Aziz Memon tributes literary icon Bapsi Sidhwa

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Aziz Memon, National Chair, Pakistan Polio Plus Committee, condoled the death of Bapsi Sidhwa, an internationally-acclaimed author and literary icon, who passed away in Houston, Texas, USA, at the age of 86, on December 25. 

She was hailed as a celebrated novelist, credited to have left an indelible mark on global literature, in her own lifetime. Her passing is not only considered a profound loss for the literary world but also for Pakistan, India, and the global Zoroastrian community. 

“We send out our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the sad demise of your aunt, Bapsi Sidhwa. She contracted polio at the age of two and was home schooled until she was fifteen. Polio helped shape her outlook on life and resilience. She is a beacon of light to all those who are victims of this crippling disease," Aziz Memon, who’s also Trustee, The Rotary Foundation (2020-24) besides being Member, International Polio Plus Committee, wrote to Isphanyar M Bhandara, a member of National Assembly and CEO, Murree Brewery, Pakistan. 

"This setback did not deter her from becoming one of the most celebrated authors of her time. A woman of substance, she fought relentlessly for the rights of women’s empowerment and social justice. Amongst the many accolades she was also honored with ‘Sitara-e-Imtiaz’ for her literary work. Her passing leave behind a significant literary legacy,” Aziz Memon tributed.

It may be recalled that Sidhwa had gained international acclaim for her novels, particularly her collaborative projects with Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta. Her 1991 novel Ice Candy Man inspired the critically acclaimed film Earth (1998). She also famously wrote Water: A Novel (2006), which served as the basis for Mehta's Academy Award-nominated film Water (2005). 

Through her deeply evocative writing, she was hailed for masterfully weaving together history, culture, and personal experiences, securing her position as one of the most celebrated authors of her era.

ESUP hosts reception for Pakistan Ambassador to USA

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Council of the Executive Committee of the English-Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) hosted a reception in the honour of the visiting Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan Ambassador to USA, in Karachi on December 24. 

The popular figure of Aziz Memon, Patron-in-Chief of the ESUP, who is also the President of the International Council of the English-Speaking Union (ESU) presented a memento to the Ambassador. 

The other top functionaries of the ESUP present on the occasion included Kaleem Faqrooqui (former President), Majyd Aziz (Honorary Secretary General) and Irfan Qureshi (Senior Vice President). 

The ESUP, over the years, has set a healthy tradition of honouring visiting dignitaries by inviting them to share their experiences with members.

Former PIA chief librarian feted in Karachi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Muhammad Younis Hashmi, ex-Chief Librarian of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Technical Library, was feted on November 13 upon his return to Karachi where he had worked at the headquarters of the national flag carrier for more than four decades. 

As PIA has been hitting headlines lately because of the ongoing process of privatization, it was refreshing to find a group of its former staffers making it to the reunion at a restaurant in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, to celebrate the accomplishments of one of their contemporaries who has relocated in Canada, following retirement from service. 

Younis Hashmi has chosen to move to the rapidly growing city of Milton in Ontario, which is also now home to a large number of expatriates from Pakistan. He has stayed in touch with political and social circles besides interacting with fellow professionals of his own field. 

His activism has been proudly hailed by the Pakistani community in Canada in particular, while he has continued to retain contacts in other parts of the world. 

He has planned to stay in his home country for about a couple of months before returning to Canada on the eve of the coming year. 

Shuttling between Karachi and Lahore, he is set to attend the 1st Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries 2024, scheduled to be held on November 26 and 27.

TMSG, UNICEF ink MoU to address child malnutrition, stunted growth

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth (TMSG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UNICEF on November 12 and the partnership aims to address child malnutrition and stunted growth by combining resources, expertise, and outreach capabilities. 

The MoU was signed by Aziz Memon, Chairman, TMSG, and Abdullah A Fadil, Country Representative of UNICEF Pakistan. Many top functionaries of both the organizations were present on the occasion. It was in the fitness of things that the signing ceremony took place on the World Children’s Day. 

With UNICEF’s support, the TMSG will be able to enhance its programmes in nutrition education, healthcare accessibility, and support for vulnerable mothers and children. 

“Together, we aim to scale up our initiatives across underserved areas, reaching more communities with life-saving nutrition and health interventions. This MoU signifies a critical step toward a healthier future for every child in Pakistan,” it was declared in the joint statement. 

Talking briefly to media corps, Aziz Memon, identified early marriage and inadequate spacing between children as the main causes of the problem, urging the governmental authorities to enforce the laws which were already in place in this regard. 

Expressing the eagerness to expand the good work, he also appealed to the media to help amplify this noble cause by spreading awareness and inspiring positive change for countless families in need.

UNICEF, TMSG to sign MoU on World Children’s Day

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth (TMSG) will celebrate the World’s Children Day by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Karachi on November 12. 

