Monday, April 25, 2016

SSUET to form women sports outfits

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has decided to form teams of its women students in various sports.

This follows a directive from the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, to the university’s sports department asserting that side by side men’s teams, women teams in various sports should also be formed. He emphasized that healthy sports activities bring positive impact in academics. 

It may be mentioned here that Chancellor Jawaid Anwar has resolved to take every step for up gradation of this university to bring it into the fold of country’s top universities. 

Acting on the Chancellor’s directive, the SSUET Director Sports, Mubbashir Mukhar, has started formation of teams of the university’s women students and in the first instance badminton team has been setup comprising of Uzma Baig, Mahnoor, Yashnaa, Bushra and Tressa with Sabin Fatima as team manager and Javed Iqbal as coach. 

The team in its first test participated in the Inter-University Women Badminton Tournament organized by the PAF University. Although the team lost to Iqra University in 0-3 straight sets, the performance of players remained satisfactory. 

Mubbashir Mukhtar observed that the SSUET enjoyed a unique position in various sports besides the curricular activities. 

He said that the university has its teams in 12 different sports including cricket, football, hockey and boxing and exhibited outstanding performance by winning matches during the last couple of years. 

He disclosed that the university will have teams of its women students in table tennis, basketball, netball, throwball besides cricket and hockey and will participate in the university’s inter-departmental sports.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

SSUET, ICCBCS sign MoU


By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) and the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBCS) of the University of Karachi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will provide access to SSUET to the centre’s facilities in the field of research and faculty development.

The MoU was signed on the occasion of a lecture by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Director, ICCBCS, on the subject of “Science and Engineering for Sustainable Development of Pakistan” at the SSUET’s campus. 

Welcoming the distinguished speaker, the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, said that the development of a country depended on technological advancements made in different areas. 

The new technology with young minds creates a synergy both in knowledge and resource utilization, he said adding that research paves way for inventions and discoveries as evolutionary process cannot continue without research while living style and facilities available today indicate to the revolutionary thoughts. 

“Science and engineering is a new game-changer that enhances economic growth and human development to alleviate poverty. Science and Technology is associated in all means with modernity which is an essential tool for rapid development,” Chancellor Jawaid Anwar emphasized. 

Delivering the lecture, Prof. Dr Iqbal Choudhary said: “Science is an integral part of culture. There is nothing alien about science. It is rather one of the glories of human intellectual traditions. Science is a game changer that helps feed hungry, heal sick and provide other facilities to the mankind.” 

He pointed out that internet has changed the meaning of time and space. Physical distance lost its meaning offering wonderful opportunity for learning, but the greatest tragedy is that despite all these technological and scientific advancement, 80% of humanity has no input in knowledge innovation of today. 

“Knowledge is the basis of socioeconomic development which is no longer dependent on natural resources," he said and added that best asset of nation is creative potential of youth and its capacity to use it. 

He said time demands to unleash the creative talents of our youth, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Population of Pakistan is around 195 million and 40% of which live below poverty line with highest disease burden. The population may cross over 300 million in 2050. There is inversely relationship between poverty and knowledge. He highlighted the importance of higher education, and said higher education worldwide has moved from the periphery to the centre of national agenda. 

Universities are now seen as crucial national assets in addressing many policy priorities. They provide skilled personnel and credible credentials, contributing to innovation and creativity. The university strikes a balance between research and teaching, yet research-only and teaching-only staff doesn’t fit the basic concept of university and called for greater investment in education and training. 

On the occasion, Chancellor Jawaid Anwar presented the university’s memento to Prof Dr Iqbal Choudhary while Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Syed Jawaid H. Rizvi presented the vote of thanks.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Advanced equipment for brain surgeries comes to AKUH


By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, has become the first health facility to introduce new extraordinarily advanced brain surgery technology to Pakistan and the only hospital outside North America to possess the equipment.

The revolutionary technology, with its highly detailed 3D imaging and robotic positioning system, will transform the way surgeons operate on delicate areas of the brain and radically alter treatment options for patients. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, 

Dr Amin Kassam, Vice President, Neurosciences System Clinical Programme, Aurora Neurosciences Innovation Institute, and Chair, Neurosurgery, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, USA shared his experience of performing the world's first neurosurgery using this system’s planning, visualization and automated technology in April last year. 

"I have performed perhaps 10,000 brain surgeries in my career and this felt like the first time I had the tools I have always needed. From the first planning stages right up through the surgery itself, we finally had the kind of look inside the patient's brain that previously we could have only dreamed of," he said. 

