Two brothers make us proud, Shabbir Sharif and Raheel Sharif

Two sons. Two brothers. One mother and one motherland. Born from a single mother, the elder brother (left) received Pakistan's most reputed and highest military honor, Nishan-e-Haider for showing extreme valor, courage and bravery whereas the younger one (right) became the head of Pakistan's highly powerful Army and lead it like no other becoming the most successful and respected Army Chief in Pakistan's 69 year history. For people to know, Raheel is 13 years younger to his iconic brother but what legendary brothers. Surely these siblings have made Pakistan proud like no other. The brothers who serviced and lived only for one word - Pakistan. Needless to say that when your elder brother is a Nishan-e-Haider, the younger brother has to live a life to make him proud and that's what General Raheel did. Bravery runs in their blood, the love for Pakistan was what they were taught from their household. Also to add, Shabbir Sharif (left) is known as the most decorated Army officer in Pakistan's history and the only person to have both honors; the Nishan-e-Haider and Sitara-e-Jurat for his bravery along with Sword of Honour!

Race of game development in Pakistan

During Google Nexus Press Event  2015 the company announced that there are now 1.4 billion active Android devices worldwide. World has seen a tremendous increase in Android users. To provide leisure to the Android users there are almost 2.2 million apps available on Google Play Store . Day-by-day, Android gaming world is expanding as more and more people are opting for Android platform and enjoying numerous games in their devices. Pakistani developers are also taking part in this race of game development. 

The gaming scene in Pakistan has been at rise since the past couple of years. Games such as CS:GO, DotA 2 and FIFA grab the most attention from tournament organizers across the country where they are played competitively. Catering to this increase in the once minute numbers of gaming enthusiasts, we have launched a DotA 2 competition open to gamers of all skill levels. It will be taking place under one of the biggest events IBA - Institute of Business Administration Karachi hosts, namely ENIGMA. All things said, the top DotA teams of Karachi will be participating in this event and not to forget it is us, the small populous of the gaming community that truly know the worth and importance of these competitions so consider participating in it a welfare to the gamers of now and tomorrow.

Breast Cancer In Pakistan

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer usually starts off in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. A malignant tumor can spread to other parts of the body. A breast cancer that started off in the lobules is known as lobular carcinoma, while one that developed from the ducts is called ductal carcinoma.

1 out of 9 women will suffer from Breast Cancer in Pakistan. Over 40,000 women kill every year in Pakistan due to Breast cancer. Pakistan has highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia. This  is an alarming statistic, one which is only growing with time. But it is important to also know that this is a cancer that is curable, one that can be survived!!

Causes of Breast Cancer

One of the major causes for the rising numbers is the taboo attached to it - we don't openly talk about the disease and we must. Also the myths attached to it are just that - myths. No, you do not get breast cancer if you wear a black bra nor is it contagious. Another cause is awareness. We don't educate ourselves about it. It is very important that all women over the age of 20 must self examine (go online and find out how to do it, it's very easy) themselves monthly. Women over the age of 40 must go for a mammogram every 2 years. Early detection can prevent the cancer from spreading. Be aware of your body, the changes that you feel in your body. Take your health seriously. Inform and educate yourselves and pass it forward while you're at it.

Schizophrenia in Pakistan

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects how you a person thinks, feels and acts. Previously, according to Pakistan's law, there was no 'execution' for a man suffering from this disorder but now, if a man with schizophrenia is found guilty in any serious crime, he will be executed because now, the lawmakers have ruled out the statement that schizophrenia is a medical condition.

University of Punjab, A river of light

The University of the Punjab is the largest and the oldest seat of higher learning in Pakistan. It was the first to be established in the sub-continent in Muslim majority area.

Located in the historical and culturally alive city of Lahore, this University has played a leading role in higher education in the country. The University strives to provide a conducive environment for the pursuit of the academic activities. On account of its quality degrees, pleasant environment and low tuition fees the University remains the institution of first choice for admission seeking students. On this day the famous and historical University of the Punjab was founded. For people to know, UoP is the largest 'public' university in Pakistan and was established by British government in 1882. Today, the university has over 63 departments and is known for training two Nobel Peace Prize laureates respectively. Today marks 134 years of its founding.

Women Empowerment, one step forward in Pakistan

Pakistan’s parliament Thursday passed legislation that attempts to close a loophole that has allowed perpetrators of so-called honor killings to go free. The bill, passed in a joint sitting of both houses, came nearly three months after the murder of a Pakistani internet celebrity. Qandeel Baloch, whose real name was Fauzia Azeem, was allegedly strangled to death by her brother, who accused her of bringing dishonor to the family. Thursday’s change closes that loophole by mandating a minimum life sentence - that is 25 years, under Pakistani law - for someone convicted of an honor killing, even if the victim’s family members forgive the perpetrator.

