KARACHI, October 18, 2026: Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) celebrated the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan with tributes to his contributions to education, intellectual development and social reform in the subcontinent.
Addressing the ceremony, SSUET Chancellor and AMUOBA President Muhammad Akbar Ali Khan said the university had presented its first deficit-free budget and expected the next budget to show a surplus. He also announced plans to launch the Sir Syed School of Law at Sir Syed Tower.
Akbar Ali Khan said Sir Syed’s educational vision continued to guide the university’s mission of preparing students for professional life. He described the institution as a custodian of the educational and cultural traditions associated with the Aligarh movement.
The chancellor said the university’s team had delivered notable progress over the previous 18 months. He added that admissions had reached record levels for the second consecutive year, with applications open across 54 programmes, including 14 newly introduced programmes.
He also highlighted infrastructure improvements, including the construction of the seventh floor of Block E, which houses a modern design studio. Three laboratories have been upgraded alongside the university’s AI lab, while plans are also under consideration to begin classes at a new campus.
Akbar Ali Khan said the restoration of the university’s internal water supply system had eliminated the need for costly water tankers, saving more than Rs1 million each month.
Sir Syed’s Intellectual Legacy Highlighted
Chairperson of the Zakir Ali Khan Foundation and Zakir Ali Khan Panel, Erum Akbar Ali Khan, said Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had awakened a nation through his intellectual movement and promoted education as a means of social transformation.
She said Sir Syed’s ideas had influenced the political and intellectual developments that ultimately contributed to the creation of Pakistan. She also highlighted the educational, literary and sporting contributions of Engineer Muhammad Zakir Ali Khan, who she said had drawn inspiration from Sir Syed’s ideals.
Erum Akbar Ali Khan noted that Zakir Ali Khan had authored more than 10 books and received international recognition for his literary contributions. She said the foundation was continuing his mission.
Dr Jafar Nazir Usmani, general secretary of AMUOBA, described Sir Syed as a visionary leader whose ideas extended beyond his time. He pledged continued efforts to promote Sir Syed’s ideals and spread the message of knowledge and education.
Prominent writer and poet Mahmood Sham said the education and training associated with Aligarh had fostered a spirit of nation-building and helped lay the foundations of an enlightened society. He described Sir Syed University as a continuation of those traditions and stressed the broader role of education in shaping civilisation.
Speakers Emphasise Pakistan’s Potential
Senator Haseeb Khan said Pakistan possessed considerable economic potential, particularly through its natural resources. Referring to Balochistan, he highlighted the province’s mineral wealth and the opportunities it could offer for national development.
Ejaz Farooqui spoke about Aligarh Muslim University’s role in the movement that led to Pakistan’s creation. He also praised Sir Syed University’s progress and proposed relocating the institution to a larger campus.
Tariq Sabzwari, convener of the Literary Art and Culture Forum, moderated the proceedings and highlighted different aspects of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s life and contributions.
The ceremony also featured a cake-cutting to mark the anniversary and concluded with the Tarana-e-Aligarh. A poetry gathering, or mushaira, followed, featuring Khalid Irfan, Rakhshanda Khan, Ahmed Salman, Mahmood Sham and Tariq Sabzwari.
The event reaffirmed the participating institutions’ commitment to preserving Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s educational legacy and promoting learning, intellectual development and community service.
Issued by: Abdul Hamid Daccani, Deputy Director Information