The MoU between the UNICEF Pakistan and the TMSG is aimed at combating malnutrition and stunted growth among children across the country. 

The signing ceremony will be graced by the presence of Aziz Memon, Chairman, TMSG, and Abdullah A Fadil, Country Representative of UNICEF Pakistan. The media is expected to help amplify this vital cause, spreading awareness and inspiring positive change for countless families in need. 

Historically, the UNICEF, originally known as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II.

Aziz Memon-led TMSG creates greater awareness, joins hands with new partners

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth (TMSG) organized an exceptional event here at the Zia Mohyeddin Auditorium of the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) on October 23 to create awareness about the burning issue concerning the children, estimated to be causing 200,000 deaths annually. 

The TMSG founder and chairman, Aziz Memon, in his welcome address, informed the packed auditorium about the initiatives to combat the menace since the inception of the trust in 2018. Urging the need to expand the services, he signed MoUs with the officials of the Al-Khidmat Foundation and the Saylani Welfare Trust on the occasion 

He declared that the TMSG, which has been adopting clinics to serve food supplements to malnourished children with the support of donor agencies during the past six years, will now also focus to raise awareness and hold training sessions for furthering their objectives. 

Aziz Memon, known and admired at the global level, for his services to humanity, did not mince words in highlighting the fact that malnourishment of children was the root cause of all evils. 

Early marriages, poverty and insufficient spacing between births of babies, in his opinion, were the reasons leading to the chaos. 

Disclosing that the TMSG has adopted 85 clinics where it is providing ready to use therapeutic food and ready to use supplementary food sachets to the malnourished family, he looked forward to reaching out greater number of people with the help of the donors and partners. 

  

It was announced that as many as 54,000 children have already benefitted from the TMSG initiatives during the last six years.

A video was screened on the occasion in which the aims and objectives of the trust were outlined, besides giving insight into their activities. 

Renewing the pledge to continue serving to the cause, the founders of the TMSG looked determined to meet the challenge. 

‘Yeh bacha kis ka bacha hai’ was the name of the play which was presented to the captivated audience. Directed by Imran Shirvanee, the play was about a rights activist worried about the way people who matter react to the crisis of malnutrition. 

Her close friend, an affluent socialite, is disturbed by this crisis but does not know what to do about it. This conflict between the committed and the evasive is the core of this drama. The socialite comes across a child who is so under nourished that he may die any moment. 

He is disturbed by the child’s presence but does not know whether to hate (fear?) the poverty or the poor. The socialite’s world is full of worldly wonders, so, he is angered when faced with abject insufficiency. The activist is saddened that her friend is so estranged from reality. 

The play moved along the poem by Ibn-e-Insha, yeh bacha kis ka bacha hai. When the poem reaches the point where the poet questions whose world is this anyway, the activist is heartbroken. But then the poem moves to jo rub ka hai wo sub ka hai, leaving a message of hope for all.

Recalling thrills of sudden visit to northern areas

By Zara Waqas

Today was a pretty normal day, until an unexpected thing happened. A travel brochure about the northern areas of Pakistan reached me somehow which immediately caught my imagination. 

The northern areas of our country, as you know guys, are known to be a paradise on earth. Tourists from all over the world love to visit these places which are very popular because of their natural beauty and elegance. 

Immediately, I rushed to my dad and convinced him to take us there right away. To my surprise, he agreed! In excitement, I ran upstairs to convey this breaking news to my mom and sister, both of whom also became thrilled. 

Together, we started packing. It was nothing short of a piece of cake for us. My mother started counting all the items she had packed for the trip. I was like cut to the chase. Finally, we began our journey from our home in Lahore, which was going to be a long one. 

I was unable to control my happiness and joy. To be honest, I was about to just fall asleep. Eventually, I slept as the car kept running. When I was woken up, we were at our first stop, Chakri, where we ate some food before resuming the drive. 

At around 7 pm, we reached our hotel in Batakundi. I could hear the passing river which was relentless as the pounding waves created noise. The stars were shimmering across the sky. Batakundi, as many of you may be knowing, is located in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

While traveling towards Babusar, it is the first town after Naran. It is situated along the Karakoram Highway and is a stop for jeeps. As people often stay at hotels in Batakundi when they are planning their trip across Babusar Top, we also found one. 

There are many hotels and restaurants in the Batakundi which is the last town in Kaghan Valley that stays open all year. The Batakundi Waterfall is very famous. We went to the Moon Restaurant where the food was sumptuous. 

After taking dinner, we proceeded to the Babusar Top which was freezing cold. I was shivering to the bone. It felt as cold as ice. But the view was to die for! It was like a delicate flower blooming or something like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. 

