The Future is Cloudy: ProPakistanis

By Naeem Zamindar

What is the future? Most people look at the stars, seers consult crystal balls and oracles use all manner of sacred herbs, smokes and mirrors to try and predict it. But for those who use technology, the future is already here. Every day brings exciting new advancements in the fields of communication, miniaturization and digital technology.

In the field of communications the future is looking cloudy. The advancements in 3G technology in most developed countries have yet to trickle down to Pakistan. 3G is a technology that allows for high speed data transfers to mobile devices, without the intervening lag and slowdowns that affect regular copper-wire mobile technology.

Fiber optics lies at the heart of 3G technology. In Pakistan many mobile towers are connected using copper wire rather than fiber. This means that data transfer takes place over the same medium that we used to use for regular telephone technology. Currently companies like Wateen are replacing copper wire with fiber optic cables around the country, using them to link higher educational institutes, banks, mobile towers and government offices for instant or high speed data transfers. Once mobile companies have access to fiber connected networks the possibility of genuine 3G technology will become a viable option.

This is then where the cloud comes in. Before he died Steve Jobs said that in the future,“We’re going to move the digital hub, the center of your digital life, into the Cloud.” Cloud Computing is the idea of file sharing remotely whereby users can pick what parts of a particular program, or piece of video etc. from a general database that will exist in cyberspace; a ‘cloud’ of virtual information from where one can pick the bits and pieces that one needs, directly accessible from your digital device with no need for interfaces or syncing or any of the other requirements that regular PCs place on users.

Developing the cloud around the world are cutting edge technology companies, but building a high speed data transfer network is one of the primary requirements of cloud computing – the kind of network that technology companies such as Wateen Telecom are trying to build. It is through recognizing the requirements of our country and the shape of things to come that we work together to develop the systems necessary for the whole country to move forward. In this case, competition takes a distant second place to the requirements of our people, enabling their goals and increasing their opportunities to help themselves.

As Pakistan’s leading converged Information, Wateen has already taken bold steps towards realizing the possibility of easy access to information for all Pakistanis. Part of this means creating the actual infrastructure upon which this information will travel; to this end, Wateen, together with the Universal Services Fund (USF), has already rolled out optical fiber networks to far-flung parts of the country.

Developing Cloud services is the next step in this evolution. I believe that within the next two to three years, cloud-based computing will become the premium service offering for all telecom consumers – from individuals to small and medium-sized businesses to large enterprises and government entities. The product offerings will range from simple storage and to running complex business processes in cloud-based models. Wateen has already entered into alliances and partnerships with strong brands for infrastructure and application of delivery of such services in an efficient and cost effective way.

The benefits for businesses are obvious enough – cost-effective solutions to software and storage requirements: rather than buying expensive software or data storage packages, businesses can now ‘lease’ software or storage space in the Cloud. Moreover, the need for physical equipment becomes redundant, bringing further savings. For individuals, the opportunities are countless – not only can the average consumer now store terabytes of personal data, they can also avail of software solutions that might have hitherto been out of their budget.

Cloud computing also means smaller and smarter devices – by eliminating the need for physical storage, device manufacturers can now focus on designing tablets and smart phones that are sleeker and increasingly more portable. Imagine being able to ‘carry’ an entire database of high-resolution movies that you can view whenever and wherever on your chic new tablet. For a country like Pakistan, Cloud computing also means easy access to information for anyone possessing a data connection and a device. Wateen is already working closely with the Punjab IT Board to create virtual libraries of learning, with all textbooks and other curriculum stored in the Cloud. No longer will students need access to physical libraries, no more will universities and colleges need to invest in gargantuan physical storage systems to house data. Everything will live in the Cloud!

This is no science fiction. It’s already happening across the globe. With the right drive, and by continuing to work together, there soon won’t be any need for oracles and horoscopes, because the future will be here. It will be visible for us to see every day, as the quality of our lives and the lives of those around us improve. I can already see the future, ladies and gentlemen, and it is Cloudy.

