Promising Pakistan

Crossing a milestone

2011-08-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

Pakistan crossed another milestone on Thursday when it successfully launched, with Chinese help, its first communications satellite on board China’s Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan province, thus joining those nations who own and operate communications satellites. The satellite called PAKSAT-1R, having a design life of 15 years, will provide TV broadcasting, Internet and data communications services across South and Central Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe and East Africa, besides extending their range to the entire Pakistan. Pakistan feels beholden to China for extending help, without any strings, in yet another coveted field. Pakistani engineers have been closely associated with their Chinese counterparts in the execution of this project to acquire the required expertise. Some of the project’s features developed at SUPERCO were also integrated into PAKSAT-1R.

This historic achievement made on a historic occasion, the anniversary of the first session of the Constituent Assembly in 1947, would, one hopes, regenerate the feeling that all is not lost, even among that section of society that is badly affected by the buffeting array of existentialist problems. Pakistan also has had the singular honour of producing the atomic bomb in the face of the strictest possible worldwide sanctions, and to silence those malevolent voices who fear that our nuclear arsenal could be snatched by militant Muslim groups, the Prime Minister at a National Assembly session, emphatically said once again, “I assure you that our nuclear programme is in safe hands and no covetous eye can be cast on it, as our armed forces are capable of protecting our nuclear assets and frontiers.” Not only that. He expressed his determination to boost the programme as well.

If the nation can take time off the pressing issues it faces and look at such a positive record of achievements, it would certainly be in a mood to celebrate, on two counts: one for the achievements themselves and the other for having a sincere friend like China, which has stood us in good stead in good times and bad. Listing its assistance would not be so easy, considering not only the different spheres in which it has been extended, but also the lasting benefit the projects executed with its help carry for the progress of the country and its security and defence needs. In every field, the Chinese ungrudgingly offered their know-how to enable us to use it on our own. Would that our rulers grasp the sterling value of strengthening our bonds with Beijing and getting away from the lure of the West!

Source http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Opinions/Editorials/13-Aug-2011/Crossing-a-milestone

From wooden skis to Pakistan's 1st Winter Olympian - (Washington Post)

2010-02-24T02:43:00.000-08:00

These days, Abbas uses Atomic skis and equipment donated to him through his country's ski federation, along with the Pakistan Air Force, in which Abbas is currently enlisted, his primary duty being to ski. Abbas waxes and tunes his own skis, a job the top competitors typically hire a technician to do.

His coach arranges the training, does the cooking and cleaning and serves as an interpreter for Abbas, who is still working on his English. It's all so Abbas can focus solely on his skiing.

Training to compete with the best in the world has been challenging, even under Farooq's guidance. At 17, Abbas spent 15 days in Japan, learning the technique of the slalom from a specialist.

Hardly enough time.

With no travel budget, Abbas only attended a handful of small events each year. He would go to a military-and-police giant slalom race in Switzerland, or an entry-league FIS competition in Iran.

His results were unspectacular. He needed more training.

So, Farooq rounded up more funds, enough to send his star pupil, along with seven other kids, to Austria in 2009 to work with some professional coaches. It was an intensive six-week training session, a crash course in the slalom.

With proper training, Abbas began to make great strides. He even finished eighth in a lower-tier race in Lebanon last March, his only top-10 finish at a FIS-sanctioned competition.
Read More at Washington Post

Pakistani Nation has a new hero in Naseem Hameed

2010-02-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

"By Syed Khalid Mahmood

The Pakistan sports in general has been undergoing a lean patch for quite sometime and under the circumstances it’s not surprising to find the nation getting overjoyed with the rare moment of triumph.

Now it’s Naseem Hameed having become a folk hero after becoming South Asia’s fastest woman by winning the 100-metre race in the regional games held recently in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

She had clocked 11.81 seconds to clinch the gold medal in the race in the 11th South Asian Games to become Pakistan’s first female athlete to win the sprint in the history of the regional competition launched quarter of a century ago.

