Dr Sher Afzal Malik secures doctorate degree

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Another feather was added to the cap of the vastly experienced senior librarian, now Dr Sher Afzal Malik, who has recently secured the highly prestigious doctorate degree in a remarkably short period of time. 

Possessing an exceptionally large amount of knowledge, skill, and wisdom gained through 33 years of working in the field, the widely respected Dr Sher Afzal is also credited to be working proactively for the cause of library science and information management with his leadership roles in the Pakistan Library Association (PLA). 

He has been hailed as one of the pillars at the Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore where he has already served for more than three decades, having contributed immensely in adding value to the iconic institution. 

Dr Sher Afzal has obtained doctorate degree in the field of information management as the continued improvement of public libraries has remained of paramount importance to him. He has maintained that the public libraries have much bigger role to play than being mere depository of books and journals. 

For his services to the noble profession of his, he has also been recognized at the international level. The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) decorated him with the International Infoshare Award in 2024 while the same body appointed him a member of its International Membership Committee the following year. He has represented the country in various conferences and regional events. 

Keeping pace with the times, he has been advocating for creating digital libraries. In fact, he was reportedly instrumental in developing an E-library in Rawalpindi which earned him Life Achievement Award from the Islamabad Journalist Foundation. 

Dr Sher Afzal, over the years, has also proved himself to be a capable writer, having contributed to various journals and newspapers. 

Although he has penned articles on different subjects of interest for the masses, the focus has been on awakening the youth and encouraging them to read books to enhance their knowledge and become more productive in their careers.

Syed Foundation’s seminar highlights importance of women’s health

Dr Beenish Khalid 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Syed Foundation, in collaboration with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Women’s Commission and Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan, organized a breast cancer awareness seminar at the Pakistan American Cultural Centre (PACC), Karachi, on October 28. 

The seminar brought together eminent personalities, healthcare professionals, athletes, and representatives of the social welfare organizations to promote awareness about breast cancer, emphasize the importance of early detection, and encourage women to take preventive measures to protect their health. 

Professor Dr Rufina Soomro, the keynote speaker, during her address, highlighted the importance of breast cancer awareness, timely medical examinations, and consulting qualified healthcare professionals whenever symptoms appear. 

She spoke about the urgent need to overcome social stigma, hesitation, and negative attitudes surrounding women’s health so that women can discuss their concerns without fear and seek timely medical care. 

The event was attended by Fatima Lakhani, Ronaq Lakhani, representatives of Dar-ul-Sukun Welfare Society, athletes from various communities, Dr Samina Wasif, Dr Sarah Khurram, Tabinda Hashmi, and Imtiaz Sheikh, Vice President of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA), along with other dignitaries. 

The seminar featured detailed discussions on women’s health, the recognition of early signs of breast cancer, timely diagnosis, and access to reliable medical information. 

The participants stressed that families, healthcare professionals, athletes, and social welfare organizations must work together to dispel misconceptions and overcome the social stigma associated with breast cancer. 

They also raised the vital point that ensuring women’s access to timely medical advice, emotional support, and accurate health information was indeed a shared social responsibility. 

At the conclusion of the event, the officials of Syed Foundation, led by Syed Wasim Hashmi, congratulated Fatima Lakhani on her appointment as Chief de Mission for the 20th Asian Games. 

They also extended their best wishes following the successful completion of her responsibilities and return, while appreciating her valuable contributions to sports administration. 

Syed Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continuing initiatives and strengthening partnerships that promote women’s health, community welfare, and social awareness. 

Through such collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to contribute towards building a healthier, better-informed, and more responsible society.

Syed Foundation was complimented by the various distinguished guests present on the occasion for their invaluable contributions in community service.

Book on Syed Babar Ali launched

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Muhammad Azfar Ahsan’s maiden book ‘Syed Babar Ali: A Centennial Tribute’ was launched with great fanfare at the Arts Council of Pakistan Auditorium, Karachi, on October 19. Unsurprisingly, it turned out to be quite a memorable event with the presence of innumerable high-achievers. 

Generally, the book launch ceremonies at the Arts Council are not so well attended and neither do we come across these many luminaries assembling for this purpose but it was an extraordinary occasion by all means. 

The book itself is more than a biography, being a tribute to a century of vision, integrity, institution-building and selfless service. It is the celebration of Syed Babar Ali Sahib's legacy from the Packages Group to the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), from industry to education and philanthropy which continues to inspire generations. 

The insightful perspectives shared by the distinguished panel, which included the likes of Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, Dr Ishrat Husain, Dr Moeed Yousuf, Atif Aslam Bajwa, Zehra Nigah, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Syed Wasif Rizvi, and Muneer Kamal, besides the host, Ahmed Shah, enlightened the august gathering. 

They lavishly showered Syed Babar Ali with praise, recognizing him one of the real heroes of this country. While most of the speakers hailed him for his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Senator Sarmad Ali, President, All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), highlighted his love for nature, art and culture and literature. 

The ceremony was also attended by Aziz Memon, himself one of the most respected entrepreneurs and philanthropists. As a matter of fact, Syed Babar Ali has penned the foreword to the autobiography of Aziz Memon, titled Fabric of My Life’ which was published last year.

PLA election process nearing completion

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The election process of the Pakistan Library Association (PLA), which got underway about six months ago, is finally nearing completion and the ballot papers for the polling is now set to be dispatched all over the country, following the issuance of the final list of the candidates. 

