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.