The 22-year-old Naseem was accorded hero’s welcome upon her return to hometown Karachi and there has been no dull moment for her since then. The life has changed completely for the youngster and she has been elevated to the status of celebrity as quickly as she had covered the distance of those 100 meters."
Read More
All About Latest Sports Action: Nation has a new hero in Naseem Hameed

12 Years Old Babar Iqbal Secures 4th World Record

2009-07-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

A 12-year old student Babar Iqbal hailing from Dera Ismail Kahn made a fourth world record in field of computer, Geo News reported Friday.

Earlier, Babar, generally known as genius cyber kid, had set up three world records including Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) at the age 9 years, Youngest Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) at the age 9 years and Youngest Certified Web Professional Associate (CIWA) at age 10 years.

While, the recent fourth record he made as Youngest Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) at the age 12 in Dubai.

The participants of this competition were aged from 20 to 35 years. By making this record, young Babar surprised the IT experts from all over the world. He also surpassed his compatriot Irfa Kareem Randhawa, who made this record at the age of 9 years and seven months.

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

2009-06-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2009-06-23T01:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Read More

Pakistan, A Popular Outsourcing Destination |Business Week Article|

2009-06-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

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

Promising Pakistan: 10 years old Pakistani Babar Iqbal sets world record in computer field

2009-05-27T03:35:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR, May 28 (APP): A 10 years old Babar Iqbal from Dera Ismail Khan has set a world record in the field of computer by securing 80 percent marks in an examination held in Dubai.

According to the details, Babar Iqbal participated in the examination of Certified Virus Network Administrator (CVNA) and grabbed a world record by obtaining 80 percent marks in it.

He is the youngest world record holder in the computer field and has also qualified for the trainers programme.

Babar Iqbal has earlier set world records in the fields of Microsoft Certified Professional and CIW.

It is pertinent to mention here that the CVNA examination is arranged by American company wherein candidates across the world participate.

Talking to APP, Babar Iqbal said that he wants to make further progress in the field of computer adding that having set three world records he has won laurels for his country and is receiving offers from a number of world reputed US companies.

Source: APP

Promising Pakistan: Young Pakistanis Tackle Trash Problem | NYTimes:

2009-05-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

LAHORE, Pakistan — The idea was simple, but in Pakistan, a country full of talk and short on action, it smacked of rebellion.

Shoaib Ahmed, 21, one of the organizers of the group, in Lahore on a recent Sunday.

A group of young Pakistani friends, sick of hearing their families complain about the government, decided to spite them by taking matters into their own hands: every Sunday they would grab shovels, go out into their city, and pick up garbage.

It was a strange thing to do, particularly for such students from elite private schools, who would normally spend Sunday afternoons relaxing in air-conditioned homes.

But the students were inspired by the recent success of the lawyers’ movement, which used a national protest to press the government to reinstate the country’s chief justice, and their rush of public consciousness was irrepressible.

“Everybody keeps blaming the government, but no one actually does anything,” said Shoaib Ahmed, 21, one of the organizers. “So we thought, why don’t we?”

So they got on Facebook and invited all their friends to a Sunday trash picking. Trash, Mr. Ahmed said, “is this most basic thing. It’s not controversial, and you can easily do it.”

Pakistan is a country plagued by problems, like Islamic extremism and poverty. But these young people are another face, a curious new generation that looks skeptically on their parents’ privilege and holds mullahs and military generals in equal contempt.

“The youth of Pakistan wants to change things,” said Shahram Azhar, the lead singer for Laal, a Pakistani rock band, reflecting an attitude that is typical of this rebellious younger generation.

“The reason the Taliban is ruling Swat,” he said referring to a valley north of Islamabad where Islamic extremists took control this year, “is because they are organized. We need to organize, too.”

“The only answer to Pakistan’s problems,” he added, “is a broad-based people’s movement.”