The Election Officer, Munir Ahmed Baloch, vide an official notification dated October 16, announced the final list of the candidates which he was going to share for the information on all the members. 

He added that the ballot papers will be dispatched to members of Sindh for both the Headquarters and the Sindh Branch Council. All the members have been advised by the Election Officer that the details and relevant instructions regarding the electoral process will be communicated in due course of time. 

Although no deadline has yet been set for the submission of the balloting papers but it is being hoped that the election results would be declared within this year. 

The PLA, since its inception in 1957, has had a chequered history and its elections have been delayed due to different reasons in the past as well. The results for the elections being held for the next term of two years (2026-28) were originally scheduled to be announced earlier this month. 

Mandated to be the representative national body of the librarians in the country, the constitution of the PLA has been based on rotational basis and its headquarters is bound to be moved to another unit upon the completion of every term of a couple of years. Accordingly, the headquarters will now be shifting to the province of Sindh, upon the notification of the ongoing election results.

Younis Hashmi, other expatriates missing buddies, memories left in homeland

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

It is indeed not uncommon to find profound nostalgia, home-sickness, and emotional fragmentation experienced by people living outside their native country, particularly by those in advance age groups. 

A short social media video, popularly known as a reel, has surfaced from the Canadian province of Ontario recently in which a group of senior citizens, having their roots in the Indo-Pak sub-continent, have candidly expressed their feelings of missing buddies and memories left behind in their homeland. 

The reel, starting with the remarks from Muhammad Younis Hashmi, a former Chief Librarian of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), captures the unique grief of leaving behind a familiar life and the social network that shaped who they are. 

“Having spent quality time with them for the last many years in Pakistan, I dearly miss my buddies, besides siblings and other close relations back home having relocated here,” Younis Hashmi declared. 

“It is a great collection of valuable comments from a talented, experienced, second innings holders of our society whom have spent a valuable part of their life to support, uplift and development of their families. Even today, they are extending their full sport for their family and society in Canada. Golden memories of home country are bound to come again and again because home is, after all, sweet home always,” the soft-spoken Sulakhan Singh commented while wishing all his friends and contemporaries a happy and healthy life ahead wherever they are.

Dewan Yousuf invited as speaker at summit of Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Dewan Mohammad Yousuf Farooqui, Chairman, Yousuf Dewan Companies, has been invited as one of the speakers at the inaugural summit of Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of the Muslim world being organized by the Al Ghazali University, Karachi, in collaboration with the League of Islamic Universities, on October 11 and 12. 

Acclaimed as one of the most respected industrialists, Dewan Yousuf will be speaking on the topic “Bitcoin in Pakistan and the Prospects for Developing a Shariah-Compliant Digital Currency” at 11 am on October 11. He has also been invited as a guest of honour in the closing ceremony to be held on October 12. 

The four broad themes of the summit are future-proof curriculum development; digital transformation and AI in universities; sustainable development and green economy; and entrepreneurship and community and industrial partnership. 

According to the information provided by the organizers, around 30 Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, and Presidents of universities including the Islamic University of Medinah (Saudi Arabia), Al-Azhar University (Egypt), Ez-Zitounna University (Tunisia), Gaziantep University (Turkiye), International Islamic University (Malaysia), and University of Palestine (Palestine) have confirmed their participation. 

Several dignitaries of Pakistan, including federal ministers and government officials, are also expected to attend the summit which seeks to find practical ways of integrating into academic curricula and syllabi, patriotism, counter-narrative of private militancy, all-inclusive concept of Islamic welfare state, nurturing the youth in line with national interests, and inculcating importance of national security. 

The summit will help address capacity gaps by enabling structured exchanges around its thematic areas like curriculum modernization, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship.

KCA celebrates World Cotton Day befittingly; highlights challenges

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) celebrated the World Cotton Day befittingly by organizing an event at the Federation House in Karachi on October 7. The global importance of cotton was brought to light on the occasion besides highlighting the challenges faced by the world’s cotton economies. 

The top KCA leaders, Muhammad Atif Shakoor and Rizwan Iqbal Umer in particular, discussed the multiple problems being faced by the cotton community in Pakistan for increasing production and meeting the rising costs of raw material for the local textile industry. 

Atif Shakoor, Chairman, KCA, urged the government to take all steps on war footing basis to increase cotton production, produce quality cotton and avoid imports of cotton to save foreign exchange for the country. 

Rizwan Umer, Senior Vice Chairman, KCA, reckoned that cotton holds a special place in the Pakistan industry. H pledged to make efforts to increase cotton production, improve quality of cotton and safeguard the interest of growers. He also emphasized on playing due role to strengthen the cotton trade and textile industry further. 

Prem Chand, Vice-Chairman, KCA, was of the opinion that various stakeholders like KCA, APTMA and PCGA should jointly take-up the matter with the government to increase cotton production, improve quality of cotton and allow import of cotton seed to achieve the desired results. 

Khawaja M Zubair, ex-officio member of Executive Committee and a former chairman, KCA, felt that in order to increase cotton production in the country, availability of healthy/certified cotton seeds to the farmers should be ensured by the Government. 

He suggested the need to organize a seminar on cotton for highlighting the problems being faced by the cotton trade and the country in the backdrop of drastic decline in cotton production and evolve solutions to overcome the situation for consideration of the government. 

