tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78886473642577184532024-03-13T11:42:03.069-07:00Jack's BlogJackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-22864629310483554852019-06-10T04:11:00.001-07:002019-06-10T04:22:48.415-07:00Getting your University Degree / Transcript attested from HEC Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi guys<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrZe3wXfVSw/XP49dGKc6pI/AAAAAAAAOUg/zc9BRIXybmQ5hbQUDNlaqXkqdCXXQ5fbgCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="207" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrZe3wXfVSw/XP49dGKc6pI/AAAAAAAAOUg/zc9BRIXybmQ5hbQUDNlaqXkqdCXXQ5fbgCLcBGAs/s200/Untitled.png" width="200" /></a>We've heard horror stories of issues faced by students (mostly those who undertook O & A level exams in air-conditioned halls and are averse to manual drudgery) and whenever they need to get their degrees / documents attested from HEC. As far as the degree attestation is concerned, the issue has been resolved to a large extent. Earlier, attestation of O / A Level certificates and IBCC <b>equivalence</b> certificate was required but <b>now that requirement has been waived</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I will detail the process done through TCS. You need to choose this method on HEC's online portal. There's a self process as well which is <a href="https://ww.web.pk/2015/hec-degree-attestation-verification-guide/">detailed here</a>. Here's what you need:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Online form filled at HEC <a href="https://eportal.hec.gov.pk/hec-portal-web/auth/login.jsf">portal</a> (printed after submission)</li>
<li>Copy of CNIC</li>
<li>Original documents for attestation, photocopies to be attested and one set of copies (for HEC record)</li>
<li>Photocopy of O and A level certificates (simple copies, no attestation required)</li>
<li>Cash payment to be made at TCS - incase you want to carry this in person, deposit at HEC counter (Rs. 800 for each original document, Rs. 500 for each photocopy)</li>
<li>Time in advance (it can take a week)</li>
</ul>
<div>
To go <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/jwxzNX9t7dPF3wNQ7">TCS Main Office</a> in Gulberg, Lahore. Deposit the document and the cash. They will provide you with a receipt. This needs to be uploaded on HEC's portal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a week's time, you will receive an SMS confirming that you degree / docs are available for collection from TCS's main office.</div>
</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-24865823078718056812017-09-16T06:17:00.001-07:002017-09-16T06:17:53.480-07:00Getting protector clearance in Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Anybody willing to work outside Pakistan (specially the UAE), will need the Protector guarantee / clearance from the Pakistani government otherwise he / she cannot board a flight on employment visa. How to get it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My friend Ahmed Muneeb did explain the process is a simple worded <a href="https://ahmedmuneeb1.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/how-to-get-protector-certificate-against-employment-visa-in-pakistan/">blogpost</a>. However, the process has changed somewhat in the subsequent years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you are in Lahore, here's how to get the clearance:</span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Documents required</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You need to create <b>3 sets </b>of photocopies of the following: </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Work visa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Your CNIC</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Your NICOP - if you dont have it, get it made from NADRA. NADRA will convert your existing CNIC into NICOP.</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Token number for NICOP can be used for getting protectorate clearance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You CNIC will be deposited during NICOP process - make sure you make photo copies in advance</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Passport - You will need your original passport at the office</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">CNIC copy of your nominated next of kin - any blood relation - this can be your father's, mother's, brother's, etc.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 passport sized photo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 pen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Employment contract (not required but just in case)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">PKR 6500 + change</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Go to the Protectorate of immigrant office preferably at 9 AM (They have 7 offices in Pakistan.In Lahore - Model Town 117 G)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enter and give your passport along with 1 set of photocopies (mentioned above) to the guy in the glass counter. He will take your passport and ask you to sit in the briefing room.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After 30 minutes you'll be given back your passport, along with some other forms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You have to deposit:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">PKR 2000 for Insurance - this is done at a counter in the same building </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">PKR 2000 for Worker Welfare Fund (OPF) - at HBL branch in C block Model town</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">PKR 2500 as registration fee - at National Bank in C Block Model Town</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Once done, go back and submit your passport along with the deposit evidence and the forms provided. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Return around 3pm to collect passport with the protector's stamp</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-41753006363756101052016-09-18T06:29:00.002-07:002023-07-29T10:35:35.894-07:00Getting passport in Pakistan without hassle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We have all experienced the long queues and incessant chatter of agents outside passport offices. This post will help you circumvent most queues and allow you to get a passport with ease. Be sure to follow these guidelines:<br />
