Pakistan

Plane Crashes over Margalla Hills, Islamabad

2010-07-28T21:00:00.007+05:00

Yet another sad news! A passenger plane of a private company crashed this forenoon in Margalla Hills, North of Islamabad. The plane was about to land at Islamabad airport. It took off from Karachi about a couple of hours earlier, around 0800 hours. It carried 150 plus passengers including the air crew. All of them are reported to have died with their bodies scattered all over the inaccessible Margalla Hills. Over a hundred bodies have been recovered. The black box of the plane has also been found out.

The plane is reported to be flying in No Fly Zone. Soon after the crash, Federal Home Minister made an irresponsible statement that five passengers had been found alive and evacuated to the hospitals. Later, the statement was found to be baseless and the minister had to correct it. A cabinet meeting was in progress which was called off on hearing the news of the plane crash. The Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and the Defense Minister opted to fly in the same helicopter over the scene of the accident. The pilot of the plane is reported to have reached Karachi this morning flying another plane from Turkey. He was over 65. An inquiry has been ordered which like all other such like inquiries is not likely to be made public.

The response of the nation was very positive. A number of residents individually and also as part of various organization collectively immediately moved to the scene of the crash and put in their bit to evacuate the dead bodies and search for the survivors. Helicopters, too, were there on the scene within minutes and played a major role in rescue operations. However, there was lack of coordination among various agencies while undertaking the rescue operations.

Running the Country

2010-07-27T18:01:00.004+05:00

The prime minister states that if the present coalition government fails no force will succeed in running the country. Does it mean a confession on part of the worthy prime minister that the present government is certainly not successfully running the affairs of the state and that it is heading towards failure, if it has not already failed? The prime minister is also claiming that the present coalition government is composed of the best set of people to run the government and that if the best can't succeed how could the second best. He may be right. After all this is the government, people of Pakistan happen to have voted to power a couple of years ago. If the best are corrupt and are resorting to nepotism, and are unable to control price hike, improve law and order, follow the verdicts of judiciary, resolve the issue of load shedding and so on, how could the second best do it. The present state of affairs is perfectly in line with the divinely words that people get the rulers of the type they themselves are. So, let us reflect as to what we are doing in our individual capacities. Our criticism of the situation and the government/rulers is not going to do any good either to us or to our country.

Saudi's mediation in Indo-Pak talks!

2010-03-16T16:13:00.003+05:00

Ever since independence from the British rule in 1947, the relations between the two neighboring countries, India and Pakistan have remained strained primarily for want of resolution of Kashmir issue. Quoting the post 1971 War, Simla Agreement, India insists that the resolution of the Kashmir issue and all other issues has to be undertaken through bilateral talks. These bilateral talks have not borne any positive outcome to date.

The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia signalling stronger ties between the two countries has raised the possibility of Saudis mediating between India and Pakistan.

Renaming the Province of NWFP

2010-03-13T15:55:00.003+05:00

Pakistan has four provinces. These are Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP. The names of the first three provinces make sense. Punjab means 'five waters' implying the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Bias which pass through the province. The language spoken by the majority population of Punjab is Punjabi. Sindh province takes its name from the river Indus which is also called Sindh and Sindhi is the language spoken by the majority population of this province. Balochistan takes its name from the Baloch tribe which forms the majority population of this province. However, it must be noted that the entire populations of the first two provinces do not speak the languages as per the names of these provinces. Similarly, Baloch tribe is not the only tribe living in Balochistan. NWFP stands for North West Frontier Province which once part of Indian sub continent i.e India of the pre-partition era made some sense as the province lay in the north west of then India. However, NWFP is the only province of Pakistan whose name makes no sense at all and is irrelevant. It's indeed sad that despite repeated demands from the people of the province since independence of Pakistan in 1947.

The provincial assembly of NWFP has, more than once, passed resolutions including the one passed by the current ruling alliance led by ANP (Awami National Party) for change of name of the province to Pakhtoonwa (the majority population of the province is Pakhtoon, the Pashto speaking Pathan tribes, known as Pakhtoons) but to no avail. Pakistan Muslim League (N), the largest political party in opposition opposes the name of Pakhtoonwa on the grounds that all population of the province is not Pakhtoon. The truth of the matter is that the party has more following in non Pashto speaking belt of Hazara, named after Hazara tribes, and negligible in the majority Pashto speaking areas due to which it is opposing the renaming of the province as Pakhtoonwa. This area is also known as Gandhara. Political wisdom of PML(N) is strange. Both arguments, the declared and the hidden one, reflect the hollowness of the political wisdom of PML (N). How does it expect to seek the support of the Pakhtoons after opposing the name of Pakhtoonwa?

Another irony of the fate is that the renaming of the NWFP is part of the larger package of constitutional amendments under consideration by the constitutional committee. ANP has made it clear that it would not support the package if the province is not renamed. It could mean a deadlock for the passage of the package of constitutional amendments. A middle ground is being sought by renaming the NWFP as Pakhtoonwa Hazara or Pakhtoonwa Gandhara. Let us see as to what turns out to be the final outcome.

Terrorists attack on SIA building in Lahore

2010-03-08T16:18:00.002+05:00

The threat of terrorism looms large on all Pakistanis on daily basis. It has been so for many years now. Since the life must go on, we all continue moving about despite hearing the news of terrorists attacks taking place in our city or another city. Sometimes, we don't hear the news but the noise of the blasts themselves. This is what happened about eight hours ago. I heard a big blast which was heard all over Lahore. Owing to load shedding, I could not switch on the TV to find out as to what had happened. A few minutes later, I got a phone call from my cousin in Canada who inquired about the well being of all family members. She could not get through to talk to her mother, my aunt. I rang up my aunt and then informed her daughter that everyone in the family was safe. Soon thereafter I got a call from my daughter who is studying in Montreal, Canada. Same concern and question about family's safety with the same answer from me that all of us are fine and safe. I rang back to my daughter as call from her side is more expensive. She commented very seriously that we should emigrate. How many of us can emigrate?

How many phone calls must have been made by Pakistanis all over the world to inquire about the well being of their near and dear ones in Lahore. All phone call responses were certainly not of all correct report. Over a dozen persons died and another five dozen were injured in the suicide attack which shook Model Town, Lahore and its surrounding localities. The target was the building in K block in use by the Special Investigation Agency, Punjab. A vehicle loaded with 800 kilograms of explosive was banged into the building by the suicide attacker/driver. The blast caused a 12 feet hole at the point of impact and shock waves of the blast caused cracks in the buildings nearby. Window panes of buildings up to two to three kilometers broke. Why was this office located in a residential area? Why wasn't it well secured? There are countless questions but no answers! That's the state of affairs, we, in Pakistan, happen to be bearing and passing through.

Throne of Origins

2010-03-08T13:43:00.002+05:00

The actual “Road to Swat” bifurcates from the great Grand Trunk Road near Nowshera. About a kilometre below the highest point on the Road to Swat, the commuters can see the view of Takht-e-Bahi Mountains in the middle distance standing from the road. The ruins of one of the grand monastery of the past are situated on the top of a 152-meter high hill, about 80 kilometres from Peshawar and 16 kilometres northwest of the city of Mardan. While Swat is famous for different reasons now (rise and fall of the Taliban), some interested people still commuters to visit Takht-e-Bahi - a Buddhist monastery developed between 1st and 7th centuries AD.

Read Throne of Origins at Logic is variable

For the Love of Pashmina Shawls

2010-02-17T19:45:00.000+05:00

I am big Pashmina fan. Even the name (that comes from pashm in Persian) sound musical to me and I love that gauzy weave. Just touching soft and warm Pashmina tells you what it is! Pashmina products are all time trendy and stylish. People of class from all over the world use these products - shawl, scarf and many more.

Given my interest, one of the best places I have found to shop for Pashmina is Spencer's Pashmina. Neatly laid out and user’s friendly site has a great collection of Pashmina products. Explore and find what they are offering and how. They have something for everyone. Imagery of the products is good and it gives a feeler of how one will look wrapped in one of those shawls.

What is more, their custom dye option makes them stand out from the rest. Ask for color you want and Spencer's Pashmina will deliver exactly the same.

Some of their shawls are already on my wish list.

Backdrop of India Pakistan Talks

2010-02-06T22:45:00.007+05:00

India has agreed to resume talks with Pakistan after a deadlock of over two years.

India and Pakistan turned out to be foes of each other soon after their independence from the British Rule in 1947. The two countries have had three wars to date in 1948, 1965 and 1971. The last war resulted in secession of East Pakistan from the Federation as an independent state named as Bangladesh.

The main issue of enmity between the two countries is regarding the State of Jammu and Kashmir part of which is under the administrative control of India and the other part is under the control of Pakistan. With majority population of Muslims but ruled by a non Muslim who sold the state to India for Rs. 7.5 million only resulted in the advance of armies of both countries into the state in 1948. The UN sponsored cease fire and the countless resolutions passed by Security Council and General Assembly seek holding of a plebiscite in the disputed state. Having agreed to the aforementioned resolutions at the time of cease fire, India backed out from her commitment and continues to do so to date. Whereas Pakistan could take the case to UNO, the Simla Agreement signed after the 1971 War binds the two countries to resolve the dispute mutually without intervention of a third party. This is the price Pakistan had to pay for the 1971 War to get its thousands of prisoners back besides losing its eastern wing which had more population than the western wing. In 1988, India undertook the nuclear tests which was immediately followed by Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan became nuclear states.

With the passage of time, a number of other issues like Siachen, prisoners in both countries have cropped up. The two worth mentioning are the water dispute and terrorism. The former has arisen as a result of construction of dams and diverting the water by India on/of the rivers flowing from India into Pakistan. Earlier, the struggle of Muslims in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir was recognized the world over as a bona fide independence movement. Since the incidence of 9/11 , India has been able to politically shun the notion of independence movement before the world and is hell bent on labeling it as terrorism. Pakistan, too, had to cease its support to the freedom fighters restricting itself to only moral, political and diplomatic support.

Ever since the US invasion of Afghanistan soon after the 9/11, India has been increasing its presence in Afghanistan; over a dozen consulates and lot of trade and construction activities. This does not suit Pakistan, rather threatens Pakistan's security on its western front. Pakistan's concerns have been registered by America who acknowledge that Indian presence in Afghanistan is adversely affecting Pakistan's war on terror. Pakistan accuses India of supporting terrorists playing havoc in Pakistan and separatists seeking secession of Baluchistan from Pakistan. India denies both accusations.

Until the end of the last decade, India insisted that confidence building measures should be taken first to resolve the issues and Pakistan maintained that the issues be resolved first and confidence building measures would automatically follow. During all these years there was a time that India refused to recognize Kashmir as an issue between the two countries as India considered its integral part. However, through negotiations, Pakistan has been able to make India concede, though only diplomatically, that Kashmir is an issue between two countries which requires resolution. During the last decade, Pakistan changed its stance and agreed to initiation of confidence building measure like cross cultural interaction between the citizens of two countries and trade.

The confidence building measures progressed pretty fast and, reportedly, back channel diplomacy was taking place to resolve the issues including that of Kashmir when the Mumbai attacks occurred in November 2008 and everything came to a standstill, rather, it started moving backward to the brink of cross border adventures. India accused Pakistan of its involvement in these attacks as the only terrorist caught alive is a Pakistani citizen. Pakistan denied its involvement at governmental level and committed to undertake investigations and punish the individual Pakistani citizens, if any, found involved. This row has taken two years for the dust to settle down where after India has agreed to resume talks of which terrorism is going to be an important point on the agenda.

Dodge Accessories

2010-02-05T19:26:00.002+05:00

Movement of personnel or good by road is all dependent upon vehicles. Dodge is one of the most popular manufacturers of auto-motives. Dodge Ram, Dakota, Charger, Challenger, Caliber, and Viper are known the world over. Vehicles manufactured by Dodge are dependable. The innovative approach, peculiar to Dodge, is even recognized by its competitors. Such a big fleet of vehicles of varying types and models plying in thousands has to be backed up by equally dependable and genuine accessories. You have got to have a trusted supplier of Dodge accessories who can supply all accessories of all types of Dodge vehicles of all models. CARid.com has earned a name for itself which you can trust and rely on.

Be it the Dodge car accessories or the Dodge truck accessories, CARid.com have them all. Their inventory is wholesome. The accessories are guaranteed to be of the highest quality. Their highly trained staff takes special care to understand your requirement and ensures that you get the right kind and quality of accessories for your vehicle.

You can get in touch with them via live chat or through their toll free number and shop online them seven days a week. The website is very neatly laid out. It is comprehensive in details and user friendly. You can look for the accessories by vehicle category, by product or by brand. The pictures you see are extremely helpful in recognizing the accessories required by you. And, if needed, you can visit them. You are only a click away.

Pleased in Pak Pattan

2010-02-03T12:28:00.000+05:00

Pakpattan - the name is enough to start the travelers, cautiously curious and devoted faithful dreaming. Already the magic words like sultans and saints are stirring in the head. Let your gaze slip over the dhaki - original citadel of Pakpattan - and the town will suddenly appear. The antiquity is its own message: the town is heritage, and heritage permeates the town. Read the story of the town by S A J Shirazi.

Lyari Operation

2010-01-14T20:03:00.002+05:00

A surgical operation was conducted in Lyari, Karachi, by Rangers other day. On hue and cry by the Karachites of all sections of society, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah stated that the operation in Lyari had not been conducted on his orders and that it was conducted without his knowledge. How surprising it is that ruling governments, both in the province of Sindh and the center are being run by Pakistan Peoples' Party and no one is owning the operation conducted by Rangers!