Muhammad Arif Piracha, former member of the KCA Executive Committee, described cotton as an environmentally friendly crop. He advised to make a slogan of cotton that would help to ensure boost marketing of cotton. 

Chandarlal, a member of the KCA’s Brokers Advisory Committee and a licensed cotton broker, urged the KCA to send letters to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Federal Ministers for Commerce and Finance highlighting the importance of cotton in the GDP of the country and inform them that with the increase of cotton production, the trade deficit would be reduced considerably.

Usman Ahmed assumes PSMA leadership; calls for greater competitiveness, innovation, sustainability and value-added exports

By Gul Nasreen

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The 59th Annual General Meeting, followed by the Annual Dinner 2026, of the Pakistan Soap Manufacturers Association (PSMA) was held at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi, in which Mohammad Yunus Ibrahim, Consul General of Malaysia, was the chief guest, while Dr Ahmad Syofian serves as the Consul for Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, attended as the guest of honour. 

Besides the diplomats, the event was largely attended by prominent representatives of the soap, FMCG, oleochemicals, fragrance and allied industries from across Pakistan. Usman Ahmed, CEO and Managing Director of Gamalux Group, the newly elected chairman of the PSMA for the 2026-2028 term, warmly welcomed the guests and members of the Association. 

He acknowledged the services of the outgoing office-bearers and expressed his appreciation for the confidence reposed in the newly elected leadership. In his address, he highlighted the important role of Pakistan's soap industry in meeting the country's essential hygiene requirements and contributing to manufacturing activity, employment, trade and government revenues. 

He emphasized that soap was not a luxury product, but an essential daily-use commodity directly linked with personal hygiene, public health and sanitation. He noted that the industry was currently operating in a challenging economic environment, facing pressures from international prices of essential raw materials, exchange-rate movements, energy and utility costs, financing requirements, taxation and regulatory compliance. 

He particularly highlighted Pakistan's dependence on imported palm-based and fatty raw materials and stressed on the need for a rational and competitive tariff structure for essential raw materials which are not sufficiently available locally. 

Usman Ahmed observed that the industry's objective should not merely be protection from competition, but the creation of an environment in which Pakistani manufacturers can become more competitive, efficient and capable of serving consumers with quality products at reasonable prices. He also called for a level playing field between compliant manufacturers and businesses operating outside the formal regulatory framework. 

He spoke about the importance of addressing smuggling, under-invoicing and the availability of substandard products while ensuring that legitimate trade and manufacturing remain facilitated. Looking ahead to his two-year tenure, the chairman outlined a broader vision for PSMA based on five key priorities, competitiveness, quality, sustainability, innovation and exports. 

He was of the opinion that Pakistan's soap industry must increasingly focus on modern manufacturing technologies, productivity, energy efficiency, quality standards, research and development and development of skilled human resources. He further elaborated that sustainability and responsible manufacturing should become an integral part of the industry's future, including responsible sourcing, efficient use of energy and water, improved waste management and environmentally responsible production practices. 

The PSMA chairman brought to light the need for Pakistan to move beyond dependence on imported raw materials and develop greater value addition and export-oriented manufacturing. He said that the country's large domestic market, established manufacturing base and access to international raw-material supply chains provide opportunities for the development of higher-value soap, hygiene, oleochemical and allied products for regional and international markets. 

Referring to Pakistan's relations with Malaysia and Indonesia, Usman Ahmed observed that both countries remained important partners in the region's palm-based and oleochemical supply chains. He expressed the hope that cooperation could be expanded beyond conventional trade towards stable supply chains, technology transfer, investment, joint ventures, sustainable sourcing and value-added manufacturing. 

He declared that the PSMA would seek to strengthen structured engagement between industry and government and promote evidence-based policy recommendations for the development of Pakistan's manufacturing sector. 

Addressing the gathering, Consul for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Ahmad Syofian highlighted the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Indonesia and the strong people-to-people and diplomatic ties between the two countries. He noted the importance of palm-based raw materials, including palm stearin and other palm-derived materials, for the soap manufacturing industry and expressed the importance of further strengthening economic and commercial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia. 

The chief guest of the evening, Yunus Ibrahim, Consul General of Malaysia, appreciated the invitation extended by PSMA and highlighted the longstanding and growing economic relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia. He expressed his country's interest in exploring further opportunities for trade and investment and emphasized the potential for greater cooperation between Malaysian suppliers and Pakistani manufacturers. 

He also noted the opportunities for strengthening trade in palm-based raw materials and other products required by Pakistan's manufacturing sector. He was confident that the existing trade relationship between the two countries would continue to expand, and that greater business-to-business cooperation would create new opportunities for both Malaysian and Pakistani enterprises. 

Abdullah Zaki, the newly elected Senior Vice Chairman of PSMA, thanked the outgoing chairman,  Asif Iqbal Paracha, and the outgoing office bearers for their valuable efforts, contributions and achievements during their tenure. He appreciated their services to the Association and the soap industry and expressed his gratitude to all PSMA members for their participation and presence at the AGM. He conveyed his commitment to working together with the newly elected office bearers and members for the continued progress and development of the Association. 

At the conclusion of the event, Vice Chairman PSMA, Tariq Zakaria congratulated Usman Ahmed and the newly elected office-bearers and presented a vote of thanks to the distinguished guests, sponsors and members of PSMA who attended the event from different parts of Pakistan. The newly elected office-bearers reiterated their commitment to working collectively for the development of Pakistan's soap industry, strengthening industry–government coordination and promoting a competitive, sustainable and export-oriented manufacturing sector.

