Tabraiz Feham's Blog

Mustafa Kamal keeps it rolling...

2007-12-05T18:55:00.000+05:00

Totay I articulated an email containing news picks in my close circle on onging development in Karachi. You can have a look at the clippings on the link below:

http://www.tabraiz.net/bimages/dec_5_karachi_developments.gif

The email got interesting replies.. so posting it on the blog. If you would like to add your throughts please click on the comments and post.

Would like to clarify that I pass these email to keep posted my friends & close one's about the latest developments in the city. I am in any way not associated with any political party and my views (may be baised) but are independent.

My Other posts for Karachi:

Futuristic Karachi

Karachi Photos by Tabraiz

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Mr. Zeeshan Zaidi writes:

Any updates on the fallen bridge`s investigation and also the enquiry into the hundereds of sub standard and illegal boards that were installed all over Karachi by the local governments? :) Thanks

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Tabraiz Writes:

well sir... Northen Bypass project is a mega project and involves giants like NHA, NLC & ECIL (ECIL is one of the largest private sector consulting companies in Pakistan operating since 1959)... city district govt. had a meager role to play then the govt. itself. And for the fact the bridge didn't fall due to sub-standard material.. but due to a design flaw, even a foreign consulting firm was hired to oversee & correct the design -- don't know what happened then... may be here corruption took the charge and recommendations were neglected or not incorporated in totality or whatever, which no doubt is bad and has been a dilemma for the nation for the last 60 years. BUT this doesn't mean that it is the end of the world...

- they have given this city more than a dozen bridges & underpasses in a very short span of time (seemed impossible a few years back) so if there is a bad incident does this white washes all that has been achieved?

- my proud on this city touches heights when I see those widespread & small parks all over the city... where children can play, people can walk and talk.. and can breath in a relatively cleaner air.

- I see the improvement in drainage & sewerage system, I see the roads a whole lot improved.. and i see it all in my very own area and on the very roads that i happen to pass every morning & every night which makes a big difference for me

- I can get my problems to the area in-charge by meeting seeing him physically and if this doesn't soothe.. I can get my complains directly through... thanks to the 24/7 operating CDGK call center

- I see the difference in passport office, difference in license office and difference when I have to pay the bills

- I see my job... OHHHH working for an American company.. being paid good money Al-humdulillah, thanks to the city's growing economy that despite all the BULL-SHIT about Pakistan all over the world, people still are attracted to it.

This all is what matters most for a common man like ME... it matters not if Musharraf is doffing off his wardi or not, miyaan sahab & mohtarma playing jaloos jaloos & ehtajaj ehtajaj all over Pakistan (after having blatantly looted & plundered this country off), Mr. Altaf posing like a panjandrum scholar giving his telephonic lessons on Islam & extremism... ehhhh ..to them all I would say SHUT UP!

The problem is that we just keep on complaining.. we need to learn to see the glass half full - not half empty, give the credit right wherever needed and point out & criticize the weaknesses positively. YES there is a major room for improvement, a LOT LOT is still to be done, there are hundreds of things that need attention - and correction and I am sure its gonna get better and better as the time goes by.

May Allah bless us all

Tabraiz

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Mr. Zeeshan Zaidi writes:

So basically no news yet? ok now then... :)

I appreciate your optimism and I always have and preach them same and have quite often still fights with people here and there over the image of Pakistan and its people, but I cant take or understand the point of campaigning for Mustafa Kamal on email. Frankly its a bit amusing :). Sending the headlines around.

On one hand you care so much for your country and on the other you dont care who rules it and how. What a dichotomy ?, No offence I do feel your profound attachment to MQM and Altaf lot probably due to family backgound of migration at partition I assume which I share as well, and I respect that. I do not have any particular affection to any one of them although I have met them mostly all and havent been impressed as such.

Glass full or half empty :) .. well I would rather advocate attempts to fill the rest of the glass and over flow it for my fellow countrymen. Do not take away your or anybody else`s right to think freely please and do not stop criticism and debate because doing that will take away the very hope of any optimism in future and progress.

Working for an American company and saying AlhamdolilAllah :D ? hahaha just kidding.. I mean we victimised GEO over that recently. :)

I am glad that you see the differences, relatively do not take your eyes off the things that matter as well. criticize the weaknesses positively ? :) I didnt use a BULL-SHIT and SHUT UP in any of my statements yet. My attempts are to point to the horrors looming Pakistan and the internal problems we have usually then to go out on a superficial witch hunt. Positive :) .. ah well ok, right!!!.

I am not asking people to kill each other but to have open ears and eyes, I would rather be the voice of dissent rather then resorting to conformity and pacifism as it is in the best of our interest than to merely hope and pray.

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Imran Aleem writes:

I am on the side of tabraiz and his comments, also to add that fallen bridge was not constructed by the hands of Mustafa Kamal or MQM, it was project done by NLC. We should remember the past where our city was under darkness where there was no street lights not even on main shara-e-faisal, no proper roads and much more under other governments. We should give credit to whatever they have done good and obviously no one perfect................

Also to add that in these 5 years we have faced two natural disasters one is heavey rain which caused demage to these constructions as well as one heavey storm which also did same but still they are busy to build their city even after these two big demages and with diffrent kind of political pressures.. . . . . .. . . . . .i am also not at the side of Altaf Hussain but admire to one who does good............ rest we all know tht we are also not good ourself . . . . .. . . . . . we can't change the system untill we change ourself . . . . .. . . .

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Zeeshan Zaidi writes:

The sign boards incident by predicted by me way back because i could see the licenses being issued recklessly without any checks, infact it was a kind of favour because earning from each average sized roadside board can go in hudereds of thousands annually. And the storm that day. Same has been with the construction of bridges it has been questionable ever since but the fall of one bridge (doesnt matter the jurisdiction it was being built under) raises the concerns ten folds.

I think its my failure and nobody else`s if I fail to bring others to see my point of view from the point I see it. Perhaps I have not put enough effort depending too much on the intelligence of the reader. Clear and transparent accountability for everyone is mandatory. As you say Imran we have to change ourselves ? then how do we change ourselves buddy ? start praying stricting five times a day, not miss fajar ? don`t get me wrong but thats not exactly and only way we have to change ourselves, we have to change the point of view we have over things.

Can I point of certain fallacies we fell victim to in the recent debates ?

- Worship of hereos beyond accountability

- Justification of one wrong with another

- Ignorance (is a bliss indeed)

Side of Altaf hussain, benazir, nawaz sharif, mushy mush or kala chor whatever. When a question is raised please consider the question rather then trying take apart the motives of the person asking if he/she is a pessimist ignoring all the good and focusing on the bad. That my dear bretheren is ignorance.

I told the same to my british executive colleagues, sufi saint sitting in a cave in remote desert mountains of Pakistan, the christain priest who was trying to convert me and few of the so called luminaries and intellectuals of our time.

Pardon me for taking so much of your time but I on one hand do encourage conversation and debate over matters, so keep in touch.

thanks for the privilege of reading my words,

Geo TV Banned! Rightly so........

2007-12-04T12:38:00.000+05:00

It seems President Musharraf has unknowingly & un-intentionally served a good cause while grinding his own axe. We never know what Allah has in it for us... to me its a clear omen for all of us to set our vices straight.

