Saturday, December 12, 2009

Is Haftay Ke Aap Beetian - اِس ہفتےکی آپ بِیتِیاں

It should have been a progressive week as planned but as Sir Aftab Alam says “Planned things mostly don’t end up as planned” so was this week for me.

On Monday, I was informed that my driver’s mother has passed away and he would be on a week’s leave. The same afternoon I was informed by one of the employees that there are some personal issues, he needs some cash and leaving for his city. All I could say was “Fine”.

Since the final exams were about to start so I anticipated that Salman & Shigrif won’t come to office either and I would be having a FREE week sleeping with all my enthusiasm to make a difference, on my bedside table.

But the week had more to it.  Few of my friends are getting hitched this week so I planned to buy Gifts & Wrapping Sheets for them but postponed the plan for the next day due to the unavailability of driver. Allah Mian wanted to save me from the Moon Market Blasts that occurred on the Monday Night at the same time I normally do my shopping. Perhaps this is the reason my driver went on a leave.

The blasts were shocking and I didn’t feel like doing anything till Tuesday evening. Called up Sunny and he told me that we’ll be going for the PEC Registration tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. so get your documents ready.I went to the market for my photographs and prepared all documents overnight. Went to a two hour sleep around 9 in the morning on Wednesday.

As soon as I woke up, I had few messages in my cell phone to tell me that some people don’t consider me as their friends so I shouldn’t comment on their fb posts. This obviously did hurt me a lot considering the times I have taken their side in last few years. All I could say to myself was “FINE”. What more bitchiness this week has for me? Bring It On. Called up Sunny to confirm the plan and he told me that Sabih didn’t get the attestations done so the plan has been postponed till tomorrow. I threw my cell away and tried to sleep in the GARAM GARAM RAZAI in frustration. But my nani amman can’t let me in peace of mind. She came that your cell is ringing time and again. How can it be ringing? It’s always on vibration. Checked it and it was the message of my CTO “Where are you?” He wanted me to come online asap.

Nokri Kee Tay Nakhra Kee. Picked up my lazy ass and went to office. The CTO Sb. had an email in my inbox with many people in loop

"Rafaeel, Here you go with your first project. Please design a technical scoping document and share with all. Deadline: Tomorrow EOB :-)"

Thank you for mocking and making that smily at the end knowing that I don’t know a shit what you are talking about. Can you please tell me, “WTF is a Technical Scoping Document and what does EOB means?” Isn’t the client very clear in his email what they want from us? Anyways, I was just about to start that the Office Ke Safai wali maasi came with her dukhraas. I felt like sitting with her and sharing my dukhraas in return. I needed a strong dose of caffeine to concentrate so went onto making a cup of strong tea and I was welcomed back by my dad who wanted to get few of his documents typed, scanned and emailed. As soon as I got rid of them, my dad invited few of my uncles in my office who were insisting that I should go for Masters and I can’t study later. “Beta, Backup rakhte hein, Country Ke Halaat Ka Kaya Patta”. “Experience Lo Job Karke Aap.” “Mera Beta Yeh Karke Aaya Hai, Yeh Dekhain Inka Beta Masters in International Business Management Kar Raha Hai”. All I could do was to nod my head in accepting all facts & figures they were narrating. "Chalo Beta, Jao Baahir. Mein Aata Hoon Phir Kisse Din Aapko Guide Karne."

After seeing them off, I felt like killing myself. Back to desk and the colleagues asks “How much progress have you made on the document?”  I politely ask them “Can you please tell me what is a technical scoping document and send me the company document template?” If Arslan would have been online, I would have asked from him but he’s never online when you need him. Anyways, the CTO is good enough to send me the company document template and the sample document which had absolutely no relevance to the project. Somehow, I managed to write something in 2 hours, emailed and went to sleep once again at 9 in the morning.

Dad sent back the driver at 10 after reaching office so I could go for my PEC Registration. As soon as the driver came, nani amman woke me up :S   Can you just let me sleep? :(  Nevertheless I woke up, took a bath and thought I should get my Office Phone repaired as well as get my driver’s license renewed before going to PEC Office.