LDN Revises Student DSL Package Prices: ProPakistanis

Link Dot Net has decided to increase price plans for its 1 MB and 2 MB student DSL package subscribers.

In order to keep the quality of services up to the mark and to maintain operational excellence as per prevailing economic situation, the monthly package plans are being revised, said an email sent to LDN student package holders.

Mentioned below are the new charges of DSL Student Packages:

Package Name	Speed	Data	Old Charges	New Charges
Link 1M	1 Mbps	Unlimited	Rs. 735	Rs. 839
Link 2M	2 Mbps	Unlimited	Rs. 1,295	Rs. 1,350

It merits mentioning here that rental charges of DSL CPE i.e. Rs. 150 in case of non-Wi-Fi and Rs. 250 in case of Wi-Fi CPE will remain applicable to all packages as current practice.

It maybe recalled that Link Dot Net had to bring down the prices (in 2007) when PTCLintroduced its low-priced broadband services.

KFC Pakistan Goes Offline: ProPakistanis

Official website for KFC Pakistan, a global fast food chain that specializes in fried chicken products, has been taken offline by its service provider for non-payment of its hosting dues.

Following message is being displayed when KFCPakistan.com is accessed:

The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to the site owner reaching his/her bandwidth limit. Please try again later.

This shows how irresponsible multi national companies can get.

It merits mentioning here that KFC remains hot seller during Ramadan and they happen to advertise their website over conventional and digital media during the month of Ramadan, which is now likely to get wasted due to missed hits.

Celebrate Iftar cum Buffet Dinner @ Dreamworld Resort on very low cost with complimentary Boat Ride: ProPakistanis

We hope that you must be fine with good health & happiness by the grace of Almighty Allah. With reference to our email we want to give a heartfelt Ramadan Mubarak to you, your colleagues and your respective families and we pray that this Ramadan you gain a lot of blessings by the Almighty Allah and you get the immense happiness and in this holy month may the  Almighty Allah boost your power & strength insha Allah.

As you know that Dreamworld Resort & Hotel is a well known Family membership based club with the area of 150 Acres having 100 plus recreational facilities & also have the honor of the largest club in all of the South Asia being located from just 20 -30 minutes drive from the civic centre Karachi. Alhamdulillah, Dreamworld provides opportunities to host all types of Corporate Events including Recreational Events, Seminars, Conferences, Meetings, Employee/ Client Day-Outs, Night-Outs, Adventurous Cabana, Team building activities, Product launching events, and 5 star Chalets etc.

we feel great pleasure in announcing our Ramadan Special Offer for your highly prestigious organization and its valued clients.

We have specially designed packages for your ultimate benefit and pleasure, which includes Night stays at our Highly Luxurious Chalets and our Specially Designed Adventurous Camping. Your Night Stays with us will become even more exciting blended together with our Fun-Filled Amusement activities, tummy-filling Sehri and our mouth-watering Iftar Cum Dinner Buffet of 50+ delicious dishes.

Moreover, we can also make highly special arrangements for your Iftar Parties & Get-togethers for any number of your invitees, at our Resort which if located off the main  Super Highway ,  Karachi . You would experience the event different from all of your previous events as we will give you an exposure with a blend of serious and entertaining environment at the same time in the holy month of Ramadan.

So come and make this Holy Month of Ramadan most memorable with us, by the Almighty's Grace. Special facilities of all five prayers and Taravih in congregation also available.

Please feel free to contact us for further information.

Best Regards,

Yasir Waseem

Business Executive | Corporate Relations Department

Dreamworld Resort & Hotel | Karachi - Pakistan

Cell: +92 345 8264417 & +92 346 2683275 | Tel: +92 21 32219236-46, Ext# 131

Email: becr6@dreamworldresort.com www.dreamworld.pk

Wateen and Intel Make Joint Venture: ProPakistanis

Wateen Telecom and Intel Pakistan have made collaboration for providing internet access program to local consumers in Pakistan. The aim of this joint venture is to make internet more accessible and affordable for all new subscribers.

