Shortly, you would be exercising your right of franchise and in doing so, you would be electing a President and his team of Managing Committee. Let the best candidates win. For those who would be successful, I wish them best of luck and for those who would not be elected, I have to say that this should not dishearten their zeal to work for the club.

Unfortunately, our country is still passing through an era of turmoil, recession and financial crunch. Economy is showing resilience related with the law and order situation, acute power shortage and natural calamities. It is believed that the government will take effective measures in recovering the situation. I have full faith, that our beloved country will grow and flourish once again, Inshallah.

Our club has also been effected by the prevailing situation but your Committee have made strides in fulfilling the challenging goals and has been forefront to bring transparency and good governance in the club and we hope to continue this process with greater vigor

I am pleased to inform this August House that by the grace of Almighty Allah the over-all financial results of the club during the year reflects a satisfactory state of affairs. In fact this is first time in recent memory that your Committee has received no questions on the Accounts, which shows that the members are not only satisfied with the results, but also that all required information has been correctly reflected. I would like to congratulate the Honorary Treasurer Dr. Mumtaz A. Khan for this. With the efforts of the Managing Committee we achieved the highest rate of Investment of 13.50% on Karachi Gymkhana Funds kept in the various financial Institutions. I am confident that the tempo of such savings will continue as it gives comfort to an Institution of our size to overcome the ever growing financial commitment of the club. Reserve funds is a sign of a positive financial relief for the management to over-come un-foreseen contingencies of the club.

Security Arrangements Effective measures have been introduced to enhance the Club security from any unforeseen incidents which may adversely affect the Club. Full proof plan for the security is being finalized through the project Committee of the Club. Sixteen CCTV Cameras have already been installed at appropriate locations to enable the management to effectively ensure our security and prevent any occurrence that would be detrimental in any manner. This has also helped drastically in reducing pilferage and other wrong doings.

Software and Automation Development We are in the process of providing a sophisticated IT Infrastructure based on modern technologies. This system will be able to incorporate future technologies. The much anticipated Computerization and Automation System has been successfully implemented to enforce internal controls and mitigate losses. The Enterprise Resource Planning Software System has been developed and will Inshallah be implemented in the near future. The System manages aspects such as purchases, sales orders, inventory and even costing modules, which will help in identifying short comings in the manual system and put an end to pilferage and losses, providing better services to the members. An important part of our upgrading is to develop computer readable membership cards which this system does generate. These are now being produced at a much lower cost protecting the privacy of the members as they are no longer outsourced, and the chosen method and materials ensure the same cannot be duplicated. Lastly, the project will enable sales and orders to be taken using portable devices. Once membership cards are distributed, we are hoping to give the members connectivity to the computer system as we aim to increase the services that may be availed through it.

Catering and Service The Catering Department has been re-organized and the management has appointed new experienced chefs and dedicated cooks who have supplemented the menus by introducing healthy and delicious dishes. The increased variety caters to  all the members who have expressed their happiness to the much improved taste and presentation of the food. A noticeable change is the corresponding improvement of the service which now meets the expectation of the members. A high level of discipline has been achieved which is the cornerstone for the effective administration of the Club.

Renovation and Development A high level of priority has been given to this subject and I am certain that members are pleased with the renovation being carried out in different areas of the club, which are clearly visible, some of them, I would like to highlight:

* A new “Sports Café” has been made on the Second Floor of the main building where our members can relax and play indoor games, besides snacks. The entire work of the said area has been undertaken through in-house resources and within minimized spending of around Rs.4 lacs.

* The construction of the Members’ Lodge is under the close supervision of the Project Committee, which is progressing as per schedule. The visible delay is encountered due to change in some design and improved facility by the new Architect who was hired during the middle of 2010. The project Committee has also directed the Architect for the design of secure driveway system for overall security of the club. The HVAC Air-conditioning System, Double Glazed Windows, Doors/Tiles have been ordered and work is in hand for its completion by the mid of the year. Additionally, furniture and other accessories will be procured after the final recommendation of the Consultant/Architect.

* Newly designed furniture and fixtures have been added in the lobby, while everything has been polished providing a vibrant appearance. The chandeliers and lights have also been changed, offering an elegant look and being more environmental friendly.

* The six Tennis Courts have been improved immensely with the completion of two tennis courts and the renovation of the four other courts. Also the electric cable work was undertaken along with green netting to protect our members and make their gaming experience far better. Tiles now encompass the passage, while a 100 gallon electric water cooler has been installed to facilitate the members. New furniture has also been added for the comfort of the members. A worthwhile expenditure of Rs.3.5 lacs was also made to repair the Kone Lift which was unserviceable for over a year.

* Annual Maintenance Contracts for generators have been awarded to ensure that electricity supply remains uninterrupted for members in these problematic times.

