ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy has become the first maritime force in the region that is equipped with stealth technology after its first Fast Attack Craft (FAC) equipped with missiles was launched on Tuesday. India also launched its FAC on the same day in Kochi.
"The version Pakistan has bought has far better qualities and added features including cost efficiency and multi-role in any combat activity," said an insider. "The inclusion of the FAC-M in Pakistan navy will enhance its capacity to fight against terrorism and extremism."
According to the Pakistan Navy, the FAC-M, designated as PNS Azmat was launched at Tianjin (Xingang Chinese Shipyard) in an impressive ceremony where Pakistan's Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Noman Bashir was the chief guest. The vessel will be the first of the Azmat class FAC, scheduled to be delivered to the Pakistan Navy within six months.
The missile craft construction project represents a quantum leap, not only in defence production in the maritime sector of Pakistan, but also addresses a long-standing operational requirement of the Navy. The fast attack craft is equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors, including the C802A surface-to-surface missile, and has stealth features. The FAC in question has a crew of 12 to 14 sailors, less than half that of similar craft. At a unit cost of an estimated $50 million each, a Navy with limited resources could afford both the financial and manpower commitment.
Admiral Noman Bashir, who has brought several innovations in Pakistan, addressed the ceremony marking the launching of FAC-M.
Acknowledging the efforts of Chinese engineers and technicians for the construction
of FAC-M, the chief guest felicitated the China State Shipbuilding Company (CSOC), Xingang Shipyard for their full cooperation and commitment in launching the craft as per schedule and remarked that this was yet another example of the unique and unparallel relations between the two countries.
"The Pakistan-China relationship is unique and does not draw any parallel in the world.
This relationship over the years has matured in all fields, particularly in defence," he said, adding that the current geo-political situation demands further strengthening of ties between the two countries.
The CNS said that this project represents a quantum leap not only in the defence production in Maritime Sector of Pakistan but also addresses a longstanding operational requirement of Pakistan Navy.
"The collaboration in this project hopefully will open new vistas of cooperation which will be yet another milestone in defence cooperation between China and Pakistan," he said, adding that the induction of the missile craft will not only supplement Pakistan's combat potential but also afford the Pakistan Navy the opportunity to distinctly uphold its forward presence in the area of interest, contributing to a balance the power in the region.
The admiral said the environment around us warrants the Pakistan navy to be prepared to counter the forces challenging our sovereignty as well as regional peace and security.
Admiral Noman Bashir said he was confident that the construction of the second fast attack craft in Pakistan will be accomplished successfully with the full cooperation ofChina.
The Indian media has reported that India added a new warship to its fleet with the commissioning of FAC in Kochi to aid in anti-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea. It has been named after an island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago as Kabra.
Vice Admiral Sushil underscored the importance of relatively smaller ships like fast attack craft for a blue water navy, saying the assets were an essential inventory in peacetime for low intensity conflicts and anti-piracy operations.
It is the eighth of a series built with borrowed technology. The main armament of the ship is a 30mm CRN 91 gun. In addition, the ship has been fitted with machineguns of various types and shoulder launched surface-to-air missiles. INS Kabra has a three-officer and 39-sailor crew.
End.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pakistan attaches importance to peace, security in world: Hina Khar
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ms Hina Rabbani Khar has said that Pakistan attaches the highest importance to promoting the goals of peace, security and stability in the world. In our own region we have relentlessly endeavoured towards creating an environment of shared prosperity and peace.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, on behalf of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, she said that a democratic, progressive and prosperous Pakistan embedded in a stable, secure and prosperous region guides the framework of our foreign policy and could yield enormous benefits to not only the peoples of our region but of the world. “We have reached out to our immediate neighbours with a sincere desire to join hands in bringing about durable peace and development, by a win-win approach”, she added.
Hina Rabbani Khar said, “Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world, and in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
She said that at this session of the General Assembly, Pakistan is seeking election to a seat on the Security Council. “In soliciting your support, I wish to assure you that we would discharge our responsibilities with utmost dedication to the high ideals and principles of the United Nations”, she maintained.
She said both Pakistan and India are now engaged in a substantive dialogue process. “A dialogue process that we in Pakistan hope will be uninterrupted and uninterruptable. We certainly intend to make this engagement fruitful and premise it on the promise of a mutually rewarding enterprise that would enable us to optimally avail the complementarities that exist”, she maintained.
She said that the reality of a nuclearised South Asia, imposes on both Pakistan and India, the onerous responsibility to work together for creating mutual confidence, avoiding an arms race, and enhancing strategic stability. We look forward to moving in this direction in the dialogue process.
“Pakistan is also firmly committed to promoting stability and peace in Afghanistan. We respect and support the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan under the leadership of President Karzai for reconciliation and peace”, the foreign minister added.
She said Pakistan strongly condemn the recent terror attacks in Kabul in which many precious lives were lost. She also expressed sympathy with our brothers and sisters and the leadership of Afghanistan on the tragic assassination of Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani, former President and Chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, adding that such cowardly attacks would never succeed in deterring our proud Afghan brothers and sisters from realizing the noble goal of reconciliation and peace.
Hina said that Pakistan fully supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive process of reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. We want to see Afghanistan as a united, independent and sovereign state. We urge all concerned to join the reconciliation process. We also call for a de-escalation and cessation of violence.
Regarding the Kashmir dispute, the foreign minister said that Pakistan will support the human rights of Kashmiris. “We will speak in support of the Palestinians. We will educate our children. We will protect our children. We will face any and all challenges with determination and faith. Most of all, we will be a peaceful and prosperous society. There will be challenges, but inshaAllah, we will overcome them”, she maintained.
She said Pakistan wants peaceful resolutions of all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which is among the oldest on the agenda of the United Nations and the subject of several Security Council resolutions. A peaceful resolution that accords fully with the aspirations of the Kashmiri’s, is a sine qua non for durable stability.
The foreign minister said, “Pakistan believes in the promise of the United Nations -- a world free from the scourge of war; a world governed by rules and norms of civility, of decency, of good will; creating a better future for the peoples of the world; inter-state conduct premised on the respect for the immutable principles of the United Nations. We must ensure that our United Nations is the best representation of the aspirations of our peoples.”
She said Pakistan’s oldest spiritual traditions and most beloved poets and peers have taught us there can be no progress where the mind is divorced from the heart. Faith in the United Nations is a manifestation of the best rational traditions, and the most cherished traditions of idealism and believing in something. We believe in the UN system. The spirit of the United Nations must permeate all our endeavours. The peoples of the world await the advent of the true age of the United Nations. We must reassert our promise to deliver it.
She said this year again, heavy monsoon rains has caused widespread flooding and millions have been affected. Human and economic losses as well as the pressing requirements of relief and rehabilitation obliged us to seek international assistance. We again thank you for your support and solidarity.
The Pakistani people continue to consistently demonstrate their immense reservoir of courage, forbearance and generosity. InshaAllah, we shall overcome this misfortune through the same fortitude and resilience that our people have been blessed with, Hina Rabbani Khar maintained.
She said the road ahead for peace in Afghanistan and our region as a whole is full of challenges. “The complexity of the situation and the ground dynamics need to be analysed objectively and carefully. Clarity and strategic coherence, especially among Afghanistan, United States and Pakistan is of utmost importance. It is for this reason that we attach importance to the work of the Trilateral Core Group. We also attach considerable importance to the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Commission for Peace and Reconciliation”, she said.
The foreign minister said Pakistan has always upheld the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to an independent homeland with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. I would like to reaffirm our principled position. President Mahmoud Abbas made an historic and memorable case for his people. “We stand by him and the Palestinian people. We stand by our brothers and sisters. And we agree: This really is not, sustainable, anymore. We support the quest of the State of Palestine for membership in the United Nations”, she added.
She said Pakistan is keenly aware about the threat terrorism poses to Pakistan, to Pakistan neighbours, or to the rest of the world. 30,000 innocent Pakistanis have been killed—men, women and children. The ever valiant Pakistani armed forces have defended Pakistan, and the rest of the world at the highest cost. Our troops have laid down 6,532 shuhada, or martyrs. 19,190 of our strongest, bravest and most honor-worthy boys have suffered injuries. And it does not stop there.
“We have seen 3,629 of our police and paramilitary personnel embrace shahadat, or martyrdom. 10,720 of these men and women of the police and paramilitary services have been injured, since 2002. The grieving mothers, daughters, sisters and wives of these brave men and women are a constant reminder of our need to be be vigiliant and to fight the menace of terrorism”, she elaborated.
She said that Pakistan’s most popular leader, Shaheed Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated in 2007. Numerous politicians have lost sons and brothers and fathers at the hands of terrorists. “Our streets are filled with armed police posts. We cannot enter our parks, or shopping centers, or churches or mosques without being searched and frisked. Terrorists have attacked our military installations, attacked the gravesites of our spiritual elders, attacked our minorities and attacked the very idea of Pakistan. If I began recounting Pakistan’s sacrifices and Pakistan’s suffering, I would keep you here till next September. We do not take terrorism lightly. We cannot. We have suffered far too much”, she deplored.
She said, “Our nation is united in its determination to eliminate the spectre of terrorism from our soil, from our region and the world. It is important to enhance international cooperation to totally obliterate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Our resolve is inspired by Allama Mohammed Iqbal, the legendary poet-philosopher to whom Pakistan owes a debt of gratitude. Iqbal said:
Shaheen kabhi parwaz say thak kar nahi girta…
Purdam hai agar tuu tau nahi khatra-e-uftaad ...
(The eagle does not fall from its soaring height,
If you have the will there is nothing to fear from adversity)
She said that notable success against Al-Qaeda and its affiliates has been registered in recent years. It is well known that following the Tora Bora bombing and consequent dispersal of Al Qaida, it was Pakistan’s intelligence and security agencies that interdicted a large number of Al Qaida operatives. Very recently, Yousuf Al Mauritani, the Chief Operative of Al-Qaeda was arrested in a joint ISI and CIA operation, she said.
She said that despite our limited capacity and other constraints, we have done all we can for the sake of realizing the vision of a bright future for our people and the peoples of Afghanistan and of the region. “We have actively advocated and worked for closer regional economic integration. We believe that without prioritizing development and creating win-win scenarios in terms of mutually beneficial joint ventures in connectivity, infrastructure, energy and trade, we cannot succeed in changing the picture. We need to give hope and provide a silver lining to those who have not seen peace for three generations, and have only taken mercenarism and guns as a means of livelihood”, she maintained.
Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terror and militancy is irrevocable. We believe that this warrants a comprehensive approach not only to deal with violence but also its root causes. This requires enhancing international cooperation in multiple domains”, the foreign minister added.
She said Pakistan supports initiatives to strengthen the United Nations. However it is important not to start anything that proves divisive or has the potential to unravel the essential pillars of the UN. The process of Security Council reforms must be worked in a manner that will reinforce the confidence of the peoples of the world in this body and enhance its credibility and effectiveness, she stressed.
Hina said Pakistan attaches high importance to UN Peacekeeping functions and is a major troop contributor to the UN Peacekeeping. Pakistan has consistently been among the top UN peacekeeping contributors for many years. We have over 10,000 troops in the UN Blue Helmets.
