INCEPTION: Pakistani scientists and engineers residing in North America organized a seminar on ‘Science and Technology’ in Islamabad on December 26-28, 1983. It was sponsored jointly by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation and the Scientists from United States and Canada.
Members of the North American delegation were invited to a special session with the late President Zia-ul Haq at the President House on December 26, 1983. This meeting was attended by the Minister of Education, Dr M. Afzal; Dr. M.A.Kazi, Advisor to the President for Science and Technology; Dr. M. D. Shami, Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation; Mr. Masihuddin, Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology; Dr. Munir Ahmad (late), Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission; Mr. Tariq Mustafa, Education Attaché, Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C., and various senior government Officials.
Late President Zia-Ul Haq welcomed the delegates and expressed his keen interest on the role of science and technology in the socio-economic development of Pakistan. The discussion, lasted for approximately two hours, was very informal and candid. The President stressed upon the need of an organization which could collaborate with the scientists and engineers in Science and Technology in Pakistan. It was noted with pleasure that great emphasis was being placed by the Government of Pakistan on the development of science and technology. Following the discussion all participants attended the banquet hosted by the late President.
After returning to the Islamabad Hotel the delegates continued discussion on this important subject late into the night. Following the brainstorming session it was realized that an organization was needed which could provide means to disseminate knowledge, provide a common platform to discuss problems related to science and technology and collaborate in research and education with their counter parts in Pakistan. At this point Dr. Amanullah Khan of Dallas, TX, ceased the moment and proposed to form an Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers.
The constitution of the association was prepared by Drs. Muhammad Shafi and Abdul Rauf in one night.
Thus “APSE of North America” was born in the wee hours of the morning on December 27, 1983. The constitution was approved unanimously by the North American delegates during this meeting.
The first conference of the Association was held at Chicago Marriott Hotel(Oak Brook, IL) on July 6-8,1984. The theme of the conference was”Technology for Developing Countries”. More than 120 scientists and engineers from various parts of North America and Pakistan attended this historic meeting. Among the notable attendees of the conference were Dr. Hasan Ahmad (CEO, Sonus Net); Dr. Masud Arjmand (Partner, Accenture, Inc); Dr. Amanullah Khan, Founder of APSENA; Dr. Misbahuddin Shami, Former Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation; Dr Khalida Usmani, Former Principal/Professor, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore.
During the business meeting on July 9, 1984 the name of the Association was modified from “APSE of North America” to APSENA, Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers of North America.
Since 1984, APSENA has been managed by capable and dedicated individuals on a volunteer basis. The following individuals from various parts of USA and Canada have served as the presidents of the organization.
Dr. Syed Imtiaz Ahmad (Canada), Dr. Mohammad Shafi (VA), Dr. Ghulam Shirazi (OK), Dr. Mashouf Shaykh (IL), Dr. Mohammad Jameel (OH), Mr. Rashid Bhatti (IL), Mr. Moshtak Ahmmed (TX), Dr. Bashir Syed (TX), Mr. Siraj Ahmad (MI), Mr. Tariq Khan (MD), Mr. Farrukh Husain (KS), and currently (2008-2010), Dr. Nusrat H. Naqvi (LA) is the first female to serve the organization as its twelfth president.
APSENA celebrated its Silver (25th) Anniversary on Nov. 22-23, 2008 during the Annual Conference in Houston, TX, entitled, Renewable Energy: Technologies and Opportunities. All Past Presidents and the Founder of the organization were invited personally and were honored for their contributions to the organization’s life and well being.
The twenty-sixth Annual Conference is currently being organized at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana on WATER: Lifeline for Energy and Health on October 17-18, 2009 in the I-Hotel and Conference center.