After a waiting time of 15 minute, the lady at WorldCall Service Care tells me that there are no batteries so the phone can’t be serviced. I told her that I have been visiting for the last one month or so. If they don’t have the required stuff, why are they publicizing it after every 10 minutes at all their cable channels. Frustrated, I leave for the Motor Licensing Authority Office in Liberty to get my Learner’s License renewed. The duty wardens are absent and would be coming in the evening and one of officers tells me that it would not be renewed from here, you would have to go to Katchehry and get some other chores done. Didn’t shaggy tell me that it would be renewed from where it was issued? I call up Shaggy and as usual he doesn’t pick up. Alhamdulillah PEC Registration goes smooth.

I am coming back SARRA hoa and the CTO tells me that the document has some issues and I have given extra information and should minimize stuff. Straight into the office, modified and sent. At the same instance, IEEE GOLDies start asking me why i am not organizing GOLD events these days and why didn't i attend International GOLD events lately? I ignore the IM windows and get off to take the much needed sleep.

Friday dawns with lots of messages from friends. “You are invited to my birthday party tomorrow. Be there at 5:00 p.m. sharp”. “You’ll have to be in my wedding Mr.CEO else I won’t forgive you for the rest of my life”. Best way to blackmail people. “You didn’t still confirm if you’ll be attending Kiss Away 09”. The country is burning and you are partying. Kiss My Ass 09 times i say. I leave my cell at home and leave for office.

In the evening, Dad’s driver starts asking for 2 days leave as it’s his cousin’s wedding over the weekend. Dad is furious as he has to attend a Cardiology Conference and few dinners in next two days. He hushes up the driver as the other driver is also not available. Dad's driver is going back with sad face. I walk up to the dad and convince him to give him the leave. "We’ll pick and drop you. Let him go." I go to my elder brother and ask him to accompany me to my friend’s wedding tomorrow. He replies “Mein Apnay Doston Ke Shaadi Par Naheen Gaya Pichlay 3 din se, tumharay saath jaaon?” Anyways, I tell him the issue and convince him too.

Today as I go to sleep on this Saturday Morning, there are birthdays of 7 friends and other 3 good friends are getting married with their weddings planned on different corners of the city. Happy Birthday to all my lovely friends and best of luck to those who are getting hitched today. I am not sure how this day will end up and if I’ll be able to make up to your event or not but you very well know I care for you and am happy for you.







ZzzZZzzzz!!!
Saturday, December 12, 2009

Homecoming 2009 Kay Mundarjaat

Alumni Homecoming par gaya tu socha tha ke kutch logon ke shakayat duur ho jaeygee and na milne ka shikwa dam torega but shaid us maqsad mein kamyaab naheen ho sakka. Aaj jab Wahab Butt Ne Istafsaar Kiya  “Aur Janab Kahan Ghaib Hein? It’s been a while” tu ehsaas hoa ke kutch likh dena chahiyeh takay sinad rahay aur bawaqt-e-zaroorat kaam aye.

Homecoming Se Aik Din Pehlay, Kutch Career Changes aayen. Sab logon ko SMS karke mutalah kiya laikin phir bhee har aikne poochna tu tha hee “Haan Jee, Aur Ajkal Kaya Kar Rahay Ho?”  “Sunna Hai Masters Ke Liye Nikal Rahay Ho?” “Yaar Kabhi Mil He Liya Kar”. “Barra CEO Ho Gaya Hai, Ab Hamein Kahan Lift Karaega”  jaise jumle sunanay ko mille. Jabke Jinke kehnay par Homecoming mein shamooliyat ikhtiyar ke, unhon ne nazar andaaz kiya ya phir baishtar ne shirkat karna he munasib na samjha.

Hamza Rana Ka Itna Barra Fan Naheen Hoon, Laikin Irfan Bhai and Ahmed Bhai Ne Jab Saath Chalne Par Israar Kiya Tu Socha Ke Is Azeem Hastee Se Bhee Mulaqat Kar Leni Chahiyeh. Hamza Bhai Se Goh Ke Pehli Daffa Milla Laikin Unke Aik Jumlay Ne Sharminda Sa Kar Diya. Woh Jumla Jo Bhee Tha Meri Zaat Se Mutaliq Tha, Meray Faislon Ya Career Path Se Naheen. Aur Sirf Mujhe Ussi Jumle Se Ehsaas Hoa Ke “It really is Homecoming”. iShukrofyYouRana
 
Asim aur Aqeel Bhai Ke Saath Bhe Acha Waqt Guzra Aur Phir Meinay Is Mehfil Se Ruksat Leina He Munasib Samjha. Saood Ka Shukriya Jo Usne Mujhe Wapsi Par Sawari Dee Aur Meinay Apne Driver Ko Zehmat Dena Munasib Naheen Samjha.