Please Get Serious

2010-01-12T10:40:00.000+05:00

Point here is that Hamid Mir, and other anchormen must work on a fine balance and responsibility to the people who are watching them. My suggestion: Hamid Mir, please be serious while you use your anchor power. Read the story here.

Anti terrorism-thinkers or doers

2009-12-06T17:20:00.003+05:00

For a nation put to sleep by many a sermons of religious purpose, the mass bloodshed of innocent brethren comes as no surprise. We pray to an invisible God, believe in the words of the invincible preachers and devote our lives to chant verse after verse like imbecile parrots. We believe in those who make us believe in them and abandon any who dares dissent. We declare those who worship our exclusive Gods in any way other than the one deemed appropriate by us as heretics. And yes, we do condone the execution of one transgressor after another in the name of blasphemy.

We, the people of the fading green flag, the aloof crescent with the bleak star, take religion seriously. We live and die for it. We kill and reincarnate in its name. We trace our origin and destination to be religious perfection. And we perfect others more than ourselves. We perfect our neighbor before our kin. We burn their mosques before illuminating our own. And we ostracize them before including ourselves. We march forward as a herd of mindless sheep whose shepherd has gone astray. And once lost in utter chaos we hold faith. In time of need and otherwise, we always hold faith.

While our faith is intense and potent, we rest it in the hands of self-appointed custodians and go about carrying our affairs with the nonchalance of beings bereft of responsibility. We believe in them and their virtuous service but we do not take onus of our blind acquiescence. We condemn the strangers executing our brethren one after the other but we never wonder about where the wizards of doom emerge from. We plough to make our land fertile for strife and exonerate those planting the seeds of bloodshed. And when it is time to reap the fruit of our doing we stare exasperated at each other pointing fingers.

You see, we are believers. We believe and we believe well. If only we were thinkers or doers.

Rawalpindi Carnage

2009-12-05T18:01:00.000+05:00

In a highly tragic incident 36 innocent people including 17 children, 10 civilian, 9 Army personnel embraced shahadat when terrorists attacked a mosque in Parade Lane, Rawalpindi. Reportedly 4 terrorists approached a mosque inside officers residential colony in Parade Lane, Rawalpindi Saddar and hurled grenades on Namazies followed by indiscriminate firing. Meanwhile two suicide bombers entered the Mosque and blew themselves killing 35 Namazies who were offering Jumma prayers. Security forces personnel in the area responded immediately and 2 other terrorists were killed in exchange of fire.

Read the names of all martyrs here.

Resentment against Baluchistan Package

2009-11-25T18:53:00.003+05:00

Baluchistan is area wise the largest of the four provinces of Pakistan. It is the smallest province in terms of the population. Ever since independence there has invariably been lot of hue and cry regarding the deprivation of the rights of the people of Baluchistan. All governments to date have been accepting the existence of this deprivation and announcing different packages and incentives to make up the deprivation. However, the hue and cry regarding the deprivation has continued to increase despite all these efforts. In the recent past, particularly, after the death of Nawab Akbar Bugti and killing of a few more political leaders, this hue and cry has gathered a new momentum and now the voices of secession from Pakistan are on the increase.

People of Baluchistan feel that they are not getting the due share of development and their democratic rights of freedom of expression, equal opportunities etc are also not respected. The other sore point is about the royalty for the mineral resources like natural gas from Sui gas fields, copper from Saindak, marble etc. In the last few years there have been a large number of people from Baluchistan who, according to the political leadership, have gone missing as they have been picked up by the security agencies, namely, army. People of Baluchistan are against the involvement of the army and even the establishment of new cantonments. Gwadar port is yet another sore point where non Baluchis have purchased lot of land and are working in various projects which is going to change the demography of the area. Notwithstanding the poor standard of education, the people of Baluchistan want all public office vacancies to be filled by them and not from outside Baluchistan.

It is in this backdrop that the present government had promised to alleviate the sufferings of Baluchistan through a package. The said package has been placed before the national assembly. The Baluch leadership’s response has been twofold; the political leadership of Baluchistan was not taken into confidence while preparing the package and that the package falls well short of the demands of the people of Baluchistan. Yet another cry has been that the people of Baluchistan wanted these promises to be converted into deeds and going by the past precedence, they had all the reservations about the implementation of the package.

Even if the Baluchistan package presented in the National Assembly is well intentioned, it’s not being perceived as such. Wouldn't it have been better that all the elected and non elected political leadership was taken on board while preparing the package. If this was not possible, the least which could have been done was to present the package in the Provincial Assembly of Baluchistan prior to its approval by the National Assembly and the government.

NRO beneficiary quits as moral obligation

2009-11-23T15:40:00.004+05:00

Finding his name in recently published list of beneficiaries of National Reconciliation Ordinance, the advisor of Punjab Chief Minister and principal secretary of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Saeed Mehdi has tendered his resignation stating that he never made any corruption nor took advantage under NRO. He further said that he was involved in the matter maliciously, therefore, quitting from the office as moral obligation. Mehdi said he would not accept any official designation till clearance.

Unless there are some hidden and political ramifications, the resignation of Saeed Mehdi is indeed commendable. Is he going to be the lone exception or going to be followed by hundreds of others in the government led by the worthy President of Pakistan?

Abnormal activities of foreign nationals

2009-11-21T19:23:00.005+05:00

As per the press reports, MNA Javed Hashmi, who also heads the NA human rights body’s sub-committee on American private security firm Blackwater’s alleged presence in the country, said that the US was purchasing land in the suburbs of the federal capital Islamabad, including Malpur, Sihala and the Simly Dam area. He also said,“Influential people in Islamabad are renting out their houses to Americans,” and added “as per preliminary information, it is an established fact that Inter-Risk and DynCorp are training recruits in Peshawar”.

There has been a lot of hue and cry on part of the residents of Islamabad for many weeks about abnormal activities of the foreign diplomats and nationals. It has been the subject of the media, too. There have been reports that foreign nationals are employing highly trained retired soldiers of the special services group of the army in large numbers offering them very attractive salaries.

There is a need to probe into the matter to verify if all this is true or mere speculations. Based on the probe, government should take appropriate measures in either case and let the people know about it.

Donating sacrificial meat to IDPs

2009-11-20T12:30:00.003+05:00

Eid ul Azha is due to be celebrated in about a week's time. After the military operation in Swat Malakand areas and the ongoing military operation in South Waziristan, we are having a large number of internally displaced persons, in millions in case of the former and in lakhs in case of the latter. All of these people need to be helped. Celebration of Eid ul Azha provides a large number of Pakistanis a good opportunity to help these IDPs.

Following the teachings of Islam, a large number of Pakistanis are going to spend millions of rupees to buy sacrificial goats and cows and slaughter them. Government, particularly army, and other agencies helping the IDPs should collect these sacrificial animals/money from the ones who intend buying the sacrificial animals and pass the same to the IDPs. The money so collected can be used to buy the animals from the neighborhood of the IDPs. Army is best suited for that as it is better organized and people have more faith in it. This will create a lot of goodwill amongst the IDPs and make them feel that their fellow Pakistanis care for them and remember them.

Pakistan 42nd most corrupt country: TI

2009-11-18T07:43:00.004+05:00

Transparency International (TI), in its report for the year 2009, has rated Pakistan to be the 42nd most corrupt country in the world. Last year Pakistan was rated as 47th most corrupt country. Thus, as per this report, corruption has further increased in Pakistan over the last one year. India has been reported to be at 84th position. TI has cited issue of (National Reconciliation Ordinance) NRO in end 2007 as the main cause for continuing increase in corruption. The NRO grants immunity to a large number of politicians and bureaucrats charged with corruption. Most of these politicians and bureaucrats led by Mr. Asif Ali Zardari are back in power.

The PPP led government continues to boast of heroic deeds since their coming in power about two years ago. The report of TI bares it all. The worthy prime minister (PM) has shown his concern about it and formed committees to streamline procedures for good governance. This action on part of the PM very clearly reflects his acceptance of the TI report. He could have denied it, too, to be false and ill founded! The thought of good governance has occurred to the PM after this report. What have his cabinet and he been doing for the last two years? Waiting for the report! PPP calls itself to be the champion of democracy and good deeds. Rhetoric are good for a while. Deeds speak louder than words. In stead of competing with India in Cricket and Hockey matches, and being emotional about it, Pakistan needs to compete with India in the field of good governance.

Fred Bremner

2009-11-17T11:36:00.001+05:00

Light Within on on Fred Bremner writes, “He was not a diplomat, historian or a journalist, yet his photographs and publications have become an important source of historic records of the cities, events, places and people in Pakistan.”

Sugar Crisis and Accountability

2009-11-16T14:55:00.002+05:00

Forty years ago, one of the reasons of downfall of Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan, then president of Pakistan, was the increase of sugar price from Rs.1.50 per kg to Rs.1.75 per kg. Our country has been passing through the sugar crisis for over two months now. Sugar which was earlier available in the market in plenty at Rs.38.00 to Rs.40.00 per kg is in short supply and the shopkeepers are selling it at the rates of their choice from Rs.50.00 to Rs.80.00 per kg in different parts of the country. And, this is happening despite the ruling of the Supreme Court of Pakistan that sugar be provided to the masses at Rs. 40.00 per kg.

All Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (APSMA) has repeatedly brought out that it had informed the Ministry of Production in early Summers that, in view of less production of Sugar in the country, government should import sugar which was then available in the international market at cheaper rates than now. According to APSMA, Ministry of Production did not follow the advice and this is the main cause of the present sugar crisis. Federal as well as the provincial governments continue to opine that the crisis is prevailing because of the hoarding on part of the sugar mills and the wholesalers. The other opinion is that Supreme Courts ruling has discouraged the market forces to come into play resulting in the crisis. However, the fact is that the ruling came much after the crisis had already begun. Provincial governments continue to boast of administrative measures like raiding of the few of the sugar mills and recover thousands of sugar bags hoarded by them. Provision of sugar to the masses at the rate of Rs.40.00 per kg through government run Utility Stores, too, has been boasted about but once the masses cue up to buy sugar during the announced two hours period, to their total disappointment, they are unable to buy any sugar as either the stores are closed or the sugar is not there to be sold. This is resulting in unrest and agitations in small numbers which is likely to grow with every day passing. Either the government officials are incompetent or they are party to the artificial escalation of prices. Both of these are inexcusable.

Notwithstanding the fact that Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan was a dictator, finding himself being unable to control the agitations, he chose to resign. I doubt if any such option is even under consideration of the worthy president, prime minister, chief ministers or the concerned federal and provincial ministers. We are yet to hear even a single case of proceedings against any of the culprits; government officials, the mill owners or the wholesalers. Not a single head has rolled but for that of poor masses who are in search of sugar from pillar to the post. Initiated by a private TV channel, our political leadership, in the government and opposition alike, could not think of 'Stop using sugar drive' and have not bothered to support it by personal example.

Concept of War

2009-11-15T20:39:00.000+05:00

By nature the settings of cyber warfare are international as compared to fighting in confines of limited war zones, sectors and on borders. Information systems have always been vital for any professional military might. Since the advent of computers and the Internet, there have been amazing changes in the ways of handling and using information: collecting, storing, processing, and distributing information. Like corporate world and even individual members of society, military commands are also taking advantage of the medium at all levels and computers and networks dependence is growing.

Read about new concept of Cyber War.

US review of Afghan strategy and Pakistan

2009-11-15T20:10:00.004+05:00

Foreign office of Pakistan has communicated to the US that Pakistan should be taken on board while US reviews and formulates Afghan strategy afresh. By all logic, US ought to take Pakistan's point of view. However, there has been no response on the issue from the US government. Any increase or decrease in troops is going to have a direct bearing on Pakistan. Even other aspects of the strategy related to use of force or negotiations, or a combination thereof, too, will directly or indirectly affect Pakistan's efforts in the war on terror. Obama has repeatedly asked the planners to review the strategy from the beginning till end to include the time frame and methodology of withdrawal of troops from the region. This, too, is relevant to Pakistan as to how Pakistan should plan its strategy once US and NATO troops leave the region.

On one hand US considers Pakistan to be the front line state on the US and NATO allies' war on terror. US has also, in the recent past, grouped Pakistan with Afghanistan to fight its war against terror and calls it as its AF-Pak strategy. Isn't it then surprising that Pakistan is not being taken on board? There must be reasons for the same. Pakistan government needs to look into the matter seriously and take appropriate diplomatic and other measures. Learning from this, Pakistan should understand that, in the eyes of America, Pakistan's role has been and will remain reactive and not pro active despite the latter being so called non NATO ally of US.

Pursuit of terrorists

2009-11-14T20:13:00.002+05:00

The recent upsurge of terrorist activities is mind boggling. The frequency of the terrorist attacks has grown to one everyday in the last one week. The leadership of the NWFP and the federation continues to state that the recent increase in the terrorist activities is related to the military operation in South Waziristan. They are of the view that the terrorists are reacting to the losses being suffered by them at the hands of the army. Some have even stated these terrorists attacks to be the last ditch effort on part of terrorists facing defeat in South Waziristan. Although even these losses at the hands of terrorists are pretty bad, sad and hard to bear, I wish and pray that these terrorist activities are at their dying end, but to me it doesn't appear to be so. I don't agree with the general perception that all would be fine after the military operation in South Waziristan.

The successful pursuit of terrorists in South Waziristan should have resulted in weakening them and decreased their activities elsewhere which is not the case. It is perceived that all terrorist activities are planned and their execution is controlled and directed from their center in South Waziristan. If that be the case, one thing is for certain, the military operation has so far not been able to disrupt the nerve center of the terrorists to the extent so as to prevent them from executing terrorist activities. Thus, either the military operation is not proceeding successfully or the current terrorist activities are being launched from elsewhere. The latter is more likely. The terrorists have spread all over the country and we will have to pursue them in every nook and corner of our mother land.