Tabraiz

Ant & Grasshopper

2007-11-08T14:25:00.000+05:00

Older Version

The Ant works hard in the withering heat all summer building its house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The Grasshopper thinks the Ant is a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away.
Come winter, the Ant is warm and well fed. The Grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.

Modern Version

The Ant works hard in the withering heat all summer building its house and laying up supplies for the winter. The Grasshopper thinks the Ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering Grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the Ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

Geo TV, BBC, ARY, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering Grasshopper next to a video of the Ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor Grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Asma Jahangir stages a demonstration in front of the Ant's house.

Imran Khan goes on a fast along with other Grasshoppers demanding that Grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter.

Amnesty International and Chief Justice Iftikhar criticize the Pakistan Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the Grasshopper.

The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the Grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance).
Opposition MPs stage a walkout. Islamic parties call for "Hartal" in Frontier and Baluchistan demanding a Judicial Enquiry.

MQM Coalition in Sindh immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among Ants and Grasshoppers.

Sheikh Rasheed allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Pakistan Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Shalimar'.

Finally, the President drafts an ordinance ' Anti State Terrorism against Grasshoppers Act' [ASTAGA], with effect from the beginning of the winter. Mobilizes state agencies.

Punjab Govt. makes ' Special Reservation ' for Grasshoppers in Educational Institutions & in Government Services.

The Ant is fined for failing to comply with ASTAGA and having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes; its home is confiscated by the NAB and handed over to the Grasshopper in a ceremony covered by PTV.

Nawaz Sharief calls it ' A Triumph of Justice '.
Benazir calls it ' Democratic Justice '.
MQM calls it the ' Revolutionary Resurgence of the Downtrodden'
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz invites the Grasshopper to address the National Assembly.
Many years later...

The Ants have since migrated to the US, Canada, UK and Middle East, have worked harder then they did before set up a multi-million dollar business.

100s of Grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere in Pakistan ...
As a result of loosing lot of hard working Ants and feeding the Grasshoppers, Pakistan is still a developing country!!!

(Received in email.. really thoughtful...)

Karachiites Say No to Extremism!

2007-04-16T16:26:00.000+05:00

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in sizzling heat of Karachi to condemn and raise their voice against extremism and what they call it Danda Bardaar Shariyat. This is a sheer display and warning for a mere 2% minority of extremists to correct their vices... This is not Afghanistan, Welcome to Pakistan.

This is our NO to Extremism

Karachi in the Near Future

2007-03-29T18:17:00.000+05:00

Take the glimpse of

How Karachi is going

to look like in the near future

specially compiled in the love of my city

Tabraiz

Destination Pakistan 2007

2007-03-29T17:40:00.000+05:00

This year its all happening here....

Celebrating

"VISIT PAKISTAN 2007"

Official Website

Ministry of Tourism Website

Calendar of Events

Blogspot Unblocked..... Finally!

2007-03-07T18:20:00.000+05:00

A happy day for bloggers in Pakistan as blogspot was finally unblocked by PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Ltd), so we can now start blogging again.

What should I say for those pathetic and fickle minded officials at PTCL and PEMRA (Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority), who banned Blogger last year in connection with Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) blaspheme by the Swedish newspaper. Instead of blocking only those few blogs with profane content, they blocked the entire blogspot domain... thus depriving hundreds of thousands of Pakistani bloggers from their right to advocate and spread their voice against that stupid act. This was the time when the young guns in Pakistan were starting to understand the concept of blogging.. and were vigorously involved in publishing content. But this sudden imbroglio has set the bloggers in Pakistan a year back (Myspace, Typepad, LiveJournal etc are not popular here in Pakistan).

Let's see if we could bring that pace again.

Tabraiz Feham

Microsoft Windows Vista Wallpapers & Screen Shots (Part II)

2006-05-06T00:48:00.000+05:00

Here goes the part II of Vista wallpapers collection!


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Cartoon controversy - what we can do?

2006-02-07T10:39:00.000+05:00

The least we can do is to condemn it. SO
Condemn it here!

Sign the petition

=====================

A Danish newspaper published humiliating and derogatory caricatures of
our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which were republished in several
newspapers throughout Europe.

Please do sign the following petition AND forward it to those whom you know.

http://www.petitiononline.com/moh12345/petition.html

Regards,
Hafsa

======================

Thanks hina for forwarding it.

Tabraiz

Google Hacker's Version

2006-01-25T15:34:00.000+05:00

While searching for something I discovered Hacker's version of Google!
Can't figure out the purpose, but still interesting if you can endeavor reading it :)

http://www.google.com/intl/xx-hacker/

Tabraiz

Hi-Tec Giants - View from the Top

2006-01-20T18:28:00.000+05:00

Headquarters of world's top hi-tec giants from Google Earth's eye

Visit Images Here...

Evolution - A Photoshoppery

2006-01-05T12:53:00.000+05:00

The idea just came out of the blue... and I smashed it on Photoshop.
Please view larger for details.

View Larger

Tabraiz Feham

The Word "POLITICS"

2005-12-13T15:32:00.000+05:00

The word 'politics' is derived from the word 'poly', meaning 'many', and the word 'ticks', meaning 'blood sucking parasites'.
Larry Hardiman

More Quotations on Politics

I'll miss you a lot........... my K300i :(

2005-12-02T12:23:00.000+05:00

Yesterday night as I walked out of my office and marched a few yards, 3 guys on a bike stopped a few meters beside me and one of them came running towards me, loaded his gun aggressively, pointed towards my feet and asked for my mobile and wallet...... I had to no option but to acknowledge them.. I tried but in vain to take out my dual sim (Mobilink & Telenor), but nevertheless I was able to negotiate :) the copy of my NIC & a bundle of few cards (fortunately my ATM card was among those)... and this all happened in not more than 4 seconds.

I would miss my mobile a lot because of the content that I managed to gather over the past several months, I would miss those lovely messages from friends & family, I would miss those small java applications that I downloaded after quite a lot of searching & effort on WAP. I would miss those lovely little games specially Reversi, Bowling & Checkers. I would miss my ringtones collection, not to mentions those serene wallpapers & images that I sized specially to fit on the screen.

hhhhhhh....... I end this post with a request :) ..... "if you happen to be the one using the mobile later on.. please give it a bit of care & respect. Thanks :)"

Tabraiz Feham

50 Coolest Websites of 2005

2005-11-30T17:34:00.000+05:00

http://www.time.com/time/2005/websites/

Checkout the TIME Magazine's coolest websites for 2005. Organized in to the following main categories:

Arts & Entertainment
Blogs
Lifestyle, Health & Hobbies
News & Information
Shopping

If you don't have the time to go through all the categories then just don't miss "Blogs" category, because the most rocking websites are there. Second most interesting websites are in "Lifestyle, Health & Hobbies" and third category is "News & Information".... as per my ratings :)

Some of my favourite websites from this list!
(For if you don't have the time to visit even the categories...)

BoingBoing.net

PostSecret.com

Flickr.com
(Visit now.. If you managed to remain uninformed about this blockbuster photo sharing website)

I-Neighbors.org

Answers.com

Happy Surfing!

