Justice Mushir Alam lauds SSUET for meeting the challenge

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Chief Justice of the High Court of Sindh, Justice Mushir Alam, has lauded the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET), Karachi, for producing 10,000 engineers for Pakistan serving humanity nationally and internationally with global vision. 

He was addressing as chief guest at a 4000-strong gathering at the 16th Convocation-2013 of the University held at the Karachi Expo Center on March 26. Around 1100 passing out graduates, including a group having done Masters in Civil, Bio-Medical Engineering and Mathematics, were conferred degrees in Computer, Electronics, Civil, Bio-Medical and Telecom Engineering and Computer Science. 

Various Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were also given to students bagging first, second and third positions in all the engineering disciplines. 

Addressing the passing out graduates, the Chief Justice Mushir Alam told them that they are equipped with creative and innovative abilities and prepared to take the challenges head on, hold reigns of this nation and steer it towards more successful and technologically advanced Pakistan. 

Pakistan, he pointed out, is land of opportunity and Allah has gifted Pakistan with 3rd largest coal mine; 3rd number in cotton production; 4th number in rice production; 5th largest gold mine, 6th largest army; 7th nuclear power, 11th biggest gas reservoir; 11th number in wheat production and world’s biggest youth (20-30 years) make up nearly one-third of Pakistan’s total population. 

“But what we lack is true, upright and loyal leadership in Pakistan,” CJ Mushir Alam said adding that unfortunately our industries are shutting down because of acute energy crises and this land of opportunities was in the grip of few handful opportunists who are plundering Pakistan for personal gains. 

“Just as we have high confidence on your capabilities and on the excellence of the academic and attitudinal grooming each one of you has received, I personally, and above all your parents, family members and Pakistan all have very high expectations from each of you."

It is strong conviction of all of us that you the engineers can changed the country if you devote your energy and time to make new breakthroughs, Chief Justice Mushir Alam emphasized and added that all above resources Pakistan was gifted with awaits your exploration to convert Pakistan as a strong industrialized and economically viable country. 

The Chief Justice SHC said that Pakistan, after long dictatorial rule has achieved a mile stone by completing first ever five year of democratic rule and day before yesterday witnessed swearing in of Justice (Rtd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, appointments of former judges as Chief Minister in KPK, Sindh is clear manifestation of trust people have on the judiciary of Pakistan. 

He said it was not the job of judiciary to run the country. The responsibility lies on the elected representatives. Responsibility of the judiciary is to ensure that the state is being run by rule of law and in accordance with the Constitutions. 

Present judiciary, he continued, has fostered and strengthens the democracy by ensuring rule of law and equal treatment and protection of law. For many this democratic rule was not a pleasing experience but democracy has to be given chance and now we are at the cross road, here your contribution to the society will certainly set the direction for the nation. 

He told them to use their right of franchise sensibly and honestly. ”As a nation we have travelled 66 years. Throughout this journey Pakistan was led by many dictatorial rules and intermittently for a short while by the controlled democracy. It is not the distance that many nations cover matters. What matters is the direction we have chosen to move forward. If the directions are set right we are sure to reach the destination, no matter how long the journey is otherwise we will continue to wander rudderless and we lost in the history."   

Addressing the young engineers, CJ Mushir Alam told them that they are fortunate to live in present day time. They are witness to a change – change from rule of tyranny to the rule of law. “You have seen in your time how just a ‘No’ of Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry to the unconstitutional demand of a dictator on 9th March 2007 has changed the entire scenario. Just one ‘No’ triggered whole event of change in the society, it has resurrected moral renaissance in Pakistan , it has changed the mindset of the people.” 

Now, he said, each member of the society is looking forward to a change for a better, prosperous and just Pakistan. “It is you the educated youth to rest the responsibility to bring the change and to turn the wheel of prosperity and bring into being justice, fair and peaceful society; where life and liberty of every citizen is protected, all are treated equally and have an equal opportunity to grow and where rule of law reign supreme."

This university CJ SHC, pointed out, has equipped you with the chisel of knowledge and wisdom and now it was for them how to effectively use this to shape out Pakistan of your dream. 