Corrupt Parliamentarians

2009-11-14T11:35:00.003+05:00

Associated Press reports that William Jefferson, a Democrat who represented parts of New Orleans for nearly 20 years has been sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison for taking $500,000 in bribes and seeking millions more in exchange for using his influence to broker business deals in Africa.

I long to see such like verdicts in Pakistan.

Cost of misspelling your email address

2009-11-10T15:38:00.004+05:00

If there is one odd mistake or omission in the postal address, there are good chances that your letter will still reach the recipient. However, that's not the case with a wrong email address. It has got to be accurate to the last word and the digit, if any. Any oversight in this regard means that your email will not be received by the intended recipient but some one else. Similarly, if some one wants to send you an email and he/she has misspelled your email address, the email will not be received by you. The matter does not end here. In both cases the message is most likely to be received by another person. If by any chance the contents of the message are of confidential nature, loss of confidentiality is very much a possibility with bad consequences.

One such mistake was made by a friend of mine a few months ago. He receives monthly payments in his PayPal account from a number of agencies. My friend did not bother to check up his accounts until recently and found a few thousand dollars missing. On checking up, he was horrified to learn that payments from one agency were missing as the email address he sent to one of the agencies had a typo mistake. My friend has lost quite a few thousand dollars. So, be ware of such like mistakes.

Prosecution of NRO beneficiaries

2009-11-09T19:41:00.004+05:00

The News International dated Monday, November 09, 2009, writes in its editorial:

The constitutional experts are of the opinion that the NRO could be challenged in the superior courts for being in contradiction of the Constitution and a sheer violation of the basic human rights. In case the contention is accepted, the beneficiaries of the infamous law would be exposed to legal proceedings, including restoration of their status as accused, proclaimed offender and they would also be liable for arrest.

Even if the beneficiaries of NRO become liable to legal proceedings and their status (prior to NRO) as accused, proclaimed offenders and being liable to arrest is restored, the question is as to what is going to be outcome of these legal proceedings. The cases against these individuals are to be pursued by the government and the affected individuals are also part of the government in one form or the other. Will the PPP led coalition government pursue these cases vigorously against its own jiyalas? The delliberate action on part of the prosecution will be to dilute and take the steam out of these cases.

Paintball Masks

2009-11-09T18:58:00.002+05:00

Paintball games are a great fun. But for that you need to have the right kind of paintball guns and accessories. Ultimate Paintball online store is the right place to have your buy to play paintball masks. The guns of particular interest and the most popular are Tippmann A-5, Tippmann 98 Custom, Smart Parts Ion, Tippmann X7, and Spyder MR1. All of these are available with Ultimate Paintball at rates cheaper than their competitors. The shipping is free which adds to your saving. You can choose the paintball guns of your choice as per your budget and have fun playing the best paintball masks. My friends and I have shortlisted 09 Spyder Sonix Paintball. You can pick up a few of your choice and have fun.

Withdrawl of NRO

2009-11-07T22:23:00.000+05:00

Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the majority party, withdrawn National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO)to avoid voting on the bill by the parliament. It had to been done as it became distinctly clear that the game of numbers was not in their favor and that the bill was doomed to be rejected by the majority. This became obvious once one of the major coalition partners, Muttehidda Qaumi Movement(MQM), declared that it would vote against the bill.

NRO indemnifies a large number of politicians and bureaucrats with respect to cases of large scale pending in the courts on the pretext that the cases were politically motivated to victimize the opposition. The bill very clearly violates the equality of justice and provides unlimited relief to the beneficiaries.

Surprisingly, the opposition parties did not insist on the presentation of the bill. Had the opposition, along with MQM, insisted on its presentation, PPP had no choice but to do so and face the defeat. It would have been far better if the bill was presented and voted against rather than its withdrawal. This would have certainly been a rightful expression of the intentions of the parliamentarians as to who were for such exceptions of indemnities and who were against it. But, perhaps, there is some tacit understanding between the opposition and the ruling alliance not to push each other to the wall irrespective of the national interests.

Eyeglasses

2009-11-07T15:52:00.002+05:00

Eye glasses are an essential part of our body. The look and the quality of glass ought to be good, and yet the eyeglasses should be affordable. Some of the most stylish eyeglasses are being offered by Zeni Optical online. All you need to do is send the prescription, select one of the many designs being offered by them and place your order. They offer frames with single vision lens, sun-sensor lens, tinted sunglasses lens, bifocal lens and progressive lens besides Holiday Fun Eyeglasses.

They offer eyeglasses at the cheapest rates as they manufacture the glasses themselves and sell it directly to customers with no middleman or agency involvement. Prescription Zenni Eyeglasses are available starting from unbelievably low rate of $ 8. All of their eyeglasses include high quality stylish frame, thin and light 1.57 index lens, anti scratch coating, full UV protection, lens edge polishing and beveling, quality hard eyeglass case, microfiber lens cleaning cloth and full guarantee. They have recently added New Arrivals which are irresistible to buy. I like Rimless Frame # 3889 which is for just $ 19.

Political Leadership and the Military Operations

2009-11-05T17:22:00.005+05:00

Political leadership of government of Pakistan has repeatedly stated that our country is at war, the war against terrorism. Besides, looking for and chasing the terrorists all over the country, we have already had a successful military operation in Swat Malakand areas. And, now, another military operation is in progress in South Waziristan. Barring one odd exception, all parties, both in the government and opposition, continue to support the military operations. Every now and then, we hear lot of statements from leaders of both sides supporting the military operations and appreciating the heroic deeds of our brave soldiers. But, that's all.

Whereas the the senior military leadership including Chief of Army Staff regularly visited the troops in Swat Malakand areas during the military operation and is also visiting the troops in South Waziristan, there has not been a single noteworthy leader of the government or the other political parties who has taken the trouble of going to the operational areas.

It's not understood as to why the political personalities of our country who all claim to be the leaders of our country have not visited the troops. You don't push out your troops in the battlefield and forget about them. American and NATO leadership including heads of the governments has made countless visits to Iraq and Afghanistan to look up their troops and see for themselves as to what progress is being made. Perhaps, our leaders have more important things to attend to than the war! That's why they have left this not so important job to the military leadership. It's only today that Nawaz Sharif is in Northern Areas addressing public rallys in support of the candidates of his party in the oncoming elections due in the next few days. Certainly, to him, this is far more important than visiting the troops in the battlefield! None of the leaders have even taking the trouble of visiting the wounded soldiers in the hospitals or the next of kins of the martyred ones. Deeds speak louder than the words.

Looking for cheap auto insurance!

2009-11-05T15:29:00.004+05:00

Buying the right car is one thing and having it rightly insured is another. You certainly look for Cheap Auto Insurance. It’s quite usual that we spend lot of time and go into details to decide as to which car suits us the most but we are not that particular as to which insurance company suits the most. You should spend some time finding the right auto insurance company. You, like most others, will like to have your car insured which costs you the least but covers your car the most. Internet has made this job simple. You should look for an insurance company which not only provides you Cheap Insurance but also provides coverage to your car right from day one till the time your car remains with you.

You get bonuses and driver discounts for avoiding wrecks and tickets, and good grades as young student drivers. The minor details of the package e.g who pays if the wind screen gets cracks, are also important. The insurance covers roadside assistance and all of the auto insurance extras. The company duly makes modest increase in the premium rate in case you get ticket(s) but offers attractive bonuses for the safe driving. So, if you come to look at it the company offers not only the Cheapest Car Insurance it also provides the most comprehensive coverage including all possible ifs and buts. It’s transparent.

Introducing Logic is Variable

2009-11-03T23:57:00.002+05:00

In the bloggers words...

Logic is Variable is a resource for my writings. More often, I blog informally, sharing impressions, generating ideas to see how they invoke reactions, keeping track of others’ work in the fields of my interest, or simply ranting or pointing out things that come to my attention.

Also, I use blogging as a platform to prune ideas. This is where I meet others and share experiences. “I am neither geek, nor nerd, I am not a hacker, a phreaker, a programmer or any variety of technoid dweeb.” Have a look!

Obama's Afghanistan Dilemma

2009-11-03T15:10:00.004+05:00

It has been over eight years, soon after 9/11, that America invaded Afghanistan. America has over hundred thousand troops and Britain has over fifteen thousand. Other NATO countries have also contributed troops in single digit thousands. The invasion was undertaken as the perpetrators of 9/11, Al Qaeda organization, led by Osama Bin Laden was in hiding in Afghanistan. Prior to invasion America had demanded the handing over of Osama Bin Laden and his accomplices from Mulla Omar led government of Taliban. Mulla Omar denied the said demand. Despite a lapse of eight years, NATO forces have neither been able to capture Osama Bin Laden or Mulla Omar nor have they been able to neutralize Al Qaeda. Only a few months ago Obama sent around seventeen thousand troops to Afghanistan. The present American military commander has been demanding reinforcement by another forty four thousand troops for last few weeks.

Thousands of innocent Afghan nationals have been killed so far, some say the number to be over hundred thousand. A large number of Afghanis have been disabled. Many of them become homeless. Over one thousand NATO troops have also been killed. However, neither the NATO troops nor the present Afghan government have been able to establish their control over Afghanistan to root out Al Qaeda and Taliban. Whether the induction of another forty four thousand American troops will be able to achieve what has not been achieved in last eight years or not is the question before Obama. There is another school of thought. It advocates buying of Taliban rather than chasing and killing them. Let's see which of the two options is followed by Obama.

Looking for a job!

2009-11-02T17:34:00.001+05:00

The world is passing through one of the worst economic recessions. The unemployment rate continues to grow. In America, every fifth person has lost the job. However, this, by no means, implies that jobs are not available or the companies are not hiring. If there are companies which are firing its employees, in the process of downsizing, there are other companies which are growing and hiring. Notwithstanding the access to information on the internet, searching for the job is an art by itself which you need to learn to be able to find the right job for yourself. Similarly, once you have got a job, you would like to have job satisfaction and you would also like to grow in your career. Internet offers easy access to an ocean which requires many life times to traverse. You have got to jump in the right direction to be able to dig out pearls and not stones.

But before embarking upon to find a job you ought to have the right advice for finding a job as well as the career advice. For both, it is better to benefit from the advice of experts in these fields instead of making a solo flight. Harrison Barnes has made job search easy for the jobless. He has written useful articles providing just the right advice about job search and also the career advice. These articles provide insight to the realities of job search. He talks about dos and don’ts in a way that the reader feels as if these articles have been written for him. You would certainly learn a number of new things which would make your job search far easier proposition than before. Going through these articles will make your pursuit of how to find a job lot easier than your earlier perceptions.

Job satisfaction is what makes a person live a comfortable life. It’s a two way process. You can’t blame your organization and bosses for everything going wrong and being counterproductive to job satisfaction. A lot of it also depends upon as to how you should go about doing your job and interact with your peers, bosses and subordinates. Job satisfaction is a prerequisite to career growth, particularly in the same organization. Harrison Barnes, in his articles on the subject offers sound career advice very comprehensively. He suggests tips which are easily understandable and adaptable. You will definitely find many new approaches which will help you move about with good job satisfaction and also enable you to grow in your career.

Hazards of Using Cell Phone

2009-11-02T15:26:00.004+05:00

The voluntary exposure of the brain to microwaves from hand held mobile phones is the largest biological human experience ever in which the cell phone users are exposed to electromagnetic radiations. Because we yet do not know the health risks, we must exercise caution. What if you have to use a cell phone.

Don’t allow children to use the phone except in emergencies. Children’s skulls are thinner and their brains contain more fluids than adults. Radio frequencies travel through children’s brains much more easily and therefore increase the risk of cancer. Brain tumors cause more deaths among children than any other forms of cancer. Sydney TV News report.

Malignant brain tumors are the second leading cause of death in children under 15 and young adults under 34. NeuorologyChannel.com.

Don’t let your children keep the cell phone under the pillow. NaturalHealth strategies.com

Avoid using cell phone if you are pregnant. The developing organs of the fetus or child are the most sensitive to any possible effects of the most sensitive electromagnetic radiations exposure. R.B. Herberman M.D. University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute (2008).

Don’t use cell phones with young babies or children on your lap or in your arms.

Just a two minute call on cell phone can alter the natural activity of the brain for up to one hour. Spanish Neuro Diagnostic Research Institute.

The more time you spend talking on your cell phone, the greater your risk of developing brain or eye cancer. Be polite but keep it brief. You may be saving not only money but a life-quite possibly your own. NaturalHealth strategies.com

Regular phones are your safest bet for conversations and work. Use a regular phone as much as possible. The base of a cordless phone emits high level of electromagnetic radiations, even when the phone is not in use. Dr.George Carlo, Medical Alert, Aggravated System Relapses (2008).

By moving the cell phone just 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) away from your head while talking on it, you reduce the EMR that reaches your head by 75%. You cut your EMR exposure to less than 1% by keeping the cell phone over 18 cm (approximately 7 inches) away from any part of your body. NaturalHealth strategies.com.

Avoid carrying cell phone in your pocket, belt or hand. The hip produces 80% of body’s red blood cells and is especially vulnerable to electromagnetic radiations. Close proximity may also affect fertility. Dr.George Carlo, Medical Alert, Aggravated System Relapses (2008).

Body tissue in the abdomen absorbs radiations more quickly than the head. Position cell phone with the keypad facing towards you when you put it in a pouch or hand bag. This way the antenna is facing away from you. NaturalHealth strategies.com.