Tabraiz Feham

Newton & Lollywood

2005-11-25T17:05:00.000+05:00

Once, Newton came to Pakistan and watched a few Lollywood movies that had his head spinning. He was convinced that all his logic and laws in physics were just a huge pile of junk and apologized for everything he had done.
In the movies of Sultan Rahi, Newton was confused to such an extent that he went paranoid. Here are a few scenes

1) Sultan Rahi has a Brain Tumor which, according to the doctors can't be cured and his death is imminent. In one of the fights, our great Sultan Rahi is shot in the head. To everybody's surprise, the bullet passes through his ears taking away the tumor along with it and he is cured!

Long Live Sultan Rahi!

2) In another movie, Sultan Rahi is confronted with 3 gangsters. Sultan Rahi has a gun but unfortunately only one bullet and a knife. Guess, what he does? He throws the knife at the middle gangster? & shoots the bullet towards the knife. The knife cuts the bullet into 2 pieces, which kills both the gangsters on each side of the middle gangster & the knife kills the middle one.

3) Sultan Rahi is chased by a gangster. Sultan Rahi has a revolver but no bullets in it. Guess what he does. Nah? Not even in your remotest imaginations. He waits for the gangster to shoot. As soon as the gangster shoots,Sultan Rahi opens the bullet compartment of his revolver and catches the bullet. Then, he closes the bullet compartment and fires his gun.Bang... the gangster dies...

This was too much for our Newton to take! He was completely shaken and decided to go back. But he happened to see another movie for one last time, and thought that at least one movie would follow his theory of physics. The whole movie goes fine and Newton is happy that all in the world hasn't changed. Oops, not so fast!

The 'climax' finally arrives.

Sultan Rahi gets to know that the villain is on the other side of a very high wall. So high that Sultan Rahi can't jump even if he tries like one of those superman techniques that our heroes normally use. Sultan Rahi has to desperately kill the villain because it's the climax. (Newton dada is smiling since it is virtually impossible?) Sultan Rahi suddenly pulls two guns from his pockets. He throws one gun in the air and when the gun has reached above the height of the wall, he uses the second gun and shoots at the trigger of the first gun in air. The first gun fires off and the villain is dead.

Newton commits suicide...

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:) Received in email.
For those who don't know Sultan Rahi; He was a great Lollywood actor and holds the world record for acting in more movies then anyone in the world.

Tabraiz

Thank You World!

2005-11-21T13:31:00.000+05:00

Thank You World for supporting us, for standing by with us and for giving us much needed hands in the hours of our need. Although nations from all over the world are supporting us but I would like to specifically name USA, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates for their generous help. And on the other I have no words of thanks for countries like Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and I believe that their contributions worth as much as of any other nation.

May Allah give us the will, power and consent to do our best in helping the earthquake victims and resuming their lives back to normal. May Allah empower this nation to pass this time of test with grace (Amen)

(As Pakistan succeeds in pledging the required amount for the earthquake rehabilitations in form of aid & soft loans)

Tabraiz Feham

Microsoft Windows Vista Screen Shots & Wallpapers

2005-11-16T15:53:00.000+05:00

For the admirers of visual beauty :)


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PIA Concorde....

2005-11-15T16:58:00.000+05:00

Simply Adorable :)

(Click to view the larger version)

Although the dream of a PIA Concorde will remain a dream.... But nevertheless PIA now holds the World Record to fly the longest flight ever in the history of aviation in cooperation with Boeing.....

Read the news...

Boooo0000OOOOOOOre??????

2005-11-07T16:40:00.000+05:00

Feeling bore???

Check out boriat.com

Although not any thing outstanding..... but still very different :)

Faderal (Earthquake) Relief Commission - Govt. of Pakistan :: Official website

2005-11-06T00:07:00.000+05:00

earthquakepakistan.com

Official website of Faderal Relief Commision, Govt. of Pakistan. Contains information about

How we can volenteer?
How to send relief goods?
Critical Suggestions
Latest victims information
Poeple Finder
Missing Persons
Important telephone numbers
Giving Online / Offline Donations

& More...

Ramadan-Blessings.com

2005-10-21T09:11:00.000+05:00

http://www.ramadan-blessings.com

Ramadan-Blessings.com brings you best Ramadan resources to make your fasting experience full of spiritual spirit & devine blessings.

Ramdan-Blessings.com has been concieved and created in order to provide a one-stop comprehensive resource related to the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Downloads (PDFs, Screen Savers, Software), Articles,
Duas and Verse, Forums, Blogs, Ramadan News
Holy Place Photo Galleries, Audios/Videos
 and much more...

http://www.ramadan-blessings.com

TENTS TENTS & TENTS

2005-10-14T03:11:00.000+05:00

Tents are required desparetely in large quantities in affected areas. The Govt. has waived the duty on import of such stuff. Business community please come forward and import as many as possible to either sale or donate. Below is a collection of international resources relating to Tents.

CRED tent
(Clam Roof Emergency Domehome)
http://www.shelterdomes.co.uk/

Babson Noller Corporation

http://www.tentsplace.com

National Tent House
http://www.nationaltenthouse.com/nth_tents_shelter.htm

Garg Tents
http://www.gargtent.com/relief.htm

H. Nizam Din & Sons (pvt) Ltd
http://www.nizamcanvas.com/refugee.htm

Shelter Systems
http://www.shelter-systems.com/emergency.html

Field and trek
fieldandtrek.com

EconomyTent
http://www.economytent.com/

Tarbaiz

BALAKOT / MUZAFFARABAD Relief Efforts by Al-Khawarizmi Society: Please Contribute

2005-10-14T00:56:00.000+05:00

BALAKOT has been worst hit by the earthquake. Thousands have died and everyone is homeless. Below is a letter of Brig.(Retd) Abdus Salam Akhtar explaining rehabilitation project of earthquake victims by Al-Khawarizmi Society and contribution details. Please HELP and CONTRIBUTE generously.

Tabraiz

-----------------------------------

Al-Khawarizmi Society registered with Government of Punjab has initiated a program for the Permanent Rehabilitation of Earthquake Affectees especially in the worst affected areas in Balakot, Muzaffarabad etc.

The president of society Brig (Retd) Abdus Salam Akhtar himself is the resident of Balakot and would therefore be able to contribute in this permanent rehabilitation project very effectively.

The plans are being worked out and will be intimated to all the donatees. The advance information is being provided in order to indicate to the donors the necessity of neither permanent solution of the people who neither have homes nor any source of subsistence left. The present relief operation in the form of Tents, Clothing’s, and Food etc. are going to certainly help them but it is not a long-term solution.

In view to the above we appeal to all to contribute in this project. All donates will automatically become friends of the society and the major contributors will be requested to also be involved in the functioning and operation of the project.