He said their mission in life should be to go out to serve people of their country and use their knowledge to bring change and it was now their turn to contribute. 

Earlier in his address and report, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawd Hussain Rizvi informed that since the establishment of this university in 1994, education has been provided to over 10,000 students in a number of disciplines from Civil to Bio-Medical Engineering. 

He revealed that the university is offering Ph.D program in Electronic and Computer Engineering only for its faculty members and currently there were 15 students pursuing Ph.D studies and some of them receive their degrees in coming year while the university plans to offer Ph.D programme in other disciplines also. 

He said the university believes in providing its students with access to all necessary tools and its state-of-the-art labs are equipped with modern equipment meeting international standards. He said the faculty is dedicated and well qualified. 

He congratulated the graduating class of 2012 and their loved ones and said may the years they spent at SSUET be the best years of their life and may these years pave the way for greater success and happiness of thyeir future. 

He quoted great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan saying that “national progress is the sum total of the individuals, labour, honour, honesty and sympathy. Similarly national downfall is the cumulative results of individuals, laziness, dishonesty, selfishness and other weaknesses of character."

This university, he said, operates on the philosophy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan with no restriction on admissions on the basis of cast, creed or domicile. He said admissions are provided on the basis of merit alone and for the reason, the SSUET has seen an increasing influx of talented students From all parts of Pakistan. 

On the occasion a total of 1123 students were conferred degrees in various engineering disciplines including 255 in Civil, 324 in Electronics, 100 in Telecom, 78 in Bio-Medical and 275 in Civil Engineering and 91 in Computer Science. 

Top position holders were awarded Z.A. Nizami, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Muhammed Zakir Ali Khan, Dr A.T. Khan, Bashir A. Malik and Hasan Nasir University Gold Medals besides University Silver and Bronze medals in the six engineering disciplines. 

Among others, the convocation was attended by renowned nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council Engr Syed Abdul Qadir Shah, Members of SSUET’s Board of Governors, Members of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) and a large number of city’s elite. The proceedings were conducted by the SSUET Registrar, Shah Mahmood H Syed.

Prevention is the best way to combat brain-eating amoeba

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prevention is considered the best way to avoid the rare ‘brain eating’ disease Naegleria Fowleri, which has already claimed as many as 10 lives in a matter of just a few months in Pakistan’s most populous city of Karachi.

Prevention is the key in this case because the mortality rate of the disease is extremely high. It has to be ensured that the water supply is chlorinated and the citizens are aware about the precautionary measures.

Abstaining from all water-related activities can prevent Naegleria infections, but for many people, this simply is not an option. There are other things people can do.

It’s strongly recommended to avoid swimming in still, warm, brackish water that has loose bottom sediment. Jumping or diving into the same type of water is also to be avoided. The brain-eating amoeba is often caught through swimming in infected water.

Wearing a nose clip or holding your nose if you jump or dive into relatively warm water lakes, rivers, pools or other similar bodies of water is advised since Naegleria Fowleri is transmitted by contaminated water entering the nose. It cannot be passed from person to person, however.

People are warned to avoid getting water too deep into their nostrils and make sure their water supply is properly treated. Those with symptoms are urged to seek help immediately without wasting any time.

The highest incidence of this disease occurs in the hot summer months in children and young adults, with males having the highest incidence of disease.

Naegleria Fowleri, which has a fatality rate of more than 98%, infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nasal membranes and destroys brain tissues. Symptoms are initially very mild, including a headache, stiff neck, fever and stomachache. Death usually occurs five to seven days after infection.

Naegleria Fowleri is an amoeba that lives in fresh water and soil. The organism goes through three stages in its life cycle: cysts, flagellates, and trophozoites. It is the trophozoite form that causes human disease.

Naegleria are ‘thermophilic’ meaning that they prefer warmer water. However, the cysts are able to survive for months in very cold water. Thus, Naegleria infection is found both in tropical and temperate climates.

Although there are many species of Naegleria, including Naegleria gruberi, only Naegleria fowleri causes human infection. There are other free-living amoebas that cause human disease, including Acanthamoeba.

