Reference for Quaideen president

Islamabad : Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, Vice-Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, has urged the audience and the QAU Alumni Association to continue the struggle of late Rai Sikander for the rights and welfare of the university.

The VC was addressing a reference organised by QAU Alumni Association in the memory of Sikander Ahmad Rai, President, QAU Alumni Association and a former Federal Secretary, who died of cardiac arrest on Jan 22. Dr Ishtiaq, Director Academics, QAU, conducted the proceedings.

Prof Muhammad Ali Shah S that Rai Sikander was a loving person who respected others. He used to share his experiences and actions with others, the VC said adding that Rai left the world after accomplishing many things.

PPP leader Farhatullah Babar, said hoped that the struggle of the deceased soul would be realised which is a reason to celebrate his life. He also complimented the Alumni Association in this respect. He also recalled his interactions with Rai when he was staff officer of Asif Zardari in addition to being advisor to Sindh government and in Board of Investment. The former Senator said that despite harsh treatment by Saif-ur-Rehman, Rai could not be pressurised into become approver against PPP leader.

Dr Farzana Altaf, Director-General, Pakistan Environment Protection Agency and a Quaideen herself, said that Rai Sahib always responded whenever consulted for guidance. She said that he fought for the rights of his alma mater and for that he ignored his political views. She exhorted the old students to remain united and fight for the rights of the university. Despite his affiliation for the PPP, Asif Zardari and Benazir Bhutto, but for his alma mater, he even fought against all usurpers had encroached upon the university land despite party affiliation.

Dr Shoaib, a former Professor of Physics Department, QAU, recalled his interaction with Rai Sikander in connection with the Alumni Association. He also recalled the Alumni’s struggle against encroachers despite being on dialysis.

Dr Ishtiaq mentioned Sikaner’s last major effort of setting up an Accessibility Centre in the Central Library for disabled students.

Senior Alumnae Aziz Nishter, said that the departed Alumni leader tried his best to solve the land issue of the university.

Rai Jafer, brother of Rai Sikander, in emotional tone, described the love of Sikander for QAU. He did not attend many family function due to bad health but never hesitated to come to QAU whenever required.

Ch Zulfiqar of Scholarship Section, recalled the contribution of his Alumni in creating funds for the needy students.

Murtaza Noor, Secretary-General of the Alumni Association, announced to implant 200 plants in the memory of the departed soul. He also asked the VC to name the Accessibility Centre in the name of Rai Sikander.

Qari Yaseen led the prayer for the departed soul in the end.