The donation may be sent in the name of Al-Khawarizmi Society in cash or cheque in the
Account Number 20311-714 -107770,
Habib Bank AG Zurich, and 9, Haider Road, Rawalpindi

With regards
Yours Sincerely

Brig.(Retd) Abdus Salam Akhtar
President Al-Khawarizmi Society
55/1, Bank Road, Rawalpindi Pakistan.
Tele. # 0092-051-5581133, 5563276
Fax # 0092-051- 5518357

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PAF Museum Karachi - Earthquake Relief Camp

2005-10-13T01:51:00.000+05:00

Please bring LARGE Tapes and Markers as these are required in big quantities for smooth packing operations.
Tents are desparately required in big quantities, anough food and clothes are available.
Used Plastic Printed Advertisements (For Large Hoardings) can also be given for use as tents.
Pharmacy & Medicine related people can join for sorting and categorizing medicines.
Volenteers: If entry is restricted in BASE I due to redundancy of volenteers please visit BASE II.
Poeple who wish to Volenteer for relief work in northen areas should contact the Control Centers at the bases and submit contact information.
Blood doners can donate blood near the BASE I

Pakistan Earthqauke - What can/should be done (2)

2005-10-12T13:17:00.000+05:00

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Drop a check of Rs 150/- crossed to "Edhi Welfare Trust"
to any TCS counter or any Edhi centre counter.
This amount will be used to provide KAFAN to victims of quake.

-------------------------------------------------------
Donate for Earthquake victims - through Mir Khalil ur Rehman Foundation
(MKRF):
http://jang.com.pk/important_events/earthquake05/mkrf/index.html

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Donate via any Credit Cards / Debit Cards or UBL Net Banking:
http://www.ubl.com.pk/services/eq_donation.asp

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Donate Rs. 3/= per SMS towards MKRF Relief Fund SMS the word DONATE to 436. Each SMS cost Rs 3 + tax Send as many SMS as you can.
This is a joint effort by GEO, Mobilink and Ufone

-------------------------------------------------------

Courtesy: Anonymous Email

pakquake.com

2005-10-12T09:53:00.000+05:00

Just found out
http://www.pakquake.com/

Visit for updates

Pakistan Earthqauke - What can/should be done

2005-10-12T09:34:00.000+05:00

Mobilink Subscribers :: Send a 10 Rs SMS to 180 in relief fund
What we can give in relief camps?

Water Bottles
Milk
Milk Powder
Quilts
Blankets
Pillows
Jackets
Warm Cloths
Coats
Warm Shoes
Tent
Medicine
Tin Packed Food
Wheat - Suger - Rice
Umbrella

Please DO NOT Send

Old / discarded /Dirty clothes or Quilts and Blankets
all goods mingled or messed up.... rather arranged them in an order, and then submit in order to save the time required for sorting

Tabraiz

Volunteers Needed at PAF Museum for Earthquake Relief Camp

2005-10-12T09:25:00.000+05:00

Volunteers girls & guys are needed at PAF Museum Shahrah-e-Faisal Karachi for packing sorting and helping relief efforts at the camp.
You can also join after Aftar/Maghrib prayers till the late night.

Pakistan Earthquake - Please donate

2005-10-11T13:12:00.000+05:00

PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE - HELP

"People in Pakistan desperately need your generous contribution. Please donate and help by clicking on any of these reputed organizations"

President's Relief Fund for Earthquake Victims 2005
(Govt. Of Pakistan)

Press Release

The Government has decided to establish a fund to be known as "President's Relief Fund for Earthquake Victims 2005" for providing relief to the people in the wake of recent earthquake victims and to mobilize resources for the relief efforts to the people's affected by the earthquake. All proceeds on account of "President's Relief Fund for earthquake victims 2005" and payment into the fund will be received at all branches of State Bank of Pakistan, all Treasures and branches of National Bank of Pakistan, all branches of Habib Bank Limited, United Bank Ltd, Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd. and Allied Bank Ltd.

Contributions from abroad will be received at all the branches of banks where such branches exist. In foreign countries contributions will be received at Pakistan Missions and remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan. G-12 Special Deposit Fund, G-121-Relief Fund, G-12130-President's Relief Fund for earthquake victims

----------------------------------

Tabraiz Feham

Pakistan Developer Conference (Microsoft) - Highlights Day 1

2005-06-14T02:02:00.000+05:00

* A crowd of around 1500 developers and IT professional from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad gathered in Pearl Continental hotel's Ballroom 1 and 2 to mark the Keynote session of the conference oganized by Microsoft Paksitan for the third consecutive year.

* Presided by chairman NADRA Brig (Retd) Saleem Ahmed Moeen

* Teasing and really annoying were the redundant security checks

* Nice was the kit provided to each conference attendee consisted of a bag, some microsoft CDs and other literature and this month's spider magazine, that I already had bought earlier :(

* Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (hailing from Multan) was rewarded along with others.

*Disappointing was the presentation (Not content but actual presentation) of the chairman NADRA Brig (Retd) Saleem Ahmed Moeen, I think NADRA being the most hi-tec institution in the country should review thier corporate communication standards as it really portrays the image and of organisation, and in my opinion NADRA is one of the best in the world as far as implementation of technology is concerned.
Future Perspective

* Dynamic Systems Initiative- A concept of sort of smart applications responding and behaving to adapt to new interfaces, changes and other integrating and acting dynamically.

* Domain System Language - Envisioning a new way of developing applications in future, based entirely on analysis and design standards such as UML. Totally integrated development environment in order to develop systems sticking to the business model and logic at each and every stage.

* Web Services Inter-operatibility

* Hosting Models - Con't figure out exactly what they are! Mr Rafal Lukawiecki I think mentioned it briefly but need to take some time to sort it out.

* Info Path .... Services Schema Designer

* Data Driven Caching (Page caching) in .net-This was one of the most informative session for me, Mr Stephen Forte (Regional Manager New York - Microsoft) presented with great enthusiasm and style all the lastest developments and facilities offered by .net.

* XML X-Query and XPath .. again very informative session from Mr. Stephen Forte

* At the end of the day we had around an hour of Q & A session covering all sort of
development questions directed to all the spearker and presenter. All in all at the end it was a great day and quite a learning one indeed. Now it 2 at night . gotta get it early tomorrow.

Tabaiz Feham

Picks from 'The Prophet' - Kahlil Gibran

2005-06-07T01:08:00.000+05:00

The book 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran is indeed a fine piece of writing with some great messages, It really is worth reading. Below are some of the picks from different chapters of the books. To me personally the most inspiring chapter is the first one when he talks about 'Love'. Overall he has discussed some of the finest details of our daily life with a touch of beautity and mesmerism of words. Great ineed.

(The book is easily available in Urdu bazar, certainly worth giving as gift :) )

Tabraiz Feham
------------------------------------------------

Then said Almitra, "Speak to us of Love."

.....When love beckons to you follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. .....

.....Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; ......

Then a ploughman said, "Speak to us of Work."

....But I say to you that when you work you fulfil a part of earth's furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born, .....

And then a scholar said, "Speak of Talking."
And he answered, saying:

You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words many indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly. .....