The organism was officially discovered in Australia in 1965 by Dr M Fowler and Dr R Carter although it’s believed to have occasionally infected humans for centuries. Fortunately, humans are rarely infected with Naegleria fowleri.

The disease was first reported to have surfaced in Karachi, the commercial hub of the country, in 2006 but this year's outbreak has been deadlier making the citizens more concerned.

The awareness campaigns by the concerned authorities can help immensely in combating the deadly disease. The NGOs as well as the government sector should mobilize all their resources in spreading the precautionary measures that could save precious lives.

Glowing tributes paid to eminent writer Zakir Ali Khan

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Glowing tributes were paid to the late Zakir Ali Khan, an eminent writer, Aligarhian, former Honorary Vice-Chancellor of Sir Syed University of University & Technology (SSUET), and ex-Managing Director Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB), for his commitment to the mission and vision of great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, at a condolence reference for him organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) at the SSUET’s campus.

The speakers on the occasion recalled the multi-faceted life and achievements of Zakir Ali Khan who served AMUOBA as its General Secretary for five decades and died recently at the age of 86 after a protracted illness..

In his speech the Chancellor SSUET, Engr Z.A. Nizami, spoke about the contributions made by late Zakir Ali Khan, towards promoting the cause of education and literature as outlined by the great Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.. 

He described Zakir Ali Khan as a man having unusual qualities and said he had been one of the most revered and outstanding writer having produced at least 10 most popular books in Urdu. 

He said his sad demise has created a void in both the educational and literary circles besides which would not be filled in near future. He announced to establish a chair after his name at the university in acknowledgment to his services in augmenting the cause of education in general and promoting Urdu in particular.

Engr Nizami said the dream of establishing Sir Syed University in line with the vision of great educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan came true because of his efforts and contribution and he made it possible for the University to get the hockey ground for SSUET students opposite the campus.

“He was a noncontroversial person who was loved and respected by all and nobody ever talked against him”, he said adding that besides education, he always emphasized on extracurricular activities and formed a sports department in the university.

Earlier Syed Afzal Karim highlighted the qualities and efforts of Zakir Ali Khan, observing that he was a great protagonist of the vision and mission of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Born in July 2026 in Rampur, Zakir Ali Khan did his matric from Rampur, B.Sc from Aligarh in 1945 and B.Sc Engineering from the same university in 1948.

In his professional career, the late Khan had served as Managing Director of KW&SB, Chief Engineer KMV, Honorary Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Founder Member of Board of Governors SSUET, Founder Member Governing Body Aligarh Institute of Technology, President Pakistan Association of Scientists and Scientific Professions, Karachi University Syndicate and Academic Council and Selection Board.

Zakir Ali Khan was the recipient of Alumni Award given to him by Aligarh Alumni Association New York in 2000 and was awarded the First Sir Syed Ahmed Khan International Award for Literature by Aligarh Muslim University, India in 2008.

He was the author of 10 books and represented the best qualities of social engineering through the promotion of professional education thereby impacting the life of a large multiple.

He was also instrumental in creating a new sense of pride and confidence as being a part of modern Islamic heritage through his writings.

He played a significant role in establishment of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association and since the last five decades had remained in Honorary Secretary.

He was actively engaged in the promotion of sports events and also went as team manager to various countries. He worked hard to promote hockey and served as Secretary of Karachi Division Lawn Tennis Association.

The meeting, largely attended by SSUET’s faculty members, staff, students, friends of Zakir Ali Khan and his lovers, concluded with Fateha offered for the departed soul. Dua was performed by renowned Naat Khawan, Mahamoodul Hassan Ashrafi. 

SSUET to have a Center of studies for Irrigation and flood relief

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) is going to have a center of studies for Irrigation and Flood Relief – the first of its kind to be established by an engineering university.

An announcement in this regard was made by Chancellor SSUET Engr Z.A. Nizami, while presiding over the Sir Syed Day function held at the University’s Convocation Ground in Karachi.

Mr Nizami made the announcement on behalf of Pakistan’s noted engineer and most senior Aligarhian Engr Bashir A. Malik, who was the chief guest at the Sir Syed Day function which is iberved every year on October 17.