Jahangir Moghul elected to KCCI managing committee

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The popular figure of Jahangir Moghul, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, among others, was elected to the managing committee of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) whose elections for the term 2026–2028 were swept by the Businessmen Group (BMG), spearheaded by its Chairman Zubair Motiwala, on September 26. 

Jahangir Moghul, having held top slots at the Karachi Gymkhana as well as the Rotary International, is a welcome addition to the elite list of the leaders running the show at the biggest business chamber of the country. 

A founding member of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), he is credited to have contributed to various social causes. He possesses diverse business experiences across cotton, ginning, textiles, travel and tourism, commodities, finance, steel, oil, and petroleum. 

According to unofficial results made available to PNFS, all 30 BMG candidates emerged victorious against their rivals of the Businessmen Alliance (BMA). The candidates elected for the corporate class, besides Jahangir Moghul, included Shahid Ismail, Zafar Saeed Baghpati, Mubeen Waqar, Aslam Pakhali, Faisal Jahangir, Muzamil Rauf Chaplin, Aslam Parvez, Sheikh Waseem Ahmed, Ahsan Saleem, Syed Atiqur Rehman, Khalid Riaz, Zohaib Fakhruddin Dabba. Wala, Adnan Ahmed Paracha and Sadiq Abdul Razzaq. 

The elected members for the associate class were Talat Mehmood, Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, Muhammad Farooq Afzal, Haji Asif Chamdia, Chaudhry Amir Ali Khan, Atif Jameel-ur-Rehman, Abdul Khaliq Insaf, Aamir Mansha, Muhammad Faheem, Shabbir Ismail, Syed Umeeruddin Hussain, Alamgir Khokhar, Muhammad Usman, Saad Ali Younis and Johar Iqbal. 

There were as many 56 candidates in the field to have contested in the elections, vying for 15 corporate and as many associate seats. 

It was for the first time when separate elections for corporate and associate classes were held in the KCCI. According to the available information, a total of 3,582 voters cast their votes in the polls.

Manhaz Rahman’s memoirs hits stands

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Veteran journalist and women’s right activist Mahnaz Rahman’s memoirs titled ‘Love, Life and the Left’ has arrived. It is being acclaimed as an intimate epic about falling in love, making homes and dreaming revolutions. 

In the words of Senator Farhatullah Babar, the book Love, Life and the Left is more than a memoir. He considers it as a vivid journey through the personal and political history of Pakistan, which makes one ponder over the systemic decline of resistance in Pakistani politics, media and society. 

“Mahnaz Rahman recounts her eventful life lived at the intersection of love, politics & endurance and shines new light on the struggle of the Left in the country. With candour matched only by her grace and courage, Mahnaz Rahman traces her life through decades of activism, journalism and human rights advocacy, offering a deeply human portrait of resilience, dissent and hope,” 

Senator Farhatullah Babar, an engineer-turned-politician, wrote. Ammar Ali Jan reckons that Mahnaz Rahman’s life sheds light on the intimate entanglement between the passionate struggle for emancipation and the weight of tradition embodied in everyday norms, cultural practices, and one’s social position. Sifting through multiple identities, political hopes, passionate love and devastating defeats, the book shows what it means to hold onto principles in the midst of repression, strategic compromises, and outright betrayals. 

Shah Mohammad Marri has opined that the career of Mahnaz Rahman was defined by the courage of her writings and the clarity of her convictions and she remains a tireless guardian for women’s rights and the sanctity of the written word. 

“Written with daring honesty and truth it is both endearing and captivating. One can almost feel the pain as she relives the moments of making difficult decisions in life and love. She narrates her story but it is also the story of so many of us who lived and dreamt about the elusive revolution that would bring equality and justice to all individuals and create a peaceful, harmonious society,” Sheema Kirmani complimented. 

Anwer Sen Roy feels that Mehnaz’s memoirs provide solid and highly reliable testimony for the correction of history. “Every word of hers serves as historical evidence. This is because she was not merely a comrade; she was also the partner of a stern, uncompromising comrade, and the mother of a comrade’s children,” he observed. 

Born in Karachi on June 16, 1949, Mahnaz Rahman has been acclaimed as one of the most respected journalists and women's rights activists. She had earned the distinction of being the first female vice president of the Economics Society in the largest department at the University of Karachi. 

She started her professional journey by joining the magazine section of Daily Musawat in Karachi. Following its closure, she worked at Weekly Mahwar and later at Daily Amn. She stayed in China with her family for eight years. She wrote two regular columns, "Letters from China" for Daily Jang and "Letters from Beijing" for Weekly Akhbar-e-Jahan both of which were widely read. She also translated several works of Chinese literature into Urdu. In 1991, the Chinese government honoured her with the Friendship Award for her outstanding contributions to the country's economic and social progress. 

After returning to Pakistan, she worked with various NGOs and served nearly a couple of decades at the Aurat Foundation, including as its Resident Director Sindh. She is also an active member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). 

Mahnaz Rahman had presided over one of the sessions during the 2nd edition of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), produced by Jumbo Publishing, at the Habitt City in December 2025.

Miracle-man Moonis Alvi appointed GO Petroleum’s CEO

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The revered figure of Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi, a chartered accountant, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited, also known as GO Petroleum. 

