Positive vibes Pakistan

[Lone Shooter]

Quetta Youth Festival

The First Quetta Youth Festival 2012 (facebook Page) held recently appears to have been a great success, organised by Organization for Development of Youth. ODY aims to provide exposure to the youth of Balochistan and to change their perception that everyone outside Balochistan is an enemy or has no interest. Talha Masood (@TalhaMazud), “a very young, passionate man, is one of the key team members behind ODY”, writes Ali Rahman from Karachi, a friend and mentor of Talha’s who emailed me about this event recently.

Ali Rahman writes: “My objective is simple. We spent too much time cribbing and complaining and while doing so, forget the small great happenings. Though this was not small by any definition.”

PTV has interviewed Talha, adds Ali, but “we need to somehow create a lot of noise on this great event. Looking at the videos really changed my perception of the youth of Balochistan. Such brilliant young men and women, sitting together for a cause, enjoying, eating, singing, dancing and spreading the message of love. Do share this with anyone who can help give exposure as well. I have only one objective and that is, the passion that Talha and his team has, must be highlighted and celebrated in order to give this team more and more confidence to do a lot more good.” More power to all these young people.

Quetta Youth Festival 2012: Winds of change? « Journeys to democracy

 

[Lone Shooter]

TCF wins prestigious international award

KARACHI: The Citizens Foundation (TCF), Pakistan has won the prestigious Skoll Award, according to a statement on Friday.
The Skoll Foundation announced the winners of its 2013 Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship (SASEs) on Thursday, it said. Chosen from hundreds of applicants, the award recognises a highly selective group of the world’s most promising social entrepreneurs.

While Skoll’s new awardees focus on different issues, they share what Skoll believes is key to accelerating large-scale change: an entrepreneurial approach, a proven innovation with demonstrated impact that can be scaled, focus on a pressing issue that is at an inflection point, and an ability to catalyse systems change, according to the statement.

Some of the previous international winners of Skoll Award include Pratham, Teach for All, INJAZ Al-Arab, Barefoot College and Kashf Foundation.

TCF is an internationally acclaimed, not-for-profit organisation, which was set up in 1995 by a group of Pakistani citizens. It is now one of the country’s leading organisations in the field of formal education for less privileged children.

TCF wins prestigious international award

 

[Lone Shooter]

Kashf Foundation

Through a chance meeting with Muhammad Yunus, Roshaneh Zafar was inspired to quit her job and establish the Kashf Foundation. Believing that the Grameen model could help empower women both economically and socially, Roshaneh ignored warnings that a microfinance program focusing on women would not work in Pakistan. Ten years later, she has proved her critics wrong. Starting with her own family’s funds, her personal car and a volunteer workforce of five women, Roshaneh drove her colleagues to distant villages to start microfinance centers. Beginning with 15 clients in 1996, Kashf now boasts approximately 500,000 families.

IMPACT AS OF JAN. 2013:
•Kashf has disbursed $265 million.
•The organization now provides training, financial literacy and employment as well as loans.
•Economic Impact: 32% of Kashf’s clients have moved above the poverty line; households can spend 13% more on education and 22% more on health care. 85% of clients have increased monthly income by 30% annually ($27).
•Social Impact: 82% of clients mentioned gains in self confidence and self esteem thanks to the ability to plan for the future and reduced dependency on others; 40% say they had fewer domestic fights, 54% say their husbands respect them more, and 42% see a new future for their daughters.
•Financial Viability of Institution: Kashf is the first microfinance (MFI) to achieve financial sustainability in Pakistan; it’s the third largest MFI in the country, with current reach of 500,000 clients through a network of 157 branches. Forbes named Kashf a Top 50 Global Microfinance Institution in 2007 and it was also ranked 22nd among the top 100 MFIs of the World by Mix Market. Kashf has covered over 600,000 lives (the client and her spouse) through its life insurance product, which it pioneered with a local insurance company in 2000

http://www.skollfoundation.org/entrepreneur/roshaneh-zafar/

 

[Lone Shooter]

Girls ROCK at Rock Climbing

Pakistan Scales Mountains of Success - Video Dailymotion (Video Link)

Alongwith many stigmas and misconceptions associated with Pakistan, a major misconception is regarding equal rights and equal opportunities for women. However, the youth of Pakistan is radically changing this concept paving paths for a brighter future of Pakistan. Nazia Parveen is an example of this effort. Not only she has participated in many sports, but has proved her mettle in all of them. Beating many of her counterparts that include men as well Nazia Parveen has proved that women are not a weaker gender anymore; they can participate in all walks of life and can prove their excellence just like men.
Nazia Parveen a Defense and Diplomatic Studies graduate is one of the Pakistan’s best rock climbers. She has participated in competitions at all levels and is winner of All Pakistan Rock Climbing Competition. At a young age of 23, Nazia Parveen is performing the role of club instructor as well where she in light of her experience, talent and understanding guides the newcomers. Apart from this she actively participates in paragliding that is globally looked up to as one of the most adventurous sport, and holds paragliding elementary pilot certificate too.