The trash movement, which calls itself Responsible Citizens, does not yet qualify as broad, but it still drew a respectable crowd on a recent Sunday, considering the heat (above 90 degrees) and the time (around 4 p.m.). Mr. Ahmed and his friends were doling out trash bags they had bought for the occasion. About 40 people had gathered. Some were wearing masks. All were carrying shovels.

They set their sights low. The area of operation, Ghalib Market, was modest, a quiet traffic circle in central Lahore encircled by shops, a cricket field and a mosque.

It was not one of the dirtiest parts of the city, but the group felt attached to it, as they had cleaned it in the past, and wanted to see if their actions were having any effect.

The first time they cleaned there was like raking leaves on a windy autumn day.

“We collected, like, 30 bags, but there was no visible difference,” Mr. Ahmed said.

But they talked with local shopkeepers, in a kind of trash outreach, asking them to walk their garbage to the trash bin. Those connections, Mr. Ahmed said, were actually the point of the cleaning — setting an example for others to follow.

“The major problem people have here is that there are no bins,” said Murtaza Khwaja, a 21-year-old medical student.

Actually, the problem was deeper. A long-term cycle of corrupt, weak governments interrupted by military coups has caused Pakistan’s political muscles to atrophy, leaving Pakistani society, particularly its poor, hopeless that it will ever receive the services — education, water, electricity, health — that it so desperately needs.

“People say, ‘This is nice, but things will never change,’ ” Mr. Khwaja said, pointing to a hamburger seller who he said was particularly pessimistic. “There is a hopelessness.”

That is where the trash cleaning comes in. Locals find it perplexing and helpful in equal measures. One enthusiast who met the group on its first outing in March, Muhamed Zahid, has come to every one since. One man passing by in a rickshaw dismounted to help them shovel for a while.

The men in the mosque, on the other hand, were picky, wanting the young people to clean the mosque but not the surrounding area.

Read Complete Article at NYTimes

“Ammar Afzal” Pakistani Student Makes a World Record in Winning a Software Course

2009-05-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Ammar Afzal a 9th class student from Okara city wins world computer software course. according the details published in newspaper Ammar Afzal 15 years old student of 9th class in the district public school and college got the distniction by winning first global position in Stanford University England’s (SUE) World Computer Soft ware Course.On 1st May, 09, on scholarship from SUE he had moved to england for further education in his field. According to Ammar Afzal his Internet Trainor Mr Simond had challenged him in an angry mood to solve some question, and had pledged that if he succeeded to solve these questions within, Mr Simond would resign from his job. Ammar solved the computer soft ware riddles within an hour. He got 4.99 marks out of 5 in the test which was a world record. Mr Simond stuck-up to his pledge and resigned . Ammar said that he would always maintain deep regard for Mr Simond as a teacher though he might be angry with him, as he had gained a lot from him. i congratulates him for his sucess & yes this is a lesson for us that how people get sucess when there is a firm believe & great will to learn.

Source :TheCurrentAffairs.com

Here is another article published in Express News in Urdu

Here is another post on DawnNews covering the same story

Award for young computer genius
OKARA, April 23: A ninth class student of the District Public School & College who won the `world computer software competition’ organised by the Stanford University England was honoured at a ceremony here on Thursday.

“Ammar Afzal has earned dignity and honour for the nation by winning the top global position in the contest,” Sahiwal division commissioner Tariq Mehmood Khan said.

DCO Sohail Shahzad, former MPA Muhammad Arif Chaudhry, DPS&C Principal Firdous Ahmad, vice principal Muhammad Muzahar, computer trainer Khalil Ahmad and family of Ammar Afzal were present on the occasion.

The Stanford University has taken over the computer expertise of Ammar from the Brainbench, and he would fly to England for higher studies on May 1, on a scholarship from the university.

The commissioner awarded him a Rs100,000 cheque and recommended his name for further appreciation from the Punjab chief minister.

