Get Smarter Access Control With FaceXs

�Every optical scanner is a camera, this is the fact which I never realized before visiting Solo Smart inc. this past Friday I was lucky enough to see one of the greatest achievement and innovation by Pakistan. I am talking about FaceXs (Facial Recognition Device) a device which can handle almost every issue regarding access control.

Security is a big issue today even at schools kids have to go through scanning this the best example I could give, but security is one new thing as a few years back security was not as big issue as it is now however there is one thing which is there for a long time and that is ghost attendance at workplaces specially when it is a government institution. Many things came into the scene, RFID system, biometric scanners and many other things.

The card scanning system Also known as RFID system is something which is very famous snapping card to get access to the controlled areas just like what we have seen in old 007 movies. Are we still sure that there is no ghost attendance in practice when RFID is doing its job. Sure one can show more than one cards to mark the attendance, and there are some issues too card got stolen, one forget to carry it, and it got scratched even.

To me RFID is not a cost effective idea, generating so many cards and keep issuing them after the occurrence of any of the above issues. Every year companies have to spend big bucks every time they issue new cards. The one thing I like about FaceXs is it is one time investment no need to issue new cards and the best thing “one can forget to carry his card but no one fill forget to bring his face with him”.

Now come to the technology of finger prints and thumb impressions, not a bad Idea but still one have to touch the machine. Imagine that the finger is soak with cream, ghee, sweat, or any other thing and the scanning panel. I do not think that I have to say any other thing as if you have good imagination you can get idea what the scanning surface has to go through.

Just show your face to the optical scanner and you are in; no need to carry card and cleaning the surface after the finger touched it. Start counting the advantages:

• FaceXs can be integrated with any electrical door
• the price is only 125000 Rupees which is far more economical than any other product produced here in Pakistan or Imported one
• extremely easy to use
• it only required 12 volts of power so it can easily work on UPS,
• it will scan your face no matter if it is wet with sweat or water,
• FaceXs have no issue in scanning your face even if you have applied some cream or any thing like that on your face
• it is completely fine if you have started to keep mustaches, or you havnt shaven for many days
• it is portable and do not occupy huge space
• it makes the 3d image of the face so it will only scan your face ( I tested it on Picture)

While talking to man behind the product, Farhan Masood I got to know some interesting facts. He said that they tested FaceXs on identical twins and out of ten pairs it identified eight of them correct and for remaining two they have issued cards, FaceXs also have RFID panel to coup with such situations and it can help in managing the records of visitors and allowing them to enter only after snapping the cards where as regular employees have to “face” it. It has internal record keeping/ backup system so if it is disconnected from the main network it stores data in the internal memory and we can get that data from the USB port which is under the device. Farhan Bhai also said that they offer installation as well as one day training and solo smart is available for the backup support when ever it is required.

Farhan Bhai says that it is a device which cannot be fooled, it is a revolution in the technology field of Pakistan. To me it is one of the greatest innovations ever took place in Pakistan and it's a must to have device at a workplace where at least 25 people visit every day. The features and advantages it offers are far more then the cost one have to pay, and lets face it FaceXs is one time cost that will serve you for long time and give you surety that the workplace is safe from ghost attendance, there is something called access controlled and one more thing you can avoid unwanted guests. ;)�

DELL in LUMS

DELL Pakistan held an event at LUMS last Friday, all thanks goes to Tariq bhai whose wall post was the source of information about the event and I decided to be there as it was my day-off. When I reached the NIB hall Ayesha Alam was wrapping up her session I could only catch her advice to turn of google geo-location but this advice was not for me being a boy.
This event added a lot of things into my information e.g. Core I was launched in March and it is said to be the world's smallest chip. Nubla Iftikhar, Marketing Manager of DELL Pakistan was surprised to know that no one in the hall had seen the advertisement of worlds smallest chip. Mr. Google (that's what Miss Nubla said) Bader Khushnood was also there and he described his views on DELL Pakistan campaign and also gave some tips for the online marketing campaigns.
Bader bhai said; DELL do not have a website in Pakistan there for the fan page on Facebook was a great idea to stay in touch with current and potential customers, -- well I think by launching a fan page DELL actually made the users fan of DELL if we take this factor this way, but there is no doubt DELL Pakistan's campaign is the most talk about marketing campaign of last year, as Bader Bhai said the whole activity was online and they never used, any offline source. “When ever you are going for a campaign engagement is the key word” , said Bader Bhai.
Mr. Imran, Punjab Lead INTEL was also there to elaborate the presence of the INTEL inside the DELL. His presentation was short and simple but the whole process of making the presentation possible took sometime.
Miss. Nubla gave some idea about the product so that the contestants can gather some idea about the thing for which they were about to give a marketing plan. I think, I forgot to mention that the main attraction of the event was the competition of marketing plan for DELL. I was not part of competition as I was not having any one to team with, and I think I could not listen to the ideas of others as I did in this way if I was in competition. let me put what Nubla said about DELL's products; DELL is offering three products:

1. DELL Mini, it is based on Atom Pro and have less price then other DELL laptops.
2. DELL Inspiron, and it is available with Core i3,� Core i5, or Core i7 it is affordable when it comes to price.
3. DELL Studio, it is having Core i5 or Core i7 and it is slightly expensive (not slightly in real sense)

In the competition there were so many interesting ideas and some of them were really amazing and I am sorry but I have to say (without taking any name) one or two ideas made me sleepy as I found them really boring. A Group came up with idea of SMS campaign and Youtube Videos, and other come up with the idea of MMS along with PWP and GWP promotions, another group come up with a brilliant Idea of DELL City the idea was to have a game, in which player will build cities and get higher ranks and at every rank he will get some gift.
A group said that as April is a Cancer awareness month as well as the hiking month in northern areas so we can interlink both the things with DELL, where as another group said that promotion should be done through real people rather then fan pages and groups. Some of the ideas or the presentations were funny, as a group kept on saying Twister while they were supposed to say Twitter, and a group said that why don't DELL have Sania Mirza as Brand ambassador.
There was one thing common in most of the ideas and that was the Gaming factor, many groups were stressing on the point of having a game for DELL, some asked to develop a new one and some other said to integrate with any existing game. To me this gaming factor is a result of air wave spread by FarmVille which caused a unique kind of flu that almost everyone is sneezing in this way.
Rabia Gharib, The Editor in Chief of CIO Pakistan was the moderator, of the event and she kept cracking some jokes and asking questions during the presentations but one thing she said is stuck in that part of my brain where I keep advises of the people. She said, “Marketing is very high priced just start don't ask for time.” And it was the reply to a group which was asking if they have some more time to carry on their presentation.
Well a group called E-Scavengersrs were declared the winners and this was the group which gave the idea of MMS along with PWP + GWP Promotion, they got 3 things starting with the letter L, they got three 17 inches LCD Monitors from DELL. Well I am really thank full to the member of same group who was wearing IBM shirt for confirming the spellings of their group name.

LUMS HR Confluence 2010

Past experiences make you do a lot of things, sometimes a good experience give you a lifelong effect and that is what dragged me to LUMS last week (April 17^th) and this time reason as LUMS HR Confluence 2010. Ever since I got to know about this event I was eager to be there as it was amazing to be there at LUMS Marketing Colloquium.

HR Confluence was a one day event having panel discussions, workshops and a competition called HR Maestro Competition. When I reached the place I was assure of one thing that I was late but as one of my friend says that you are never late at any event if you are in Pakistan. Here I must thank Tariq Bhai who helped me in getting information and all the process for joining this even and he also helped me on the day for registration process. While I was registering myself for the event I met Usman Latif whom I met at Google Mapping Party last time.

Usman and I made our way to the NIB hall, the event was divided into two parts one was for the corporate + students having the workshops and panel discussions and the other was only for students and it was HR Maestro Competition there were case presentations and a quiz competition. I decided to be in former one that’s why I was in NIB hall. The event was officially started at 10 am with the opening ceremony.

Dr. Anwar Khurshid, Faculty LUMS gave the welcome notes and he said that there are three reason for him to like this whole event, 1. It’s a student led initiative, 2. It is a great opportunity to build linkages, it gives old-timers (like him) to see old students to be back in LUMS. Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qureshi was the next one to come and he described the whole development of HR in Pakistan since the very beginning that how current HR management scenario developed which used to be just controlling administration functions back in 50s and 60s. The third speaker was Mr. Moeez Karim, the Marketing Manager, Consumer Product Division, Packages. He was looking bit nervous during his speech and he himself revealed the reason as he said that he has given so many exams sitting in the very same hall during his LUMS days. He said that at the time of recruitment; Skills, desire, motivation is important but individual goals play the major part.

After the opening ceremony there was a Networking Tea; during this session I got chance to network with the other students how came for the same event from different parts of Pakistan, and I also got chance to meet Saadi Rauf, The President of LMEC and Hammad Qazi, The Vice President of�LMEC. It was nice meeting them again after the LUMS Marketing Colloquium. I must say that I was actually feeling sorry for Hammad as he was wearing Suit on a day which can be given as example of how hot the summers of Lahore are.

Now it was the time for Panel Discussion on Talent Management, Mr. Mohsin Khan (international HR Consultant) was the moderator of the discussion and in panel there were Mr. Shoaib Ahmed�(manager HR, TetraPak Pakistan), Ma’am Zainab Khan (Recruitment, Compensation & Training Manager, ICI Pakistan), and Mr. Umair Malik who was representing Engro Corp. there were few point that were new for me in the presentations but to me and some other fellows (why should only I take the whole responsibility) it was more of a marketing session where the presenters gave the idea about their company more then what actually happening there in for the HR and Talent management however in Q&A sessions many questions somehow overcome this thing as they were quite relevant questions.