Under this offer, a consumer purchasing an Intel® processors-based PC, will get a free Wateen Wimax Broadband connection, enabling consumers to enjoy speedier internet connectivity with their new PC’s. Consumers can save up to six thousand rupees by utilizing this special program available for the first time in Pakistan.

Mr. Naeem Zamindar, CEO Wateen Telecom said,

“Being a leader in the world of broadband Internet services, Wateen Telecom always believes in serving our consumers through cost-effective ways so that we all can multiply the existing internet and computer literacy in both urban and rural areas of this country. In partnership with Intel Pakistan, working for this greater cause is itself a matter of pride and satisfaction for us”.

Naveed Siraj, Country Manager, Intel Pakistan said,

“Offering connected PC’s to local consumers in Pakistan is a revolutionary step, which will not only transform the traditional concept of internet connectivity via separate broadband devices, but this will also help to enhance the adoption of modern computer-based technologies and the internet. Similar to other emerging conomies, Intel Pakistan‘s partnership with Wateen is part of our ongoing efforts to develop a more accessible model for first-time buyers to enjoy modern technology. We believe this new program, providinglower-priced broadband service and entry-level PCs with valuable digital content, will help to accelerate technology adoption , and enable more citizens to engage in the digital world”.

NADRA Will Launch Smart NICOP and Smart CNIC Together on Independence Day This Year: ProPakistanis

NADRA will launch Smart NICOP and Smart CNIC together on Independence Day this year.Smart NICOP will provide 2.5 million overseas Pakistanis in Europe with priority travel, banking facilities and increased security as well as the existing visa-free entry to Pakistan. NADRA plans to bring out a number of services on the Smart Card and these will be provided upon availability. The card is programmed with a match-on-card applet which first confirms the biometrics of the user and then grants access to it.

The card is printed on multiple layers of polycarbonate material, each layer containing its own security features. This card is hence the securest in the world and protects the data of citizens at every level, spokesman of NADRA said.

NADRA Smart NICOP will help trace and catch those Pakistanis who are staying illegally in the UK. This was promised by former PM of Pakistan Yousaf Raza to PM of UK Cameron.

PTCL brings Broadband 4MB Ramadan Package: ProPakistanis

Month of Ramadan is around and PTCL has announced its Broadband 4MB Ramadan Package. To generate excitement among its existing and potential customers, PTCL is launching a special promotion for the month of Ramadan.

This Ramadan promotion offers 4 Mbps broadband for the price of Rs. 1,499 per month. Customers can enjoy 4 Mbps speed at the price of 2 Mbps during Ramadan.

A special 4 Mbps promotional package is being offered to customers with 2 Mbps equivalent Tariff i.e Rs. 1,499 per month. Existing and new customers can opt into this package and enjoy 4 Mbps speed at the price of 2 Mbps.

Ramadan Promotion Details:

• 4Mbps Broadband Package charges: Rs. 1,499 per month
• Unlimited download*
• Package type: Opt in
• Offers starts from 20th July 2012
• Valid Up to 30th September 2012

Any existing and new customer can opt into this special 4 Mbps promotional Package with effect from 20th Jul-2012. Customers on 1 Mbps & 2Mbps can avail this super offer.

This promotional package will expire on 30th Sep-2012 and standard 4 Mbps Tariff of Rs. 1,999 per month will apply after that.

PTCL Offered 1Year Paid Internship Program: ProPakistanis

Pakistan Telecom Company Limited (PTCL) has announced one year paid internship program for fresh graduates. It is tremendous opportunity for incumbents to groom their skills and enrich the experience in the esteem organization like PTCL; It is one year paid internship program for energetic graduates who are willing to excel their career in telecom industry.

From all discipline of professional education are openly offered for this excellent opportunity by PTCL like business, finance, HR and associate engineers. Minimum criteria would be CGPA 2.80/70% aggregate for Business, IT Graduates & Engineers. Minimum 60% aggregate for Diploma holders or B-tech and the intership opportunities are available for all over the Pakistan.
Now fresh graduates in aforesaid discipline can also register online for internship position, last date of submission is Tuesday, 31^st July 2012.