Avoid Using Wired Headsets

Headsets, including the ear buds that come with most cell phones today, have been shown to act as antennae channeling the electromagnetic radiations directly into the ear canal. Dr.George Carlo, Medical Alert, Aggravated System Relapses (2008).

When you use regular ear buds or ear pieces, you are getting three times more EMR than if you hold the cell phone against your ear, and you are getting it directly into your ear canal, and therefore into your brain. NaturalHealth strategies.com.

Ferrite beads suppress the EMR and dissipate it. In other words, they absorb EMR and convert it into heat. Foe maximum protection, use an air tube headset with a ferrite bead placed as near as possible to the cell phone. NaturalHealth strategies.com.

Use the speaker phone as much as possible. Never hold the phone directly against your head. EMR decreases in direct proportion to the distance the source is from your body.

Avoid using a cell phone while in metal enclosures Vehicles, elevators, air planes, trains, subways and any other metal enclosures. Dr.George Carlo, Medical Alert, Aggravated System Relapses (2008).

Metal enclosures act like a Faraday cage, trapping some of the radiation and reflecting it back upon you and others. Turn your phone off in metal enclosures. NaturalHealth strategies.com.

Make calls when and where you have strong signals. Cell phones automatically increase power output, when the signals weak exposing you to greater EMR.

Avoid making calls when travelling fast. A cell phone automatically increases power when it is moving at high speeds ( such as in a car, train, subway, or plane) as it attempts to connect to the next base station. R.B. Herberman M.D. University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute (2008).

EMR emitted from cell phones and even electric clocks can lower the quality of your sleep. R.B. Herberman M.D. University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute (2008).

Turn your cell phone off at night. The Safe Wireless Initiative also suggests moving your electric alarm clock or clock radio ( this goes for any other electronic or electrical appliances, too) at least 1.80 meters (6 feet) away from your head, or simply using a battery powered alarm clock. NaturalHealth strategies.com.

When purchasing a cell phone, buy one with the lowest SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) R.B. Herberman M.D. University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute (2008).

We can’t protect ourselves from all danger, And we don’t want to be fearful, as that’s one more stress, that’s also detrimental to our emotional and physical health.

Just a second

2009-10-28T12:38:00.001+06:00

A man was praying to god.

He said, "God?"

God responded, "Yes?"

And the Guy said, "Can I ask a question?"

"Go right ahead", God said.

"God, what is a million years to you?"

God said, "A million years to me is only a second."

The man wondered.

Then he asked, "God, what is a million dollars worth to you?"

God said, "A million dollars to me is a penny."

So the man said, "God can I have a penny?"

And God cheerfully said,

"Sure!.......just a second."

We all need home security!

2009-10-25T21:28:00.004+06:00

The sense of security and peace at home is incomplete until we take suitable measures to safeguard our house from the vulnerabilities of fire, burglary and medical emergencies. For that you need the services of a home security company. The service should be available twenty four hours a day and seven days a week. It should be dependable and prompt in response. Yet, with all the pluses, it should be affordable.

ADT Home Security has been in business for over one hundred and thirty years. With that much experience at their back, having the latest equipment and a network of four interconnected monitoring centers throughout the country, your house is monitored for all the emergency hazards. You can arm and disarm the system with Keychain remote and communicate with security professionals with digital keypad. ADT staff will immediately alert the emergency services to enable them to be with you without loss of precious seconds. ADT Security offer economical and affordable packages suiting the requirements of different households. If you come to calculate, it is going to cost you around a dollar a day which is certainly a very good deal to safeguard your home, particularly, under the prevailing economy. If you buy a package for three years, you get $850 home security system for free from All Home Security, ADT authorized dealer. Their customer service is at your beck and call. They are only a click or a call away.

Friends That Matter

2009-10-24T12:32:00.005+06:00

Friends of Thatta Kedona Self Help Project that made all possible snapped in front of Pakistan House Potsdam, Germany.

Dolls, Toys and More - Book by S A J Shirazi

2009-10-23T19:39:00.002+06:00

Thatta Kedona

Punjabi Taliban

2009-10-22T23:49:00.005+06:00

A report published by the Washington Times said,

Extremists from Punjab had increasingly taken control of the Taliban forces fighting the army in Waziristan, but might now be fleeing back to Punjab “which already has been the scene of multiple suicide bombings” before the army launched the offensive.

Madrassahs from all over the country in general and from Punjab in particular have been the major source of recruitment of terrorists. These Madrassahs are academic home to not only the major part of the poor youth of Punjab but also the rest of the country, particularly, NWFP. Pseudo Islamist parties and a number of foreign actors provide financial and all other type of support to these Madrassahs. These Madrassahs do not belong to one school of thought but they have one common misperceived goal which is to enforce sharia through force. That's another reality that each school of thought has its own interpretation of sharia different than the other. Whereas behind the scene actors have their own vested interests and not the love of Islam, quite a few innocent educated and the rich Pakistanis and Pakistanis living abroad are also victim of the mindset that Islam can only be spread through force and the society can only be made to practice Islam through force. Since students join these Madrassahs in early childhood and remain there for their entire period of impressionable age, the students 'graduating' from these Madrassahs have only one mindset; force all and sundry to follow their version of Islam and if they do not kill them by waging Jihad implying that if in the process these jihadis get killed they will go to heaven. It was this very theme which produced jihadis to fight against Russian invasion of Afghanistan and later the freedom struggle in Kashmir. However, 9/11 reversed the situation and jihadis of yesteryears have now become terrorists. Pakistan government created these jihadis and armed them and only government can shatter them and disarm them. The government can only do this if it has political will to do it.

Friends, not masters

2009-10-21T18:52:00.002+06:00

The News International, Pakistan in its editorial of Wednesday, October 21, 2009 writes,

Senator John Kerry has described the meetings he held during a brief visit to Pakistan to 'clarify' the concerns raised over conditionalities attached to the $7.5 billion aid to be extended under the Kerry-Lugar Bill as 'positive'. It is significant that the US lawmaker focused the time he had available on meeting those who had most reservations about the bill – Mian Nawaz Sharif and General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani. But reading between the lines, it seems clear that Mr Kerry found the going tough. This is evident from the fact that he carefully declined to say if fears raised by the bill had been allayed and on several occasions looked quite visibly frustrated by the response to it. But the US lawmaker also made several things quite clear. For one, he stressed that the intentions behind the bill were good and that he for one ranked himself as a friend of Pakistan, eager to do what he could to help the country and to strengthen democracy within it. He also pointed out Pakistan was free to refuse the aid package. The plain talking from one of the most experienced US Senators should make us all think. The question is whether as a country strapped for cash, and trapped in a quagmire of problems made up by political instability, economic desperation, a militant threat and a devastating shortage of energy, we are in any position to choose. The country, quite simply, cannot do without assistance. Its people cannot do without the improved access to education and healthcare that the Kerry-Lugar Bill offers. This is the reality that we should be talking about.

Late President of Pakistan Field Marshall Ayub Khan said, " We need friends, not masters". But in the dictionary of international relations, the word friendship does not exist. Agreed, that we are strapped for cash. When have we not been? How many times have we got loans and aids in billions of dollars since independence, all in the name of alleviating poverty and educating the masses? Whither has it gone? Same is going to happen to this money. These loans and aids suit the government officials as it are they who benefit from it the most. So, I beg to differ with the conclusion of the editorial. Losing integrity, allowing other countries to interfere more and more in our internal affairs for any sum what to talk of a paltry sum of $ 1.5 bn which too is going to be eaten by officials in the name of masses isn't a good bargain at all. Let's learn to stand on our own feet.

India warns of fresh militant attack

2009-10-21T18:28:00.004+06:00

The News International, Pakistan, Wednesday, October 21, 2009 reports,

NEW DELHI: India’s prime minister on Tuesday warned of a fresh militant attack and urged the armed forces to take measures to tackle security challenges nearly two weeks after a bomb attack on its embassy in Kabul.

It's only a couple of days ago that Iran accused us of terrorism. Afghanistan has been accusing us for many years and India started doing that more vocally ever since Mumbai attacks in Nov'09. Now that our armed forces are deeply involved in military operation in South Waziristan, India has resurfaced on the scene. I won't be surprised if India orchestrates a terrorist act on its soil and makes it an excuse to launch some sort of military actions across the borders. It is fair to assume that our government and, particularly, armed forces must have made some contingency plans to deal with the Indians. Success of military operation in Swat neither suits Americans nor Indians both of whom are interested in weakening Pakistan armed forces, the only unifying and integrating organization, and hope left for survival of Pakistan as a nation/country. If you have any doubts about that, read Kerry Luger bill.

Fight terrorism actively and not pasively

2009-10-21T18:04:00.004+06:00

The News International, Wednesday, October 21, 2009

All government and private schools, colleges and universities have been closed throughout the country because of fears about militant attacks after twin suicide bombings at a university campus in Islamabad on Tuesday, officials said.

Closing of educational institutions all over Pakistan may be a wise step if it's a temporary move for a few days. These few days should be utilized by the administrations to review the security measures and bring them up to the mark. Having done that, the institutions must open. We, as a nation, should not adopt a passive and reactive approach to deal with the terrorists. We must face them fare and square. There is a need to educate all Pakistanis to keep their eyes and ears open and report any untoward activities to the law enforcing agencies. I don't see any public information publicity campaigns by the government. I would go even a step further. Government should organize public awareness sessions with the masses or their elders at the village/mohallah level to educate the masses. Families, shopkeepers, workers in restaurants, hotels, offices, factories and all other sections of the society need to be educated to observe untoward activities and report. Terrorists are living amongst us. Unless all of us unite to identify them before hand, we will continue to be reactive and passive. We need to follow a proactive approach. But for the media, not a single leader has taken the trouble of mobilizing the masses. Who else is going to do this job?

NATO vacates check posts on Pak Afghan border!

2009-10-20T16:14:00.006+06:00

Daily Times dated Tuesday, October 20, 2009, writes,

RAWALPINDI: NATO forces vacating checkposts in Afghanistan allow Afghan Taliban to cross the Pak-Afghan border and join the Pakistani Taliban in South Waziristan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani said on Monday.

The above issue was raised by Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani during a meeting with US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General David Petraeus. Any good reasons for the NATO troops to vacate the check posts in Afghanistan bordering Pakistan in the neighborhood of South Waziristan! Removal of these check posts will allow Afghan Taliban to join Pakistani Taliban and also it will facilitate the Pakistani Taliban to flee into Afghanistan to fight another day. This very clearly speaks of the ill intentions our so called allies have about us. Earlier there was a lot of hue and cry on their part that Pakistan was not taking any serious action against terrorists in South Waziristan, and now that Pakistan Army is launching military operation, NATO has opted to provide terrorists with entry/exit points by vacating the check posts. This was the time that NATO should have beefed up/strengthened these check posts and asked Pakistan Army as to how else they could support the military operation in South Waziristan.

How Many SIM(s) are Issued Against Your Name?

2009-10-18T17:45:00.004+06:00

Given the security situation in the country (and also reported abuse of communication systems and channels), everyone must be cautious. It is possibility that someone might have got a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) against your ID (CINC). I suggest you check and find out the total number of SIM(s) registered against their respective CNIC number with each mobile operator.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has developed a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) information system to address associated risks on security and to ensure subscription regulations in cellular sector. {Thanks Light Within}

Diwali greetings to all followers

2009-10-17T20:22:00.004+06:00

This is to greet all followers of Hindu and Sikh faith who await and celebrate the festival of Diwali. There are a number of legends associated with this marvelous celebration. One of these relates to the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi who is stated to have taken refuge in the ocean of milk once the gods were sent into exile. The oceans churned and Lakshmi was reborn. The other legend is about Lord Vishnu who rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali on this day. The third version is about Lord Krishna who killed the demon king Narakaasura and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The fourth narration is about the return of Pandavas from their 12 years of vanavas on this day. The fifth version talks about Lord Rama having killed Ravana on the Vijaya Dashami and returned to Ayodhya on this day. People of Ayodhya celebrated the occasion by decorating the entire city with lamps. Going by the sixth version Lakshmi visits her devotees and sets up residence in the house which she finds most hospitable. So, the day of Diwali is spent by devotees for cleaning, painting the walls, decorating the floor with attractive rangoli designs. According to the seventh version, Diwali is the day on which great king Vikramaditya was coronated which started the Vikrama era. The people of Ujjain celebrate it by lighting lamps. Diwali is also considered to be the day of nirvana or passing away of the great Mahavira Jain. The lighting of the lamps is a symbolically done as substitute for the light knowledge that was extinguished with Mahavira's passing. This is also the day on which Guru Har Gobind Ji (1595-1644), the sixth Guru of Sikhism, who was imprisoned along with 52 other Hindu kings at Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir was released. After freeing the other prisoners, he went to the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in the holy city of Amritsar, where he was welcomed happily by the people who lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru.

Diwali is also a harvest festival. It marks the start of the Lunar year. One of the rituals traditionally associated with Diwali is gambling. Buying new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets with friends and neighbors, lighting of lamps and candles and lots of fireworks and doing Lakshmi Pooja are the most common rituals associated with Diwali.

While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". I wish the best of awareness of the inner light to everyone including myself.

Mitigating Supremacy of Pakistani parliament?

2009-10-16T19:45:00.004+06:00

The debate about the Kerry Luger bill passed by both houses of America has been on in National Assembly of Pakistan. The bill grants $ 1.5 bn per annum for five years but has certain conditions attached to it. These conditions have been rejected by the opposition parties, media and a wide cross section of Pakistani society. The pressure on the government has been so intense that ultimately some of its parliamentarians too opposed the conditions. The conditions relate to micromanagement of the aid money, American access to persons under the garb of pursuing nuclear proliferation network and involvement in the affairs of Pakistan army promotions and the use of military aid. But the most offensive condition relates to the language used while talking about Pakistan's handling of terrorism which presupposes Pakistan to be sponsoring terrorism and asks it to cease it.