“We also attach importance to the United Nations work in the field of disarmament and non proliferation. Our collective endeavours in these fields could best be effective if we could enhance security, for all, and pursue approaches that are not selective or discriminatory. Normative work must be premised on principles”, she elaborated.
She lauded the work of the United Nations in multiple domains. The specialized organizations, bodies and institutions are veritable examples of accomplishing shared goals and broadening vistas of cooperation, she added.
She Pakistan played a leadership role in conceiving and piloting the UN’s Delivering as One agenda. This is a potentially vital informant to global development, and to the aid effectiveness. Despite the Paris Declaration and its reaffirmation at Accra, we have a long way to go. The One UN pilot exercise in Pakistan has struggled to achieve the lofty goals it set for itself, but we continue to invest hope in its eventual success.
She said at the international level, we are confident that UN provides the best global forum, that is fully equipped to enhance understanding and good will between all members of the international community.
Hina said as a democratic country, committed firmly to the ideals, values, and principles of the United Nations, Pakistan will continue to do its best for the cause of global peace and prosperity. Under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, the Pakistani nation is moving ahead confident of itself and its enormous capabilities, she maintained.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, on behalf of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, she said that a democratic, progressive and prosperous Pakistan embedded in a stable, secure and prosperous region guides the framework of our foreign policy and could yield enormous benefits to not only the peoples of our region but of the world. “We have reached out to our immediate neighbours with a sincere desire to join hands in bringing about durable peace and development, by a win-win approach”, she added.
Hina Rabbani Khar said, “Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world, and in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
She said that at this session of the General Assembly, Pakistan is seeking election to a seat on the Security Council. “In soliciting your support, I wish to assure you that we would discharge our responsibilities with utmost dedication to the high ideals and principles of the United Nations”, she maintained.
She said both Pakistan and India are now engaged in a substantive dialogue process. “A dialogue process that we in Pakistan hope will be uninterrupted and uninterruptable. We certainly intend to make this engagement fruitful and premise it on the promise of a mutually rewarding enterprise that would enable us to optimally avail the complementarities that exist”, she maintained.
She said that the reality of a nuclearised South Asia, imposes on both Pakistan and India, the onerous responsibility to work together for creating mutual confidence, avoiding an arms race, and enhancing strategic stability. We look forward to moving in this direction in the dialogue process.
“Pakistan is also firmly committed to promoting stability and peace in Afghanistan. We respect and support the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan under the leadership of President Karzai for reconciliation and peace”, the foreign minister added.
She said Pakistan strongly condemn the recent terror attacks in Kabul in which many precious lives were lost. She also expressed sympathy with our brothers and sisters and the leadership of Afghanistan on the tragic assassination of Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani, former President and Chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, adding that such cowardly attacks would never succeed in deterring our proud Afghan brothers and sisters from realizing the noble goal of reconciliation and peace.
Hina said that Pakistan fully supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive process of reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. We want to see Afghanistan as a united, independent and sovereign state. We urge all concerned to join the reconciliation process. We also call for a de-escalation and cessation of violence.
Regarding the Kashmir dispute, the foreign minister said that Pakistan will support the human rights of Kashmiris. “We will speak in support of the Palestinians. We will educate our children. We will protect our children. We will face any and all challenges with determination and faith. Most of all, we will be a peaceful and prosperous society. There will be challenges, but inshaAllah, we will overcome them”, she maintained.
She said Pakistan wants peaceful resolutions of all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which is among the oldest on the agenda of the United Nations and the subject of several Security Council resolutions. A peaceful resolution that accords fully with the aspirations of the Kashmiri’s, is a sine qua non for durable stability.
The foreign minister said, “Pakistan believes in the promise of the United Nations -- a world free from the scourge of war; a world governed by rules and norms of civility, of decency, of good will; creating a better future for the peoples of the world; inter-state conduct premised on the respect for the immutable principles of the United Nations. We must ensure that our United Nations is the best representation of the aspirations of our peoples.”
She said Pakistan’s oldest spiritual traditions and most beloved poets and peers have taught us there can be no progress where the mind is divorced from the heart. Faith in the United Nations is a manifestation of the best rational traditions, and the most cherished traditions of idealism and believing in something. We believe in the UN system. The spirit of the United Nations must permeate all our endeavours. The peoples of the world await the advent of the true age of the United Nations. We must reassert our promise to deliver it.
She said this year again, heavy monsoon rains has caused widespread flooding and millions have been affected. Human and economic losses as well as the pressing requirements of relief and rehabilitation obliged us to seek international assistance. We again thank you for your support and solidarity.
The Pakistani people continue to consistently demonstrate their immense reservoir of courage, forbearance and generosity. InshaAllah, we shall overcome this misfortune through the same fortitude and resilience that our people have been blessed with, Hina Rabbani Khar maintained.
She said the road ahead for peace in Afghanistan and our region as a whole is full of challenges. “The complexity of the situation and the ground dynamics need to be analysed objectively and carefully. Clarity and strategic coherence, especially among Afghanistan, United States and Pakistan is of utmost importance. It is for this reason that we attach importance to the work of the Trilateral Core Group. We also attach considerable importance to the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Commission for Peace and Reconciliation”, she said.
The foreign minister said Pakistan has always upheld the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to an independent homeland with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. I would like to reaffirm our principled position. President Mahmoud Abbas made an historic and memorable case for his people. “We stand by him and the Palestinian people. We stand by our brothers and sisters. And we agree: This really is not, sustainable, anymore. We support the quest of the State of Palestine for membership in the United Nations”, she added.
She said Pakistan is keenly aware about the threat terrorism poses to Pakistan, to Pakistan neighbours, or to the rest of the world. 30,000 innocent Pakistanis have been killed—men, women and children. The ever valiant Pakistani armed forces have defended Pakistan, and the rest of the world at the highest cost. Our troops have laid down 6,532 shuhada, or martyrs. 19,190 of our strongest, bravest and most honor-worthy boys have suffered injuries. And it does not stop there.
“We have seen 3,629 of our police and paramilitary personnel embrace shahadat, or martyrdom. 10,720 of these men and women of the police and paramilitary services have been injured, since 2002. The grieving mothers, daughters, sisters and wives of these brave men and women are a constant reminder of our need to be be vigiliant and to fight the menace of terrorism”, she elaborated.
She said that Pakistan’s most popular leader, Shaheed Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated in 2007. Numerous politicians have lost sons and brothers and fathers at the hands of terrorists. “Our streets are filled with armed police posts. We cannot enter our parks, or shopping centers, or churches or mosques without being searched and frisked. Terrorists have attacked our military installations, attacked the gravesites of our spiritual elders, attacked our minorities and attacked the very idea of Pakistan. If I began recounting Pakistan’s sacrifices and Pakistan’s suffering, I would keep you here till next September. We do not take terrorism lightly. We cannot. We have suffered far too much”, she deplored.
She said, “Our nation is united in its determination to eliminate the spectre of terrorism from our soil, from our region and the world. It is important to enhance international cooperation to totally obliterate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Our resolve is inspired by Allama Mohammed Iqbal, the legendary poet-philosopher to whom Pakistan owes a debt of gratitude. Iqbal said:
Shaheen kabhi parwaz say thak kar nahi girta…
Purdam hai agar tuu tau nahi khatra-e-uftaad ...
(The eagle does not fall from its soaring height,
If you have the will there is nothing to fear from adversity)
She said that notable success against Al-Qaeda and its affiliates has been registered in recent years. It is well known that following the Tora Bora bombing and consequent dispersal of Al Qaida, it was Pakistan’s intelligence and security agencies that interdicted a large number of Al Qaida operatives. Very recently, Yousuf Al Mauritani, the Chief Operative of Al-Qaeda was arrested in a joint ISI and CIA operation, she said.
She said that despite our limited capacity and other constraints, we have done all we can for the sake of realizing the vision of a bright future for our people and the peoples of Afghanistan and of the region. “We have actively advocated and worked for closer regional economic integration. We believe that without prioritizing development and creating win-win scenarios in terms of mutually beneficial joint ventures in connectivity, infrastructure, energy and trade, we cannot succeed in changing the picture. We need to give hope and provide a silver lining to those who have not seen peace for three generations, and have only taken mercenarism and guns as a means of livelihood”, she maintained.
Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terror and militancy is irrevocable. We believe that this warrants a comprehensive approach not only to deal with violence but also its root causes. This requires enhancing international cooperation in multiple domains”, the foreign minister added.
She said Pakistan supports initiatives to strengthen the United Nations. However it is important not to start anything that proves divisive or has the potential to unravel the essential pillars of the UN. The process of Security Council reforms must be worked in a manner that will reinforce the confidence of the peoples of the world in this body and enhance its credibility and effectiveness, she stressed.
Hina said Pakistan attaches high importance to UN Peacekeeping functions and is a major troop contributor to the UN Peacekeeping. Pakistan has consistently been among the top UN peacekeeping contributors for many years. We have over 10,000 troops in the UN Blue Helmets.
“We also attach importance to the United Nations work in the field of disarmament and non proliferation. Our collective endeavours in these fields could best be effective if we could enhance security, for all, and pursue approaches that are not selective or discriminatory. Normative work must be premised on principles”, she elaborated.
She lauded the work of the United Nations in multiple domains. The specialized organizations, bodies and institutions are veritable examples of accomplishing shared goals and broadening vistas of cooperation, she added.
She Pakistan played a leadership role in conceiving and piloting the UN’s Delivering as One agenda. This is a potentially vital informant to global development, and to the aid effectiveness. Despite the Paris Declaration and its reaffirmation at Accra, we have a long way to go. The One UN pilot exercise in Pakistan has struggled to achieve the lofty goals it set for itself, but we continue to invest hope in its eventual success.
She said at the international level, we are confident that UN provides the best global forum, that is fully equipped to enhance understanding and good will between all members of the international community.
Hina said as a democratic country, committed firmly to the ideals, values, and principles of the United Nations, Pakistan will continue to do its best for the cause of global peace and prosperity. Under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, the Pakistani nation is moving ahead confident of itself and its enormous capabilities, she maintained.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Evidence of Tsunami in Kashmir: US scientist
Evidence of Tsunami in Kashmir: US scientist
SRINAGAR, Sep 18: A US scientist, Prof. Michael Brookfield of the University of Massachusetts, Boston USA, today said there is evidence of Tsunami in Kashmir in past.
He revealed this while concluding his lecture series at Kashmir University (KU) with a talk on giant Tsunamis.
“The geological evidence at the Guryal ravine in the vicinity of the Srinagar city indicate there is evidence of Tsunami preserved in the Kashmir rocks that originated from Tethys sea some 250 million years ago,”Prof Brokfield said. He added that Guryul section closely resembles the K-T boundary section in Texas, US and may have been deposited in the same way from waning Tsunami.
With the help of viewgraphs, simulated animations, field studies and videos, the US scientist demonstrated the mechanism, causes and consequences of giant tsunamis that have happened on the earth surface in the geological past.
He also conducted a fieldwork for the geology students in the Guryul ravines.