Ghar Aa Ke Sabse Pehlay Un 120 business emailon ka safaaya karna shruu kiya jinka mein pichle 2 hafte se jawab na de sakka tha aur thaana ke Monday Se Aik Naey Walwalay se zindagi ka aghaaz karoonga.
Thursday, November 19, 2009

International Men’s Day – Why aren't we celebrating?

 

 
While i write this post, only few people in Pakistan would be knowing that today is "International Men's Day". Why aren't we celebrating the day with the same enthusiasm as we celebrate "International Women's Day" on March 8th when all the social and mainstream media is occupied for days to make us men admit that we are the cruelest and dirtiest specie on the planet earth.

From midnight till noon, i haven't seen a single status message or any program on any television/radio channel to say few good words about us.

A few days back a "Women Workplace Harassment Bill" was passed by our National Assembly which could award three year imprisonment and impose Rs. 500000 fine against the offender. Fine. No Objections. But what if women do the same or misuse this bill in their favor? Does any law protect men or does this law has an article that women would be punished for abusing the law? I guess not.

Majority is facing basic problems to survive in the current system and our legislators have nothing else to do other than bringing "NRO", "Hudood Ordinance" and other Women Protection Bills in the assembly. After passing such bills, they hold press conferences and claim that they have achieved the milestone.

Though i endorse women development projects and have been associated with various such projects in past but if we want to promote gender equality, why we have allocated One-Third Quota in our Parliament for them? Why do we have separate compartments in transportation system, separate queues in tickets and billing? Shouldn't this gender behave normally and follow the same procedures as men do?

Anyways, lets come to the original point. When we celebrate a day, we consider something special about that day. Or we would not be celebrating it. Am I correct? What message do we send by celebrating Women's Day? Why not also celebrate Men's Day?

What do we want to think about women? Ideally, they should be treated equally in all the fields. Ideally when one thinks of a woman, one should not think about them different in any respect to men. Except that they mother a child and shoulder different responsibility for a certain period, women should be thought of as equal to men in all respects. Why label them as weaker sex or any such thing. But this is happening. Who is responsible for this thought process, where women are considered different? Men? Women? Historical processes? Who? Let us examine more.

Does media discuss the matter, if a man reaches top of a giant corporation? No. But it does, if a woman occupies that position. Why? Is it only because women have traditionally not occupied such positions or that they are in some way considered inferior to men? So it is a surprise if a woman reaches the top of a giant organization? Why cannot the media ignore such occurrences and not call them as news at all? Does media announce - the sun rose today! No. It is taken as a way of life and nature. Why cannot the media take this fact as granted that women are equal to men in all the aspects and stop discussing any issues that talk of sex difference and ability? With such categorization are we ourselves not treating men and women separately?

I know i'll end up writing a book of random thoughts here but this wouldn't matter at all. Women in Pakistan would keep demanding more and more. We would have more Support Funds, Gender Biased Scholarships, Gender Biased Job Openings but no one would ever raise a voice that men do have certain rights as well. Thus, the bottom line of the post is


Promoting gender equality:

Women’s empowerment and gender equality are two oft-repeated phrases today. It is sad enough that there are many who take great pride in wearing these labels while remaining completely oblivious of their true import. What is worse is that radical women’s groups and vested interests have successfully subverted the real meaning and purpose of women’s empowerment and gender equality, and are promoting discrimination, injustice and serious human rights abuses in the name of gender equality.

Domestic and social harmony will prevail only when women AND men are ensured their rightful, honorable place within and outside the home. International Men’s Day is an occasion to commit ourselves to ensure true gender equality in the society and under law, so that gender relations are improved, litigations are reduced, legal terrorism and extortion through misuse of the law is eliminated, and our human and financial resources can be employed to ensure a better society for ourselves and future generations.