“What is Changing” that was the name of workshop on change management by Ma’am Shireen Naqvi, Navitus. One of the best workshops I have ever been in, that’s what I have to say about it. Many things I learnt which I feel now that I never realized before as at one point she said, “If you are a liar, you are not human yet”. She also told us the best school which teaches us all the values required to live a good life and the school is MKG (Maan Ki Goad—Lap of Mother) she also said, “We are great as individuals but can’t play together”. She also collected the points essential for excellence from the audience and told us that change everything but do not let them to change. There was another practice called GHQ and I must say it’s a great frustration buster for me (it has nothing to do with the�general�head quarters).

I don’t know about others but by now I was feeling hungry and at that time the best session was about to start and it was Networking Luncheon. Again got chance to talk to many people and exchange some ideas met some old fellows from PU, met an interesting person, Asif Khan who is a trainer and inspirational speaker. I also got chance to talk to Shaukat A Brah Dean of Salman Dawood School of Business, LUMS. I must say it was really nice talking to him and again I picked up some good points from the chit chat that I know will be helpful throughout my life.

Panel discussion on Use of Social Media in HR, was the next thing to come and I was actually waiting for this as Mr. Adeel Anwar (Netsol) and Mr. Badar Khushnood (Google) was the part of it, I really like these two people and both of them are in the list of those amazing people that I met in last one year. The other panelists were Mr. Monis Rehman (CEO, Rozee.PK) and Ma’am Andaleeb Abbas (CEO, Franklin Covey Pakistan). This panel discussion was more interesting and informative then the previous one and some good facts I came to know during the presentations. However one thing that I learnt was the fact; “there is no problem with the technologies the problem is with the people using them” and it was said by Ma’am Andleeb while answering a question.

It was time for the attraction of the even that’s what I believe about the workshop “Out of the Box Thinking: Managing your own Talent” by Mr. Nadeem Chawhan (Navitus). Brilliant is the word that can possibly describe what I experienced in that workshop. I must say Mr. Chawhan is a great presenter and motivating speaker and his witty style awesome and he actually make us all to think that “What Is Potential”. He presented many complex aspects of HR in his signature style and I must say that I never been able to understand HR as easily as I did during the workshop.

It was the time to close the ceremony and distribute the certificates and shields. One thing I forgot IBIT, Punjab University got 2^nd Position in the HR Maestro Competition; and my friend Syed Hassan Talal was the part of it, many congratulations to the team from PU, and FC College University was the winner of the competition.

Networking tea was the final part of the event, and I got chance to talk to Mr. Naweed Masood Ali, President LUMS HR Executive Club; what a humble person he is and he had a reason to be happy because the event goes very well and I want to utilize this opportunity to congratulate him and his team on holding such a wonderful event and I am also thankful to Naweed as he helped me in being the part of the event.

That’s it that was my experience about being in LUMS for the second time, I know this post is really long but that is one thing I do not know; how to precise the things and still do the justice. One more thing before I end this thanks to Usman Latif for all the tips and suggestions he gave.

Exploring the safari… and Busting the Frustration.

Whenever I have been questioned about my hobbies I present huge list but few things which never changed or dropped from this list are “reading books, meeting people, and traveling”. And when I say this I mean this, it is not because it’s a golden answer to reply when you are asked about your hobbies.
My days of unemployment ended back in January and since then I am working for one of a renowned brand in the telecom sector of Pakistan. Believe me when I say this that now with all those days I spent with this workplace I am having one of the best time of my life and all the frustration I had in the beginning because of new place and new work and all that. The main reason for me adjusting there is the people, all of them are great and all the seniors are like my teachers, and my badge mates are like my amigos.
I think this post is going to some other way so let’s drag it back to the beautiful morning of march 2010. It was the day when the team I am part of was going for a trip to bust the daily schedule; at first I was not very interested in going on this trip. Anyhow I was forced to go there but when I got to know that all the people who are really special for me are also going, this information made me to be happy on my decision of going for the trip as I was aware that these seniors will defiantly make this trip an amazing one.
Today when I recall that day the first thing come into my mind is the awesome weather in Lahore and the other thing is PAKORAs that I had in breakfast all thanks to Muneel Bhai. By the way, we were going to a resort at Head Baloki (no wonder that I have forgotten the name of that resort but I think it was something like RANA)
I visited head baloki back in 1997 and found it really boring place but this resort was amazing, green fields beautiful trees and the weather was creating this moment more magical for me. Well I have taken a few pictures and you can see them and realize how amazing weather was that day. The fun begin with Abbasi Bhai and Sohail Bhai's songs in some weird language which they were claiming to be Pashto.
We also explored the safari which is the main attraction of this resort and we also played cricket in swimming pool, well there is no need to bang your head to know how come one can play cricket in swimming pool so let me clarify that considering the water issue the whole country is facing this pool was not having water.
It was a great day indeed, and every great day in my life has one thing in common and that is food—two words Awesome Food we had there, Biryani, Chicken Ginger and the specialty of the place Fish was in the menu. We were also having some talented singers with us and for sure those were not outsiders as they were from our call center. While in the evening we were enjoying the weather these three people created the moment musical and I noticed that the ostriches really enjoy music as they started to gather near the fence while the music was on, and one more thing I saw egg of ostrich for the first time in life.
That was the time it started to rain and we had to drag our one man show competetion under trees, it was an amazing competition and Asad Bhai won it though it is still controversial. While we were coming back to Lahore I was really feeling some positive changes in me as somehow I busted the frustration in me and all thank goes to my team. The last attraction of the trip was the hang out in KFC. Today when I recall that day I feel like that I had a great day when I was close to the nature and enjoying myself while having number of amazing people around me.
About the place I visited, I have to say that it’s a good place to have picnic with family (well I am not paid to say so, one must consider that I am right and see it to believe it), it’s been maintain very well the decoration is awesome, and the safari is also crafted with trees from Africa, one more thing they also arrange legal hunting adventure of Black Deer. In a nut shell if you are planning to have a safari experience in Pakistan it is a good place to when you want to keep the budget economical.