<br />
1. Payment: You are required to pay a fee for getting your passport printed. You have the option of getting an urgent or normal delivery passport. (Normal passport arrives in whereas Urgent arrives in 4 days). Update: DGIP has introduced a method for ONLINE payment called <a href="https://dgip.gov.pk/eServices/">Passport fee Asaan</a>)<br />
<br />
In addition, you can get a passport for 5 or 10 years validity and have the option of 36, 72 or 100 pages. The payment structure for MRP passport as follows:<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background: green; border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 154pt;" valign="top" width="205"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> Payment
in Rs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-left: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 154.05pt;" valign="top" width="205"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Normal
(10 days delivery)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="background: green; border-left: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 154.05pt;" valign="top" width="205"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Urgent
(4 days delivery)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: green; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 154pt;" valign="top" width="205"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Pages
/ Validity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">5
YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">10
YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">5
YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">10
YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: green; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 154pt;" valign="top" width="205"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">36
pages<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">3,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">4,500<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">5,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">7,500<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: green; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 154pt;" valign="top" width="205"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">72
pages<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">5,500<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">8,250<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">9,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">13,500<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: green; border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 154pt;" valign="top" width="205"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">100
pages<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">6,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: rgb(118, 146, 60); border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themeshade: 191; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">9,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">12,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: green; border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 77.05pt;" valign="top" width="103"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: white; font-size: 12pt;">18,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Price correct as of Jul 2023</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><strike>
Decide on what you need and deposit this amount in National Bank. There is an NBP booth at Lahore Garden Town Passport office, but I recommend depositing this fee a day before going to the passport office. </strike>With the launch of Passport Fee Asaan, avoid going to the bank and pay online through the link above. In case you STILL want to pay at a bank, do it 1 day before the day you plan to go to the Passport Office.<br />
<br />
You will need to print and fill this slip: <a href="https://www.nbp.com.pk/Forms-Applications/PassportChallanForm.pdf">https://www.nbp.com.pk/Forms-Applications/PassportChallanForm.pdf</a> to be able to pay<br />
<br />
<strike>And here are the branches of NBP that accept this payment: <a href="http://www.dgip.gov.pk/Files/Banks.aspx">http://www.dgip.gov.pk/Files/Banks.aspx</a></strike><br />
Now you can deposit fee in any branch of NBP<br />
<br />
Remember, you SHOULD deposit this fee a DAY before going to the office OR use Passport Fee Asaan online paymenr method.<br />
<br />
2. Documents needed:<br />
<br />
For a citizen's passport you need:<br />
A. Your original CNIC and 2 copies of your CNIC (for children less than 18, Form B and need a guardian to accompany them)<br />
B. Your previous passport and 1 copy of it (if available)<br />
C. Challan copy showing you have paid the passport fee<br />
<br />
