Random Thoughts

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 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 .

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

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 crea te 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 ma

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 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 thin

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 an

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 nee

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 prev

Karachi: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced new policy for account opening for individuals- students, low-income people and Zakat entitled people specially. A new policy release by SBP depicts that any individual can open bank account with minimum of Rs. 100, which will be implemented from July 1, 2011. In addition to this, SBP directed all scheduled banks to lift the service charges on the minimum balance. Previously banks were entitled to receive some charges as account balance decrease from minimum level, which was Rs. 500. This has been welcomed largely in the masses and economist too. Experts view this policy as blood to the economy. According to the opinion, most of the population of the country belongs to the lower income group, which was deprived of banking services due to high service charges and minimum balance requirement. Now those people will access the banking services at cheaper price like never offered before. There is trickle down effect of the policy, those d

Officials: Pornography found in Osama's hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, consists of latest and modern, lustful video. An officials said on the anonymity basis. Moreover, officials claimed they are unable to say whether Osama was viewing those videos or anyone else. According to the Osama's wife, living with him, he remained in the compound for five years, he never came out of it. This makes suspicious whether he had been viewing those videos. Someone said he never came out of it, so he could have desire of waxing his carrot, might be the reason of viewing those films. According to earlier US Officials statements, Osama's compound was cut off from internet and other wires, so question arises whether those DVDs are left by US army over there?

May 02, 2011 was the day of celebration around the world because world's most wanted man ($ 250 million) was killed in Abbotabad Pakistan. An operation was taken place by US military at 1 am PST. In the morning President of United States Barak Obama announced the news. Here I'm not going to discuss what happened on that day because you people are much vigilant than me. Moreover, I'm not looking into conspiracy theories. The purpose of putting words here is to describe economic conditions of Pakistan after the event. It was very difficult to get gasoline on the very first day when Osama was killed. The fiasco doesn’t end until now. It is very difficult to get tanks of vehicle filled at premium price even. If I depict the picture of the stock market of Pakistan - Karachi stock market pronounced widely as KSE, is very horrible. Since January it was observing the bullish trend and touched the level of 12000 points. But on the second day of OBL’s death it started losing the

KARACHI: His Royal Highness Nawab Shahabuddin Mohammad Akbar the XXIII (popularly known as Prince Akbar) is all set to marry Sonya Usmani in what is marked to be ‘the’ wedding of modern day Pakistan. As the country winces under inflation and instability, many are making discounts for a day that’ll bring a spirit of celebration, formerly expected from the cricket team. The government, as expected, has announced Friday, April 29, as a national holiday. Critics believe the royal display of wealth is a show of apathy towards the nation’s crumbling economy. “They’re using the taxpayers’ money to pay Nizamuddin’s bill,” argued one socialite who wasn’t on event manager Frieha Altaf’s guest list. But the royal family’s spokespeople are arguing that since most people in Pakistan don’t pay taxes, this doesn’t apply. The bride, Sonya Usmani’s dress is under great speculation and the ISI has been guarding the designer’s identity as a trade secret. Rumours are rife that it will be Bunto Kazm

Entrepreneurship is not only attached with starting a new venture. Entrepreneur is the one who absorbs the risk and turn that risk in making profit, building goodwill, getting contracts and making business more prosperous day by day. So what are the ingredients to be a successful entrepreneur. Is it Fund that make a business successful, marketing activities or something else? A Pakistani businessman, Majyd Aziz in seminar told the ingredients as follows: 1. Desire 2. Development. 3. Determination 4. Dignity 5. Dare 6. Discipline 7. Dedication He argued finance, marketing, human resource activities are important but 7 D's are the ingredients for a successful entrepreneur. As student of business I must say dedication is the most important for turning any business into a successful venture.