Highlighting positive male role models:

We tend to ignore that every day,

•    Men render many services that make the society comfortable for everyone.
•    Men make many contributions to science, technology and health of all.
•    Men perform the most dangerous and difficult jobs in the world.
•    Men take risks and die to save other lives during calamities and war.
•    Men bring humor into our lives and make us laugh.

International Men’s Day is an occasion to highlight and promote positive role models in all walks of life. It is a day to remind ourselves to honor all men – academic achievers, social leaders,  champions of the environment, artists, comedians, soldiers, farmers, fishermen, fire fighters,  and those more humble males who, on a daily basis, clean our streets, build our houses, fix our vehicles, police our streets, deliver newspapers and milk, care for children, and dedicate themselves to others. It is a day to remember that we must celebrate all men in our lives – our fathers, brothers, partners, sons, male friends, neighbors and colleagues. That's my message. A "Very Happy Men's Day" to all my gender fellows out there.






Post References: Uma Challa and American Chronicle
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Azad Jammu & Kashmir & Balawaristan - State Flag and Government Sign

Some of my readers in their response to my previous post "The State Emblem of Pakistan and the need for change" emailed me to tell them more about the AJK and Balawaristan State & Government Signs (if any). Though i have limited knowledge about them but let me post whatever i know.

AJK Flag 

The official flag the State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir was adopted on 24th September 1975. The flag was adopted by the passing of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir State Flag Ordinance, 1975 by the then president, Sardar Mohammad Ibrahim Khan.






Symbolically the flag represents following aspects of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

    * Three Fourths green background represents 75% Muslim population of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
    * One-Fourth Orange (Golden) color represents 25% minorities of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
    * The Green stripes represent the Valley of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
    * The White stripes represent the snow-covered mountains of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
    * The Crescent is the usual semblance of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.



Government of AJK Sign




The AJK Government uses this sign for official correspondences. This is shown in silver thread, whereas the President of Azad Jammu & Kasmir has an identical banner, but of GOLD thread. This flag carries the state/province emblems. Here the obvious crescent and star, mountains, and the maple leaf, which is reflective of the abundance of this tree within the state.



Balwaristan Area





The above outlined area is also known as BALAWARISTAN which has recently got autonomy and general elections were held for the assembly.


Balawaristan Government Sign


As per my information, Balawaristan doesn't have any official government sign at the moment. Mostly people refer the following as the state flag which is actually the flag of Balawaristan National Front.




 Hopefully, the newly elected government would decide their symbol in coming days.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The State Emblem of Pakistan and the need for change




Sometimes while conducting my training sessions, I ask people if they know what does the following symbol mean.  

      

 
Surprisingly majority doesn’t even have any clue about it and the best answer that I get is “This is the Government of Pakistan Sign”. This disappoints me a lot that people even don’t know about our state emblem. This has led me to write about the significance of the sign that goes on all official Government of Pakistan correspondences, documentation, and your NICs & passports.       

 

        

         
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* The State Emblem of Pakistan was adopted in 1954.  The emblem's green colour and the star and crescent at the top are symbols of Islam, the religion with which most Pakistani citizens identify.
* In the center is a quartered shield, with each quarter containing a major crop of Pakistan at the time of its adoption: cotton, jute, tea, and wheat.
* The floral wreath around the shield is Poet's Jasmine (the national flower) and represents the Mughal cultural heritage of Pakistan.
* The scroll at the bottom contains the national motto in Urdu, coined by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which reads from right to left: (Urdu: اتحاد ، ایمان ، نظم) Ittehad, Iman, Nazm translated as "Unity, Faith, Discipline".
   

    (All the readers should write very frankly in the comments that how many of you earlier knew about this design philosophy)

     

    The Need for Change  

    The two crops (Jute and Tea) are no longer Pakistan’s major crop after the separation of East Pakistan and formation of Bangladesh. To me its like not accepting the formation of Bangladesh. Thus, we should replace them with the current major crops of the country. I won’t comment on the “Unity, Faith, Discipline” motto for the very obvious reasons.
    Friday, September 25, 2009

    Am I objectionable?

