Pakistan: The Best bond investment this year |JP Morgan|

Looking for a new emerging market? Try Pakistan! Despite a continued sense of tension with India and open hostility along the Afghan border, the country's bond market is the best in the world, according to data from JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM). Debt sold by Pakistan has surged 88% this year -- topping the 45 emerging markets that JPMorgan watches and the 19 that Merrill Lynch & Co. (NYSE: BAC) follows.

And, the stock market may be next.

Money managers, according to a report by Bloomberg, believe that the Pakistani equity market could become the next global superstar. The Karachi Stock Exchange 100 Index is only trading at 9.6X earnings, making it the lowest in Asia (excluding Japan) . . . and this follows a 21% increase year-to-date.

Equities are cheap as a result of such factors as terror attacks and a net sell-off of $1.1 billion in equity securities for the 11 months ending May 31, 2009 (compared to net purchases of $87.2 million the year before). But the Pakistani government expects 3.3% economic growth for the year to kick off on July 1, 2009. An International Monetary Fund bailout and equities sitting at their cheapest levels in four years set the stage for a surge (and not Iraqi-style).

The worst may be in the rear-view mirror, but there are plenty of reasons to be nervous. In the past seven weeks, the country has been hit by more than 25 bombings said to be from Taliban efforts. Shortages abound, according to the Red Cross.

Yet, this is the raw material of opportunity, the crossroads at which spikes and plunges are determined. Lurking in the background, as always, is the notion that Pakistan may be considered "too strategic to fail."

Originally Published here

We are the Twenty20 World Cup Champions !!!

Little words can express the happiness with which I celebrate the fact that Pakistan are the World Champions of the Twenty20 world cup. To have defeated Sri Lanka with a comfortable margin of eight wickets and many balls to spare. Pakistan erupted with a roar of celebrations heard not only in Pakistan but practically every corner of the world where Pakistanis were watching this match.

This victory in my opinion was not only a sporting victory but a godsend for a nation which has been bogged down for months of uncertainty and choas, if anything, the 11 players won it to revive the ailing heartbeat of an entire Pakistani nation, for which we shall be forever grateful.

A lot can be said about this captivating moment but what will be cherished is to have watched the smiles return back onto the faces of our people. Following the match I too headed onto to the streets of Karachi to celebrate and it was festive watching ecstatic carefree people dancing on the streets and chanting to Pakistani songs unified under the green and white flag, a sight to cherish with the hope that this patriotism could be harnessed forever.

On our digital sphere the e-rally was a tremendous success and we happily watched the twitter hashtag #PakCricket touching the 5th trending topic, meaning that it was the 5th most talked about subject anywhere across the millions of users on twitter.com. Shout out to each and every Pakistani who was a part of this digital rally and left a positive mark for Pakistan

Lets savor this moment, lets keep the terrorists away and move forward. Id now love to welcome the team home but I dread an untoward incident in the making, so maybe a short word of advise to te PCB Chairman Mr. Ejaz Butt, please avoid a grand public reception for the victorious team and maybe instead organize a grand reception televised across Pakistan so that everyone can celebrate along.

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Pakistan, A Popular Outsourcing Destination |Business Week Article|

Pakistan has become the 20th most attractive outsourcing destination, according to consulting management firm A.T. Kearney. Even as concerns increase about Pakistan’s stability and the growing displaced population due to ongoing military operations with the Taliban, the country made a significant jump on A.T. Kearney’s 2009 Global Services Location Index released May 18. Pakistan went from #30 in 2007 to #20 in 2009.

In fact, the report says that as a region, the Middle East and North Africa are becoming more attractive in the ever-shifting geography of popular outsourcing places. Both enjoy large, well-educated populations and proximity to Europe. The index ranks the top 50 countries worldwide for locating outsourcing activities including IT services and support, contact centers and back-office support. Both Jordan and Egypt have entered the top 10 locales.

Countries are measured on 43 different attributes related to financial attractiveness, people and skills availability and business environment. Yet, cost is a huge motivator for many companies and is one reason that places like Pakistan score so highly. When the same index was released in 2007, about 40% of its weighting was given to the financial attractiveness of a country.

This is a global index, so it takes a look at where companies worldwide are outsourcing their work. There are plenty of companies in the Middle East, for instance, that outsource work to Pakistan. I would venture to guess the percentage of U.S. companies outsourcing work to Pakistan is much smaller. Yet, I find it intriguing that even as concern rises about the stability of Pakistan that it can become a more attractive destination to do outsourcing.