For online version,
http://www.columbia.edu/~gm84/gibtable.html

Pakistan Developer Conference (PDC) 2005

2005-05-29T16:07:00.000+05:00

Microsoft is up to task for the third consecutive year, PDC 2005 is starting from 13 of July and consisted of around 50 sessions covering all the latest Microsoft products and technologies.
- A little disappointment for me, for not covering .net mobile development :(

Agenda
http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/pakistan/pdc/agenda.aspx

Registration
http://www.fillforms.com/middleeast/pakistan/pdc/registration.aspx

Highly recommended for all .net Junkies :)

Tabraiz Feham

My Photo Journal... Updated

2005-05-20T00:35:00.000+05:00

My photo journal is now updated with some new images mainly covering flowers and greenry at home. Worth visiting because I have gatthered some of very beautifull images of my city Karachi.

All of these pictures have been taken by Sony Ericsson K300i Camera Phone. Please sought permission and give credit if you want to use these images.(High Resolution available)

Thanks for visiting :)

http://www.greatestcities.com/users/tabraiz_feham

(Please visit journal for large images)

M Tabraiz Feham

The Resource Group (TRG) ... Making a difference

2005-05-10T11:50:00.000+05:00

Paksitan is still a new bee in outsourcing industry, but companies like TRG leaded by Mr. Zia Chishti are really making a big difference by depicting a very different image of Pakistan. Here comes a news from Washington Post.

"Virtual Secretary Puts New Face on Pakistan"
"In a chic downtown lobby across the street from the Old Executive Office Building, Saadia Musa answers phones, orders sandwiches and lets in the FedEx guy. And she does it all from Karachi, Pakistan."

Read the full Washigton Post Story

Image from Washingtonpost.com
Just made some improvement in light and color balance.

M Tabraiz Feham

Pakistan in the Guinness Book of World Records!

2005-02-23T11:08:00.000+05:00

Widest Gauge Railway

The widest gauge in standard use is 1.676 m (5 ft 6 in). This wide gauge is used in Spain, Portugal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Argentina, and Chile. The narrower standard gauge, 1.435 m (4.698 ft), is more common in much of America and Europe.

Most Men's Squash World Team Titles

The most men's squash world championship team titles won is six, by Australia, in 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1989, and 1991; and Pakistan, in 1977, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, and 1993.

Most World Championship Squash Titles

Since the World Open was inaugurated in 1975, Jansher Khan has clinched the title eight times, with his relative Jahangir coming close behind winning six titles. But Jahangir has also claimed three International Squash Rackets Federation world individual titles, taking his tally of World titles to a record-breaking total of nine. In 1982 Jahangir astonished everyone by winning the International Squash Players Association Championship without losing a single point! Jansher played in his first World Open in 1987 in Birmingham, England, beating Jahangir in the semi-final. Jansher has only once failed to make it to the final in the 10 World Opens he has played.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? The famous Khan family have dominated the sport of squash for over 50 years. The champion family originates from a village called Nawakille in Pakistan. Jansher (born in 1960 and whose name means "Lion-Hearted") succeeded his relatives - Peshawar, Hashim, Azam, Roshan, Moibullah (Senior), and Jahangir, all of them championsquash stars. Since 1950, the family has won 29 British Opens.

Most Wickets In A One-Day International Career

The most wickets taken over a one-day international cricket career is 440 by Pakistan's Wasim Akram in 319 matches between 1985 and 2001. Wasim took the wickets at an average of 24.04 runs. Born in 1966 Lahore, Wasim Akram started playing cricket, like many Pakistanis, on the streets. He made his international debut at the age of 18 after an invitation to join the national team's training camp as they prepared for a match against New Zealand. Wasim's ability to move the ball in the air combined with his pace and accuracy has earned him a reputation as one of the world's best fast bowlers. In February 2000, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Fastest Cricket Bowler

The highest electronically measured speed for a ball bowled by any bowler is 100.23mph (161.3km/h) by Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) against England on 22 February 2003 in a World Cup match at Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa. Nicknamed the 'Rawalpindi Express' Shoaib burst onto the cricket scene in 1999, but has since struggled to cement a first choice place in the Pakistan line-up. He has played for many teams, including: Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan International Airlines, Rawalpindi Cricket Association, Somerset, Khan Research Labs, Durham, Lashings and Pakistan.

Largest Mosque

The largest mosque is Shah Faisal Mosque, near Islamabad, Pakistan. The total area of the complex is 18.97 ha (46.87 acres), with the covered area of the prayer hall being 0.48 ha (1.19 acres). It can accommodate 100,000 worshippers.

Largest Football (Soccer)

A football made from artificial leather PV-PVC and hand-sewn by staff at Ihsan Sports of Hajipura, Sialkot, Pakistan, had a diameter of 4m (13ft 1in) when measured on 30 June 2002.The super-sized soccer ball – an exact replica of the company's standard football – was made from 32 separate panels that were laminated, printed then hand-stitched together. It was unveiled at the Al Faysaliah shopping mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by members of the Disabled Children's Society. "I was amazed at the size of the football," said one spectator, "and I imagine it would be really hard to actually play with."

Heaviest Weight Lifted With Ear

The heaviest weight lifted using only the ear is 51.7 kg (113 lb 15 oz) by Zafar Gill (Pakistan), who lifted gym weights hanging from a clamp attached to his right ear and held the weight for seven seconds on May 26, 2004 at Lahore, Pakistan.

Largest Volunteer Ambulance Organization

Abdul Sattar Edhi (Pakistan) began his ambulance service in 1948, ferrying injured people to hospital. Today, his radio-linked network includes 500 ambulances all over Pakistan, and attracts funds of US$5 million a year.

Largest Appendix Removed

An appendix removed from a 55-year-old Pakistani man on June 11, 2003, at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, measured 23.5 cm (9.2 in) in length. The operation was carried out by Dr. Riaz Ahmed Khokhar.

Smallest Quran

The smallest published Quran book measures 1.7 cm x 1.28 cm x 0.72 cm (0.66 in x 0.50 in x 0.28 in). It is published in an unabridged, bound version, in fine print Arabic and is 571 pages long. Dr Muhammad Karim Beebani at October 15, 2004 in Pakistan.

Highest Margin Of Victory - One Day Int.

The largest victory margin is 233 runs by Pakistan against Bangladesh (320 for the loss of three wickets to 87 all out), at Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 2, 2000.

Youngest Cricket Test Player

The youngest Test player ever is Hasan Raza (Pakistan) who made his debut, aged 14 years 227 days, against Zimbabwe at Faisalabad, Pakistan on 24 October 1996. Born 11 March 1982 in Karachi, like other Pakistani cricketers Raza was given test match experience very early. The right-handed batsmen has played for Pakistan Customs, Habib Bank Limited, Karachi Cricket Association, and Pakistan.

Largest Flaming Image Using Candles

The largest flaming candle image took place at the Serena Hotel in Faisalabad, Pakistan when 48 people lit 8,154 candles to create the Sandoz logo on December 31, 2003.

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/

One day (Disconnected) session of the National Cabinet

2005-02-14T11:57:00.000+05:00

The national cabinet with the president & prime minister is attending a whole day session of meeting, discussions and learning. Ministers would be given presentations about how can they tackle problems facing in day-to-day routine and perform more effectively. On the other hand the matters of national interest would be discussed.

I think this sort of sessions should be arranged more frequently. Hope that all benefit positively from this initiative. But a lot is still to be done towards the path of Good Governance.