However, the surprising thing has been the sudden flight back of Pakistan's foreign minister to Washington, while the debate in the national assembly is still on, to have an explanatory note added to the bill to mitigate the effects of the conditions laid down in the bill before the bill was signed by the American president. And, the latest is that the debate in the Pakistani parliament has been wound up without any vote on the subject or without any resolution. What's the use of such a debate? Where is the writ of the Pakistani parliament? Whither democracy?

Hughes Net Satellite Internet

2009-10-15T19:29:00.005+06:00

Having the right type of internet connection is a very important pre requisite to be able to make best use of internet facility. Your internet connection must be such that it has a fast download speed, it is always on, broad serviceability is available, and it is functional even if you are living in a remote area. Even if all the aforementioned facilities are available, last but not the least, the internet connection must be affordable having flexible payment options depending upon the needs of the customer. Gone are the days of manual dial up connections and even that of internet cable. This is the era of having a satellite internet connection.

Opting for Hughesnet Satellite Internet is not only the best but also the only option. They are spread all over contagious America. They cover the remote areas where manual dial up internet connections have problems of reliability besides having very slow download speed and the cable is yet to reach. Hughesnet satellite internet download speed is fifty times faster than the manual dial up connection and this is being offered at affordable rates. At times, one realizes the positive effects of a change only after one has actually made the change. Hughes Net Virginia is providing excellent service to the people of Virginia including the remote areas. One does not have to wait after every click for your desired sites to download and this certainly results in saving lot of precious time. There are no interruptions and the connection is affordable. You can opt for the package that suits you. The payment options are flexible and within easy reach. Call this internet satellite for professional advice. They are only a click away, always there to serve you.

Internet Radio Comes to Thatta Kedona

2009-10-11T16:20:00.002+06:00

Thatta Kedona Radio Station project is coming of age. Two rooms have been constructed and new solar units have already been installed in them. Computer and MP3 recorders for the Radio Station.

In addition to infrastructure including building, electrification and hardware, special some software is also required for streaming for high speed traffic to run the Internet radio. When commissioned, this will be another ‘first’ in Pakistan.

Clear Wireless Satellite Internet

2009-10-09T20:12:00.005+06:00

Advent of computers and internet has revolutionized the world. Using internet, communication with near and dear ones, friends and family, peers, business partners and others has become a matter of minutes. Inter office and intra office communications are all dependent on internet communication. Buying and selling of physical products or services is being increasingly undertaken via internet. Students, with every day passing, are becoming more and more dependent on internet.

In nutshell, most of the communication is now possible through internet. Extensive use of internet is only possible if you have a fast and reliable internet connection. Without a fast and reliable internet connection you lose a large number of seconds between countless clicks you make on your computer to communicate. In present day times, you will also like to utilize your travelling time using internet provided you have access to internet on the move. The single answer to have the best internet connection is to avail the services of Clear Wireless Internet 4G. It’s only when you switch to clear 4g that you would realize as to how much at ease you have become and how much time you have started saving as a result thereof.

Using Clear, you get the fastest internet broadband speed, as fast as you can get on broad band DSL or Cable connection. But, here, there is no hassles of wires as it is wireless. They are using the latest technology due to which, they are faster, easy to use, convenient and affordable, too. You order, receive the equipment, plug it in and start using it. It’s as simple as that. You can send and receive emails, download music or anything you require, send voice mail or talk one to one or make conference calls. Clear wireless are spread all over the country and have most of the area covered to enable you to use your internet on the move. They offer affordable plans suiting the needs of home users as well as that of professionals. They are only a click or a call away from you.

Will the parliamentarians rise up to the occasion?

2009-10-07T18:52:00.003+06:00

Nasim Zehra writes in The News International of October 07, 2009,

The ball is now in the court of Pakistan's elected legislators. As they formulate a response they must recognise that if Pakistan faces a financial crunch, the United States faces a strategic one. For the US to walk away from Pakistan is a virtual impossibility at this juncture. It is far more unaffordable for them since Pakistan occupies more than 50 per cent of the space in their strategic calculation. Meanwhile $1.5 billion accounts for roughly three per cent of Pakistan's federal and provincial annual budgets.

If Pakistan's legislators are able to rise to the occasion and craft a consensus response to the Kerry-Lugar bill, they will have proved their worth as men and women who are capable of promoting and protecting the interests and dignity of the citizens of the country. Otherwise, whether democracy or dictatorship, Pakistan's parliament is merely a rubber stamp which follows the will of a handful of individuals who exercise their authority overlooking constitutionally defined institutional mechanisms like the Cabinet, defence committee the parliament.

How right Nasim Zehra is. It's indeed a momentous occasion for the parliamentarians to rise up to the occasion setting aside their petty differences and speak out their conscious which may or may not be as per their party's policy. Security and integrity of Pakistan are far more important than $ 1.5 bn.

Efficient Home Alarm System

2009-10-07T16:44:00.007+06:00

Taking care of the security of our homes is imperative as without any home alarm system, you are vulnerable to hazards like burglary, fire, medical emergency etc. The alarm system should be such that it is functional round the clock i.e. 24/7 and is prompt in response to the extent that the requisite help reaches from the concerned agencies without loss of valuable seconds.

A few days ago fire broke out in our neighborhood. We came to know about it because of the buzzing of fire fighting vehicles. We were happily surprised to note that the fire had still not expanded. Only smoke was coming out of the house. It appeared as if the fire had broken out only a few minutes ago and the fire fighting staff had reached well in time to control and extinguish the fire. They took control of the situation and were able to extinguish the fire without any loss of time. It was all over within a few minutes. There was no loss of life and loss to the property too was far less than what one can imagine under such circumstances.

Later, we learnt that there was only an old sick man at home who saw some simmering fire in the garbage bin. He could not do much on his own due to his indisposition. Fortunately, adt alarms was installed in the house. The old man, using remote key pad, passed the alarm message to the ADT staff who very promptly passed on the emergency information to the nearby fire fighting staff. That is how a catastrophe to a house was averted.

Style of governance!

2009-10-06T22:02:00.004+06:00

The News International of Tuesday, October 06, 2009 writes,

During the question hour, Mr Tarin made a written revelation that the powerful bureaucrats sitting in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had quietly spent a World Bank loan of Rs150 million on purchase of office furniture from China. At the same time he made another disturbing confession that during the last one year in office, his financial team put a new burden of Rs100 billion loan on the nation to meet the rising difference in income and expenditure.

The above is just one example of the style of governance. Worthy finance minister should be credited with speaking the truth, which I assume it is. However, where are the deeds following the government's resolve to lead the austerity drive?

UN offices to continue despite suicide attack threats

2009-10-06T21:52:00.001+06:00

The News International dated Tuesday, October 06, 2009 writes,

ISLAMABAD: The representative of the United Nations Tuesday said the UN is not dismantling the operations in Pakistan; only a few offices have temporarily been closed; however, important offices will remain open uninterruptedly.

It's indeed very encouraging to know that after the suicide attack on one of the UN offices killing around half a dozen people.

30% Parliamentarians fail to submit Assets' details

2009-10-06T21:50:00.001+06:00

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued list of as many as 349 parliamentarians who have failed to submit their assets’ details to commission, Geo news said on Tuesday.

Parliamentarians are supposed to be the role models of a country. They were to submit their assets' details by 30 Sep'09. 349 parliamentarians make around 30% of the total. Such is the state of our leadership!

Mud Architecture in Lahore

2009-10-01T19:13:00.003+06:00

Concept of shifting to mud architecture is creating waves in Pakistan. It is heartening to know that a lot is happening to convert this concept in to a reality in the form of proposed Mud Village, Peerzada Festival Area, Lahore. Read the latest story at Light Within.

Postponement of Bye Elections

2009-10-01T17:28:00.004+06:00

The News International, Pakistan dated Thursday, October 01, 2009 writes in its editorial,

The LHC has called the attorney general and chief election commissioner to appear before it in a case involving the Punjab government's petition to stay by-polls to four National and provincial assembly seats. The court also declined to stay the polls, scheduled for November 7 by the CEC, holding that the Election Commission was under no obligation to consult a provincial government when setting dates for polls.

If elections can be held in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the law and order situation is far more worse than in Pakistan, it's not understandable as to why these can't be held in Pakistan, and, particularly, in Punjab where the situation is much better than the other provinces. Requesting for postponement of elections is a clear admission on part of PML(N) led Punjab government that they have failed to restore the law and order situation. What if after another three and a half year PPP led federal government takes the same stance to postpone the next general elections?

Pakistan defeats India in ICC Champions Trophy 2009

2009-09-27T22:54:00.003+06:00

JOHANNESBURG: Pakistan defeated India by 54 runs at the Super Sport Park on Saturday in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy.

It was second consecutive win of Pakistan. Yesterday evening, I asked a friend of mine to accompany me to a nearby place for a small job. He offered regrets as he was watching the cricket match. Once asked as to why he was so much glued to the TV watching the match. He replied that with poor law and order situation and the unending price hike, there was hardly anything left for entertainment and he did not want to miss it. How right he was and is!

The New Economy Blog

2009-09-27T20:25:00.002+06:00

Have a look at the new blog Corporate Finance and Accounting and see which side economy is turning to. This is particularly good resource for students of economy, Chartered Accountants, Cost and Management Accountants.

Plan Blog Action Day

2009-09-26T09:52:00.002+06:00

Thanks to Light Within for reminding that Blog Action Day 2009 is coming up (October 15, 2009) and the theme this time is Climate Change. Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Join the movement.

International climate negotiations are occurring in Copenhagen this December, and this Blog Action day aims to to mobilize millions of people across the world for finding a sustainable solution to the climate crisis. On October 15, take time to blog about climate change and help raise awareness about the issue. Register your blog today {#}.

Star Night at DeSOM

2009-09-23T14:06:00.003+06:00

DeSOM – Services Club Lahore – has come to be famous for its traditions like celebrations of festive occasions like Chand Raat – night when Eid ul Fits moon is cited on first of Shawal – national days and other get to gathers. Like always and like everyone, I was there with my whole family. In addition, there we meet some old colleagues and their families, kids met their class fellows and friends and had a traditional food with little bit of every thing from Murg Channe to BRBQ (dahi bhalle, halwa puri, biryani, list goes on and on) .

There were many stall form bangles and hina to crystal gazers and special Eid gifts for kids to indulge in. Yes, there were a lot of boooools for my Maan.

The bottom line; at DeSOM every one was a style star. {From}

Your Home Security System

2009-09-23T13:16:00.006+06:00

Home is a place where we all seek peace of mind for our family members and for ourselves. If our house is vulnerable to certain known and unknown accidental hazards, not only our house is at risk but also is the entire family. Thus, total peace of mind at home is only possible when you have a fool proof home security system installed. You must opt for the best system. ADT Home Security System have been in business for over 130 years and provide 24/7 monitoring. The security/alarm system installed by them is easy to operate and it provides comprehensive protection which includes monitoring for burglary, fire/smoke, carbon monoxide, and other home emergencies.

ADT alarm covers the entire length and breadth of America. They have four interconnected command centers strategically located throughout the United States. These are manned by highly trained staff that promptly responds to all emergency calls, identifies the nature of emergency and immediately informs the concerned authorities to enable them to react promptly without loss of precious seconds. The installation of the system is done by the company staff who briefs the family to operate the system. The operation of the system is very simple which is done through a remote device which can even be attached to your key chain. The installation of the system is quite economical and it may even save you some money spent on insurance. Their customer service is excellent. They are only a click or a call away from you.

Celebrating Eid - Part 1

2009-09-22T16:49:00.005+06:00

Eid is celebrated by Muslims the world over as a day of rejoicing after fasting during the preceding lunar month of Ramadhan. In all Muslim majority countries, Eid day, and a day or two before and after Eid are declared as closed holidays. Wheras celebration of Eid should logically be the privilege of only those Muslims who resorted to fasting, it is celebrated by all Muslims alike. Shopping for Eid starts a week to ten days in advance. By and large everyone buys new clothes, particularly, the ladies and children.

The evening before Eid is called Chand Raat (the night of sighting the moon of Eid). This evening is specially important for the girls and women who take pains to decorate their hands, arms and even feet with mehndi (henna). There are some women in each locality/family who are very good at applying mehndi and become most sought after. In cities, there are professionals who charge hefty sums for this. On this evening there are displays of fireworks which are a source of amusement and fun for the children. The evening is also spent by housewives to cook/prepare various dishes for the families. So, there is a lot of hustle and bustle on Chand Raat.

On the morning of Eid, the most important event is Eid Prayers. Large gatherings of prayers are held in all the big mosques and in open grounds. Soon after the prayers, friends, near and dear ones present in the congregations greet each other by embracing, traditionally three times. After Eid prayers, children await their elders to give them Eidee (monetary contribution) to them. Now the feasting starts. There are families who await their relatives and family friends for the feast at home, there are others who choose to leave their house to attend such feasts. The favourite dishes are sawwian (vermicelli's), chaat (a snack of potatoes and chanas with onion and spices), kheer (made from milk and rice), kababs (made from minced meat) etc. Families exchange some of these dishes with their neighbours. Besides visiting each other, families move out for picnics to zoo, museum, playlands etc. There are some who spend their time before the screen watching TV, movies or on the Internet. There are others, a few, who spend the holidays sleeping to make up for the sleep lost due to over work earning their livelihood. Some affluent families are very particular to share their happiness with the poor by alleviating their sufferings to the extent they can. Some families also make it a point to visit the graveyards to remember their near and dear ones by praying for them who are no longer living. There are some unfortunate ones who happen to have lost some of their near and dear ones in the recent past. It's really hard for them to enjoy the festivities of Eid.