Nazia Parveen hails from Bajaur agency, FATA that is one of the most conservative regions in Pakistan. However, her struggle and success shows that you can have anything you want if you want it truly. Nazia’s success not only speaks for her dedication, but also shows the brighter side of Pakistan. Nazia Parveen is a depiction of empowered youth and empowered women of today. She is the face of inspiring youth of Pakistan that is full of high spirits and is determined to represent the real Pakistan globally.

Nazia Parveen and other talented youth of Pakistan can be used as Pakistan’s brand ambassadors that will represent Pakistan on international forums in all their respective fields. Though, the society is still male dominated, but the fact that parents and families now support their daughters and encourage them to participate in all walks of life proves that Pakistan is full of talent and that the future is bright for Pakistan. Nazia Parveen is a symbol of positive Pakistan who is fostering on equal opportunities for all.

 

[Lone Shooter]

Snow adventure: In Malam Jabba, jeep rally thrills racers and tourists alike

SWAT:
The Malam Jabba snow jeep rally kicked off on the zigzag mountain track on Saturday, in the ski resort, about an hour’s drive from Swat.

The snow jeep rally, which attracted 35 participants, double that of the previous year, was organised for the second consecutive time by the Frontier 4×4 Club.

According to visitors who spoke to The Express Tribune, a jeep rally, some 9,000 feet above sea level in the pristine snow has its own charm. The adventure race in snow in the mountains is thrilling doubt, said Zeeshan Durrani, a tourist from Lahore.

Ameenul Haq, a participant in the rally, said he had come not just for the thrill of the race but also because he wanted to send a message of peace to the entire country.

This is a great winter sport which is full of fun and adventure for us and the spectators, he stated. “The rally will help attract more tourists to Swat.”

Tourists thronged the valley this year to attend the rally as many of them had come to know about the previous one. We waited one whole year for the rally as we could not attend the last one at Malam Jabba. We really enjoyed it, said Riaz Hussain, a tourist from Peshawar. “It was unlimited fun, today.”

Snow adventure: In Malam Jabba, jeep rally thrills racers and tourists alike – The Express Tribune

 

[Lone Shooter]

4th ASNA Clay Triennial: These potters don’t need wands to create magical objects

KARACHI:
The potters of the country may not be wizards, but they still have the magical power to transform soil into dazzling, colourful objects that have brought joy to many lives.

At the three-day ‘Kumbhar Mela’ orgainsed by the Sindh Indigenous and Traditional Crafts Company at the Rangoonwala Community Centre, they have been offering up their wares to delighted customers. Saadia Pervez, who went to the mela on Sunday, was one of the people thrilled by the objects for sale. “I used to make this stuff! The long lost memories of my childhood have been refreshed by the mela,” she said. “It’s sad that our children don’t engage in such a wonderful pastime anymore.”

Craftsmen from parts of the country, including Hyderabad, Badin, Mohenjo Daro, Hala, Bhit Shah, Swat and Dera Ismail Khan are participating in the mela. Even they have noticed the seemingly magical effect that their wares have had on the people.

“The elderly go into a trance when they see the small items for sale. Sometimes they start crying and buy small toys without even asking for their price!” said Muhammad Ismail, a craftsman from Tando Bago in Badin. His small stall was bursting with over 300 interesting items which he had made himself.

Among them was a small clay elephant which could suck water through its trunk. “Our forefathers made stuff like this and people still like to buy them today,” he told

Behroz from Swat also chimed in and agreed with the fact that all of his muscles get a workout when he makes the objects. “I can make 15 different items, but people will have to tell me in advance. It isn’t an easy job because I have to collect terracotta from mountains and then process it.”

But for some potters, the trade is much more than just making decorative items – it’s about reviving and preserving culture that was lost over time. Making seals, toys and other objects similar those archeologists have discovered in Harappa is not only Muhammad Nawaz’s family business, it’s his passion as well. His family has been in the trade for over two decades. “People love to buy such objects. We want to bring back things from the past and preserve them. But it is very difficult to make small seals instead of bigger items with clay,” he told The Express Tribune.

4th ASNA Clay Triennial: These potters don

 

[somebozo]

Indigenious art and heritage needs to be promoted

 

[Lone Shooter]

Pakistan close to getting rid of a polio virus: WHO

LAHORE, Jan 26: A World Health Organization (WHO) official says this is for the first time in the public health history of Pakistan that the country is on the track to get rid of poliovirus type 3 (P3), one of the two globally continuing strains of the wild poliovirus, in April.