I titled it a "Disconnected Session" becuase attendants have been asked to come without their mobile phones and stuff like that :)

Dawn News Link,

http://www.dawn.com/2005/02/14/top1.htm

Tabraiz Feham

GO CDMA Basic Information

2005-01-30T23:31:00.000+05:00

Price = 4150 Including 15% GST

When U Recharge New Card 299/=

Line Rent = 149 = Which Is Cut Daily 04.90

U Can Avail Go To Go =125 Minutes Free

Go To Go = 46 Minutes Per Paisa Minimum 02 Minutes Call Charge Including Tax

Go To PTCL = 02.30 Per 05 Minute Including Tax

Go To Any Mobile Service=03.25 Per Minute

If U Finish Card In A Week U Can Avail 02 Month Free In Coming

Go To Domestic Call Same As PTCL Tariff

Go To International Calls 17 To 18 Rupees Per Minute All Over The World

Go Desktop Set Prices = 4150

Go Hand Set Prices = 5500

Go Internet + Voice Desktop Set Prices = 5200

For Connection Required = NIC Copy With Telephone Or Cell Number

This Connection Work 04 Kilometers From Your Residence

------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not affiliated with GO, so this information is posted for the sake of disseminating information :)
But on the other hand not to mention that PTCL sucks ... specially the customer service.... Hope that companies like these would bring a positive change in Pakistan's telecommunication industry.

Tabraiz Feham

Cassini-Huygens - Mission to Saturn

2005-01-17T01:52:00.000+05:00

"contemplate the wonders of creation" (Qur'an 3:191)

God created this universe and asked us to explore, to contemplate, to learn about it and to praise and bow to the almightiness of God.

I consider "Cassini-Huygens" a great achievement of the supreme of all creatures. Now for about 4 years in the space, Cassini is exploring the Saturn's moon "Titan". Equipped with the most modern technologies and equipment of the time, each second Cassini is sending us the data that would help us in understanding the gigantic wonder "The Universe".

Take some time to go through the very comprehensive website of Cassini from NASA. The website covers almost each & every aspect of Cassini, from Space Craft to the very detailed guide to Cassini's trajectory and all those scientific terms. The website is so easy to follow that you can understand many scientific terms very easily, as my concept of "Doppler Effect" was rejuvenated :) There are also special sections for KIDS and Educators.

Cassini-Huygen Home
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.cfm

Multimedia & Images
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/index.cfm

Tabraiz Feham

m:track - Web Based Mobile Tracking System for Karachi

2005-01-04T13:16:00.000+05:00

Due to the overwhelming trend of mobiles thefts in Karachi KEDA (Karachi Electronics Dealers Association) and Sindh Police in collaboration with Mobile Zone have introduced a web based mobile tracking system. I consider it as a very important effort for halting this daunting situation.

Through this simple web based system we can register a "Complain" about a mobile theft, we can "Verify" a mobile integrity before purchasing it and the most important feature is that you can "Save" you mobile in the m:track database. I think we all must support it by registering as much mobiles as we can.

Tabraiz Feham

Tsunami - The disaster

2004-12-31T11:52:00.000+05:00

Was it an inkling of the doomsday???

May God almighty help all of those who are struggling for the survival, May God give them the courage and strength to overcome this disaster, May the souls of all dead live in peace. (Amen)

When I look at the Image blow, I wonder that we were under the God's mercy, otherwise a little change in the center of earthquake (God forbid) things might have been different for us too. (Thanks to Allah)

Image Source : www.bbc.co.uk

Have a look at the animation below to observe how Tsunami spread.

http://staff.aist.go.jp/kenji.satake/animation.gif

Sattelite images of Banda Aceh, Sri lanka and Indonesia

http://www.digitalglobe.com/tsunami_gallery.html

M Tabraiz Feham

Google's Beta Mystery - Any Answers?

2004-12-26T15:21:00.000+05:00

On my last post Mr Raffay Bin Ali raised a very thoughtful question that “Why Google continue to offer several services in Beta? To avoid potential lawsuits?

I took a little bit of time to dig in to this matter and instead of getting it solved, got a bit more confused. Here I am listing some of findings if you can figure it out better…

What Google describes of a “Beta Service”?

“This means Google does not guarantee the availability of the service. Since this is an experimental service, Google may take the service down for maintenance or discontinue the service entirely.”

Of all the Google’s services over 66% are being offered in Beta. Take some insights on this article.
http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/041202-075953

I think in all the major Beta services, Google News is the one that can create a lot of controversy of copyrights etc. This article draws some pictures on it.

“Google News: Beta Not Make Money”
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65106,00.html

“Google News In Beta to Avoid Ad Lawsuits?”
http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/040929-073339

Some people describe labeling “Beta” as a “Marketing gimmick”, but to what extend?
http://marketingplaybook.com/2004/...

http://www.fundneider.de/mt/archives...

And some says Google has changed the meaning of “Beta”
http://www.cybergrain.com/archives/2004/11/google_betas_ar.html

Currently Goolge cannot generate any revenues from these Beta Services. Would Google be able continue these services in future? People like me are seriously addicted of some of the services, so what would happen if the services are discontinued?

The answers remain bleak.

M Tabraiz Feham

Google Zeitgeist 2004 Published

2004-12-24T01:18:00.000+05:00

Goolge has published 2004's "Google Zeitgeist" based on popular queries, search patterns, trends, surprises etc.

Have a look at it here.
http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist.html

This year Google has also provided an interactive edition that is also worth visiting.
http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist2004/index.html

Not surprisingly Pakistan gets in to the top 10 of "Google Popular Country News Searches".

Britney Spears tops the "Popular Queries" now for two consecutive years.

M Tabraiz Feham

The Taxi Wala!

2004-12-11T23:55:00.000+05:00

Today on my way to NIPA, as I sat in a "Kali Taxi" the driver asked me "You are the only one?" (Yes… in English). I had to think for a second and then I sad "Yes just I am going". (Meant' no body was accompanying me). Then he started asking me questions, like “Do you teach there?” etc. and his medium was mostly English (Although not with that eloquence but he was able to convey his message). After a mile or so a traffic police constable stopped us (routine check victim). The driver took the documents and came back in three to fours minutes (I thought his documents were all o.k.). So to my curiosity I asked him “Why did he stopp you”. He said vehemently,“Millat ka pasban hai Muhammad Ali Jinnah”, and looked at me with a slight smile on his face and it took me at least 10 seconds to understand what he actually said. Then he started elaborating it “Qaide-e-Azam go every where, Quide-a-Azam he hain jo sab ko bacha laitain hain. Paisa phaink …. Tamasha dekh”. Then finally I uttered “Lekin aakhir kab tak?”

“Zulm phir zulm hai…… bharta hai to! mit jata hai”

On this he said!

”Kon jeeta hai teri zulf kay sar honay tak”

And I had no comment for that.
After that he kept discussing the men in power and on important posts, stating that “most of them are non-technical and simple insincere. Even if they show a little sincerity the things would be so different”

As NIPA came, in my normal and formal “Nice meeting you!”, hidden was much, much more.

M Tabraiz Feham

Karachi's Online Graveyard

2004-12-03T01:07:00.001+05:00

http://www.wadi-a-hussain.com - The Website of a Karachi's online graveyard. This is first experience of a virtual graveyard in Muslim world. You can search the graves with different criteria, use "Call Service" for various graveyard services and most of all you can download or stream the funeral movie clips.