    Recently, the fever of Go Green was catching up every Pakistani. The purpose was to bring in the spirit of national pride and to establish the unity, love and faith back in the younger generation of Pakistan. I uploaded my following greened picture in the personal info of a Pakistani Job Portal.


    The reply that i got was [Click to see the Clearer Version]


    Text:

    Dear Rafaeel Chaudhry,

    We were unable to approve a picture you uploaded to [Jobsite] recently. The picture was either objectionable in content or not an accurate representation of you. Please click here to review the [Jobsite] Picture Policy.

    Please do not upload pictures containing pets, animals, nudity, portions of the body (hands, eyes etc.), sketches, scenery, objects, violence, inflammatory/offensive language or image, paintings/artwork, celebrities, cartoon characters or copyrighted images.

    [Jobsite] is striving to bridge the gap between professionals and employers. We are also trying to educate our job seekers regarding different industry ethics and bring them parallel to international standards.

    Therefore, we encourage you to upload your formal passport size photograph that depicts you as a professional job seeker. However uploading pictures on [Jobsite] is optional.

    To upload another picture, click here:

    Or copy and paste the following link into your browser: [Picture Updation Link]

    Best Regards, The [Jobsite] Team



    I thought that may be the Jobsite doesn't endorse the Go Green Campaign, so i updated the following picture and got the same message.




    The last try that i would now do is to get myself photographed in a studio in a formal wear to confirm if i am objectionable or not.


    Meanwhile i would like to know about your opinion. :)



    Sunday, June 21, 2009

    Consistent Policies of Educational Institutes

    Admissions are in progress at various colleges and universities around the country. People in my family and social network sometimes ask me if they should send in their siblings or children to the institute from where i graduated. Apart from the academic rankings, I advise them to select the institute which doesn't change its academic and other student policies so often. Most of the people don't seem to get what i am talking about so i thought of posting a snap to explain.

    Some of my ID Cards during my undergraduate degree. Came in different shapes and sizes. Every Director came and issued his own version.
    Wednesday, May 13, 2009

    The Five Year Foreign Policy

    Wednesday, 13th May 2009




    The 125th Anniversary of IEEE.


    Fifth Annual Foreign Policy Review Committee Meeting


    2004-05 : Pakistan[*] and India[^] enjoying cordial relations. Pakistan joins the War on Terror [%].

    2005-06: Pakistan becomes the frontline state in War on Terror and enjoys complete support of the United States [#] . India and allies not happy for being neglected.

    2006-07: India comes close to U.S. Pakistan being unsure about its position is still fighting the WoT somehow.

    2007-08: Who is conducting Drone Attacks? Pakistan or U.S.? Doesn't matter. It's one and the same thing.

    2008-09: Pakistan realizes it wasn't its war but is prone to bear the consequences. What's done cannot be undone.



    * Me = Pakistan
    ^ Table Smasher = India
    # IEEE-NUCES Chairman = U.S.
    % IEEE = War on Terror
    Tuesday, May 05, 2009

    Men's Rules



    Ladies, here are the rules you MUST know at least when you interact with me. Men really are quite simple.


    1. Women, learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

    2. Birthdays, Valentines, and Anniversaries are not considered by us to be opportunities to see if we can find the perfect present again!

    3. Sometimes we are not thinking about you. Live with it.

    4. Sunday = sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

    5. Don't cut your hair. Ever. Long hair is always more attractive than short hair. One of the big reasons guys fear getting married is that married women always cut their hair, and by then you're stuck with her.

    6. Ask for what you want. Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!

    7. Shopping is not sport.

    8. Anything you wear is fine. Really.

    9. You have enough clothes.

    10. You have too many shoes.

    11. Crying is blackmail. Use it if you must, but don't expect us to like it.

    12. Your brother is an idiot, your ex-boyfriend is an idiot, and your Dad probably is too.

    13. We don't remember dates. . . .Period!!

    14. Most guys own three pairs of shoes. What makes you think we'd be any good at choosing which pair, out of thirty, would look good with your dress?

    15. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

    16. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

    17. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

    18. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.

    19. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

    20. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us. We've been tricked before!!

