It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a towering figure of knowledge, an inspiring educator, and a cherished member of our community, Prof.
Dr. Haroon Jangda, who peacefully departed on November 08, 2023.
Born on March 20, 1942, Dr. Haroon Jangda’s life was a testament to an insatiable thirst for wisdom. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom, a profound reflection of his unwavering passion and dedication to his field. Originating from Bantwa, a serene town in Kathiawar within the former district of Gujarat, India, his life bore the imprints of diverse experiences and deep roots.
In his formative years, Dr. Jangda’s life was shaped by humble beginnings. Growing up with a sister and a brother, education held a special place in their hearts. Dr. Jangda’s educational odyssey began at Madrassa-e-Islamia School in Karachi for matriculation, progressing to D.J. Government Science College for intermediate studies. The late 1950s witnessed his academic zenith with a BSc (Hons) from Karachi University. Awarded the Dawood Foundation Merit Scholarship for overseas studies, he embarked on a transformative academic journey in England, attaining both his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Sheffield University
In 1964, a profound and enduring connection was established when Dr. Jangda lent his expertise to a project at Dawood Jute Mills in East Pakistan. This marked the inception of an extraordinary partnership with the Dawood family, who held him in high esteem. Later, in 1970, he became an indispensable figure at Dawood College, assuming the position of the head of the Chemical Engineering department in 1972. He held this role until 1998, when he stepped down due to health challenges. Despite this change, he remained dedicated to the institution, continuing his association as a professor until his final moments.
In the 1990s, he was given the opportunity to serve as the principal of the college, a gesture he graciously declined. His rationale was rooted in the belief that undertaking such a responsibility would potentially compromise his professional role as a Chemical Engineer, where he served in an advisory capacity for the industry.
Prof. Dr. Haroon Jangda’s life and accomplishments stand as a testament to an extraordinary journey. His impact transcended the academic realm, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he touched. His legacy embodies knowledge, commitment, and an enduring connection with the Dawood family—a legacy that will resonate through the ages.
The Department of Chemical Engineering at Dawood College boasts a rich history, being one of the pioneering institutions to introduce the Bachelor of Engineering program in Chemical Engineering in 1964. Dr. Haroon’s extensive industry network played a pivotal role in benefiting students over the years. His ability to coordinate expert assistance for final-year student projects, arrange industrial internships, guide graduates into industry roles, and help fresh graduates secure employment set him apart. His unparalleled connection with industry professionals earned him the reputation of a father figure in the Karachi chemical industry.
He assumed the role of mentor for nearly every faculty member within the University. His unwavering alignment with the University’s objectives made him a reliable source of support for the Chief Executive whenever required. His distinguished and amiable personality was widely acknowledged.
As an educator, Dr. Jangda’s influence knew no bounds. His teaching style seamlessly combined wisdom and warmth, leaving an enduring mark on his students. His dedication to excellence and his eagerness to provide guidance and mentorship endeared him to all as a beloved teacher and mentor.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Dr. Haroon Jangda was renowned for his kindness, benevolence, and genuine desire to assist others. His influence extended beyond the classroom, touching the lives of numerous individuals fortunate enough to know him.
Dr. Jangda is survived by his family, who will eternally cherish his memory as a beloved family member and a respected scholar.
Prof. Dr. Haroon Jangda’s legacy in the realm of Chemical Engineering, and his profound impact on the lives of those he taught and mentored for more than five decades at Dawood University, will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
In his revered memory, we reflect on the words of the great educator, “Because chemical engineering is concerned with large-scale plants, it is important that chemical engineering candidates have an appreciation of the scale and complexity of modern plants before they graduate.”
As we bid adieu to an extraordinary educator, mentor, and scholar, we pay homage to Prof. Dr. Haroon Jangda’s legacy, extending our deepest condolences to his family and all who admired and respected him. His absence is deeply felt, but his memory will forever be cherished.
Tag Archives: Pakistan
KE claims investing Rs. 150 m in rehabilitation works
Committed to transparency, responsible practices, and building a sustainable energy future, K-Electric has unveiled its Sustainability Report 2023.
Themed “Powering Possibilities”, the report illustrates the ongoing efforts of the organization in setting targets and executing interventions that ensure progress towards the company’s sustainable future.