Dr. Israr Ahmed- Rest in Peace

Early in the morning when I was checking my text messages, I got on shocking news and it was about the Death of Dr. Israr Ahmed. I was actually in the state of shock when the news bounced on me, my friend confirmed the news. Another great person has left the world that’s what I can say. I know that whatever I would write for him will not be enough to match the greatness of late Dr. Israr.

Dr. Israr is also a part of my childhood memory, I still remember that I and Baba Jani (my father) many times offered Juma Prayer in Bagh e Jinnah as Dr. Israr Ahmed used to do the Imamat of the prayer and the speech before the prayer was one of the reason which kept dragging my father there. Well in those days I was not aware of what this all about but with the passage of time two Islamic scholars left a great impact on my way of thinking one is Dr. Israr, and other is late Dr. Ghulam Murtaza Malik (what a smile that man had).

Dr. Israr Ahmed was once member of Jamat e Islami and as much as I know he remain Nazim e Ala (president) of Islami Jamit e Tulba (student wing of JI), but left JI because as per Dr. Israr JI was not doing what actually it was made for. Tanzeem e Islami is the name of organization he was running to spread the message of Quran. I really admire the way he used to describe and elaborate the verses of Quran so that lay man like me can also understand what the real message was; I also read some of the Islamic literature written by him. He was also a big fan of Iqbal�and his philosophy.

Once on TV, I say his office and that sight is still save in my mind a lot of books on the table, more books on the table behind his seat and shelf full of books and at that time I prayed from the bottom of my heart that Allah also make me such good reader. To me it’s not just a loss of Tanzeem e Islami�(Islamic teaching organization founded by Dr. Israr)�nor the Pakistan to me whole Muslim world will miss his presence now as an enormous Islamic Scholar is no more with us. In life I have many regrets and I believe that I won’t be able to get rid of them, and not been able to join Dr. Israr’s Namaz e Jinazah has added one more thing in my regret list.(in picture Grave of Dr. Israr Ahmad, Picture courtesy Khawar Mehmood)

One more thing which was making me sad is the attitude of our media, one of the leading news channels was busy in broadcasting the Sangeet ceremony of Sania and Shoaib, and followed by the fuss of Veena Malik and Muhammad Asif, after all this crap they gave the news of Dr. Israr’s death and at that time I was watching TV to know more about the tragedy. This attitude made me really angry, these stupid media people has no idea what we have lost, the time we are going thorough right now we really need people like Dr. Israr who can teach us what actually Quran says, but these media people were busy in making their news more glamorous rather than paying homage to such a great soul. Yeah sometimes I also say something which proves to be true again and again, so I would like to say it again, “as a whole nation, priorities are one of the major issues we have, and attitude of media is one big example.”

the link below have the videos of Dr. Israrh Ahmed Janazah and Burial Ceremony:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Death+of+Dr+Israr+Ahmed++(Burial+Ceremony)&aq=f

There's something about Paki men

For last many days few people have totally hijecked the news, and intensity of this phinomina was a so strong that it made Speech of President a second news. yes i am talking about Shoaib Malik, Sania Mirza and Aysha Sidiqui. well ever since this fuss has been created i promissed my slef to not to write about it but today while killing my time i came accross to an article at The Times of India. Well i know that i am breaking my own promise but being a diplomatic and political person( thats what my few friends think about me) i wont write much so here is what article says:

�There's something about Paki men�

by:�KALPANA SHARMA�

There is something about Indian women and Pakistani men. With Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza professing her love for Paki player Shoaib Malik, we try to figure out the real story...�

Actor Reena Roy married cricketer Mohsin Khan; Zeenat Aman dated Imran Khan; Sushmita Sen, our Bollywood hottie, is attracted to Wasim Akram. Amidst all the controversies, media is rife with speculation about Sania Mirza, India’s tennis sensation, tying the knot with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. Well, one thing is common here – all these Indian women are terribly, terribly attracted to Pakistani men.

