Unique features of SSUET Convocation

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The 19th Convocation-2016 of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, held at the Expo Centre earlier this month, had quite a few unique features in its outlook and presentation.

The most distinctive feature of the convocation was that all the speeches were delivered in the country’s national language, Urdu, for the first time in the SSUET’s history. 

The chief guest, Prof. Dr Mukhtar, Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC), the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, delivered their addresses in Urdu which created a happy impact, making every one to feel the importance of the national language. 

Another feature which made the convocation different from all the previous convocations was the photo gallery on side walls of the Convocation hall at the Expo Center presenting a soothing outlook of the University. 

Yet another unique feature of the convocation was that this year the graduating students entered the hall to the tune of music.

1st phase of Sir Syed Tower inaugurated on Pakistan Day

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The first phase of the iconic Sir Syed Tower was completed and inaugurated with the soft opening of the offices of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), the promoters of the multi-million rupees and multi-storeyed project.

A ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion in the constructed portion of the Tower, coinciding the Pakistan Day thus making it a historic moment. 

The Sir Syed Tower was described as an icon because of its location in the very heart of the city just opposite the Arts Council of Pakistan and Sindh Assembly, Sindh High Court and Governor House in its vicinity. 

Giving his presidential speech on the occasion, the Chancellor of the Sir Syed University (SSUET) and President of the AMUOBA, Jawaid Anwar, remarked that March 23 enjoyed a great significance in the history of Pakistan when the Pakistan Resolution was passed and as a result thereof an independent homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent was carved out. 

He highlighted the role of Aligarh Muslim University in the Pakistan movement and recalled the words of Liaquat Ali Khan that if there had not been Aligarh University, Pakistan might not have come to existence. “The former students of the Aligarh Muslim University feel proud for their participation in Pakistan Movement and later in the development and progress of Pakistan.”

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar highlighted the importance of education in the development of nations and said that it was Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the great visionary and reformer who carried forward his mission in this respect. 

He declared that Sir Syed University is striving for further propagating the very mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan because it is our firm belief that muslims can regain their past glories only through educational power. 

He said that first phase of Sir Syed Tower has completed and work on second phase commenced. He referred to a suggestion from the chief guest, Sardar Yasin Malik, and said AMUOBA will consider making use of the Tower for some educational purposes as well. 

He said that AMUOBA is employing all resources to make SSUET the best institution and in this regard the best brains have been included in its Board of Governors. He added that in its recent meeting, the Board constituted a committee which will work how to improve the university’s educational standards. 

He complimented Sardar Yasin Malik for his valuable services in various strata of life and now focusing on the cause of education keeping in view the fact that education guides in solving manifold problems. 

The AMUOBA chief reminded that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan gave the Muslims a new direction and our Association is striving to achieve the cherished objectives of development of education. In this regard he particularly mentioned the expansion of Career Planning department and activation of Quality Enhancement Cell. 

Besides, the SSUET is going to sign a MoU with HEJ Institute of Karachi University for undertaking joint research in the field of bio-medical. At SSUET, he said, the employees’ salaries are being increased along with their medical insurance.

Jawaid Anwar said that in order to increase the university’s financial resources, regular evening classes are being started specially the one for preparing student for CSS examination. Besides courses in BBA and MBA are also being started and increased admissions to be given for Masters and Ph.Ds. 

In his speech chief guest Sardar Yasin Malik lamented that Pakistan’s younger generation had little or no knowledge about the importance of March 23, August 14 and similar other historic days which were being treated as mere holidays. 

“It is high time that everyone, who has love for Pakistan, should give serious thought to this serious issue,” he said adding that credit goes to AMUOBA which not only been maintaining the philosophy behind the creation of Pakistan but today we are sitting under its roof at this iconic project. 

He referred to the unmatched importance of Sir Syed Tower and said no other university or organization had such structure in the heart of the city. 

He suggested that since the Tower is in the heart of the city with every kind of offices all around, it would be appropriate if it is also used for educational purposes for those working in these offices and wanted to seek further education and this location will serve as an easy access to them for the purpose. 

Recalling the glimpses of Pakistan Movement, Sardar Yasin Malik said that if Pakistan had not come into existence, most of us would have been doing modest jobs somewhere. 

“For what we are today here we should be indebted to Pakistan, but we did not recognize its worth and value.” 