Get this done before going to the passport office.<br />
<br />
3. Which office:<br />
<br />
Here's a list of passport offices in Pakistan: <a href="http://www.dgip.gov.pk/files/Offices.aspx">http://www.dgip.gov.pk/files/Offices.aspx</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The DGIP has also introduced an "e-passport" which is different than an MRP because it has an embedded chip. Both are being issues and acceptable for travel. However, "e-passport" fee is higher (<a href="https://dgip.gov.pk//passport/ordinary-passport.php#epp-fee">see here</a>) and the roll-out is only in Islamabad for now.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">------</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Why I posted the above method is to help first time Passport Applicants from the Mafia of agents who feed the Passport Office officials, guards, employees as well. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It was 2006, when I decided to get my passport made, and we chose the Barket Market Passport Office for the deed. However, we survived a callous attempt by an agent to scam money extra money out of us.<br /><br />We decided to get normal passports for me and my father, so Rs. 4,200 would be the cost. As the lines were long and we were new to the process, we were coaxed by an agent to rent his services. First, we gave them Rs. 4,500 to deposit in the bank against the passport fee. The remaining Rs. 300 was pocketed by the agent on account of "too much heat" in the bank. <br /><br />Second, we were only helped in getting inside the Passport Office. All other processes, we had to carry out ourselves. Since my passport was a fresh one, I had to get it attested. The agent did not offer any help and when I came back to submit the form, the "incharge" told me that the signatures were not correct because the signatory was not a Government agent. This gave the agent a whiff of money. He made up a story that "my number was not being fetched" in the Passport system, hence we would have to go to the other passport office on Abbott Road. So the next day, we took the agent to the other passport office, he took Rs. 2,000 from us but said that the problem could not be solved. This time he said that we would have to take a trip to Islamabad which would cost us Rs. 10,000 to fix the issue. <br /><br />By this time, we had had enough and we told him to return the money we had given him so far. Not expecting this response from such naive customers, the agent balked and said he would try again. Next day, the form was submitted and I received the passport 15 days later. Hence, we lost Rs. 2,300 to the agent who only helped us deposit the passport fee and was about to scam us for Rs. 10,000. <br /><br />After this incident, I never used an agent for my passport renewal. I submitted the fee myself a day earlier, reached the office early morning and got done quickly. <br /><br />Unfortunately, many people and even friends of mine get scammed with the same "number not being fetched" line because they do not know better.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-51192812003400970272016-09-16T06:32:00.000-07:002019-06-10T03:48:38.151-07:00Number plates in Lahore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="150" src="https://excise.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/IMG-20170214-WA0020.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
In late 2006, the Punjab Govt of Mr. Pervaiz Elahi and it's Excise and Taxation department introduced new number plates for motor vehicles. The rationale behind this intervention was to put computer readable number plates on all vehicles in order to have better vigilance through CCTV cameras. The number plates are issued for four categories (see image below).<br />
<br />
<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2CqUHyWwAUqJ5G.png:large" /><br />
<br />
The system functioned smoothly before the 2011 debacle when the contractor (3M) providing these plates was "blacklisted", which put a halt on computerized number plates being issued to commuters. For the period between 2011 and 2013, the system remained suspended and Excise department was only too happy to provide the vehicle registration number so buyers of new vehicles could get a counterfeit number plate made from street-side vendors.<br />
<br />
In 2014, another department of the Government decided that it was time to change number plates of Punjab. Various newspapers were fed stories of "special US-like" number plates to be rolled out. Fortunately, nothing materialized and the E&T department has stuck with its original design.<br />
<br />
Why I'm writing about this today is because the E&T department now wants only standardized number plates in Punjab. Older and counterfeit number plates have no room in Punjab, according to the department. Ironically, the department itself led to a boom in the fake plate industry when it was unable to provide computerized number plates between 2011 and 2013.<br />
<br />
There are two parts to this story: the sad one and the good one. The sad part is that while we never got a computerized number plate (during 2011 and 2013), we had already paid for it when getting the registration number. The good part is that we can now get the authenticated plates from E&T dept (Farid Kot House), free of charge*. Why I put an asterisk next to free of charge is because while you don't pay for the plates in monetary terms, it was a hassle just to get hands on them.<br />
<br />