Many feel it’s the charm of men from Pakistan – the forbidden land. Psychologist Madhumati Singh explains, “We have always heard stories of flashy, handsome Italian men being much in demand, similarly there is a charm attached to these rugged Pakistani men. They are flamboyant, suave, know the language of love, Urdu very well and use it in even better and are often seen being chivalrous around women.” She goes on to add, “They are also closest to Indian men in temperament and looks which is why these women feel confident about their choice.”

If we see all the popular alliances, most of them have been with men associated to cricket. So can we attribute this fascination to the charm of the game? Agrees relationship counselor Mahesh Sinha, “In our country, cricket is as big as a religion. Or men are crazy about it and our women, well, some of them may not know the difference between silly point and mid-offs, but they love to see their man enjoy the Gentleman’s game. It gives them a high and a will to understand it to a point.” Also cricket is one of the most globally acknowledged games and all the cricketers enjoy international acclaim lending them that elusive ‘super hero’ status. Which woman worth her diamonds can resist such a tempting package? Adds Dr Singh, “The game has a lot of glamour. Especially in India, people worship cricket and this adds to its overall charm. It plays on the psyche of women.”

However, psychologist Seema Hingorani feels otherwise. “Paki men have an appealing personality. They are earthy, men of the soil and look it as well. With their rugged good looks, international style and sky high fame they are way too attractive to any Indian woman. Such attraction can prove to be quite fatal. But if you see the trend, all the Indian women who have chosen Paki men have not chosen anyone who can overpower their popularity. Reena Roy was more successful than Mohsin Khan, and if you see Sania shares a different status as compared to Shoaib who’s not really that famous. But if Sania marries Shoaib, she will become a Pakistani bahu and she right now doesn’t realize the implications of such a move, as she is too much in love at the moment.”

Whatever the case be, many feel that love knows no boundaries and it should be left at that!�

(you can read the article on Times of India Web site here

PYR - Pakistan Youth Revolution needs a new logo...

A message from PYR:�
PYR - Pakistan Youth Revolution needs a new logo...
We invite all artists out there to grab their pens and sketch out their creativity

logo details:

• should contain the word "PYR"
• should contain the slogan "we are the one who would bring the change"
• green color dominancy
• should have some theme or idea

for a look at previous logo, see the display image on our facebook page�

competition ends on 30th april... winner announced on 5th May...

Winner would get the some of "Rs 3000/-" plus his/her Logo would be used for Pakistan Youth Revolution's pages and sites from then on...

points to keep in mind:
PYR is a platform ran by volunteers to work for Pakistan in every possible way, we live for pakistan and that is all we know, we strive under our own resources to bring possible changes... we are determined, enthusiastic and we don't believe in impossible !!!

EMAIL YOUR DESIGN AT : pyr.logo@gmail.com - by 30th April, late entries would not be considered

for further information, contact: Imran Bukhari, Amna Usmani�

Pakistan's First E-Village-- Mira Bagwal

A remote village of Capital City Mira Bagwal has been converted into e-village, as it has been provided 2 MB Broad Band internet connection and its people have been given the facility of video conferencing to take advice from specialist doctors in case of any problem, a spokesman for the chief commissioner’s office said.�

The formal inauguration of this e-village was held here on Sunday, which was attended by Inspector General of Police (Islamabad) Syed Kaleem Imam, Deputy Education Advisor, Ministry of Education Muhammad Ismail, Additional Director (r) FIA and Chief Coordinator Pakistan Social Association (PSA) Amar Jaffery, Uzma Umar, CEO Universal Services Fund Muhammad Iftikhar and other notables of the society.�

IGP Islamabad appreciated the work done by various organisations for converting this remote village into e-village and said the local people especially young generation would get benefit from this facility to improve their knowledge and sharpen their skills. The dispensary, library already working in this village through coordination of PSA would be converted by Universal Services Fund into e-dispensary and e-library while various products prepared by the children would be presented for marketing also through internet.�

Amar Jaffery said this project aims to benefit the local people and make the students computer literate. “This project will help in converting this far-flung village into a modern and well-informed village,” he maintained.�

Universal Services Fund CEO Muhammad Iftikhar said that this village is the first village in the country converted into e-village while 300 more villages of the country would be provided internet facility on the same pattern.�

Other participants also addressed on the occasion and hailed this initiative of various organisations to equip this village with modern technology. On the occasion, the IGP distributed the certificates among the students, who participated in the computer-training course arranged by PSA. He also announced to start free internship programme for the students of the area. Under this programme, the students would be invited to visit various wings of Islamabad police to learn about their functioning. Islamabad police would provide free transportation facility to such students, who want to visit its offices, the IGP said and appointed SP (City) Sajid Kiani, as the focal person to implement this programme.�

Courtesy:�The News

In The Search of Snow--9... Last evening in Swat Valley.