He mentioned about his close association with AMUOBA and said it is a big achievement that it is constructing Sir Syed Tower. 

Sardar Yasin Malik said that AMUOBA has adopted a positive approach that it is giving membership to SSUET’s passing out graduates as the number of old students has already reduced. 

In his speech, Prof Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi dwelt upon the journey of Pakistan Movement in an eloquent manner while Prof Dr Arshad Syed Karim spoke on Pakistan Resolution and establishment of Sir Syed University. 

The Vice-President AMUOBA, Tariq Sabzwari, paid poetic tributes to the promoters of the SSUET, particularly Zakir Ali Khan and Z.A. Nizami. 

The event was largely attended by senior Aligarhians and people belonging to different walks of life. The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks proposed by AMUOBA's General Secretary Arshad Khan.

Sarfraz Ali appointed SSUET registrar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Commodore (Rtd) Syed Sarfraz Ali SI (M) has been appointed as the Registrar of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi.

He has joined the institution, having carried out his major assignment, the recently held 19th Convocation-2016 of the SSUET, in which he conducted the proceedings. 

Having graduated in electrical engineering from the NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, he did his MS in electrical engineering from the German Armed Forces University Munich Germany. 

He has vast experience of teaching and training. He was Dean of Electrical Engineering Department of the Pakistan Navy Engineering College (PNEC) affiliated with NUST. He has also served as Vice Principal of the College. 

Commodore (Rtd) Syed Sarfraz Ali also has had extensive exposure to project management, having served 35 years in Pakistan Navy and over 11 years in MTC (NESCOM) as Director. 

He has the unique distinction of undertaking and successfully completing the biggest modernization program of naval ships in the whole region. 

While in MTC (NESCOM) he has set up state of the art research centres for R&D and development of systems related to microwave, underwater detection and simulators for various defence applications. 

His research interest is in the field of Telecommunication and Underwater Acoustics. He has been the coordinator of the Underwater Acoustic Chapter of the International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences & Technology (IBCAST), which is held regularly in Islamabad. He is also the President of Navy Housing Scheme (Karsaz).

Over 1,100 graduates awarded degrees at SSUET convocation

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, has said that our younger generation was the custodian of our culture and traditions that our nation always rejoiced. 

“Pakistan is going through a critical phase having challenges to face and now it is their responsibility to develop our country and carry nation forward into new era of development and prosperity,” he said while addressing as chief guest the impressive 19th Convocation-2016 of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) at the Karachi Expo Centre on March 19. 

Over 1100 graduates of the university were awarded degrees in engineering disciplines of Computer, Electronics, Civil, Bio-Medical, Telecommunication and Computer Science while top position holders were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. 

The female graduates clinched most of the top three position with Sadia Ghani Mali, Nimra Khan and Mahrose Fatima bagging gold, silver and bronze medals in Computer engineering; Gul-e-Zahra, Amber Jabeen and Farheen Nasir in electrical engineering; Fiza Burney and Sida Gul having gold and bronze medals in Telecom engineering with Mushtaq Atiq having won Silver medal. 

In Bio-Medical Engineering the Gold went to Rabia Mahmood, Silver to Tehreem Hamid and Bronze to Hira Sohail, while Muhammed Aqeel Ahmed and Kashan Khan won gold and silver in Civil Engineering while Javeria Saleem got silver. 

Mohammed Bilal Waseem and Olas Yaar clinched gold and silver in Computer Science while Syeda Shadab Raza won the silver. 

Dr Mukhtar told the graduates that today we are citizens of an independent country which was achieved with great sacrifices and in this regard a great role was played by the great reformed and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who highlighted the importance of education for the Muslims of the sub-continent. 

He pointed out that the importance of education cannot be denied and said that big countries considered materialistic development as the source of development, had to acknowledge that real base of human resource which if effectively developed, the nations can carve out their due place in the world. 

The HEC Chairman said that Allah has showered unlimited blessings upon this country which has 60 percent younger population. 

“What was needed is to transform our diamonds (the younger generation) to make them the real assets of the country for tomorrow,” he said adding that the young generation, with their talent, knowledge and devotion can contribute in national development. 

He told the graduates that they have obtained education in an institution which was established after the name of great educationist and reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. 

