Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) launched SMS service

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) launched SMS service for voters list verification. According to officials it is world's largest SMS service for voters list verification.

If someone wants to confirm whether his/her name is in the voters lists of Election 2012, I mean upcoming election, one needs to send a simple SMS. This service is available to all cellular company customers. This is just away at your finger tips, follow the simple Procedure for confirmation.

Just go to write message option of your mobile phone, type your CNIC number and send it to 8300.

Write message -> Type your CNIC number -> 8300
4351875987451  [type your CNIC number without dashes (-)]

ECP will send an SMS confirming your name in the list with the details of vicinity where you would be entitles to cast the vote. The message will be like follows:

CNIC: 4351875987451
Electoral Area: Clifton, Karachi
Block Code: 333030214
Sr. #: 96

This is worth appreciating service which will enable youth to confirm their registry as a voter.

December..!

Aao K DECEMBR Ko Rukhsat Karen..
Kuch Khushiyon Ko Sambhaal Kar,
Kuch Aansu'on Ko Taal Kar..
Jo Lamhy Guzry Chahaton Mein,
Jo Pall Beety Rafakaton Mein..
Kabhi Waqt K Saath Chalty Chalty,
Jo Thak K Ruky Raaston Mein..
Kabhi Khushiyon Ki Umeed Mili,
Kabhi Bichrey Huon Ki Deed Mili..
Kabhi Be'Panah Muskura Diye,
Kabhi Hansty Hansty Ro Diye..
In Saary Lamhon Ko
Ab Mukhtasir Karen,
Aao K DECEMBR Ko Rukhsat Karen....,,,!

November aur December

November guzr chuka hai,
December guzr raha hai,
Aj (31) ho chuki hai,
Umeed kho chuki hai,
Tak tak k tera rasta
Har dharkan thum chuki hai,
Ratein hain boht stati
Kuch aur din hain baqi,
Phir naya Saal ho ga
Phir wohi haal ho ga,
Dhondon gi tujhe din ko
Har lamha har sa'at ko,
Ik bar tu ayega
Keh de k tu ayega
Is Saal nahin lakin!
Aglay bars ayega
Ye dil behl jayega,
Jhotey tery wadon par
Qasmon par iradon par,
Behla hai ye pehly b,
Ye phir behl jayega
Novembr guzr chuka hai
December guzr raha hay .

Saving Habit in minor

When I was below the age majority - 18 years (Pakistan) - my parents used to say Beta don't spend all of your money rather you must save some of Rupees from your pocket money. They used to buy ceramic/clay pot (اردو: غلّہ)  for me, so I can put some of my pocket money in the pot for future use. This was the move of my parents to inculcate saving habits in me.

Today - in the technological era; strong financial system; Banking institutions - the use of those ceramic/clay pots is almost dying perhaps died. Many banks offer account services for the age group of new born upto the age of majority to motivate young generation to save for their future needs. In Pakistan following bank offers following accounts with different benefits and features:

Bank Al Habib Young Savers account

Bank Al Habib, one of the growing bank in the metropolitan city Karachi, with over 350 branches countrywide icluding more than 100 branhces alone in Krachi offers account for young generation with the name of Bank Al Habib Young Savers Account with following features:

Start Early, save Wisely!

1. It can be opened for youngsters up to the age of 18 years.
2. One can open an account with Minimum of Rs. 5.
3. Rate of return is expected to be above return on normal saving accounts, which is usually 5% p.a. Currently indicative rate of return on balance up to Rs. 500,000 is 10% p.a. 
4. Internet banking facility and ATM/Debit card is available for the parent/guardian of the young saver. 
5. Young savers of 16 years and above eligible for ATM/Debit Card if authorized by their parents/guardians. 
6. Account will be operated by the parents/guardian of young saver.
7. Bank Officers also visit schools to collect deposits. 

Profit would be subject to Zakat. withholding tax, and other Government levies unless exempted.

Bank of Punjab Young Lions Account

The Bank of Punjab was established in 1989, having network of 279 branches countrywide. It is one of the Bank wiht so many scams, scandals, emezzlement, fraud, etc. Recently the Bank of Punjab has moved in the line of offering to the minors with the name of Young Lions. The features are as follow:

1. The product is available for the youngsters below the age of 18 years. 
2. The account will be opened with parents/guardian
3. The rate of return on account is 6% p.a. on all balances, the minimum or maximum balance limit is removed from here.
4. The profit will be calculated on daily product basis.
5. Withholding tax at 10% will levied on the profit at source, it means when profit will be paid on account, tax of 10% will be deducted at the same time
6. Zakat will be deducted as per applicable law. 

UBL First Minor Savings Account

United Bank Ltd. (UBL), one of the leading bank of Pakistan, with more than 1220 branches nationwide and some branches is other countries, was founded in 1959 by Agha Hasan Abedi.  It is one of the top five bank in Pakistan deposit wise, profit wise, assets wise, and share wise. 

UBL offers account for youg generation in the name of UBL First Minor Savings Account, popularly pronounced as UBL 1st. UBL promotes this account aggressively in schools all over the country, which inludes giving presentations, gifts, souvenir, etc. UBL 1st has following features: 

Pehli bachat, Pehla Account

1. UBL 1st account is opened in the name of father/mother or guardian. The name of account is follows the pattern i.e. Arfeen (M) / Aleen (G). 
2. UBL 1st is available to the age group of 1 day baby up to 18 years of age. 
3. Two accounts are opened at the opening of minor account; one is principal account in which money is deposited, other will be the account in which profit on principal to be credited. 
4. On the opening of account a Welcome Pack is sent.
5. Two Visa ATM/Debit cards are provided;one is specially designed UBL First Pocket-Money (complimentary) for the withdrawal of profit from linked account and other is standard UBL Wallet Visa Debit card to withdraw money from the principal account.
6. Account opening anniversary, birthday wishes, surprises, and gifts are sent to 1st holder. 
7. Free E-Statement
8. Free E-Banking
9. No minimum balance penalty is levied on this account.
10. Free accedintal death & disability insurance coverage up to Rs. 2.5 million.

These are the some prominent banks that offer saving accounts for the youngsters below the age of 18 years. In my opinion, this is the great move by banks to cater the needs of minor and to inculcate the saving habit in the minor, which is very crucial for the country like Pakistan. 

The benefit is that on savings minor will be entitled some profit. If minor puts some portion of of his/her pocket money regularly in the account, this will pile up his/her wealth. At the end he/she will be having huge sum of money to use at the age of majority. 


Hurry Up! give your child the account as Gift....

HBL moves into branchless banking

HBL signing ceremony of branchless banking

Habib Bank Ltd. (HBL), the largest branch network with more than 1450 branches nationawide and presence in more than 25 countries around the globe, ready to move into the branchless banking in Pakistan with the collaboration of Ufone, Sybase 365, and AbacusConsulting by 2012. 

HBL sources suggests that they have invested millions of rupees in the pipeline to step into branchless banking in Pakistan, which will create healthy competition among the other existing operators of branchless banking in Pakistan. Currently EasyPaisa, joint venture of Telenor Pakistan and Tameer Bank; UBL Omni, a venture of United Bank Ltd. (UBL); NADRA's E-Sahaulat, a joint venture of Mobilink and NADRA are working in the industry. Moreover, MCB Bank Ltd. with the collaboration of Nokia and Bank Al-Falah with collaboration of Warid got the liscence of branchless banking from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), which will further make market more tougher. 

Ufone, one of the leading cellular operator of the country, will facilitate HBL by providing the SMS service and other mobile related services pertaining to the branchlike banking at initial stage. HBL will take other mobile operators of the country i.e. Mobilink, Telenor, Warid, Zong, Vfone, Wordcall, etc. on board by the passage of time. 



According to the SBP reports branchless banking enjoyed the impressive growth of more than 51% in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2012 as compared to the first of quarter of fiscal year of 2011.  

HBL claims that its branchless banking will provide much more than what current players are offering. HBL through its distinguished service will cover the service of paying taxi fare, gas station charges, airline fare charges and other related services with the mobile banking. 

Account opening, cash deposit, cash withdrawals, bill payments, mobile payment vouchers are the services provided by the current player of the industry namely EasyPaisa and UBL Omni. 

In last, we can safely say HBL's move into the branch banking will set new benchmarks in the branchless banking, which will ultimately lead to the healthy competition among the players. 

Moharram Poetry

Keh Do Gham-E-Hussain Manane Walon Ko,
Momin Kabhi Shohada Ka Matam Ni Karte,

Hai Ishq Apni Jan Se Zyada Aal-E-Rasool Se,
Yun Sar-E-Aam Hum Unka Tamasha Ni Karte,

Royen Woh Jo Munkir Hain Shahadat-E-HUSSAIN K,
Hum Zinda-O-Javaid Ka Matam Ni Karte..!

(Allama Iqbal)

LGBT movement in Pakistan

LGBT Flag

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) is movement, which has been loudly voiced since long. It advocates the freedom of sex orientation to be decided by one self rather than by his/her religion, social class, community, or any other body.

In Pakistan - an Islamic Republic, governed by Constitution of 1973, which is based on Shariah (Islamic laws) - LGBT term was not much common until few years back, but today, almost everyone living in the big cities - Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar (A notion that People living there are gay, I don't wish to use that term but it's perception of Pakistani people) knows what LGBT means and what they praise about.

What motivated me to write on this issue is articles in Express Tribune since long. One might think why I'm writing on this topic, don't you? Huh? Let me clear, I'm not adovcate of LGBT movement. Numerous writers had and have been using ink to write about this topic e. g.: Let’s get one thing straight...I’m not, Nuwas Manto (An 18 years olg youth activist of LGBT movement in Pakistan), Because I'm a lesbian, but fortunate enough they are not gaining support of minds except by few tot like minds.

On June 26, 2011 US embassy have organized some event about the gays in Pakistan, which instigated masses of Pakistan to that surged the hater for US and other organizations working for LGBT movement.

Who says there is no gay/lesbian in Pakistan, huh? There may be thousands, if not thousands, hundreds of people having LGBT sex orientation, it is acceptable only if it is observed in bedroom, but when it comes to publicize in the streets, not body going to accept. A sin committed alone in privacy  isn't worth to be discussed, but when it comes to the interest of large population, it should be disgraced.
Following is the discussion of LGBT on media in Pakistan:

According to my opinion, if religion has prohibited the sexual relationship with same gender, there must be some dark side pertaining matter. So allowing LGBT would be harmful for the society in terms of values, ehtics and taboos.

Have your say? 

Entrepreneurship Trail - Day-2

The fervor, zeal, keenness and enthusiasm was at the highest velocity among the participant of the Spark, Entrepreneurship Trail on the second at IBA, main campus Karachi.
Had not slept well yesterday night despite this the energy level and motivation to attend and listen the distinguished speakers triggered to be there till the end of the day.

The day started with the finding ways to raise money - Everyone wants money, don't you? - for the start up. Mr. Ayaz and Mrs. Kazi were the guests who imparted us with the knowledge and information on how to raise capital for the new venture. As everyone know, borrowing money from the banks is the most difficult for the business, which is at the initial stage, so do opined by the guest speakers. According to Mr. Kazi, Banks must be pursued to put notice on their website "Borrowing from Banks for the start ups is injurious to the venture."
The most favorable and easiest way to raise the capital for the start up is from family and friends circle who are always to give you some of the money because of the trust vested by them in you.

Umair Jaliawala, a renowned trainer of the country and who is very much loved by Young generation, started his training session with his crazy style.
He lecture was concerned with the sales, turning into Cheetah. His energy level was so high that he infused some of his energy into the audiences. Applause to him!
The session started with the question "Who loves sales?" Surprisingly, none of the participants raised the hand. Interestingly, "Everyone is selling some idea, service, or convincing; said Jaliawala." 
Following this every participant was directed to sale anything he/she has for Rs. 50. The auditorium turned into Sales Hub where everyone was selling something - idea, service, product, etc. Some of the participants sold mobile credit, perfume, tissue paper, etc.
The most strange, one of the participant sold his body for beating purpose that raised him revenue of Rs. 600. 

Ramesh Patel from Tanzania was the another distinguished entrepreneur who shared his experience of his business life. He was the most inspiring for the participants who wish to start up their business. Despite having less eye sight, poor education, indebted companies he managed to get from all these hurdles. Now he owns 6 companies with 100% shareholding, 5 companies with smart amount of shareholding.

Ramiz Allahwala, a distinguished trainer, trained thousands of people in middle east, US, and many other countries imparted with the ideas. His focus was revolving around following principles:

1. Details: Entrepreneur must know about the everything - Customer, Operations, Financial, Partnering, etc.
2. Rules: Businessman must be adept to learn about the changing rules, changing partners' heart, customers' promises and suppliers change plan.
3. Odds: One must be prepared for the odds - failure, bad plan. In the end 'Don't be fool, be vigilant'

In the last, we presented our business plan, each group was entitled three minutes to present problem and the solution of that problem from the perspective of business. 

Recommended book on Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Trail

Spark is the name of the event organized by IBA Entrepreneurial Society, which has started today and it will last till June 29, 2011. This event consists of address of Distinguished speakers and trainers from Pakistan and around world, obviously via 'Skype.'  Some of them are Mr. Naeem Zafar, Umar Saif, and many more address in the coming two days.

The day-1 started with the Tilawaat of Quran. After the recitation, IBA Entrepreneurship Center head formally announced the conference open with short speech of welcoming guests, participants and organizers.

Mr. Naeem Zafar, an Engineer, Entrepreneur by an accident as he defined,  and writer of many books delivered his speech on the topic of 'Entrepreneurship.' I loved the definition of entrepreneurship he told, which is: "It is the pursuit of an opportunity with resources that you don't yet control." Look at the beautiful and motivational words in the definition, which you don't yet control. One need to understand Entrepreneurship is not attached with resources that you own but it is the pursuance of wealth that you don't own. 

After that it was time to make network while having hot tea.

Now it was time to move for Penal discussion, the panelists consisted of Mr. Azhar Rizvi, Mr. Husnain Khalid, IBA Entrepreneur Center Head and Mr. Rehan Allahwala who joined from Singapore via Skype. There was hot discussion whether Entrepreneurs are  born are made? Although it is very controversial subject, but I believe Entrepreneurs can be made by giving them environment, education and training.

Sumair Abro, VP and Head of Organizational Strategy KASB Securities came on stage with tons of energy. He was very energetic and young guy who not only delivered lecture on entrepreneurship but also energized all of the participants.

At the end we were blessed with the lecture of the LUMS graduate who had studied and worked in US but returned to the Pakistan with the intention of creating value for the society by means of being an Entrepreneur. His journey of success isn't simple rather he ran two businesses - Bumpin.com and chopaal.pk - with loss.


At the end what I have learned is that Business graduate must be job giver rather than job taker, that's how we can get true spirit of business student and create value for the economy.

Comment on Budget 2011-12

Federal Budget of Pakistan has been presented in the National Assembly of Pakistan on June 03, 2011. On that day, it didn't look like a Parliament rather it was looking like fish market. Traditional opposition from 'Opposition' branches with chaos of daunting and chanting of slogans like 'Go America', 'Budget Na-Manzoor'.
At one occasion, one of the member of the parliament presented 'Meal' to the Finance Minister Mr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh. In addition to this, female parliamentarians were not behind the row, they thrown 'Bangles' at Finance Minister, which was ridiculous act.

As a student of Business and one of the common man, taking current economic and social conditions in the consideration, I must say, budget 2011-12 is a balanced budget.
Government of Pakistan (GoP) reduced sales tax from 17% to 16%, which is a good move to give relief to the poor and needy people of the country. Moreover, GoP has levied taxes on many items, which previouslt exempted from the tax like - Defence equipment, defence products, cement, etc. This will surely increase the tax revenue for the next financial year.

The dark side of the budget is GoP has lifted subsidy from many items. Sugar is subjected to the Federal excise Duty and textile products too. This will bring the relaxation in tax at neutral point.

GoP announced the 15% increment in the salaries of government employees up till BSP-16, which is good move indeed to cater the increasing inflation. 15-20% increment in the pensions of Ex-government employees.

Gop has also allocated Rs. 730 billion for PSDP. From which Rs. 430 is to allotted to the provinces, and remaining amount will be Federal share.

The tax collection targeted has been increased from the previous year. Rs. 1952 Billion has to collected in the financial year 2011-12 as compare to the Rs. 1542 billion of the fiscal year 2010-2011.