DEDICATION OF IAS AUDITORIUMS IN THE NAME OF WORTHY PROFESSORS
In connection with IAS Alumni Reunion Dinner to be held on December 2nd 2017, a ceremony of great honor & significance for the Institute of Administrative Sciences (IAS) was held on November 23rd 2017 where the legendary services of three of the most worthy professors of the Institute were acknowledged. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Nasira Jabeen – Dean Faculty of Economics & Management Sciences (FEMS) & Director Institute of Administrative Sciences (IAS). The event was organized to dedicate three IAS Auditoriums in the names of worthy professors and ex-chairpersons of the Institute namely; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal (late), Prof. Dr. Muneer Ahmad, and Prof. Dr. A.R. Jafri who have rendered their unparalleled services for the development of the institute. Special guests for the ceremony including Mrs. Kausar Jafri, Madam Lubna Afzal – daughter of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal (late), Mr. Muhammad Siddiuque – faculty member at Civil Services Academy and a close friend of Dr. Muneer Ahmad, Ms. Amna Siddiqui, Mr. Usman Siddiqui, Dr. Muhammad Anwar, and other senior alumni members; Mr. Nawaz ul Haq, Mr. Hasan Baqar, Mr. Tasneem Sanaullah, Mr. Jamil Ahamd Khan, Mr. Nasir Javed Ch. and Mr. Muhammad Ali Khan joined for the ceremony. Faculty members including Mr. Muhammad Zahid, Mr. Mubeen Khalid, Dr. Nighat Ansari, Dr. Yaamina Salman, Dr. Amani Moazzam, Dr. Sidra Irfan, Ms. Aisha Rizwan, Ms. Zahra Paul, and Ms. Iman Saleem also joined.
With immense gratitude upon accepting the invitation and joining for the day, Prof. Dr. Nasira Jabeen shared with the worthy professors and ex-chairpersons about the journey of progress and development of the institute including but not limited to array of degree programs, a large student body, self-generated scholarships and trust for supporting education of needy students. Prof. Jabeen also shared some innovative projects of the institute with the contribution of alumni that are; development of ‘Professional Wardrobe’ to provide students with professional clothing and accessories that they can borrow for job interviews and professional meetings. She also highlighted the role of Career Advisory & External Linkages section of IAS in placement of students and graduates to internships and jobs and for their professional development. It was also shared that a separate Alumni & Visitors office has been dedicated that is being furnished by the worthy alumnus – Mr. Abid Sherwani and fellows. Furthermore, an upcoming philanthropic project of “Dastarkhuwan” was also discussed that is an initiative of Mr. Shahid Lone – IAS alumnus and in collaboration of IAS, it is ready to take off very soon at IAS. Dastarkhuwan is a project to provide healthy and balanced meals in nominal charges to the staff of the institute. Guests were further taken to the auditoriums corridor for the inauguration ceremony. Ribbon cutting was followed by presenting of flower bouquets to the guests including Madam Lubna Afzal, Dr. Muneer Ahmad and Dr. A. R. Jafri. The initiative was highly appreciated by the honorable guests and group photos were taken at this auspicious occasion.
It is imperative to note that Dr. Muhammad Afzal (late) has been the chairperson of IAS from 1964-1972. Dr. Muneer Ahmad has been the chairperson of IAS from 1973-75 & 1978-79 which was then known as Department of Administrative Science. Dr. A. R. Jafri has served the institute as chairperson from 1980-81, 1985-1988 &1995-1999. It is a matter of great pride for the institute that Dr. A. R. Jafri is still serving the institute as a senior faculty member.
The inauguration ceremony was followed by a meeting of the alumni alongwith refreshments for the guests. Snacks were specially prepared by two of the students of the institute who run their home-made snacks business. The institute not only imparts education in entrepreneurship but also encourages and supports the ideas of students by providing them with platform to grow further. Prof. Dr. Nasira Jabeen shared her sentiments of immense gratitude for the worthy professors and their family members that had joined for the day. Senior members and guests were requested to share their expressions where they deeply appreciated the commitments of the faculty and staff towards the institutional development and shared few constructive ideas. On this gracious occasion, Mr. Tasneem SanaUllah mentioned that teachers are the real heroes that render meritorious services for education and they deserve great respect. Other participants shared valuable comments including Mr. Hasan Baqar as he highlighted the pivotal role of Public Administration education in the Central Superior Services (CSS) of Pakistan. He encouraged the young students to apply for the CSS exams and compete for joining the service and contribute to the policy making of the country. Mr. Muhammad Siddiqui shared his personal experience with the best teachers and graduates of IAS that have served at Civil Services Academy and acknowledged the contribution of the legendary professors. The services of Dr. Mujeeb-e-Shiekh were also appreciated and it was shared with all members that the Library and Information Resource Center at IAS has already been dedicated to his name. This initiative of IAS of recognizing the efforts of worthy teachers is very much aligned with the vision expressed by Prof. Dr. Zaffar Mueen Nasar -Vice Chancellor Punjab University, at various forum.
Everyone among the participants acknowledged the efforts of Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal Jadoon – Former Dean FEMS & Director IAS – PU, towards turning around the Institute of Administrative Sciences and recognized endeavors of Prof. Dr. Nasira Jabeen towards taking the Institute to new heights. One of the IAS family members, Mr. Naeem ul Haque who has been teaching at the Institute for long, left for his heavenly abode a couple of weeks ago. All members offered Fateha Khuwani for his forgiveness and acknowledged his great efforts and kind personality.
As a token of love and gratitude, the honorable professors were presented souvenirs of the institute by the director. Towards the end, Prof. Dr. Nasira Jabeen acknowledged the efforts of the organizing team including Col. Muzaffar Ali – Manager Administration, Mr. Shahzad Ahamd Siddiqui – Administrative Officer, Ms. Rifat Umbreen Afzal – Asst. Registrar Admin, Mr. Malik Arif – Manager Operations and Ms. Sameen Zaki – Manager Career Advisory & External Linkages and the supporting staff.