Done with freshening up, we dashed to Jalkhad. The view there was picturesque. It was breathtaking. The next couple of days went like fast cool breeze as I could not notice time flying by. Eventually it was time to start our return journey to home. After all, home is where the heart is. It was an amazing trip. It felt great to take a break from routine life to relax and get refreshed. My sister and I fell asleep on the way back home. 

We stopped over for having dinner at a restaurant where the food was delicious which refilled my energy. The Belgian Grand Prix Formula One was taking place at 6 pm which I gladly watched on my I-pad. My favourite driver, Lewis Hamilton, won the race which made me happier. When we finally reached home, later at night, I went to my room, changed and dosed off to sleep. 

I have fond memories of our visit to the northern areas which had actually taken place more than three months during my summer vacations. Needless to say, I would like to go there again.

Waseemuddin Hashmi's Syed Foundation continues making waves

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Syed Foundation (SF), a not for profit and nonpartisan charity trust, has been working actively to achieve its cherished goals since its inception in 2018. Registered under Trust Act, this welfare and development entity has been formed by a group of Syed Family members and friends in Karachi to extend their services to the poor, vulnerable and less privileged people of the society and assist the disaster affected people in Pakistan. It has the status of NPO under section 2(36) of Income Tax Ordinance 2001. 

Striving for a vision of a socially and economically sustainable society where no one sleeps hungry and all people enjoy their basic human rights, it has been working with missionary zeal to serve needy people in best possible way through relief and development assistance in partnership. 

The thematic areas of the SF are Orphan Support and Wellbeing, Youth Development and Sports Promotion, Food Safety and Security, Economic Development, Relief and Rehabilitation and Education and Children’s Development while the cross-cutting themes include Collaboration and Partnership Development, Environment Conservation besides Women Rights and Gender Mainstreaming. 

The aims and objectives of the SF revolve around facilitating the Women, Children, Senior Citizens belonging to less privileged sections of society by providing financial assistance, skill training, tool kits and mentoring in collaboration with partner NGOs, academia and other like-minded organizations. 

They motivate lower income groups including women in establishing small scale business units to enable them earn their livelihood honourably. It has continued to organize regularly hunger elimination projects like distribution of free ration, free meals for poor and deserving people. 

It has reached out needy children and provided financial support in their education by means of scholarships. The SF has helped disaster survivors by providing water, sanitation, hygiene assistance, medical support, food and shelter and other routine needs. 

It has provided assistance to the poor patients by providing medicines, medical treatment, hospitalization and other health facilities. As a part of its mandate, the SF also offers interest free microloans and financial literacy training to empower low-income families, provide vocational training programs equip individuals 

The SF implements community-based kitchen gardening, provide food to orphans, poor families and organize food drives that provide essential food supplies to vulnerable populations, particularly during emergencies, to combat malnutrition. It focuses on women’s empowerment through training and capacity-building initiatives, enabling them to participate in decision-making processes and economic activities. 

The SF has partnered with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance the effectiveness of its programs and expand its reach. Its day-to-day operations are managed by a team of five trustees, who volunteer their services and resources to achieve the trust’s predetermined aims and objectives as outlined in the Trust Deed. 

The President, selected by the trustees serves as the head of the organization, who manages the organizational affairs on behalf of the trustees. 

Syed Waseemuddin Hashmi, is the Founder President of the Syed Foundation. He had formed the organization together with other trustees in 2018. A celebrated tax lawyer and corporate consultant, he is a highly respected sports administrator besides being social activist and an eminent philanthropist. He is the motivating force behind the success of the foundation. He has hired a team of professionals to manage the activities of the SF. Currently, the Chief Coordinator looks after the daily organizational matters, with the support of trained associates.

Manchar Lake: Major tourist attraction in Sindh needs attention

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The largest shallow fresh water lake of the country, Manchar Lake is situated at a distance of 18 kilometers from Sehwan Sharif on west side of the River Indus, in District Jamshoro. 

Acclaimed as one of the largest lakes of South Asia, it is one of the major tourist attractions in the province of Sindh. The area of the lake rise and fall with the change if seasons from little as 350 kilometers to as high as 520 kilometers. 

The lake accumulates water from numerous brooks in the Kirthar Mountains and empties them into the Indus River. Manchar is synthetic lake, created in 1930, when the Sukkur barrage was constructed on River Indus. It is sustained by two canals, the Aral and the Danister from the river Indus. 

The lake plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and economy. It not only provides water for drinking and agriculture in nearby villages but is also home to 30-40 species of fish, supporting the livelihood of local fishermen. 

Additionally, during the winter months, it attracts migratory birds from around the world, particularly Siberia, making it a key habitat for wildlife and a destination for bird watchers. 

There have been media reports of the Manchar Lake water having converted from fresh water to toxic saline water leading to destruction of all species. The nearby agricultural lands are reportedly losing fertility while the lake water could no longer be used for drinking and domestic purposes. 

