Positive vibes Pakistan

[Lone Shooter]

Goan food wins over hearts and wallets at fundraiser


KARACHI: As Muslims wrapped up the festivities of Eidul Fitr, the Goans of Karachi laid out a spread fit for a king, indeed, Christ the King, at St Patrick’s Cathedral to raise funds for the renovation of the monument.

The aroma of the spicy beef sorpotel wafted across the stalls as people lined up to get their red chilly packets. “I prepared it two days ago as sorpotel tastes better two or three days later,” explained Rose Fernandes as she poured the stew into take-away bags. By the end of the afternoon, her two large pots were scraped empty.

“Preparing Goan food is time consuming so I’m glad we got to treat ourselves today,” said Maria Francesca, another contributor.

The event was organised by the Goinkars Own Academy. “People from different parishes have come together to raise money for the monument,” explained the academy’s representative, Deborah Santamaria.

The simple formula of a bake-sale worked. Other women brought Sanna, Godchey and prawn curry but apart from Goan cuisine, Pakistani food, such as kebabs and biryani, were also in demand. “Good food makes everyone happy and we tried to make it the best we can,” remarked Claudette who was selling the brown sweet dish Godchey for Rs40.

As the music blared in the background and youngsters gossiped and cracked jokes, the frequent announcements of apple tart and chicken hotdogs went largely ignore as it was the Goan cuisine that was the star of the day. Sister Margaret from the next door St Joseph’s Convent was caught with a big bag of food. “I haven’t tasted anything yet,” she swore. “I am buying the food and will eat it with the other sisters.”

The festival was inaugurated by Archbishop Joseph Coutts who stressed the importance of communities working together. He said that such events should be organised more frequently to promote unity and bring people together.

Sister Margaret (left) along with others buying food from one of the stalls at the fundraiser organised by the Goinkars Own Academy on Wednesday.

Goan food wins over hearts and wallets at fundraiser – The Express Tribune

 

[Lone Shooter]

Students take to streets… To Clean Up!

ISLAMABAD: On Sunday morning, students and citizens in several major cities across Pakistan took to the streets. Not to protest, but to clean up.

The idea for ‘Project Clean Up for Peace’ came about when 23-year-old Faran Rafi, a resident of Islamabad, posted this message on Twitter on Friday: “I say when/if these #protests end, we take up the streets and clean up the mess. Show the world that real #Pakistanis say NO to violence.”

When the tweet and a similar update on his Facebook wall received positive response from his followers and friends, Rafi created a public event on Facebook and started inviting his friends.

In just four hours, 740 people from across Pakistan signed up for the event. As of Saturday evening, that number has gone up to 4,374.

“The tweet turned into a movement,” Rafi, who recently graduated from the Lahore University of Management Sciences, told The Express Tribune.

Rafi and his friends have appointed representatives for Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to coordinate the clean up efforts. They have also used social media to promote the event, both on their Facebook page and through Twitter using the hashtag #ProjectCleanUpForPeace.

“The basic purpose is to tell the world that Pakistanis can be peaceful and productive as well,” Rafi said. “We are going to show our support for our Prophet (PBUH) by following his Sunnah and teachings.”



http://tribune.com.pk/story/441134/aftermath-students-to-take-to-streets-today--to-clean-up/

 

[Lone Shooter]

Pakistani doctors in Chicago offer free community healthcare

The Pakistani Descent Physician Society of Illinois (PPS), under the umbrella of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), opened this free health clinic in 2009. APPNA, which has been in operation for 35 years, is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Westmont, Illinois and has brought together motivated doctors sprinkled throughout the United States to volunteer at free clinics, perform charitable acts, and has also provided assistance in times of dire emergencies when natural disasters hit both the US and Pakistan.

Open on Saturdays due to its nature of being run by volunteer physicians, medical students and community members who have other responsibilities during the week, the clinic caters to about 25 patients on a given day in the four hours it is open. With an increasing demand from the patients, PPS hopes to gain more support to start a mobile clinic and also begin providing services on Wednesdays in the future.

The clinic is open to all and not just the South Asian community of whom approximately 40 per cent are without health insurance. While, almost a fifth of the entire population lives without it and has to rely on government-assisted methods or do without proper healthcare altogether.

PPS, with its network of providers alone is rendering services worth $250 million a year to needy patients. In America, the medical process is complicated and procedures are to be followed strictly. PPS helps, not only with initial consultation, tests and analyses, but also finds specialised care when needed.

