UKAA Silver Jubilee: Celebrating Legacy, Impact, and Future Vision
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
Marking its 25th anniversary, the University of Karachi Alumni Association of Washington and Baltimore (UKAA) commemorated its silver jubilee with an exceptional event on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Rockville, Maryland. The gathering, attended by a full house, underscored UKAA’s significant achievements and forward-looking initiatives and celebrated their profound impact on the community.
The late Jafar Imam
As a dynamic network of Karachi University alums, UKAA is devoted to fostering personal and professional growth, inspiring each member to reach their full potential. Founded by dedicated KU graduates, UKAA honors the legacy of one of Pakistan’s leading universities, uniting alums from diverse fields including academia, healthcare, technology, business, and public service. The unwavering dedication of these founders is a testament to the strong bond that unites them all.
A section of the audience
UKAA fortifies friendships, professional connections, and a shared heritage through regular gatherings, cultural programs, and networking opportunities. At its core, UKAA is committed to advancing education by providing scholarships, mentorship, and fundraising opportunities to support KU students and alums, thereby enriching access to academic and career resources. By maintaining close connections with KU, UKAA enables alums to give back through donations, volunteer efforts, and knowledge-sharing, strengthening KU’s growth and global standing.
A group of UKAA members
Founding President Dr. Mohammad Ali Khan reflected on UKAA’s broad impact and expressed deep appreciation for the members’ dedication, noting, “This celebration highlights the hard work and commitment that have driven UKAA’s accomplishments.” Chair of the UKAA Endowment Program, Mr Tariq Husain, shared that the endowment, valued at $3 million, has contributed over $2 million to educational support, including $184,000 in scholarships awarded to 1,017 students in Pakistan in 2024 alone. These scholarships are not just financial aid but beacons of hope for the future of education in Pakistan.
Audience
UKAA’s commitment to sustainable development shines through its Solarization Program, which has raised $660,000 to install a 1,200-kW solar capacity across ten institutions, including KU and IBA. This initiative, a beacon of hope for a sustainable future, aims to double its capacity in the coming three years, with IBA alone projected to save around $70,000 annually on electricity—savings earmarked for scholarships and further development.
The late Dr Aquilur Rahman and Rukhsana Rahman
Senior community figure Mr Mohammad Nasimuddin Mirza lauded the event, commenting, “UKAA’s unwavering vision and commitment command great respect. This evening has demonstrated the dedication that has created opportunities for many deserving students.”
UKAA President Mr Aquil Ahmed thanked donors and acknowledged the Karachi-based scholarship selection team, led by Dr Shamim Qureshi, for upholding a rigorous selection process that inspires donor trust.
Honoring its legacy, UKAA continues to drive educational initiatives and make a lasting impact in Karachi and beyond. The event also celebrated the association’s pioneers—Jafar Imam, Aquilur Rahman, and Itrat Husain—whose efforts laid a strong foundation for UKAA’s mission. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of all UKAA members. Ms Zeenat Imam paid tribute to her late husband, Jafar Imam, for his dedication to UKAA and commitment to its cause.
Recognition awards were presented to Dr Shamim Qureshi and her team, Mr Syed Haider Ali, Mr Mohammad Nasimuddin Mirza, Mr Shahid Hashmi, and Mr Khalid Siraj, as well as posthumously to Jafar Imam and Aquilur Rahman, honoring their contributions to UKAA’s growth.
The evening concluded with an enthralling musical program featuring celebrated international artist Kamran Mehdi Hassan, son of Ustad Mehdi Hassan; Adnan Hasan, grandson of Ustad Mehdi Hassan; and Anjala Kelkar, accompanied by tabla player Haroon Alam (popularly known as Munna). Their blend of classic and contemporary songs resonated with guests of all ages.
The event’s MCs, Nuzaira Azam, and Sayeeda Huque, expertly guided the program, bringing warmth and elegance to a memorable evening celebrating UKAA’s legacy, achievements, and future ambitions.
*The author gratefully acknowledges the valuable input provided by Aquil Ahmad and Nuzaira Azam.