The authorities are being urged to take care of the lake whose aquifer has been polluted due to penetration of sewerage, urea and other chemicals in sub soil water which has caused health hazards for the area population.

ESUP fetes visiting ESU Chairman

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The English-Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) hosted a reception in the honour of the visiting Chairman of the English-Speaking Union (ESU), Miles Young, in Karachi on September 24. 

On the occasion, Pervez Madraswala, President, ESUP, presented a plaque to the chief guest, in the presence of the leading ESUP officials which included Aziz Memon (Patron-in-Chief), Majyd Aziz (Honorary Secretary General) and Irfan Qureshi (Senior Vice President). 

Aziz Memon, who is also the President of International Council of ESU, extolled Miles Young for his services to the cause of education in particular. Later, he was also escorted to a visit to the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). 

It may be recalled that Miles Young had first participated in the ESU’s Public Speaking Competition as a schoolboy. He began his career in advertising, progressing to become Chair and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather, a leading global communications network. 

More than half of his working life has been spent outside of the UK, in China, and then in North America. He returned to the UK in 2016 to take up his current post as Warden of New College, Oxford, his alma mater. During his time in the United States, he also served as Chair of the US-Pakistan Business Council and led quite a few delegations to the country.

SLIM Training Session attracts 40 participants

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The participation of nearly 40 librarians in the SLIM Training Session, organized at Adamjee Government Science College on August 22 marked the beginning of the 1st Anniversary Celebrations of the Karachi Library Association (KLA). Master Trainer, Aijaz Akhter Ahmedani, also a member of KLA Executive Committee, conducted the session successfully. 

Prof Nasir Iqbal, Principal, Adamjee College, graced the occasion as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the participants in the closing ceremony. 

Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the importance of such training sessions which helped immensely in improving skills of the participating individuals and enabled them to serve their respective organizations more effectively. 

The opportunity of attending the software training session, offered free of cost, was availed by a large number of librarians, mostly youngsters. They declared having learnt a lot during four hours from the Master Trainer, who happened to be a PhD Scholar. 

This initiative was aimed at advancing library services and technology integration within educational institutions. Keen interest of the participants reflected their hunger to keep learning. They looked forward to many such opportunities in future.

Veteran librarians share thoughts, experiences in exclusive session

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Veteran librarians Syed Iftikhar Hussain and Niaz Ahmed enlightened the audience by sharing thoughts and experiences of their illustrious careers during ‘Session with Head of Library’ event held at Government Degree Girls College, Gulzar-e-Hijri, on August 23 as a part of 1st Anniversary Celebrations of the Karachi Library Association (KLA). 

The session was presided over by Iftikhar Hussain, who had retired as head of the famous Mahmood Hussain Library at the University of Karachi a few years. A man of few words, he briefly touched upon the challenges faced at managing the affairs of the central library of the iconic institution due to budgetary constraints and other issues. 

Niaz Ahmed, having relocated in Canada after a long-stint as librarian at the head office of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Karachi, floated the idea of establishing libraries dedicated to children besides making arrangements for vocational training at public libraries. He stressed the need for making libraries as centres for learning. 

The session was also addressed by the KLA office-bearers, Farheen Mahmood (President), Syed Khalid Mahmood (Advisor) and Nasir Mustafa (Secretary). They paid glowing tributes to both the veteran libraries and expressed the hope that they will continue guiding the younger crop of professionals. 

The Principal of Government Degree Girls College, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Sameen Durdana, while proposing the vote of thanks, mentioned that the college library, still in its early days, will be improved with the induction of new books and journals.

Prof Amir Subhani’s thematic cake in spotlight

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Treasurer of Karachi Library Association (KLA), Professor Amir Subhani, was lavishly praised for conceiving and producing a thematic anniversary cake which hogged the spotlight during the ceremony at the Adamjee Government Science College on August 24. 

The Director General, Colleges, Sindh, Prof Dr Navaid Rab Siddiqui, who was the chief guest on the occasion, noted with delight the creativity and thought process before cutting it in the presence of KLA office-bearers and other dignitaries. 

Professor Nasir Iqbal, the host Principal, also appreciated the novel idea of coming up with a such a spectacular cake, while Syed Khalid Mahmood, Advisor, KLA, described it as a masterclass. 

The credit for surprising the audience with such a spectacle belonged to the supremely energetic KLA Treasurer, Professor Amir Subhani, who made lots of efforts to get it designed and baked within the stipulated period despite his preoccupations in organizational matters of anniversary celebrations which began on August 22. 

Fittingly, he was warmly recognized and rewarded for his outstanding efforts. He was wholeheartedly lauded almost by everyone present on the occasion. He richly deserved the compliments.