When I entered the office to get these plates in 2016 (having paid for it in 2013), I was guided by an efficient yet geriatric receptionist towards the back office. Although there was a board listing which offices were found on what floor, it was impossible to make any sense of it. I wandered a bit before asking a person sitting outside an office (possibly a Naib Qasib), about where I should go for number plates. The person informed me that the same could be received from the upper floor. When I climbed the stairs, there was no guidance here as well so I had to ask another gentleman who asked me to move one floor higher. Having reached the top floor, I was thankful that I couldn't be asked to go higher, but the person dealing with number plates, after seeing my registration year asked me to go to the first floor.<br />
<br />
After having no luck on the first floor, I approached the office of "director", who asked me to meet a Mr. Adeel Amjad on this very floor. After reaching Mr. Amjad's office, where he wasn't present, I was asked to meet Mr. Aslam Nadir. Mr. Nadir was busy dealing with number plates and was a bit agitated at Mr. Amjad's staff for having referred me towards him. In order to end the ordeal, I asked Mr. Nadir what my next steps should be? He asked me to see a Mr. Imran in the basement.<br />
<br />
After consulting a few more Naib Qasids, I was able to locate Mr. Imran, sitting in a hidden office lined with number plates. Mr. Imran kept entering new number plates into his record register. After 5 minutes, he was able to find time to ask me my problem. I handed my registration to him, with which he disappeared into the backroom. During this time I kept thinking whether or not my number plates would be here, since there could be millions of other places where it could be. Interestingly, Mr. Imran returned with my set of plates and handed them to me. It was surprising that he found 3-year old plates in less than two minutes although the mess in the backroom made it seem impossible. So after 30 minutes of exercise ascending and descending stairs, I had what I came to get.<br />
<br />
The E&T department needs to do the following:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Make sure it is easier to get number plates. TCS delivery is available but the system doesnt seem to work</li>
<li>Ensure that the crackdown continues. Even today we see outrageous number plate designs</li>
<li>Address the basic issues - Tests for driver license & vehicle fitness</li>
<li>Get rid of certain departments trying to get credit for E&T activities (explained later)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Certain interventions have been proposed by certain "units" in the Punjab Government in "collaboration with the E&T department" which can be at best described as frivolous. DVRS, VVTP culture and Excise 2.0 Vanity plates are two examples of the branding used. Although such interventions are not harmful per se, they serve more as initiatives to be reported in the press rather than initiatives that would lead to any real change. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The same "units" claim to have changed the motor vehicle tax payment system. However, as I've described, the masses have to go through the same ordeal to get their number plates. The same applies for registering a new vehicle, transferring ownership, paying yearly token taxes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Putting a sticker on the car doesn't mollify the pain suffered to get that sticker in the first place. Vanity plates may be ubiquitous in the US, but so are proper driver license and vehicle fitness tests, something the "units" and Punjab Govt have claimed to address but only in newspapers, not in reality.</div>
</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-28463524517864455702015-06-18T22:20:00.001-07:002015-06-18T22:26:34.762-07:00Exam on Eid day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
After reading the title, I'm sure you would have thought I'm a whiny brat narrating some anecdote from my time abroad which I spent on my father's money. Let me disabuse you of that notion. This story took place in Lahore, Pakistan in October 2006.<br />
<br />
My school decided that it was best to appear for our Islamiat and Pak Studies O Level exams in October of 2006 rather than in June the next year. This led to a hasty stretch to complete syllabus to both courses, neither of which was complete. <br />
<br />
But the bigger problem was that the exams fell during the Holy Month of Ramazan. With our backs against the wall, we somehow survived the Pak Studies exam. What awaited us was unheard of. The Eid moon was not sighted, which meant there would be 30 'rozas', aligning our Islamiat Paper 1 with the Eid day! To top it off, the paper was to start at 8 am.<br />
<br />
I remember missing Eid prayers, something I hadn't done before or since that fateful day in October. My cousins were celebrating while I went for my exam. As if this wasn't enough, the second part of the exam was the next day.<br />
<br />
When I remember that Eid, I do not feel sad because of missing out on the fun but because there was no resistance to that schedule before or after the exam session. What hurt me most was my friends' obsequence. I know you can't change the schedule but at least shoot an email to the British Council condeming their lack of sensitivity to our religious festivities. Just imagine these exams being held on Christmas eve. Impossible!<br />
<br />
Why I write this now is for the future candidates who wish to take these exams in the years to come. As Ramazan moves into May, the chances of Eid falling on an exam day will rise. Schools and candidates should request the British council to at least schedule no exams on the 2-3 days that Eid could fall on. It isn't too much to ask given the amount of revenues the British Council derives from O and A level exams conducted in Pakistan.</div>
