The target audience seems to be females, especially housewives. I am not sure if they are running this campaign only on Facebook or if it’s also in main stream media. But if it’s only on Facebook, I doubt the real impact of this.

Official promo of TiECon 2010 – ‘Unlashing Change’.

TiECon 2010 Pakistan is an annual flagship event of TiE and it is the first time in history, it is being organized in collaboration with all three TiE Pakistan chapters. As the theme explains, this years event focuses on unleashing the change about Pakistan and its tremendous potential in growth.

At a time when a significant gap exists between the vast opportunities that Pakistan has to offer fearless entrepreneurs and the perception of the country abroad, TiECon 2010 Pakistan brings together global thought leaders on home soil. Together, through the power of ideas, the conference aims to catalyze entrepreneurial minds to unleash change and create opportunity.

The aim is to expose the potential in Pakistani human resource and explore the opportunities for the entrepreneurs of the country. This is how Monis Rahman, CEO of Naseeb Networks was able to win trust of the venture capitalists to get the funds approved for its flagship product Rozee.pk even when the investors had reservations regarding the less known country of the world… Pakistan. Read the story of Rozee.pk and how other successful entrepreneurs are doing good for not only themselves but for their country, at Meet Pakistan’s Real Revolutionaries.

The conference brings together a mix of leading local and international entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders. Collectively they will inspire, motivate and create inertia for change in their respective areas of expertise. This year’s TiECon will be organized into a diverse yet equally critical group of sessions including riveting success stories of entrepreneurs, government as a facilitator of entrepreneurship, the societal need and impact of social entrepreneurship, media’s role as a change agent and creating entrepreneurs through high quality and ubiquitous access to education.

Hosted in Lahore, TiECon 2010 Pakistan will provide delegates with a rich cultural exposure to what is often called South Asia’s cultural capital. The conference agenda incorporates carefully designed segments to sample Lahore’s historical magic, captivating music and infamous cuisine.

The event details are as follows;

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Time: 08:45 AM (sharp) – 06:30 PM.
Venue: Royal Palms Golf and Country Club, Lahore

REGISTER yourself to attend this mega event of the decade at http://www.tiecon2010.pk/register.php. (Seats are limited so HURRY UP!)

The event will be live streamed on the TiECon 2010 website whereas, you can also track the event via Twitter at #tieconpk. The official TiE Twitter account to follow is @tieconpk. If you want to, you can also follow TiECon 2010 on Facebook as well.

Pakistan Software House Association (P@SHA) is organizing P@SHA ICT Awards 2010 in Lahore this October. This is the flagship event of the IT & ITES industry in Pakistan and P@SHA organizes this event annually to celebrate the innovation in local ICT industry. The awards are in its 7th year but it is the first time these awards are being held in Lahore. The awards are given to the winners in 24 different categories who will be judged by a panel of judges from the private and public sector.

Event Details:

The event details are as follows.

Date: 8th October 2010
Time: 6 pm – 11:00 pm
Venue: Silver Bell, Royal Palm Golf & Country Club, Lahore (Location Map)

Registration:

Registration is FREE but COMPULSORY!

Register at http://tinyurl.com/pashaictawards and you’ll receive an email confirmation from P@SHA Secretariat to attend the event.

P@SHA Talent Hunt:

There are other attractions as well. This time P@SHA is also providing an opportunity to those aspiring artists who just need a chance to show off their talent.

If you sing, dance, perform magic tricks or are a great comedian, actor or entertainer, and if you are part of the IT community, P@SHA wants you! Put up a demo of your talent on YouTube before September 20, 2010.

The deadlines are already over but I mentioned it again because if you believe you REALLY are the one.. I repeat, only if.. you are the one; you may want to check Jehan Ara’s post on P@SHA Talent Hunt or visit the official blog to see if you can be considered.

Theme Song:

Another attribute of this event is its official theme song. The theme song for the P@SHA ICT Awards 2010 is Green and White which is produced by P@SHA Chairman Yusuf Jan who also wrote the lyrics.

Finally, the sponsors for this ‘IT Oscar Night for Pakistan‘ are Infotech, Microsoft Pakistan, Wi-tribe Pakistan, IBM, PSEB, Mixit, Intel, Dell Pakistan, Oracle, CIO Pakistan and others.

PS: Jehan Ara termed this event as ‘Our IT Oscar Night‘. :)

The event is free but everyone must register to attend. The details are as follows;

Event: Interactive Talk with Imran Sayeed
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Date: July 29, 2010
Venue: NIB Auditorium, LUMS
Register for Free at: http://bit.ly/a4Tn2t

Imran Sayeed’s Profile.