Features & Benefits:

Hands on experience of thriving business operations & practices
Attractive stipends
Live projects, extensive coaching & career counseling
Exposure to cutting edge ICTs & platforms
Development of professional skills & competencies
Access to dynamic corporate environment & culture
Interaction and engagement with acclaimed industry leaders

For Online Registration : Click Here To Download Advertisement : Click Here Last Date for Application Submission : Tuesday, 31st July 2012

Requirement:

Information Technology (IT)MCS, BCS (Hons), BIT (Hons), BBA-IT Business Administration MBA (HR/ Marketing), BBA (Hons) Finance & Accounting MBA (Finance), M.Com, B.Com (Hons), ICMA, CA Inter or 16 years equivalent degree/ Qualification in (Accounts/ Finance/ Commerce) fields EngineersBE/BS Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Telecom, Computers) Diploma HoldersDAE (Electrical, Electronics, Telecom, Computers) or B-Tech CriteriaMinimum criteria would be CGPA 2.80/70% aggregate for Business, IT Graduates & EngineersMinimum 60% aggregate for Diploma holders or B-techAge limit 18-25 years Study completion year should be 2011-12. Candidates completed their education before 2011 are not eligible to apply. Location: The internship opportunities are available all over Pakistan.

PTCL

Website: http://www.ptcl.com.pk/

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is the largest telecommunication company in Pakistan

The company provides telephony services nation-wide and is the backbone for country's telecommunication infrastructure despite arrival of a dozen other telecommunication companies

Breaking: Wateen Layoffs Employees, Outsources Call Center, Shuts Down Business Centers: ProPakistanis

Wateen is likely to close its WiMAX division, amid tough business environment and sluggish growth that has impacted company’s margins and made it hard for the company to keep the WiMAX operations running.

Though we were not comminuted a fixed date or time frame for the closure of WiMAX operations, but we have confirmed with sources close and inside the company that Wateen is set on its track to to give WiMAX business a last try to make it profitable before eventually shutting it down in near future.

Having said this, Wateen has its obligation towards Government of Pakistan through USF projects, which will continue and may get withdrawn as per rules and procedures defined by Universal Service Fund.

Wateen’s WiMAX operations, back in 2007, was world’s largest WiMAX deployment and was initially seen with a lot of prospect and had brought with it several WiMAX operators namely wi-tribe, Qubee and Mobilink Infinity, promising tremendous career opportunities for Pakistani telecommunication professionals.

However, tough competition from PTCL EVO (which is allegedly using extra spectrum without paying dues) and low ARPUs, WiMAX operators are now finding it hard to keep up with their businesses.

Wateen didn’t communicate us the number of employees who are going to get impacted by today’s layoffs – but said that the process may take a week or so. Our sources mention that about 40 percent of Wateen’s permanent and contractual employees, including AMs and executives, mainly from consumer division will be laid off.

Reportedly, Wateen will outsource its whole call center to TRG, which it claims to have arranged better packages for employees, while Wateen’s eight business centers across the country are going to get closed immediately.

Activity at Wateen’s offices remained high today where firing of employees is underway. Morale of workforce has been low, naturally; who are uncertain of their future.

In an email to all employees today, Mr. Naeem Zamindar, CEO Wateen, said:

“Every business comes with its share of challenges. Whilst we are sad that many of our esteemed colleagues will no longer be with us, the current restructuring will enable us to align our cost structures, to ensure business sustainability and success.

I am confident that by working together in a positive and energetic manner, we will succeed in achieving our vision of transforming the lives of every Pakistani. Wateen has come a long way since its rebirth and the company has seen much progress in the past year.

While WiMAX continues to be a challenge for all operators across the industry, Wateen’s other business lines have shown considerable improvement. The company’s LDI business has grown from being number eight to the second largest player in the industry and the enterprise connectivity and solutions business is prospering.”

Ufone Double Deal: 10,000 SMS and 3 GB Internet in Rs. 200: ProPakistanis

This probably is best SMS and mobile internet offer from Ufone or from any other operator till date, but there’s a catch – we will tell you of it in a bit.