This APPNA initiative, led by Dr Imtiaz Arain has transcended to other cities within the country has proven to be a step in the right direction. The clinic runs mainly on support from doctors in the US who have helped Pakistan earn the title of being a generous nation in the country, with their continued dedication and philanthropic efforts. It is time that more people devoted their attention to this issue and reached out to support this cause.

Pakistani doctors in Chicago offer free community healthcare | DAWN.COM

 

[Lone Shooter]

Chillin’ with a capital 'C'

Once considered the ideal spot to move to after retirement, Islamabad’s sleepy pace has recently sped up to a more active one. If you’re health-conscious, this sterile town that has been the abode of kooky politicians, overworked journalists and self-obsessed development-sector employees is probably the next destination you should be packing your bags for if you need to detox.

Offering activities that are physically challenging, help you find your spiritual centre and also offering some fresh produce straight from the lush khaits of Punjab, Islamabad will leave the high-strung Lahori and over-worked Karachiites pleasantly surprised and possibly rejuvenated! With an array of wellness options to choose from, and a small but hip cultural scene, Islamabad offers a commitment-phobic “big city addict” the best of both worlds — a wi-fi connection with a view.

So break a sweat while tackling one of its seven hiking trails and while away the evening sipping fresh plum juice at one of the cafés smack in the centre of the city. Here is our guide on how to ‘detox’ while in Islamabad:

For details visit : http://tribune.com.pk/story/435436/chillin-with-a-capital-c/

 

[Lone Shooter]

Inspiring to say the least ...

How one man spent his 22nd birthday. [VIDEO]

 

[Lone Shooter]

Pakistan to produce nuclear safety equipment locally

TAXILLA:
Having formally received a go-ahead from the country’s nuclear regulatory body to manufacture class I nuclear safety equipment, Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) III Taxilla will take Pakistan into the list of countries certified to produce such equipment indigenously.

HMC III – the specialised workshop operating under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) to produce spare parts for nuclear plants and other related equipment – was issued the licence by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) on Tuesday.

“Pakistan has constantly been under international embargoes. Local production of parts would not only help them keep up the required maintenance of nuclear plants but it would also improve the existing plants,” said PNRA Chairman Engineer Anwar Habib.

The HMC III will produce equipment related to core nuclear islands that are directly linked to controlling and maintaining multiple activities in a nuclear reactor.

“It is indeed a happy moment for Pakistan. We will ensure that quality is not compromised in haste or achieving any production target,” said Habib.

He revealed that HMC-III already possessed the certification to manufacture class II and III nuclear safety equipment which was obtained some six years ago.

However, class I equipment deals with parts like tanks, vessels, cooling systems, steam generators, etc and any compromise over quality at this stage cannot be tolerated, warned the PNRA chairman.

PAEC Chairman Ansar Pervaiz said that Pakistan has not only silenced its critics who raised concerns over the country’s nuclear plant safety, the local development of parts and equipment has also made the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp) surpass its designed life by 10 years.

Pakistan to produce nuclear safety equipment locally – The Express Tribune

 

[Lone Shooter]

Refining extravagance

The Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) launched the second season of L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week 2012 at a local club in Lahore. The event provides a platform to designers and make-up artists to celebrate the best in bridal fashions and emerging make-up trends. A sneak peak of the show where exquisite models twirled in creations by designer Misha Lakhani and Azza on the first day of the show.

Refining extravagance | DAWN.COM

 

[Lone Shooter]

Untainted beauty of the land we inherited

A view of the Himalayas from the Babusar Top. Babusar top is supposedly the highest peak of Kaghan Valley which is at an approximate altitude of 15,000 feet.

 

[Lone Shooter]

Japanese investor confidence grows in Pakistan

LAHORE: Several Japanese investors, currently on a visit to Pakistan, have changed their negative perception about the country and its investment climate, said Daisuke Hiratsuka, vice chairman of Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro).

“We brought 25 Japanese investors to participate in a Karachi Expo. By the time we reached Islamabad to meet with concern quarters, the delegation had doubled as these 25 investors communicated to their counterparts about the available potential in Pakistan’s economy,” Daisuke said.

“Pakistan has been really implementing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime for foreign investment as compared to India, where policies for foreign investment is restricted,” he said.