Last time, a P3 case was reported on April 14, 2012 and it would be a great breakthrough in the fight against polio if the virus is not found in any part of the country till April 14 this year.

India is gearing up to be declared polio free by 2014. The WHO has already removed India from the list of polio endemic countries.

“We believe that Pakistan is on the right track to become free of poliovirus type P3, as the last P3 case was reported in the Bara Tehsil in Khyber Agency in the second week of April 2012, whereas all recent sewage samples show no active transmission of the P3 strain across the country,” Dr Elias Durry, head of the Polio Eradication Initiative at WHO Pakistan, told Dawn.

According to the WHO, type 2 strain of the poliovirus (P2) has been eradicated globally since 1999.

About eradication of the P3 strain throughout the world, Dr Durry says Nigeria reported 19 cases of the P3 strain and the most recent case was reported in November. He says that recent security-related incidents disrupted national polio campaigns. “Though there is more than 70 per cent decrease in polio cases in Pakistan, no corner of the country can be considered polio free until the poliovirus is eradicated throughout the country,” says the WHO official.

“Pakistan successfully brought down the number of cases by 71 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. All provinces except Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have brought down the number of cases from 66 per cent to 95 per cent,” says the official.

Pakistan close to getting rid of a polio virus: WHO | Newspaper | DAWN.COM

 

[Lone Shooter]

Inside a Bogglingly Fascinating Mind

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvlcmv_inside-a-bogglingly-fascinating-mind_shortfilms(Video Link)


Trying something that no one has tried to do before needs a lot of courage and pursuing such an approach to lead practical life might seem risky and immature, but not for people who have a desire to do the unconventional. Many people wish to do ‘something different’; however, only few of us truly do so. Adnan Sabzwari is a young Pakistani who belongs to the later set.



As Adnan Sabzwari puts it, his father once showed him a fish that is different from others because it moves against the tides. The image was so deeply embarked on his mind that he as a person decided to fight the conventional clichés and thus, make an identity for him.



Adnan Sabzwari is much more than just a person involved in multitasking. He is a scientist, graphics designer, scale modeler and animator, but above all he is a teacher! He is a person with knowledge of diverse fields who is ready to build capacity of other people too. In a world where holding a professional degree is considered as pre-requisite for a successful career Adnan Sabzwari holds a matriculation certificate only, but is still teaching students enrolled in degree programs.



Adnan Sabzwari is serving Pakistan in many capacities and has brought many honors for the motherland. At a young age of 14 or 15 Adnan Sabzwari left the world astonished by making F-16’s scale model and was awarded by PAF and British government for his efforts.

Ever since then, Adnan Sabzwari is pushing his limits and bringing a positive version of Pakistan in news. Adnan Sabzwari has developed first 3D simulation software of Pakistani for Pakistan army.

Adnan Sabzwari because of financial difficulties had to leave his studies incomplete, but his passion towards learning was not bound to any institute. Though, his life has been synonymous to strive and struggle, but he doesn’t wishes similar fate for anyone. Adnan Sabzwari, therefore, is greatly involved in teaching and amalgamating modern sciences with traditional curriculum.

Adnan Sabzwari is an asset that any country can be proud of, but Adnan Sabzwari is proud of being Pakistani. He is one of those many Pakistanis for whom Pakistan is the only home, who can spend their entire lives serving this country selflessly and are always up for giving whatever it takes for the brighter future of Pakistan.

If someone wants to know where is Pakistan and what is Pakistan, they need to see people like Adnan Sabzwari who are the face of real Pakistan. Who gives a varied perspective about Pakistan that is missing in Pakistani news locally and globally.

 

[Lone Shooter]

National science fair: Students show promise of solutions to everyday local problems

ISLAMABAD:
Two years ago, Haris bin Ashraf set out to solve a household problem.

“The gutter line of my house had choked because of plastic bags,” Ashraf said, laughing nervously. “I thought something must be done about it.”

While most teenagers would have settled for unclogging the drain, Ashraf, now a student of grade 10 at Karachi’s Defence Authority Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed College, went straight to the root of the problem: the natural decomposition of plastic bags.

Polythene bags take hundreds of years to disintegrate, according to scientific estimates. So Ashraf started researching ways to accelerate the decomposition process.

On Monday, he was in Islamabad to display his Cost Efficient Self Disintegrating Eco Friendly (CESDEF) Plastic Bags Project at the National Science Fair 2013.

The fair, organised by Intel Pakistan at the Allama Iqbal Open University in sector H-8, featured around 80 science projects produced by some 250 high school students from all over Pakistan. These students had previously won at provincial-level science fairs, also organised by Intel in 2012.

In the environmental sciences section of the fair, Ashraf said he settled upon Zeolite, a naturally occurring mineral that has several commercial uses including detergents, after a lot of background reading and experimentation. In fact, he placed small orders for plastic bags to be made with Zeolite so he could test their degradation over a few months.