The system will enable neurosurgeons at the University Hospital to access the deepest parts of the human brain, distinguish between diseased and healthy tissues, and determine the best surgical approach to minimize neurological deficits during complex brain surgeries. 

“This technology enables us to pre-operatively plan, prepare and then perform the surgery,” Dr Ather Enam, Professor of Neurosurgery and Chair, Department of Surgery, AKU, observed.

“The system takes highly detailed images of a patient’s brain and projects it on a screen while a computer guides the path according to the patient's preoperative imaging.” 

For patients, the minimally invasive surgery means safer and more precise surgeries with less complications, faster recovery times and improved health outcomes. 

Synaptive Medical’s President Cameron Piron said that the system is a GPS of sorts for the brain, which gives surgeons a visual representation of the complex structures of the brain. 

“For us, this system is a first step towards the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences at AKUH, which will provide comprehensive and quality care for all diseases related to the nervous system and spine,” Aga Khan University’s President Firoz Rasul remarked. 

“Our vision is high quality healthcare covering the entire spectrum from technology and facilities to care,” he added.

Monday, April 11, 2016

10-storeyed new SSUET block inaugurated


By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The newly constructed 10-storeyed academic Block “E” at the Sr Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, was inaugurated on the occasion of Nizami Day observed on April 9.

The block has been named in memory of the university’s Founder Chancellor Engr Z.A. Nizami, who passed away three years ago. 

The block was inaugurated with the cutting of ribbon jointly by senior Aligarian, Mazhar Aslam Zuberi, 

The SSUET Chancellor Jawaid Anwar, Farrukh Nizami, son of late Z.A. Nizami, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi. Mohammed Arshad Khan, General Secretary AMUOBA, Rizwan Siddiqi and others. Later they unveiled the plaque installed at the entrance of the block.

The SSUET Chancellor Jawaid Anwar said that eight floors of the block will be used for academic purposes and faculty offices while upper two floors will have a modern auditorium. 

He pointed out that the foundation stone of the new Block E was laid by former Chancellor Adil Usman in November 2013. 

He sought cooperation of philanthropists to generously donate for the construction of a modern auditorium in this Block as was contributed by senior Aligarhian Engr Bashir A. Malik who got a modern auditorium constructed in Block F. 

The Chancellor said that various steps have been taken and more were underway for the development and up gradation of the university to earn it a highest place in the HEC’s ranking.

Engr Zille Ahmed Nizami remembered

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The man who developed Karachi to its present day level, worked for promotion of scientific education, carried forward the mission of great educationist and reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and above all a great human being was remembered at a ‘Nizami Day’ function held under the auspices of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) at the campus of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology on April 9. 

Engr Z A Nizami, who remained the Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) for over 18 years after its establishment, had passed away three years ago, on April 7, 2013. 

The speakers on the occasion paid glowing tributes to Engr Zille Ahmed Nizami, former Director General KDA, former President Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) and first Chancellor of SSUET who held these coveted positions for record long periods. 

Presided over by the SSUET Chancellor and the AMUOBA President, Jawaid Anwar, the speakers on the occasion included noted scholar Prof Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi, Farrukh Nizami, former Chairman BISE Prof Anwar Ahmed Zai and former Director Public Relations KDA Rizwan Siddiqi who in their speeches recalled the services of late Z.A. Nizami as an Administrator, an engineer, an educationist and above all a true flag bearer of the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. 

In his presidential address, Chancellor Jawaid Anwar vowed to take SSUET from its present 20th position, as ranked by Higher Education Commission, to the level of a world class institution. 

He said that those nations don’t survive if they forget their benefactors and so is Mr Nizami who will always be remembered for his outstanding works and services, especially for the cause of education, particularly in the field of science and technology. 

He recalled his long association with Mr Nizami and said he had an outstanding power of decision making. Once he would take a decision it was bound to be executed and this was reflective from his 45 development schemes he launched during his eight-year tenure as DG KDA. 

He said this university came into being as a result of hard struggle by Mr Nizami, late Zakir Ali Khan, late Brig Qamarussalam and the cooperation of AMUOBA who founded Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) and it had the distinction of being the first engineering university in the private sector. 

Chancellor Jawaid Anwar recounted the measures which have been taken so far and are being taken for continuous up gradation of SSUET as a part of the AMUOBA’s resolve to carry forward the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. 

He said its positive effects have started surfacing. He said the best step to pay tributes to Mr Nizami and his compatriot Zakir Ali Khan is to carry SSUET to the highest position. 