Graduating from business school is the dream of every candidate in Pakistan, no matter where he/she comes from - Engineering, medicine, arts, humanities, etc. Is it worthwhile to be a business graduate in today's economical conditions of world generally and Pakistan specifically? This question can be answered by looking at the job market of the country. In 2008, worldwide recession had deteriorate the economic conditions of the big economies – USA, UK, UAE, etc. and developing economies – Pakistan, India, Brazil, etc. too. However, big economies recovered from this slump but developing countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and others too are paying price in terms of high inflation, unemployment, poverty, etc. The highly indebt country Pakistan is suffering from the problem of liquidity, the main source of generating its liquidity is taxes, tariffs, aid and IMF loans. In recent years Govt. has raised taxes and tariffs at highest level of the history, which masses of the country are

The two countries, which always have been anti to each other in every walk of life ranging from politics to game, will play ICC World Cup 2011 semi-final on March 30. In this connection experts have been naming this match as mini-battle between both of the countries. The situation for both the teams is like 'Do or Die'. What record says? India have never been defeated in world cups matches by Pakistan. Has Pakistan need to worry little bit about the situation? The Odds of Indian team are higher than Pakistan? Will Odds favor the Indian team? Certainly not, because if we look at other side of the coin. Pakistan have never lost any match at Mohali cricket ground from India. This makes very interesting to the match. Both of the team posses some records but unpredictability of Pakistani team makes it hot favorite team of the tournament. Ultimately,people of sub-continent see the victory of game no matter who wins the battler..

In the age of technology where the whole world - Asia, Africa, Europe, America, Australia, is considered as a Global village. People of every country are so close to each other that they can hear voice from one remote place of the world to another, this has been blessed only because of Internet. Technology has been considered the key of every invention, modernization, change, in short, of everything. Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and many other revolutions have been correlated with the technology; Egyptian revolution has been considered technological revolution, which merely came into being via Facebook. Apart from all this, one of the US newspaper claimed that US have made more than 1 million Facebook accounts to instigate agitation in the countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and many more. Experts claiming that US is controlling Facebook, through, they wish control the world or masses of the every country. So, in gist, I'm fearing about the use of my name by US officials!!

Pakistan has been all out on 184, which is very meager score to win the match despite low score the morale of team is very high to win the match. Experts opined that Canada is not a experienced team, hence, there are very bright chances that Pakistan will celeberate the victory in this match. Lets how Green shirts can manage the vitory. Best of L uck!

After the big chnage of technology, which changed the world totally from seperate villages to a one single global village. Now it has been experiencing the utter change in many nations in terms of REVOLUTIONS. After the change is Tunisia and Egypt, many Arab nations are expecting to chage theri leadership. Now its turn of Bahrain, Yemen, Libya and Algeria. Masses of the each country are on the roads to claim leadership chnage, which is two to three decades old. We hope for the best for those nation s.

After the struggle of 18 days, President of Egypt, Mr. Hosni Mubarrak resigned from the chair. Thousand of Egyptian people gather at Tahrir Square to celeberate the most memorable day of thier history. When masses stand no governement can stand to resist them, this has been proved in recent revolution of Egypt.

President Asif Ali Zardari lodged case against the Jang group of publication on telecasting the rumor of his marriage. Sources said some days before many website including Jang group of publication on spreading false rumor of his maariage with Tanveer Zamini. He was opined that his credibility has been damaged by the false information.

Asif Zardari got married to Tanveer Zamani according to Muslim Shiyat Bylaws in Dubai last week. The ceremony has not been held. However the marriage religious vows, paper work and prenuptials have been confirmed. Nine black goats, 6 cows and 1 camel was sacrificed at this sacred occasion. Many websites are confirming the news as the event occured in recent days. She is a Mediterranean descent American resident, and she lives in Gramercy Park, Manhattan, New York. Zamani is a practicing physician and known to be a Bhutto party loyalist. She earned PhD degree in International Politics from UK. She owns estates in London, Dubai, Islamabad and Manhattan. However, world is eagerly waiting for the official announcement.

Davis Raymond has killed two Pakistani's in Lahore, which at first point has been said to be the employee of US embassy, later news confirmed he was not employee there. Raymond's name has been put on Exit Control List (ECL). The Lahore high court bench is listening the case of Raymond.

Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology Facebook has paid $ 8.5 million to acquire www.fb.com Now users need not to type 'facebook.com' rather it can be poped up by simply typing 'fb.com'. This is the way to make facebook unique and make it alive for ling time. This stratgey will work for organisation like social media for long time. Best of FACEBOOK! The King Is Dead

about $1.4 billion by the Auditor General of Pakistan after an audit report showed that the army had been using government land for commercial purpose illegally for decades. Auditor-General of Pakistan, Tanveer Agha, has charged the Pakistan Army a mind-blowing sum of 120 billion rupees based on an audit report that reveals illegal, commercial use of public land by the army for decades. According to the country's famous English daily The Express Tribune, the audit report was brought up before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in a meeting held on Thursday, January 20, 2011, in Islamabad. It showed illegal commercial use of Lahore’s Fortress Stadium by the army for decades without paying anything to the government. The Auditor General told the committee that the army should pay the government 120 billion rupees (about $1.4 billion), the amount they have generated over the years by the unfair use of public land in question. Retired Lieutenant General Athar Ali, Pakistan’s Defens

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 3,151 companies during the outgoing year – a 12 per cent increase from the 2,762 registered in 2009. According to figures released by the SECP on Friday, new registrations included 2,881 private companies, 142 single-member companies, 46 public unlisted companies and 42 foreign companies among others. The country’s total corporate portfolio as of December 31 stood at 57,689 registered entities. The total authorised capital and paid-up capital of the companies registered during last year was Rs43.5 billion and Rs16.9 billion, respectively. During the same period, 910 companies increased their authorised capital with an aggregate increment of Rs163.16 billion, while 171 companies raised their paid-up capital with the total increment amounting to Rs38.67 billion. The number of new registrations has gone up from the preceding year because of SECP’s online registration facilitation mechanism – eServices, which ha

A new target killing wave is on surge in Karachi, which claimed the life of 22 people in 24 hours including one of Geo TV reporter Wali Khan Baber. Pehlwan Goth and Orangi are the main areas, which have been affected since the target killing has been started. In addition, Police and Rangers is seraching for the agitators in Pehalwan Goth. This is main the game of Political Parties, which for their interest boost members of its party to achieve theri hidden agenda, says on fo government official.

Ashfaq Ahmed, (August 22, 1925 – September 7, 2004) was a distinguished writer, playwright, broadcaster, intellectual and spiritualist from Pakistan. His prime qualities of heart and hand earned appreciations across the borders. He was regarded by many as the best Urdu Afsana (short-story) writer after Saadat Hasan Manto, Ismat Chughtai and Krishan Chander following the publication of his famous short-story "Gaddarya" [The Shepherd] in 1955. Works Aik hi boli Aik Mohabbat 100 Dramey Aik Muhabbat So Afsaney Arz-e-musannif Aur Dramey Band Gali Baba Sahiba Dhandoraa - Talqeen Shah Gadaria - Ujlay Phool Gulldan Hairat Kaadah Hasart-e-Tameer Jung Ba Jung Khail Tamasha Khatiya Watiyaa - Poetry Man Chaley Ka Soda MehmaansaraeyNangey Paoon Safar Dar Safar Safar e Maina Shahla Kot Shehre Aarzoo Shora Shori - Talqeen Shah Subhaey Ifsaney Talism Hosh Afza Tota Kahani Uchay Buraj Lahore Dey Waday e Jang Zaviya - 1 Zaviya - 2 Zaviya - 3 Zaviya - 4 Zav

PALO ALTO, CA –Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook will be shut down in March. Managing the site has become too stressful. “Facebook has gotten out of control,” said Zuckerberg in a press conference outside his Palo Alto office, “and the stress of managing this company has ruined my life. I need to put an end to all the madness.” Zuckerberg went on to explain that starting March 15th, users will no longer be able to access their Facebook accounts. “After March 15th the whole website shuts down,” said Avrat Humarthi, Vice President of Technical Affairs at Facebook. “So if you ever want to see your pictures again, I recommend you take them off the internet. You won’t be able to get them back once Facebook goes out of business.” Zuckerberg said that the decision to shut down Facebook was difficult, but that he does not think people will be upset. “I personally don’t think it’s a big deal,” he said in a private phone interview. “And to be honest, I think it’s for the better.