DG pledges to revamp college libraries in Sindh

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Director General, Colleges, Sindh, Prof Dr Navaid Rab Siddiqui, has pledged to revamp libraries at government colleges, generally in dire straits, throughout the province. 

He was speaking as chief guest in the seminar, Digital Repositories in Libraries: Strategies for Data Preservation and Retrieval, which was organized as a part of the first anniversary celebrations of Karachi Library Association (KLA) at the Adamjee Government Science College on August 24. 

He expressed keen interest in digitalization of libraries, urging the head of colleges to mobilize their available resources in getting hold of computers to get started in this direction. 

He advised the heads to facilitate in providing digital tools at their respective colleges. The DG Colleges defended the absence of quite a few invited Principals from the ceremony by pointing out that they could be preoccupied in the ongoing admission process at their colleges. 

He, however, agreed to the suggestion that legislative changes were desired to ensure participation of working librarians in professional activities instead of carrying out tasks beyond the call of duty at colleges. 

Nasir Mustafa, Secretary General, KLA, conducted the seminar and Professor Farheen Mahmood, President, KLA, delivered the welcome address. Professor Nasir Iqbal, Principal, Adamjee Government Science College, presented vote of thanks while Syed Khalid Mahmood, Advisor, KLA, was the master of ceremony.

Last survivor of PIA plane crash in 1965 dies

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Salahuddin Siddiqui, the last of the six survivors of the plane crash at Cairo in 1965, died in London on August 16. He was 93. He had retired from service as General Manager, Public Affairs, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), in 1980. 

He is best remembered for having miraculously escaped, besides others, as PIA’s inaugural flight (PK-705) to the Egyptian capital on May 20, 1965, crashed about 20 kilometers before the Cairo airport. 

Carrying 128 passengers, including crew members, the plane was scheduled to proceed further to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, with London, UK, being its final destination. As many as 21 journalists onboard also lost their lives. 

Only half a dozen persons had survived the crash with Salahuddin Siddiqui, who had relocated to London, being the last of them to breathe his last more than 59 years after the fateful incident. According to the family sources, he is survived by a son and a daughter. 

Meanwhile the PIA management has condoled his death, noting that, with his death, the national flag-carrier has been deprived of a great friend whose services will always be remembered.

Adamjee Government College to facilitate KLA in anniversary celebrations

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The famed Adamjee Government Science College will be extending support to the Karachi Library Association (KLA) which gears up to hold its first anniversary celebrations in a memorable manner later this month. 

The assurance in this regard was given by the College Principal, Professor Nasir Iqbal, during his meeting with a delegation of the KLA on August 8. 

While lauding the sustained efforts of KLA since its inception in August 2023, he assured fullest support and facilitation in holding the upcoming anniversary events during the current month. 

The KLA team comprised of President, Professor Farheen Mahmood (President), Professor Amir Subhani (Treasurer), and Ali Asghar Dars (Public Relation Secretary), all of them having had the distinction of serving Adamjee Government Science College as librarian. They also happen to be proud recipients of the Distinguished Librarian award, presented to them by the President of Pakistan earlier this year. 

“We are very glad with the outcome of our meeting with Professor Nasir Iqbal who not only wholeheartedly appreciated our efforts for the cause of librarianship but also pledged his support to our cause. We are grateful to him,” Professor Farheen Mahmood, President, KLA, remarked in a brief chat with PNFS. 

She revealed that the 13-member KLA executive committee was in the process of finalizing events to be held as a part of the first anniversary celebrations from August 22 to 24 adding that the details about them will be announced shortly.

Engr Mohammad Shafiq laid to rest

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Engr Mohammed Shafiq, a former office-bearer of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), was laid to rest at the Sakhi Hassan Graveyard in Karachi on July 23 after having breathed his last earlier in the day. Soyem will be held on July 25 between Asr and Maghrib prayers at his Gulshan-e-Iqbal residence 

 His funeral was attended by a large number of friends and acquaintances. He has left behind his widow alongwith three sons and three daughters to mourn his death. According to the family sources, he was discharged from the Aga Khan University Hospital only a few days ago. 

A civil engineer by education, he had retired from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) a few years ago. He also had a brief stint as a Consultant at the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology. Upon retirement, he devoted more time for the activities to the PEC.

Another Rotary honour for Aziz Memon

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Aziz Memon, one of the most well-known Rotarians of Pakistan, earned another honour when he was invited to deliver keynote address at the Cluster District Conference of United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland Rotary districts in Exeter, UK, recently. 

He represented Rotary International’s President, Gordon McInally, at the Cluster Conference which brought together Districts 1100, 1150, 1175 and 1200 at Sandy Park Conference Centre in Exeter from June 28 to 30.

It was another feather in the cap of  Aziz Memon, who has been heading Rotary’s National Polio-Plus Committee with distinction for the last many years, also holds the honour of being the first Pakistani to have been elected as a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation in 2022.