</div>
</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-32460270384290255292015-06-15T22:58:00.003-07:002018-07-13T22:23:25.346-07:00Tax return filing made easy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Federal Board Revenue (FBR) has made your life easy by automating the process for getting an NTN number and filing income tax returns.<br />
<br />
In order to get an NTN, follow these steps:<br />
1) Visit FBR's new registration website (<a href="http://regsys.fbr.gov.pk/registration/NewRegistration.aspx?type=1">Register here</a>)<br />
2) Fill out your CNIC, Name and the image characters<br />
3) This will take you to a form, where you have to fill your details<br />
4) Submit the form<br />
<br />
Once you have submitted your form, in a week or so you will be informed that your registration has been successful and that you can take your registration certificate from the given offices. You can either go to that office OR you can just visit FBR's new registration website again (given above). Enter the same details you entered earlier, the system will inform you that the displayed NTN number has already been assigned to you. Save this number for your record.<br />
<br />
Once you have your NTN number, it is time to start filing returns. Follow these steps:<br />
1) Go to FBR's website for e-enrollment. (This is the <a href="https://e.fbr.gov.pk/Enrollment/RegisterGuestStep1.aspx">link</a>)<br />
2) Select your Taxpayer type (Individual, AOP, Business)<br />
3) Enter your new NTN, CNIC and image characters<br />
4) You will be asked to enter some information. After entering, submit the form.<br />
5) A message will acknowledge your application and inform you that an email has been sent to your provided address<br />
6) Wait for the email. When it arrives, click the acknowledge link, enter your activation code and print the form<br />
7) You will shortly receive your username and password for filing<br />
<strike>8) Also, post the printed form to the address specified in the email</strike></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-75015398267200431692014-11-14T07:47:00.006-08:002022-10-19T10:11:01.611-07:00Evolution of Mortein mosquito repellant machines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mortein started with this capped hut design for their mosquito repellent machines in 2005. </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rrt1ignXjTE/VGYi0Xaxp_I/AAAAAAAAGpM/CJj6lNc5rXQ/s1600/WP_20141109_004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rrt1ignXjTE/VGYi0Xaxp_I/AAAAAAAAGpM/CJj6lNc5rXQ/s1600/WP_20141109_004.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was later replaced by this red and white ball design which was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-AOMQfR_Hg/VGYi0fhTnNI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/r6m1BxImW98/s1600/WP_20141109_002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-AOMQfR_Hg/VGYi0fhTnNI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/r6m1BxImW98/s1600/WP_20141109_002.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The third <strike>and latest design</strike> is this red and grey ball design with the addition of of a vaporizer control which allows users to reduce the emission of repellent liquid according to their requirements.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyzWKiLl-48/VGYi0DrDu7I/AAAAAAAAGpI/_eFDqUy5qvk/s1600/WP_20141109_001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyzWKiLl-48/VGYi0DrDu7I/AAAAAAAAGpI/_eFDqUy5qvk/s1600/WP_20141109_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;">This compact design was introduced in 2017 and was the 3rd iteration</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_JKLqvVFB8/WybE17TDvvI/AAAAAAAAKc0/5ww3tdl98pwtozxM1YnjTOhQIpZP9-_RwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180613_181411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_JKLqvVFB8/WybE17TDvvI/AAAAAAAAKc0/5ww3tdl98pwtozxM1YnjTOhQIpZP9-_RwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180613_181411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I noticed a slightly changed design of the Mortein mosquito repellent machine, which is the 4th iteration. It is similarly to the one above but without the red styling. The machine now bears an all white non-descript design. We can no longer change the vaporizer level as that functionality is not available in this edition. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyx1nV7_LJ_my3Um9_SoesdiDuc3gkI7060ftT3oxJmiz99aV7vhjWbF7RLvitUWeQo9vgtdn3aYEqfSxvaQqbAfM71gQfFR7O_D3KWZMRN8OTUJHq8oMcsHLZJF3zSFBWoXSwDxWIkz0XrDxjE-Gha3APBVVHZuDQNRXotlUPnRt6U2PY31konXgJw/s4032/20221019_215737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1860" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyx1nV7_LJ_my3Um9_SoesdiDuc3gkI7060ftT3oxJmiz99aV7vhjWbF7RLvitUWeQo9vgtdn3aYEqfSxvaQqbAfM71gQfFR7O_D3KWZMRN8OTUJHq8oMcsHLZJF3zSFBWoXSwDxWIkz0XrDxjE-Gha3APBVVHZuDQNRXotlUPnRt6U2PY31konXgJw/w93-h200/20221019_215737.jpg" width="93" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Update 8 July '16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mortein has also changed the liquid bottle that comes with the vaporizer (shown below).</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8516P_Yhk0/V3-q8tyqR9I/AAAAAAAAHYs/EFmgNnblYOM3D_b1YN82cFBolJfuZg5DQCLcB/s1600/WP_20160325_001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8516P_Yhk0/V3-q8tyqR9I/AAAAAAAAHYs/EFmgNnblYOM3D_b1YN82cFBolJfuZg5DQCLcB/s320/WP_20160325_001.