Persons living away from their near and dear ones in other cities or other countries plan to spend Eid back home. There are some who can afford that in terms of money and time. But there are others who either can't afford monetarily or their nature of occupation does not permit them to be with their families. The reliance in such cases is on the present day blessed means of communication.

End of Ramadhan

2009-09-20T21:47:00.002+06:00

The month of Ramadhan of the lunar calendar is considered to be a holy month for all Muslims. Muslims, the world over, celebrate this month exercising restraint and tolerance in their social and physical activities. They fast, offer their prayers more regularly, offer nama-e-taraveeh (additional non obligatory prayers), are more kind and caring towards fellow human beings, particularly the poor. The month of Ramadhan is supposed to act as a refresher course for them to remind them of what they tend to forget in the other eleven months.

The ritual of Fasting is part of all religious faiths in one form or the other. However, the objective of the ritual of fasting is common; to attend to the rights of Allah and that of fellow human beings. So, the question which I ask myself and all Muslims is as to what extent has each one of us been able to move forward in the two aforementioned obligations? Has this passing month of Ramadhan been able to make us better Muslims not only in our beliefs by word of mouth but also in our deeds? Lucky are the ones whose answer to this question is in affirmative!

Eid Greetings

2009-09-20T12:25:00.000+06:00

This is to extend my heartiest Eid greetings to the Muslim readers of my blog. I wish and pray that all of us Muslims are able act as better Muslims after the passing month of Ramadhan. The true celebration of Eidulfitr is not restricted to putting on new clothes and eating good dishes but we ought to be effecting a positive change in our worshipping Allah and being better in our social conduct.

Using Internet through Hughes Net

2009-09-17T20:51:00.003+06:00

The advent of internet has revolutionized the world. Every one has become dependent on internet to socially interact with friends and family, to buy or sell, to offer or avail various services, to pursue academic goals and so on. Whereas use of internet saves lot of time and effort, a slow, unreliable and insecure internet connection quietly consumes in bits and pieces plenty of one’s time and energy. There are some who are aware of this reality but there are others who aren’t. You have to just reflect back as to how much you have to wait for your desired downloads and how frequently you have to wait uselessly to get over unwanted interruptions. You will come to truly realize this and feel relieved once you switch over to Broadband providers.

Switching over to hughesnet satellite, you will be freed of all of your erstwhile concerns about the slow speed, interruptions and insecurity. This internet service is available to all categories of internet users offering download speeds from 700 Kbps to 3.0 Mbps. The packages offered by them conveniently suit individuals as well as the entire families. Hughes Internet Marshall, NC perfectly and very promptly meets the needs of all internet users of North Carolina and its suburbs including rural areas where cable and manual dial up are yet to be easily accessible. The rates are reasonable and easily affordable considering the uninterrupted quality they provide to their customers. They are but a call or a click away from you.

Make a Difference

2009-09-17T14:41:00.003+06:00

Planet Earth appears to be big with an endless ocean of air around. Astronauts see the planet as small dot set against black background with a thin layer of atmosphere. Environmentalists fear that our home planet is slowly scorching. Earth is the third planet from the Sun at a distance of about 150 million kilometers. It takes 365.256 days for the Earth to travel around the Sun and 23.9345 hours for the Earth to complete one rotation. It has a diameter of 12,756 kilometers. Atmosphere is composed of 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen and 1 percent other element. About 71 percent of earth’s surface is covered by water and the rest is land.

Earth is the only planet known to shelter life. Earth’s surface is surrounded by a layer of gases known as the atmosphere, which extends upward from the surface, slowly thinning out into space. Below the surface is a hot interior of rocky material and two core layers composed of the metals nickel and iron in solid and liquid form. Unlike the other planets, Earth has a unique set of characteristics suited to support life. It is neither too hot, like Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, nor too cold, like distant Mars and the even more distant outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and tiny Pluto. Earth’s atmosphere distinguishes it from the planet Venus, which is otherwise much like Earth. Venus is about the same size and mass as Earth and is also neither too near nor too far from the Sun. But because Venus has too much heat trapping carbon dioxide in its atmosphere, therefore its surface is extremely hot for life to exist.

Life itself contributes to changes on Earth, especially living things can alter Earth’s atmosphere. For example, Earth at one time had the same amount of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere as Venus now has, but early forms of life helped remove this carbon dioxide over millions of years. These life forms also added oxygen to Earth’s atmosphere and made it possible for life to evolve on land. And now the gases produced by human activities are making changes.

As per the Earth science, our planet is one of the most active of all the planets in the solar system. Earth is constantly changing. Most of these changes have been gradual, taking place over millions of years. Nevertheless, these gradual changes have resulted in radical modifications, involving the formation, erosion, and re-formation of mountain ranges and the movement of continents.

The weathering and erosion that result from the water cycle are among the principal factors responsible for changes to Earth’s surface. Another principal factor is the movement of Earth’s continents and seafloors and the buildup of mountain ranges due to a phenomenon known as plate tectonics. Heat is the basis for all of these changes. Heat in Earth’s interior is believed to be responsible for continental movement, mountain building, and the creation of new seafloor in ocean basins. Heat from the Sun is responsible for the evaporation of ocean water and the resulting precipitation that causes weathering and erosion. In effect, heat in Earth’s interior helps build up Earth’s surface while heat from the Sun helps wear down the surface.

Knowing our mother planet better can make a difference. {X - Posted From Here}

Direct Mail and Call Center Solutions

2009-09-14T12:32:00.002+06:00

The Internet and other collaborative technologies have changed the ways and processes of doing business and marketing. Businesses need much more than just their online presence. Savvy concerns are realizing the importance of outsourcing, Direct Mail, Data Management, E-Commerce and Graphic Design Capabilities and are increasingly employing faster and efficient communication methods to stay close to their customers.

The call center trend is growing fast. With the given rate of growth in call centers, it is safe to predict that soon every business may be employing call center to reach out. This situation makes it necessary for businesses to have a fresh look at their communication stratigies and start using call centers.

Inktel Direct have world-class expertise in business process management, direct marketing, contact center operations, data management, fulfillment, supply chain management and logistics. Inktel Direct provides outsourced business solutions to some of the world’s leading brands with aim to help clients build and strengthen relationships with their customers and, at the same time, help them reduce costs, increase revenue, enhance loyalty and achieve real results.

I suggest you have a look at Inktel Direct and see what they are offering and how. Better still explore Florida fulfillment, Florida call center and Florida direct mail and see how they can help you to reach the next level of success.

Honorable Mention

2009-09-12T17:42:00.002+06:00

My new blog Socio Political Affairs gets its first honorable mention at Light Within. It reads, "Similarly I enjoy reading Socio Political Affairs – a new blog that covers national and international affairs. Given its age, this blog also has started creating waves in Pakistan blogsphere. The blogger picks up hottest issue of the day and writes his own opinion about the issue that aims at setting free independent thinking in the readers."

Read an interesting overview of Pakistani blogsphere by S A J Shirazi here.

New Photo Fun Every Day

2009-09-12T17:25:00.003+06:00

As I am personally interested in photography and have my own proud pictures’ collection, I found Picjoke.com very interesting and useful. I tried some pictures (here, here, here) and liked the result. What you think of the effects you see here. Please share your opinion in comments section here.

Living in the cyber age, everything is coming in digital form. One of the most efficient options to store, manage and view pictures in with digital form. Not only that, you can manipulate the picture or a sketch and create an effect that you like. This way you can enhance the strength of your pictures. They are one of the best utilities for those who have integrated digital cameras into their lives. That is where Picjoke.com comes in.

Explore Picjoke.com and see what they are offering and how. Picjoke.com is an online utility that allows you to upload your picture and then create an effect. They have many effects on the site and are issuing new one every day. It is so simple to use; just select the effect, upload your picture from your computer and click to create your picture with the desired effect. If you like it, copy the link and share it with your college friends by email or post as avatar on your blog and enjoy the fun.

Lobbying for judges

2009-09-08T06:51:00.007+06:00

According to Dawn, Tuesday, 08 Sep, 2009,

“No one can imagine the amount of pressure exerted upon the consultees for the selection of certain persons, but by the grace of Allah none of the consultees has succumbed to pressure,” the chief justice said at a ceremony here on Monday to mark the beginning of the new judicial year.

The worthy chief justice remarked this in relation to the appointment of judges to the superior courts. It speaks of the level of nepotism, corruption and politicization of everything important happening in our country. Whereas, it is highly appreciable that the chief justice and his team have not succumbed to the pressures, it very clearly reflects how hard it has become to remain honest. I only hope that these pressures do not take the form of threats and black mailings as the honest people too are but humans.

Whither Indian secularism?

2009-09-07T09:03:00.006+06:00

According to The News International dated Monday, September 07, 2009

"Justifying Jaswant Singh’s summary expulsion, BJP Chief Rajnath Singh on Sunday warned that the party would take action against all those who favoured Mohammad Ali Jinnah, against whose ideals the party was opposed to".

Above is the true face of Indian secularism and democracy, supposed to be the largest in the world. BJP is not a small political party. It has ruled the country in the past defeating Congress and may well come into power again. Jaswant singh has recently written a book in which he has praised the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Sacking and restoration

2009-09-06T07:03:00.008+06:00

The News International dated Sunday, September 06, 2009 reports,

"Prime minister reversed his earlier decision to sack Khalid Mirza unceremoniously that earned criticism that the incumbent regime had bowed before the influential business tycoons, especially the cement lobby. The CCP had taken the decision to impose over Rs 6 billion penalty on cement manufacturers a few days ago".

Either the sacking was wrong or the restoration is. Decision making at that high level is supposed to be well founded based on sound information and not on personal whims, and the least it is not dependent on the pressures.

Helplessness

2009-09-04T16:28:00.004+06:00

I have been indisposed for last two weeks. My friend took me along to get his car checked up from a workshop. While walking up to the car, after the check up, I unknowingly put my right foot on a greesy patch, slipped and fell down with all my body weight instinctively falling on my right hand. We immediately went to a nearby hospital. I was given a couple of injections and x-rayed. Fortunately, there was no fracture. However, the pain in my right arm was so severe that I remained off from my work and also from blogging for some days. I could not move my arm freely. Any movement, advertant or inadvertant, would cause crying pain. I did not know as to which position I should keep my arm in so as to avoid pain. I could not lift or carry anything with the right arm. It was hard to bathe and change clothes., eat and drink. I became lethargic avoiding work which I could not do and also the one which I could do. The pain hasn't gone yet, but its intensity has reduced and I am back to work.

IF I was superstitious, I would have put the blame on my friend who is lucky that I did not attribute this accident to him. My friend opined that if this accident had occurred in a developed world country, I would have sued the workshop people for the greesy patch and got handsome monetary compensation. However, all these days, my thoughts centered around the difficulties faced by the disabled persons whose limbs; one, two, three or all four are either amputated or are non functional. Although, even now, it is hard for me to fully comprehend the insurmountable difficulties faced by the disabled, I had a chance to have a feel of the sembalance of it. Whatever we have, we take it for granted until we are deprived of it. The value of the blessings is truly realized once we have to live without these. The other thought which came to my mind was as to how within a fraction of a second my right hand instinctively moved to voluntarily bear the weight of my body to save it from a bigger loss. Why don't we all react that quickly and selflessly to save our fellow human beings including the near and dear ones. Yet another thought which prevails over me is that worse could have happened. How helpless we all are! This is what I go through every time I fall sick. However, every time I get well, these thoughts move away and I get busy in my normal routine. How forgetful we humans are!

Are you visible in the online world?

2009-09-03T16:13:00.003+06:00

There is hardly any organization be it a business concern or that of services or any other which does not have a web site. There are a large number of individuals who have their personal web sites or blogs. If you or your organization has a web site, you certainly want your target customers to visit it to enable you to engage in business or exchange services or communicate your views. To achieve this, you need an effective online presence through SEO (search engine optimization). You have got to choose one of Top SEO Companies to do the needful.

There is a mushroom of SEO companies offering services making tall claims but few match the competence and good track record of SEO Company. They have a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of SEO and internet marketing. The company offers its potential customers a free SEO Health Check of their web sites. This will enable you to identify the weak areas of your web site and the SEO requirements. The company does not make any tall claim to complete SEO within days and weeks; the shortcut solutions which are equally short lived. It undertakes SEO systematically, delivers and delivers it well with the passage of time.

"Hughes Net" is 50 times faster than manual dial up

2009-09-02T17:21:00.001+06:00

A computer is of little use without an internet connection. Manual dial up connections have slow download speed, interruptions in connectivity and may not be regularly available in certain remote areas. With every day passing the need of owning an internet connection which can provide fast download speeds, uninterrupted connectivity, availability in remote areas and reasonable rates is becoming essential. The answer lies in satellite broadband internet connection. It’s only once you switch over to satellite connection to realize as to how much time we lose every time waiting for downloads to complete before getting down to doing some work on the computer. This waiting time lost by us in long pauses actually turns out to be more than half the time spent by us on the internet.

Hughes Net Satellite offers broadband internet connections all over continental United States covering almost all homes and businesses everywhere including remote areas. The download speed is fifty times more than that of manual dial up. The connection is available with no interruptions irrespective of different weather conditions. Payment plans offered by hughesnet are flexible and include both lease and purchase options according to needs of different customer service. They have a user friendly web site and efficient customer service always ready to give you satellite internet expert advice.

