our endeavour not to compromise on the standard of Adab-o-Kutub Khana and at the same we are encouraging new contributors to come on board as well as urging the established intellectuals to try their hands on new subjects,” she wrote. 

“We have added drama, humour and short stories in Adab-o-Kutub Khana-9 in order to make it more interesting and more tasteful. The idea is to improve and expand without compromising on the quality of work,” she stated. 

She has made a special mention of Abdul Wahab Khan Saleem, Farid Sabzwari, Nadeem Sabzwari, Fahim Sabzwari, Azra Qureshi, Shakil Ahmed Khalil and Shamim Ahmed Farooqui for having supported the publication.

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari arrives

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services) 

The founder of the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB) and an ex-chairperson, Department of Library Information Science, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, has arrived in Karachi where he has been greeted with a packed schedule yet again. 

Acclaimed as one of the most eminent library scientists of the country, he has distinguished himself with his unmatched commitment to the profession for more than half a century. 

As usual his stay in Pakistan is set to witness rise in professional and scholastic activities as many of his students, colleagues and admirers have already started approaching him for an audience. 

The veteran professor, who remains preoccupied in pursuing his vocations even while staying in North America for better part of the year, has also set his own goals to make the stay in home country productive and enlightening. 

The matters relating to the LPB which has been celebrating its Golden Jubilee since the start of the year 2016 will feature on top of his agenda during his current trip. 

It may be recalled that Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari had broken into tears during his speech in the LPB’s Golden Jubilee progrogramme at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) earlier this year as the bureau and its future remain very dear to his heart.

SSUET management meets the challenge

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Ever since the present management led by Chancellor Jawaid Anwar, who is also the President of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) has taken over its leadership, the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) has taken, on a positive note, many issues as a challenge. 

To begin with, according to the progress report 2016-17, issued by AMUOBA, a strategic plan with corrective measures to address the challenges was delivered on stringent timelines. The salient features of the plan included the establishment of Quality Enhancement Cell, establishment of the office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) with a monetary grant from the European Union, revamping of Center of Guidance Counseling and Career Planning/Placement (CGCCPP), establishment of postgraduate studies Directorate, signing of MoUs at national and international levels, HEC and Foreign Funded projects. 

The most important challenge was to ensure a transparent admission policy with transparent admission tests and timely results. 

Keeping in view the last year's experience, where the issuance of merit list was delayed for two months as the admission test date was September 20, 2015 while the result date was November 20, 2015. 

"We have tried our level best to overcome this issue and hence the result of aptitude test was declared on time", the report said. 

Determined efforts have been made to ensure transparency at all levels, says Chancellor Jawaid Anwar as per progress report. 

According to him, over the past year, since he took over, the mentioned efforts have already reflected on different forums as the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC), Government of Sindh, Steering Committee raising the university's rank to Number One Private Engineering University of Sindh. 

Another feat achieved was bringing the Campus on Cloud envisaging a campus management with system rich functionality in a highly secure solution with a stunning user interface, covering the complete student lifecycle, CoC automates the admissions, Academics and Finance operations across the campus, departments and Programs of the Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) was being deployed at the university. 

Threat of a malnourished, underachieving generation of Pakistanis calls for simple accelerated actions

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Malnutrition has a lifelong effect on Pakistan’s children and adults and severe consequences for the economy, experts opined at the launch of the Global Nutrition Report 2016 and in the subsequent discussion on policy responses to the country’s nutrition crisis.

The seminar on Towards Sustainable Nutrition in Pakistan: Unlocking Barriers focused on identifying multi-sectoral interventions that could help reduce malnutrition and nurture future generations. 

The speakers called for simple accelerated actions to improve the quality of life and to meet commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Goals 2 and 3 on ending hunger, and ensuring healthy lives and well being for all ages. 

“Inadequate access to nutrition in the first few years of a child’s life results in irreversible neurological and physical effects, diminished mental ability and learning capacity, increased vulnerability to deadly diseases as well as lower work productivity and earning capacity as adults,” Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, Aga Khan University’s Founding Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health and a member of the Independent Expert Group which produced the Global Nutrition Report 2016, observed. 

“Worse, girls, who are malnourished in their early years, are more likely to give birth to underweight children meaning that these health problems have a multi-generational impact. This is why stakeholders need to focus on early, high-impact interventions and preventive strategies,” he added. 

The speakers at the event noted that many factors are contributing to Pakistan’s nutrition crisis which calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the problem. 

They noted that reaching these vulnerable people requires interventions that take into account factors such as gender, socioeconomic status and regional inequalities.

“The menu of multi-sectorial interventions is still being debated, yet to be financed and implemented in Pakistan. Lessons are particularly needed in agriculture and livestock, water and sanitation, pulling in the private sector market, single cohesive leadership and specialized technical assistance,” Dr Shehla Zaidi, Director, Graduate Programme for Health Policy and Management, AKU, commented. 