CBS News reported on May 19, the day after this index was released, that Pakistan faces a growing humanitarian crisis with up to 2 million people displaced by fighting between the military and Taliban militants in the northern Swat valley. Similarly, Mexico has seen growing violence due to the drug wars since the last Global Services Location Index was released in 2007.

Yet, it only dropped one slot in the index to #11 from #10 two years ago. So, just how much do companies factor in violence and a country’s political stability before outsourcing there? Increasingly, it seems to me if it’s cheap enough, companies are willing to overlook quite a bit in this regard. What do you think?http://www.businessweek.com/technology/technology_at_work/archives/2009/06/pakistan_a_popu.html?chan=technology_technology+index+page_top+stories

Adnan Sabzwari - A Young Revolutionary Genius

Adnan Sabzwari is a proud Pakistani living in the city of lights - Karachi. Throughout his life, Adnan has spent days and nights pursuing his every dream and then conquering it. Adnan says: “If one has firm believe in Allah and is devoted to his cause then he can conquer everything.”

Adnan is a genius whose work can not be acknowledged just with awards. He is a young scientist who has given a new path to the youngsters of Pakistan, he is a Scale-Modeler, 3D Animator, Graphic Designer and also a Teacher. He has been through thick and thin both but he never got de-motivated. Everything he has done and achieved is due to his sheer hard work and dedication to his work.

He even denied an offer by the British Ambassador to come to UK and complete his research work. Adnan’s research work is always related to the general public and has come up with revolutionary designs to solve the common problems of Pakistan like load shedding, transport issues and educational problems of students.

Right now Adnan is in need of funds to complete his research work and is looking for sponsors. If you can help this Proud Pakistani you will be actually helping the whole Pakistan. Spend a rupee to make a better Pakistan

Read More at Propakistani.com

Promising Pakistan: A picture hidden from the World

In the recent times due to rendezvous between political forces and media, an ugliest picture about my country has been portrayed in front of the world, a picture that holds no color or I am not wrong to say “It’s all black just black”. I’m the struggling to unveil the true picture that hold millions of colors, so bright and so shiny that can dazzle one’s eyes. If you are son of a soil, and you love your country as much as I do then you will help me fight against those who are painting your land as a black corner of this world. “Spread the truth as much as you can, fight for the right”

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Pakistan meaning the “The land of pure” where each day the sun rises with a new hope, with an enduring majesty as the rays of light flushing down towards the snowcapped peaks of Himalaya’s and Nanga Parbat. A land where love finds a meaning in the heart warming hospitability of people, a land where history and ancient civilization mystifies one’s heart, a land where spiritualism unveils its mystery at the shrines of Sufi Saints. This is the land I belong to, this is the land I’ll die for and this is the land that defines my identity.

The Invincible 167 Million : 6th largest Nation of the World

The invincible 167 million Pakistani’s progressing forward with high hopes and a mission holding an unquenchable thirst to be the world leader’s soon. Despit the chaos, despite the ill spilled by the westeren media to demoralize the nation and to uproot the patriotism from the hearts and minds of people of this country, despite the foreign funded terrorists bombing hundreds of Pakistani’s each day painting the roads red with the blood of young children, women and men. Every drop of it shouts back loud ” You can never take us down, We’ll fight back till our last breath“. Reminding you this is the nation which has a 7th largest pool of scientists and Engineers in the World[1]. and the country that is ranked 9th in the world where English language is spoken and used as an official language [1].

Pakistan: World's 9th Largest English Speaking Country | Photo by Sult

an Dogar: Abbotabad Medical College

Pakistan: World 7th largest Pool of Scientists and Engineer | Photo : Moin Ali Nawazish making a World Record by passing 23 A level Exams

The Might : 7th Nuclear Power of the World

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan became the 7th nuclear power of the world giving a loud and clear message to the enemies that this nation is fully equipped and ready to defend it’s sovereignty. Pakistan has world 7th largest standing arm forces [1] well trained possessing state of the art technology. Pakistan Air force (PAF) is the symbol of pride for the nation and a galaxy of highly trained professionals emerged in latest technological developments. The highly skilled PAF personals are renowned for their excellence and handling of aircraft and surely are the worst fear for the enemies.