He has carved a niche across the power sector, infrastructure, capital markets, governance, and diversified industrial businesses during his illustrious career, spanning over 35 years. 

Moonis Alvi is credited to have spearheaded large-scale transformation, turnaround, regulatory, and growth mandates in some of Pakistan’s most challenging environments. He holds the distinction of being the K-Electric’s longest-serving CEO from 2018 to 2026. 

His journey at KE was centered on leading its post-privatization transformation across the full power value chain, generation, transmission, distribution, customer operations, regulation, finance, people, systems, and governance. 

The scale of this transformation included oversight of a workforce of approximately 13,000 people, monthly cash flows of over USD 150M, and major strategic initiatives including a USD 650M, 900 MW power plant, a USD 120M 500 KV to 220 KV grid and transmission line. 

Starting his professional career with KPMG, he later became a Fellow Chartered Accountant. Prior to his stint at KE, he worked as Group Director at Dewan Mushtaq Group, where he oversaw financing, restructuring, M&A, capital-market, and cross-border transaction initiatives across cement, automotive, textiles, sugar, and synthetic fibers.

His vast leadership experience of over three decades besides his visionary approach will certainly add value to his new employers, GO Petroleum, could capture bigger market share in his presence.

Usman Ahmed elected PSMA chairman

By Gul Nasreen

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Usman Ahmed of Gamalux Oleochemicals Limited, Karachi, has been elected as the chairman of the Pakistan Soap Manufacturers Association (PSMA) while Abdullah Zaki of Zaki Industrial Corporation, Karachi, and Muhammad Aneeq of Yaqub Soap Factory (Pvt.) Ltd, Multan, have been elected as its Senior Vice Chairman and as Vice Chairman respectively. 

According to the information made avalable by the Association’s Secretary General, Syed Aijaz Ahmed, on September 21, the elections of the PSMA were held in accordance with the Trade Organization Rules 2013, as a result of which a new team of office-bearers and Managing Committee members has assumed charge for the next term of two years (2026-2028). 

The newly elected unopposed members of the Managing Committee for the term of 2026-2028 are M. Aneeq, Yaqub Soap Factory (Pvt.) Limited, Multan, Syed Shiblee Abdullah, ZIL Limited, Karachi, Sh. M. Ilyas Khurshid Soap & Chemicals Industries (Pvt.) Ltd., Hattar, Usman Ahmed, Gamalux Oleochemicals Limited, Karachi, M. Ali Zia, Mukhtar Soap & Oleo Chemicals, Karachi, Abdullah Zaki, Zaki Industrial Corporation, Karachi, Raza Naseem, Fine Daily (Pvt.) Limited, Karachi, Mian M. Adrees, Sitara Chemical Industries Limited, Faisalabad, Abdul Samad Punjani, S. S. Detergents Industries, Hyderabad, Tariq Amin Safdar, Pears (Pvt.) Limited, Karachi, M. Ahmad Yasin, Nawab & Sons, Faisalabad, and Wasim Ahmed, Daily Chemicals (SMC-Pvt) Limited, Multan.

Aziz Memon’s felicitations on Malaysia Day

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Aziz Memon, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist from Pakistan, has felicitated the Malaysians on the occasion of Malaysia Day 2026, being celebrated September 16 to mark the 63rd anniversary of their federation's establishment. 

“Today, we celebrate unity, diversity and shared hopes for a stronger Malaysia. Merdeka, Malaysia!” Aziz Memon, who also happens to be the Honorary Consul General of Suriname in Karachi, declared in his official message. 

“I have had fond memories of Malaysia. They have proved to be good friends and worthy businesses partners,” Aziz Memon, Co-founder of Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL), remarked in a brief conversation with PNFS. 

It may be mentioned here that the Malaysia Day became nationwide public holiday on September 16 in 2010 while their Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) is celebrated on August 31.

Aziz Memon heading newly launched WHO Pakistan Council for partnership with public, private sectors

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The globally respected figure of Aziz Memon has been entrusted with yet other key responsibility to head the newly launched World Health Organization (WHO) Pakistan Council for partnership with public and private sectors. 

The council was launched jointly by Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Larry Lunsford, President-Elect, Rotary International, Dr Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, and Aziz Memon himself in Karachi on July 29. 

The presence of such high-profile personalities reflected the significance attached to the Council, at the highest levels of WHO and of the global Rotary movement, as a pioneering model of national leadership for health. The launch marked its formal establishment and the beginning of their collective work, anchored in Pakistan's own national health priorities and guided by sound governance and the standards that WHO brings as a partner.

“Let me tell you something I have learned over a lifetime. I have spent decades in business, building, competing, succeeding, and failing, and learning. But I want to speak to you about a different ledger, the one I have kept through Rotary for most of my life. Over these decades, I have given what I could: my money, yes, but more than that, my time, my voice, and my name. To the fight against polio, and well beyond it: to the health of mothers and children, to clean water, to education, and to communities in need across this country,” Aziz Memon remarked in his speech on the occasion. 

“And let me tell you plainly what that ledger shows. Nothing I have built in business has returned to me what this work has. I have watched children walk who would not have walked. I have seen mothers weep with relief at a doorstep. I have seen what a well, a school, or a clinic does to a village. This is the best investment of my life, and I say that as a businessman who knows his numbers,” he added. 