Imran Sayeed, a serial entrepreneur, a consultant, an engineer, a mentor, a rainmaker, and a great supporter of many initiatives in Pakistan including the OPEN-MITEF initiative is going to be in Lahore on July 29.

Imran is Senior Vice President, Global Architecture, Application Development and Management Practice and leads all commercial sector industry practices for Keane, a global BPO and IT Services company with ~14,000 professionals worldwide. Industry practices include Financial Services, Insurance, Healthcare, Pharmaceutial, Manufacturing, Retail, Hospitality & Travel and Energy, and together comprise most of the key business lines and customers for Keane.

To read more about Imran Sayeed and the event visit Jeahan Ara’s blog post Interactive talk with Imran Sayeed.

Don’t forget to read the last line on Jehan’s post to know what will be served after the event. ;)

Lahore Mapping Party - Banner

As opposed to what I had expected, the attendees were only a few in numbers and were mainly comprised of students, professors, IT professionals, and people having a background in geography/architecture studies.

Reason of the event cum workshop was to actually aware & train people about Google Map Maker, host a discussion on crowd-sourced mapping and how local/international companies/organizations are using it and what is its scope in Pakistan.

Another reason was to acknowledge the efforts of two Pakistani youngsters who are recognized as the top mappers in the world. Faraz Ahmad with more than 48,000 edits holds the 1st place whereas; Jabran Rafique with more than 44,000 edits is also in the list of top mappers in the world. And also, to celebrate that Lahore is the fastest mapped city in a total of 120 countries where Google Map Maker service is available, and Islamabad is the cleanest mapped city (there’s not even a single error in mapping).

The whole idea is to promote this activity and involve others as well to be a part of Google Map Maker community in Pakistan.

Well when Google launched this Map Maker tool for Pakistan, I also did some mapping just to get my hands on what Google Map Maker is and does it really work or not. I made maps and it was fun playing with the tool quiet a year ago but I stopped doing it because I had some serious security and privacy reservations. This concern was one of the main reasons why I was so eager to attend this event.

Badar Khushnood, the country representative for Google, presented an overview explaining what Google Map Maker tool can do and how companies are leveraging it to promote their business and how can others use it in different other ways to promote different services or even play with APIs to make their own layers over the Google Maps platform.

Badar’s presentation was followed by Faraz Ahmed’s presentation in which he gave the live demo of map maker with other team members and shared his experience that how and why he started mapping on Google Map Maker. Then the floor was opened for questions and the discussion heated up over the security risks involved in mapping local areas.

Four main topics which were in discussion were security, ethics, profitability and ownership. Everyone had something to say and for me it turned out to be a healthy brainstorming session.

Security Risks

Security remained the main topic of discussion. Due to the growing security risks and threats in Pakistan it is natural for Pakistanis to make sure that they are not risking their own security. Some of the attendees were of the view that it will actually facilitate the extremists to make more sophisticated terrorist attacks against locals or law enforcement forces. The threats are not only from within the country but from over the borders as well. So the security issues must be addressed to clear the situation.

Others were quite optimistic about this tool. The map maker supporters responded that this tool will in fact help the government to take better security measures and to plan strategies to curb terrorism in the country (Think about having a security plan for Lahore keeping an eye on its entrance and exit points).

As a matter of fact, I don’t believe that most of the officials are really optimized to use such tools in a way that it helps in curbing terrorism and crime. But in any case if it is going to help those extremists, Google Map Maker is not a good omen for Pakistan.

Ethics

Ethics in mapping is related to the security issues. It includes what to map and what not to map. Think of places like army bases in Pakistan, nuclear sites, borders, and other areas which may fall under national security.

First of all, I believe if it has to be mapped, then it must be everything; whether in Pakistan or in any country of the world. There should be no discrimination over security concerns at international level. Like if Pakistan army bases are to be mapped then why not American and Indian army bases as well.

It is nearly impossible to moderate each and everything being mapped. So, if there has to be a policy, the questions arise are who is responsible or have the authority to decide what is ethical and what is unethical? How many stake holders are there and how can all of them come to a consensus over a uniform policy for mapping Pakistan?

Usually governments regulate the policies regarding national issues and in case of Pakistan if government didn’t pay any attention timely, it would have been too late to make a policy. By government’s involvement I do not mean that there should be restrictions to mapping at all but government can work in conjunction with Google and supervise the process so that it remains beneficial and secure for everyone.