Mr Nizami said Engr Bashir Malik, has announced to wholly sponsor the establishment of this center. It was Engr Bashir Malik who donated the entire Rs 12 million cost of an Auditorium of international standard at SSUET.

The Chancellor noted that establishment of such a study center was the need of the house and work on its establishment will start within a week. He said the center will feed the entire country on irrigation and flood relief issues.

He announced yet another sponsorship from Engr Bashir Malik for the establishment of Lahore Campus of Sir Syed University and said the legal requirements in this respect would be sorted out first to pave the way for this purpose.

On the occasion, Engr Nizami announced the conferment of status of Professor Emiratus of SSUET for Engr Bashir Malik in recognition to his services in the field of civil engineering and more particularly the water issues.

Nizami said that no one else but SSUET has been instrumental in keeping the “Aligah Spirit” alive and said that it is the only university in Pakistan which, besides imparting education in six engineering didsciplines, made Pakistan Studies, Aligarh Movement and Pakistan Movement compulsory subjects while following the spirit and mission of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

He referred to the host of studies carried out on disaster management at the University and said that the bulky reports were sent to some 32 organizations and only three of them took the pain to go through these world standard reports.

Mr Nizami said that keeping the mission of Sir Syed, this university keeps pursuing its students to only focus on their academic pursuits besides extra academic activities.

Earlier, speaking as chief guest, Engr Bashir A. Malik who did his civil engineering from Aligarh Muslim University and served as Technical Advisor to UN on water issues, described Sir Syed Ahmed Khan a great personality and said such personalities never die and their achievements are always remembered.

He said that achievements of the great reformer and educationist are counted even after 110 years – his biggest achievement being the Aligarh College which later became the world fame university.

He said the students of Aligarh Muslim University led the movement for the creation of a country in which today we are living as a free nation. He said this country was carved out under the sterling leadership of Quaid-e-Aza Muhammed Ali Jinnah which otherwise it was not possible to get it from the yoke of imperialists and hindus.

“It was not an easy task to bring a country on the world map, and the basic role towards this was played by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan through the establishment of college in Aligarh”.

Bashir Malik said that the seed for establishment of Pakistan was sowed by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan but what not is being done to this country today. He said once the Muslim were a great united nation but had no country while today we have a country but with a divided nation.

He said it is wrong that Pakistanis are inferior to anyone. “We should come out of inferiority complex and be proud of achievements of our people like the one who made it a atomic power.

Engr Bashir Malilk made a special mention about his book “save water save Pakistan” and said the book has special philosophy behind it.

He pointed out that the world has only 2.5 percent of water for drinking purposes and 70 percent of it was underground and thus the world has less than one percent of water available for drinking.

He warned that after 10-12 years Pakistan will not have enough water to meet the drinking needs of its 22 million people and, therefore, it is imperative to take up this issue on war footing. He said any government in power should not only work on construction of dams but also control the population growth at the same time.

He said it is important to meet the country’s energy requirements and overcome the load shedding problem, but it must be remembered that we cannot live without water for more than one week. He said there would not have been load shedding, if the governments in power had focused on construction of dams.

Other speakers on the occasion included noted writer and poet, Muslim Shamim, snior most Aligarhian Saeed Siddiqi and noted writer Prof Dr Waqar Rizvi, who paid glowing tributes and recounted the achievements of great reformer and educationist and said he was the torch bearer of Islamic renaissance.

They said that Sir Syed laid the foundation of Muslims renaissance with the establishment of Aligarh College. They said that he was the motivating force behind the rebirth of learning. They said he created educational and political consciousness among the Muslim youth and led sectarianism to an end.

Noted poet Khumar Farooqi presented poetic tributes to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan while the boys and girls of Sir Syed University sang “Tarana-e-Aligarh”.

SSUET students Fatima Saima and Omer Ali kazmi delivered speeches on Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in English and Urdu respectively.

KBCA Chief highlights Authority's one year performance

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, has approved the establishment of KBCA police station and a special court with full powers to take action against violators of Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) and the notification in this regard was awaited from the provincial home department.