“These years also taught me what partnership really means. I have watched the WHO teams at work not only against polio, where this country has come back from thousands of cases a year to a handful, but in flood-hit districts, in nutrition wards, in immunization drives, and in the quiet work of building health systems that last,” Aziz Memon, who is also the National Chair of Pakistan PolioPlus Committee, acknowledged. 

“This Council will stand on that same breadth. Polio may be our proudest fight, but our canvas is the whole of health: safe motherhood, well-fed children, protected communities, and hospitals and clinics this nation can rely on. That is the spirit I bring to this chair,” he declared. 

“So, when Dr Luo and Mohamed came to Karachi last year with an idea, they thought they would need to convince me. They did not. The idea was right, and the moment was right: a platform where Pakistan's business leadership takes its rightful place in the health of its own people, with the WHO as our trusted partner. I said yes before they finished,” Aziz Memon disclosed. 

“And then I began to call you. My friends, my peers, even my competitors. Here is what moved me most: not one of you asked what you would get. You asked what was needed. Within days, you answered. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the leadership Pakistan is capable of. Look at who sits in this room: leaders from industry, banking, pharmaceuticals, textiles, technology, and philanthropy, from every corner of this economy. Each of you built something from conviction and discipline. This Council asks you to build with those same tools, one more time, for something no balance sheet can hold,” he concluded.

Arif Afzal Usmani shares his enthralling story of perseverance in KPC reception

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Enduring ups and downs of the highest order, journalist Arif Afzal Usmani, having fought his way for more than four decades to stay afloat and be counted as one of the respected names in the media industry, was formally recognized by Karachi Press Club (KPC), for the first time, on August 20. 

As declared in his remarks on the occasion, he felt elated by the honour bestowed upon him by the KPC whose top office-bearers were present to greet him at the boardroom where more than 30 members and guests, mostly his former colleagues and acquaintances, listened attentively. 

It was in the fitness of things that one of his closest contemporaries, Ehsan Qureshi, a former sports editor of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), and a former two-times Joint Secretary of the KPC, conducted the proceedings very professionally as he seemed to be knowing everyone present in the session rather well. 

While shedding light on the journey of Arif Afzal, he recalled the overwhelming contribution of the legendary broadcaster, Azeem Sarwar, who had mentored both of them besides numerous other youngsters who went on to succeed in sports journalism in the later years. 

Both, Arif Afzal and Ehsan Qureshi, holding the distinction of being a part of the inaugural episode of the Azeem Sarwar-classic, Aalami Sports Round Up, which went on air on the national hook-up of Radio Pakistan for the first time in June 1985. It duly became a blockbuster, breaking all previous records of listenership in Pakistan. 

Arif Afzal, now living in a posh locality of New Jersey, did not shy away from sharing that he hailed from a middle-class family of Landhi in Karachi and he had to work extremely hard to earn make ends meet. He cherished his first cheque at Radio Pakistan, which was worth Rs 50 as well as the maiden payment of Rs 25 received for his maiden article published in Daily Hurriyet. 

He disclosed about the theft of his motorbike in the late 1980s which, in the heat of the moment, left him heartbroken and he did not consider the country livable anymore although the magazine he brought out by the Club Cricket was faring very well in the market those days. 

Unable to find the suitable food of his choice, he spoke about his starvation for a few days, after landing in the United States for the first time. By his own admission, he had to wage a struggle to find a foothold in the bustling city of New York. He did not lose hope and continued to fuel his passion for writing even when doing different kind of jobs for earning livelihood. 

As many of his colleagues and friends would testify, Arif Afzal is credited to have continued working with missionary zeal despite the occasional setbacks. He has been an honest trier all along. He has not been afraid to experiment, having survived failures. Asia Tribune, a newspaper he bought 16 years ago, could still be seen and read online every day. 

Having relocated to the US more than 35 years ago, Arif Afzal expressed the desire to return to the home country for good, provided his better half, a dietician by profession, concurred.

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari’s demise marks end of an era in Pakistan librarianship

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, one of the founding fathers of library science in Pakistan, is no more. According to the sources, quoting his family, he breathed his last in the United States of America (USA) on August 8 at the age of 90. 

His demise marks the end of an era in Pakistan librarianship. He made monumental contribution in the country’s academic history as a pioneering scholar, educator, and visionary. He was credited to have dedicated more than six decades to structure and professionalize the landscape of Library and Information Science (LIS) in Pakistan. 

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari had served as a key early faculty member before becoming Chairman of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Karachi, where he succeeded in shaping the careers of multiple generations of librarians. 

He founded the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB) at Karachi in August 1966. The bureau, which celebrated its golden jubilee with fanfare in 2016, appeared to have lost its momentum soon afterwards. The LPB published Urdu-language textbooks on library science besides providing resources to researchers. 

He had launched the Pakistan Library Bulletin in 1968 which was later renamed as the Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal (PLISJ). It became an internationally recognized journal which was also approved by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He served as its Chief Editor for more than 50 years. 

Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari authored and compiled dozens of standard textbooks, directories, and professional guides. His highly cited early works included the Pakistan Book Trade Directory of 1966 and Who's Who in Librarianship in Pakistan whose first edition was published in 1969. 

Upon retirement from the long stint of service in Saudi Arabia, he had relocated in USA but he had made it a point to visit Pakistan every year. Unlike the majority of his contemporaries, he had lost none of his zeal or passion even in his advanced age as he frequently travelled to various cities to receive first-hand information about the profession of librarianship. 