You can get 10,000 SMS and 3 GB of mobile internet from Ufone, that too for a whole month for Rs. 200 only. Yes, including taxes.

But you need to subscribe to this package before July 18th, 2012 only. Yes, very limited duration to avail such a treat.

How to subscribe:

• dial *5506# to subscribe

Charges:

• Rs. 199 inclusive of tax.

Terms & Conditions:

• Double Deal Offer is available on all pre-paid packages
• Fair Usage policy of 10,000 SMS and 3 GB internet limit apply
• Double Deal Offer is available for Limited Time Basis only
• Offer does not include Premium/International SMS
• Bucket will not be on auto-subscription
• SMS will be applicable for both on-net & off-net

Nokia Brings First-Ever Nokia App Summit to Pakistan: ProPakistanis

Nokia has announced a one-of-its-kind event – The Nokia App Summit 2012 that will be held in Karachi to showcase its latest better, faster and smarter offerings along with a line-up of relevant app content developed by Pakistani developers that adds up to a mobility experience par excellence.

The event will feature a unique mix of stalwarts from the local mobile and app developer communities, corporate sector and social development sector of Pakistan.

The event will be held on July 16^th and 17^th, 2012 at Karachi Marriott Hotel and is being organized in collaboration with P@SHA, djuice, CIO Pakistan, The Express Tribune, Apna Karachi FM-107 and Brandsynario.

The Nokia App Summit 2012 will comprise a conference, a developers’ workshop and an app exhibition; aiming to familiarize participants and visitors with Nokia’s latest offerings. The Conference will feature speaker sessions of leading protagonists from Pakistan’s technological, social and corporate sectors followed by panel discussions which will shed light upon the involvement of mobile technology in the fields of healthcare, education, advertising and app monetization.

The panel discussions shall create awareness about the future of mobile technology in Pakistan and channelize local talent to explore new business opportunities. Similarly, the Developers’ Workshop will be offered to app developers and students from Pakistan to train them to develop apps for the touch devices – Asha series launched recently by Nokia.

The App Exhibition shall promote local app content amongst visitors and give them an opportunity to discover the incredible local content available on the Nokia Store.

Speaking about the announcement, Rabia Nizami, Business Development Manager, DX, Nokia Near East said, “Pakistan is a hub of talent in the field of technology and Nokia views this repertoire of aptitude as a significant opportunity which can prove pivotal for the development of Pakistan’s mobile technology infrastructure in the future. The Nokia App Summit 2012 is the first step towards showcasing how exciting the future is likely to be for Nokia consumers as well as Pakistan’s app developer community.”

Limited seats are available for participation in Conference and can be availed by registering through the event secretariat. Developers’ Workshop is now closed for registration. Furthermore, no registration is required for participating in the App Exhibition; exhibition will be held on both days of the event from 2:00pm to 8:00pm, parallel to other event proceedings.

All relevant information about the event is available on event website:http://www.cvent.com/d/hcqzvx and event Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/events/416292051751022/.

Zong Introduces Perfect Package: ProPakistanis

After introducing Flutter for Ladies, Zong has hit the youth with a perfect package which they have named as “Perfect Package” as well.

Zong Perfect Package comes with a bundle of services of all kinds at a fixed daily rental. With Perfect Package, Zong has made sure that there’s nothing missed in the plate. Keep reading to know all.

What’s included:

• Free on net call except 7pm-10pm
• 500 FREE SMS
• 100 FREE MMS
• 1 hour FREE GPRS
• On-net calls between 7 PM-10 PM: Rs 1.5/ min + tax
• Off-net Calls (Round the clock): Rs. 1.5/min + tax

Cost:

All above mentioned services are being offered at a daily rental of Rs. 15, including taxes.

Activation

• Dial *717# to subscribe or
• Send SUB to 7171. Also even any blank SMS to 7171 will be considered as an activation request.