Receiving and Seeing off Near and Dear Ones

2009-09-02T13:01:00.006+06:00

We all have near and dear ones from amongst our friends and family who live in other cities or countries and we have to receive or see them off in person just like we are received or bid farewell away from our hometowns. Similarly, in certain cases, we have our office bosses, peers and subordinates, or business partners or political or diplomatic friends or foes to receive or see off. Also, receiving and seeing off is, at times related, to certain occasions of joy or sorrow. Depending upon the degree of relationship and things at stake, time permitting, we make efforts to receive and see off our near and dear ones in person. There are some for whom whether we have time or not and whether we like it or not we have to steal time to receive or bid farewell. There are others with whom our emotional involvement is so much that we make it a point to receive or see them off in person right till the entry/exit point. Place to receive or see off also varies. It may be our home, office or entry/exit point to our city like a bus stop, railway station or and airport. Choice of the place is often directly to related to, besides the degree of convenience, the degree of relationship or importance we accord to our guests or near and dear ones.

Every time I go to the airport, I observe varying kinds of receptions and farewells being accorded to different people. I see people receiving or seeing off their near and dear ones with tears of joy or sorrow in their eyes. There are others whom I see dropping the guests and saying good bye there and then and leaving the airport with no expression of emotions of any kind. There are people who remain at the airport right till the time plane takes off. I see them gazing at the plane as if they did not want the person(s) in the plane to part with them, thus, trying to remain attached with them until the last possible moment. Similarly, I see people reaching the airport well before time to receive the guests, near and dear ones counting every minute impatiently. There are others who reach just in time or even late by a few minutes to receive the guests, near and dear ones.

I find airports, and by the same analogy other entry and exit points like bus stations and railway stations, places where expression of emotions is at its best in terms of joy, sorrow, love, liking, disliking and hate. However, the latter two negative expressions are less visible than the other positive expressions. I wish we could live with each other as per the emotions displayed by us while receiving or seeing off our near and dear ones. But, this happens very seldom.

Want to Be Rich?

2009-08-30T17:01:00.002+06:00

An article titled Planet Startup that discusses dozen of the most promising new ventures for determined American entrepreneurs is a very good read. The article catchline reads that ‘a bit of seed money, a little business savvy, and a great big appetite for adventure’ is what can take you to become Nouveau Riche.

This type of report can be inspiring and enlightening. What comes to mind while reading is if providing broadband in Brazil, becoming a bio diesel producer in Argentina, creating an ad network for India's mobile content developers, launching an exclusive social network for Russian millionaires, opening an American-style restaurant in one of China's fast-growing cities, remodeling homes for China's burgeoning middle class, flipping mining claims in Bolivia, exporting the planet's next great wines - from Greece or import fine wines to upscale restaurants in India, exporting gourmet coffee from Rwanda and becoming a social entrepreneur in South Africa can bring success (read wealth), why I can’t take up similar business venture and succeed?

In these unique economic times, there are a lot of opportunities in business improvements, real estate investments, stock investments or other fields of economic activities. People only need to look for them and take them to become a Nouveau Riche and a success. I have personally learned a great deal from successful people. I follow them and see how they work and achieve. I have found that all big achievers have some common traits; education, capacity to work hard and will to excel. Read through the article and see how it can inspire those who want to be Nouveau Riche.

Ramadan and Consumers' Economy

2009-08-30T15:06:00.001+06:00

Despite different announcements by the government the prices of commodities keep rising all the time. Unchecked price hike is particularly visible at three occasions; before and during Ramadan, before and after annual budget and in between whenever prices of Petrol go up.

All nation and economies around the world respect their national and religious festive celebrations and reduce prices, announce clearance sales and help every one to make purchases. Pre Christmas sale is one of the best examples. Contrary to this spirit, we face unchecked price increase before and during Ramadan and before sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. “The present situation indicates that rulers are not consumer friendly as they are backing hoarders, investors, capitalists besides working on the agenda of IMF and WB,” says PRM President Dr Aasim Sajjad, “sugar crisis was witnessed widely and the government pledged to deal with hoarders with iron hands but now situation was out of control” he added.

Market scouting shows that fruits and vegetable prices at the advent of the Holy month of Ramadan went spiraling high by 80/100 percent. More than 25 daily commodities like sugar, rice, pulses, chicken, beef, mutton, vegetables and fruits have shot up in local markets.

In a country that used to be famous around the world being cheapest as for as the food is considered, wholesalers and retailers, particularly of fruits and vegetables are enjoying a free hand to fleece the consumers in Holy month despite of all the official claims. The price of Flour is already raised by 5 to 8 Rupees per Kg. Dates are available from 100 Rs to 150 Rs a Kilo while Chicken is being sold at around 240-260 Rs. Besan is regularly used in Ramadan for making Pakoras for Iftar and its price now days is around 58 to 64 Rs a Kilo. Yogurt is being sold at 64 to 68 Rs while a liter of milk costs 45 to 58 Rs (show a discrepancy for fresh and tetra packs). Sugar prices have broken all the previous records and it has been sold at 54 to 64 Rs per Kg. There are reports about shortage of these commodities also. Utility Stores are unable to supply the desired amount of commodities and unavailability of products is causing nuisance. Despite of being honest and helpful at least in Holy month the retailers exploit the needs of public in Ramadan. Even the lower middle class person tries to eat nutritious fruits daily but how can they afford such prices?

The main commodities which showed an increase in their prices in July 2009 over June 2009 include Potatoes (29.33%), tomatoes (28.39%), eggs (20.37%), vegetables (17.32%), mash (14.59%), chicken (9.83%), moong (8.87%), gram whole(6.94%), onions (6.93%), gur (4.91%), masoor (4.48%), gram split (3.25%), fresh fruits (3.08%), food prepared/preserved(3.02%), oil cakes (2.91%), wheat flour (2.50%), tea (2.46%), meat (1.86%), sugar refined (1.72%), wheat (1.69%), rice (1.42%), beans (1.33%) and besan (1.06%). {X-Posted from Light Within}

Misdirected Anger

2009-08-24T13:49:00.004+06:00

Anger is one of the attributes of all human beings. Not only that, it is also one of the attributes of animals. No human being can ever claim that he or she has spent all of his or her life without getting angry with or over someone or something. Losing temper is a negative quality which every sane human being will like to do away with. However, it is not that simple to exercise control over one's anger or temperament what to talk of doing away with it altogether. All of us ,over a period of time, develop certain likes and dislikes. Besides that there are certain universally accepted codes of conduct prevalent in a family, society or place of work. Once we find others doing things against our personal likes or the universally accepted code of conduct in a way that it has a direct or indirect bearing on our state of mind, we tend to get angry.

Although the intensity of anger and its frequency may vary from one to the other, getting angry is, perhaps, something normal with all human beings. But the important thing here is as to how we realize this anger. Simply speaking, one should realize one's anger over the person who has been the cause of making you angry. However, it does not always happen that way. A person gets angry with one's better half or any of the other family members just before leaving for office. The anger so generated gets realized in the place of work, more often on the subordinates. Similarly, a persons gets admonishment from the boss in place of work realizes the anger either on the subordinates or back home on the family members. So, more often than not, anger caused by one is realized over the other, the one who is not at fault, done nothing wrong and is innocent. This is how we tend to spoil our social relations. Realization of our anger is misdirected. It does not imply that anger must be realized over the person who causes it. The wisdom demands that we should develop good temperament and that we should be able to control our anger not having to realize it on anyone.

Will you like to share real life stories of misdirected anger?

Mein Gardinen

2009-08-24T13:27:00.004+06:00

Es ist die Sehnsucht der einzelnen Familie zu einem gut ausgestatteten Haus zu haben. Einrichtung eines Hauses ist ohne Vorhänge unvollständig. Ebenso Ausstattung der Zimmer umfasst eine Lampe oder zwei. Mit dem Wandel der Zeit haben die Ausführungen und Typen der Vorhänge ein neuer Trend getroffen. Die Vorhänge sind nicht nur schön passend zum Möbel und die Farbe der Wände, sondern diese sollten auch den lokalen Umgebungen anzupassen. Vorhänge sollten leicht zu senken oder zu erhöhen, und diese sollten nicht aufwändig sein. In ähnlicher Weise fügen Sie geeignete Vorhänge eine spezielle Einrichtung, die verschiedenen Familien-und Business-Events und Parties haben wir hin und wieder zu organisieren. Die richtige Art von Vorhängen und Lampen für Ihr Zuhause oder Parteien erfordert eine gute Ästhetik Sinn.

De.stylus.pl haben in der Wirtschaft seit geraumer Zeit, die den Bedürfnissen der Vorhang wurde eine große Anzahl zufriedener Kunden. Vorhänge angeboten von ihnen sind in großer Vielfalt, die Acryl-, PVC, Holz und Bambus enthält. Dazu kam, spezialisieren sie in hängenden Lampen Perlen und Perlenvorhängen. Jede Art von Vorhängen, PVC, Holz, Bambus und Perlen in einer Reihe von Mustern und Farbkombinationen erhältlich. Die Entwürfe und Muster entwickelt von ihnen sind einzigartig. Die Farbkombinationen von ihnen benutzt werden Augen fangen. Gardine und Lampe Sorten von ihnen sind leicht zu bedienen, schön anzusehen und sind langlebig. Ihre Kunden-Service ist ausgezeichnet. Für sie ist jeder Kunde wichtig ist. So bekommt jeder eine besondere und persönliche Betreuung. Die Mitarbeiter des Customer Service ist nicht nur in ihrer Antwort pünktlich, es berät auf seiner Erfahrung basieren. Es hilft auch erleichtern, bis zur Festsetzung der Vorhänge. Sie sind in der Vorbereitung gute Sitte Vorhänge entsprechend den Anforderungen der unterschiedlichen Dimensionen der einzelnen Kunden. Sie haben eine benutzerfreundliche Website, die leicht zu navigieren und make one's choices.

Persecution of Women

2009-08-20T16:41:00.006+06:00

Except for certain physiological differences, which enables them to give birth to children, women are no different than men. On the other hand, men can't give birth to children! Women, by and large, form one half of the human beings the world over. This difference in physical strength makes women weaker and insecure of the two; both physically and psychologically. Other reasons for women to be vulnerable to men are the feminine beauty and the sexual attraction which men have towards women.

Men as fathers, husbands, sons, near and dear ones, peers and even male strangers want to dominate women daughters, wives, mothers, female near and dear ones, female peers and strangers. There may be numerous reasons for this domination. Some of these are difference of opinion, social conduct, monetary gains, career progression and sexual.

Knowing fully well that men get attracted towards feminine beauty, women make all out efforts to display the same and expose themselves by putting on obscene dresses and make up. This is one area, where women are by themselves responsible for becoming the target of persecution. They need to dress up and make up appropriately so as not to become a center of attraction for men. Not that this will altogether stop the persecution of women at the hands of men, it will certainly reduce the same.

Persecution of women at the hands of men has been in practice ever since the advent of mankind. Although lot of development has taken place in socio-political, socio-economic, scientific and almost all other fields, man is yet to socially develop to that level where the persecution of women becomes a story of the past. Men continue to act on their whims and, given the opportunity, don't hesitate to dominate women even if they have to physically abuse them. They need to exercise restraint on their animal like instinctive sexual behaviour.

Your Home Alarm Systems

2009-08-20T16:33:00.002+06:00

Home is a place of rest, comfort and, above all, peace. All of us wish and strive to see that our most loved ones are in peace all the time. However, our houses and our loved ones are vulnerable to a number of hazards like burglary, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide or some other unforeseeable accidental hazards. This brings in the need of installation of a fool proof security system which can keep the lives of our family and ourselves safe from these safety hazards. The system should be functional round the clock, prompt in response and affordable.

ADT Security Services have been in the field for over one hundred and fifty years providing security to millions of Americans, more than any other security service. Home security provider in Maryland exclusively provides security services to Maryland and its suburbs. Their standard installation of a security system includes a digital keypad through which you instantly remain connected with the command center of ADT technicians. You can arm or disarm the security system with a simple key chain remote. The moment these professionals receive an emergency signal from you, they alert the local authorities within seconds to enable them to respond appropriately. ADT offers number of alarm systems which can be integrated with the standard installation according to your needs. Their user friendly website enables you to interact with ADT staff and have the security system installed sitting at home.

Observance of 63rd Independence Day of Pakistan

2009-08-14T13:04:00.005+06:00

The nation celebrates its 63rd independence day. Allow me to write, it would be more appropriate to use the word 'observe' rather than 'celebrate'. It's a day of soul searching for the ones who have souls. I do not know what to say about the soulless ones. Whereas, it is important for each one of us to reflect back and ask ourselves as to what goods and bads we did during the past one year which had a direct or indirect bearing on our fellow Pakistanis, it is more important for the politically, monetarily and socially blessed ones (who, mistakenly, consider it to be a blessing rather than a test) of the society to do so. The latter section of the society needs to ask itself as to whether what they are and what they have is through fair means or otherwise. It's never too late to mend. But, does the ruling elite of the country in which I also include the rich have soul? This section of society is chiefly responsible for all ills prevalent in our society. Most of the ruling elite are busy in power politics and filling its purses. I wonder what does the ruling elite do with their ever increasing accumulation of wealth mostly obtained through unfair means.