This was disclosed by Arch Manzoor Qadir, Chief Controller of Buildings, KBCA, in a media chat at his chamber in the Civic Centre on June 3.

“The individual violators have stretched to groups who over a period of time have developed into a powerful mafia and stern actions are required to overcome the mafia, he pointed out.

The KBCA, he said, remains determined to vigorously enforce relevant laws which need police assistance and which is not available to required extent from police department and, therefore, KBCA need an exclusive police station and KBCA special court for prosecution of violators besides magisterial powers to KBCA officials.

“We moved a summary to the Chief Minister in this regard, having explained that the attainment of our objectives would just remain a dream if we were not provided with the desired facilities", Manzoor Qadir said adding that "we proposed actions in the interest of the security of public investment well as for good governance".

The CCOB said approval of the summary indicates the realization of the fact that the KBCA must be empowered both in legal and physical terms in order to enforce the building laws that are grossly violated by mafia.

By approving the summary, the provincial government has agreed to confer all the powers of a special magistrate on three senior officers (BPS 19) or above of the KBCA who could perform their duties to check unauthorized construction in accordance with approved plan and ensure the enforcement of the court orders of ejection of illegal occupants from the premises constructed illegally.

He informed that provincial government has allowed the establishment of a KBCA Police Station on the patterns of the CDGK and the KESC with all powers exercisable by a Station House Officer under the provisions of the code of Criminal Procedure in respect of offences of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance and other applicable laws.

Similarly approval has also been accorded for the establishment of a KBCA Court for trial of offences or prosecution cases under Section 19 of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance.

It will also have the powers of civil courts to decide the disputes between the purchasers and builders/developers. The special court is proposed to function under the supervision of a District Judge.

The CCOB pointed out that 90 violations of Building bylaws were being committed in justthree Towns of Saddar, Lyari and Liaquatabad and all 32 concerned officials were suspended on the order of Sindh Minister for Local Government for ignoring the violations.

He said these officials have now been restored but not given any posting until all the illegal buildings are demolished which they allowed to be constructed under their very nose and alternatively they will have to go home.

He informed that out of 100 buildings identified as having been constructed illegally, 90 were located in the Towns of Saddar, Lyari and Liaquatabad.

He said illegal construction activities started because of lacking police support to the under-strength KBCA.

In this regard he particularly cited example of two coolies who were thrown on ground from 7th floor of a building in Saddar Town being constructed illegally when they went their for demolition action.

He pointed out that in Lyari Town 17 buildings were demolished but these were reconstructed and KBCA took the matter to High Court and also registered a FIR against the police as they were directed by high Court not to allow a demolished structure to reappear.

He said that out of 100 buildings identified 28 were demolished in Lyari and 11 out of 12 in Saddar Town besides 17 in Liqauatabad Town.

He said while situation has been controlled in Liaquatabad Town, vilations are still being reported from Saddar and Lyari Towns and the situation will come under control there and elsewhere in the city when KBCA Police Station and Special Courts will start functioning.

The CCOB informed that KBCA plan for city skyline has been approved with demarcation of two high density zones - at I.I. Chundrigar road to Mai Kolachi and around Shaheed-e-Millat Road encompassing Shahrah-e-Faisal, Kashmir Road and Shahrah-e-Quaideen.

He said buildings to be constructed in these zones will have their own power generation, water supply and sewerage treatment facilities and their construction will not over-burden existing utilities.

Anyone wishing to undertake a project in high density zone will have to work either in joint venture with City or Provincial Government or bring foreign investment. He said they would be allowed 1:12 ratio whereby minimum 40 floors can be constructed with no upper limit.

He said that it has been suggested that instead of each project to have its own power plant, water treatment and sewerage treatment plants, these facilities would be created for entire area for which Federal Government has been approached for assistance in the form of seed money.

He said the idea was developed by a team of 11 renowned architects led by Yawar Abbas Gilani.

Replying a question, Manzoor Qadir said that the KBCA provided funds of Rs 1.18 billion to the City District Government in one year.