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v339x61ZbMY/V3-rK83BRDI/AAAAAAAAHY0/-G39khdIzQwpNooyTLLWbQbnZOnumEQiACLcB/s1600/WP_20160325_002.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v339x61ZbMY/V3-rK83BRDI/AAAAAAAAHY0/-G39khdIzQwpNooyTLLWbQbnZOnumEQiACLcB/s320/WP_20160325_002.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-46831279620665057222014-09-30T10:04:00.001-07:002014-09-30T10:04:13.651-07:00Did we learn anything from 8 October, 2005?<div><div style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We all remember October 8, 2005. Nine years ago, a massive earthquake measuring .... On the richter scale razed buildings in north Pakistan, causing .... Casualties. A natural disaster of this magnitude could not be predicted. But could the number of casulaties be lowered if God forbid such a calamity was to hit Pakistan again?<br>After the earthquake there was talk during circuitous transmissions on TV of preventive measures. Have we done enough during the last nine years?<br>I distinctly remember drills being conducted in my school (among other places) in the aftermath of the earthquake. But as time passed such exercises were not repeated.<br>There was also talk of building design inspection and approval of buildings, but even at that time I was skeptical of this practice bring adopted, let alone it bring implemented in letter and spirit in the long run. <br>So nine years after disaster struck, we are as unprepared as we were in 2005.</div></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-28083122041055706852014-07-16T00:46:00.002-07:002014-07-16T00:47:15.856-07:00Rainwater Harvesting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year, while working on a World Bank project on reforming Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) of Punjab, I came across this astonishing fact: Groundwater in Lahore is being depleted 3 metres each year due to pumping for household and commercial use. This was a shocking revelation since Lahore received ample rainwater in the past few years. Further research highlighted that the water level had fallen 60feet from 1993 to 2012. Not only does the fall in water level make it harder to pump water out, it also exposes the citizens to arsenic waste that is found deep underground.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.myhouseconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/rwh-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.myhouseconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/rwh-2.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While working on the same project I met Dr. Nasir Javed, the geriatric but focused CEO of the Urban Unit. Mr. Javed is a big critic of the WASAs and their service delivery. He blamed the attitude of WASA higher ups for the fall in the ground water level. The overpumping of groundwater with tubewells seemed to be the problem. Moreover, WASAs had to buy extra equipment to remove water from flooded roads in monsoon season, which flushed water into sewers without recharging the ground warer. Mr. Javed was also working on a project known as "Rainwater harvesting". This entailed using the water from rains in Lahore - which is quite abundant in the summers - and using it for non-potable measures such as toilets and washing. Moreover, this harvesting also recharges the underground water aquifer. This project would also prevent flooding of roads since the water would seep underground in the artificial ponds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More research helped me look at other places this practice had taken place. In Chennai, India, a law was passed to install rainwater harvesting equipment in all homes and offices in a period of one year. This practice helped raise the water level from 50feet to just five feet. Moreover, the water qualify improved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dr. Javed's appeals to the government finally bore fruit in 2014 when an amendment was proposed to the LDA zoning and building regulations requiring<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24.00006103515625px;"> "</span><span style="line-height: 24.00006103515625px;">all buildings to be constructed in future in Lahore should have provision for rooftop rainwater harvesting. Collected rainwater may be utilised for all purposes other than drinking." A similar law was passed in Chennai which helped the municipal government raise water level.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24.00006103515625px;">As of 10th June 2014, LDA plans 39 water </span><span style="line-height: 24.00006103515625px;">catchment points to be used for Rainwater harvesting. Two of these are underconstruction at Qaddafi Stadium and Lakshmi Chowk. </span><span style="line-height: 24.00006103515625px;"> </span></span></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-8209851823813079912014-06-04T12:11:00.003-07:002019-07-20T12:31:32.136-07:00Lumia issues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Nokia_Lumia_1020_BG_removed.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Nokia_Lumia_1020_BG_removed.png" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have always been a NOKIA mobile phone user (except my Sony Ericsson K510) even in this age of Android dominance. The Windows Phones offer me a value proposition which Android phones just can't. But I cant say that I'm not unhappy with NOKIA. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I bought Lumia 610 in 2012 only to learn that Microsoft was about to introduce Windows Phone 8 which would not be available for my set. I hadn't recovered from the shock when I learnt my Windows Phone 7 software didnt even support USSD which was available since the time the first GSM phones were introduced. Nokia took no step to correct this anomaly even when they introduced WP7.8.