Summary: Whoever found guilty in the honor killing case, he will be sent to jail for entire lifetime. Hope that the justice will be served. Looking forward to Pakistan where women can freely live, breathe and pursue things with their consent and interest. Great news, indeed!

Oral Cancer in Pakistan

Oral cancer in Pakistan is increasing dangerously. Among Asian countries, Pakistan has the highest rate of oral and breast cancer. The reasons are, people here remain unaware that paan(betal leaf), sweetened betel nuts or chaalia is addictive and could result in  mouth cancer. 

Facts and figures are quite depressing. Governments need to start awareness campaigns at school and college levels because  youngsters are more addictive to chaalia and other stuff. 

The reputed University of Warwick will be collaborating with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre to improve the medical facilitation and services for oral cancer patients in Pakistan. Known as one of the deadliest and most common form of cancer in Pakistan, the project will involve digitally scanning slides of human tissue samples from oral cancer patients at the UHCW, and sophisticated computerised image analysis at Warwick, thereby generating a repository of important information about the different types of cancer cells which can be found in oral cancers in the subcontinent which will allow Pakistani patients to receive A-class diagnosis and treatment 

Poverty in Pakistan

Pakistanis an Asian country and comes under the category of “Central andWest Asia”. Today, the sight of the entire world is towards Asian countries because of their tremendous economic progress since last decade. This economic growth helps these countries to up their living standards and reduce poverty to greater extent.In an economic paper presented by Asian Development Bank (ADB) in June 2011, poverty updates of 25 Developing Member Countries (DMC’s) of ADB are presented by taking into account the impact of recent spikes in food prices. These 25 DMC’s include:Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timer-Lester, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Viet Nam.

In this economic report many approaches are in use to measure poverty ratios in these countries. More common ratio of them is Head Count Ratio (HCR) “The proportion of country’s total population, spending less than $1.25 per day (extreme poverty) or $2 per day (moderate poverty)”. If a country’s HCR is reduced it mean’s that poverty level in this country is low and vice versa. In this economic paper, among DMC’s, china andIndiaare account for most reduction in poverty level because of their impressive economic growth and their HCR decrease to good level. But there are also many DMC’s whose poverty ratio increase despite the fact that their HCR decline. The reason behind this is that, these countries testimonies lethargic economic growth. Indeed, economic growth for any country is crucial for its survival but this only measure is insufficient to guarantee considerable poverty reduction. This observance about poverty increasing despite HCE reduction in DMC’s is due to inequality of income distribution inAsiaand Pacific.Pakistanis amongst those DMC’s whose poverty ratio increase while decrease in HCR. What are the factors behind this vicious circle of poverty that is expanding its volume day by day? And what is the reason behind the fact that National Income of Pakistan is less than National Income of any developed country. Let see some reasons…..

It is well marked fact that National income of any country is multiparty effort of four factor of production like Labor, Land, Capital, Entrepreneur and the national income of any country is sum up of wages of labor, rent of land, interest of capital and profit of entrepreneur. National income of any country also tells about the living standards of this country, higher the national income higher the living standards are enjoyed by the residents of this country. Unfortunately, national income ofPakistanis far less than any developing country national income that is good picture and evidence of worse poverty situation in Pakistan.

Pakistanis such a country who is suffering poverty from the very early time of its independence. At the time of separation of sub-continent and sovereignty in 1947 Pakistaninnate most backward parts of this continent with only one university, one Textile mill and one jute factory even that Pakistandoes not have its own bank. Facilities regarding food, education, transportation and hospitalization were insufficient enough to meet people requirements. These sectors due to their sluggish position where were unable to meet people requirements along with this, these all sectors of economy were also unable to produce income for the migrated poor people. This is also the worst fact that after the independence and death of Quaid-e-Azam and their loyal political leaders Pakistani nation does not locate any sincere, strong-minded, and worth able leader that possess the qualities to cope with this situation. Pakistan’s history is full of such dictators who make this country routes weak and weak just because of their personal interests and to make money so does not give attention towards country’s progress. Too much dishonesty, red tapes, favors, selfishness and greed was seen and still seen in government and political sectors. Big land lords take into custody most important parts of government and make illegal use of their authorities. Most of the money that was specified for welfare schemes of people was handicapped by politicians. Indeed after 64 years of independence, our country makes much progress in every field of life but due to erroneous policies and structure of government, changing nature of government, wrong political authorities and wrong standards of living money remain limited from always just in few hands. This situation makes the rich, richer and poor, poorer so widens the gap between rich and poor. So it is well said that “Corruption in our country has got the status of fifth factor of Production.