Pakistan is also located at a very important place on the world map, heaving good sea ports and land routes, which is an added advantage for foreign investors as they can export their products easily to the other parts of the world from here – especially easy access to Central Asian States and Europe, Daisuke said.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-3-137337-Japanese-investors-perception-about-Pakistan-changed

 

[Lone Shooter]

Anthem-singing youth set new world record

LAHORE:
Thousands of Pakistanis sang their way into the Guinness World Records (GWR) on Saturday by singing their national anthem in unison at the Punjab Youth Festival 2012. The festival was held at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore.

When adjudicators of Guinness World Records, Gareth Deaves and Imran Javed, gave the thumbs up to the Punjab youths’ attempt, the whole stadium roared with applause.

Scores of stewards of the GWR closely observed participants singing the national anthem of Pakistan.

After Punjab enters the country’s name in the Guinness World Record Book, it will move towards individual events of GWR at the Expo Centre and attempt to achieve the record for largest mosaic and biggest human flag.

According to the Sports Board of Punjab, at least 24,000 students and athletes and 60,000 citizens were invited to sing the national anthem in order to create a new record in the GWR.

Anthem-singing youth set new world record – The Express Tribune

 

[SamranAli]

Japanese investor confidence grows in Pakistan

LAHORE: Several Japanese investors, currently on a visit to Pakistan, have changed their negative perception about the country and its investment climate, said Daisuke Hiratsuka, vice chairman of Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro).

“We brought 25 Japanese investors to participate in a Karachi Expo. By the time we reached Islamabad to meet with concern quarters, the delegation had doubled as these 25 investors communicated to their counterparts about the available potential in Pakistan’s economy,” Daisuke said.

“Pakistan has been really implementing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime for foreign investment as compared to India, where policies for foreign investment is restricted,” he said.

Pakistan is also located at a very important place on the world map, heaving good sea ports and land routes, which is an added advantage for foreign investors as they can export their products easily to the other parts of the world from here – especially easy access to Central Asian States and Europe, Daisuke said.

Japanese investors

Really awesome news.

 

[Lone Shooter]

Pakistan duo clinches gold in ju-jitsu event

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Mohammad Ammar and Abu Huraira clinched a gold medal in the duo-men’s category at the fourth Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship underway at the Kish Island in Iran.

The duo defeated Kazakhstan in the final fight to clinch first place.

“We won the same event back in 2009 and it is good to get the gold medal again,” said Huraira. “We are proud of our performance here. But considering we had almost cancelled our participation, it is a big achievement. We financed ourselves just to represent the country at this level and it paid off.”

According to coach and PJF official Shabina Saeed, the participation itself was a task as all of these players arranged the airfare for themselves.

“It’s a great achievement considering the circumstances,” Saeed told The Express Tribune. “Had we been able to send 12 of our athletes, we are sure we could have won at least seven or eight gold medals there.”

Pakistan duo clinches gold in ju-jitsu event – The Express Tribune

 

[A.Rafay]

Solar energy awarded to students in Pakistan
Solar energy and education combine forces

Pakistan is now home to a fairly innovative initiative concerning solar energy and education. The government of the Punjab province has announced a new plan to reward students who perform well in school. This new initiative will provide some 300,000 students who have high academic scores with solar panels that are capable of powering a single fan and light in a home. The cost of the program is approximately $46 million.

Punjab government aims to reward good students with solar energy

Like other countries with developing economies, Pakistan has often struggled with problems concerning energy. The country’s various provinces experience blackouts from time to time and many homeowners simply go without electricity for extended periods of time. The country has been making strides in alleviating this problem through the adoption of alternative energy, but these efforts have been slow and arduous. The Punjab government is keen to help in the adoption of solar energy and help students have a way to contribute to their households by doing well in school.

Solar panels able to power single fan and light

Because energy is so important to many, the initiative is expected to provide students with a powerful incentive to do well in school. The solar panels awarded to promising students are only capable of producing enough electricity to power a simple fan and a single light. These solar panels will only have a one-year warranty, suggesting that they may cease operating optimally after that time. Most conventional solar panels boast of 25-year warranties.

New incentive may create promising education opportunity

More than providing energy for a household, the small solar panels present a promising opportunity for schools in the Punjab province. Students are unlikely to have an intricate understanding of how solar panels work and the prospects of solar energy. Educators can take this opportunity to teach students about clean energy and the benefits that can be had through its adoption. Such an initiative could prepare students for a future that may be filled with clean technology and alternative energy systems.