Pakistan: 7th largest Standing Arm Force in the World

Air force :Air Commodore MM ALAM has a world record of shoting down 5 Indian planes in less than a Minute

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Pakistan : The Roof Top of the World
Pakistan the land of grand mountain ranges, a land that holds 4 out of 14 most highest peaks in the world. K2 the second highest mountain in the world with all it’s grandeur symbolizing the pride and strength of the people of Pakistan.

Pakistan: K2 the 2nd highest mountain peak in the World

Hunza is said to be a place ” Where Time Stops and Fairy Treads“, Kalash and Chitral are the natural wonders of the world where poetic verses find their inspirations from the beauty and elegance of high peak mountains, lush green fields and the fragrant breeze singing across the poplar trees. Some of the places which are not highlighted by the media but still due to their magnitude find their places on the World record books are ; Aisa’s Highest Railway Station Kan Mehtarzai [2] that is located 2240 meters above sea level near Quetta.

Pakistan: Asia's Highest Railway Station "Kan Mehtarzai "

Pakistan: Lalazar often termed as most beautiful place on earth

Pakistan: Nanga Parbat 9th Highest Peak in the World

What it would feel like to play a sport that is wild, challenging and manly at the top of the world surrounded by the drumbeats and the music of the reed instrument. Yes Shandur Polo tournament is played every year at World’s highest Polo ground at Shandur, Northern Pakistan.

Pakistan: Shundur Polo festival at the World's highest Polo ground

Karakoram Highway : Eighth Wonder of the World

Karakoram Highway runs through the northern areas connecting Pakistan with China’s Xingjiang province is often described as ” Eighth Wonder of the World” due to the marvel of civil engineering as it has taken 15 years to complete by the Pakistan Army Engineers in collaboration with China. It’s been labeled as ” World’s highest paved international Road” under world’s toughest terrain.

Pakistan: Karakoram Highway World's highest paved international Road

World’s Largest Deep Sea Port : Gwader

“Gwa” means Air and “Dar” means door, and the word Gawadar means ” The door of the wind” is the world’s largest deep sea port lies in southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan. The design and construction of the port is carried out in collaboration with China and it has just started it’s operation.It’s going to emerge as a world’s biggest skyline due to it’s capacity and infrastructure of handling bulk carriers. It has been declared as a Duty Free Port and Free Economic Zone by the Pakistani government that has increased the commercial worth manifolds. It has an immense geostrategic importance as it is the entrance to the Persian Gulf and is considered to be a substitute of Dubai Port.

Gawader: World's Largest Deep Sea Port

Khewra Mines : Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Khewra Salt Mine located in Khewra, Jehlum Punjab, Pakistan is the second largest Salt Mine in the world and is considered to be the oldest in the subcontinent. It was said that discovery of Salt mines were not done by Alexander or his army but by their horses as they started licking the stones when they stopped here for rest. Thousand of visitors each year visit Khewra Salt mines and get fascinated by the nature’s miracle in the heart of mountains.

Khewra Salt Mine: Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Haleji Lake : Asia’s largest Bird Sanctuary

Pakistan is a land of serene beauty , a country with diverse wild life , fresh water lakes, a 1046 km coast lines. Some of the most unique species of birds are found in northern Pakistan with awe-inspiring natural wonders like Lake Saiful Maluk, Lake Shandur, Dudipatsar Lake, kutwal lake, Zalzal lake and many more. But Haleji has it’s own significance as it is Asia’s largest waterfowl reserve. During winter thousands of birds of different species fly down to Haleji from Siberian colder areas

Pakistan: The heavenly Shandur Lake

Thar Desert : One amongst the largest deserts in the World


Thar is a arid region in the north western part of Indian subcontinent, it lies mostly in Indian state of Rajasthan but it covers eastern Sindh province and the southeastern portion of Pakistan’s Punjab province. It is amongst one of the largest deserts in the world rich multifaceted culture, heritage, traditions, folk tales, dances and music. The poetic expression of Kafi written by Sufi poets of Sindh resonates in the cold nights as the Thari musicians start singing them on sorrowing rhythmic beats. In the night the granules of the sand lit up like stars as the moonlight walks on them.