    21. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

    22. Let us ogle. We are going to look anyway; it's genetic.

    23. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

    24. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

    25. Christopher Columbus did not need directions, and neither do we.

    26. The relationship is never going to be like it was the first two months we were going out. Get over it. And quit whining to your girlfriends.

    27. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

    28. We are not mind readers and we never will be. Our lack of mind-reading ability is not proof of how little we care about you.

    29. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing", we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

    30. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

    31. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics like the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.

    32. Foreign films are best left to foreigners. (Unless it's Bruce Lee or some war flick where it doesn't really matter what they're saying anyway.)

    33. Technology and Political Discussion is as exciting for us as handbags are for you.

    34. Get rid of your cat. And no, it's not different, it's just like every other cat.

    35. Your Mom doesn't have to be our best friend.
    Tuesday, April 21, 2009

    Adnan Haider talks about Entrepreneurship and Engineering Schools in Pakistan

    Adnan Haider is the Co-Founder of Lootmaar, an online marketplace for Pakistan. In the 19th episode of ITLoW, he talks with Madam Jehan Ara about entrepreneurship, where Lootmaar is today, what their plans are, and some of the challenges that he and his partner Noman Turab have faced along the way.

    Adnan Haider is a graduate of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), worked in Pakistan as a technical specialist for IBM - focusing on computer storage solutions, before proceeding for his Masters in Engineering Management (MEM) from the Duke University Pratt School of Engineering under a Fulbright Scholarship. While at Duke, Adnan was part of the ImaGyn team that won a US$100,000 prize to develop a device to facilitate cervical cancer prevention in the developing world.

    At the end of the interview, he also discussed the Engineering Schools in Pakistan and only his one gesture “And then we have FAST” says everything about the current state of affairs at NUCES Campuses. I already raised the same concerns like Lack of Incubation Centers and Experienced Faculty as well as recommendation of inter-disciplinary work in one of my previous blog posts “FAST-NU Engineering Fiasco.” Good to find somebody who thinks the same way :)

    Click on the following widget to see the interview.

    Sunday, April 19, 2009

    Dastoor-e-FAST - Modified

    When i wrote the first version in 15 minutes and posted it, I didn't anticipate such a wonderful response. Fahad Liaqat pointed out a technical mistake on Facebook, after which i am publishing this modified version.


    Dastoor-e-FAST

    Dastoor Jis Dars Gah Ka Badalta Rahey
    Chand Logon Ki Khushiyon Ko Ley Kar Chaley
    Woh Jo Sa'iye Mein Har Doctor Ke Paley
    Aisey Dastoor Ko, Aisey Muntazim Ko
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta

    Mein Bhi Kha'if Nahin Takhta-e-Daar Sey
    Mein Bhi Student Hoon Keh Do Director Sahib Sey
    Kyoon Darratey Ho DC Ki Talwaar Sey
    Zulm Ki Baat Ko, Aisey Ehtesaab Ko
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta

    Daad Rassi Student Ke Hone Laggay, Tum Kaho
    Graduation Waqt Par Hone Laggay, Tum Kaho
    Nokri University Lagwane Laggay, Tum Kaho
    Is Khulley Jhoot Ko, Zehan Ke Loot Ko
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta

    Tum Ney Loota Hey Har Semester Hamara Sakoon
    Ab Na Hum Par Chaley Ga Tumhara Qanoon
    Chaaragar Hum Sabke Bantey Ho Kyun
    Tum Nahin Chaaragar, Koi Maney Magar
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta
    Friday, April 17, 2009

    Dastoor-e-FAST

    It's almost 5:30 in the morning and i thought of modifying Mr. Habib Jalib's famous poem "DASTOOR" as follows.