KLA President recognized in National Conference

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The President of the Karachi Library Association (KLA), Professor Farheen Mahmood, was recognized during the recently concluded three-day national conference titled ‘Exploring the Nexus: Artificial Intelligence and Libraries’ which was organized by Khushal Khan Khattak University Karak’s Department of Library and Information Science. 

Speaking briefly in the shortened closing ceremony, the KLA President was greeted with warm applause when she recalled the proud moment for the librarians’ community when the President of Pakistan, for the first time in history, had presented awards of excellence to the founders of KLA in recognition of their efforts for the profession during the opening ceremony of Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL) at Sindh Governor House earlier this year. 

She congratulated the organizers of the conference, held from June 28 to 30 with the collaboration of the Department of Computer Science and Central Library of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Upper Dir, which aimed to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with library sciences. 

Attracting speakers and participants from across Pakistan, including representatives from Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Islamabad, and various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the conference provided a platform for academics, researchers, and industry experts to deliberate on the transformative impact of AI on library services, information management, and knowledge dissemination. 

The closing session of the conference was presided over by Vice Chancellor of Khushal Khan Khattak University Karak, Prof Dr Naseeruddin while Prof Dr Muhammad Shahab, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University and Patron-in-Chief of the event, Dr Akram Sheikh, Director General of PASTIC, and Prof Dr Ali Muhammad Jan, Vice Chancellor of Islamia College University Peshawar, were guests of honour in the opening ceremony.

KLA Overseas Coordinator meets eminent Canadian legislators

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Overseas Coordinator of the Karachi Librarian Association (KLA), Muhammad Younis Hashmi, actively engaged in the promotion of librarianship, recently met eminent Canadian legislators which included Douglas Robert Ford Jr, who has served as the 26th and current premier of Ontario since June 2018. Zee Hamid and Sammy Ijaz were also present on the occasion. 

Ford Jr has been leader of the Progressive Conservative Party since March 2018. He represents the Toronto riding of Etobicoke North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. He is being hailed as Prime Ministerial candidate in the next elections of Canada. 

Zee Hamid, Member of Parliament, was elected to legislative Assembly Ontario in by-election on May 2, 2024. He represents the electoral district of Milton as a member of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. He was born in Karachi, Pakistan, while his family came from Bihar, India. Having immigrated to Canada as a teenager, he has a Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Science degree from the University of Waterloo. 

Sammy Ijaz is one of the regional councillors of Milton. The 29-year-old had defeated a couple of sitting councillors in the Milton Council Race. He had won the contest for Ward 3 Regional Councillor with 38.13% of the vote, beating out 3-term incumbent Mike Cluett and 3-term town Councillor Rick Di Lorenzo. 

One of the founding members of KLA, Younis Hashmi, has relocated in Canada’s vibrant city of Milton, after having been a practicing librarian for more than four decades in his home country, working for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with distinction. He has also stayed in touch with political and social circles besides interacting with fellow professionals of his field.

Comrade Jamaluddin Bukhari remembered

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Glowing tributes were paid to the late Comrade Jamaluddin Bukhari, who had struggled throughout his life for the cause of workers, haaris and other downtrodden segments of the society, at a function organized by Roshan Khayal Forum at Hyderabad Press Club. 

A host of speakers talked at length about his life and achievements besides throwing light on the struggles for less fortunate people of Sindh with special reference to the book authored by Syed Mukarram Sultan Bukhari on his illustrious father. 

The worthy speakers on the occasion included Mukarram Sultan Bukhari, Imdad Kazi, Dr Tausif Ahmed, Irfana Mallah, Jami Chandio, Prof Dr Riaz Shaikh from SZABIST, Sohail Sangi besides other progressive and intellectual personalities. 

They exhaustively recalled the socio-political contributions Comrade Jamaluddin Bukhari and the struggle waged throughout his life for the rights of haaris, workers, and labourers, having firm belief that extremism must be eliminated from the society. 

They showered him with praise for displaying enormous courage and fortitude throughout his life as he cared for people.

Known for calling a spade a spade, he kept highlighting the fact that the system of injustices was creating wedge among the masses and extremism should be brought to an end to ensure equal rights for everyone. 

During his 84-year eventful life, he spent as many as 21 years in prison as a punishment for his struggle for justice for downtrodden masses.

It was another befitting tribute to Comrade Jamaluddin Bukhari who is remembered from time to time after having left a legacy.

Benazir Bhutto Excellence Award instituted

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Larkanians, an association of old graduates of Larkana, has instituted the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Excellence Award to be presented to individuals of the city having earned laurels in various fields of life. 

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the Larkanians held under the chairmanship of its founder and chief, Syed Munawwar Sultan Bukhari, at Larkana, on June 21. 