Altaf Bijarani, Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Government of Sindh, used the occasion to express the government’s commitment to root out malnutrition and stunting in the province. Findings from the Global Nutrition Report highlighted that other countries in SAARC (the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) have a faster stunting reduction rate as compared to Pakistan. 

“Malnutrition is a condition that directly affects one in three people. The economic consequences represent losses of 11 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) every year in Africa and Asia, whereas preventing malnutrition delivers $16 in returns on investment for every $1 spent. The world’s countries have agreed on targets for nutrition, but despite some progress in recent years the world is off track to reach those targets,” the report stated. 

The other speakers, in person and via video links, included Inam ul Haq and Sylvia Kauffman from the World Bank, Charlotte Dufour from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization, Mahbubur Rehman from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, and Azra Pechuho and Shahnaz Wazir Ali from the Oversight Committee on Primary Health Care and Polio, Government of Sindh. 

The event was organized by the AKU in collaboration with the Planning Commission of Pakistan, the International Food Policy Research Institute and Palladium.

Umeed-e-Nau launches maternal child health project in 14 districts

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University and key government officials marked the launch of a major new project aimed at improving maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in Pakistan. 

Funded by a US$25 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Umeed-e-Nau (new hope) is a five-year project that will see AKU work with public sector programmes and primary care providers such as Lady Health Workers and Community Health Midwives to deliver proven interventions and improve the quality of care at health facilities in 14 mainly rural districts in Balochistan, Southern Punjab and Sindh, as well as urban slums in Karachi. 

The districts include Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad, Matiari, Karachi, Jafferabad, Jamshoro, Lasbela, Mirpur Khas, Muzaffargarh, Nasirabad, Qambar Shahdadkot, Rahim Yar Khan, Sanghar and Thatta. 

The project also includes a ground breaking effort to provide health education through schools for adolescent girls in Pakistan. 

“Federal and provincial governments, public and private institutions, civil society and every one of us have to team up to meet the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030,” Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, Founding Director of the Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, remarked. 

“Projects like Umeed-e-Nau can help Pakistan achieve Goal 3 for health, which also requires additional investments in improving nutrition, keeping children in schools and addressing environmental health and gender equity,” he added. 

The project will operate through a new research centre, the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, which will be established through a generous gift of Rs 2 billion from the Hashoo Foundation. Muhammad Ayub Shaikh, Secretary, Ministry of National Health Sciences, Regulations and Coordination, Government of Pakistan, expressed their commitment to join hands with AKU and accelerate progress. 

“Umeed-e-Nau will test a variety of approaches in an effort to develop insights and evidence that can influence policy across the country and beyond its borders. We believe that the project will reduce stillbirths and new born deaths by 20 per cent, as well as deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea by 30 per cent through these strategies,” Professor Bhutta reckoned. 

On the occasion, a message from Dr Christopher Elias, President of the Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was delivered: 

“We are proud to support Pakistan’s efforts to improve the quality and reach of health services to reduce preventable deaths and make progress toward the country’s 2030 development goals.” 

The AKU President Firoz Rasul thanked the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its partnership and support to improve maternal and child health in Pakistan. 

“As part of its activities to support the Sustainable Development Goals, AKU has pledged to invest more than US$85 million over the next decade in support of the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, which is designed to help achieve Goal 3 of SDGs,” President Rasul said. 

The ceremony was also attended by AKU donors, members of the Hashoo Foundation, and Dr Muhammad Usman Chachar, Secretary of Health, Government of Sindh.

Aziz Memon elected United Memon Jamat’s President

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The popular figure of Aziz Memon, a successful entrepreneur and an acclaimed social activist, has been elected as the President of the United Memon Jamat of Pakistan (UMJP). 

According to a press release of the UMJP, its elections were held on November 6 in which Aziz Memon was elected as the President and Younus Bandukra was elected as the Senior Vice President. 

Ashfaque Memon, Mahmood Parekh and Abdul Ghani Suleman Bhangda were elected as Vice Presidents while Abdul Ghani Sabunwala, Mohammad Afzal Bhujwala and Faisal Khanani were elected as Honorary Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Secretary General respectively whereas Saleem Memon was elected as Finance Secretary and Shahzad Sabir was elected as Information Secretary. 

Those elected to the Managing Committee of the Jamat were Umar Motlani, Rashid Jumbo, Allah Bachayo Memon, Abdul Nabi Memon, Abdul Qadir Memon, Talha Maqbool Memon, Abdul Sattar Memon, Aslam Mullah, Abdul Ghafoor Jafrani, Moula Bux Memon, Manzoor Ahmed Memon, Pervaiz Madrassawala, Zubair Habib and Hanif Janoo.