He said that although there are around 178 universities in Pakistan but still a lot has yet to be done in the education sector, particularly for females and in this regard it is our, your, the society and the country as a whole responsibility to play their due role both in the public and private sectors.

He admitted that although the HEC is making efforts towards this end, still a lot is yet to be done. 

Dr Mukhtar was appreciative of the role being played by the SSUET but advised that it is yet to do more. Addressing the faculty member, he called upon them to make greater focus on their students and prepare them for their future responsibilities, with particular focus on their character building keeping in view the dwindling traditions in the society. 

The HEC Chairman called for making greater focus on research and pointed out that there were a lot of big and small problems of the society which needs to be resolved with collective efforts. The research activities should also focus on this aspect so that it had its direct impact on the society. He also touched upon the need for not compromising on quality and for this purpose we will have to come out of game numbers. 

He congratulated the graduates and said that they are a drop in a population of 200 million who reached at this stage of knowledge acquisition. He particularly felicitated the girls and boys who won medals for their outstanding performance. 

He told them that they are future of the nation and they must have a clear vision about the future. "You have to deliver and this would surely bring Pakistan on sound footing,” he said and advised the graduates that when they go home they should kiss the foot of their parents whose sacrifices for them enable them to reach this level and also show gratitude to their teachers because of whom they were here today. 

Earlier in his eloquent address, the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwer, while extending his warmest congratulations to the graduates, their parents and families laid greater stress on the importance of education and pointed out that because of its importance attached in Islam, the Muslims made matchless achievements. 

Jawaid Anwer, who is also the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), while highlighting the significance of education said that it’s the only way to achieve economic and social development besides infusing required discipline in the society. 

The Chancellor said our country is faced with multifarious challenges and our graduates have to prepare themselves to meet these challenges. He said that it was the vision of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan which led to creation of educational consciousness among the Muslims of the sub-continent. 

He said that with reference to education, the convocation played an important role. He told the graduates that they would be joining the elite family of their seniors and hoped that they will not treat graduation ceremony as their departure from university. 

“In fact we look forward for your continued participation in University as alumni. As alumni your feedback would be of high value to us”. 

The Chancellor wished the graduates enormous success in future career assuring that their success will also be our success. While you enter practical life his blessings and best wishes will always follow them. 

The Chancellor said he felt honoured to mention that Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology followed the philosophy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan the great visionary, great social reformer and educationist. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan contributed immensely for the emancipation of Muslims and renaissance of Islam in the sub-continent. 

In the backdrop of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s spirit the AMUOBA sponsored Sir Syed University which is the first engineering university that has been established in the private sector in Pakistan. 

The university has provided adequate environment for learning and doing research work, as well as ample facilities have been provided for co-curricular activities. 

The Sir Syed University is not only imparting knowledge about science, engineering and technology, but it is responsive to advancement in these important fields. In quantitative terms the university started with only 200 students and now it has more than 5,000 students and over 300 highly qualified faculty members. It started with only two technologies and today offering ten technologies. 

He informed that the university has been allotted 200 acres land in Education City where it planned to establish new technologies with facilities for academic and recreational activities. He said that he has formed a Master Plan Committee to prepare master plan for the new Campus. 

Pointing out that the university was fully committed towards education in the field of engineering and sciences, Chancellor Jawaid Anwer said our vision is to transform the university into world-class university and our mission is to turnout world class engineers. 

Earlier in his address and report, the Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Prof Dr Jawaid H, Rizvi said convocation was an academic milestone being a junction of happiness and looking ahead for next phase of life. 

He extended his warm congratulations to the graduates on their arduous but successful accomplishment of this journey of four years at university and also facilitated the parents and faculty for their full support that is indispensable, meaningful to the graduates in their career development. 

He shared an indepth information about this institution of learning and the transformation it went through over two decades during which the university has grown from an enrollment of 200 students in 1994 to over 6,043 students in 2016. 

“We started with just a couple of technologies but now we expanded the programme to 10 new departments. We have plans in hand to further expand University keeping in view the national, international demand and market trend”. 

The Vice-Chancellor informed that university has turned out more than 14,000 graduates so far and with the progress made we do not aim to become the best University but we always endeavour to offer best educational facilities for learning and research we undertake concerted efforts and provide adequate knowledge and skills to students. 