The meeting was held to pay glowing tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, on the occasion of her birth anniversary to recall her unmatched services for the country and its people both at the national and international levels. 

While offering prayers for the Shaheed Mohtarma, the meeting participants recalled the struggle waged by her in continuity of her great father Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, also a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, for downtrodden masses and the suppressed classes of people, against hunger and poverty and above all bringing fame to the country at various international levels. 

In the historic meeting, unanimous decision was taken that the award will, among others, presented to the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, and the head of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardar,i for unwaveringly following the footsteps left by Shaheed Mohtarma. 

The awards will also be presented to Larkanians having rendered laudable services in armed forces, foreign affairs, judiciary and administrative fields besides media, sports, social welfare, human rights etc. The date of the award ceremony, to be held in Karachi, will be finalized in light of the availability of the recipients.

Dewan Motors launch electric cars in a glorious ceremony

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News and Features Services)

Way is paved for assembling and later gradual manufacturing of electric cars and bikes in Pakistan with the launching of electric cars by the Dewan Motors Limited (DML), a reputed name in the automobile sector, at a glorious launch ceremony at the Convention Centre of DHA Golf Club on June 4. 

The Chairman of Senate, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, also a former Prime Minister, was the guest of honour as hundreds of participants from various walks of life celebrated another remarkable achievement by Pakistan. 

Speaking on the occasion, he acknowledged and applauded the ground breaking initiative undertaken by the Yousuf Dewan Companies (YDC) in the automotive sector. 

“The establishment of a state-of-the-art vehicle assembly plant equipped with cutting-edge robotics technology, signifies the strength and capabilities of the company,” he remarked. 

He was confident that, based on its reputation and track record, the YDC will not only meet but exceed the expectations, paving the way for Pakistan to become a major player in the global automotive market. 

The Senate Chairman extended his support for the ecosystem being incorporated into the automotive industry, particularly the emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

“As we move towards a greener future, it is imperative that we prioritize eco-friendly practices and technologies,” he emphasized. 

He described the YDC’s commitment to this cause as commendable and sets a positive example for other industries to follow. 

“Indeed, the year 2024 marks the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry we applaud Chairman Dewan Yousuf and the YDC for taking the first bold step into this future,” he complimented. 

Earlier in his welcome address, Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui announced the YDC collaboration with KIA of Korea and HORNI of China, two of the global leaders in the automotive and technology sectors respectively. 

“This partnership makes a significant milestone in our quest to revolutionize the automotive landscape and pave the way for a sustainable eco-friendly future. We are on the cusp of a transformative journey, one that will not only redefine Pakistan’s automotive industry but also prosper our nation towards a brighter and more sustainable future with the vision of an electric Pakistan-a Pakistan where innovation thrives, where economic growth is fueled by sustainable practices and where we lead the charge towards a greener tomorrow,” he elaborated. 

Dewan Yousuf stated that in the coming years, Pakistan will not only witness the assembly of small electric cars but also emerge as a key player in the global electric vehicle market. 

“We are laying the groundwork for a robust infrastructure that will support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the country. This includes the establishment of charging stations in strategically positioned throughout Pakistan. 

Dewan Yousuf shared that the YDC was building an entire ecosystem, from production to consumption with sustainability at its core. 

“We envision Pakistan as a hub for battery manufacturing, leveraging our resources and expertise to produce cutting-edge battery technology. This will not only reduce our reliance on imports but also create employment opportunities and foster technological innovation within our borders,” he hoped. 

He mentioned that first step towards the goal had already been taken by renewing their partnership with KIA and commencing the assembly of the Horni in Pakistan. Earlier the Senior Vice-President of KIA Corporation, IK Tae Kim, and Consul General of Korea, Yi Sung Ho, also spoke at length on the occasion. 

The memorable ceremony was largely attended by Ambassadors, Consul Generals, and dignitaries from financial institutions and stock exchange besides the movers and shakers from various sectors of automotive sector. 

On this occasion, two agreements were also signed for manufacturing batteries for electric cars and establishment of charging stations in Pakistan. 

Dewan Motors has launched Honri Ve, its first small electric vehicle (EV) with the collaboration of Eco-Green Motors Limited. The vehicle was revealed during the ceremony and the guests were allowed to inspect its different features.

Big turnout at Gujrati Educational Seminar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Gujrati Educational Seminar, held in corporate culture atmosphere of Emerald Hall at Karachi Marriott Hotel on May 26, attracted a substantial number of visitors, mostly youngsters, who were enlightened by the representatives of various companies engaged in sending local students abroad for higher studies. 

The day-long session, which began at the designated time of 11 am, retained its intensity until the very end despite the oppressive heat caused by the scorching sun. This showed the commitment of the students towards their goals as they displayed the eagerness to learn about career options. 