Un-sub

• To un sub from bundle: send unsub to 7171

Terms and Condition:

• Any Zong subscriber can avail this Perfect Package
• After subscribing to perfect package, your base package will automatically convert to m9 1.5 – except if subscriber is already on m9 package
• User will be charged as per m9 1.5 tariff once free resources for SMS, GPRS & MMS have been consumed
• All previous add up promotions will be retained except those who have daily validity
• Port in subs will get free trial for 3 days

Ufone Brings 5 Star SMS Offer: ProPakistanis

Ufone introduces 5 Star SMS offer, that will allow its customers to enjoy 500 SMS free to any network, at any time after first 5 paid SMS.

However, first five SMS will be charged at Rs. 1.50 plus tax per SMS.

5 Star SMS Offer Details:

• To avail free SMS all users have to do is to send 5 SMS on any given day and receive 500 SMS absolutely free for the rest of the day.
• User will be charged at Rs. 1.50+Tax per SMS for first 5 SMS
• There is no opt-in or subscription charges applicable for this promotion.
• Users will be eligible for the offer twice in 24 hours, i.e. if they consume 500 SMS then they can avail another 500 SMS after sending 5 paid SMS.

Once the 5th SMS is sent customer will get the following notification:

“Congratulations! Now you can send Unlimited SMS for the rest of day, validity DD-MM-YY 23:59 HRS. To check your remaining No. of Free SMS dial *706#”

User can Dial *707# and check the SMS count at any time. Charges to check the count of SMS and other details on *707# are Rs.0.10+Tax.

If a user consumes 500 SMS before expiry, his/her counter will be reset again to 0 SMS and the cycle will start again.  Free SMS are valid for all local SMS only i.e. International SMS will be charged as per tariff plan. The offer is valid for non-bucket users only as their initial SMS are not being charged. This offer is for prepaid users only.

Terms & Conditions:

• Free SMS will expire the same day at 11:59pm
• User will be notified via SMS when Free SMS are activated and when free SMS expire.
• Free SMS are valid for all local SMS only i.e. International SMS will be charged as per tariff plan
• This offer is for prepaid users only.
• This is a limited time offer
• Terms & conditions apply
• 19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge or bill applies.
• Using SIMS without proper documentation is a crime – PTA
• 5 Star SMS offer will not be applicable on Chand Raat and First 3 days of Eid.

Hijab – The latest fashion trend is on the way!

Karachi: For women who wear hijab, it not at all means to cover or engulf your torso over burdening of clothe. When Islam ensures women rights then why to bound yourself with traditional black hijab always. Look around the fashion world; It is bringing  latest trends of hijab for women.

Hijab, which bestows a protective sheath and offers her liberty to move socially, has become an increasing trend among Pakistani women. Some fashion designers have drawn attention to make this trend glamorous and to ease multi purpose clothing i.e both formal and casual stuff.

Amongst many renowned Pakistani fashion designers, is Atiya Khan, who is model-turned-hijab designer and has contributed much to boost this trend through her colorful hijab attires, scarves, stoles, burqas and abayas and head coverings for young girls and women.

Many former models have become designers of dresses, footwear and lawn but Atiya is the one who has come up with something new to the designing profession.

Her latest collection contains beautifully embellished hijabs with glittery trims, laces, sequins, embroidery and even pearls and stones work for formal wear. Not only the unique embellishments but hijab colors, prints and designs are versatile, making Pakistani women note worthy and beautiful.

So all the hijabi fashionistas go glam and adopt the latest trend, you don’t need to step out in black shaft anymore. The trendy collection is on the way....

Via The News Tribe

Pak-India Social Media Mela will begin in Karachi on Friday: ProPakistanis

Celebrities from Pakistan and India will take part in the event‚ the objective of the mela is to provide a platform to bring a social change through the youth

The two-day second Pak-India Social Media Mela‚ 2012 will begin in Karachi on the Friday morning at 9. It has been organized by a non-governmental organization Peace Niche.