The aim is to turn out true professionals who can face competitive world of today and tomorrow with full confidence when they enter practical life, he added. He said the university is following the philosophy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. 

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s efforts for promotion of science, engineering and technology would go down us history and remain everlasting and we are proud to be his legacy. The ultimate test of our institution lies in successfully achieving job placements for its graduating students. The situation is encouraging and our graduates are well placed, either pursuing higher education doing MS or Ph.D or doing jobs abroad or in Pakistan. There are a large number of graduates who are in business. 

Recently to further reinforce career planning and placement function of university graduates University has upgraded this function and renamed the department as Center of Guidance and Career Planning and Placement Bureau (CGCPPB). A senior and internationally experienced Adviser heads in CGCPPB. The Bureau is taking number initiatives to facilitate students in internship programmes in industry and also helping senior students and graduates in their career development. 

Prof Dr Jawaid Rizvi stated that in accordance with the HEC guidelines they have established Quality Enhancement (QEC) headed by a very senior level professor doctor as its Director. (QEC) regularly organizes trainings. Some of our faculty members were sent to Thailand for advanced training in quality education. 

At the end of each semester QEC carries out a student feedback survey to incorporate suggestions and comments of students in our educational system We regularly update the curriculum through university’s’ Statutory Bodies in conformity with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) standards and remain at par with the contemporary and future requirements in the fields of engineering, science, and technology. 

He described the university’s admission policy straight forward with merit-based admission while strictly observing the guidelines of the HEC, and the PEC

He said the university generously offered scholarships to students based on merit and also offers financial assistance to deserving needy students to ensure students are not deprived of studies due to any genuine financial constraint. 

He hoped the graduates will prove their worthiness in the country or elsewhere making our university take new strides in academic field. On the occasion, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded to position holders by renowned scientists and a member of SSUET's Board of Governors, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, amidst thunderous applause whenever name of a position holder was announced. 

The impressive ceremony was largely attended by the members of the SSUET’s Board of Governors including Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Lt Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin Haider, a former Sindh Governor and an ex-Federal Minister, Justice Sadiq Hussain Bhatti, Commodore (Rtd) Saleem AA Siddiqui, Prof M D Shami, Sardar Yasin Malik besides the office-bearers of Executive Committee of the AMUOBA, senior Aligarhians and prominent figures from various walks of life including education, business, industry, sports and social sector.

More public libraries needed in Sindh

By Prof Dr Nasim Fatima
(Pakistan News and Features Services)

It’s heartening to know that the Pakistan Library Association (PLA), with the collaboration of Goethe Institute, will be conducting a seminar on present status of the public libraries in Sindh on March 19 at the Aga Khan University of Health Sciences Library, Karachi. 

The seminar titled ‘Public Libraries in Sindh: Importance, current status and challenges’ is expected to bring to light fact and figures, besides a few worthy proposals, aimed at developing library culture in the province. 

The educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities besides the research organizations have their own libraries and information research centres which serve the students, teachers and researchers of their own. 

The public libraries serve a larger pool of people irrespective of their age, ethnicity, race, profession or region. Such libraries are established for community development, cultural enrichment and overall well being of the citizens of the area where it is located. 

The PLA, at national and provincial levels, has always emphasized the need of new public libraries as well as further improvement of the existing libraries. The Sachal Public Library in Sachal Goth, Karachi, is an example of newly established libraries. 

The older libraries in Sindh are running but these are not enough when considered in the context of the population of the cities. There are very few public libraries in Sindh and there is an urgent need to address the issue. 

Even in the cosmopolitan city of Karachi very few public libraries are performing their duties. Unfortunately there are very few libraries which makes difficult for the inhabitants of the province to acquire knowledge in comfortable and peaceful environment. 

Special users like retired persons, sick persons, woman and children of different classes do not find any public library from Hassan Square to Safoora Goth except the library of Anjuman Taraqi-e-Urdu which is primarily meant for the promotion of the national language. The other notable public libraries are the Ghalib Library and the Bedil Public Library, located in Nazimabad and Sharafabad respectively, which are opened in second shift, being run on donations. 

The Liaquat Memorial Library, situated on Stadium Road, is also suffering from various problems of funds, space and other kinds. A public library should have a big hall for children reading, conference and seeking information from internet. This section could be housed at ground floor. 