Hailed as a man of character, Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari will be greatly missed and the vacuum he has left may be impossible to fill. Sadly, the LPB and the PLISJ, the two entities which were very to his heart, are unlikely to last in his non-presence.

Sunday Book Bazar at Frere Hall lights Karachi on self-help basis

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sunday Book Bazar at the historic Frere Hall has continued to light the city of Karachi for nearly three decades, albeit on self-help basis, as the participating booksellers and vendors are still needed to share the operating costs among themselves. 

During a candid conversation with the weekly event’s Coordinator, Manzar Saqib Abbas, on August 9, it was revealed that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, (KMC), has only been providing the space inside the premises of the Frere Hall but the onus of bearing all other expenditure related to the Sunday Book Bazar was solely on the shoulders of the participants. 

The Sunday Book Bazar, it may be recalled, was the brainchild of a man called Saif-ur-Rahman Grami, who worked as Director Culture of KMC those days. It was first organized in 1997 as a part of the country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. 

It has weathered many storms over the years, staying afloat despite the indifferent attitude of the departmental authorities, who have generally been reluctant to support such initiatives. 

Although it has gone on to become a regular feature, primarily because people are still indeed interested in visiting the place for the sole purpose of buying books, the KMC seems to have made negligible efforts to improve it. 

The credit goes to the bookworms and the booksellers for keeping it alive. The KMC could be expected to do more, in their role of facilitators. Isn’t it their responsibility to actively promote such undertakings? 

Manzar Abbas brought to light the fact that the Commissioner office, in the past, had taken interest in adding value to the Sunday Book Fair by approving a grant for this purpose. 

Sadly, he added, the funds had not reached them and they were still awaiting fulfilment of the commitment made quite a few years ago. 

He disclosed that an average of 15 stalls is set up by the booksellers on every Sunday throughout the year. There are quite a few attractions for the visitors to the weekly open-air book bazar as there is ample parking available in the compound, free of charge, as it brings together readers, families, and collectors every Sunday from morning until evening. 

The towering structure of Frere Hall is located on Fatima Jinnah Road in Civil Lines. It is not far away from the Cantonment Railway Station and the roads in this area are mostly clear on Sundays.

AKU-IED, Sindh Government establish a landmark partnership for inclusive education

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

In a move set to reshape how Pakistan educates children with disabilities, the Sindh Cabinet has approved a five-year partnership between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED). The Memorandum of Understanding was signed recently at the Chief Minister House in Karachi. 

The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, who witnessed the signing, called it “not merely an agreement” but “a solemn commitment to every child with disabilities in Sindh that their dreams matter, their potential is recognized, and their future will no longer be limited by barriers." 

The partnership will establish an Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit at AKU-IED, for training, research, and innovation that will house sensory rooms, therapy spaces and dedicated resource centres. The initiative aims to train more than 2,000 educators and, through them, reach an estimated half a million school children over the next five years. 

According to UNICEF, an estimated 96% of children with disabilities in Pakistan are out of school, with Sindh bearing a large proportion of this burden due to poverty, gender disparities, and limited functional accessibility. Overall, Sindh has 7.4 million out-of-school children, where disability acts as a major compounding barrier to attendance. 

"For too long, children with disabilities have been invisible in our education system. Today, we are making a promise to every family in Sindh that their children matter,” Tuaha Ahmed Faruqui, Secretary of DEPD, stated.

The initiative's most ambitious commitment is workforce transformation. AKU-IED will deliver modular courses, Training-of-Trainers programmes, and certification pathways to more than 2,000 educators. Its Bachelor of Education degree will offer specialization in inclusive education with monthly stipends. 

Beyond training, the collaboration establishes a province-wide research and advocacy agenda: baseline assessments, implementation evaluations, and annual policy commissions to inform government decisions. Biennial SEN conferences and policy seminars will convene experts and advocates, while public education campaigns will produce multimedia resources, toolkits, and community sensitisation initiatives to shift mindsets about disability inclusion. 

"This is not just an institutional milestone. It is a commitment to every child in Sindh who has been waiting for an education system that sees them, hears them, and empowers them," Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean, AKU-IED, reckoned. 

The Government of Sindh will provide grant funding, while AKU-IED contributes expertise and institutional resources. The SEN Unit will develop a strategic roadmap designed to sustain impact well beyond the five-year term. 

“The true measure of an education system is whether it reaches those who have historically been left furthest behind. By preparing teachers and schools to educate children with special needs, this partnership will help to ensure that all our children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential,” Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President, AKU, recognized. 

The partnership envisions a Sindh where every child, regardless of ability, finds belonging, understanding, and empowerment in their classroom, a future now within reach.

AKU launches pediatrics manual to strengthen child healthcare

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University (AKU) has launched the AKU Manual of Pediatrics, a free, locally developed clinical resource created “by clinicians, for clinicians” to support the diagnosis and management of common childhood conditions in Pakistan. 

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Developed in collaboration with the AKU's Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, the manual provides evidence-based guidance for pediatricians, family physicians, medical officers, residents, and other healthcare professionals and is available free through the AKU Manual website and mobile application. 

The manual was unveiled at a ceremony attended by the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, as chief guest. 

