Angelina Jolie in Pakistan

The beautiful Angelina Jolie in Pakistan. She also helped many earthquake victims in Pakistan. God Bless her.






Angelina Jolie walking with former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz.

Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam

A beautiful picture of Mazar-e-Quaid, the tomb of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Mazar-e-Quaid is in Karachi, Pakistan.

ITCN 2009: Review of Pakistan IT Exhibition

ITCN 2009, or 9th ITCN Asia Exhibition and Conferences, held at Karachi Expo Center during August 11-13. While this year’s event missed the fanfare and crowd of ITCN 2008 it had its share of one-timers testing out what could be termed as Pakistan’s version of GITEX.

I visited ITCN on the last day. Here are my observations:

• Due to lack of floor map/exhibitors’ directory either at venue or on ITCN Asia Web site, it was difficult to navigate around the halls.
• Major sponsor of ITCN 2009 was Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (authority. As they were looking to attract more investors to recession-infested UAE and Ecommerce Gateway (organizers of ITCN) wanted a sponsorship, apparently it was a win-win deal for both.

• Main attraction of the event were booths of PTCL, Ufone and Wateen. Zong was there, as well as WorldCall and wi-tribe, but no Telenor.

• Dell was selling over-priced laptops and the sales staff was not interested (or too tired) to describe features. When I asked the person what offers they have in ITCN, he said they are not charging 16% GST with laptop price which one has to pay at retail shop. Way beyond me.
• There was no one on the booth of Information Technology Department of CDGK to represent the City Government. The person I interacted with, who was managing the “Command and Control Center” video, turned out to be an employee of an that has deployed C&C Center and is now managing it on behalf of the CDGK. Incidentally CDGK has implemented the back in July 2008 but we have yet to see what it has achieved so far.
• E.Ocean was offering SMS based solutions, including Branded SMS, SMS Messanger etc. However, their is displaying ads through Google Adsense, certainly not a good business tactic.
• There was a booth titled “Pakistan Web Awards 2009″. On inquiry I was told that this is Pakistan’s First Website Awards, “patronized” by Sindh Ministry of IT and managed by a marketing company called The Xeptionalz. The does not elaborate on judging process, jury and who is really behind this. While the does not even has an under-construction page. To me, it is clearly a Topi Drama.
• Then there was a company called StarChika which was clearly selling email and SMS spam campaigns. The guy at their booth insisted on visiting the , which is as dumb as their marketing skills. I asked the guy if they have opt-in SMS lists and do they not spam people? He responded that they keep trying till the message is not delivered. I asked again if they spam, on which he said Yes. I bet the poor sod was unable to get what I meant by spam.
• Last but not least, there was a social network website for Pakistanis. While the site itself is in beta and it is not possible to learn much of the feature or number of users, I strongly object on the sticker they were distributing at ITCN. What sort of Pakistan image they are trying to promote?

All in all, in my opinion ITCN 2009 was an event for the teens/young adults to hangout and learn about technology (if they get some spare time) and had not much for the corporate visitors.

Development Work in Clifton, Karachi

While the City District Government of Karachi (CDGK) pats itself on back and never takes a break in self-praising on ‘Development Work’ in Karachi, a picture is better than thousand words.

Following are some images taken at Bath Island, Clifton. The development work is under progress since last 5 months without any real sign of ‘development’ yet. This road is used by the Corps Commander for his daily commute during which nobody is allowed to cross the bridge by foot.

Regent Plaza

15 minutes from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport. Regent Plaza Hotel & Conventi-on Centre Karachi is conveniently located within 10 minutes driving distance from the city main business district, government offices, shopping malls,entertainment venues and beaches of the Arabian Sea.

The hotel has a grand façade, which leads into an elegantly decorated lobby present-ing an eye catching blend of National and International décor. The multi lingual staff at the front desk ensures that all guests’ needs are met instantly. The hotel has 440 luxurious and well appointed guests’ rooms, which cater to all the needs of the busin-ess and holiday travelers.These rooms include Presidential Suites, Executive Suites and Business Suites beside Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms and Executive Deluxe Rooms. Regent Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre, Karachi has rece-ntly undergone a massive refurbishment which has resulted in the hotel enhancing its quality and desirability.

The dining has been made a special pleasure at the signature restaurant Almas whe-re novel cosine is a regular feature. Jharoka Coffee Shop, a round the clock dining spot, a place most suitable for friends to meet informally. The Regent Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre has banqueting facility from 15 to 1500 persons at a time, besid-es 10 board rooms for business meeting up to 50 persons each.

In addition to the services and facilities offered, the location of the hotel makes it very secure as it is located in the cantonment area surrounded by at least five milita-ry installations; besides, the hotel is situated at the main Shahrah-e-Faisal, the broa-dest of the roads in the city, where the flow of the traffic remains uninterrupted. The in-house security set up ensures the safety and security of the guests as the system operates on round the clock basis

Dreamworld Resort, Karachi

Dream World Resort provides a wide range of tourist and recreation facilities. It is situated very close to Gulshan-e-Maimaar. There is a golf course, two beautiful rippling water lakes, water slide rides and a beautiful world class restaurant. Artificial lake is the country's first sea maker and an area of fantastic and incredible show the most spectacular water, light and music performance.

Dream World Resort Karachi Pakistan

HOTEL DESCRIPTION: The area, which is accessible from all parts of the city, is adjacent to Gulshan-e-Maymar, off main Super Highway. Just 20 minutes drive from the Civic Center, sprawling over about 150 acres of land makeup the oasis of your dreams. An oasis, which is truly, literally, and virtually an oasis. An oasis that is all set and rolling to serve all your purposes, exclusively. A serene and tranquil gateway family resort for you and your family to rejuvenate the mind and the body. At the Resort, you along with your family will be able to keep yourself busy and entertained for the whole day long, starting of with your breakfast and ending up with dinner! For such an entertaining, amusing and recreational distraction, you need.. well of course the Dream World Family Resort! A place where you will be assured security, privacy and the class of the people in all respects. This matter is not to be worried about as entrance to the Resort is restricted for members and their guests, exclusively. A person, who is able to satisfy all the aspects of the membership criteria, as set by the selection committee, can become a member along with his/her family. HOTEL FACILITIES: Galaxy Restaurant (Hilltop) Housed in a beautifully octagonal building strategically located on a hilltop. It caters for over 200 guests, serving Chinese & continental delights. LADIES SWIMMING POOL - Purpose built separate swimming pool for ladies only, offering best swimming and water games. Steam Bath, Sauna & Jacuzzi facilities are also co-located under the watchful eyes of ladies instructors and helpers. Outdoor Business and Conferences Dreamworld Beach Golf Course Fun for the Kids Motor Action Sporting Activities Water Slides Restaurants Upcoming Facilities Musical Dancing Fountain Cartoon Character