For women users and mothers there should be a separate reading room and computer lab near children section for easy and comfortable use of lady users. The senior citizens, retired or sick, also deserve special attention due to certain disabilities. 

A room well equipped with wheel chairs magnifying glass, magnificent monitors for them be reserved with intercom facilities. They have enough time and urge to seek more knowledge information’s and entertainments of their own choices. 

The retired persons have their own subject interests. They usually work on contracts or otherwise on research proposal or on publication programmes which seem necessary for their own life and for the development of the community. Although hospitals provide some light reading material to long staying patients but there is no mobile public library system in the city province or at national level. 

It is very important to note that those who are literate become illiterate due to various reasons like poverty and lack of time. Things could change if mobile library system be introduced whereby books, CDs, DVDs, Cassettes are made available at the doorstep which will be very beneficial to readers at home. After all children and old people are special readers and a part of our society. By reading they can make use of their own spare time without spending money. 

The Children Library Complex in Lahore is a good example of separate children public library. This practice should be replicated in Karachi, and other cities. 

Library building in each residential area is a necessity. It should be conveyed to the builders that they have to develop a public library in their commercial projects as they reserve space for community halls for social activities. 

What we need at primary level is to survey of reading habits of our expected users, planning how to run mobile public library system and to convince authorities to provide necessary facilities and to evaluate the end results 

The PLA Sindh will be advised to approach to Government of Sindh for the development of online public libraries and to build a library in each community centre, club, sports complex, railway stations on all conceivable public places. They should also look after the low grades vacancies of library personnel and shrinking library budgets.

Kidney transplant institute being set up in Nawabshah

By Rashid Zia Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Benazir Institute of Kidney Transplantation and Urology Institute (BIKTUI) being constructed in Nawabashah at a cost of Rs.750 million would start catering facilities of kidney transplantation, treatment of cancer and other diseases by the end of year 2016. It’s going to be the second kidney transplantation institute in the province, after SUIT Karachi.

The in-charge of the BIKTUI project and Professor Urology Ward Peoples University Hospital, Dr Mohammad Ali Suhail, informed that the Director SUIT, Karachi, Professor Adeeb-ul-Hassan Rizvi, has extended his cooperation and consultation in the completion of this institute. 

Dr Suhail added that the technical staff for this institute is under training at the SUIT, Karachi. 

He revealed that, upon completion, the BIKTUI would accommodate 300 patients of kidney transplant, kidney diseases, cancer and other diseases from not only interior Sindh but patients from South Punjab and Baluchistan would also be facilitated here with free of charges treatment. 

He disclosed that the institute would provide medical assistance in kidney transplantation, dialysis, treatment of different diseases of kidneys and cancer. 

 Dr Suhail said that separate ward for child patients of kidneys and cancer was also under construction at the institute while separate section for gynea urology for pregnant women with kidney problems was also being set up. 

He was optimistic that the BIKTUI would prove to be a gift for kidney patients coming from Sindh, Baluchistan and South Punjab with ultra modern treatment facilities.

SSUET declares BS, MS final results

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has announced the final results of BS Degree Programme in six disciplines of Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Bio-Medical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering and Computer Science.

According to the notification issued by the Controller Examination, Gul-e-Zahra of Electronic Engineering, Sadia Ghani Malik of Computer Engineering, Fiza Burney of Telecommunication Engineering, Muhammad Bilal Waseem of Civil Engineering, Rabia Mahmood of Biomedical Engineering and Wajiha Lateef Khan of Computer Science have clinched first position, while Amber Jabeen (EED), Nimra Khan (CED), Muhammad Atiq (TED), Syeda Shadab Raza (CV), Tehreem Hamid (BED) and Sara Shakeel (CS) have secured position in BS programme in their respective disciplines. 

The results of MS programme in six disciplines have also been declared according to which 32 students passed the examination. 

The result could be accessed at the university’s website www.ssuet.edu.pk and it is also on display at the SSUET notice board.

Pakistan's women library scientists set high standards

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services) 

As the world celebrates the International Women Day on March 8, it’s time to reflect on the accomplishments of the leading women library scientists who have worked with missionary zeal in the development of the noble profession.

The woman library scientists deserve to be commended for having played a monumental role in the development and promotion of librarianship in Pakistan despite the odds being stacked against them. 