Our Karachi representative‚ Muhammad Abrahim Kawan‚ reports that the objective of the mela / conference is to provide a platform to the participants for a mutual dialogue discourse and creative expression‚ to bring a social change through the artists‚ to develop a community of the civic-minded citizens and to engage the youth.

This event aims also to bring some of the finest minds in the social media together in order to nurture a dialogue‚ through leadership and critical engagement with the journalists‚ activists‚ entrepreneurs and creative professionals from both the countries.


Nearly‚ eleven celebrities from India and thirteen from Pakistan will take part in the event. They hail from the cross-sections of the society like show-biz‚ media‚ communication‚ entrepreneurs‚ education‚ literature‚ sports‚ besides the government departments and the United Nations Development Programme.

Via Radio Pakistan

Regular Computer User Must See This by ProPakistanis

Samsung Receives Seven Awards at IDEA 2012: ProPakistanis

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global technology leader has received seven awards at IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) 2012. Organized by Industrial Designers Society of America, IDEA is the world’s most prestigious design contest. Also the most popular brand for consumers, Samsung Electronics received the largest number of awards among participating companies.
In the enterprise category, Samsung Electronics was presented with seven awards – four gold awards, two silver awards, and one bronze award.

The company’s digital X-Ray equipment (XEGO-GU60, XGEO-GC80) and digital X-Ray user interface received the gold award, indicating a bright future for Samsung Electronics’ newly developing Medical Equipment business.    

‘Digital X-Ray (XEGO-GU60)’ received a favorable evaluation in recognition of its application of a color indication system that provides intuitive information to the user and patient on the equipment operation status and the progress of the exam.

‘Digital X-Ray (XGEO-GC80)’ received the gold award for its substantial reduction of the examination time by displaying X-Ray results without having to go through a print process; as well as the ‘Digital X-Ray User Interface’, which has visualized important information to increase user visibility.

A portable induction cooktop (CTN431SC01) is a kitchen appliance gaining rapid popularity, which received the gold award in recognition for its application of a surface material that ensures easy cleaning and an intuitive user interface.

Silver award has been announced for the ‘Series 9’, which is an ultra-slim, ultra-lightweight notebook measuring 12.9 millimeters in thickness only. The 9-series notebooks are the thinnest and lightest notebooks available in the market that also come with a combination of performance, style and reliability maximized.

The ‘NX200’ – a digital camera that has applied metal to emphasize its image as a precision instrument for professionals also won a silver award

The ‘SB970’ a Samsung monitor that has adopted clear glass for its front giving exceptional beauty to its form received the award in the bronze category.

Samsung’s Pakistan’s Managing Director, Mr. John Park expressed his joy and said, “I am glad that the Samsung’s user-centered designs have been acclaimed to such a great degree. We will continue to unveil designs that are outstanding in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.”

Samsung Electronics is strivingto boost design competitiveness even further.  The efforts include decisive and bold design management, SADI, as well as various design expert-training programs such as the Samsung Design Membership.
The IDEA 2012 awards ceremony will be held in the USA on 18th August 2012.

NBP presented with “Pakistan Deal of the Year Award 2011″ ProPakistanis

KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has received “Pakistan Deal of the Year Award 2011″ for acting as inter-creditor agent as well as lead arranger and advisor with regards to financing of two renewable wind energy power projects of 50 MW each in the country.

The two power projects are Pakistan’s first ever 100% Islamic financed renewable energy power project which has also set a new precedent in terms of Islamic financing structure in the local banking sector.

According to NBP here on Tuesday, group chief of corporate and investment banking group Nadeem A Ilyas and head of investment banking Rehmat Ali Hasnie received the award from Islamic Finance News (IFN) based in Malaysia at a recently held ceremony in Dubai in relation to the transactions.

The deal included arrangement of Rs 6 billion under Musharaka (Shirkat ul Milk) finance facility with a consortium of local banks and a foreign debt component of $ 134 million being provided under Ijarah finance facility by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB) whereas NBP has acted as Inter-creditor Agent for both local and foreign lending group.

The Finance Facility Agreements of these two projects were signed in May 2012 whereas the construction of the projects is expected to commence in August 2012.