As investors enjoy their second straight January with positive brokerage statements in the mail, there's more than a whiff of optimism in the air. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is on course for its biggest two-year bull run since 1932, and individual investors are finally showing signs of getting back into stocks. The period Dec. 1 to Dec. 29 saw a total of $14.90 billion move out of bond funds and $5.51 billion into stock funds. The appetite for risk is back. For better or worse, people are ready to get in on the next hot play. America, after all, has always been a place where investors could ride the good fortunes of its most innovative companies. Hasn't it? In 1995 the locus of innovation was Web pioneer Netscape Communications, whose initial public offering ignited five of the most lucrative years in market history. In 2004 it was Google (GOOG), whose "Dutch auction" IPO invited anyone to bid on a share price; those who bid over $85—small and large investor

Africa is now one of the world’s fastest-growing regions MUCH has been written about the rise of the BRICs and Asia’s impressive economic performance. But an analysis by The Economist finds that over the ten years to 2010, six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies were in sub-Saharan Africa. On IMF forecasts Africa will grab seven of the top ten places over the next five years (our ranking excludes countries with a population of less than 10m as well as Iraq and Afghanistan, which could both rebound strongly in the years ahead). Over the past decade the simple unweighted average of countries’ growth rates was virtually identical in Africa and Asia. Over the next five years Africa is likely to take the lead. In other words, the average African economy will outpace its Asian counterpart.

LAS VEGAS: US telecom maker Motorola Mobility has jumped into the bustling tablet computer market with a touchscreen device powered by "Honeycomb," the latest version of Google's Android software. Sanjay Jha, the chief executive of Motorola Mobility, also presented three new Android-powered touchscreen smartphones to reporters on the eve of the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Motorola Mobility's hotly awaited tablet computer, the "Xoom," will be available in the first quarter of the year, Jha said. With a 10.1-inch (25.6-centimeter) screen, the Xoom is about the same size as Apple's iPad, which hit stores in April and has other leading technology companies around the world scrambling to catch up. More than 100 firms are expected to unveil tablet computers at CES, which officially opens on Thursday and features more than 2,600 exhibitors of the latest gadgets. Jha said the Xoom will be the first tablet computer to hit stores featuring A

ISLAMABAD: Governor Punjab Salman Taseer was dead after one of his guards, named Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, opened fire on him when he was going towards his car in Kohsar Market here today. Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed to the media that the guard has been arrested. He has confessed that he opened fire on the governor because of his support to Asia Bibi, he added. Asia Bibi was convicted on blasphemy. A policeman of elite force opened burst on the governor. He received bullets on his chest and neck. He was rushed to Poly Clinic but succumbed to the injuries. The police have also arrested six suspected people from the spot. Salman Taseer, 66, appointed governor of Punjab in 2008, was killed by one of his bodyguards opposed to his public criticism of controversial blasphemy laws. "He was a very good friend, a politician and a businessman. He was a national hero we have lost him," said interior minister and PPP stalwart Rehman Malik. He named the assassin

Former president and head of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML)has announced that his party members are preparing ground for his return. He was very optimistics about the election, according to him people love him and he will surely hit high score in upcoming elections. On the other hand government led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said that Judiciary is ready to welcome Former President Musharraf who is said to be accused in Benazir Bhutto assassination. Lets wait for the time to decide :)

KARACHI: The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) witnessed the traditional year-end rally to give a cheerful farewell to 2010. Despite late selling on the last trading day of the year, KSE-100 index registered an increase of 1.4 per cent to end the outgoing year at 12,022 points – its highest since July 2008. Overall, the benchmark index provided returns of about 28 per cent year-on-year. Foreign inflows for the week clocked in at higher levels with the net amount standing at $12.2 million, compared with just $5.5 million in the preceding week. The net inflow of foreign investments for the year tallied at an impressive $526 million. United Bank Limited (UBL) and Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) dominated discussions at the bourse during the week. Bestway Group’s acquisition of an additional 20 per cent stake in the bank encouraged positivity amongst investors, as did the disbursement of $633 million to the country as part of the Coalition Support Fund from the United States. FFC’s stock

Express Tribune Reports: The issue of Aasiya Bibi’s alleged blasphemy became one of the hottest topics for debate in 2010. At a very basic level, the question that everyone sought to answer is this: How are we, as Muslims, meant to deal with blasphemy? This question has a simple answer: we should ignore people who are accused of blasphemy and tell them that the great man whom they are supposedly targeting in their acts of blasphemy was the one who taught us to ignore their actions and focus on more positive things in life. There are several passages in the Quran which mention acts of blasphemy committed against the prophet and the message of Islam, three of which are more important than the others. None of these passages contains any indication that those found guilty of blasphemy ought to be killed. If there was a punishment for blasphemy in Islam, it should have been clearly mentioned in the Quran, especially in the passages where occurrences of it during the prophet’s lifetime