Guryul ravine site is one of the world’s richest fossil sites and is attracting the geologists from east and west to study species from the Permian period and need to be studied in more details, said Dr. Shakil A. Romshoo, head of department of geology. During an interaction of Prof Brookfield with the vice-chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad , head of department of geology and the faculty members of the department, collaborative research opportunities between the two universities to study the Guryul section were discussed.
Prof. Talat Ahmad said that the region provides multiple paleolimate proxies to expose the geological past of the planet earth and the University shall soon embark on international collaborations involving integrated research on caves, ice-cores, lake and marine sediments.
Prof. Brookfield was in the University to deliver a series of lectures at the department of geology, geophysics and geoinformatics on various topics related to earth science. He shared his vast research and teaching experience in the field of geology and environmental science with the faculty, research scholars and the PG students
SRINAGAR, Sep 18: A US scientist, Prof. Michael Brookfield of the University of Massachusetts, Boston USA, today said there is evidence of Tsunami in Kashmir in past.
He revealed this while concluding his lecture series at Kashmir University (KU) with a talk on giant Tsunamis.
“The geological evidence at the Guryal ravine in the vicinity of the Srinagar city indicate there is evidence of Tsunami preserved in the Kashmir rocks that originated from Tethys sea some 250 million years ago,”Prof Brokfield said. He added that Guryul section closely resembles the K-T boundary section in Texas, US and may have been deposited in the same way from waning Tsunami.
With the help of viewgraphs, simulated animations, field studies and videos, the US scientist demonstrated the mechanism, causes and consequences of giant tsunamis that have happened on the earth surface in the geological past.
He also conducted a fieldwork for the geology students in the Guryul ravines.
Guryul ravine site is one of the world’s richest fossil sites and is attracting the geologists from east and west to study species from the Permian period and need to be studied in more details, said Dr. Shakil A. Romshoo, head of department of geology. During an interaction of Prof Brookfield with the vice-chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad , head of department of geology and the faculty members of the department, collaborative research opportunities between the two universities to study the Guryul section were discussed.
Prof. Talat Ahmad said that the region provides multiple paleolimate proxies to expose the geological past of the planet earth and the University shall soon embark on international collaborations involving integrated research on caves, ice-cores, lake and marine sediments.
Prof. Brookfield was in the University to deliver a series of lectures at the department of geology, geophysics and geoinformatics on various topics related to earth science. He shared his vast research and teaching experience in the field of geology and environmental science with the faculty, research scholars and the PG students
China to invest US $ 1.5 bn in Thar Coal
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): Sino-Sindh Resources, a local subsidiary of Global Mining Company is investing in Thar Coal Block-1 for coal mining and power generation of 900 Mega Watt (MW). Chairman Board of Investment (BoI) Saleem H. Mandviwala informed after a meeting with a six member delegation of Global Mining Company led by Liyuang Liu here on Tuesday.
The Chairman BOI informed that Global Mining Company had also signed an MoU with government of Sindh for the project and the company plans to invest US $ 4.5 billion till 2016.
Saleem Mandviwala appreciated the efforts being made by the company for their investment plans and briefed that in order to market Thar, a comprehensive incentive package has been developed with consultation from all stake holders, which included; 20 per cent IRR to firms 30 years exemption on corporate tax and minimum turnover tax to mine and power plant operators, all custom duties on import of coal mining projects allowed at zero per cent to reduce the initial capital investment, exemption on withholding tax to shareholder on dividend for initial 30 years, project construction and operations to reduce the initial capital investment.
He further said that Thar Coal field would also be declared as Special Economic Zone which will bring further advantages and incentives to the company.
Mr. Liyuang Liu, Chairman of the company informed that they will complete feasibility study during six months and mining would be started in April, 2012.
He also said that a Sino-Pak friendship has become an example for the world and “we are standing side by side with the people to Pakistan to overcome the shortfall of power in Pakistan”.
The delegates informed that Global Mining Company also intends to invest in infrastructure & construction such as transmission line, road network, communication etc.
The Chairman, BOI assured the delegates of all possible support from Board of Investment and the government for their projects in Pakistan.
Jay, Q Liang-vice Chairman, Peter Zoe, Executive Director, Jian Zhao Geologist Abdul Qayoum Director, Athar Naseem Shaikh of the company and senior officers form BOI were also present in the meeting.
The Chairman BOI informed that Global Mining Company had also signed an MoU with government of Sindh for the project and the company plans to invest US $ 4.5 billion till 2016.
Saleem Mandviwala appreciated the efforts being made by the company for their investment plans and briefed that in order to market Thar, a comprehensive incentive package has been developed with consultation from all stake holders, which included; 20 per cent IRR to firms 30 years exemption on corporate tax and minimum turnover tax to mine and power plant operators, all custom duties on import of coal mining projects allowed at zero per cent to reduce the initial capital investment, exemption on withholding tax to shareholder on dividend for initial 30 years, project construction and operations to reduce the initial capital investment.
He further said that Thar Coal field would also be declared as Special Economic Zone which will bring further advantages and incentives to the company.
Mr. Liyuang Liu, Chairman of the company informed that they will complete feasibility study during six months and mining would be started in April, 2012.
He also said that a Sino-Pak friendship has become an example for the world and “we are standing side by side with the people to Pakistan to overcome the shortfall of power in Pakistan”.
The delegates informed that Global Mining Company also intends to invest in infrastructure & construction such as transmission line, road network, communication etc.
The Chairman, BOI assured the delegates of all possible support from Board of Investment and the government for their projects in Pakistan.
Jay, Q Liang-vice Chairman, Peter Zoe, Executive Director, Jian Zhao Geologist Abdul Qayoum Director, Athar Naseem Shaikh of the company and senior officers form BOI were also present in the meeting.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Aleem Dar dedicates ICC award to flood victims in Pakistan
Karachi: Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar has dedicated his third consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year award to the flood and dengue disease victims in Pakistan.
Dar, who walked with the prestigious award for the third successive time on Monday said he saw the award as a tribute and gift for the resilience of the Pakistani nation.
"Pakistan is presently facing so many problems from the floods, dengue disease and even otherwise. Yet we fight on and that is amazing for me. I see this award as a feel good factor for my fellow Pakistanis," Dar said from London.
He hoped that Pakistan would soon be rid of all its problems.
"In my own capacity, I want to win more awards for my country," he added.
Dar admitted that the UDRS and the Hot-Spot technology had increased pressure on umpires but said this was part and parcel of the job.
"Yes, there is added pressure now because of these technologies but I try to do my job confidently and rely on my ability. When I give a decision it is with 100 percent confidence. I don't see how big a player is there or which team he belongs too," the Pakistani umpire said.
He said the use of technology was beneficial for the game and added a new dimension to the sport but would improve further.
Dar who hails from Lahore related his success to his mental strength and self belief.
"One just has to learn to deal with the pressure that comes at this level. There will always be pressure decisions and one must count on one's ability. That is what I try to do all the time and so far God has been kind to me."
He also made it clear that he didn't get intimidated by any team or player or by the pressure situation.
"An umpire needs to keep a cool head all the time despite all the pressure and strain."
Dar who made his international debut as an umpire in 2000 before joining the Elite Panel in 2004 said that people must realize that umpires were human beings and prone to making errors.
"No one likes to give a wrong decision but at times anyone can get it wrong. The way I look at my career is that as long as I am fit and I am able to cope with the pressure and work with the technology, I will continue at the top level there is no immediate retirement plan for me."
Dar said his biggest desire was to see foreign teams start touring Pakistan again.
"I think the ICC and other member nations can help us a lot because the Pakistani people are cricket fanatics and very passionate about their team. It is sad that in the last two years no team has toured Pakistan and I hope that changes soon."
He put down his award and success to the prayers of his countrymen, elders and his family and the support he got from is wife all the time.
Dar, who walked with the prestigious award for the third successive time on Monday said he saw the award as a tribute and gift for the resilience of the Pakistani nation.
"Pakistan is presently facing so many problems from the floods, dengue disease and even otherwise. Yet we fight on and that is amazing for me. I see this award as a feel good factor for my fellow Pakistanis," Dar said from London.
He hoped that Pakistan would soon be rid of all its problems.
"In my own capacity, I want to win more awards for my country," he added.
Dar admitted that the UDRS and the Hot-Spot technology had increased pressure on umpires but said this was part and parcel of the job.
"Yes, there is added pressure now because of these technologies but I try to do my job confidently and rely on my ability. When I give a decision it is with 100 percent confidence. I don't see how big a player is there or which team he belongs too," the Pakistani umpire said.
He said the use of technology was beneficial for the game and added a new dimension to the sport but would improve further.
Dar who hails from Lahore related his success to his mental strength and self belief.
"One just has to learn to deal with the pressure that comes at this level. There will always be pressure decisions and one must count on one's ability. That is what I try to do all the time and so far God has been kind to me."
He also made it clear that he didn't get intimidated by any team or player or by the pressure situation.
"An umpire needs to keep a cool head all the time despite all the pressure and strain."
Dar who made his international debut as an umpire in 2000 before joining the Elite Panel in 2004 said that people must realize that umpires were human beings and prone to making errors.
"No one likes to give a wrong decision but at times anyone can get it wrong. The way I look at my career is that as long as I am fit and I am able to cope with the pressure and work with the technology, I will continue at the top level there is no immediate retirement plan for me."
Dar said his biggest desire was to see foreign teams start touring Pakistan again.
"I think the ICC and other member nations can help us a lot because the Pakistani people are cricket fanatics and very passionate about their team. It is sad that in the last two years no team has toured Pakistan and I hope that changes soon."
He put down his award and success to the prayers of his countrymen, elders and his family and the support he got from is wife all the time.
You have done us proud, Aleem
For a nation battling the mosquitoes, the downpour and the gunnysacks, the welcome sight of Aleem Dar beaming with the David Shepherd Trophy in London brought momentary respite to many.
With Pakistan failing to land any other awards at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual event — Wahab Riaz and Azhar Ali were the only two shortlisted despite a respectable performance from others — Dar, donning the smile of a silent performer, held the trophy aloft for the third year running.
Unlike any other award that was given at the ceremony, the ICC Umpire of the Year Award bears the endorsement of all 10 Test captains as well as the governing body’s panel of umpires — a group of stakeholders intimately involved with the game and with decisions made on the field. To have the respect of all captains, of colleagues and of fans — who probably adore the Pakistani more than any current cricketer from the land — and being named the best for three years running, is nothing short of extraordinary.
And it’s not just the cricket world that has recognised the efforts of Dar for he was also awarded the Pride of Performance last year, recognition unknown for umpires of the country.
A humble individual from Jhang, Dar stood in his first One-Day International in the year 2000, quietly working up the ranks ensuring the laws of the game are enforced in an effective and non-controversial manner. His act seems quite ironic, with him coming from a land where rules are, literally, made to be broken. From a land where the size of your car is inversely proportional to the number of rules you need to follow and where law-abiding nationals are frowned upon and law-enforcing officials are splashed upon.
While he was not able to make his name playing the sport, he has certainly done his nation proud supervising it. And unlike most of those who have donned the green cap of Pakistan, Dar knows when to walk out. He has realised he can officiate for a further 20 years but has confirmed he will step down respectably in just seven — before he faces the axe.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2011.
With Pakistan failing to land any other awards at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual event — Wahab Riaz and Azhar Ali were the only two shortlisted despite a respectable performance from others — Dar, donning the smile of a silent performer, held the trophy aloft for the third year running.
Unlike any other award that was given at the ceremony, the ICC Umpire of the Year Award bears the endorsement of all 10 Test captains as well as the governing body’s panel of umpires — a group of stakeholders intimately involved with the game and with decisions made on the field. To have the respect of all captains, of colleagues and of fans — who probably adore the Pakistani more than any current cricketer from the land — and being named the best for three years running, is nothing short of extraordinary.
And it’s not just the cricket world that has recognised the efforts of Dar for he was also awarded the Pride of Performance last year, recognition unknown for umpires of the country.
A humble individual from Jhang, Dar stood in his first One-Day International in the year 2000, quietly working up the ranks ensuring the laws of the game are enforced in an effective and non-controversial manner. His act seems quite ironic, with him coming from a land where rules are, literally, made to be broken. From a land where the size of your car is inversely proportional to the number of rules you need to follow and where law-abiding nationals are frowned upon and law-enforcing officials are splashed upon.
While he was not able to make his name playing the sport, he has certainly done his nation proud supervising it. And unlike most of those who have donned the green cap of Pakistan, Dar knows when to walk out. He has realised he can officiate for a further 20 years but has confirmed he will step down respectably in just seven — before he faces the axe.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2011.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Mobile Sector: Telecom shows growth
ISLAMABAD: In contrast to the economic situation, the telecom sector is witnessing positive growth and total teledensity of the country grew by more than 2.67 per cent in the last one year. Official sources in the Pakistan Telecom Authority said cellular mobile sector is the driving force in terms of revenue in the telecom sector, which accounts for 67 per cent of the total telecom revenue, whereas fixed line services share is 26 per cent of total revenue generation of telecom sector. The sector had been contributing over Rs100 billion each year since the last few years.
Pakistan 5th in Asian mobile phone users
ISLAMABAD:Pakistan ranks 5th in Asia in mobile phone users as more than 100 million people are using mobile phones in the country, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) said on Wednesday.
Around 10 million new connections were issued domestically last year, a private TV news channel reported. According to statistics released by the PTA, the number of mobile phone users in Pakistan has reached 131 million. PTA said that the main reason behind the increasing number of mobile phone users is competitive tendency and lower calling charges. It said that the use of mobile phones has brought changes in the people’s living standards, which is also why its demand is increasing day by day.
Around 10 million new connections were issued domestically last year, a private TV news channel reported. According to statistics released by the PTA, the number of mobile phone users in Pakistan has reached 131 million. PTA said that the main reason behind the increasing number of mobile phone users is competitive tendency and lower calling charges. It said that the use of mobile phones has brought changes in the people’s living standards, which is also why its demand is increasing day by day.
Pakistan IT firm bags second prize for educational mobile app
Pakistan’s fast-growing mobile application industry has marked another record as a Pakistani firm TenPearls bagged second position and received a $50,000 cash prize at Nokia & AT&T’s Innovators 2011 Contest for its app Animal101.
Animal 101 is an interactive application for children and parents alike. It is a learning based application about animals that aims to teach children of 3-8 years to learn about animals by engaging them in fun and interactive games.
It was selected in the Trivia and Education category.
Competing against 800 entrants for the top spot, this is the second award TenPearls has received for its mobile apps within a year.
The first award was first prize that TenPearls received for the uTrack mobile app earlier in 2011 for the same platform in Pakistan.
The Calling All Innovators 2011 global competition encouraged app and game developers from around the world to submit mobile apps in 17 categories for a chance to share in a total of $10 million in cash and prizes.
The Calling All Innovators 2011 Contest used a blend of consumer and expert judging to determine the category winners. The judging was based on total app downloads by consumers and sales totals on Nokia’s Ovi Store.
The top 10 apps in each category (five paid apps and five free apps) advanced as category finalists and were then judged by an expert panel of judges from AT&T and Nokia.
Nokia chose this blend of consumer and expert judging to help ensure that the best apps were not only the most popular apps but also provide the best user experience.
TenPearls has plans to launch a number of new feature rich mobile apps in Pakistan for Nokia.
Imran Aftab, President of TenPearls said that his company is looking forward to building more applications on Nokia’s smart devices.
A version of this post originally appeared on ProPakistani.
Animal 101 is an interactive application for children and parents alike. It is a learning based application about animals that aims to teach children of 3-8 years to learn about animals by engaging them in fun and interactive games.
It was selected in the Trivia and Education category.
Competing against 800 entrants for the top spot, this is the second award TenPearls has received for its mobile apps within a year.
The first award was first prize that TenPearls received for the uTrack mobile app earlier in 2011 for the same platform in Pakistan.
The Calling All Innovators 2011 global competition encouraged app and game developers from around the world to submit mobile apps in 17 categories for a chance to share in a total of $10 million in cash and prizes.
The Calling All Innovators 2011 Contest used a blend of consumer and expert judging to determine the category winners. The judging was based on total app downloads by consumers and sales totals on Nokia’s Ovi Store.
The top 10 apps in each category (five paid apps and five free apps) advanced as category finalists and were then judged by an expert panel of judges from AT&T and Nokia.
Nokia chose this blend of consumer and expert judging to help ensure that the best apps were not only the most popular apps but also provide the best user experience.
TenPearls has plans to launch a number of new feature rich mobile apps in Pakistan for Nokia.
Imran Aftab, President of TenPearls said that his company is looking forward to building more applications on Nokia’s smart devices.
A version of this post originally appeared on ProPakistani.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Motorcycle industry goes full throttle with rebound in exports
KARACHI: The domestic motorcycle industry has registered a remarkable recovery during the four months ending July 2011, industry executives told The News on Monday.
“The motorcycle industry has started taking its roots in the international markets and exported around 10,500 units to different countries during April-July,” Sabir Shaikh, chairman, Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers said.
The exports have picked up to $1.34 million after a 135 percent drop in 2010/11, Shaikh said. The quality and price of locally-produced bikes have effectively checked imports, he said.
Last year, exports experienced a steep decline after a major policy shift by the government when the Research & Development (R&D) facility was withdrawn from the motorcycle industry, he said.
Motorcycle exports stood at $786,310 in the year 2008/09 and surged to $3.5 million in the next year on the back of $50 per unit Research and Development facility. Exports fell by 135 percent after the withdrawal of this facility, said the APMA Chairman.
Fahad Iqbal, Chief Executive HKF Engineering the makers of Ravi motorcycles, said the decline in exports would have been much higher, but the prudent marketing strategy keep it under control.
“Exports of motorcycles averaged over 2,500 units during the last four months, which is a good sign for the industry. This, he added, is double the monthly export of 1,200 units in 2009/10 when record exports were witnessed. He said that the trend is expected to continue and Pakistan will easily be able to double its motorcycle exports this year,” he said.
The progress this sector has made over the last ten years is a proof that Pakistani entrepreneurs can compete with the best in the world if consistent policies are in place, he said, adding the industry provides a viable option as the next emerging export after textiles from Pakistan.
“We are aiming to export half a million units annually by the year 2016, but for this we want consistency of policy ,” Fahad claimed.
Growth in this sector means that part making industries like steel, rubber, electronics, and plastics, also get a boost, he added. The industry creates downstream avenues like motorcycle dealerships for new and old bikes, repair, and maintenance workshops and spare-parts businesses.
“The motorcycle industry has started taking its roots in the international markets and exported around 10,500 units to different countries during April-July,” Sabir Shaikh, chairman, Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers said.
The exports have picked up to $1.34 million after a 135 percent drop in 2010/11, Shaikh said. The quality and price of locally-produced bikes have effectively checked imports, he said.
Last year, exports experienced a steep decline after a major policy shift by the government when the Research & Development (R&D) facility was withdrawn from the motorcycle industry, he said.
Motorcycle exports stood at $786,310 in the year 2008/09 and surged to $3.5 million in the next year on the back of $50 per unit Research and Development facility. Exports fell by 135 percent after the withdrawal of this facility, said the APMA Chairman.
Fahad Iqbal, Chief Executive HKF Engineering the makers of Ravi motorcycles, said the decline in exports would have been much higher, but the prudent marketing strategy keep it under control.
“Exports of motorcycles averaged over 2,500 units during the last four months, which is a good sign for the industry. This, he added, is double the monthly export of 1,200 units in 2009/10 when record exports were witnessed. He said that the trend is expected to continue and Pakistan will easily be able to double its motorcycle exports this year,” he said.
The progress this sector has made over the last ten years is a proof that Pakistani entrepreneurs can compete with the best in the world if consistent policies are in place, he said, adding the industry provides a viable option as the next emerging export after textiles from Pakistan.
“We are aiming to export half a million units annually by the year 2016, but for this we want consistency of policy ,” Fahad claimed.
Growth in this sector means that part making industries like steel, rubber, electronics, and plastics, also get a boost, he added. The industry creates downstream avenues like motorcycle dealerships for new and old bikes, repair, and maintenance workshops and spare-parts businesses.
Foreign investment: UK-Pakistan trade to reach £2.5b by 2015
ISLAMABAD:Members of a trade mission from the United Kingdom met with senior political and business leaders of Pakistan here on Monday to identify new investment opportunities in the country.
The delegation, whose members represent financial and mining sectors of the United Kingdom, will hold several meetings over the next few days with key business and political leaders in different cities, according to a statement released by the British High Commission.
“This trade mission will explore, identify and commercialise untapped and underdeveloped mining opportunities throughout Pakistan by bridging the gap between London’s capital markets and Pakistan’s mining sector,” the statement said quoting one of the trade mission’s lead coordinators, Nadim Khan, who is a corporate finance partner at a UK law firm.
“We will be looking to provide Pakistan with access to world-class entrepreneurial support, significant foreign capital and technical expertise, which will hopefully provide a gateway for others to follow across other sectors,” Khan said.
The UK is the second largest overseas investor in Pakistan, with over 100 companies operating in the country in different sectors, including education, retail, pharmaceuticals, banking and energy.
Major British companies include Unilever, Shell, GlaxoSmithKline, Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays.
The statement said that generally, British companies reported a good return on their investments in Pakistan, as it was a relatively open economy with a pro-business regulatory regime.“A successful mission will contribute to the target of increasing bilateral trade to £2.5 billion by 2015,” Khan said. Bilateral trade between the UK and Pakistan in 2010 was £1.19 billion.
The delegation, whose members represent financial and mining sectors of the United Kingdom, will hold several meetings over the next few days with key business and political leaders in different cities, according to a statement released by the British High Commission.
“This trade mission will explore, identify and commercialise untapped and underdeveloped mining opportunities throughout Pakistan by bridging the gap between London’s capital markets and Pakistan’s mining sector,” the statement said quoting one of the trade mission’s lead coordinators, Nadim Khan, who is a corporate finance partner at a UK law firm.
“We will be looking to provide Pakistan with access to world-class entrepreneurial support, significant foreign capital and technical expertise, which will hopefully provide a gateway for others to follow across other sectors,” Khan said.
The UK is the second largest overseas investor in Pakistan, with over 100 companies operating in the country in different sectors, including education, retail, pharmaceuticals, banking and energy.
Major British companies include Unilever, Shell, GlaxoSmithKline, Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays.
The statement said that generally, British companies reported a good return on their investments in Pakistan, as it was a relatively open economy with a pro-business regulatory regime.“A successful mission will contribute to the target of increasing bilateral trade to £2.5 billion by 2015,” Khan said. Bilateral trade between the UK and Pakistan in 2010 was £1.19 billion.
Pak-Romania cooperation accord inked
SLAMABAD, (SANA): Pakistan and Romania signed an agreement on economic, scientific and Technical cooperation here on Monday.
Mr. Abdul Wajid Rana, Secretary Economic Affairs Division signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan Government whereas Romanian Ambassador Mr. Emilian Ion signed on behalf of Romanian Government.
The agreement shall promote cooperation between the two countries in the fields of industry, agriculture, forestry, energy sector, research and development, telecommunication, computing & informatics, transport, logistics, environment protection, tourism, investment promotion, SME cooperation, education, health case and science and technology.
Under the signed Agreement, Pakistan-Romania Joint Commission would be set up. The Commission will work for identification of new development opportunities, develop proposals for economic cooperation of the government institutions, as well as establish ad-hoc or permanent expert working groups and committee of both countries.
The Commission shall hold its meeting at least once a year alternately in Pakistan and Romania and will review progress of decisions undertaken in the previous meetings.
Mr. Abdul Wajid Rana, Secretary Economic Affairs Division signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan Government whereas Romanian Ambassador Mr. Emilian Ion signed on behalf of Romanian Government.
The agreement shall promote cooperation between the two countries in the fields of industry, agriculture, forestry, energy sector, research and development, telecommunication, computing & informatics, transport, logistics, environment protection, tourism, investment promotion, SME cooperation, education, health case and science and technology.
Under the signed Agreement, Pakistan-Romania Joint Commission would be set up. The Commission will work for identification of new development opportunities, develop proposals for economic cooperation of the government institutions, as well as establish ad-hoc or permanent expert working groups and committee of both countries.
The Commission shall hold its meeting at least once a year alternately in Pakistan and Romania and will review progress of decisions undertaken in the previous meetings.
Record $1.3bn remitted in August
Overseas Pakistani workers remitted $2,406.78 million in first two months (July-August) of 2011-12, showing impressive growth of 39.58 per cent.
KARACHI: Overseas Pakistanis remitted record $1.31 billion in August 2011 as against $933.06 million in same month of last year, showing a tremendous jump of 40.45 per cent, State Bank of Pakistan said on Monday.
The previous highest amount remitted in a single month by overseas Pakistani workers was recorded in June 2011 when they sent home $1.10 billion. This was sixth consecutive month when overseas Pakistani remitted over $1 billion. They had remitted $1.05 billion, $1.03 billion, $1.04 billion, $1.10 billion and 1.09 billion in March, April, May, June and July 2011 respectively.
Remittances received from all countries showed impressive growth. In August 2011, inflow of remittances from Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK, GCC countries (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman), and EU countries amounted to $309.79 million, $294.46 million, $263.58 million, $163.90 million, $134.31 million and $42.38 million respectively as compared with inflow of $205.56 million, $212.56 million, $186.82 million, $108.29 million, $108.54 million & $29.14 million respectively in August 2010. Remittances from Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, other countries in the month under review amounted to $102.05 million as against $82.15 million received in August 2010.
Overseas Pakistani workers remitted $2,406.78 million in first two months (July-August) of 2011-12, showing impressive growth of 39.58 per cent or $682.54 million when compared with $1.724 billion received in same period of last fiscal year.
Inflow of remittances in July-August 2011 from Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK, GCC countries (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman), and EU states amounted to $601.62 million, $552.11 million, $458.45 million, $282.45 million, $250.76 million and $74.97 million respectively as compared with $400.50 million, $389.59 million, $330.68 million, $193.86 million, $209.79 million and $52.99 million respectively in July-August 2010.
Remittances from Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan and other countries in first two months of current fiscal year amounted to $186.42 million as against $146.83 million received in the period last fiscal year.
SBP, Ministries of Finance and Overseas Pakistanis had undertaken joint Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) to facilitate flow of remittances through formal channels. It has shown remarkable progress as remittances through formal channels have beaten all previous records.
KARACHI: Overseas Pakistanis remitted record $1.31 billion in August 2011 as against $933.06 million in same month of last year, showing a tremendous jump of 40.45 per cent, State Bank of Pakistan said on Monday.
The previous highest amount remitted in a single month by overseas Pakistani workers was recorded in June 2011 when they sent home $1.10 billion. This was sixth consecutive month when overseas Pakistani remitted over $1 billion. They had remitted $1.05 billion, $1.03 billion, $1.04 billion, $1.10 billion and 1.09 billion in March, April, May, June and July 2011 respectively.
Remittances received from all countries showed impressive growth. In August 2011, inflow of remittances from Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK, GCC countries (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman), and EU countries amounted to $309.79 million, $294.46 million, $263.58 million, $163.90 million, $134.31 million and $42.38 million respectively as compared with inflow of $205.56 million, $212.56 million, $186.82 million, $108.29 million, $108.54 million & $29.14 million respectively in August 2010. Remittances from Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, other countries in the month under review amounted to $102.05 million as against $82.15 million received in August 2010.
Overseas Pakistani workers remitted $2,406.78 million in first two months (July-August) of 2011-12, showing impressive growth of 39.58 per cent or $682.54 million when compared with $1.724 billion received in same period of last fiscal year.
Inflow of remittances in July-August 2011 from Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK, GCC countries (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman), and EU states amounted to $601.62 million, $552.11 million, $458.45 million, $282.45 million, $250.76 million and $74.97 million respectively as compared with $400.50 million, $389.59 million, $330.68 million, $193.86 million, $209.79 million and $52.99 million respectively in July-August 2010.
Remittances from Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan and other countries in first two months of current fiscal year amounted to $186.42 million as against $146.83 million received in the period last fiscal year.
SBP, Ministries of Finance and Overseas Pakistanis had undertaken joint Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) to facilitate flow of remittances through formal channels. It has shown remarkable progress as remittances through formal channels have beaten all previous records.
Pakistani PM Stresses Rapid Expansion of Ties with Iran
TEHRAN (FNA)- Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Islamabad attaches much value to its relations with Iran, and underlined the need for accelerating development of ties between the two neighboring states, given the two nations' political, geographical and cultural commonalities.
Speaking to reporters during a joint press conference with Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi here in Tehran on Tuesday, the Pakistani premier voiced pleasure in his meetings with senior Iranian officials, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Vice-President Rahimi and Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.
He said that during the meetings, the two sides have discussed promotion of economic relations and described priorities, including building road and rail connections as well as energy cooperation "as we believe that these areas of cooperation would promote peace and stability in the region".
Accelerated expedition of a multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline project which is due to take Iran's gas reserves to Pakistan and export of 1000 MW of Iranian-generated electricity to Pakistan have been among the main points touched in the talks between the Pakistani premier and Iranian officials, according to Gilani.
Cooperation in facing security challenges and campaign against terrorism, extremism and drug-trafficking and goods smuggling was among other areas of our discussions, he added.
According to Gilani, the two countries agreed to increase bilateral trade to $10bln from the current $1.2bln.
Gilani said two committees, one headed by foreign ministers and the other by interior ministers, would meet on a regular basis to make their borders safe and work out ways of boosting economic activities and trade.
He said there was a paradigm shift in Pakistan's foreign policy and it wanted to forge close relations with its neighbors. Iran, he added, was one of the countries with which it would like to develop 'very close relations' as it is a very important regional state and a neighbor of Pakistan.
Pakistan has requested to open a consulate in the port city of Bandar Abbas in Southern Iran and a cultural center in Tehran, Gilani said, reminding that the move would narrow down the gap between the two nations.
Gilani arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking politico-economic delegation on Sunday and met with top Iranian officials to discuss expansion of all-out ties and cooperation.
Speaking to reporters during a joint press conference with Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi here in Tehran on Tuesday, the Pakistani premier voiced pleasure in his meetings with senior Iranian officials, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Vice-President Rahimi and Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.
He said that during the meetings, the two sides have discussed promotion of economic relations and described priorities, including building road and rail connections as well as energy cooperation "as we believe that these areas of cooperation would promote peace and stability in the region".
Accelerated expedition of a multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline project which is due to take Iran's gas reserves to Pakistan and export of 1000 MW of Iranian-generated electricity to Pakistan have been among the main points touched in the talks between the Pakistani premier and Iranian officials, according to Gilani.
Cooperation in facing security challenges and campaign against terrorism, extremism and drug-trafficking and goods smuggling was among other areas of our discussions, he added.
According to Gilani, the two countries agreed to increase bilateral trade to $10bln from the current $1.2bln.
Gilani said two committees, one headed by foreign ministers and the other by interior ministers, would meet on a regular basis to make their borders safe and work out ways of boosting economic activities and trade.
He said there was a paradigm shift in Pakistan's foreign policy and it wanted to forge close relations with its neighbors. Iran, he added, was one of the countries with which it would like to develop 'very close relations' as it is a very important regional state and a neighbor of Pakistan.
Pakistan has requested to open a consulate in the port city of Bandar Abbas in Southern Iran and a cultural center in Tehran, Gilani said, reminding that the move would narrow down the gap between the two nations.
Gilani arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking politico-economic delegation on Sunday and met with top Iranian officials to discuss expansion of all-out ties and cooperation.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
One student’s journey from small-town Balochistan to Harvard University
Located on the outskirts of Quetta, is the barren valley of Mariabad where the Hazara lead slow-paced lives. These tribal people, living in narrow brick huts speckled along the rugged hillside, typically sell loose cloth, sweaters or tea for their livelihood.
Like most poor people, their aspirations rarely go beyond sustaining themselves in this underdeveloped nook of Balochistan. Many of them live and die in Mariabad — unaware of the complex concerns and tremendous pace of life in urban centres like Karachi and Lahore.
But one student — the son of a trader who sold Quaid-e-Azam style caps in Mariabad for a living — dared to tread a radically different path. Karrar Hussain Jaffar transcended the confines of an obscure town in Balochistan, where people rarely educate themselves beyond matriculation, to study at the prestigious Harvard University. His story — a narrative about the wondrous possibilities of equal educational opportunities — is truly inspirational.
“My childhood friends, with whom I spent my youth playing cricket, drive suzukis and rickshaws in Quetta for a living, while I am a PhD student in the US,” says Karrar in a humble tone. “I often wonder why God chose me, out of all the people in my community, to get ahead in life?”
Karrar attributes his educational achievement to his father’s passion for his children’s higher education. He vividly remembers the chilly morning when his father showed him the ad for Lahore University of Management Sciences’ national outreach programme (NOP), which aimed to sponsor education and living expenses for capable students who could not have afford to pay.
“I was doing my FSc at Cadet college and didn’t even know a single thing about LUMS at that point in time,” he fondly recollects. “I didn’t take the ad seriously because LUMS did not offer engineering, the field I was interested in.”
When he returned back to college from his winter break, he attended a presentation by a LUMS’ faculty member, who introduced students to the national outreach programme.
“At the end of the presentation we all took a pre-screening exam,” he explains. “A few weeks later, I got a letter from LUMS inviting me to attend sponsored classes for SAT preparation.”
During the four weeks he spent rigorously studying for the SATs, he fell in love with LUMS. To him the institution seemed otherworldly; its grand building, spacious classrooms and impressive teachers fascinated him.
“I never knew things could be so orderly and perfect; it was like I was in a foreign country,” he remarks. “I felt very motivated to study hard and join the institution.”
But his herculean struggle with English often left him frustrated.
“I had always dismissed English as a colonial remnant in our country so I really struggled while preparing for the test.”
Yet with utmost dedication, Karrar managed to clear the screening exam at the end of the four-week training and was selected to take the SAT exams, sponsored by the university. After obtaining an impressive score in his SATs, Karrar got admitted in LUMS and was offered a full scholarship and a monthly stipend.
“I came to LUMS in very high spirits,” reminisces the bright student.
But Karrar, who had attended the NOP training program at LUMS during the quiet summer break, had never seen the institution in full semestral bloom. When he saw throngs of students, clad in western wear and fluent in English, emerging from every nook and cranny, his excitement gave way to culture shock.
“I was used to wearing shalwar kamiz, but at LUMS most people were wearing jeans. I would greet people by saying salaam, while the other students would ask ‘what’s up?’” he recollects in an amused tone.
Often feeling like a misfit during his first year at university, Karrar mostly spent his days with other NOP students. “But after a year I managed to befriend other students from Lyceum and Karachi Grammar school.”
He sheepishly adds, “After a year I figured out that ‘what’s up?’ is equivalent to saying salaam.”
Karrar graduated on the Dean’s honour list, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 and 3.68 in his majors, Maths and Economics, respectively.
“I got job offers in the banking industry after graduating but I turned them down because I wanted to tread an academic path,” he explains in a categorical tone.
A year after graduating, Karrar got a Fulbright scholarship to study in the US.
“I simply told the interview panel that I want to come back to Balochistan after completing my studies. That’s where my home is; that’s where I belong,” he explains passionately.
But perhaps the most memorable moment in his life — an incident he recalls quite animatedly — was when he found out that he made it to Harvard University.
“I had no internet at home in Mariabad so I walked 15 minutes or so to a nearby internet cafe to check my email for Harvard’s decision,” he explains. “When I saw the acceptance email, I just thought it was too good to be true.”
Yet after he raced back home to reveal the news to his parents, his moment of rapture soon transformed into a session of lengthy clarification.
“My mother asked me what Harvard was and my father asked me to wait for potential offers by other universities” he says with a laugh. “It took a while to convince them that I got into the world’s top university.”
But ironically for a student, who was left disconcerted by the ‘westernised’ student body at LUMS, adjusting to life at an American institution was smooth sailing.
“After LUMS, I was very used to being around different types of people so studying and living in the US was not such a problem.”
Karrar completed his Master’s last year and is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics from the University of Southern California.
What does he want to do with all the knowledge he is amassing?
“I want to increase educational awareness in Balochistan—particularly amongst people from my community,” he says.
The young academic’s goal might seem like the reiteration of the clichéd promise of “development” that many educated Pakistan promise their country. However, Karrar is actually a first-hand witness of how education can revolutionize communities and places.
“Because of all that I achieved, my parents allowed my sister to get college education in Lahore and my brother got the motivation to get a scholarship to study in Australia,” he says with a hint of pride.
Karrar confesses that most of his family and friends cannot even comprehend what his life is like in the US. But he is fairly confident that after he returns, he can change that.
“I can make them realise the value of education,” he says.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2011
Like most poor people, their aspirations rarely go beyond sustaining themselves in this underdeveloped nook of Balochistan. Many of them live and die in Mariabad — unaware of the complex concerns and tremendous pace of life in urban centres like Karachi and Lahore.
But one student — the son of a trader who sold Quaid-e-Azam style caps in Mariabad for a living — dared to tread a radically different path. Karrar Hussain Jaffar transcended the confines of an obscure town in Balochistan, where people rarely educate themselves beyond matriculation, to study at the prestigious Harvard University. His story — a narrative about the wondrous possibilities of equal educational opportunities — is truly inspirational.
“My childhood friends, with whom I spent my youth playing cricket, drive suzukis and rickshaws in Quetta for a living, while I am a PhD student in the US,” says Karrar in a humble tone. “I often wonder why God chose me, out of all the people in my community, to get ahead in life?”
Karrar attributes his educational achievement to his father’s passion for his children’s higher education. He vividly remembers the chilly morning when his father showed him the ad for Lahore University of Management Sciences’ national outreach programme (NOP), which aimed to sponsor education and living expenses for capable students who could not have afford to pay.
“I was doing my FSc at Cadet college and didn’t even know a single thing about LUMS at that point in time,” he fondly recollects. “I didn’t take the ad seriously because LUMS did not offer engineering, the field I was interested in.”
When he returned back to college from his winter break, he attended a presentation by a LUMS’ faculty member, who introduced students to the national outreach programme.
“At the end of the presentation we all took a pre-screening exam,” he explains. “A few weeks later, I got a letter from LUMS inviting me to attend sponsored classes for SAT preparation.”
During the four weeks he spent rigorously studying for the SATs, he fell in love with LUMS. To him the institution seemed otherworldly; its grand building, spacious classrooms and impressive teachers fascinated him.
“I never knew things could be so orderly and perfect; it was like I was in a foreign country,” he remarks. “I felt very motivated to study hard and join the institution.”
But his herculean struggle with English often left him frustrated.
“I had always dismissed English as a colonial remnant in our country so I really struggled while preparing for the test.”
Yet with utmost dedication, Karrar managed to clear the screening exam at the end of the four-week training and was selected to take the SAT exams, sponsored by the university. After obtaining an impressive score in his SATs, Karrar got admitted in LUMS and was offered a full scholarship and a monthly stipend.
“I came to LUMS in very high spirits,” reminisces the bright student.
But Karrar, who had attended the NOP training program at LUMS during the quiet summer break, had never seen the institution in full semestral bloom. When he saw throngs of students, clad in western wear and fluent in English, emerging from every nook and cranny, his excitement gave way to culture shock.
“I was used to wearing shalwar kamiz, but at LUMS most people were wearing jeans. I would greet people by saying salaam, while the other students would ask ‘what’s up?’” he recollects in an amused tone.
Often feeling like a misfit during his first year at university, Karrar mostly spent his days with other NOP students. “But after a year I managed to befriend other students from Lyceum and Karachi Grammar school.”
He sheepishly adds, “After a year I figured out that ‘what’s up?’ is equivalent to saying salaam.”
Karrar graduated on the Dean’s honour list, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 and 3.68 in his majors, Maths and Economics, respectively.
“I got job offers in the banking industry after graduating but I turned them down because I wanted to tread an academic path,” he explains in a categorical tone.
A year after graduating, Karrar got a Fulbright scholarship to study in the US.
“I simply told the interview panel that I want to come back to Balochistan after completing my studies. That’s where my home is; that’s where I belong,” he explains passionately.
But perhaps the most memorable moment in his life — an incident he recalls quite animatedly — was when he found out that he made it to Harvard University.
“I had no internet at home in Mariabad so I walked 15 minutes or so to a nearby internet cafe to check my email for Harvard’s decision,” he explains. “When I saw the acceptance email, I just thought it was too good to be true.”
Yet after he raced back home to reveal the news to his parents, his moment of rapture soon transformed into a session of lengthy clarification.
“My mother asked me what Harvard was and my father asked me to wait for potential offers by other universities” he says with a laugh. “It took a while to convince them that I got into the world’s top university.”
But ironically for a student, who was left disconcerted by the ‘westernised’ student body at LUMS, adjusting to life at an American institution was smooth sailing.
“After LUMS, I was very used to being around different types of people so studying and living in the US was not such a problem.”
Karrar completed his Master’s last year and is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics from the University of Southern California.
What does he want to do with all the knowledge he is amassing?
“I want to increase educational awareness in Balochistan—particularly amongst people from my community,” he says.
The young academic’s goal might seem like the reiteration of the clichéd promise of “development” that many educated Pakistan promise their country. However, Karrar is actually a first-hand witness of how education can revolutionize communities and places.
“Because of all that I achieved, my parents allowed my sister to get college education in Lahore and my brother got the motivation to get a scholarship to study in Australia,” he says with a hint of pride.
Karrar confesses that most of his family and friends cannot even comprehend what his life is like in the US. But he is fairly confident that after he returns, he can change that.
“I can make them realise the value of education,” he says.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2011
South Korean steel giant to invest $200m
South Korea’s largest steel manufacturer, Pohang Iron and Steel Company Limited (Posco), will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tuwairqi Steel Mills Limited (TSML) on Saturday to expand production capacity of Tuwairqi’s steel plant at Karachi’s Port Qasim.
“Posco, which is the world’s fourth largest steelmaker, is investing $200 million to expand the production capacity of Tuwairqi’s steel plant at Port Qasim,” Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Saleem H Mandviwalla said on Friday.
The MoU for this joint venture will be signed on Saturday in Karachi in the presence of Sindh government representatives, he added.
He said that initially Posco would be taking 15 per cent stake in Tuwairqi. The joint venture to produce steel products for automobiles and construction goods will be completed in 2015 with an annual production capacity of two million tons, he said.
Mandviwalla said that Posco would be a great success in Pakistan in monitory terms. “The gap between steel’s demand and supply in Pakistan is met through imports. It is expected that the demand for steel products will be around 18 million tons against the supply of around 10 million tons in 2015,” he said.
The BOI chairman said that Posco would also set up a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the country.
Both Posco and Al Tuwairqi have been in the steel business for many decades.
Al Tuwairqi Holding is setting up a state-of-the-art steel plant with an operational capacity of 1.28 million tons per annum of direct reduced iron (DRI) at Port Qasim.
The BOI chairman said that the investment into the country this year had been around $1.6 billion.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2011.
“Posco, which is the world’s fourth largest steelmaker, is investing $200 million to expand the production capacity of Tuwairqi’s steel plant at Port Qasim,” Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Saleem H Mandviwalla said on Friday.
The MoU for this joint venture will be signed on Saturday in Karachi in the presence of Sindh government representatives, he added.
He said that initially Posco would be taking 15 per cent stake in Tuwairqi. The joint venture to produce steel products for automobiles and construction goods will be completed in 2015 with an annual production capacity of two million tons, he said.
Mandviwalla said that Posco would be a great success in Pakistan in monitory terms. “The gap between steel’s demand and supply in Pakistan is met through imports. It is expected that the demand for steel products will be around 18 million tons against the supply of around 10 million tons in 2015,” he said.
The BOI chairman said that Posco would also set up a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the country.
Both Posco and Al Tuwairqi have been in the steel business for many decades.
Al Tuwairqi Holding is setting up a state-of-the-art steel plant with an operational capacity of 1.28 million tons per annum of direct reduced iron (DRI) at Port Qasim.
The BOI chairman said that the investment into the country this year had been around $1.6 billion.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2011.
Mobile SIM verification system hailed
ISLAMABAD: Mobile SIM Information and Verification System (668) developed, deployed and hosted by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has received a regional appreciation. The application was listed among the finalists during recently held mBillionth South Asian Awards 2011 at New Delhi organised by Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF). mBillionth Award is a dedicated platform to explore the latent potential of mobile & telecom sector across eight countries in South Asia. The award is designed as an annual South Asia’s highest mobile and telecom award platform leading to larger regional mobile congress in media and policy advocacy.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
‘Bol’ gets Indians talking
DEHLI: Facing stiff competition from Salman Khan’s Bodyguard on Eid, Pakistani film Bol is managing to hold its own thanks to the word of mouth publicity.
Dealing with multiple issues ranging from misogyny to prostitution to fanaticism, Bol is director Shoaib Mansoor’s second offering after Khuda Ke Liye. Bol was released alongside mega blockbuster Bodyguard, ‘That girl in yellow boots’ and ‘Mummy Punjabi’. Unlike Khan’s masala movie, Bol offers a riveting storyline and great acting, with people publicising the film more than the PR agencies.
For starters, there is actress Vidya Balan who says, “Loved Bol! Love the performance of the father. The boy who played Saifuddin was cute. My heart went out to him.”
As one of the audience members, Tushar Pahwa, walking out after a show puts it, “Bol is a ubiquitous film- whether a Muslim family in Lahore or a Hindu family in Bihar, everyone can relate to it. Women and transgenders are disrespected in India and Pakistan both. I just hope people start to speak up after watching the movie. It was a good gift for Eid.”
Many have given the tickets to family and friends in beautiful gift envelopes as eidi. “This was my eidi to my sister The film’s message has been well received and I felt my sister must see this movie as an example,” says Shahnawaz Siddique, a shop keeper.
Film critic Taran Adarsh says, “I have a problem with the distributors of Bol, who have come up with a wrong strategy to release the film at the same time as Bodyguard. I think this was a blunder. If it were released at any other time the collections would have been much higher. The word of mouth publicity of the film is good and I would like to say that it is definitely doing better than the other two movies released the same week.”
Even the distributors are happy with the increasing popularity of Bol. Amita from the corporate communications of Eros International, the distributing company, explains, “Media across the board has liked the film and has been extremely supportive of the film. The response has been positive overall. It was the company’s strategy for a worldwide release on Eid. As for India, the numbers are still pouring in but in the middle east the film is doing very well.”
Even Salman Khan fans have expressed their liking for Bol. Pankaj Mishra, a movie buff who watched both Bodyguard and Bol on the same day explains, “There is no comparison between the two. While one is a masala movie for the masses, the other is a serious issue based film. It is sad but true that masala movies always do well in India as they are over hyped and well marketed. The real good cinema gets left behind. Bol is a brilliant film and off late Pakistani movie makers are doing a good job.”
Adarsh also emphasises the brilliance of the film, “I think it is one of the most amazing films to have come out of Pakistan. Shoaib Mansoor excelled in Khuda Ke Liye but this film has gone beyond that.”
People are already watching it twice. Sunita Sinha, another movie buff has a reason to do so, “For me the film has a strong message and inspires me to be brave. I can actually watch it again.”
The tag of a film from Pakistan is one of the main attractions. Anshu Sondhi, a film student, had to see this film as she missed out on Mansoor’s Khuda Ke Liye. She supports the film, “Bol’s concept is different and the actors are good. It gives us an insight into the Pakistani society and we Indians always want to know more about Pakistan. We want to understand the country and the people beyond what our governments want us to believe and see. Movies like Bol bring us closer to our neighbours.”
Kritika Rai, a businesswoman came to know about the film from a friend. She says, “We Indians don’t have that sense to appreciate good movies like Bol and we waste our time on watching stupid movies like Ready and Bodyguard. I think we should support good cinema whether it is from India or Pakistan.”
There is a buzz about Bol in Bollywood also. Many screenings of the film were done before its commercial release. Naseeruddin Shah, icon of Indian cinema, who was to play the role of the father in Bol, praised the film. In an interview to glamsham.com, an entertainment magazine website, he admires the film, “Bol is absolutely the kind of film that Khuda Ke Liye should be followed up by. It deals with an even more important statement like faith and empowerment of women. I have seldom seen a statement made with as much power and feeling as this film. This is yet another film to be proud of. I can only find myself wishing I was a part of this film.”
Bollywood has welcomed the movie from across the border and have supported the idea of art beyond boundaries. Samir Soni, who acted in films like Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham, Fashion and others explains, “To coexist and prosper we need to have a better understanding of each other and issues that affect us. It is only then we realise how similar we truly are and this ends fear and resentment. Cinema is perhaps the most important medium that takes you up close and personal and should not be bound by political boundaries.”
The social theme of the movie has attracted the intelligentsia. Rukmini Sen, a senior entertainment journalist, describes the film as “rebellious, brave and original”. She adds, “Bol talks about the state of third gender in Pakistan. Condition of women and third gender is pathetic in most parts of Asia so the film represents the silence of many of us. Bol deconstructs issues of sexuality and sexual identity very sensitively. It sees the issue in its larger context of patriarchy, feudalism, religion and nation state.”
The treatment of the story is much talked about. Satish Sharma, a painter by profession after watching the film appreciated the director’s strokes. “It was a joy to see how the director puts some of the old world wisdom in the right perspective. Whenever the father of the actress tried to escape a situation by quoting old quotes, she would correct him by putting his lines in the correct perspective. I thought it was intelligently handled.”
While the praises are outdoing the critics, but not all have liked the film. Babita Verma, a social worker by profession objects to the melodrama in the movie especially while dealing with real issues. “It began at some point and ended at another. The director moved away from the plot. It was not comprehensive and dragged at the end,’ disapproves Verma.”
Some have even believed the word of mouth publicity to be the truth. Karishma Kapoor, a teacher, has not seen the film based on her friend’s feedback. “I have heard it is long, technically poor and acting is bad. After this feedback I don’t think I want to go and watch the film. I will catch it on television, as it is a film from Pakistan.”
Dealing with multiple issues ranging from misogyny to prostitution to fanaticism, Bol is director Shoaib Mansoor’s second offering after Khuda Ke Liye. Bol was released alongside mega blockbuster Bodyguard, ‘That girl in yellow boots’ and ‘Mummy Punjabi’. Unlike Khan’s masala movie, Bol offers a riveting storyline and great acting, with people publicising the film more than the PR agencies.
For starters, there is actress Vidya Balan who says, “Loved Bol! Love the performance of the father. The boy who played Saifuddin was cute. My heart went out to him.”
As one of the audience members, Tushar Pahwa, walking out after a show puts it, “Bol is a ubiquitous film- whether a Muslim family in Lahore or a Hindu family in Bihar, everyone can relate to it. Women and transgenders are disrespected in India and Pakistan both. I just hope people start to speak up after watching the movie. It was a good gift for Eid.”
Many have given the tickets to family and friends in beautiful gift envelopes as eidi. “This was my eidi to my sister The film’s message has been well received and I felt my sister must see this movie as an example,” says Shahnawaz Siddique, a shop keeper.
Film critic Taran Adarsh says, “I have a problem with the distributors of Bol, who have come up with a wrong strategy to release the film at the same time as Bodyguard. I think this was a blunder. If it were released at any other time the collections would have been much higher. The word of mouth publicity of the film is good and I would like to say that it is definitely doing better than the other two movies released the same week.”
Even the distributors are happy with the increasing popularity of Bol. Amita from the corporate communications of Eros International, the distributing company, explains, “Media across the board has liked the film and has been extremely supportive of the film. The response has been positive overall. It was the company’s strategy for a worldwide release on Eid. As for India, the numbers are still pouring in but in the middle east the film is doing very well.”
Even Salman Khan fans have expressed their liking for Bol. Pankaj Mishra, a movie buff who watched both Bodyguard and Bol on the same day explains, “There is no comparison between the two. While one is a masala movie for the masses, the other is a serious issue based film. It is sad but true that masala movies always do well in India as they are over hyped and well marketed. The real good cinema gets left behind. Bol is a brilliant film and off late Pakistani movie makers are doing a good job.”
Adarsh also emphasises the brilliance of the film, “I think it is one of the most amazing films to have come out of Pakistan. Shoaib Mansoor excelled in Khuda Ke Liye but this film has gone beyond that.”
People are already watching it twice. Sunita Sinha, another movie buff has a reason to do so, “For me the film has a strong message and inspires me to be brave. I can actually watch it again.”
The tag of a film from Pakistan is one of the main attractions. Anshu Sondhi, a film student, had to see this film as she missed out on Mansoor’s Khuda Ke Liye. She supports the film, “Bol’s concept is different and the actors are good. It gives us an insight into the Pakistani society and we Indians always want to know more about Pakistan. We want to understand the country and the people beyond what our governments want us to believe and see. Movies like Bol bring us closer to our neighbours.”
Kritika Rai, a businesswoman came to know about the film from a friend. She says, “We Indians don’t have that sense to appreciate good movies like Bol and we waste our time on watching stupid movies like Ready and Bodyguard. I think we should support good cinema whether it is from India or Pakistan.”
There is a buzz about Bol in Bollywood also. Many screenings of the film were done before its commercial release. Naseeruddin Shah, icon of Indian cinema, who was to play the role of the father in Bol, praised the film. In an interview to glamsham.com, an entertainment magazine website, he admires the film, “Bol is absolutely the kind of film that Khuda Ke Liye should be followed up by. It deals with an even more important statement like faith and empowerment of women. I have seldom seen a statement made with as much power and feeling as this film. This is yet another film to be proud of. I can only find myself wishing I was a part of this film.”
Bollywood has welcomed the movie from across the border and have supported the idea of art beyond boundaries. Samir Soni, who acted in films like Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham, Fashion and others explains, “To coexist and prosper we need to have a better understanding of each other and issues that affect us. It is only then we realise how similar we truly are and this ends fear and resentment. Cinema is perhaps the most important medium that takes you up close and personal and should not be bound by political boundaries.”
The social theme of the movie has attracted the intelligentsia. Rukmini Sen, a senior entertainment journalist, describes the film as “rebellious, brave and original”. She adds, “Bol talks about the state of third gender in Pakistan. Condition of women and third gender is pathetic in most parts of Asia so the film represents the silence of many of us. Bol deconstructs issues of sexuality and sexual identity very sensitively. It sees the issue in its larger context of patriarchy, feudalism, religion and nation state.”
The treatment of the story is much talked about. Satish Sharma, a painter by profession after watching the film appreciated the director’s strokes. “It was a joy to see how the director puts some of the old world wisdom in the right perspective. Whenever the father of the actress tried to escape a situation by quoting old quotes, she would correct him by putting his lines in the correct perspective. I thought it was intelligently handled.”
While the praises are outdoing the critics, but not all have liked the film. Babita Verma, a social worker by profession objects to the melodrama in the movie especially while dealing with real issues. “It began at some point and ended at another. The director moved away from the plot. It was not comprehensive and dragged at the end,’ disapproves Verma.”
Some have even believed the word of mouth publicity to be the truth. Karishma Kapoor, a teacher, has not seen the film based on her friend’s feedback. “I have heard it is long, technically poor and acting is bad. After this feedback I don’t think I want to go and watch the film. I will catch it on television, as it is a film from Pakistan.”
wi-tribe, Microsoft alliance to enhance online experiences
Karachi—Aiming to take internet users’ online experience to the next level, wi-tribe, Pakistan’s No. 1 Broadband, has joined hands with Microsoft to promote its faster and lighter browser, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9). This is another industry-first by wi-tribe, adding more value to their customers’ online experience.
Through this partnership, wi-tribe will ensure easy availability of one of the most secure, widely deployed and easy-to-use web browsers for its customers, which is sure to enhance their online experience by enabling the latest, media-rich websites. IE9 is a highly advanced browser that supports HTML5, and promises to deliver a seamless and secure internet browsing experience, empowered by a robust set of built-in security and privacy features.
In addition to this partnership, wi-tribe is also proud to be recognized as a Microsoft Registered Partner status. For both wi-tribe and Microsoft, these are some of many exciting steps to be taken during this strategic alliance, aimed at bringing a greater range of world-class offerings to the market by exploiting the long-term synergy between both companies.
Speaking about Microsoft & wi-tribe’s new venture, CEO of wi-tribe Pakistan, Mustafa Peracha, says, “As a registered partner, wi-tribe is very excited about collaborating with Microsoft for the global launch of Internet Explorer 9, a cutting-edge browser promising a captivating and superior web browsing experience for customers and developers alike. We are confident that this alliance will bring a host of value additions to our own community of users, enhancing their online experience to an entirely new and refreshing level. This is an exciting start of a long-term partnership.”
Commenting on the collaboration with wi-tribe Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed, Country General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan said, “The inclusion of Pakistani technology companies in the browser launch is a breakthrough by the Internet Explorer product team. Together Microsoft and wi-tribe can deliver a lot of convenience to Internet users in Pakistan. Such synergies have a positive effect on the overall market scenario for the companies and, in addition, wi-tribe customers can feel more privileged. I think it is imperative for any efficient browser to localize itself as per the dynamics of emerging IT markets, such as Pakistan. I am sure that this partnership will bring a collection of value additions to wi- tribe users, enriching their browsing experience in a beautiful way.”
Through this partnership, wi-tribe will ensure easy availability of one of the most secure, widely deployed and easy-to-use web browsers for its customers, which is sure to enhance their online experience by enabling the latest, media-rich websites. IE9 is a highly advanced browser that supports HTML5, and promises to deliver a seamless and secure internet browsing experience, empowered by a robust set of built-in security and privacy features.
In addition to this partnership, wi-tribe is also proud to be recognized as a Microsoft Registered Partner status. For both wi-tribe and Microsoft, these are some of many exciting steps to be taken during this strategic alliance, aimed at bringing a greater range of world-class offerings to the market by exploiting the long-term synergy between both companies.
Speaking about Microsoft & wi-tribe’s new venture, CEO of wi-tribe Pakistan, Mustafa Peracha, says, “As a registered partner, wi-tribe is very excited about collaborating with Microsoft for the global launch of Internet Explorer 9, a cutting-edge browser promising a captivating and superior web browsing experience for customers and developers alike. We are confident that this alliance will bring a host of value additions to our own community of users, enhancing their online experience to an entirely new and refreshing level. This is an exciting start of a long-term partnership.”
Commenting on the collaboration with wi-tribe Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed, Country General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan said, “The inclusion of Pakistani technology companies in the browser launch is a breakthrough by the Internet Explorer product team. Together Microsoft and wi-tribe can deliver a lot of convenience to Internet users in Pakistan. Such synergies have a positive effect on the overall market scenario for the companies and, in addition, wi-tribe customers can feel more privileged. I think it is imperative for any efficient browser to localize itself as per the dynamics of emerging IT markets, such as Pakistan. I am sure that this partnership will bring a collection of value additions to wi- tribe users, enriching their browsing experience in a beautiful way.”
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Broadband subscription to reach 9.5m by 2014
Broadband subscription to reach 9.5m by 2014
ISLAMABAD: Broadband subscription is increasing in the country and it is estimated that there will be 9.5 million broadband subscribers by 2014. In the light of existing trends, it can be predicted about the future broadband trends that wireless broadband technologies would surpass fixed line DSL services within a span of one year. According to official data available, as for the number of subscribers by 2020, it is believed that within the next four years, market would witness a growth rate of nearly 70-85 percent per annum. This would be followed by a steady growth rate of 5-25 percent in the next six years, taking the total number of broadband subscribers to 19.5 million by 2020. According to an estimate, Pakistan would touch 195 million population by 2020. Calculating the broadband penetration presently at 0.57, it is predicted that broadband penetration by 2020 will reach 10 subscribers per 100 inhabitants. app
ISLAMABAD: Broadband subscription is increasing in the country and it is estimated that there will be 9.5 million broadband subscribers by 2014. In the light of existing trends, it can be predicted about the future broadband trends that wireless broadband technologies would surpass fixed line DSL services within a span of one year. According to official data available, as for the number of subscribers by 2020, it is believed that within the next four years, market would witness a growth rate of nearly 70-85 percent per annum. This would be followed by a steady growth rate of 5-25 percent in the next six years, taking the total number of broadband subscribers to 19.5 million by 2020. According to an estimate, Pakistan would touch 195 million population by 2020. Calculating the broadband penetration presently at 0.57, it is predicted that broadband penetration by 2020 will reach 10 subscribers per 100 inhabitants. app
Monday, September 5, 2011
LUMS professor among `World`s Top Young Innovators`
LAHORE: Dr Umar Saif, a Professor at Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums) has just become the first Pakistani to be recognised as one of the top 35 innovators of the world` The MIT Technology Review has named him as one of their 35 `World`s Top Young Innovators for the year 2011`.
LAHORE: Dr Umar Saif, a Professor at Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums) has just become the first Pakistani to be recognised as one of the top 35 innovators of the world` The MIT Technology Review has named him as one of their 35 `World`s Top Young Innovators for the year 2011`.
No surprise, given his background; Saif started out at Aitchison, went on to Lums, did his Doctorate at Cambridge and ended up doing his Post doctorate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The MIT Technology Review (TR35) recognizes the world’s top 35 young innovators that are radically transforming technology as we know and this is the first time in the past decade that a Pakistani has been recognised.
Saif says that he couldn’t have done it without Lums. While talking to Our Sources, he said, “It would have been difficult at other universities. There are certain things that Lums has gotten right. The faculty is empowered and hiring and promotion is all done based on how research active you are.”
“I am tenured at Lums and I cannot be fired. The rest of the universities in Pakistan have more of a teaching focus. Lums lets me do only two to three courses a year. This gives me ample time to do my research.” Saif now joins an elite group of researchers and technologists including the likes of Google’s Seregy Brin and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.
While talking about one of his projects, SMSall.pk; he excitedly explained that it was like Twitter and that it was fanning out at an exponential rate in Pakistan. “Political parties, media channels; everyone is signing up for it,” he exclaimed. SMSall.pk is Pakistan’s largest SMS social network and has sent close to 4 billion SMS for users in Pakistan.
Technologies developed by Saif’s research group and startups are used by millions of people in the developing world. Other notable technology is BitMate, which enhances the speed of Internet in the developing world using peer-to-peer technology.
The MIT Technology Review selects the top innovators after a rigorous evaluation process. Judges, who are leading experts in their fields from universities such as MIT, Stanford and Harvard, consider hundreds of high-impact researchers and entrepreneurs from all over the world, out of which top 35 are chosen for the award.
When asked about the innovation process. Saif explained that he had a startup incubator called the Saif Centre of Innovation. “It deals with new projects the same way as Silicon Valley,” said Saif. People, mostly students come to me when they want to do a startup. “We keep discussing the idea till it is viable. Then we put together a team, distribute equity – I am always a minority stakeholder. Then I give the startup money to get it off the ground.” Saif says that the reason these projects are successful is because he gets the kids to run these companies. And they work 18 hours a day to get their ideas to work.
Saif is working on some incredibly innovative start ups right now. One uses mobile phone cameras to allow illiterate people to understand English. People can take pictures of English text – newspaper clippings, labels, anything – from any cell phone, MMS it to a number and they will get a call back that that reads out the text to them in Urdu.
Best of all, Pakistan need not fear losing Saif to any other country. Because he has no plans to move his home base out of Pakistan. Even though he spends some time visiting other universities to get some work done, Saif says that he is in Pakistan to stay permanently.
End.
LAHORE: Dr Umar Saif, a Professor at Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums) has just become the first Pakistani to be recognised as one of the top 35 innovators of the world` The MIT Technology Review has named him as one of their 35 `World`s Top Young Innovators for the year 2011`.
No surprise, given his background; Saif started out at Aitchison, went on to Lums, did his Doctorate at Cambridge and ended up doing his Post doctorate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The MIT Technology Review (TR35) recognizes the world’s top 35 young innovators that are radically transforming technology as we know and this is the first time in the past decade that a Pakistani has been recognised.
Saif says that he couldn’t have done it without Lums. While talking to Our Sources, he said, “It would have been difficult at other universities. There are certain things that Lums has gotten right. The faculty is empowered and hiring and promotion is all done based on how research active you are.”
“I am tenured at Lums and I cannot be fired. The rest of the universities in Pakistan have more of a teaching focus. Lums lets me do only two to three courses a year. This gives me ample time to do my research.” Saif now joins an elite group of researchers and technologists including the likes of Google’s Seregy Brin and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.
While talking about one of his projects, SMSall.pk; he excitedly explained that it was like Twitter and that it was fanning out at an exponential rate in Pakistan. “Political parties, media channels; everyone is signing up for it,” he exclaimed. SMSall.pk is Pakistan’s largest SMS social network and has sent close to 4 billion SMS for users in Pakistan.
Technologies developed by Saif’s research group and startups are used by millions of people in the developing world. Other notable technology is BitMate, which enhances the speed of Internet in the developing world using peer-to-peer technology.
The MIT Technology Review selects the top innovators after a rigorous evaluation process. Judges, who are leading experts in their fields from universities such as MIT, Stanford and Harvard, consider hundreds of high-impact researchers and entrepreneurs from all over the world, out of which top 35 are chosen for the award.
When asked about the innovation process. Saif explained that he had a startup incubator called the Saif Centre of Innovation. “It deals with new projects the same way as Silicon Valley,” said Saif. People, mostly students come to me when they want to do a startup. “We keep discussing the idea till it is viable. Then we put together a team, distribute equity – I am always a minority stakeholder. Then I give the startup money to get it off the ground.” Saif says that the reason these projects are successful is because he gets the kids to run these companies. And they work 18 hours a day to get their ideas to work.
Saif is working on some incredibly innovative start ups right now. One uses mobile phone cameras to allow illiterate people to understand English. People can take pictures of English text – newspaper clippings, labels, anything – from any cell phone, MMS it to a number and they will get a call back that that reads out the text to them in Urdu.
Best of all, Pakistan need not fear losing Saif to any other country. Because he has no plans to move his home base out of Pakistan. Even though he spends some time visiting other universities to get some work done, Saif says that he is in Pakistan to stay permanently.
End.
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