Pakistanis an underdeveloped country instead of activating many schemes to trim down poverty with the association of national and international organizations; it is still fail to achieve this goal. In 2008, 17% of people were living below the poverty line. That was the lowest figure in the history ofPakistan. But this figure has increase to 25% now.

Along with above reasons many other factors are also causing increase in poverty.Pakistanis an agricultural country.70% of its population’s income depends upon this sector but sorry to say that people belonging to this sector are uneducated and conservative; their minds are unable to adopt modern technology. So this sector is not paying them what they deserve. Their incomes are low so as their living standards are too.

Increasing population is also an important factor in increasing the poverty ratio ofPakistan. Poverty ratio in rural areas is more than in urban areas. Education is not so common here. Facilities regarding enjoyment are not available in villages. So the only way of enjoyment for rural people cause increase in their number of children. But these poor people do not know how they will feed their children with low income. This situation is also playing its role in poverty growth.

Pakistanis a country where man power is available is good size. Because of excess of this factor of production, this factor is getting less wages of his work and not gaining such importance that his power deserve. Political instability, corruption in government sectors, recession in economic and financial institution because of global crisis, lack of local and foreign investment due to uncertainty about country’s survival condition, wrong taxation system, every increasing burden of direct and indirect taxes on people, rising inflation, depreciation in value of Pakistani rupee in international as well as national market, these all factors jointly putting sarcastic effects on people income and causing to lower their purchasing power also. Lower income and lower purchasing power ratio mean increase in poverty ratio. This worse situation of poverty give rise to many social evils in poor people because to fulfill their daily needs these poor people agree to do wrong deeds like robbery, murder and get rupee as a reward.

I know that I as writer after writing and you as reader after reading can suggest many measures or methods to trim down this vicious circle of poverty, that are already told by many individuals, policy makers and economists in some what different manner. But the need of time is that we as nation, as patriot and we as politician now must be united to deal with this worst situation. Our government bodies now should place at end their personal and internal clashes and situate their capabilities at their level best for the welfare of this country so that all the people of this country with out any difference can enjoy beauties of life equally.

Source: http://www.pakcolumnist.com/poverty-in-pakistan.html

Celebrating Golden Jubliee of Quaid-i-Azam University

50th Academic Year of QAU Begins

Islamabad, September 23, 2016: Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) has started its 50th academic year with the commencement of academic session fall 2016. The University is marking Golden Jubilee year of its establishment (1967-2017). Quaid-i-Azam University has always strived for excellence in research and teaching and takes pride in having the highest concentration of leading productive scientists in Pakistan. The 1018 research publications of its faculty in 2015 in impact factor journals shows the pace of work, potential, and the determination of QAU faculty to ensure excellence in research.

Whether it’s a research publication, book, national / international award or grants for research projects, QAU faculty members have made tremendous efforts in spite of financial constraints. Here are few recent achievements by QAU faculty:

A) In the Research Productivity Award for 2015-16 announced by Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST), Quaid-i-Azam University secured 48 out of a total of 309 awards. Especially high performers from QAU were Dr. Tassawar Hayat and Dr. Sohail Nadeem from Department of Mathematics and Dr. Asghari Bano and Dr. Riffat Nasim from Faculty of Biological Sciences. While Dr. Tariq Mahmood elected as Member of Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) 2015.

B) Dr. Tassawar Hayat, Professor, Department of Mathematics, QAU, also received the 2015-16, COMSTECH International Award for outstanding research.

C) On August 14, 2016, Government of Pakistan conferred Hilal-I-Imtiaz the second highest civilian award and honor on Dr. Waseem Ahmed, Professor of Biochemistry, Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, QAU, and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz to Dr. Bushra Mirza, Professor of Biochemistry, QAU, for meritorious contribution in the field of science and education.

D) Dr. Waseem Ahmed was also elected as Fellow of Third World’s Academy of Sciences (TWAS) 2015.

E) Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Department of Biotechnology, won UNESCO’s AVICENNA prize for Ethics in Science 2015.

F) Dr. Ilhan Niaz, Assistant Professor, Department of History received the HEC's award for best book in Social Sciences for Old World Empires: Cultures of Power and Governance in Eurasia published in South Asia by the Oxford University Press (OUP). The previous HEC awards in the Social Sciences category have also been given to books by QAU faculty and PhD alumni: The Charismatic Leader: Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the Creation of Pakistan by Sikandar Hayat Professor of Department of History, QAU. The Culture of Power and Governance of Pakistan 1947-2008 by Dr. Ilhan Niaz Department of History, QAU won the 2010 award. The book Empire in Retreat: The Story of India’s Partition by Rabia Umar Ali, Associate Professor, QAU Department of History won the 2012 award.