• Major renovation work has been carried out in the swimming pool area to ensure its popularity remains vibrant. Underwater lights have been re-installed in the Main and Learners’ Pools, while the two heaters in the Main Pool were repaired and supplemented with an additional heater. New heater have also been installed in the Learners’ Pool and the Toddlers’ Pool to ensure that everyone remains protected. The Jacuzzi has been fully renovated and now members can enjoy a delightful dip followed by a soothing experience. Furthermore, new furniture has been installed, all this for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all worthy members.

• The greater use of our sports facilities has convinced us to add 6 new treadmills alongwith two new LCD screens to the Physical Fitness Rooms. The Badminton Courts have been fumigated with anti-termite treatment after a lapse of 2 years repaired and re-polished giving a new look to the area and a more enjoyable experience.

• For our esteemed Billiards Players, the cloth for all the tables in the Billiards Room have been replaced with new ones and four new sets of Snooker-Balls have been purchased.

• Bridge, being one of the most popular activities has received a great deal of attention, with 2 floor-mounted air conditioners and new curtains being installed in Bridge Room I and upholstery work carried out in Bridge Room II, all contributing to an even better experience for the members.

• The Cricket Ground and Walking Track have tremendously been improved after the purchase of a new roller and tractor.

* The Weight Control Room has also been renovated so also the Yoga Hall for the comfort of the worthy members and simultaneously, it has been inter-change to accommodate more members.

* New LCD has been installed in the Squash Court Area.

These are the main developments that the Committee has managed to carry- out whole heartedly.

By the Grace of Almighty Allah, today Karachi Gymkhana has a better and more secure environment, superior facilities and services, transparent procedures and systems and is overall an outstanding Club. We respect and encourage the continuing guidance, advice and criticism of the members, for whom the Managing Committee and myself have done all the above and who we have faithfully and diligently served. We can only continue to hope for your whole hearted support and pray for the betterment of the Club, which today is the envy of outsiders and other clubs.

The present Managing Committee worked as a good team. Yes, we did have disagreements, but this is part of democracy and finally all decisions of this Committee were taken with consensus of all the members and in complete unanimity. I would be failing in my duty if I do not place on record my greatest appreciation for the office bearers namely : Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari Vice President and Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan Honorary Treasurer for having extended their cooperation to me.In fact, each member of the Managing Committee made me wiser by their suggestions and guidance. I would like to give you a brief report on the activities of each Committee :

1. Tender & Purchase Sub-Committee: During the period, Tender & Purchase Sub-Committee which is headed by the Vice President Dr. Zahid H. Ansari  entailed   lot of laborious work.  Despite the inflationary measures, he has kept   strict vigilance on the purchasing and have set a target to save in the overall purchases of the club during the period.  I am  happy  to note that to a great extent this target is being achieved.   Let me acknowledge the undaunted efforts and support extended to me by  Dr. Zahid H. Ansari Vice President in the overall management of the club.  His commendable contributions towards Literary activities and medical lectures is highly appreciated.

2. Finance Sub-Committee : Dr. Mumtaz A. Khan, Honorary Treasurer and Convener Finance Sub-Committee deserves our high appreciation for their efforts for monitoring the finance of the club effectively. He remained instrumental in laying the much awaited Automation System wherein in-house membership cards production has been undertaken and the efforts on computerization of the Gymkhana record from input to output for better billing, good accounting and to facilitate the members to have their queries resolved spontaneously is progressing well. This Committee has also been advising and providing guidelines for improvements of the club in general reducing the expenses wherever possible without having a negative impact on standard of the club.

3. Vigilance & Discipline Sub-Committee : The activities of the Discipline and Vigilance Sub-Committee are not as much demonstrated as they are felt, this work has never been liked or appreciated particularly by those who knowingly or unknowingly violate Rule & Byelaws framed for maintaining discipline. Mr. Jahangir Moghul and his Sub-Committee deserve special appreciation for enforcement of discipline in the club.

4. Swimming Pool Sub-Committee : Sports activities of Karachi Gymkhana is un-matched by any other club in Pakistan. We are proud to offer almost all types of sports and physical fitness facilities which are enjoyed by a very large number of our members and their families. Amongst the sports facilities being offered by the club, swimming is the most popular department. On an average in summer session as many as 250 and in winter about 100 members use the area throughout the day. Swimming Pool Sub-Committee in a very befitting manner organized ‘Swimming Gala & 8th Talent Hunt 2011’ in April 2011, which was of immense success and appreciated by the members. ‘Swim Summer Camp’ was arranged for two months (June & July). New pool lights have been replaced in the main and learners’ pools. New sunrise chairs and umbrellas were installed in the swimming pool garden. Procurement of new Heater has extended the heating for the learners and toddlers’ pools. New Vacuum Pump with Trolley for the pools has been purchased. I compliment Mr. A. Razzak Chhotani and his Sub-Committee for the selfless and zealous efforts in keeping the swimming pool area in good and flourishing condition.