"Strengthening Pakistan's health care system requires practical, actionable, evidence-based solutions that support our health care professionals. The AKU Manual of Pediatrics is an important step towards improving the quality and consistency of child health care, and I commend Aga Khan University on this valuable contribution," the Federal Health Minister noted. 

The ceremony brought together leaders from government, academia, professional bodies, and the healthcare community, including representatives of the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Armed Forces Postgraduate Medical Institute (AFPGMI), Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), together with pediatric leaders and healthcare professionals. 

Developed by the AKU's Centre for Clinical Best Practices with the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, the manual provides 88 evidence-based clinical practice guidelines across 14 pediatric subspecialties. 

It is designed for pediatricians, family physicians, residents, medical officers, and other health care professionals, offering bedside-ready, point-of-care guidance tailored to Pakistan's context. Its Editor-in-Chief is Dr Adil H Haider, former Dean of AKU Medical College. 

The programme featured keynote addresses and a panel discussion on the role of locally developed guidelines in improving pediatric care and outcomes, before the official digital launch. 

“The AKU Manual of Pediatrics reflects a deeper purpose: to place reliable knowledge in the hands of those who care for children. When clinical decisions are guided by evidence, informed by global science, and rooted in local realities, we move closer to a health system in which every child has a fairer chance at life and health,” the AKU President, Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, observed. 

"Science is universal, but practice is always local. When evidence generated elsewhere needs to be applied in Pakistan, it needs to be understood, adapted and trusted. Our manual is a step towards bridging that gap," Prof Dr Fyezah Jehan, Chair of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at AKU, added. 

The manual is available free of charge through a mobile application and the University’s website.

Which is stronger, fear or guilt?

By Zara Waqas

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Guilt is like a heavy sack on your back. “Just remove the sack”. “Pretend it isn't there”. Guilt is the strongest thing a person can ever feel. It makes people rethink their decisions, it makes breathing in peace feel impossible. It is impossible to not just think about it. 

You get reminded of it every single second you have to yourself. “I could have done better or why did I even do that. May be, I shouldn’t have done it”. 

Guilt can be expressed in many ways, crossing someone, ruining someone's day or even more complex expressions. It's like an endless sea. However much you try to get out, it just swallows you whole and the thing is, there is no way to get out of it. 

You are in the middle of the sea, stranded. No way to go, endless water, waves which make you feel stronger guilt. As you try to get to calm water, the waves just follow you and attack right as you were getting peace. 

There is no way to get out. Stop running. “How do I stop running” and I have to face it. “I can’t face it” you can’t. You keep running away from it, regretting every single second of your life which led you to that moment. The waves hit you stronger every single time. No escape. You try to distract yourself. Go out. 

Hang out with friends. Help your mom in the kitchen. Write in your journal. Watch a vlog. But when you get a moment to rest, you are reminded about that moment again and again. 

Late at night, you can't sleep. You toss and turn, repeatedly. You get hit with stronger waves. You can't find any distractions so all the waves hit you all at once like a wrecking ball. Every single decision you make, you overthink it. “Will I mess up again? Or “Am I making the wrong decision again?” You can't get a moment of peace. This is a shame. 

Although there is healthy guilt. You do something wrong and you get pushed to make it right. Sometimes, that guilt never ever leaves. There are two types of guilt, one makes you grow and the other makes you criticize yourself again and again. 

Guilt makes you replay moments again and again in your brain. It increases stress levels and makes you think like you are the person in the wrong even though sometimes it isn’t your fault at all. 

Guilt is pretty strong and sometimes, people can’t handle it at all. It is better that we start to control it rather than to try and finish it. 

Fear is also a very strong emotion. The real question is: which is stronger? I just told you about guilt. Let's talk about fear now.

Fear is a very important emotion in which you feel some kind of danger, or you get a feeling that this isn’t right. That this is not good. 

Fear is sometimes, rarely useful. It can help you from taking decision, sometimes these decisions are bad ones. You think about them because the idea of it makes you shiver in fear. You feel something wrong and the brain quickly tells you about it and passes the message to the muscles. 

Your blood starts pumping faster, your heart is racing, your mind is overworking itself with the endless possibilities on what will happen. Fear of heights, dark spaces, being alone, fast cars, long words, failure, rejection, judgement, dogs, animals, bugs, open spaces, enclosed space and the list could go on forever. 

Fears can go from the simplest of things to the most complex things. Understanding your fears is very important. Most people say “overcome” your fears. But that's not really possible is it now? 

You fear something, when you come across it, your body immediately gives you signals, your brain starts working rapidly and fear isn’t something you can stop just like guilt. You can’t stop these two emotions. 

A difference between the two is that fear is a future threat. And guilt is something that has happened in the past. Fear is like being scared, nervous and not ready to face things. Guilt is feeling an unhealthy amount of remorse and regret. 

These both combine usually. For example, you lost someone in the past and it might have been because of you and that brings you guilt. But it also brings you fear of ever losing someone again. 

You can think of guilt and fear as twin sisters, some differences included. Then there is their elder sibling. Shame. Shame can pull inwards both of these emotions and turn them into something else entirely. 

It mixes with guilt and makes you criticize your own self. “I did something bad to I am bad or that is a huge problem to I am the problem”. It mixes with fear the same way: “I don’t feel good, I don’t feel safe to maybe I am too weak” or “I feel like throwing up in enclosed spaces to I am just a cry baby”. 

These two emotions mix with shame to trap you in an endless cycle, or a loop. Which one do you find stronger?