Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Muhammad AH Shaikh said that Shabbir Ahmed Qureshi served SMIU with honestly and dedication for 35 years.
Speaking at the farewell party organized by SMIU in honour of Shabbir Ahmed Qureshi, who retired from service on Monday while serving as the Principal of SMI Boys Model School, Shaikh said it was a unique aspect of SMI that once inducted, personnel spent lifetimes serving there.
Citing an example in this respect he said Thomas Henry Vince, a European, joined SMI as its principal in 1903 and served for 19 years. Qureshi’s career, he said, was also a manifestation of the same phenomenon.
Shaikh said nations of the world extended respect and regard towards their teachers. He was of the view that a teacher never retired from service, adding that Engineer Abul Kalam successfully ran NED University at the age of 90.
When our professors and teachers retire at the age of 60, he said, private educational institutions hire their services where they serve with the same enthusiasm and vigour. Therefore, he added, the government should review its retirement policy for teachers.
Qureshi in his speech said he spent 40 years in the teaching profession, 35 out which where spent at SMI and five in the Sindh Education Department.
Principal of SMI Girls Model School Ms Afroz Abbasi and senior teachers Abdul Latif Chachar, Syed Wajid Ali and Rajab Ali
Mallah also spoke on the occasion praising Qureshi for his services rendered for the SMI and the youth of the country.
Earlier, Shaikh awarded Qureshi a shield from the SMIU, while Ramesh P. Jethmalani, Syed Wajid Ali and Rajah Ali Mallah presented him with gifts.
SMIU Registrar Mohammad lshaque Lashari, Controller of
Examination Guizar Ahmed Mughal and deans of various faculties and other staff of the institution attended the occasion.