Names of five Umrah aspirants were selected from 127 member officers of Sindh University Officers’ Welfare Association (SUOWA) through a balloting held in the Senate Hall of Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat, University of Sindh, Jamshoro here on Friday. The balloting was held under the incentive of Sindh University Officers’ Welfare Association, University of Sindh Jamshoro under which a total of five officers including one recent retired officer are being sent to Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah. This practice has been taken place since the inception of SUOWA every year before the holy month of Ramazan. Chaired by vice chancellor Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Burfat, the balloting was held amicably in presence of almost all the member officers of Sindh University Officers’ Welfare Association. The vice chancellor performed the balloting and declared the names of all four lucky officers that included Muhammad Yousif Qureshi, Engr. Sajjad Hussain Shah, Ms. Sheema Khaskheli and Sajid Qayoom Memon. They must come back with the pledge to earn ‘legitimate livelihood’, urged the VC Moreover, in the draw held, four other names were also selected as covering candidates including Badar ul Islam Shaikh, Saeed Ahmed Memon, Aftab Ahmed Bhatti and Rashid Ali Silawat respectively. In case of any emergency or certain reasons, if the principle nominee(s) could not travel to Saudia to perform Umrah in the holy month of Ramazan, the covering candidate(s) would be provided with the opportunity. On the other hand, the name of recently retired Khadim Hussain Larik was announced for Umrah in retiring officers’ category while another retired officer of the university Aijaz Ahmed Larik will be his covering candidate. The SUOWA would bear the Umrah expenses of the selected five lucky officers. Addressing the ceremony, the vice chancellor Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Burfat said that performing Umrah in Ramazan carried immense value and religious significance adding that “Umrah is considered a lesser form of Hajj and whoever performs Umrah with pure intention earns the highest pleasure of Allah”. He said that it was truly an enriching experience to see people from all over the world joined together in fasting and performing Umrah for the sake of their Lord Almighty. “I never went to Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah but after joining Sindh University, an Arabic friend of mine managed all this and I succeeded to perform Umrah and then Hajj with his personal kindness. I consider it the blessing of God and Sindh university”, he said. Congratulating those selected for Umrah through raffling process, he said the all five lucky officers had got a wonderful opportunity to get renaissance after performing Umrah; therefore, he said they must come back with the pledge to earn “legitimate livelihood” thereafter and feed the same to their children. Dr. Burfat said some controversial matters were placed in the agenda of the previous meeting of varsity syndicate; consequently, the minutes he said, would be canceled and the meeting will be annulled as the process for it was underway. He added that the election of syndicate on officers’ constituency will be held forthwith and the elected officer will surely play his vital role in policy making and resolving other issues in the meetings of the body. He announced to take the additional charges back from the officers whereupon those waiting for postings will be posted on the basis of merit and justice. Meanwhile The vice chancellor, University of Sindh Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Burfat extended his condolences over the sad demise of well-known author of several books, translator and former VC of Karachi University Dr. Jamil Jalibi. According to a statement issued by University spokesman, Dr. Burfat expressed heartfelt grief over the sad demise of former vice chancellor of Karachi University Jamil Jalibi. “The world of Urdu literature has lost a phenomenal and a visionary figure”, said the vice chancellor. Lauding his role regarding bringing reforms in his tenure at KU, Dr. Burfat stated that his contribution will never be forgotten. “I extend sympathies to the bereaved family in this hour of grief”, he said.