    Dedicated to all FAST Family. :)


    Dastoor-e-FAST

    Dastoor Jis Dars Gah Ka Badalta Rahey
    Chand Logon Ki Khushiyon Ko Ley Kar Chaley
    Woh Jo Sa'iye Mein Har Doctor Ke Paley
    Aisey Dastoor Ko, Aisey Muntazim Ko
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta

    Mein Bhi Kha'if Nahin Takhta-e-Daar Sey
    Mein Bhi Student Hoon Keh Do Director Sahib Sey
    Kyoon Darratey Ho DC Ki Talwaar Sey
    Zulm Ki Baat Ko, Aisey Ehtesaab Ko
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta

    "F" Theethon Ko Milne Laggein, Tum Kaho
    Course Chailon Ko Milne Laggein, Tum Kaho
    Pre-Req Courses Ke Roz Badalne Laggein, Tum Kaho
    Is Khulley Jhoot Ko, Paison Ke Loot Ko
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta

    Tum Ney Loota Hey Har Semester Hamara Sakoon
    Ab Na Hum Par Chaley Ga Tumhara Qanoon
    Chaaragar Hum Sabke Bantey Ho Kyun
    Tum Nahin Chaaragar, Koi Maney Magar
    Mein Nahin Maanta, Mein Nahin Jaanta
    Tuesday, April 14, 2009

    Why Women Cry..




    A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?"

    "Because I'm a woman," she told him.

    "I don't understand," he said.

    His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

    Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

    "All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

    The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.


    Finally he put prayed to God who would surely know the answer.

    When God responded he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

    God said: "When I made the woman she had to be made special.

    I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

    I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

    I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

    I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

    I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

    I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

    And lastly, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers and only hers exclusively to use whenever she needs it. She needs no reason, no explanation, its hers."

    "You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."
    Wednesday, April 08, 2009

    Mobile Services Survey

    I am conducting a mobile services survey. I'll be grateful, if people from different walks of life can fill in the following form and submit it to me.




    Tuesday, March 31, 2009

    Startups Exhibition at SOFTEC 2009 [Register Now]

    SOFTEC 2009 (www.softec.org.pk) , the 5th International and 14th National IT & Technology event would be held on the 4th and 5th of April 2009 at FAST-NU Lahore Campus. Like last year, they will be promoting startups at the event. There is a separate enclosure for startups in exhibition so that they can exhibit the services that they offer or the product they have developed. On the other hand, its a good opportunity to network with like minded people, industry professionals and P@SHA reps.

    SOFTEC 2009 team wants full participation from the startups and are offering extremely affordable packages to accommodate everyone.The purpose of the registration fee is to assure your presence at the event. Few startups have already registered themselves.

    Please spread the word and let the startups know about this wonderful opportunity.

    For registration, you can contact me or Mr. Ahmed Muzammil of Startups.PK.
    Sunday, February 15, 2009

    Roxen's "Bhuj Hai Gaya" a rip off of Omer Nadeem's "Dil Ka Diya"?

    I heard Roxen singing this song at RockBall 09 and i was like "Wasn't this verse in Omer Nadeem's song 'Dil Ka Diya'?"

    "Bujh Hai Gaya Yeh Dil Ka Diya, Teray Bin Lagay Na Mora Jiya"

    Recently, Roxen has released the video of their version "Bujh Hai Gaya" as well. Apparently, Omer Nadeem was the former drummer of Roxen and was working with Haider Haleem on a separate project "Sifaar". As per my information, Omer composed some 5 songs in the album Roxen-e-Deewar which were

    1. Chaltay Rahay (formally owned by Sifaar),
    2. Jag Chor Diya
    3. Aaj
    4. Tu phir Aao
    5. Sapnay

    Is Roxen's version a rip off or the true thing? I am still looking for some official statements, blame games etc. because both sides are somewhat playing cool at the moment. Omer was caught up in the Atif Aslam and Gohar Mumtaz controversy as well.So, he might think thousand times before stepping up.

    By the way, I personally think that Omer Nadeem's version is way better than Roxen's :)
    Friday, February 13, 2009

    Should Senior Speak Up? [Part 2]

    A heartbroken guy got something to day dream about expecting that the answer might be "YES" this time over. It was infatuation, crush or whatever, I came home and messaged my best friends especially sahelis about her. As usual, no cheering response from their side. :(

    As i have my own quotation, "If you like it, stalk it". Thus, I went to university the next day and scanned academic office's list to know which people appeared in that subject's retake. There were only 2 female students that appeared in the retake exam of that subject. Now the question was how to identify her.