Syed Khalid Mahmood, co-founder of Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), and Abdul Hamid of Friends of Libraries Pakistan (FLP), were among the special guests to have attended the seminar. They were warmly received by the organizers as well as the participants upon arrival.

They spent considerable time at different desks to exchange views about the current educational trends. They were briefed about the opportunities for the Pakistani students who were being guided and facilitated by companies to fulfill their dreams. 

Malik Aslam, Chairman, Gujrati Educational Forum, alongwith Muhammad Maaz Ahmed and Hamza Jamal Haider, thanked the distinguished guests on behalf of the organizers and participants. Another such seminar is scheduled to be held at Karachi Expo Centre on June 9.

Engr Z A Nizami’s 11th death anniversary observed

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) and the Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) jointly observed the 11th anniversary of Engr Z.A. Nizami, the founding Chancellor of the university besides having headed Karachi Development Authority (KDA). 

The event was attended by the top functionaries of the SSUET besides dignitaries, faculty members and Aligarhians. The services of Engr Z A Nizami were recalled and he was lauded for the momentous contributions of his over the years. He is revered for his great services and valuable contribution to the society. His decision-making power was exemplary. He launched 45 schemes for the development of Karachi. 

Engr Z A Nizami, as President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), is credited to have founded the SSUET which began its journey with two departments and 200 students. With his awesome pioneering efforts, it has grown over the years to be recognized as one of the leading engineering universities of the country. 

Lt Gen Moinuddin Haider, a former Governor of Sindh and a member of the SSUET’s Board of Governors, mentioned that the graduates of Aligarh Muslim University took control of Pakistan in the beginning, adding that the SSUET was established in Karachi to carry forward the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to provide scientific education to middle-class youth for opening new opportunities and options for them. 

Renowned religious scholar, Haji Hanif Tayyab, remarked that Nizami Sahib belonged to the great soofi saint Baba Farid Ganj Shakar while Naveed Anwar, a former Director General of KDA, described Engr Z A Nizami as a visionary person who was always ready to assist people. 

On the occasion, Farrukh Nizami, son of Engr Z A Nizami, and Convener of the IT Committee of AIT, gave a detailed presentation, recalling that his father was an internationally acknowledged engineer and town planner who was against encroachment.

4th PEC International Deans Conference inaugurated in Karachi

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The 4th International Deans Conference, being organized by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), got underway at Marriot Hotel, Karachi, on May 6 with ‘Engineering as an Engine of Growth’ being its theme. National and international delegates from academia, government and industry participated in the opening ceremony.

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, inaugurated the conference with his address in which emphasis given on the engineer’s role especially in this dire need of time for Pakistan economy. Industries to play their role so that instead of brain drain, localization of industries be done of such huge import dependency. 

Engr Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, Chairman PEC and Conference Patron, in his welcome address, emphasized on the Fostering Global Engineering Leadership: A Vision from the Conference Patron. He highlighted the transformative power of the 4th PEC International Deans Conference with emphasis on the crucial role of engineers in shaping a sustainable future and commended for global cooperation and innovative leadership. 

The conference stands as a beacon for advancing engineering solutions that promise to redefine our world. Engineers’ pivotal role in building up society has to be in real mean now as per need of time especially when Pakistan is striving to get out of foreign import dependency. Engineering is only the Engine to growth and we all industries, academia and government to take it up with transformational steps. 

The conference overview and briefing was given by Engr Mukhtiar Ali Sheikh, Vice Chairman, PEC Sindh and Conference Chair. He shared his thoughts on the topic of “Engineering Excellence: A catalyst for Global Growth and Collaboration” in which he shed light on growing importance of engineers in decision-making. 

Showcasing an enriched agenda, the conference ignited transformative discussions across a spectrum of engineering disciplines, highlighting technology's pivotal role in societal progress. Participants left enriched and inspired, with the Pakistan Engineering Council committed to elevating future standards in engineering education and practice. 

International Keynote speech was delivered by Engr Dr Janusz Kozinski of Lakehead University Canada on Reshaping Curriculum and practice- targeting 5th Generation Requirements. He focused on the importance of Advancing Engineering Education for Tomorrow. He emphasized on the integration of Indigenous methodologies and striving for gender balance and demonstrated how Lakehead University's approach could serve as a model for global engineering education. The day end conference was followed by cultural and social night to provide the international delegates feel for experience of Pakistan cultural insight. 

The conference will continue on May 7 with focus on “Realigning of internship/practicum practices during education, Global Engineers and Cross Border Mobility, Boosting Pakistan’s Economic Growth, “Emerging trends in teaching- Learning & Assessment, targeting 5th generation requirements, “Digital transformation & Business Process Re-engineering”, “how is AI transforming digital business”, “Engineering practice & ethics” and “Cutting edge and inter disciplinary synergies”. Followed by multiple Roundtable & Panel discussions by industry/academia/professional leaders & experts.