At this occasion, Moonis Alvi, Chief Executive Officer, KE said, “The energy sector faces its own trilemma – Sustainability, particularly Climate Change, Affordability, and Energy Security – to achieve sustainable goals and striking the right balance between these elements is imperative for the effective functioning of the energy ecosystem. As we navigate through these difficult times, the responsibility we have towards our customers, shareholders, the environment, and the communities we serve drives our actions. This report highlights our progress, challenges, and our ambitious vision for a sustainable future.”The report contains information about KE’s operations from the company’s Fiscal Year 2023, from July 01, 2022 to June 30, 2023 and includes both quantitative data and qualitative insights. With reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, KE’s commitment and efforts have been showcased under 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the report. The SDGs broadly include ‘Good Health and Well-Being’, ‘Quality Education’, ‘Gender Equality’, ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’, ‘Clean Energy’, ‘Economic Growth’, ‘Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure’, ‘Reduced Inequalities’, ‘Sustainable Cities & Communities’, ‘Responsible Consumption’, and ‘Climate Action’. During FY 23, KE has achieved an impressive 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to FY 22, a success attributed to the integration of highly efficient energy generation. Towards sustainable cities and communities, KE has invested around PKR 150 million in rehabilitation works. By introducing several key environment-friendly initiatives such as Hara Qadam and conversion of customers towards paperless billing, KE has saved over 4,000 trees, 94,000 kg of waste, and 200 million liters of water.
NESPAK to design first Smart Education City in Karachi
NESPAK has been awarded a prestigious consultancy services project for the feasibility study and design of Pakistan’s first Smart Education City in District Malir, Karachi by the Board of Investment, Government of Sindh, it was stated by Mr. Zargham Eshaq Khan, MD NESPAK.
This pioneering initiative is based on advanced Smart & Safe City concepts. The primary objective of the project is to establish governance processes that leverage technology and digital systems to manage city-wide resources in real-time through the Command & Control Centre. All systems will be interconnected using fast, reliable, and secure GPON.
The key systems integrated into this project encompass seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, intelligent access control for the Command & Control Centre building, video surveillance, under-vehicle surveillance, automated number plate and face recognition, smart parking, smart waste bins, traffic management, variable message signs, public address, solar power, EV charging stations, visitors management, GPON service, BMS/PSIM, air quality monitoring, temperature monitoring, humidity monitoring, access control for paid parking, baggage scanning, Command & Control Center operations, and SCADA systems related to stormwater, sewerage water, and water consumption.
This endeavor is a groundbreaking initiative in Pakistan, and the city will be named the Smart Education City. The project is being executed by the New Ventures Division of NESPAK
The New Show in the Market International Expo PAK-INDUSTRIA will be held in May, 2024
Directors of Pak Event and Exhibition Mr. Muhammad Hasan Masood and Mr. Umeer Qutbuddin met with President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Senior Vice President Mr. Altaf A. Ghaffar, Vice President Mr. Tanveer Bari and other managing committee members. In this meeting, Mr. Hasan gave information about the international exhibition PAK-INDUSTRIA (Pakistan Industrial Trade Fair) which will be held on May 22, 23 and 24, 2024 at Karachi Expo Center. This exhibition is being organized to promote “Made in Pakistan” products.
Companies doing business in the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and HVACR sector will participate in PAK-INDUSTRIA and give solutions to industry, consultants and contractors. The event organizers are welcoming manufacturers, importers, stockiests and suppliers to exhibit their products and services. PAK-INDUSTRIA exhibition will provide an excellent platform for all entrepreneurs who believe in “Made in Pakistan”.
Maintenance and technical teams of industries will be invited. This exhibition will be very helpful for those who want good suppliers, stockiest and vendors for good quality equipment and services. This exhibition will play a very important role in introducing domestic and foreign products.
The organizers inform the KCCI team that a large number of foreign delegates are also invited and hopefully they will attend the show. The exhibition will be covered in all mediums of media i.e. print, electronic and social media.
Iftikhar Ahmad Sheikh, President, KCCI and his team assure their cooperation and best wishes for the exhibition.
Outlines of Triangular Contest for PEC Chairman Appear on HorizonThree contestants of Engr. Haroon in National Engineers likely to step back
Backstage exchanges with several engineers stalwarts around the country suggest that the National Engineers—the alliance ruling Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)—has lately been successful in creating a common ground for selecting a consensus candidate for the forthcoming PEC Elections 2024. And as it appears, Engr. Najeeb Haroon, the incumbent chairman of the council is most likely to be picked up as the top candidate of the alliance.
The constructors of the alliance included the National Engineers formed by Engr. Abdul Qadir Shah, leading National Engineers Welfare Association (NEWA) with his most critical support of Engr. Mukhtiar Shaikh—the man who he {Engr. Abdul Qadir Shah} has developed a love-hate relationship with—Engr. Najeeb Haroon, a breakaway patron-in-chief of the Professional Excellence Group (PEG), now led by Engr. Waseem Nazir, who had almost broken a deal with NEWA before aligning with Engr. Najeeb Haroon and Ashfaq Shah, the leader of the Contractors Association of Pakistan (CAP). In Punjab, the Pakistan Engineers Congress had also aligned it with the National Engineers that won the seat next to chairman after Engr. Imtiaz Shah-led group parted ways on the issue of the distribution of seats in the Governing Body of the council at the eleventh hour.
The alliance remains as same as it was in 2021 at the eve of elections but the power plays. Neither Engr. Najeeb Haroon, the then lone man nor NEWA are the same, both partners have their own strengths and weaknesses, and they have driven the council all along with having an edge of the former over the latter for his incontestable powers as the chairman. Also, both have gained as well as lost ground during the last two-plus years of the council’s rule. But have minimum options, Engr. Haroon has no other better allies than the Shah-Shaikh group and they {NEWA} have no leader of national stature. Both have a good sense to lose if they broke away—the situation which glued them with each other despite many issues developed between them. NEWA which ardently opposed the appointment of an advisor to the chairman in the council has now embraced it to maintain its share in the council no matter at the cost of overlapping of the ToRs of many committees it formed to spearhead important tasks of the council.
But the question is how Engr. Abdul Qadir Shah, who was set in mind to contest at all costs this time round, Engr. Arif Zahid Arif who merged his KP-based organization in NEWA so that his dream came true and Engr. Niaz Akhtar, who must be tired of being number two, will step down?
Engr. Shah’s resolve, as engineers’ circles claim has received an unwelcome response from his own house at Sukkur. His younger brother Syed Khursheed Shah whose supply line has been instrumental for him and his engineer-cum politician son are likely to take responsibility to convince him to step down. Almost everyone in NEWA has started believing the House of Shahs will do it successfully and also who played his part to get it done.
Additionally, almost everyone in NEWA believes Engr. Shah could never be a hot candidate in Punjab, housing the largest number of engineers in Pakistan in the backdrop of political support in the largest province of Pakistan where his brother’s party has miserably failed to revive its support base. In this scenario, the Pakistan Engineering Congress (PEC)’s support will not do any good to Engr. Shah. Instead, the congress would love to retake the post of Senior Vice Chairman of the council under Engr. Haroon.
Then what about resourceful Engr. Zahid Arif? Let’s think about some possible deal. Engr. Zahid Arif can be elected as chairman if the system adopts the turn system which the Act & Bylaws Committee of the council has proposed. Now, he can be lured if the alliance agrees to adopt and confirm the proposed turn system and decides to implement it from PEC Election 2027. Zahid Arif who is the central leader of NEWA has already said he would follow the collective decisions of his organization.
If Engr. Shah and Engr. Arif are addressed smoothly then why should Engr. Akhtar push himself to the loneliness in the province where two giants—Engr. Jawed Saleem Qureshi and Engr. Waseem Nazir, of them former claims to be the largest party of engineers and the latter bagged the highest number of votes–are housed. So it’s not better to wait till Engr. Haroon’s possible second tenure is finished, enjoy the clout in the council and get elected his men outside the ambit of the National Engineers Panel?
Resultantly, the engineers in Pakistan will see a triangular contest in PEC Election 2024 with one difference that Engr. Haroon and Engr. Nazir will find Engr. Jawed Saleem Qureshi instead of Engr. Jabbar Rana.