Promising Pakistan: Pakistani Student Secured 21 A Grades in A Level Exams

2009-05-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Nominated for Guinness world of book record in 2009. Ali Moin Nawazish who made a new history Securing A grades in 21 subjects out of 23 in A-Level Exams at Roots School. on this great achievement

Here is another interesting video:
Ali Moeen Nawazish was the young Pakistani who scored 21 A’s in his A-Levels, landed at Cambridge to study Computer Sciences and found himself creating a world record! Talha Ghafoor, host of Hands On and Technical Editor of CIO Pakistan, chats with Ali!

View Original Post here

Promising Pakistan: HoverCraft Made by Pakistani Students

2009-05-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Here is another interesting video of three 2nd year students from Sir Syed Science College, Tipu Road, Rawalpindi. They have developed a hovercraft, that can lift 350 KG of weight.

Project is sponsored by Intel, under the name of Intel ISEF Awards. These students are nominated to visit United States to participate in International Science and Engineering Fair in May, where they will be exhibiting their project.

Let’s join Saad Hamid of Sizlopedia, who is with Mohammad Naeem Khan, Zaki Hussain and Mohammad Qasim, to know about their project, its demonstration and the benefits.

Read Original Post Here

Promising Pakistan: The Stay-At-Home CEO: Maryam Nasim

2009-05-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

When we talk about the Chief Executive Officer of an organization, regardless of the fact that it is a one-person company, we often talk the corporate talk that fits the suit. It’s the startup and the hard working, young men and women who move mountains to make that contract or sign the million dollar deal. And often while focusing on the suit, we tend to ignore a whole segment of leaders who manage their business as a natural extension of what they were meant to do.

If you look at the enrollment rate of women into engineering programs across universities in Pakistan, the numbers are actually higher than they are for men. Unfortunately we’re losing this trained, skilled HR because of several reasons. Could be societal pressures or something else, but few women make it into the workforce. And if they make it that far, even fewer make it up the hierarchy into the decision-making positions.

In the midst of so many challenges, technology and New Media are actually opening up opportunities for people from all walks of life to be able to establish work that runs on their own terms. Call it the Self-CEO or the one-man show, these opportunities allow people to service niche verticals and generate a supporting income for their homes. A perfect combination when it comes to not having to compromise the home neither the career. And that’s what makes the story of Maryam Nasim so great.

"I am a work-at-home mom and provide services to several clients across the globe as a digital illustrator for the web and print media. I am also a 2D cartoon animator for web and television." Maryam has been working as a ‘freelance illustrator animator’ for more than 6 years where she began her career as a student, continued it on after her marriage and is still going strong now that she is a mother.

Read the complete story

Promising Pakistan: Young Pakistanis Included in Top 30 Earning Bloggers Globally

2009-05-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Mr. Badar Khushnood from Google Pakistan has been showcasing two young pakistani bloggers as a role model during the series of Bloggers Meetup in different cities of Pakistan. Fortunately, i met both of young fellows Saad Hamid and Haris Nadeem in Karachi Bloggers Meetup and I was inspired to see them making handsome money online through blogging only.

Recently, both of them got listed in top 30 Blog’s That Make A Lot Of Money Online which also answer the frequently asked questions “How much money you can make through blogging?”. Actually the real answer is “Sky is the limit” and it is totally upto you that how much time and effort you put in your blog. This is what they are earning on monthly basis from their blogs: -

Sizlopedia

Saad Hamid

$9,000

Pay Per Click

Sizzled Core

Haris Nadeem

$3,000

Pay Per Click

I have approached both of them for the interview but at the moment they are little busy in their studies and I am very much hopeful that they will spare their time to share the money making tips with everyone.

Since both of them are Twitterholic and they use Twitter for every thing they do online so its quite easy to grab their tweets and share it with you guys. I also gathered their tips from various forums which will definetely help you understand their secrets of moneymaking.