5. Entertainment/Cultural Sub-Committee : Entertainment/Cultural Sub-Committee headed by Syed Bader Hussain has put-in tremendous efforts in organizing a number of outstanding Entertainment programmes during the period which were enjoyed and greatly appreciated by the members. These programmes were : Valentine Ball, Movie Shows, Club Nites, May Queen, Musical Evenings, especially remarkable evening with renowned Artist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Qawali programme with Amjad Sabri. We are proud to mention that this year over 36 programmes were held and at the end of the year the Committee had left a surplus of Rs.6.25 lacs. Here, I would specially like to appreciate the setting-up of the “World Cup Village” to show all the World Cup Cricket Matches, where the experience of a special enclosure of a Stadium was set-up for a period spanning over 40 days. I am grateful to Syed Bader Hussain and his dedicated Sub-Committee Members for holding entertainment programmes in a very peaceful manner, inspite of adverse circumstances prevailing in the city.

6. Sports-II Sub-Committee : Mr. Amin N. Mohammad Noor is the Convener Sports-II Sub-Committee. He and his dedicated team of Sub-Committee Members and Honorary Secretaries Games have been very active in their field and apart from organizing many prestigious tournaments, great efforts have been made for improving the sports facilities of our club.The number of tournaments which were held during the period were : Summer Bridge Championship, Seniors International Tennis Championship, Hard Court Tennis Tournament, Handicap Billiards Tournament and Monthly Bridge Pair Events were actively enjoyed by the members.Besides, floor polishing of Table Tennis and Badminton Courts have been undertaken. Billiards Table Cloth have been replaced. Fancy Spot Lights installed in Billiards Room. New curtains installed in Bridge Room-I and LCD have also been installed in Bridge Room II. New Electric Water Cooler have been placed for Tennis Courts area.

7. Sports-I Sub-Committee : Mr. Saleem Yousuf is a new entrant to the Managing Committee. He alongwith his Sub-Committee and Honorary Secretaries have put-in their best efforts in successfully managing the sports activities. His efforts for arranging a sponsorship for Karachi Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Tournament, much before the inauguration of the tournament is appreciated. He has arranged Handicap Squash Tournament, Reciprocal Squash matches between KG Vs KC. Another feather in his cap is that our team was invited to U.A.E. for three cricket matches and I am proud to mention that they won all the three matches. He also facilitated by inviting Ex-Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team Shahid Khan Afridi to Karachi Gymkhana who spent some time with ailing children suffering life threatening medical illness. Development/Maintenance work has also been given due consideration. Squash Courts were repainted.New LCD was installed in Ladies & Gents Physical Fitness Room. Two Air-conditioners were installed in Ladies Physical Fitness Room. New Sofas were purchased for cricket pavilion. Air-conditioner installed in Physiotherapy Room. Procurement of Treadmills for the Physical Fitness Area, new field Roller and Tractor for Cricket Ground and Walking Track for providing better facilities for the members.

8. Library & Literary Sub-Committee : Our Library is probably one of the best in the city. Mr. Jawaid Bandukda Convener and his team have contributed substantially towards the improvement of the Library. During the year, many new books for members and their children have been added including magazines of commercial and political nature as well as international newspapers etc. On the literary side, Mehfil-e-Millad, Book Launching Ceremonies, and Aalmi Mushairah were arranged and well attended by the members. Besides, Health Awareness Lectures on Mysticism and Peace, Face Wrinkle Causes and Herbals were well attended by the members. First time, Mammography Test (free of cost) has been arranged, wherein 147 lady members including staff had utilized the facility. Lecture on Thalasseamia and Test has also been arranged for members on 20th July 2011. Our high appreciation to Mr. Jawaid Bandukda deserves recording.

9. Building & Technical Sub-Committee : Mr. Syed Bader Hussain is taking keen interest in the arduous task of Building & Technical Department. He has displayed lot of interest, keenness and eagerness in carrying-out the following works during the tenure through in-house staff efforts such as; Kitchen Back Store Envicrete, Khapral work at the roof of the main staircase, Swimming Pool main entrance and washing area, paint work in lobby, renovation of KG Hall I and KG Hall II with Counter & Wooden Partition, renovation of Prayer Rooms for Ladies and Gents, Lobby Sofa Sets repairing, polishing and upholstery work, Installation of fibre water tanks (1000 gallons), one on the roof of tennis courts and another in the swimming pool area. Renovation of Tikka Bar and Motorcycle Parking Stand work were completed. The facility of a Sports Café for the members is also an addition where members can enjoy in sports/casual attire. I would like to thank Mr. Syed Bader Hussain for his endless efforts in shouldering such responsibilities with firmness, efficiency and courtesy.