Profitability & Ownership

The point was raised by Dr. Anis Siddiqui, Chairman Department of Architecture, University of the Punjab, that who has the ultimate ownership of the data being produced voluntarily by the people. He was of the view that Google should have some revenue model for the people for doing the mapping because it needs resources and time which are valuable and this value must be converted in some sort of reward for them.

I believe if we ignore the security and ethics part, the value for the effort being put by these freelancers is much more than the effort itself. Imagine where you can use this tool to help you or your business. Think your PTCL’s limited 1217 directory converted and mapped on your screen with more comprehensive and updated information (Local Business Listings – where you find business around you), try finding your house on Naksha.pk, see whether Wateen’s coverage is provided in your area, imagine getting traffic updates in real time, find a gas station near you, measure distance between your house and the nearest police station, get driving details to your destination and a hell lot of other things…

Google Maps Lahore: Before & After

I would like to refer to the efforts put in by Khurram, Asst. Professor FAST-NU and Sarah Ahmad, lecturer Beaconhouse National University for presenting the possible ideas where Google Maps can be used. Updated local info, a new life to businesses, cheap & quick, SMS based white pages, value of getting info quickly, preservation data, geo coding & reverse urban planning, planning and Policy making help in generating demographics, housing variables, income statistics, economic zones and activity etc… were some of the directions presented by Khurram and Sarah.

I believe, if it actually matures enough to a point that we can use it for any product, it will prove a milestone in business and even it may change the way we do business today. I bet corporations have better plans and ideas to develop leverage Google Map Maker API.

Now about ownership, off course Google owns the data and they have the power to turn it off any time they want (you agree to terms & conditions before using their tool… try reading it). But Google provides an opportunity to download the maps to your local machine. In case if you want to volunteer but not for Google, there are a lot of other options to go for where you can help some non for profit foundation in mapping the whole world.

A Case Study

As I said earlier, I had serious privacy issues regarding Google Map Maker and that’s why I stopped using it. But I realized a much better use of this tool when I got the following message from my teacher. Please refer to the image below. It’s about three weeks ago and its self explanatory.

Google Maps helped my teacher find an examination center I mapped.

The areas I mapped some months ago helped my teacher finding an examination center.  And this conversation happened about two weeks before Lahore Mapping Party.

Conclusion

In the end, I would like to finish saying that its all up to how any thing is used. It can equally be used for something constructive and for something destructive. So instead of just opposing it, I think we can volunteer to use this tool in a way that best suits our interests; both in terms of security and in terms of business.

Google Map Maker for Pakistan: will you SUPPORT it or OPPOSE it?

The service was introduced to a group of local bloggers in a session held at Telenor’s office here in Lahore.

The company aims to bring convenience and ease to the daily user experience of its subscribers. Those who are interested in Telenor’s service can either buy a new Telenor number online with ad-dons of your own choice or you can port your existing number to Telenor in a few easy steps. Make sure you have a credit card to place this order. The process is very easy and self explanatory.

I believe this initiative will invite competition in the online one stop solutions by all mobile companies; which is direly needed by a rapidly increasing community of internet users in Pakistan.

Edited (16:08 – Tuesday, August 11, 2009): Deleted official quote upon request.

Under the section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), no protest, march or gathering of people at one place would be allowed. These cities include Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Gujrat.

The decision has been taken just a day before the date of proposed long march and when the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari is not in the country.

The government has been trying hard to stop the long march of lawyers and different political parties. For this reason, the government has imposed section 144 in different districts of Punjab and lists have been provided to the police officials for the instant arrest of different lawyers and political leaders.

The decision was taken after a long meeting held in office of Capital City Police Officer Lahore. The officials are denying any arrests so far whereas; the media has been reporting that many people have been arrested.

It is being considered the worst crack down so far. The government may deploy army in as many as 30 districts of Punjab province, whereas; the rangers will be deployed in 11 districts in face of lawyers and other political activists.

On other side, the politicians and the lawyers are still encouraging people to go for a peaceful long march and struggle peacefully to make this long march a success.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Mian Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged police and administration to defy unconstitutional orders. ‘The government could not stop the people from joining the long march. The people shall reach Islamabad at all costs’, he said.

Ali Ahmed Kurd, the president of The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) said, ’Section 144 could not stop the people from joining the long march’. ‘The lawyers are peaceful and the long march and subsequent sit-in will also be peaceful’, he added.