Read Full Story Here

Promising Pakistan: Pakistan's First Multiplayer Cricket Game

2009-05-11T03:32:00.000-07:00

Pakistan is full of talented young individuals like Mr. Babar Ahmed the CEO of Mindstream Studio who is talking about their latest multiplayer cricket game during an interview with Jehan Ara the President of Pakistan Software House Association (P@SHA):

Must watch full video :-)

Source: http://webstudio.ciopakistan.com/2009/03/in-the-line-of-wire-ep14-mindstorm-studio/comment-page-1/#comment-587

Here are some cool wallpapers of the game: -

You can watch a lot of screenshots of the game including the video and game trailer here at http://www.cricketrevolution.com/

Here is the link of an interview with Mr. Babar Ahmed which will answer all your queries plus if you have more question you can simply put it on this thread.

I am excited to play this Pakistan's developed cricket game soon. Aren't you?

Promising Pakistan: Pakistan's Amazing Progress in IT Industry

2009-05-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

Doesn’t that headline just put a smile on your face? You’re not the only one. It’s great to see that the significant human effort augmented by billions of dollars invested in Pakistan’s IT infrastructure and skill-development are bearing tangible fruit. There are several areas where Pakistan is leading the pack already, and others where it is threatening to.

Pakistan is the most connected country in South Asia, with the highest teledensity
Pakistan’s communications costs are lower than any other country in the region
Pakistan has the world’s largest biometric database (NADRA); this system (not the data) is now being provided to allied countries
Pakistan has the world’s largest WiMAX network
Pakistan has one of the world’s most aggressive Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) rollouts
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of cellular connectivity growth in the world (According to PTA 2007’s report the rate of growth in Pakistan’s mobile sector is fourth highest in the world)
Pakistan was the winner of the 2007 GSM industry association award
The US is importing UAVs designed and built in Pakistan to protect America’s borders
With WLL (CDMA), WiMAX, GSM and FTTH, Pakistan is pretty much leading the pack in terms of diversity and breadth of connectivity
According to Gartner, Pakistan is a “first category” offshoring location; this ranking has grown by leaps and bounds
Pakistani companies won several awards at Asia’s APICTA startup/innovation conference and were considered the most “interesting” and cutting edge in Asia
The world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional is a Pakistani and so if the world’s youngest Cisco CCNA professional
Pakistani students excelled in MIT’s global software talent competition
Citations of Pakistani scientific publications are rising sharply
Over two dozen Pakistani scientists are working on the Large Hadron Collider; the grandest experiment in the history of Physics

And I tire listing all of these out… there are so many more. The point is that the Pakistani IT industry is rapidly developing and this is most definitely an area where significant progress is being made, damning all the torpedoes and naysayers. Pretty exciting on its own, right? But progress in IT doesn’t just mean progress in IT. It means a vibrant economy, better healthcare through Telemedicine, increased efficiency in government through record automation (e.g. land records project), a more effective defence, increased outreach for higher education and much more.

Technology is a transformational vehicle for our society. And we’re just now starting to see the impact. Many times, progress in specific areas will appear slow, but in part that is explained by the exponential curves normally associated with technology adoption. When you start small, high growth rates aren’t ‘visible on the ground’ for the first few months or years because the overall numbers remain small. But this changes when you hit the knee of the curve, at which point things are fundamentally transformed and are altered for ever.

In Pakistan, these transformations have occurred in many areas already, and will continue to occur in numerous others. Frankly, I just consider myself lucky to be around to watch the awesome progress unfold!

Originally Posted Here

Promising Pakistan: The Objective of this Blog

2009-05-11T03:03:00.000-07:00

Pakistan isn't the only country in the world that has a negative side - every country does. The reason it's more 'in your face' right now, is because we don't create as much hype or excitement about the good stuff in the traditional Media.

The main objective of this blog is to aggregate and share all the positives about Pakistan to let everyone know that we are Promising and we have all the capabilities to fight the internal and external threats and make the impossible, possible.

In the upcoming posts, you will witness a lot of positives facts about Pakistan that you might not know right now. If you have something good to share about Pakistan do share it on comments. I will share it with the world.