I think it is a good step especially for those living abroad. But the virtual graveyard visiting can never replace the essence of actually visiting the graveyard for your loved ones and performing all those rituals. Our religion asks us to visit graveyards and offer prays, and there are certainly several spiritual benefits of it.

But as our ulema get to know about it, this matter can get controvercial.

M Tabraiz Feham

MSN Spaces - Watch out Blogger

2004-12-03T01:07:00.000+05:00

Now finally Microsoft makes it to the blogging as well ....... Microsoft is offering a blogging service named "MSN Spaces" . The blog goes with a "Photo Album", "Custom Music Library" and "List" with several other features such as posting through the mobile.

It seems Google is distracting Microsoft to such an extend; that they are having to re-think about who actually their rivals & competitors are.

(Microsoft is already struggling in trying to match or even come closure to Google in "Web Searching" by offering new msn search engine (Beta) - http://beta.search.msn.com/ - But recently Google announced that its index of WebPages is now 8 billion :) ........ now what are they going to do???????)

The battle contineous.........

M Tabraiz Feham

All Eyes on "Miss Digital World" - The Beauty Pageant

2004-11-26T01:25:00.000+05:00

They are glamorous, they are posh & stylish, dashing & talented, and pumped up with spirits. Well to make it clear, I am not talking about beauties in Miss Earth, Miss Asia or Miss World contests. It is about the World's first ever contest on Digital Beauty. The beauty that resides in the world of Virtual Reality.

The contest is going to be held on December 3rd 2004 and the winner of the "Miss Digital World" title will be crowned during a grand gala ceremony. To make this event historical Digital Beauty Queens from 5 continents are participating including India & Pakistan.

Fiza, black hair, brown eyes, tall, in her typical South Asian dress (with a little feary look... I don't know why? May be some political pressure..) stands with confidence representing Pakistan. But her rival Katty ko, 170cm tall, sleek long hair with a nice smile from South America is standing out in the competition with the highest votes.

Katty <- Fiza <--

Ana <--- Fire <----

"Miss Digital World is the search for a contemporary ideal of beauty, seen through virtual reality." says Franz Cerami, the creator of Miss Digital World competition. To Franz's expectations 3D digital artists from all over the world have responded actively and presented their beauty queens to the world. But the contestants must follow some regulations: "They must have never taken part, not even as extras or cameos, in any kind of pornographic film or show. They must not have made any kind of potentially offensive public declarations."

There are already great plans set for Miss Digital World. She would be invited to act in Virtual Reality films, play roles in video games & advertisements and be part of Virtual Charity projects.

The voting is still on. Just log on to www.missdigitalworld.com, select your queen, vote and be a part of the jury.

On Dec 3rd - All eyes on "Miss Digital World".

M Tabraiz Feham

A dilemma of our society!

2004-11-24T10:39:00.000+05:00

This is one of the darkest delimmas of our society. Please take some time to read this BBC story.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4017441.stm

Does anyone have some idea about how our society can overcome it and be respectable to women?

A Glimpse of My Photography Genes!

2004-11-21T01:10:00.000+05:00

I love photography and wherever I get a chance, I do it with passion. I would try to post more of my photographs as soon as I get some time to fine tune them :)

About This Picture - Home in Heaven
This picture was taken with Intel digital camera with max resolution of 640 x 480. Location is our small garden at home, object is a show piece I bought years back...

India's Double Standards...

2004-11-20T17:29:00.000+05:00

India warns US on arms sales to Pakistan

India could buy whatever air crafts or amunition from anyone, But if Pakistan purchases such stuff in defence, It is a provocation of arms race in South Asia!

Acting upon such duoble standards, India can never fullfill its dream of becomming a regional "Dada".

Eid Greetings - The Essence of Eid

2004-11-13T03:28:00.000+05:00

Thinking!
of making it a day
of love, of care, of respect, as we pray…..
for the blooming of flowers of kind,
that are hard to feel, and Herculean to find

Praying!
of taking us all on a way
of bliss, of grace as there we would stay…..
with the pure thoughts & enlightened mind
and with our hearts in sensational bind

Hoping!
from God for us all for a ray
of benign, of blessing as we say…..
thanks for life, and that we stand tall
“Thank you God” for this all
“Thank you God” for this all.

(Written by: M Tabraiz Feham - EID - 2002)

May this Eid brings us peace, success, happiness and blessings in life. Amen

M Tabraiz Feham

Google in Pakistan - No Comments

2004-11-13T01:35:00.000+05:00

Image recieved in email! Coutesy Salman.

M Tabraiz Feham

MRP - Yet another achievement by NADRA

2004-10-29T01:23:00.000+05:00

Govt. of Pakistan has recently introduced Machine Readable Passports (MRP) in an effort to curb the problems of illegal passports and rehabilitate the immigration infra-structure of the country.

The Project was developed in-house at R&D department of NADRA, Where NADRA developed first-ever machine of its own kind by bringing together the state of the art technologies. Only few nations in the world have closer features in their passports.

The new passport contains a chip and incorporates technologies such as Biometrics, Digital Printing, Recognition Techniques, Image Communication, Water Fugitives, Watermark Security features and real-time integration of the passport with NADRA's National Data Warehouse and Border Security Control.

No doubt it is a well job done by NADRA but Govt. would have to put real effort in order to utilize these MRP's to their full potential.

M Tabraiz Feham

NADRA - http://www.nadra.gov.pk/

My Letter on PakPositive.com

2004-10-18T09:53:00.000+05:00

My letter published on http://www.pakpositive.com/

http://pakpositive.blogspot.com/2004/03/letters...

The letter contains nice Karachi pictures that I posted from my GreatestCities.com's Karachi Journal:

M Tabraiz Feham's Karachi Journal
http://www.greatestcities.com/users/tabraiz_feham...

I gathered these picture from different search engines in order to have a good collection of Karachi Picture online. Wherever possible I have tried to write down the actaul resource of the pictures. Some of these picture can be copyrighted and may not be allowed for commercial use.

M Tabraiz Feham

Going Digital - "From Atoms to Bits"

2004-10-17T17:43:00.000+05:00

We are getting digital day by day, more and more, Chips and microprocessors are becomming parts of our diurnal life. The new reseaerch and studies suggest that it would be possible very soon to incorporate Chips in to our bodies. i am quoting a piece of writing here by by James M. Pethokoukis - USA, that describes this scenario indepth.

"Chip components are getting smaller. By the end of this decade, it will be possible to build simple identifier, memory, and processing chips, sensors, and short-range communication devices, all smaller than human skin cells, which are about 10 microns across. We could print or blast these chips in significant numbers into the upper layers of the skin ... .Semiconductor circuits can already be printed today using inkjet printers, so we could imagine some of the circuits being painlessly printed onto our hands in a corner shop... . Medical sensors could be implanted that could monitor our blood chemistry 24-/7 and keep in touch with hospital computers via our phones. These computers could remotely control drug dispensers and thus keep our condition under constant check ... . Cellphones, MP3 players, electronic diaries, and other consumer electronics could be printed ointo our wrists, with full keyboards. These could remain almost invisible until we touch them, when they could light up ... . The circuitry itself would be made of dispersed groups of invisibly small devices, so we may show no more than a very slight colour change in that area of skin before the device is switched on ... . Having a TV printed onto the back of our hands might be quite appealing. It will certainly make some very interesting body-adornment possibilities. We could even see some real Teletubbies!"

I was reading a book on E-Innovation by Bob Cotton - published by Capstone Publishing, the book basically discusses how E-Innovation is taking place and changing our everyday life. I would love to share a quote from the book -

"The change from atoms to bits is irrevocable and unstoppable. Why now? Because the change is also exponential - small differences today have suddenly shocking consequences tomorrow."
Nicholas Negroponte (1995)

M Tabraiz Feham

Making Google a Habit - I eat food, I drink water, I sleep and I "google"

2004-10-13T21:13:00.000+05:00

Google has certainly become a very important part of my everyday life. I really wouldn't have been what I am, without Google. beside the most comprehensive search all over the world, I do news the Google way, I do images the Google way, i do spell the Google way, i do blog the Google way, sometimes I do assess and decide the Google way and much much much more. Google is penetrating so much in my life that after sometime life would be very hard without Google. They say by 2020 everyone on this planet would be searching the internet at least 7 times a day. And by 2007 Google plans to go Lunar and search the entire planet with an extending plan of searching the universe 00Oo0o00000000ooooo0o0o0o0o00000 can't believe ???????? they are hiring, have a look at this

http://www.google.com/jobs/lunar_job.html

Well as another habit of digging the Google's website every now and then i came
across another of Google's new great service that is "Google Print". Google has now started scanning the books and are allowing them to be searched, each and every page. This is just the start and Google is now asking publishers to submit books for free scanning. Google now would also search these books as you enter any search term, thus opening yet another horizon to web search. If interested then have a look at the links below. Or search Google for "Google Print" :)

http://print.google.com/

https://print.google.com/publisher/

M Tabraiz Feham

Distractive writing

2004-10-07T18:54:00.000+05:00

This is with reference to the letter published “Objective writing” (October 3, 2004 - www.dawn.com), in which the writer abreast of Asfhaq Ahmed made some comments about Qudrat-ul-Allah Shahab as well, about his character and his mysticism in which case I completely disagree with him.

This has to be very clear that Mr Qudrat-ul-Allah Shahab was a govt. servant, a govt. servant who took charge when Govt. of Pakistan used Babool's prickles to hold the papers together. It was his duty to serve all those presidents and it is on record that he disagreed and raised his voice over the issues that were somehow against Pakistan . It is because of some people like Mr Shahab that Paksitan was still able to survive all those crisis. Mr Shahab's loyalty, sincerity and faithfulness to the country is unquestionable.

As far as the writer's comments about Mr Shahab's mysticism are concerned again I would disagree, because in “Shahab Nama” he never claimed or presented himself as a “Sufi” or Mystic. In just the last chapter of his more than thousand pages autobiography, he wrote about those mysterious letters that he used to receive during his job, and described how those letters guided him to take the right decisions for Pakistan . He never claimed, but other people specially Mumtaz Mufti in his “Alakh Nagri” claims that he really was something in himself.

Despite being a computer science student I couldn't stop myself to write and clarify that if we as a nation can not pay the deserved tribute to those who best served the country, then we must also not disgrace them by any means. One should take a look at the history and be responsible before making any such comments. Otherwise sometimes “Objective writing” becomes “Distractive writing”.

M Tabraiz Feham

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Originial Article
URL : http://www.dawn.com/2004/10/03/letted.htm#10

Objective writing

I refer to recent columns on the distinguished writer Ashfaq Ahmed. Two points have been made. One, that he had a lot of talent in story writing and radio and TV plays. This is very true and full credit would always be given to him, and his work shall always remain a part of our literary history. However, the other point is somewhat debatable. It is about his mysticism.

He remained very close to Gen Ziaul Haq for a long time. What Zia has done to the country and its people is well-known. How could a person who compromised with authority be presented as a 'sufi'? An intellectual has the social obligation to stand up to evil.

The same happened in the case of Qudratullah Shahab. In his autobiography, he has presented himself as a 'sufi' and his admirers who write about him do the same. This is after Mr Shahab had served Ghulam Mohammad, Iskandar Mirza and Ayub Khan who all destroyed the country.

It is my request to our intellectuals to write to be objective.

FAROOQ MIRZA

Via email

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Ashfaq Ahmed - What a man he was

2004-09-26T18:32:00.000+05:00

We lost a great writer, a good poet, an eloquent speaker, a talented artist and above these all we lost a great man. But except all of these traits i remember him as a great "Sufi" and a "Muddabbir". he would talk hours long and you would just remain soaked and mesmerized in the meanings of those simple sentences. He gave us very big messages in those simple events and things that he used to recall and share with us. But it is not that just i have a great inspiration from Ashfaq Ahemd but there is a circle around him or may be on big canvas a Galaxy of people that really stood out and made themselves distinct from the rest of the world. Some of them are Qudrat-ul-Allah Shahab (The personality who has a very powerful impact on my life - although very few people know him today but those who know him can tell who he actually was. I would definitely be writing about him a lot in this blog), Mumtaz Mufti, Bano Qudsiya (His very own wife) and a lot of poeple who really have characters of their own.
I was reading a pick from his writings in Sunday's Jang Magazine titled "Meray mernay ka baad kia hoga" (What would happen after my death)(Sunday Magazine 19th Sep 2004 - http://www.jang.com.pk). He must have written it years back but in that small pick he had beautifully painted and depicted our society with sheer truth and simplicity. The article really stuck me hard.

May Allah give him the eternal peace of Jannah - Amen

few thoughts by

M Tabraiz Feham

President Pervez Musharraf's Speech in UN General Assembly - Comments from Tabraiz Feham

2004-09-24T11:12:00.000+05:00

Yesterday the President's speech in General Assembly was very thoughtful and a factual one. President dared to speak blatantly about all the heinous issues that are being faced by the muslim world today. He pointed out that if the trend continues West and Muslim world would get completely aparted. As according to his own words

"Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf warned an "iron curtain" was falling between the Islamic world and the West as Muslims feel they are getting no justice in international disputes."

Quoted from ChannelAsiaNews.com
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/108046/1/.html

The president pointed out all the dispute that are the root cause of international terrorism. such as Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan including Kashmir. If world has to come any closure to peace then these issues must be resolved in an unprejudiced manner. Wars and invades because of potential threats are definitely not the solution to the problem but would just emblaze the sitaution a bit more.

Hope that both west and muslim world realize the intriguity of the situation and the World becomes a place of peace and tranquil.

M Tabraiz Feham

Finally a Blog for me....

2004-09-22T16:53:00.000+05:00

Well i have been thinking of maintaining a blog for myself since a long time. and finally i am on with it. I would try to keep the blog alive with my personal experience in life, with my views on happenings and would like to share the things and thoughts with my family, friends, relatives and with rest of the world. If you keep visiting this blog i am sure you wont be disappointed.

Thanks

M Tabraiz Feham