The decision  annoyed most of the people in the country and people in many cities came out to protest against the decision taken by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Like many others, I was also stuck in a blockade near Kalma Chowk. People burnt tyres and raised slogans against the president and the governor. They did not seem to acknowledge the verdict of the Supreme Court.

Protestors blocked Kalma Chowk on Ferozpur Road

I didn’t hear any news of any one getting injured or ny serious damages due to these protests and I hope all remain safe and calm.

Demonstrators lie on the road in protest

Protestors lying on the road while one supporter is holding a stuffed lion, the electoral symbol of PML(N), to show solidarity with the Sharif brothers.

Demonstrators burnt tyres and blocked traffic.

The writing is a slogan in Urdu which reads in English as; "Long Live Daawat-e-Tableegh, Long Live Taliban"

I still remember the day when, about a year ago, I met a guy in the university who was from North Waziristan. Hearing that he is form tribal areas; I just couldn’t stop myself asking him to sit with me for a while. Probably, it was the first time I was meeting anyone from the tribal areas.

I just wanted to ask many questions that I never planned to ask from him or from anyone. But considering the meeting an opportunity, I just uttered the questions to him.

I don’t remember exactly from where did I start but one important thing was definitely discussed. I asked him,”Who are Taliban?” He said,”We don’t know them and in fact we don’t even support them.” His answer was really astonishing to me and I uttered,”…but as the people are showed; you fight against the government and you fire at your own people.” He looked as if he wanted to explain me something. I tried my best to understand what he was trying to say and here is what he told me or what I got…

He said, “We don’t love Taliban or any other militant organization. People in tribal areas, specially in Waziristan, have put up banners at the top of there houses with slogans; We hate Taliban!, We don’t support any militant or militant activity! but no one actually want to listen to us.” He continued,”I wish you could go there and see for yourself that how we people are surviving there. The world doesn’t know the reality of the tribal areas and who ever whishes to go to learn about our area; it is for sure that the person will not come back. He/She would be killed or kidnapped and the blame will go on the tribes.”

The answer was really astonishing to me and it seemed totally unnatural. While trying to digest, whatever was heard, I asked,”What will you say about those who come up with the weapons in their hands and challenge the government and the world?”

He replied,”You are mixing up the people with the militants. We don’t know about the militants. We don’t know who they are and from where they belong. We can’t say whether they are tribes men or are agents of any other country…” He continued,”You call tribes men terrorists… tell me; what will you do when you leave your house in the morning and on returning home, after a days long work, you see that your house has been blown up by a missile; you see the dead bodies of your family members, the scattered body parts, the blood all around… what will you do? And then… some really ‘peace loving’ people come up on the screen claiming that the house was a den of terrorists… Who will not get mad at this…? And when such people have nothing to lose they, in utter distress, try to react  and the world then call them terrorist. You call it justice? Can’t you draw lines between terrorism and revenge…?”

He continued on saying many things later and I spent about two hours with him discussing all this and that. Definitely, I had no answers to his questions. But these questions led me to think that who is answerable then? I believe that being not familiar with the area; I must not comment on the situation in the tribal areas. The above mentioned discussion is not all what we discussed but the pic (above) reminded me of the talk.

I don’t support militants in any way and no one does… but the thing is that how the world and especially United States has approached the issue, I believe, it has worsen the scenario and its even getting worse day by day. If you are not willing to do good to others, you can’t expect good from others. And as far as the Taliban and other organizations are concerned, it seems that with its aggressive policies of war against terrorism, United States and its allies has earned nothing except more moral support for them (Taliban, etc).

The picture explains well.

What is the idea?

The idea is to encourage Internet users & bloggers to meet offline as well. Senior bloggers get a chance to share knowledge & experience. New wanna-be bloggers can learn from the local success stories and network with leaders & professionals in this field.

Host:

LUMS IEEE Students Chapter (in collaboration with CIO Pakistan & Google Pakistan)

Who Can Benefit From Blogging?

Students: Discover how you can earn your own pocket money.
Housewives: Learn how you can earn & support your family while staying at home.
Professionals: See how you can enjoy a second income while still doing a full-time job.

Time and Place

Date: Sunday, November 23, 2008
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
Town: DHA
City/Country: Lahore, Pakistan

Registration:

Registration is FREE but the seats are limited.

Register here: http://tinyurl.com/lahore-bloggers-meetup

Main event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=35844398187

Hope to see you there. :)