    Days passed and I couldn't get to see her. Perhaps I was forgetting her existence because I didn't even remember her face by that time. Then one day, Basim and Zombie were as usual on their "POONDI" campaign and then I got to know that Basim's "Crush List" has a new addition. According to Zombie that lady didn't even have straight legs and she walked clumsily. Basim wanted a second opinion so suddenly one day he yelled "Roofi!!” I turned back and he gestured towards a group and his face expressions meant "That One". Man, I was like WTF! WTF! because the group of girls that he was talking about had my angel in it. Basim's one was technically way prettier for me :P . All my sahelis were also of the opinion that Basim's one was the best amongst them. Don't know what women see in other women :S. Since this great PS deserves the best and I have never been after the prettiest bunch on the planet earth anyways, I had to be honest with him. Thus like an Indian Film, 2 best male friends were stalking 2 good female friends.

    When I recapture all those moments, I see all those craziest things that i have done in my college life and still people call me a boring person. Why? Even if I am an introvert, any problems? I would also like to give few dear female friends some credit for confusing Basim's crush with mine and they know what they did :@ It went like that till SOFTEC 2007. At SOFTEC 2007, one of my female friends did a mistake after that I couldn't resist.

    Arafat, Sohail and Choi’s Project PC was the heaven where I talked to this angel for the first time. Since it was Haider and Asad’s last semester, we used to get together at their Project PCs in Lab 2 for all the important “SOFTEC” and “The Rising” talks. I remember how Ahmed Sajjad used to seek the attention of the whole lab by with his trademark laughter after seeing the SOFTEC 2007 Registration System made by Cyco. “Sir AJAX Ka Scene Hai!”

    Anyways, post SOFTEC 2007 I was working on something at Arafat’s Project PC. I moved from my seat to gossip with a friend who was sitting on a nearby PC. Suddenly, I noticed that one of the girls from this gang has taken seat of my PC and is about to restart the PC. In those days, it was really hard to find a PC in the lab. She and her other friends were standing nearby. Don’t know from where I got that courage. Rafaeel Akbar Chaudhry identifies the target, start moving towards this girl gang, reaches the target and says “Excuse Me!” She turns around in astonishment and fear. Her Fearful Questioning Eyes! OMG! After that all I could say was “This is my Project PC”. She didn’t utter a single word, their eyes talked in some alien language and all of them moved away. Does she has a tongue? I still don't know. All I can think after this was “You accompanying little chipmunks, take all the PCs of the lab but let me talk to her”. But it wasn’t my day.

    Finally in mid May, I said that to her anonymously in the creepiest way. Senior thus did the cheapest and most junior mistake on the planet earth. Perhaps not saying it altogether was a much better option. Why the hell I can't tell the actual feelings in person? Why can’t her girl gang let her stroll alone? I didn't get any response and now that I think I am mature enough, I know that even if would have been at her place I wouldn’t have replied.

    Interestingly, Basim’s crush transferred herself to another college after Spring 2007 semester. However, I would like to publically thank Mr. Qureshi for bearing my seniority issues and advising appropriately at times.

    Q. Why am I writing this anyways?
    A. For all those who kept asking me about my Valentine’s Day plans.


    As Basim says that girls look for their Prince Charming and they don’t get to see that in their daily life. So, in his opinion successful people in this domain are mostly jerks and liars and I should act like one to score a girl. ”Enjoy a Crispy Life Man” .But after all these random thoughts, I still think I am a one woman guy. I don’t want to play with anyone’s emotions and then break up on a pity reason. I want to be with the sole entity that my family approves of. Being a “chickless virgin” is better than having a one night stand.

    As for her, she is important for me especially her birthday :) but not important than my family. Perhaps that’s the most practical approach. Love is not about bringing that person in your life. For me, it’s more of seeing that person happy. I like (not love) her and would always pray that she gets the best in her whole life.

    Saood has already commented on the post’s first part that I should wait for the right time. Thus, I am waiting for the right time. It’s her or anyone else, time will tell.

    Concluding this long note, I would like to say that this may be the same old Valentine’s Day for me. But for the first time, I would like to dedicate it to my family and best friends, who have always been there for me through thick and thin. “I LOVE YOU ALL! MUAH MUAH! ”

    “Happy Valentine’s Day” :)