Dr Muneera Nasreen Ansari, currently heading the department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi, has conducted her Phd on the information needs of the media personnel under the supervision of Dr Nisar Ahmad Zuberi, the ex chairman and professor of Mass Communication department. 

Dr Rubina Bhatti happens to be another shining star as she is leading department of Library and Information Science at the Islamia University, Bahawalpur. She is credited to have created an environment of library research and publications. 

Dr Kanwal Ameen is the first woman library scientist at departmental of Information Management, Punjab University, Lahore, having secured a post Ph.D degree in Library and information Management from abroad. 

Dr Rafia A Shaikh a well known senior professor, of Science, headed the department of Library and Information Science, at the Sndh University, Jamshoro, for several years.

She is the only lady library scientist to have reached the status of Vice Chancellor. She has been the Vice Chancellor of the Sindh University.

Dr Nasim Fatima holds the distinction of being the first woman to have acquired a Ph.D in Library and Information Science. Having served as the chairperson of the Department of Library and Information at the University of Karachi, she introduced media librarianship in curriculum. 

She has been one of the pillars of the organizations like Library Promotion Bureau, Idara-e-Kitabiyat-e-Pakistan and Bazm-e-Akram, which have boosted the profession immensely. 

The first woman library scientist of the country to have authored 40 books, she has been bringing Adab-o-Kutub Khana every year since 2011. The annual publication has provided a platform to the library professionals to express their literary and creative talents. 

Dr Nasim Fatima has also commanded achieves and woman studies. She has brought two Ph.ds. Dr Shamshad Ahmad, who got degree on Sindh Archives, and Dr Zareen Ilyas, who conducted research on problems of internet use among woman teachers and librarians. 

Her remarkable contribution in preparing a manual for software engineers in Sindh Archives was widely hailed as it allowed the organization to obtained database and other guidelines for authors of other subjects as well besides library science. 

She has been contributing regularly for various publications and websites. Besides Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal, Paklag News and Sada-e-Librarian, she also writes for the Pakistan News & Features Services (PNFS). 

There are a few other senior woman librarians, performing their duties with ability and efficiency like Dr Malahat Kalim Sherwani, Chief Librarian, Dr Mahmood Hussain Library, University of Karachi, Azra Qureshi ex-Chief Librarian, Aga Khan University, Saleh Begum, Librarian, State Bank of Pakistan, and Jamil-un-Nisa Ahmad, Librarian, National Bank of Pakistan. 

In public libraries there are women librarians like Nazia Mukhtar at Ghalib Library and Shaheen at Liaquat Library while Huma Manan Butt and Afshan Gul work at the Pakistan Navy Central Library. 

The School of Librarianship of Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group has been conducting a library science certificate course for professional with Dr Amna Khatoon being its Principal. 

In the social sector Dr Naseem Shagufta, being Vice President at Cradle Welfare Organization, Library Promotion Beurue and Bazm-e-Akram, has authored her maiden book titled ‘Darakhshan Sitaray’ which documents the accomplishments of Pakistan’s women library scientists. 

Despite the fact that many of the women library professions have had to overcome obstacles of various kinds, they have continued to shine and make their presence felt in a big way. With greater facilities at their disposal, they could shine even more brightly.

SSUET Convocation on March 19

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The preparations are in the full swing for the 19th Convocation of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, scheduled to be held on March 19 at the Karachi Expo Centre.

The arrangements for the forthcoming event were reviewed in detail and finalized at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chancellor Jawaid Anwar. 

The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi, Dean, Dr S M Makhdumi and other functionaries of the university. 

Around 1,400 graduates will be awarded BS degrees in the Computer, Civil, Electronics, Telecommunication, Bio-Medical Engineering and Computer Science besides degrees in Masters in these disciplines as well as Mathematics. 

Some 14,000 engineers have passed out from this university since the first convocation held in 1998 when 200 graduates were awarded degrees. Since then the University is holdings its convocation regularly every year without any break. 

The university had the Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Justices of Supreme and High Courts as chief guests at its various convocations besides attended by BOG members like Dr Ata-ur-Rahman, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin Hyder, Justice Sadiq Hussain Bhatti and Prof. Shami. 

Meanwhile, the SSUET’s Board of Governors is scheduled to meet on March 18, a day before the convocation, under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi. 

The Convocation 2016 will be presided over by the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, who is also the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA).