The History of the Sir Syed Memorial Society

Islamabad (1984 – 2004)

PART – II (1984 – 1987)

By : Brig (Retd) Iqbal M. Shafi, President, Sir Syed Memorial Society, Islamabad

 

(EDITOR’S NOTE:   The Sir Syed Memorial Society has embarked upon documenting its history. The President of the Society has written about the initial stage of the Society starting from its inception. Society’s Magazine “Ilm-o-Amal” is publishing in its current issue Part – II of the History of the Sir Syed Memorial Society. Part – I was published in Ilm-o-Amal, January – September 2004 issue).

Back Ground.    Transition from CAOBA (Islamabad) to SSMS (Islamabad) – 1978 – 1984

The CAOBA (Islamabad) was formed in 1978 with Ambassador (Retd) Mumtaz Ali Alvi (ALIG) as President and Major General Syed Ali Nawab (ALIG) as Vice President. This group was joined by Brig Iqbal M. Shafi (ALIG) who returned from China in 1979 and became Honorary Secretary.

Being a new Organization in a new environment, the early years were spent in locating old ALIGs in Islamabad. Meetings were normally held in the President’s or Vice President’s houses and from 1981 at 242, Margalla Road (Khayaban-e-Iqbal), F-6/2, Islamabad, the Office of the newly established Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), as the Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi was Director AKF.

The President CAOBA (Islamabad) M. A. Alvi, unfortunately passed away on 10 February, 1984. On his sad demise, the CAOBA (Islamabad) held a Condolence meeting in February, 1984 in which Major Gen S. A. Nawab was elected the President. On 10 March, 1984, the CAOBA (Islamabad) met again and decided to elect Lt Gen Saeed Qadir (ALIG) as the 1st Patron.

It was in this meeting that the Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi mooted the idea of enlarging the scope and membership of the CAOBA and proposed that a new body by the name of Sir Syed Memorial Society (SSMS) be formed and its doors opened to all those who agree with the Educational Mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, i.e. “a blend of Islamic Values and Modern Technological Education”. The reason he put forward was that the Aligarh Old Boys & Girls were slowly fading away as there was no fresh intake from AMU, India and a time might come when there will be no old ALIGs left. Hence, it was necessary to enlarge the membership by opening the doors to non-Aligs also.

There was a sharp debate on the issue as some members opposed the removal of the name of Aligarh Old Boys Association. After heated discussion a compromise was reached in that CAOBA should remain but a new ancillary body by the name of SSMS (Islamabad) be formed and its doors opened to all so that slowly and gradually a transformation from CAOBA to the SSMS takes place.     

It was also decided  that  the  Patron  and  the President  of  the  CAOBA  will  also be in the B. O. G. of SSMS & Brig  Iqbal Shafi was unanimously elected as the first member of the SSMS B. O. G.

For quite some time both the CAOBA & the SSMS held joint meeting. Gradually, as intended, the SSMS became the main active body. Later, the SSMS B. O. G was renamed as the SSMS Executive Committee.

In the 10th March, 1984 meeting, it was also decided that a befitting Memorial to Sir Syed be built at Islamabad and suitable land be acquired for the purpose. With this in view, Lt Gen  Saeed Qadir, Major Gen S. A. Nawab and Brig Iqbal Shafi met the President of Pakistan Gen Zia Ul Haq on a number of occasions. Finally, it was on 4th July, 1985 that, at a meeting with Major Gen S. A. Nawab and Brig Iqbal Shafi at the Army House, Rawalpindi, Gen Zia Ul Haq very graciously signed the order for the allotment of 12000 sq yd plot at Ataturk Avenue (East), G-5/1, Islamabad to the SSMS for building a Memorial to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (Copy of signed order at annex ‘A’).

Draft Constitution of SSMS

In the Joint Executive Committee of CAOBA and B. O. G of the SSMS, held on 8 April 1984 the Honorary Secretary, Brig Iqbal Shafi presented a draft Constitution of the SSMS. After discussion, it was decided to form a sub-committee headed by the Honorary Secretary to further refine the draft Constitution. This revised draft was again discussed on 15 April 84, which, after some further amendments, was approved and it was in a combined meeting of the CAOBA and the B. O. G. SSMS that the Constitution of the SSMS was finally approved on 29 April 1984. The SSMS was duly Registered with  The Office of the Registrar Cooperative Societies Islamabad, Capital Territory under serial 171 on 3 May 1984. [Later, on 14 November, 1989 SSMS was registered under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies, (Registration and Control) Ordinance 1961 (XLVI of 1961 Vide Registration No VSWA/ICT/71 dated 14th November, 1989]. Names of Founding Members , those present at the time of signing of SSMS Constitution, on 29 April, 1984 are as under:- 

Major General Syed Ali Nawab [Honorary President]

PART I

The First 6 years -  1984-1989

THE INITIAL STRUGGLE

SSMS Registered alongwith its approved Constitution

Acquisition of Land in Islamabad

Construction of the Memorial Started

 A General Body Meeting was held on 5 May, 1984 in which the Sir Syed Memorial Society (SSMS) was formally launched (Please see the letter at Annex ‘B’). Members of Old Boys Associations from Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Wah also participated. They were informed that the SSMS had been duly registered two days earlier in Islamabad on 3rd May, 1984 along with its Constitution which had also been duly approved by the Executive Committee on 29 April, 1984 with the following aims and objectives:

a.         To safeguard, promote and consolidate the Ideology of Pakistan and to build the Character of the Pakistani Youth according to the guidelines of Unity, Faith and Discipline as bequeathed by the Father of the Nation.

b.         To build a suitable Memorial to Sir Syed in Islamabad and manage its finances, designing, Construction and Main finances.

c.         To carry forward the Educational Mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan by promoting a blend of Islamic Values and Scientific and Technological excellence.

d.         To establish Sir Syed University in or around Islamabad as well as Schools, Colleges and Institutes, specially in rural area.

In the same meeting, it was also decided that the Board of Governors shall have the authority to debar any individual from membership or to terminate the membership of any person without assigning any reason. The Meeting also decided that there should be three categories of membership:

Ordinary Membership on payment of Rs 100/- per annum (later, this category was removed).

Life Membership on payment of Rs 1000/-.

Donor Membership on payment of a Donation of Rs 10,000/- or more.

FINANCIAL POSITION – 1984

Date	Details	Total Amount
29 Apr 1984	Opening Balance	Nil
	Receipts	58,995
	Total	58,995
	Expenses	15,135
31 Dec 1984	Balance	43,860

1985

The year saw initial planning for the Construction of Memorial. In the SSMS Executive Committee meeting held in April 1985, a renowned architect with Aligarh background Mr. Kamil Khan Mumtaz was invited to present a construction plan. Following consensus emerged:-

“The Memorial should be an active and living tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and should become a Forum for intellectuals to carry forward Sir Syed’s Mission in the fields of Education, Social Reforms, Islamic Thoughts and also for safe guarding the Ideological Frontiers of Pakistan”.

In July 1985, it was decided to liaise with other Aligarh Old Boys Associations i.e. Karachi, Quetta, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Wah and Peshawar to exchange literature and brochures and to ask for their support in the construction of the Memorial. In September same year it was decided to take appropriate steps for the collection of books, documents and other material pertaining to the Aligarh Movement and the Pakistan Freedom Movement for the proposed Library and Museum. It was also proposed to establish a Sir Syed Academy on the lines of Quaid-e-Azam Academy, Karachi and the Allama Iqbal Academy, Lahore.

 FINANCIAL POSITION – 1985

Date	Details	Total Amount
01 Jan 1985	Opening Balance	43,860
	Receipts	10,350
	Total	54,210
	Expenses	7,226
31 Dec 1985	Balance	46,984

1986

In the Executive Committee meeting held on 5 January 1986 it was decided to form the following of its sub-committees:-

Foundation Stone Laying Committee.

Old Boys/Girls Directory Committee.

Public Relations Committee.

Fund Raising Committee.

Library and Museum Committee.

Construction Committee.

 On 22nd January 1986 following decisions were taken:-

The Executive Committee should initiate Fund Raising Campaign and tickets for the denominations  of Rs 1000/- and Rs 100/- be printed alongwith receipt books.

SSMS to bring out literary supplements on Sir Syed Day – 28th March 1986.

In a meeting held on 9th April 1986 arrangements were finalized for an important function scheduled for 29th April. The Prime Minister and the Governor of the Punjab had already accepted to grace the occasion.

Consequently, a land-mark Sir Syed’s day function was held by Sir Syed Memorial Society at Islamabad Hotel on 29th April, 1986. Over seven hundred (700) guests attended the function. These included Mr. Muhammad Khan Junejo, The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Governor of the Punjab, Makhdoom Sajjad Hussain Qureshi, Senators, MNAs, MPAs, Parliament Secretaries, Government Officials, Diplomats and delegations of Aligarh Old Boys representatives from Karachi, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Wah, Abbottabad and Peshawar came for this well publicized  meeting. Following were the highlights of the functions:-

The PM accepted to be the Chief Patron of the Sir Syed Memorial Society and the Governor of the Punjab accepted to be a Patron of the Society.

The PM announced a grant of Rs One Crore matching grant for the Construction of Sir Syed Memorial at Islamabad.

The PM proclaimed the urgent need to establish a Residential University on the pattern of the Aligarh Muslim University.

The PM also constituted a special committee consisting of the Governor of the Punjab as its Chairman and the Federal Education Minister and the Office bearers of the Sir Syed Memorial Society Islamabad as its members. The Committee was charged with the responsibility of establishing the Sir Syed University at a suitable location in Pakistan.

The meeting started with the recitation from the Holy Quran. The President SSMS Major Gen  S. Ali Nawab welcomed all participants and specially thanked the PM and the Governor of the Punjab and other dignitaries including the Aligarh Old Boys / Girls delegations for gracing the occasion. He then requested the PM and the Governor Punjab to accept the honor of becoming the Chief Patron and Patron of the SSMS respectively. Both dignitaries very graciously accepted the offer.

The Honorary Secretary SSMS Brig Iqbal Shafi, who was acting as the Stage Secretary, narrated the transition from CAOBA to SSMS, the Registration of the SSMS along with its approved Constitution and then highlighted the Aims and Objectives of the SSMS. He emphasized the need to construct a Memorial to Sir Syed on the plot of land so graciously donated by the President General M. Zia-ul-Haq and for carrying forward the Educational mission of Sir Syed  by establishing a Sir Syed University of Science and Technology in Islamabad.

  The P.M. Mr.  M. .K Junejo then spoke and praised the outstanding contribution of Sir Syed in the creation of Pakistan. He then lauded the efforts of the SSMS and remarked, “Do not worry too much about the funds for the Memorial, the G.O.P would help you construct it but you should concentrate  on the establishment of the much needed Sir Syed University of Science and Technology.” The Honorary Secretary thanked the P.M. for his gracious offer but politely pointed out that the Society had no land for the construction of The Sir Syed University.

On hearing this the P.M. requested the Governor of the Punjab, who was sitting next to him on the dias, to kindly help the Society in establishing the University by offering adequate land at a suitable place. The Governor Punjab said he would form a Committee to select suitable land for the University and will revert back to the P.M.

The Executive Committee of the Sir Syed Memorial Society met on 30th of April 1986. The President explained that meeting was called for the following:-

To pass a resolution of thanks to the PM and the Governor of the Punjab for the generous support given by them during the Sir Syed Day function.

To discuss ways and means of organizing a country-wide fund-raising campaign for the Memorial.

To consider other steps to be taken to establish Sir Syed Academy and the Sir Syed University as proposed by the PM.

The same meeting also proposed a meeting with the Governor of the Punjab (Committee Chairman). The proposed University should be a Residential University mainly for Science and Technology which was Pakistan’s urgent need. Regarding its location two broad views emerged:-

The University should be located at a place where at least 3 provinces of Pakistan converge.

The University should be located at a place which should be easily accessible and have adequate Technological Infrastructure to facilitate Science and Technological education.

The special committee constituted by the PM for the establishment of the Sir Syed University held its meeting on 10th May 1986 at the Governor’s House, Lahore under the chairmanship of Governor of the Punjab. Brig Iqbal Shafi, Honorary Secretary of SSMS attended. Mr. Faizan Ansari of the Aligarh Old Boys Association, Multan informed the committee that the Sir Syed University bill 1963, proposed by the Multan Branch was blocked due to lack of funds. However, it was decided that all Aligarians should join hands to establish the proposed Sir Syed University. It was also decided that the proposed University shall be named “The Sir Syed University of Science and Technology”.

The Chairman informed the house that the Chief Patron directed that a bill be moved in the present session of the National Assembly to provide a legal framework for the proposed Sir Syed University of Science and Technology.

In the same meeting, a sub-committee was constituted for the selection of site for the proposed University. It was further decided that special functions be arranged at Lahore & Karachi to raise funds for the purpose.

A meeting of the Sir Syed University site selection committee was held on 16th June, 1986 at Karachi. Senator M. Mohsin Siddiqui (ALIG), the convener, presided The Education Minister Mr. Nasim Ahmad Aheer was also present Honorary Secretary Sir Syed Memorial Society Brig Iqbal Shafi explained the background of the establishment of the Society, and the grant of 12000 square yards plot by the President of Pakistan and the promised donation of Rs One Crore  matching grant by the PM/Chief Patron. 

All present emphasized the factor of national integration for the selection of site. The two eminent scientists who attended the meeting, namely Dr. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui (ALIG) & Dr. A. Q. Khan pointed out that the proposed University would be a “High-Tech” University as that will be the future need of Pakistan as well as of the Muslim Ummah as a whole.

All the members were of the  opinion that the Federal Government should provide at least one thousand acres  of land free of cost and also extend financial help required for such a national undertaking. It was also decided that there was a need for the involvement and participation of the nation as a whole and the fund raising be organized on a country -wide basis.

It was agreed that the Sir Syed University committee may visit all the provincial  capitals to  solicit their views.

A General Body meeting of the Sir Syed Memorial Society was held on 17th July 1986. The meeting discussed the progress made in connection with the establishment of the Sir Syed Memorial. The members were informed that P. M.  Secretariat had been requested for the early release of funds to the Society  as announced by the P.M. in 29 April, 1986.

In the meeting it was proposed that Sir Syed Memorial Society Chapters be established in all four provinces and Muzaffarabad also be  included.

A joint meeting with Dr. A. Q. Khan and Dr. Amir Mohammad Khan (PARC) was held in connection with the basic concept and the site selection of the proposed Sir Syed University of Science and Technology on 2nd August 1986 at Islamabad. Dr. A. Q. Khan strongly advocated  the establishment of the University in or around the federal territory of Islamabad because of the fact that it does not belong to any one province and is common to all Pakistanis.

Dr. A. Q. Khan also emphasized that the university should concentrate on Engineering, Metallurgy ,  Electronics, Computer Sciences, and applied physics and Math’s. Brig Sabir H. Qureshi and Brig Iqbal Shafi who attended the meeting fully endorsed the views of Dr. A. Q. Khan and added the following subjects to be also included for teaching at the university.

Bio-Technology

Genetic Engineering

The First meeting of the special committee was held on 10th  May 1986, at the Governor House Lahore under the chairmanship of Governor, the Honorary Secretary of SSMS attended. Following decisions were taken:-

The proposed university shall be named as “Sir Syed University of  Science & Technology”

A bill for the establishment of the university shall be presented in the National Assembly for approval.

A  suitable location shall be found  keeping in view the basic infrastructure facilities like water, electricity, gas, roads with good climatic conditions.

A site selection committee was given the instruction that the work should be completed within two months.

During the year 1986, following further actions were taken in regards to the establishment of the university:

A meeting of the site selection committee was held at Karachi on 16th June 1986. It was decided to elicit the views of all the provinces.

The members of the Team visited Sind, Punjab, Baluchistan, and NWFP. All the provinces emphasized the importance of the establishment of the university in their own provinces.

After detailed discussion and with the help of revenue authorities and their maps, a site at Karore, 52 KM outside Islamabad was proposed. The site selection committee submitted its report to the committee chairman.

A draft bill for the establishment of the university was prepared and discussed with the Ministry of Justice. The bill was further examined by the special committee under the chairmanship of the Governor of the Punjab on 7th Oct, 1986. The bill was submitted to the Education Ministry for presentation in the National Assembly.

Before the establishment of the university, Members of university committee started studying the charter, constitutions and syllabi etc of various advanced universities of  Europe, Japan, and USA and began construction planning with eminent scientists of Pakistan. The committee prepared a report on the proposed university and submitted to the  Federal Education Minister and to all Patrons of the Society for eliciting   their views/comments.

While the report was under consideration, various committees of the Society completed the following activities:-

The Aligarh Old Boys Directory Committee prepared and circulated the final draft to the Old Boys Association in other cities for their contributions, if any.

The Library Committee prepared a list of publications on Sir Syed’s life for procurement.

The Memorial Construction Committee examined the draft contract with the architect for the approved plan.

 FINANCIAL POSITION – 1986

Date	Details	Total Amount
01 Jan 1986	Opening Balance	46,984
	Receipts	3,26,887
	Total	3,73,871
	Expenses	17,130
31 Dec 1986	Balance	3,56,741

1987

A special meeting and reception was held in honour of Dr. Akhlaq R. Kidwai, Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University and Ex-Governor of Bihar, India under, the auspices of the SSMS and the Central Aligarh Old Boys Association, Islamabad on 4th February, 1987.

Major Gen Syed Ali Nawab, the President of the Society welcomed the Chief Guest on behalf of the Society and the Association and explained the aims and objectives and progress made by the Society in the construction of a Memorial to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the establishment of a Sir Syed University of Science and Technology at Islamabad.

The Chief Guest in his address to the audience appreciated the efforts for the construction of the Memorial to Sir Syed and the establishment of Sir Syed University of Science and Technology. The Chief Guest suggested that a Pakistani delegation may visit India and see the Indian Institutes of Technology (I.I.Ts) at Delhi and Kanpur and also visit the Jawaharlal University at Delhi and the Banaras  and Aligarh Universities.    

If requested, the Chief Guest promised to provide the Constitutions and Prospectus  of the various Universities to the Society. The Chief Guest further suggested that Pakistan may approach Universities in the U.S. to form a consortium to provide facilities & funds for the proposed University. 

The Chief Guest also agreed to provide photo films of books, manuscripts or any other material for use and display in the Memorial Library. 

The Federal Minister for Education, Mr. Nasim Ahmad Aheer, thanked the Chief Guest for his excellent practical proposals and offers. The Patron of the Sir Syed Memorial Society, thanked the Chief Guest and the Federal Education Minister for their valuable offers, suggestions and advice which were most appreciated and will be availed of. 

In the end, Dr. Hamdani of the Quaid-e-Azam University presented his books “All India Muslim Educational Conference 1886-1906” and “The Frontier Policy of Delhi Sultans” to the Chief Guest. 

A combined general body meeting of the Central Aligarh Old Boys Association, Islamabad and the Sir Syed Memorial Society was held on 10th February, 1987. The meeting was presided over by Major Gen Ali Nawab. In the meeting, the Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi presented the annual report of the year 1986. The report included the Annual Accounts for the year ending December 1986. Mr. Habib-Ur-Rahman proposed that the annual accounts be passed. The proposal was seconded by Mr. M. A. Bari and the annual accounts were duly approved by the house. Mr. Khalid Ali desired that we should decide whether the Sir Syed University be a Private or State undertaking. Brig (Retd) Nasir uddin suggested that University be established by the Government with the participation of the private sector. 

Brig Iqbal Shafi suggested that the Society should first concentrate on the construction of the Memorial Building. Gen Ali Nawab endorsed the views of Brig Iqbal Shafi, but suggested that our efforts should continue on both the projects in their different time frames. In the same meeting, Brig Iqbal Shafi made the following proposals which were accepted:- 

A board be displayed pointing out the site of the Memorial.

Delegations of office bearers/Members of the society should meet the Governors of Punjab & /NWFP and important personalities to seek their support in the fund raising campaign.

Meetings of the Aligarh Old Boys Associations and other well wishers of the society may be held  at Lahore and Karachi for fund raising purposes.

The Aligarh Old Boys/Girls Directory be printed and sold to the   members. 

In SSMS Executive Committee Meeting presided over by Major Gen S. A. Nawab held on 12 April 1987, the Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi read out the minutes of the last Executive Committee Meeting held on 18 January, 1987 which were passed by the House. The President of the Society appreciated the efforts of the Manager, Allied Bank, Lahore Mr. Khalid Latif in fund collection. Due to the sad demise  of a Patron,  Senator Rahat Saeed Chattari the Society approved the following changes.

Chief Patron:  Mr. Muhammad Khan Junejo, P.M

Patrons :-

Makhdoom Sajjad  Hussain Qureshi, Governor Punjab

Mr. Fida Mohammad Khan, Governor , NWFP.

Lt Gen Saeed Qadir, Senator

 

Board of Governors:

Mr. Iqbal Ahmad Khan ,                Federal Minister

Malik Nasim Ahmad Aheer            Federal Minister for Education

(3)        Mr. Wasim Sajjad              Minister Justice & Parliamentary Affairs

(4)        Mr. Ali Ahmad Fazeel,       Attorney General  of Pakistan

Mr. Ghulam Farooq,                       Senator

Mr. M. Mohsin Siddiqui,                 Senator

Dr. A.Q. Khan                                Scientist

The President of the Society highlighted the need for printing an updated brochure of the Society and need for funds. 

The Society was informed that the Governor of the Punjab had obtained verbal approval of the P.M for the allocation of 4500 acres of land in the Tumair,  Karore Federal Area, Islamabad,  for the Sir Syed University and the Governor has already sent a letter to the P.M in this connection (Please see copy of the letter at Annex ‘C’). Regarding the Sir Syed University Bill, the Society was informed that the bill has already been taken up by the UGC and the Ministry of Education and is likely to be presented in the next session of the parliament. 

The President of the Society proposed the following linkage between the Memorial and Sir Syed University for their mutual support.

Memorial building to have the Islamabad liaison office of the University.

Sir Syed Memorial Society to act as the Parent Body and an Agency for the establishment of the University

The proposed Sir Syed Academy to work as an Institution of the University. 

In anticipation of the receipt of Rs. One Crore as matching grant from GOP against Rs. 75 Lacs collected by the Society itself through the gracious support of the Governor of the Punjab and the Governor of N.W.F.P, the Society embarked upon a plan of action including the design of the Memorial Building and the selection of the Architect to be employed for the purpose. With this aim in view a letter was addressed to 10 prominent Architectural Firms of Pakistan to voluntarily compete at a  “no cost – no obligation”  basis.

The letter also listed the requirements for a working Memorial to Sir Syed and the area and location available for this project. The addressees were asked to provide plans for the Memorial “on a no cost no obligation basis.” The Society was happy that 6 out of the 10 Architectural firms responded. A Committee  of Engineers and Executive Committee Members was formed to go through these plans. The final meeting of the Committee took place at Mr. M.A. Bari (Alig) residence in Islamabad. After a long and serious discussion following two firms were short listed in this order of priority:-      

M/s. Naqvi & Siddiqui – Islamabad

M/s. Yasmin Lari – Karachi 

These two firms were then asked to arrange presentations of their plans to the SSMS Committee. The two firms were kind enough to make their presentations and finally, M/s. Naqvi & Siddiqui were unanimously approved as the Architects and Consultants headed by Mr. Qamer Alvi, a partner  of M/s Naqvi & Siddiqui who became not only our Architect and Consultant but also an enthusiastic member and friend of the Sir Syed Memorial Society with total dedication to the cause. 

The Honorary Secretary of the Society informed the house  about the proposal of the Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University regarding the visit of a delegation to India to see IITS at Delhi and Kanpur, and to visit the Vanarsi  and Aligarh Universities. The proposal was appreciated by the Federal Minister of Education and Senator Saeed Qadir and the Honorary Secretary was asked to prepare a draft for consideration of the Federal Government for sponsorship. 

A meeting of the Sir Syed Memorial Society was held on 18th June 1987. The meeting was presided over by Major Gen S. A. Nawab the President of the Society.  The Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi conducted the meeting as Stage Secretary and welcomed the large number of guests which included governor NWFP, Mr. Fida Muhammad Khan, Federal Education Minister, Malik Nasim Ahmad Aheer, and the Health Minister, Lt Gen (Retd) Jahan-dad Khan, Nawab Yamin Khan, Malik .M. Safdar, Prince Mian Gul Aurangzeb, Maj Gen (Retd) Bashir Ahmad Khan, MNAs from FATA and Senators and Intellectuals including Prof. Pari Shan Khattak, Dr. A.Q. Khan and other prominent citizens  and the members of the Society. 

The Honorary Secretary then explained the aims and objectives of the Society, its achievements and future program. The Education Minister Malik Naseem Ahmad Aheer  spoke on Education in Pakistan and emphasized the need for an early establishment of the Sir Syed University of Science & Technology in order to prepare the nation for the 21st century. Mr. Fida Mohammad Khan, Governor NWFP welcomed the efforts of the Society for the construction of a befitting memorial to Sir Syed at Islamabad and offered financial and moral support on behalf of the Government and the people of NWFP. 

Brig. Sabir H. Qureshi gave a detailed briefing of the proposed site of the University on the map to the Governor who very much appreciated the efforts and informed that the site will be incorporated in the Federal Capital after the University Bill is enacted. The Governor suggested that the basic frame-work of the technical requirements and building plans may be examined by people like Dr. A.Q. Khan and Lt Gen Saeed Qadir and further refinement could be carried out by an  experts committee later on. 

The Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi raised three points which were replied to by the Governor as follows:-

Regarding the contact with American Universities for forming  a consortium to provide financial and material support for SSUST, it should be taken up after the enactment of the Bill.

Regarding the visit to India by a group of Educationists and members of the SSMS, this could be arranged.

Regarding Fund Raising the Governor informed that in the very near future he will call a meeting of the prospective donors at Lahore in which he will announce his own contribution. The Governor further informed that he will raise the financial aspect with the Chief Minister also. 

An Executive Committee meeting of SSMS was held on 12 July 1987. Mr. Syed Musharrafuddin, the Treasurer of the Society, informed the house that a total amount of Rs: 16 lacs had been collected for the Memorial out of which Rs. 10 Lacs were from the Punjab Government collected by the Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi. After a general discussion, following plan was agreed  upon:

The President may approach the Governor, NWFP, Chairman, Banking Council, President Habib Bank, FATA and Pir Sahib Pagara MNAs for their contributions.

The President may also approach the Punjab Governor for convening a fund raising function. Similar function at Lahore to be repeated at Karachi.

Donation tickets to be distributed in the said meetings.

The actual foundation laying and construction of the Memorial be started when a sum of Rs. 25 lacs is collected.

In order to implement the above decisions, it was decided to hold a reception at Islamabad during the next National Assembly session, in which members of the Board of Governors of SSMS be invited alongwith MNAs for raising funds. 

A delegation of Sir Syed Memorial Society held a meeting with the Governor of Punjab at the Governor House Lahore on 1st July 1987. 

An Executive Committee Meeting of SSMS was held on July 21, 1987. Major Gen S. Ali Nawab, President.  Beside other members, Syed Ahmad Masood, a great grandson of Sir Syed attended the meeting as a guest and was later inducted as a member of the Executive Committee. 

The President spoke on the urgency of speeding up the fund raising process and  suggested the following:-

Efforts be made to collect funds from the Punjab Government as they have already promised the next installment of Rs. 15 Lacs. The Honorary Secretary may contact Lt Gen  Saeed  Qadir and the Governor Punjab for the release of  funds.

He will contact NWFP Government and FATA MNAs for the collection of funds.

Lt Gen Saeed Qadir may approach the Sind  Government for their contribution . Mr. Mohsin Siddiqui may also be contacted for his personal contribution. 

Syed Ahmad Masood, a great grandson of Sir Syed came forward with a few valuable suggestions on fund raising from  private sector and was asked to make a plan for collections by August 1987.The Honorary Secretary suggested that we may start the construction work of the Memorial, which would help in fund raising. This was agreed upon. 

In September, 1986, M/s Naqvi & Siddiqui had desired for a contract to be signed with them as an Architects for Memorial and had agreed to reduce the fee from 4% to 3.5% of the total cost. It was decided that Mr. H. J. Ansari and Engr. C. A. Qavi may examine the draft contract and report. The President also appointed the Sir Syed Memorial’s Building Contract Committee with the instructions to finalize the contract with M/s. Naqvi & Siddiqui. 

An Executive committee meeting of SSMS was held on 4th Nov. 1987. Major Gen Syed Ali Nawab, presided. The President informed that the Building Contract Committee has finalized the Memorial building contract with M/s . Naqvi & Siddiqui at the best possible terms. After detailed discussion, the Executive Committee approved the terms and authorized the signing of the contract as recommended by the  Committee in its report. 

The Treasurer,  Syed Musharrafuddin explained the position of the funds. He desired that the Punjab Government be requested to release a sum of Rs. 25 Lacs and Senator Saeed Qadir be requested to  contact the Sind Chief Minister for Sind contribution . 

Executive Committee meeting of the SSMS was held on 12 December,1987. Major Gen S. Ali  Nawab presided. The President informed that he had sent a letter  to His Highness the Aga Khan for his “moral and material support” for Sir Syed Memorial at Islamabad, General  Sahabzada Yaqub Ali Khan was requested to pursue the matter. It was decided to address a detailed letter to the Attorney General of Pakistan to take up the case with the Government of Pakistan to entrust to the SSMS the assets bequeathed to the Aligarh University by the Late Quaid-e-Azam. 

The President informed the members that Indian Government had sent the permission for an SSMS delegation to visit India during February –March 1988. 

During the year 1987, the Society held 10 meetings which included one annual general meeting, three special meetings and six meetings of the executive committee. Also, due to the volunteers, sympathers and donors, the Society had collected a total  amount of Rs: 4,114,791/- . The P.M who is also the Chief Patron had already announced a matching grant of Rs: one crore.

FINANCIAL POSITION – 1987

Date	Details	Total Amount
01 Jan 1987	Opening Balance	3,56,741
	Receipts	40,76,005
	Total	44,32,746
	Expenses	3,72,002
31 Dec 1987	Balance	40,60,744

 1988

In the Executive Committee meeting held on 5th March 1988, the President informed the members that construction of the Memorial was about to start. Tender documents to qualified contractors had been issued. 

 Following Construction Committee was formally constituted with the responsibility of making and overseeing all arrangements for the speedy construction of the Memorial:-

Major General  S.A. Nawab

Mr. Fateh-ul-Azam

Mr. C.A. Qavi

Mr. A.F.M. Hashim

Mr. Zahoor Ali Qureshi

 Begum Fatima Farhee Rehman presented 12 books which she had recently brought from Aligarh. The Library committee was advised to prepare a list of all books, periodicals   and other documents required for the memorial library so that these  could be collected during the forth coming visit to India. It was decided that:

a.         A strategy session be called with the Patron of the SSMS for the procurement of funds for both the projects.

b.         Efforts be made to contact Dr. Abdus Salam , Dr. I H. Usmani, Mr. Agha       Hassan Abidi and Dr. Mahboobul Haq in the fund raising connection. 

The President informed the Executive Committee that Mr. S.S. Jaffery of Karachi has written a letter to the Government of NWFP as a self appointed fund raiser for southern Chapter of SSMS. It was decided that his self appointment as the President of the Southern Chapter of SSMS was unwarranted and should be challenged and cancelled forthwith and in case of any funds collected be deposited with the authorized bankers of SSMS. 

The Honorary Secretary informed the Executive Committee that the Aligarh Old Boys/Girls directory was now ready for publication. It was decided to print 200 copies and about 10 copies be taken to India for distribution to appropriate personalities.

The earth breaking ceremony of SSMS was performed by Major Gen M. Bashir Khan (ALIG) Minister of Production on 29th May 1988 at 6:30 PM. The ceremony was held on the site of the Memorial and was attended by a large number of Members and well wishers of SSMS. 

Lt Gen Saeed Qadir Senator and the Patron of the Society  welcomed the Chief Guest Major Gen (Retd) M. Bashir Khan, Federal Minister of Production, and referred to the contribution of the Ministry in the establishment of Aiwan-e-Iqbal at Lahore and expressed the hope that the Ministry will maintain this tradition by making suitable contributions, both monetarily and materially, to the establishment of the Memorial to Sir Syed at Islamabad. 

Major Gen Syed Ali Nawab, then narrated the efforts of the Society in procurement of the plot of land and the collection  of funds. The President also narrated how the design of the Memorial was arrived at & approved and how the construction work was then starting. 

The Key-note address was delivered by Mr. Pareshan Khattak, Chairman, Pakistan Academy  of Letters who recalled the services of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan which resulted in the awakening of the Muslims of the sub-continent. He also point out that the Muslims made progress whenever they were united  and lost whenever they got divided.

The Chief Guest lauded the efforts of the Society for the construction of the Memorial and also promised his contribution to this noble cause. The chief guest then performed the earth breaking ceremony which was followed by Prayers. 

Note:-  (It was the same day – 29th May 1988 that Mr. Junejo was removed as PM by Gen M.  Zia Ul Haq). 

In the Executive Committee meeting of SSMS held on 13th  July 1988, the President informed the members that the construction committee had approved the contract agreement and work on phase 1 of the Memorial had started since 16th June 1988. 

The Honorary Secretary of the Society informed that the Patron, Gen  Saeed Qadir had requested the Finance Minister to include Rs. 1.5 Crore for the Memorial in the budget for 1988-1989 as promised by the President and Ex-Prime Minister.  Mr. Hassan Zaidi, proposed that the Society should make a formal proposal to the EAD for the grant of funds in foreign exchange to meet the foreign exchange requirements. 

The Aligarh Visit

As per the decision of the Executive Committee of the SSMS, a delegation of 19 persons visited India from 15 March to 26 March 1988 under the leadership of  Mr. Fida Mohammad Khan (ALIG) Governor of NWFP to see and study the I.I.Ts  at Delhi and Kanpur and to visit Aligarh. The invitation to visit India was extended by Dr. Akhlaq R. Kidwai during his visit to Pakistan. Before its departure to India the delegation met the President of Pakistan in Rawalpindi on 14 March 1988 and had dinner with the Governor of the Punjab at Lahore the same day. Earlier, the Ambassador of India hosted a dinner in honor of the delegation on 13 March 1988. While in Delhi the delegation called on the Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi and the Indian Minister of Human Resources Development Mr. Narasimah Rao. The Governor of Dehli also hosted a dinner for the delegation on 16 March 1988. Following is the list of the members of the delegation:-

Governor and Begum Fida Mohammad Khan

Major General and Begum S. A. Nawab

Brigadier Iqbal Shafi

Syed Musharrafuddin

Dr. S. A. Hasnain

Mr. and Begum Shakir Hasan

Brigadier and Begum Said Azhar

Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan

Mr. and Begum Mubarak Ali Khan

Syed Mujeeb Ahmad

 For the details of the visit and an Official Report (please see Annexure  ‘D’). 

A combined meeting of the SSMS and the Central Aligarh Old Boys Association was held on 11th August 1988. Two Patrons of the Society namely Governor of the Punjab Makhdoom Sajjad Hussain Qureshi and Ex-Governor of NWFP Mr. Fida Muhammad Khan attended the meeting. The President , Major Gen Syed Ali Nawab informed the members about the progress made on the construction of the memorial which was formerly initiated on 29 May 1988.

The Governor of the Punjab assured his full support and cooperation for the establishment of SSUST near Islamabad. The Governor also paid tributes to the members of the Society who visited India at their own expense for studying I. I. Ts. The Governor also assured his full support to seek approval of the President of Pakistan for the release of funds already promised. 

Ex-Governor NWFP also spoke on the visit of SSMS delegation to India under his leadership and their meetings with several Indian leaders. 

An extra-ordinary meeting of the SSMS was held on 22 8.1988 to condole the untimely and tragic demise of the late President General Muhammad Zia Ul Haq.  President of  the Society Major Gen Syed Ali Nawab paid glowing tributes to the departed soul. The President also highlighted his personal interest and patronage  of the Society and mentioned his personal Order of the Allotment of a 12000 sq yards plot at Islamabad and payment of its price by the Federal Government for building a befitting Memorial to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. 

The Chief Guest, Malik Nasim Ahmad  Aheer, Federal Minister of Education stated that the late President was an outstanding statesman, a great leader of International stature and totally dedicated to the Islamic Cause and Values.  The Honorary Secretary of the Society Brig Iqbal Shafi then moved a condolence resolution which was unanimously passed  by the House and was sent to Begum Zia Ul Haq 

The Minister and all members of the Society then proceeded to the mazar of late Gen Muhammad Zia Ul Haq to offer Fateha and laid floral wreath. 

During the Executive Committee meeting of SSMS held on 14 Dec 1988, the President informed that an objection had been raised by the CDA for not leaving 20 feet open space on the nallah side. He said the former Chairman of CDA was present at the time of approval of the plan and  such objection was not raised and that the Chairman CDA had agreed that land upto the nallah at the back of the Memorial site will remain with the Society. 

Mr. Zaheer Qureshi and Mr. Hashim of the Construction Committee made the following observations:- 

a.         The shuttering of the retaining wall was not properly secured and it had bulged out in certain places.

Complete roots of the cut down trees were not being removed. All roots should be taken out and the pits thus formed should be properly filled.

Earth filling should be done in layers and each layer properly compacted. After completion, proper testing should be done by competent agency. 

It was decided that President may send a letter to the contractor to comply with the observations mentioned above. 

The committee was informed about the efforts made to raise the funds for the Society both in local and foreign currency through EAD and Trust for Voluntary Organization (TVO). Admiral Janjua was the Chairman  of TVO, who promised to extend all possible financial help. The chief guest raised the question of laying the foundation stone of  the Memorial. It was decided that Mr. S.A. Masood and Mr. M . Yousaf Khan may approach the P.M through friends for the same. 

FINANCIAL POSITION – 1988

Date	Details	Total Amount
01 Jan 1988	Opening Balance	40,60,744
	Receipts	5,31,778
	Total	45,92,522
	Expenses	5,72,628
31 Dec 1988	Balance	40,19,894

  

Annexure ‘D’

 SIR SYED MEMORIAL SOCIETY

ISLAMABAD

REPORT ON THE DELEGATION’S VISIT TO INDIA

MARCH 15-26, 1988

 

INTRODUCTION

 1.         The Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Mr. Akhlaq R. Kidwani, visited Islamabad and called on the President of Pakistan on February 2, 1987. During discussions, the Chancellor suggested that the Sir Syed Memorial Society should study the example of the five institutes of technology in India in connection with the establishment of the proposed Sir Syed University of Science and Technology. The President of Pakistan agreed with the suggestion and consequently, a 19 member delegation of the Society visited India from March 15 to Mar 26, 1988. Before their departure from Pakistan, the delegation had the opportunity to call on the President of Pakistan on March 14, 1988, to obtain his blessings and to apprise him of its forthcoming programme in India.

AIM OF THE VISIT

2.         a.         To identify sources of material for the proposed Sir Syed Memorialat Islamabad and to  study the system of higher technical education in India and to make recommendations for the establishment of the Sir Syed University of Science and Technology in Pakistan.           

To be a mission of good will between Pakistan and India.

COMPOSITION OF THE DELEGATION

3.         The delegation was led by Mr. Fida Mohammad Khan, Patron of the Society and Governor of the NWFP, and comprised of Major General Syed Ali Nawab, President; Brig Iqbal Shafi, Honorary Secretary; Mr. Musharrafuddin, Treasurer and 14 other members.

INSTITUTIONS VISITED

4.         During its stay in India, the delegation visited the following institutions:-

Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.

Delhi University, Delhi.

Jamia Millia, Delhi.

Hamdard Foundation Complex, Delhi.

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.

MEETINGS WITH DIGNITARIES

5.         The leader of the delegation, Mr. Fida Mohammad Khan, Governor, NWFP, and Patron of the Society, accompanied by the Ambassador of Pakistan, and the office bearers of SSMS called on the Prime Minister of India and the Vice President of India.

6.         A working meeting was held with Mr. Narasimha Rao, Minister for Human Resource Development, assisted by the Secretary, Joint Secretary and Adviser of Education on the Indian side and the Society’s President, Major General Syed Ali Nawab; Honorary Secretary, Brig Iqbal Shafi; Treasurer, Mr. Musharrafuddin; and Ambassador Dr. M. Humayun Khan, on the Pakistan Side. Mr. Fida Mohammad Khan, Governor, NWFP, was unable to attend due to indisposition.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

7.         Mr. Narasimha Rao, Minister for Human Resource Development, explained the set up of the five Indian Institutes of Technology established more than a quarter century ago in collaboration with USA, Britain, Germany, USSR and UNESCO. Amongst these, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, established with US collaboration, is the most advanced. The five IITs are managed and governed by a high powered council headed by the Minister of Human Resource Development. The IITs are outside the purview of the University Grants Commission and have a separate allocation of funds in the national budget. The council, besides managing the IITs, assess the national requirement of research and development and refers to the institutes subjects in “CRITICAL” and “THRUST” areas relating mostly to defence, health, industry, etc. IITs budget approximates to Rs 17 crore each (Rs 7 crore non-plan and Rs 11 crore plan). A crucial observation made by Mr. Narasimha Rao was that the real worth of an institution depends on the quality of faculty and the caliber of students. 

8          The five IITs were established as a result of the decision of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s Government which resolved to raise the scientific and technological knowledge in the education system to the level of developed countries. These Institutes have made rapid progress towards achieving the goal set for them. 

9.         The IIT, New Delhi, set up with British collaboration was provided a net grant of Rs 200 crore in foreign exchange for purchase of laboratory and other equipment from Britain. British professors were sent out for a period of 5 years for assistance in establishing the Institute. It has high tech laboratories designed to impart latest scientific and technological education to the students. 

10.       The IIT, Kanpur, established with US collaboration was organized by a team of eminent US professors sent by a consortium of nine top universities comprising California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Institute of Technology, Case Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, Princeton University, Purdue University, University of California at Berkley and the University of Michigan. During their 10 years stay, they trained Indian professors in India as well as at the consortium universities, at US expense, to take over from the US professors. As of 1971, the United States had provided a net grant of US$ 9.22 million for procurement of equipment, books, etc, for various departments. 

11.       The Kanpur IIT is a residential complex spread over 1050 acres, 15 kms from the city. The land was gifted by the provincial government. All the lecture halls, and residential halls, laboratories, libraries, staff residences and shopping areas are located on the campus. Tuition and lodging cost Rs 350 per student annually besides Rs 350 per month for food. 

12.       At IIT, Kanpur research is conducted on various subjects, including defence requirements in most critical areas like space, aircraft designing, material sciences, computer aided designing (CAD), nuclear and laser technology, etc. It has a teacher student ratio of 1:7 (2000 students, 300 teachers all Ph. Ds, 50% of whom are professors). It is seventh in the world rating according to the US universities consortium survey. 

13.       Admission to the five IITs is through an All-India competitive examination held in first week of May. It is so planned that no one knows its outcome till the list of successful candidates is announced on 1st of June every year and the successful candidates starting from top have a choice of their own for one of the five IITs. The semester system is akin to the US pattern. 

14.       The Minister for Human Resource Development during exchange of views paid compliments to the Allama Iqbal University, Islamabad and stated that India has learned from this institution in the areas of development of distance teaching, self-study, setting up an out-reach system etc. 

15.       The delegation visited and held detailed discussions with the top officials (Vice Chancellors/Directors, Pro-Vice Chancellors/Deputy Directors, Deans/Chairmen of departments) at the IIT, New Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Jamia Millia, Delhi, the Aligarh Muslim University and the IIT, Kanpur. 

16.       The delegation had a two-day session at the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. This institution is a centre of excellence for the Muslims of India, has 19 faculties, including most advanced engineering and medical colleges with a teacher/student ratio of 1:3 and a newly created bio-technology department. 

17.       The Muslim University is a residential institution spread over an area of 9000 acres, governed by the Aligarh Muslim University Act 1920, having 18000 students on roll, producing adequate number of Ph. Ds every year (for instance 33 Ph. D degrees awarded in science subjects, mostly in physics and chemistry in 1964, raising the total to 85 in 1986). 

18.       Realizing the importance of science for the future of Muslims, the Aligarh Muslim University has started courses for science teachers working in other Muslim institutions. 

19.       Pakistan lags far behind in science and technology compared to its eastern (India) and north western (USSR) neighbours.  Unless the gap is rapidly narrowed and bridged, the existing disparity would always be a temptation for India to dominate the whole region from Suez to Singapore. In this whole region, Pakistan is the only country with a potential to match and even surpass the scientific and technological progress of India. The pursuit of the goal for achieving, in the first instance, parity in science and technology will be welcome  by all our friends as a substitute on the sub-continent for arms race. Cooperation and competition in the field of higher scientific education will raise the living standards of our respective peoples and at the same time satisfy national aspirations. At all the social functions whenever the leader and members of the delegation put across this proposition in their speeches, the India response was positive, constructive and favourable. 

20.       The Sir Syed Memorial Society delegation received overwhelming response of friendship and cooperation from official as well as non-official circles in India and from the members of the majority community and specially from the intelligentsia and educationists. They felt that visits of delegations of this nature will be most helpful in promotion of goodwill. It was the first delegation of its kind which created great enthusiasm in the social, governmental and educational circles at New Delhi, Kanpur and Aligarh. 

21.       The purpose of this visit was to study and evaluate the policy and methods adopted by India in raising the level of education in science and technology with particular emphasis on research and development, matching those of the most advanced countries and to learn from their experience and achievements with a view to finding out the extent to which these could be helpful and made use of in establishing the proposed Sir Syed University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, which is expected to prepare the country for a lead in the imperatives of science and technology in the 21st century. 

MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS

22.       The following steps are recommended:-

The Sir Syed University of Science and Technology Bill pending with the Government be enacted without further loss of time.

Pending enactment of the bill, the land measuring 4500 acres in Tumair/Karor area earmarked by the Punjab Government may be transferred to the Sir Syed Memorial Society for the purpose of this University to facilitate survey and preliminary planning.

The University would be organized and developed on the basis of common and useful aspects of the IIT, Kanpur and Aligarh Muslim University, namely:-

i)          Residential Character: to enable students of all parts of Pakistan to study and live on the campus to reinforce the concept of a single  national unity.

ii)         To provide leadership with full knowledge of national needs and equipped to produce positive results in national development based on scientific and technological knowledge;

To admit students on competitive merit to ensure benefit of education at the institution without discrimination;

To provide the mechanism for transferring benefits of research in all vital fields to all sectors of the economy as well as to provide the Government with vital material/analyses and data in formulation of economic, defence and foreign policies-roles being performed by the universities of the developed countries;

A high-powered council be set up for policy formulation in science and technology and for separate allocation in the national budget for the Sir Syed University of Science and Technology to enable it to achieve its goal. This council should be headed by the Prime Minister who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the Society and consist of Makhdoom Muhammad Sajjad Husain Qureshi, Governor of the Punjab and Mr. Fida Mohammad Khan, Governor of the NWFP (who are also Patrons of the Society), Ministers of Defence, Finance, Science and Technology and Education, alongwith Dr. A. Q. Khan and the office bearers of the Sir Syed Memorial Society, Islamabad. 

Since the India visit was undertaken by the members of the delegation at their own expense, a delegation may go to the USA in July this year for preliminary discussions with officials of renowned universities for cooperation on the IIT, Kanpur pattern.

(FIDA MOHAMMAD KHAN)

PATRON OF THE SOCIETY.

GOVERNOR, NWFP,

Perhawar 

6 April, 1988     

 

1989

General body meeting of the SSMS was held on 7th March 1989. The largely attended meeting include Ch. Afzal Haq, advisor to the P.M, Khawaja Shahid Hussain, Ministry of Culture and H.E Mr. Earl  Fisher (ALIG), the Ambassador of Germany. 

The President  Maj. Gen (Retd) Syed Ali Nawab welcomed the guests and gave a background of SSMS and informed about the activities and achievements . Advisor to the P.M informed the members of his full support in the establishment of the SSMS at Islamabad.  Khawaja Shahid Hussain in his speech highlighted the role played by Aligarh movement leading to the creation of Pakistan. 

H.E. Mr. Earl fisher delivered his speech in Urdu. He informed how he went to Aligarh to study Urdu and the Islamic influence on Indian history and culture. 

 An Executive Committee meeting of the SSMS was held on May 29, 1989. Main topic of the discussion was how to collect funds for the Memorial. The summary prepared for the P.M was read out. Following were the main points:- 

PM be requested to honor the commitments made by the Federal Government and make a special grant of Rs. 7.2 crore.

P.M may be requested to become Chief Patron of the Society and to lay the foundation stone of the Memorial.

EAD may be requested for providing financial assistance from Trust for Voluntary Organization (TVO) and PL-480 funds. 

Khawaja Shahid Hussain, Secretary Culture, informed that due to financial stringency, the P.M may not approve a special grant. He therefore, suggested to raise funds from own resources. After detailed discussion it was decided that:-

P.M may be persuaded through Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Shah (Alig), the Education Minister, to lay the foundation stone of the Memorial and  become the Chief Patron of the Society. It was also suggested that the Education Minister be requested to take the Society under his wings as it was an Educational NGO.

Secretary Culture will try to contact Prof M.D. Khan(Alig) and Mr. Rao Rashid (Alig) who were going to USA with the P.M and handover a copy of the summary to them, so that they  may discuss the recommendations with the P.M during this period.

Secretary Culture further suggested that Society may try to get permission from GOP to hold Raffle to collects funds on the following grounds.

(1)        Special education for the handicapped.

(2)        Scholarships for higher studies to talented students.

(3)        Establishment of library and reading room in Islamabad for the general public.

 

It was suggested that once the P.M is associated with the project, delegations may go to Mid-Eastern  countries for fund collection. 

A Combined General Body meeting of the SSMS and Central Aligarh Old boys Association was held on 16th June, 1989. The Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi presented the Annual Report and the  Audited Account upto 31 December, 1988  which were unanimously approved by the House. 

The President of the SSMS informed that Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah had agreed to become a Patron of the Society and that he has written a letter to the P. M, requesting him to perform the Foundation Laying ceremony of the Memorial as early as possible. Dr. M. Yousaf  Abbasi, former head of the department of History at Quaid-e-Azam University read his research paper “Sir Syed’s  Relevance Today”. 

The Chief Guest, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, the Federal Minister for Education then narrated his own days at Aligarh. He emphasized the need to produce dedicated persons who could serve Pakistan selflessly as Sir Syed had done for Muslims after 1857. He appreciated the role of SSMS and promised all support. The Honorary Secretary thanked the Chief Guest for his advice with the hope that corrective measures  will be taken to improve the Character-building aspect of Education. 

A meeting of the Construction Committee of SSMS was held under the President Maj. Gen S.A. Nawab on 5th August 1989. The President informed that due to the rise in the cost we should expedite the construction. After detailed discussion it was decided that:-

We may now proceed with the construction of Phase 1 (Extension) i.e. Lower Ground Floor (Basement) alongwith the approach road and a car parking space.

There should be no deviation from the already approved plans.

The above work should be completed within the present resources of SSMS.

Efforts should be made to rent out the building to well known organizations.

Mr. Q. A. Alvi, the Architect, be asked to produce detailed drawings at the earliest. 

In the Executive Committee meeting of the SSMS held on 23rd August 1989, the President informed the members that Mr. S.G. Mustafa Shah, Minister for Education has agreed to lay the Foundation Stone of the ‘Memorial’ on 26th August 1989. It was decided that the ceremony should be linked with the appointment of the Chief Patron and the commitment from the Government of Pakistan for funds for construction. The President further informed that the Secretary Culture Sports and Tourism was trying to get the summary signed by the Minister of Culture. The summary emphasized the requirements of the payment of Rs 1.52 Crore as promised. Regarding the next visit of Aligarians to India as a group, it was decided to first calculate the expenditure per individual and this be discussed in the next meeting. The Treasurer emphasized the need to speed up the process of the collection of funds for the Memorial. The GOP may be persuaded for the release of the funds for the Memorial. 

The Honorary Secretary informed the members about an urgent telephone call from Ch. M. Arif from Delhi regarding some financial assistance for his coaching centre project for Muslim Students. The members who were present in the meeting offered to contribute Rs. 500/- each for this noble cause. 

In the Executive Committee meeting of the Sir Syed Memorial Society held on 30th Oct, 1989, the President of the Society requested for a balance sheet of accounts duly audited for obtaining an exemption from Income Tax. He expressed the need to register the Society as a Social Welfare Organization instead of with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies. These proposals were agreed to by the House. The President desired to know the opinion of the members as to whether the present contractor be given the contract for the next phase or whether new tenders be floated. It was decided that the Construction Committee should  put up their recommendations regarding the contract for the next phase. 

The Honorary Secretary Brig Iqbal Shafi informed that while in the U.S.A he had met our Ambassador in the USA and Counselors Mr. Fatimi, and Mr. Hadi Raza Ali at New York and they promised to help any of our representative who would visit USA for fund collection for the Society. The Ambassador desired to see the Report on visit to India so that he could put up proposals to the President of Pakistan for the establishment of such institutes in Pakistan. 

Regarding the proposed visit to India in 1990, the President informed that 12 days stay would cost about Rs. 10,000/- per person. Accordingly members desirous of proceeding may be informed and their willingness be obtained. 

FINANCIAL POSITION – 1989

Date	Details	Total Amount
01 Jan 1989	Opening Balance	40,19,894
	Receipts	14,79,902
	Total	54,99,796
	Expenses	6,80,370
31 Dec 1989	Balance	48,19,426