“When mixed with polyethylene resins, the Zeolite can make the plastic bags decompose in an estimated 9 to 10 months,” Ashraf said, based on the analysis of the bags by Karachi-based laboratory.

The cost is slightly more than polythene bags but much less than other eco-friendly alternatives, he said.

Ashraf’s solution might not be novel: Zeolite has been used in plastic bags in western countries, where it has been advertised to store fruits for longer periods because of its ability to adsorb ethylene gas.

But for Pakistan’s plastic bag pollution issue, it could be a much-needed remedy.

Some of the projects seemed even more advanced than the grade-level of the students. For example, Rahimullah and Muhammad Mehdi, first-year students from Edwards College, Peshawar, said they had spent money from their own pockets to build a prototype robot intended as a fire-safety tool.

Like Ashraf’s project, most of the ideas were based on practical applications that could resolve Pakistan’s problems.

Fatima Moin, Hania Hasan and Ummae Salma, students of the Mama Parsi Girls School in Karachi, said they came up with the idea to purify water using finely ground fruit peels because they wanted to focus on the lack of clean drinking water in Pakistan. The initial results of their project show the fruit peel approach can remove a significant percentage of harmful heavy metals such as lead from water.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/499944/...mise-of-solutions-to-everyday-local-problems/

 

[Lone Shooter]

Serving Humanity- No Discrimination

“Serving Humanity- No Discrimination” - Video Dailymotion (Video Link)

All of us are born as living beings, but only few of us are truly humans. Pakistan a country that is portrayed as a country badly affected by war of terrorism and greatly dominated by extremist minded fanaticsstill have people who are humanitarian and find their satisfaction by serving humanity. Abdus Sattar Edhi is one of such kindhearted human beings who is selflessly serving Pakistani society. Abdus Sattar Edhi today provides shelter, food, clothing, care and above all love to people who have been disowned by their own family and society. Despite of strong influence of sectarianism in country Abdus Sattar Edhi believes in serving everyone equally without any fear, without any bias.

Abdus Sattar Edhi’s love for humanity can be realized for the fact that throughout his life he drove only one car i.e., ambulance, as according to him he wanted to take steps towards human survival. Not only this, considering the fact that many people don’t have easy access to hospitals Abdus Sattar Edhi later developed a wide network of ambulances that operate in every part of the country. Apart from this Edhi homes give shelter to people of all age groups. Withstanding the increasing importance of education Abdus Sattar Edhi alongwith his wife started educating children living in Edhi homes.

One may call him a mystic, dreamer or humanitarian, but the fact remain that Abdus Sattar Edhi personifies kindness, compassion and love to serve fellow countrymen. Abdus Sattar Edhi is the brighter side of Pakistan; he is the face of a positive Pakistan, a Pakistani that has been a part of Pakistani news and international news for all the good reason only.

 

[Lone Shooter]

Pak student gets $5000 reward from PayPal

ISLAMABAD: Rafay Baloch, an independent security researcher from Karachi, has been rewarded with $5,000 for reporting a remote command execution bug in the PayPal's website.

According to details, the PayPal had announced that this reward initiative for those researchers who would report about the existence of a bug and its subsequent remote command execution, Technology Times Reported.

Rafay Baloch explained that the bug he had reported was very critical in nature and carried a high amount of risk to the PayPal as an attacker could have easily managed to execute any command on the server and manipulate the data at his will.

According to him, PayPal has offered him job in lately. However, he said that he has not decided in this regard mainly due to his continued studies.

It is to be mentioned here that Rafay has earlier been acknowledged by Microsoft, ESET and eBay for reporting bugs and flaws in their systems.

Pak student gets $5000 reward from PayPal

 

[uzbi aka viper]

long live pakistan

 

[Edevelop]

Nice thread.

 

[Lone Shooter]

Pakistani girl bags silver medal in INEPO

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani student has bagged silver medal in the 7th International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO Euroasia) held in Baku, Azerbaijan where students from 47 countries presented 123 projects.

Alvaz Adnan, a student of PakTurk School Lahore, presented her biology project on removal of dyes from effluent of factories and won a silver medal.

Commenting on the success, Chairman PakTurk Unal Tosur and Director Education Kamil Ture said that Pakistan students have been leaving others behind in almost all the international competitions which has encouraged them to boost investment in the future of Pakistan.

“We aim to shape the view of Pakistani students to think on a global scale while being sensitive to their traditions and values; they should be well acquainted with the competitive environment and capable to cope with the on-going and forthcoming challenges, they said.”

The INEPO Eurasia, held every year, encourages students from around the world to develop projects that can solve environmental issues.

Pakistani girl bags silver medal in INEPO | DAWN.COM