The AMUOBA”s Vice-President, Anwer Ali, and General Secretary, Mohammed Arshad Khan, were recognized for organizing the Nizami Day. 

In his speech, Prof Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi described Mr Nizami an outstanding Administrator who had the ability and capacity to administer the institutions and this can be judged from the 45 development schemes he launched as DG KDA and not a single one planned after he retired. 

He said his life was a continuous struggle and his aim was to make Karachi an ideal society with Civic Center being an icon of his focus and later SSUET being the hallmark of his mission.. He was a kind person and hundreds of poor families today are surviving because of his God-gifted kindness. 

Prof Anwar Ahmad Zai said that Engr Z A Nizami was not a person but a personality and personalities are never forgotten. He said the late Nizami had a close relationship with Silsila-e-Tasawwuf and was a staunch follower of Silsila-e-Nizami.  He said that the establishment of SSUET was the outcome of that very Silsila-e-Tasawwuf. 

Farrukh Nizami recalled his memories about his great father and said that there would be only few people who may be having score of buildings, institutions, roads and structures named after them. He said a book on the life and achievements of his father is ready and will be launched soon. Besides, a postal stamp is also being issued in his memory. 

He said his father was a true reflection of ‘Aligarh Spirit’ which was fully infused in his soul. This Aligarh spirit can be defined in three words “unity, equality and character building” and this was religiously followed by him in throughout his life. 

Rizwan Siddiqi, who remained Director Public Relations KDA, during the DG ship of Mr Nizami, said that Mr Nizami performed the feats in Karachi like that of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. What he gained in Aligarh University, he distributed it here. 

He said Mr Nizami was one of those personalities who never retire and keep performing feats for the welfare of people and SSUET is one such example from where thousands of students graduated and today bringing shine and fame for their homeland. 

On the occasion a beautiful documentary on the life, achievements and an interview of Engr Z A Nizami was also screened and applauded by the audience. 

Later the newly constructed 10-storeyed Academic Block was also inaugurated with the cutting of ribbon by a senior Aligarhian Mazhar Aslam Zuberi along with Chancellor Jawaid Anwar, Abdul asheed Khan, Farrukh Nizami, Rizwan Siddiqi, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawaid H. Rizvi and others.

IGP Sindh stresses for concrete security measures


By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sindh. A. D. Khowaja presided over a high level meeting regarding revamping of Karachi police and to raise the standards of policing according to the police rules. He also reviewed in details the police measures being adopted for the security of the citizens.

The meeting was also attended by Additional IGP Karachi, Additional IGP CTD/SB, DIG Admn Karachi, DIG CIA, DIG Establishment, DIG Finance, DIG Training, Headquarters, AIG Operation Sindh, AIG Admn CPO and others. 

During the meeting, the IGP remarked that extraordinary measures must be ensured to improve law and order situation by even utilization of available resources and manpower. 

"Police should fulfill their responsibilities while ensuring team work and take action against criminals/terrorists without any discrimination,” he stressed. 

A D Khowaja directed the police to take concrete steps for overcoming crimes and to avert any possible terrorist activity by visible police deployment at crime infested areas and make snap checking system effective. 

He directed that steps should also be ensured to eliminate possible terrorist activities and organized crimes by way of strengthening the Advance Intelligence Collection System. 

"Any information with regard to terrorist activity should be followed without any delay ensuring all necessary security arrangements,” he emphasized. 

The IGP said that extraordinary security should be ensured to protect life and property of citizens, while effective security steps must be adopted at Masajids, Imambargahs, non-Muslims’ worship places, vital installations, important government/semi government offices/buildings and all other public places. 

The IGP also sought a comprehensive proposal/recommendation for practically effective restructuring of Karachi police removing the bottleneck in operations and Investigations policing.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

AMUOBA to observe Yaum-e-Nizami

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) has chalked out an elaborate programme to observe Yaum-e-Nizami in a befitting manner on April 9. 

The programme will be held at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, in memory of Engr Z A Nizami, a former President of the AMUOBA and the founder Chancellor of the SSUET. 

Besides the SSUET Chancellor, Jawaid Anwar, who will be presiding over, the ceremony will be addressed by Prof Dr Waqar Ahmed, Farrukh Nizami, Dost Mohammed Faizi and Rizwan Siddiqi. 

The university’s newly constructed Academic Block "E", named after Engr Z.A. Nizami, who passed away three years ago, will also be inaugurated on the occasion.