10. Garden Sub-Committee :Our Garden has always formed a part of our pride and many multi-coloured flowers of Spring and Summer bordering our lush green lawns have been eye-catching and heart warming, added to this natural beauty. Rearrangement of flower pots on various places has added to the beauty. The holding of flower show was appreciated by the members. Mr. Abid Chinoy, Convener Garden and his Sub-Committee deserves our praises for his creditable efforts and endeavours in maintaining the high standard and also for the regular cleaning of the garden and the area around the track.

11. Catering Sub-Committee : A very major activity of this club is catering. I can safely say that it is the most used service. Commendation is due to Mr. K.M. Saeed for taking keen interest in greatly improving the cuisine. This was achieved inspite of the fact that increase in prices of various items has been recorded in the market and no extra charges were levied on the members. Crockery, Cutlery and Linen have been changed and there is an increase in the number and variety of food items and dishes served to the members. There has been a definite increase in the number of members using this facility which is a sign of appreciation which we humbly acknowledge. Efforts shall never end to further improve the catering both in quality and presentation. My appreciation for Mr. K.M. Saeed and his team.

12. Quiz Rama Sub-Committee : Quiz Rama Shows has always been very popular. Mr. Mian Azmat Hussain, Convener Quiz Rama Sub-Committee arranging shows with great fervour. This year on the occasion of Centre-Silver Jubilee Celebrations record prizes were given to the members in the past history. Four Grand Quiz Ramas were arranged besides the weekly programmes wherein attractive gifts and record prize bonds were offered. He also ensured the prizes through different multinational/national groups. We are also grateful to our members and well-wishers who generously offered their products as gifts. I and the Members of the Managing Committee offer our strong gratitude for his undaunted efforts extended towards the club.

13. Rules Sub-Committee : Our Rules Sub-Committee is also headed by Mr. K. M. Saeed who is familiar with the rules. He had provided guidance for the betterment of the rules & byelaws.

14. Employees Relation Sub-Committee : The management of Karachi Gymkhana is enjoying a very cordial and cooperative relationship with the Employees Union because of our appreciation of hardship encountered by the employees. Credit for handling these matters goes to Mr. K.M. Saeed who is also the Convener of Employees Relation Sub-Committee.I would like to personally thank all the Managing Committee Members and their teams for their valuable contribution and support.I would also like to thank the Honorary Secretaries of various disciplines for their help in improving the facilities and also arranging several events in their areas of responsibilities.

My thanks to every member of various sub-committees whose efforts resulted in the success of the programmes organized by their Committees.
                                                 
I would also like to place on record my appreciation for the Secretary and his team for their performance of their duties. I also like to thank the Chief Accountant for managing the club financial affairs in a smooth manner.
   
Before concluding,  I would request  the Secretary to read out the names of the following members who left us for their heavenly abode during the period under review, and request my fellow member to offer Fateha for the departed souls of our friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters and observe a minute silence in their memory.   May their souls rest in peace :
   
                             1.       Mr.  Syed Wajid Ali Shah
                             2.       Mr.  Arshad Masood
                             3.       Mr.  Mohammad Murtaza Chinoy
                             4.       Miss Zain Yousuf
                             5.       Mr.  Mohammad Anwar Makhdoom
                             6.       Mr.  Minoo B. Mana
                             7.       Mr.  S. M. Huda
                             8.       Mrs. M. Ashfaq Bandukda
                             9.       Mr.  Azhar Ahmed Khan
                             10.     Mr. Asadullah Khan
                             11.     Mr. A. S. Musa Parekh
                             12.     Mr. Salahuddin Khan
                             13.     Mr. Framroze S. Gai
                             14.     Mr. Yousuf A. Habib
                             15.     Mr. M. B. Khandwala
                             16.     Cdr. A. Hameed
                             17.     Mr. Ghulam Ahmed Nasikwala
                             18.     Mr. Amir Ali Ghulam Hussain
                             19.     Mr. Syed Masood Ali Rizvi
                             20.     Mr. Mohammad Jamil
                             21.     Mr. Abdul Hakeem Khan
                             22.     Mr. S. M. Anwar Sethi
                             23.     Mrs. Kulsoom Bawani
                             24.     Mr. Arshad Alam
                             25.     Mr. D. M. Mama
                             26.     Mr. Rusi Rustomjee
                             27.     Mr. Mickey Byramji Mama
                             28.     Mr. S. M. Raza Kazmi
                             29.     Mrs. Hamida Razvi
                             30.     Mr. Tehsin Younus Ali Khan
                             31.     Mr. Izhar Ahmed Khan
                             32.     Mr. Ahmed Ali
                             33.     Mr. Imtiaz H. Shirazi

In the end, I once again thank you for the cooperation, help and encouragement during my tenure of office. I also wish good luck to the contesting candidates in the Election.

ALI A. RAHIM PRESIDENT Dated: 8th January 2012