Pakistan: Tharparker

The land of oldest Civilization : Indus Valley and Mohenjo-Daro

Moenjodaro is the province of Sindh, Pakistan and archeology trace back it exitence 5000 years ago. It provides an earliest instance of exemplary form of town planning and community organization and found to be as one of the oldest cities known today. It is said to be the pilgrimage of ancient ruins. The splendor of Indus Valley civilization spread over a thousand mile from the high peak snowy mountains of Kashmir to the glittering sand dunes facing the Arabian Sea. One of the oldest known civilization that flourished in the Indus river Basin embraced within its fold almost the entire country now known as Pakistan.

One of the oldest Civilization Known today

Amazing Journey of a Pakistani Author to Amazon

Ashraf Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Number 1 Sales Trainer and Author of “The Craft of Selling Yourself” has finally made it Amazon.com as his book is available for sale at the largest online shopping store.

Here is an inspirational story in his own words.
Thank you Linkedin, you have taken me to Amazon! What Next? As a Business Executive, I never realized the importance of social media like Linkedin and Facebook. When I jumped into my own business of corporate trainings and consultancy, a friend of mine advised me to join Linkedin. I opened an account and started building my contacts.My book The Craft of Selling “Yourself” was self-published in Pakistan in November 2008 and I opened Linkedin account when the book was in printing. Now interesting story starts.....

I sent mass emails (inclusive of my new friends at Linkedin) for marketing of my book. On 4th January 2009, I was sleeping at 11 pm when my cell phone started buzzing. My wife picked the phone and nudging me she said, “The caller's number does not seem familiar and I think call is from out of Pakistan”. In groggy voice, I said, “Hello”. The caller responded, “Sorry Ashraf, I awoke you from sleep. I am Muhammad Siddique calling from Atlanta, USA”.

I said, “It is all right but Mr. Siddique, I could not recognize you”. He said, “A few days back, you added me in Linkedin ( http://www.linkedin.com/in/siddiquem)” . Although I could not immediately re-call, but I said in courtesy, “Oh, yes, how are you Siddique?” He said, “Ashraf I am fine, thank you. I am Atlanta-based publisher ( http://www.trcb.com ) and I received an email about your book The Craft of Selling “Yourself”. If you want, I can publish it in USA”. By hearing his words, I could not hide my excitement and I said, “Am I watching dream?”. He said, “Ashraf, you are very much awake now and you are not watching dream; we are actually talking.” “Thank you Siddique, what you want me to do?” I asked. “Please send me soft copy of the book and I will get back to you after editorial review”. I was very much excited about this and the only fear that my wife raised was that sending soft copy to an unknown person can be risky. However, after initial debate we both decided to send soft copy to Siddique.

After a week, I received reply from Siddique with the comments of his editorial board as, “Overall, the book is in great shape”. I was quite happy to read such comments. Siddique told me that he would be sending an agreement for signing. Once agreement is signed, team will start working on it. I received draft of agreement and terms seemed quite fair. I signed agreement and things started.

We worked as team for three months. We started fresh editing, proofreading, designing, composing, endorsements and slight changes in the manuscript. Believe me, my wife had many fights with me and I had many fights with the publisher’s staff along our way to make The Craft of Selling “Yourself” possibly immaculate. I secured more international endorsements from people like Dr. Nido Qubein, Ron Kaufman, Bob Urichuck and Stephen Reynolds. I appreciate that Linkedin always helped me to discover such wonderful people.

On 16th April 2009, TRCB put up proposal to amazon.com.Yesterday, on Mother’s Day, my publisher ( Mr. Siddique of http://www.trcb.com/) again awoke me from sleep to congratulate. I heard his voice, “Ashraf, I am sorry; I am again waking you from sleep. Congratulations, log on to Amazon, The Craft of Selling “Yourself” is up.”

Thank you Linkedin, you gave me angel like Muhammad Siddique who has taken me from nowhere to Amazon. Trust me, book is very much there http://cli.gs/sAgaZT .

P.S: “You” are the most valuable product on earth. Your talent and your skills are all unique. The Craft of Selling “Yourself” guides you to formulate a road map to claim best price on “Yourself”. It is a wonderful resource on job-hunting, as one of the endorsers, say, “No one should remain jobless after reading this book”.

P.P.S: Free download of first chapter A ‘Loser’ Catches the Train is available at http://cli.gs/EBaXne.

P.P.P.S: I am great beneficiary of Linkedin, my networking will continue non-stop (http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashrafchaudhry)

Regards
Ashraf Chaudhry

Also Read Career Advice Given by him at BAYT.com
Source: Ashraf Chaudhry's Blog