 

[A.Rafay]

One of the best held Guinness events: Deaves

LAHORE - Guinness World Record adjudicator Gareth Deaves has praised the organization of Guinness record breaking events during the ongoing Punjab Youth and Sport Festival.

“It was a memorable experience to be part of such big gatherings. It were the best ever organized events for Guinness World Records which I have seen as an adjudicator during an event and its credit goes to Punjab Government and Sports Board Punjab,” he said before his departure to England here on Tuesday. He said it was an amazing feeling to experience that high standard organizational facilities for attempting GWR and he was very much impressed with the handling of all the events, specially the big ones including singing of Pakistan’s national anthem and formation of the flag.
“I have attended a number of record breaking events but the way Punjab Government organized the events it showed a lot of discipline and keenness on part of the gatherings on the occasion of making new records,” he said.
Gareth gave credit to the youth of Punjab for getting Pakistan into GRW by demonstrating higher exhibition of skills and talent and said it was the result of their hard work and commitment which put their country into record book for establishing as many as eleven new marks in different fields.
“It was a very impressive show on part of Pakistani youth and it is good to see that Pakistani youth created number of records in a very well behaved and disciplined manner,” said the GWR adjudicator.
“Punjab youth is full of talent and it was a life time experience to see big gatherings singing national anthem and forming national flag,” he said
He further added: “If they keep doing hard work in a similar wan they can do a lot more in future for bringing good name for their country.”
He said the creation of records has created a new image of Pakistani people who are keen to do wonders in different fields and tasks. Gareth said GWR team is very impressed to see the enthusiasm of the people of Pakistan and he was glad to see the interest of people to attempt create new records for GWR.

 

[Lone Shooter]

‘Thank you, my dear Pakistan’

MOST of the times we read and talk all the stuff that is against our sweet homeland. Here, I tell you a true story that is to thank Pakistan.

I was born in a very poor family in 1952 in Mirpurkhas district. My maternal uncles were educated up to the final class (i.e., equal to Class VII).

That inspired my mother to send me to school. At my village, ‘Dengan Bhurgri’, the birthplace of Raees Ghulam Muhammad Khan Bhurgri (the first graduate of Sindh), I studied up to Class VI. The great and selfess teachers taught very well. I studied from Class VI to Class X at Tando Jam Muhammad.

To earn for my studies, I started working when I was in Class V. The first wage was 25 paisa for a half day. It increased to Rs15, Rs50, Rs125 and finally to Rs200 a month in 1975.

Domestic circumstances compelled me to marry at the age of 20. I could not continue my engineering classes after HSC (Pre – Engineering) because of financial constraints. I did many odd jobs — at a restaurant, a fruit shop, a paan – bedi shop, a shoe shop, a cotton factory, a flour mill and at a trading company.

In January 1975 I took a bold step of quitting the job that meant losing Rs200 a month and sought admission in M.A. English literature at the University of Sindh. It all became possible because of Mr Fayaz Ahmad — my best friend — who gave me Rs200 a month for two years. His salary was only 350 and he was married too.

I studied 14 hours a day at the university hostel because there was no room for any sluggishness. I did my MA and got second position.

The great Principal, the late Capatin Shukuruddin, and the late Prof. Tariq Mustafa Khan selected me for the post of lecture in English in 1977 on merit.

I taught English at Cadet College, Petaro, for 35 years, and retired as Vice Principal this year.

The boy who earned Rs25 a day in 1962 was receiving Rs133,000 a month in 2012. Now, I am receiving a pension of Rs55,000 a month.

My head bows down to God Almighty, all the time.

Thank you, my dear Pakistan. Thank you, Cadet College, Petaro. Thanks to all those who helped me, especially Mr Fayaz and my late mother.

The moral of the story is: never be without hope, never be discouraged. Just keep working hard with a total faith. Time does not remain the same. Stop talking and writing against Pakistan.

We have, recently, been declared the 16th happiest country in the world while India is 32nd and the US is 105th.

We do have our problems but it is we who have to rise above the self and steer the ship out of the troubled waters to the island of safety, happiness and prosperity. Just keep the faith. Things have changed for the better — you must try further to make more good changes to make Pakistan great and strong.

PROF. JETHA NAND RAHI
Hyderabad

‘Thank you, my dear Pakistan’ | DAWN.COM