��Finally the beauty of weather showed its color and it started to rain, Sheri and I get into the jeep as we were�hanging out till that time. Sheri was 1^st year student and was a nice guy, he was another friend I made during the trip. I sit beside Azeem and Sheri, to his hard luck, was sitting with Bilal. To create fun Bilal started to behave as if he is gay and trying to hit on Sheri, Sheri took thought that Bilal is a gay indeed when we (Azeem and I) gent into the situation as we were Bilal’s roommate so our statement must have a strong verdict.

At last we reached the hotel again and after paying the charges of jeep Bilal clarified that it was all joke and don’t be serious about it and asked Sheri not to take it seriously. As soon as Sheri said “it’s ok” bilal said; “ACHA PHIR PAPI DE DAY” (ok than give me a kiss) and we all started to LOL.

There was same Mash ki Dal in the lunch a few days back it used to be my favorite pulse but now I was totally fed up of it. We also planned about night as it was our last night in Bahrain, we decided to have Karhahi in dinner from Sangam Hotel and after that we will do some shopping. In the evening, after relaxing for a while we were getting ready to leave and roam about in the bazaar, Rashid came to our room by accident, Rashid used to be My Class Fellow and he is son of (now ex-) Lady Councilor of Ichra, Lahore.

Rashid has no idea about our room; we started to chat about different issues. Rashid told us about the boy of drowned in Swat River the same afternoon. I asked him that how was his day, he said all thanks to Faizan the day was totally wasted as he told all of them that road to Malam Jaba� is closed so they all remain up late in night and woke up at 4pm and had “breakfast” at Iqbal hotel, that’s it.

Soon Rashid took our leave and we left the room to have dinner. One thing I realized that the taste of karhahi was not as good as it was at the time we had it before and they also charged us more this time.� After the bad experience of dinner we roamed about in the bazaar and did some shopping too. While we were coming back to the hotel we got to know that Sheri and rest of the group is gathered at Fish Center to have dinner, we reached the place and started to rock the place but being good guys we left the place before the food was served there.

It was time to clear the accounts of the day, so it was time for my duty as I was the official accountant of our group. I also packed my bag as I knew that in the morning I might not get chance to do it. While coming back to the room we also bought a bottle of MARINDA APPLE as we were supposed to go to the roam of Sheri and other group fellows to have some fun and play cards. Before we could leave for the expedition, Sadaqat came to our room and asked about our plans for the next day. “Nothing special, we will go to search CHASMA E SHIFA and do some Shopping that’s it” was the reply from our side. (continue...)
(if you want to read the older parts than click here)

is that what is called Takmeel????

Yesterday on 23^rd of March, even after assuring myself I could not write any blog post and I know that how much regret I am going to face in coming days for this dynamic, the whole day was a busy one and after a long time I utilized my day off in a full sense. I don’t want to spell out the whole day long story so let me come to the main reason of this blog post. There was an event taking place in Alhamra Open Hall Theater near Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore—TAKMEEL E PAKISATN, was the title of the event.

At first this event was going to be held at MINAR-E-PAKISTAN and according to the organizing team it was the other part of the resolution which was passed 70 years back on the same date, that’s why it was named as Takmeel (task to complete). I got chance to be there because at first I had no plan to be there due to some reason and changing the venue one day before was somewhat alarming for me.

The reason for changing the venue was the anti ZAID HAMID rallies that was gathering at Minar e Pakistan at the same time when this event was planned. I volunteer myself for the vents just to see the “back Stage” happenings, and to my luck I was appointed as a member VIP escort team, it was obvious that I got chance to meet some people from Brasstacks, and of course I met Zaid Hamid too. I must say, despite the issues I have with him, he was very kind when I met him and quite different than the ZH we see on TV or behind the dice.

The event could not be started the way it was planned, or I should better say that the event ended before it could start. There was a stampede and the points of resolution were read by Zaid Hamid in a great hurry. The NOC for the event was canceled by the authorities as the Anti group started to gather at the place and it could have been a serious security issue. I could only understand only two points of the resolution as I was on my toes at that time (share them soon as i get the email). All of us were asked to quit the place and every big one left the place.

So that’s what takmeel is all about, the only wise decision at that time was to leave the place and it was taken by Zaid Hamid himself (apparently�to secure all the people present there), because there was a news that this event is possible and it can be completed if it is minus Zaid Hamid. the result of the event is still confusing for me as according to few people the cancelation of event is a slap on ZH and whole the movement and according to few the resolution is passed and that was the main reason for us all to gather there( in a nut shell it was a successful event).