Despite being one of the few nuclear states of the world, we are nowhere in terms of development; literacy rate, health, education, per capita income, political and economic health, law and order and so on. Masses are sick of but helpless too facing load shedding, price hike and lack of opportunities of employment or doing business. More and more people continue to fall below the poverty line. The prevailing lawlessness is directly related to the increase in poverty. Once a person, despite the best of his efforts, can't earn livelihood through fair means, can't have himself or near and dear ones medically treated, can't have a shelter to live under, can't educate children, can't have access to clean drinking water etc, the only other options left with him are to either commit suicide or choose to become lawless. And, this is what is happening to our society. The increasing trend of looting of banks and bungalows, kidnapping for ransom, etc are the proof of the same. Although the members of the ruling elite see it happening to their fellow beings on daily basis, they foolishly think that it won't happen to them till their turn comes. It's not late yet. But a beginning has to be made before it gets too late.

Customer Service Pizza Hut

2009-08-12T21:01:00.008+06:00

Yesterday night my daughter and I happen to pass by a Pizza Hut restaurant. We ordered a take away pizza, took it and came home. Once my daughter opened the pizza box, she was surprised to find that the pizza with her was not the one ordered by her. I rang up universal access number of Pizza Hut. The response was poor to start with but when I asked the operator to put me through to some senior person, I got the phone number of the branch from where we had gotten the pizza. I dialed the number and again found the response to be lukewarm. I spoke to the person in charge who readily accepted their mistake and committed to deliver another pizza at my residence. The second pizza was delivered at my residence within the time given by the branch manager. The delivery person insisted that the first one be retained by us as a compliment.

Hughes Net Satellite Internet Connection

2009-08-12T19:07:00.004+06:00

Computers and internet connection have now become a necessity for us all. One needs to have the best of internet connections. Manual dial up connections appear to be cheaper but they are not. Unwanted interruptions and inability to use the phone, once the internet connection is in use are the visible drawbacks of the manual dial up connections. The invisible but the most important short coming of the manual dial up is the internet speed. The slow internet speed slows down the work. At times, it takes minutes to download which is frustrating. The waiting time sitting before the computer is more than the working time. Reflecting back, I realize as to how much precious time I used to waste on daily basis.

Hughesnet Internet not only provides effective solution to the problems faced while using manual dial up internet but also where cable and DSL services are not available. They provide fast and uninterrupted internet service. The dial up speed is fifty times more than the one offered by manual dial up. Hughesnet offers packages with down load speeds from 700 Kbps to 3.0 Mbps. Internet users can choose the package depending upon the frequency and the nature of internet usage. The satellite internet services are available all over contiguous America. Hughesnet in Redding, California and Broadband satellite in Santa Maria, California cover all those areas including the rural ones which are not serviced by cable and DSL. The prices of different packages are reasonable and worth the quality service they provide. Standard installation of a modem and a satellite dish is free.

Disclosure Policy

2009-08-11T15:17:00.002+06:00

This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

Expenses of Democracy

2009-08-10T16:23:00.001+06:00

Democracy is considered to be the best recipe for a country to run its state of affairs. Whereas, it is rather difficult to disagree with that, democracy has its own bugs. One of the bugs is the ability of a common person to afford the expenses of effectively participating in a democratic system. Democracy as it exists in the developing countries, wherever it does, is a luxury which only the rich can afford. As far as masses are concerned, they are meant to only cast their vote. No ordinary person can even think of contesting elections. The expenses of electoral campaigns are so high and unaffordable that these are beyond the reach of a poor person or even one from the middle income group. In Pakistan, contesting an election to a provincial or national assembly costs ten to fifty million rupees. So, all persons who do not have this money to spare stand excluded from the candidacy of a seat for provincial or national assembly. Political parties in our country and all other developing countries are not rich enough to support their candidates. In fact, the parties bank upon the huge contributions from the candidates to run their affairs.

Assuming that you have ten to fifty million rupees to spare and that you get elected to one of the assemblies and that you also become a minister. We all know putting all the very lavish pay packages and other genuine perks and privileges of a minister will not make up for the money spent by you to become a minister. So, what will be your first concern? Obviously, it will be to recover the difference between what you spent and the what you are likely to earn if you remain a minister for the entire duration of the government. Your next concern will, quite justifiably, be to be in a position to contest the next election without requiring a penny to spend from your pocket. Your third concern will be to accommodate all monetary or other forms of legal or illegal requests of your chief supporters who enabled to win the election and become a minister. You, certainly, can't say no to these supporters as you have to secure a seat in the next election. It implies that whether you like it or not, you will have to resort to unfair means to remain alive in the politics of democracy. So, where do the "slogans of serving the masses", "alleviating the poverty" etc etc stand? It will be very fair to state that these slogans will be limited to mere rhetoric.

Web Site Re-Design Announcement

2009-08-10T14:58:00.001+06:00

All of us wish and dream to have a house of our own where our family can live in peace and comfort of our choice. Every family has its own perimeters of its dream house in terms of its interior and exterior architectural design, and the amenities. There are certain limitations too, like the place where you want to construct your house and, of course, the limitation of funds. Thus, the designing and construction of your house is a job of true professionals who can realize your dreams come true. The final word in this field, home plans have been in business since 1983. They offer custom home plans to exclusively meet the requirements of their valuable customers. Both, the company and their customers have continued to grow for over three decades. Endeavoring to improve in every field they have recently redesigned their web site which is more user friendly and provides all the essential details to their worthy customers.

From house plans you can buy pre-drawn house floor plans. This floor plan can then be used to develop your own custom design catering for the amenities you wish to have. The vast variety of options offered by them enables you to select the designs from Home Plans Cost Estimator for any zip code in stead of generalities. You can draw the comparison of different home plans in terms of costs as well as designs. If you can afford to spend more, luxury dream home plans offers you unique life style options. Having decided upon the design of the house, you can find a list of qualified builders near you to undertake the construction of your house at discount rates.

Breezes All Inclusive Caribbean Resorts

2009-08-10T13:19:00.004+06:00

Traveling is an essential part of one’s life. One may have to travel as part of one’s job or business or one may choose to travel on vacation; just for the sake of rest, recreation, enjoyment and fun. Unless carefully planned, traveling becomes a hassle and a bad experience. Super Club Breezes Resorts all inclusive vacation offer comfortable well located accommodation and finest beaches to spend good time in the Caribbean. Their facilities are wholesome. Time spent on these resorts becomes so much of fun and enjoyment that one wishes to get back to these resorts time and again. Their chain of resorts all over Caribbean makes it convenient to move from one resort to the other.

Super Club Breezes Resorts all inclusive vacation package offers private beaches, and selection of sporting activities and entertainment venues. Their state of the art equipment including projectors, A/V equipment, flip charts, microphones, podium and office supplies these Resorts ideal for incentives and group meetings. All inclusive facilities offered by them meet the needs of all types of groups; a couple, group of families or business officials. If you chose to spend Honeymoon, Caribbean vacations are the best for you to make your honeymoon truly enjoyable and enviably memorable. Each guest gets the feeling and treatment of a VIP and that too at affordable prices. Their web site is user friendly and very comprehensively covers the details of what they have to offer.

Twitter

2009-08-10T11:38:00.002+06:00

Imagine, over 14 million users, who visited Twitter 99 million times last month (May 2009) to read posts tapped out with cell phones and computers. Individually, many of those 140-character “tweets” seem childish or immature but taken collectively, the stream of messages can turn Twitter into a surprisingly useful tool for solving problems and providing insights into the digital mood. By tapping into the world’s collective brain (call it a pulse of the online world), researchers of all kinds have found that if they make the effort to dig through the non serious looking comments, the live conversations offer an incisive glimpse into public opinion — and even help them shape it.

Read at Light Within

Hotels Combined Word For Charity Drive

2009-08-08T20:50:00.003+06:00

Given the growing human activities, more and more people are traveling for business as well as pleasure. Some time it becomes difficult to find a place at the destination station. Best thing is to plan ahead and reserve place where you want to stay. One of the best solutions is to use www.HotelsCombined.com- The world's number one hotel search engine.

What makes Hotels Combined search engine unique is their free tool that searches multiple hotel reservation websites simultaneously to help you find the lowest rate instantly. The tool eliminates the need to search major websites one by one in order to compare prices and availability. They have over 700,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants and much more in their database. Imagine! Once you find what you are looking for, Hotels Combined links you through to the supplier website to book directly. Explore their site and see what they are offering and how they can help you where ever you may be traveling to.

What is more, HotelsCombined.com is running a Spread The Word For Charity campaign. There are three options for this cause - HotelsCombined.com will give $20 for a blog mention, $10 for a tweet and $5 for becoming a fan of our Facebook page. And every one is invited to join hand in noble cause.

Mud Architechture

2009-08-05T21:00:00.001+06:00

Making Money Online Myths

2009-08-05T20:30:00.002+06:00

Guest Post by S A J Shirazi

One can’t move much without coming across claims like making money online, how it is easy and how everyone can do it. After having experienced with some of the more obvious ways to skim the milk from new models of income by blogging, the best I can say is; Making money online is easy, and yes anyone can make. money. All it takes is a little hard work. There is no short cut to it. And that is how it is.

Yes, many people are successfully making money. If they can why can't I, someone may ask. So let us see who are making money by blogging. I find they are geeks, nerds, techies with good knowledge of computers (html and coding) or are heavily staffed organizations. They have over saturated the niches for computers, gadgets, photography, graphic designs and the like. You need to compete with them? If not, then find out what you like and are good at. The most surprising thing is that some people want to make money by blogging but they have not decided what to blog about. I would suggest if you have nothing unique (ok fairly unique) to tell and add value then don’t start. And those who do, may make their first $100 with Google Adsense within than nine months. The beginning has always been like that.

Second, those who have flair for writing can make good money with high Google PR blogs by writing reviews of products and services on their blog. Here some blogger would find it difficult to write about subject like mesothelioma lawyers, consolidate loans, refinancing mortgage, tax attorney, ameriquest mortgage, mortgage refinance or about an all inclusive holiday package to a place they have not even heard about. Start learning.

So what are the options? You can start a blog, put in your best and do so consistently over a period of time, six months to a year, the money shoul follow and will follow. There is no other way. {Also at Making Money Online}

Looking into the mirror

2009-08-05T18:23:00.004+06:00

Whom do we look at the most? The answer may vary from one person to the other. But, it will be quite fair to state that most of us look at our own selves the most. And, we do that by looking into the mirror. The reason is very simple and natural. We want to look good before others. We all dress up according to our individual tastes and the occasions. Having done that, we look into the mirror before exposing ourselves to others. At times, we place the clothes before us and look into the mirror to see if these clothes match well and suit us. Same holds good once we are to buy clothes or certain outfits for ourselves. The mirror is also used extensively by us all, and particularly women, for our make ups and combing.

How would the life be without a mirror? The absence of mirror will leave us at the mercy of others. It would be their judgment and comments based on which we would dress up and do make up. It implies that all of us would actually dress up and do make up according to the taste of others and not ourselves. Since mirrors are available everywhere, we take these for granted. However, the usefulness and importance of a thing is better understood by imagining being without it. It equally holds goods for our near and dear ones, friends and family.

Looking Best

2009-08-05T18:14:00.001+06:00

We all like to look good to others. Development of cosmetic surgery has enabled us all to remove or reduce our appearance related natural or accidental deformities or disproportions. However, it’s but natural to have lot of queries and reservations before opting for a cosmetic surgery. Breast augmentation is one of the popular cosmetic surgery applications under consideration of women.

Saline and Silicone breast implants are the two options. Outer shell of the two is the same i.e. of silicone. In case of saline breast implant, saline solution is placed in the outer shell. However, in case of silicone breast implants, the outer shell contains cohesive silicone gel. The new silicone implants give the looks and feel of natural shape which has less chances of leak, rupture or tear even when it, by any chance, is cut in half. However, for cohesive silicone gel implant, larger incision has to be made. Saline implants carry liquid solution which does not have the aforementioned advantages. If you opt for such like surgery, you ought to know your options. Breast Implants is the right place for you. They have a vast network of highly qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeons all over America. Their web site is user friendly and offers plenty of information on the subject

2009-08-05T16:46:00.002+06:00

Itna Habas He Ke Looo Ki Dua Mangtae Hain LooG

Sour Fruits of Democracy

2009-08-05T16:45:00.000+06:00

According to The News International, Pakistan, Tuesday, August 04, 2009

PIA was suffering Rs13 billion deficit in 2007, which surged to Rs40 billion in 2008. PIA managing director made fresh recruitments of 6,000 workers in the airlines. PIA is on top compared to other airlines in employing maximum number of workers per aircraft. Pakistan Steel had a reserve of Rs11 billion and an inventory of products worth at least Rs6 billion in June 2008. In July 2009, Pakistan Steel’s current liabilities reached Rs21 billion. The Pakistan Steel management has already consumed the entire amount of employees’ gratuity and provident fund. The national exchequer lost Rs3 billion by re-nationalising the rice export, while Rs20 billion loss was caused by non-transparent import of Urea.

Democracy is considered to be the best prescription for governance. I wonder if it is true and this prescription is going to cure the ills of Pakistan. Champions of democracy were very happy on departure of Pervez Musharraf. True, he was a dictator in uniform. It has been over a year and a half that, supposedly, we are being ruled by a democratic government. The above statistics are just a few examples of the misdeeds of our rulers. The rampant looting of the national exchequer and corruption continues to grow unabated and there is no check on it. There is no hue and cry in the parliament. There are no large scale demonstrations and agitations on the roads and streets. Poverty is taking the toll of every Pakistani. Masses are more concerned to work day in and night out to see that there kitchens run. They too are right as demonstrations and agitations threaten to further reduce their earnings. The rulers have opted to pay little heed to the lone cries in the print and electronic media.

It's not difficult to imagine as to what would be the state of affairs in the coming days, if corruption and looting continues to grow at this very rate for the remaining three and a half years before the next general elections. Certainly, there is a need to introduce certain checks and balances to put an end to this misrule. But who is going to bell the cat?