G) Dr. Alia H. Khan, Professor, Department of Economics, was selected as Member Monetary Policy Committee State Bank of Pakistan (2016)

H) A number of faculty members won international research grants in 2015-16 including Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari department of Biotechnology, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Dr. Maryam Anees and Dr. Tahir Waheed from Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Rabaab Zahra, Department of Microbiology, Dr. Abida Farooqi, Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Sikander Azam Department of Bioinformatics and Dr. M. Ali Nawaz, Department of Animal Sciences.

QAU faculty are committed to ensuring that the academic session that has commenced in 2016-17 will be filled with memorable achievements in service to the cause of higher education and research in Pakistan.

-source: Quaid-i-Azam University Official 

My Message of Peace for India

You know, dear neighbor
There is a wall between our homes
But it is not thick enough
On most days the noise in my home drown everything else
But when it is quiet here, I can hear you
Your good days and your bad days
And when it’s really quiet inside me, I can hear you
As well as I can hear myself
It is said that, what is seen fills the vision completely,
We don’t notice the mirror hanging that shows what we truly are-- A reflection of each other!
We have similar homes, similar lives, similar worries and we are similar in so many ways
I am writing this letter to you today because doors are attached to walls
And the only true open door is the lack of wall
DEAR NEIGHBOUR! “The wall between us is not thick enough. We don't see each other, doesn't mean we can't hear each other or feel each other. Our visions are blurred, now we need to "PAUSE" to see who we truly are. Once we do so, we will definitely realize that we are the reflection of each other. We believe, our future need not be same as our past. We hope this letter reaches to the right destination. If you too PAUSE to think, then let's chat up!
I pray that this letter goes over the walls and finds A person like me who believes that a future will not be a past repeating itself, A person like me who believes right now can be the beginning of a World where conflicts are resolved with words not weapons & A person like me who want what I want to--quite days at homes with no worries.

Pakistan among least innovative countries in the world

No wonder. The problem is with us and our educational institutes. We don't teach children to be innovative, unique, creative and develop ideas and make new things. We just teach them to be that 'sacrificial goat' in society so they can get into a nice college/university so later on they can boast about it or score some nice rishtas. Since I am studying engineering, I'll give one example from my own department. There were very few people who actually wondered why the hell studying 'momentum' was important. 95% of the students were like, chalo yaar course main hai, pass honay ke liye formula yaad karlete hain. And last thing, you think 'innovatively' and 'creatively' when you have nothing to worry about, when your mind is fresh - then you create and think about new things. 

Iqbal tery Ghulistaan py chaya hai Khazawon ka mosam By Neelum Ayub

Neelum Ayub a young and new poetess. Her words shows her deep thoughts for her country.  Here it goes,
Iqbal tery Ghulistaan py chaya hai Khazawon ka mosam

Kuch Tu Hawa Bhi Sard The, Kuch Tera Khyal Bhi By Perveen Shakir

Perveen Shakir, one of the renowned poetess of Urdu. Her unique tone received a high reputation in a very short time period. Perveen Shakir wrote many master pieces but the lady was itself a master piece. Besides her poetry,she was civil servant in Pakistan Government. 

Kuch to hawa bhi sard thi kuch tha tera khyaal bhi.

Dil ko khushi k sath sath hota raha malaal bhi.

Baat wo aadhi raat ki,raat wo pure chaand ki.

Chaand bhi aen cheet ka Us par tera jamaal bhi.

Sab se nazr bacha k wo mujh ko kuch aese dekhta.

Ik dafa to ruk gayi gardish-e-mah o saal ki.

Dil to chamk saky ga kya phir bhi taraash ke dekh lain.

Sheesha garaan-e shehar k haath ka ye kamaal bhi.

Us ko na pa saky thay jab dil ka ajeeb haal tha.

Ab jo palat k dekhiye baat hi kuch muhaal bhi.

Meri talab tha aek shakhs wo jo nahin mila to phir.

Haath dua se yun gira bhool gaya sawaal bhi.

Us ki sukhn taraaziya'n mere liye bhi dhaal thee'n.

Us ki hansi men chhup gaya apne ghamon ka haal bhi,

Gaah qareeb shah-ragg,gaah ba'eed-e wehm o khwab.

Us ki rafaqaton men rat,hijr bhi tha wisaal bhi.

Us k hi bazwon men aor us ko hi sochty rahy.

Jism ki khwahishon pe thay rooh k aor jaal bhi.

Shaam ki na'samjh hawa puchh rahi ha ik pataa.

Mouj-e hawa-e ku-e yaar,kar kuch to mera khayal bhi.