Why we all love to be controvercial or why all the controversies peep out there heads at the time when someone become famous that is something I am unable to understand for a while. I said many times in recent past that I am no more a big fan of Zaid Hamid and I maintain this line but I believe as far as he is a Pro-Pakistan and Peo-Islam in a true sense then I am with him or any other person who have these few qualities. Still I think than why to be controversial??? To me takmeel event was a flop and I mean it, see if you are on a right way than you must make people to be with you rather than making every one an enemy is not a good policy as per me, because I think the formula to be in the shit-list of people just to prove that you are doing something worthwhile is acceptable in every case.

If it was about Pakistan than why only youth is required on such events why don’t people from every age and class can take part in takmeel??? I believe it’s time that the positions of many must be cleared and I think many of you understand about whom I am talking.

In the Quest of Childhood Memories

The previous post of mine says that how I spent the day of 12 Rabi ul Awal (EID MILAD UN NABI), half of the awake time I spent in roaming in the city and other half was spent in office and on Sunday it was a double job first there was a test to take and then office again. In those two days I was not able to visit the areas where I somehow visit on these two dates of Islamic calendar. And the main reason for me to go out is to see the decoration and the celebration of the birthday of the greatest Man in the history of this universe.

On Monday March 6 2010 I had a shift which ended at 6 pm so I decided to visit Sadder Bazaar Lahore. However before going there I asked my colleague, Usman Saeed, who lives in saddar, as If bazaar is being decorated, To make sure my plan. Well on every 14th of Rabi ul Awal this bazaar is decorated in the celebrations of Eid Milad u Nabi (S.A.W).

It's been long back, perhaps 2000, that I visited this very place on 14th of Rabi ul Awal. The memories of that visit were the real factor which dragged me to that place. I reached there after Maghreb prayer what I realized that I have reached their bit early as the process of decoration was still on. The lightening was on its peak, many stages were settled, and the high sound speakers were spreading the voice of Naat (poetry in which Prophet Muhamad S.A.W. is praised)� in the air. There were few things which got my attention and my camera saved them for me and my memory.

I saw many mud made models while I was passing thorough a street. These models are called “PAHARHIAN” in Urdu and Punjabi the meaning of Pahari is MOUNTAIN. These mud made models have a big attraction for me since my childhood-I also made them in 2001, and it was a good experience to make them and decorate it with color coated wood powder and toys. The best part of this model is the water factor, a pond or a fountain is an integral part of the Paharhi. The digging process for the pond is done with a great efficiency as there is a system of drain is also made so that water does not get overflowed and spoil the whole model. I and my memories, I think the love and fascination I have, about these models can make me to write so long that this post might not end, so let's keep this Pahari post for some other time and resume to Sadder Bazaar.

After roaming different parts and streets of the bazaar I was coming back home, I also met one of my colleague there, not the one who confirmed me about the decoration, and he said that he used to study in an academy over here and since than he visit this place every year. Well the memories I have with the date and the place were really rich this time there was more of an artificial thing that could not touch my heart as it did before. Though I forget all the stress that I was carrying after a hectic shift and I was feeling good after visiting the sadder bazaar.

I also floated a tweet when I was backing home:

i must say, Sadar Bazar on 14th Rabi ul Awal is one of the #AwesomePakistaniThings via @rai_azlan http://bit.ly/aVLuHY

I know I am bit confused with this as at one end I say that I had good time there but on the other end I say that it was bit artificial one. The real sense of celebrating this day was missing somewhere, and here I am not pointing the feelings of those people who did all the effort whole heartily and believe me I respect the feelings of those people. I am talking about those who spoiled the whole soul of the event. I came to know that there in a street the path was blocked and on a stage dance was going on. Oh God! Where are we heading to, I am not a hypocrite I listen to music and I enjoy it but yes I believe that respect is something which is bigger than the things you enjoy. The news of dancing and all that was the one which shattered my views. On the day when about 1483 years back idols were bent in gratitude the fire in the Persia which used to be worshiped was cold-down and many miracles took place just in respect of the arrival of the Greatest ONE. Than how can we who claimed to be his followers and proudly call ourselves Muslims can do such stupid thing on such day.

I always say that timing is the thing which defines who you are and a foolish one always do a wrong thing at a right time. I maintain that Sadder bazaar on 14 Rabiulawal is an #AwesomePakistaniThing but the factor of respect and honor and the real soul of the event must stay alive, because I do not want to see the words of my colleague to become true “Rai, you are talking about the artificial thing believe me in coming year this artificial thing will also vanish and then you have to bear the thing which panic you today”. The issue is with the priority and I think that next year the organizers of the event try to maintain the real soul of the event so the so called “conservative Liberals” like me enjoy the event and cherish the memories of childhood and get pleasure from the celebrations.

Joanna-- A Frind of Pakistan

Friends of Pakistan was an idea or something to get support or I should better say AID was the main reason behind this. Till now I am not able to understand what good have we achieved from these so called friends of Pakistan. The eye of whole world towards our land is covered with the glasses which only show negative aspects of this land. I just want to know that is there any nation which is 100% perfect, I know the answer will be no but the one who will answer it will ask me what this question has to do with a failed state like Pakistan. First I do not think and I will never accept that Pakistan is a failed state because the time we are going through may be like a dark tunnel but an almost visionless person like me can see the light at the end of this tunnel and with the passage of every single day, this end, which is full of light, is coming nearer and nearer.
Last year, and I mean 2009 have been a great year of my life, I completed my graduation, I got some fame(still it was not much) in my college, became an integral part of the commerce club that we made in university, and one of the biggest reason was to start this blog MY LAND PAKISTAN, I still remember the time when I started it and the story behind this fact has been kept aside and will put it here one the first HAPPY BIRTHDAY of this blog (its coming soon so don't worry).
Another reason which I want to share is the fact that I became active on social media after this blog came into being. It was the time when people were shifting to twitter from face book, but I was active on facebook after I have some good experience of twitter. While I was doing my internship in a bank last year, I became an active blogger due to the support I got from the people there. It was the time when I came across to many pictures of with green background on twitter and same thing I noticed on face book too. I was not able to understand what this was about, I greened my picture myself and put it on fb, I greened it just to celebrate Independence Day but I was not able to change it for months.
This green background became a reason for me to meet many people, if I start to make I list than I don't think I will be able to complete this blog pot tonight. Latter on I came to know about this go green campaign and since than this freelance warrior is a part of go green brigade. One complain, I have with the man who green so many pictures for the people, never greened my picture. Yeah its true that still I myself green my picture, not only mine picture of Rai Suffian AKA Lala (my younger brother), and the pic of Baba Jani was greened by me and the fact is alive that I am not good with photoshop.
Last month Joanna Vroom came to Pakistan, it was her first trip to Pakistan ever. And she was here just to meet us, we the people from green brigade. One of my friend says that its really impressive to see a lady visiting this country in this age and during those days when the situation of law and order is really unpredictable. I got, chance to meet her when PYR arranged a dinner for her, unfortunately I missed the dinner due to my shift but I managed to reach there to meet all the people gathered there under the banner of PYR.
It was last Saturday (it was the birthday of the greatest Man in this History of this universe, Prophet MUHAMMAD S.A.W) due to a holiday it was decided to have a full day with Joanna and the journey started with the breakfast at Royal Park, for me this journey started quite early as I reached the point where we were supposed to meet before any one else I did my break fast at that time by having oranges from a fruit vender. Parking my bike and, than getting it back is a different story but for those who love to make fun of my silly habits I submitted Xerox of my CNIC at the parking stand as I lost the parking token.
The break fast was really good and the thing which really matter is that the person for whom this Royal

breakfast was arranged actually enjoyed it. The next destination was Fountain House, and we were here to distribute Daig that we were giving in the celebrations of Eid Milad UN Nabi. .
Trip to Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort) was the title of this whole trip so from Fountain house this team, by the way there were people like Farhan bhai, Ali Awais, Soban Akram, Syed Hassan Tallal, Amna Usmani and Imran Bokhari ( I hope I am not missing any name other than mine in this list) in this team to take Joanna to Lahore fort. I was supposed to reach there on my bike so as always I lost the way some how reached there and till now those who were already there were waiting for me. We could not t stay there for long as it was getting really hot due to a real golden sunshine.
I had to leave for the office as I was having a shift, but rest of the team marched to the house of Farhan Bhai, and I rally want to apologies to Farhan Bhai for leaving like that when I was expected to be there with the whole group, and I hope he can understand my problem. There was a Tweet-up arranged by Rohan David Emanuel and Iftikhar Hussein, I missed that one too due to my shift but from the glimpse of the pictures I saw of that event I can see that every one had a great time there and believe me I really feel bad for missing it.
During this whole time I got chance to chat with Joanna for a while and what I could figure out is that she was really happy being here and she really found us as she was expecting and in answer to one of my question she said:

Its not strange to be in a strange place where no one is stranger actually, this journey form UK to Karachi and than Lahore and than back is might be tiring but the excitement of meeting new people and having great time give me energy.

By the time I am writing this post, Joanna is back in UK and I hope that she had a safe journey and must be doing really well. I just want to say that it was really nice to have you here and as I promised that I will see you there (and figures are crossed for it) I will definitely complete my promise. I started this post with some criticism on friends of Democratic republic of Pakistan, and reason behind doing that is the behavior of those FOP. To me people like Joanna are the real friends of Pakistan who actually took, risk to be here just to meet us and to prove that, this is not as harmful place as it has been projected by the whole world. And I must say on behalf of Pakistan (I think I am authorized to do so being a common man of this land), that Pakistan is proud to have friends like you Joanna…