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then, I upgraded to WP8 Lumia 525 as I use USSD heavily. The experience was appreciable until I started having problems of my phone shutting down erratically. After browsing the internet, I saw people using LUMIA 520 complaining about the same problem. People had offered the solution of inserting a small card under the battery in order to improve the battery's connection to the phone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, what I don't understand is, why is Nokia taking such a nonchalant approach to these complaints? If Lumia 520 had this problem, wasn't it Nokia's responsibility to fix it in L525? Nokia should look at their weaknesses if they want to expand in the territory of Android and iPhones. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-----</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Update: Aug 6, 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">It's deja vu as Microsoft is hell bent on losing the miniscule market share it has left. Just like it didnt update Win Phone 7 mobiles to Windows Phone 8, it has now left many Windows 8.1 phones in the dark when it comes to updating to Windows 10 mobile (including my L525). Although the Redmond firm had states earlier that all W8.1 phones will receive the update, many have been left out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">-----</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Update: July 20, 2019</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">In hindsight, it is a relief that Microsoft / Nokia stopped manufacturing Lumia phones. Each one I used had a debilitating problem with no solution. A summary is provided below: </span></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Lumia 610: No USSD support and was not </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Lumia 525: Loose battery issue mentioned above. Secondly, it just stopped working and required a change of motherboard / storage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Lumia 550: Probably the only phone that worked till I disposed it off. Had problems connecting Bluetooth peripherals and did not support the band of 4G my network provided</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Lumia 950xl: Battery issues, phone restarts and blanks out every now and then.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-25522723040454106472014-04-20T23:36:00.000-07:002014-04-20T23:33:41.479-07:00Windows 8.1 is the way to go<DIV> <DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Calibri,sans-serif">With all the talk surrounding Windows 8 (and 8.1) and Windows XP's support deadline, I feel people have been harsh on Microsoft.<BR>I wouldn't elaborate on any cool features Windows 8 boasts but rather the stuff that I care about. Windows 8 enhances Windows 7's functionality. <BR>Win7 was a great system, yet it had one issue. Whenever I used my favorite flashdrive (sandisk), and I chose to safely remove it, the blue light would stay on. Even after searching the whole internet I couldnt find the solution. <BR>Then I upgraded to Win8 in 2013 and bam! The light went off when I safely removed the USB. Moreover, Win8 displayed a picture of my USB as the icon, something which Win7 never did.<BR>So in addition to the important features, Win8 packs some small tweaks which make it efficient.</DIV></DIV>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-72779696768152012092014-02-10T12:27:00.000-08:002014-06-04T12:35:00.144-07:00Deficit: Good or Bad?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHGghCyGAqU/UoM-m9D1LNI/AAAAAAAAGbI/t5NP9ERAa2M/s1600/pakdeficit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHGghCyGAqU/UoM-m9D1LNI/AAAAAAAAGbI/t5NP9ERAa2M/s200/pakdeficit.jpg" height="192" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As Pakistan saw a safe transition of governments, the first
thing that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had on mind was the country’s
current-account deficit. Current account deficits have always been viewed with
an evil. It doesn’t need to be this way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The major misconception that newspaper readers have about the current-account deficit is that it slows down economic growth. This isn't necessarily true. The deficit exist because a developing country is currently in need of expensive machinery which it is importing from abroad. The installation of this machinery would help the country increase its production and hence increase growth. Moreover, growing aggregate demand can also cause a current account deficit as the demand for imports rises. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This argument should be rectified by saying that the higher the deficit goes as a percentage of the country's GDP, the lower will be growth of the country. Pakistan's current-account deficit is shown in the graph above (primary Y-axis inverted). It is interesting to note that the closest Pakistan came to achieving a surplus was in 2011 and even then it was around 1% of the GDP. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As of now, the deficit stands at around 1% of GDP but the total value has increased to $4 billion. The appreciation of the rupee in the recent months has decreased exports and increased imports hence putting pressure on the current account balance.</span></div>
</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-63334283548944304022014-01-29T22:27:00.000-08:002014-01-29T22:27:33.251-08:00Pakistan's sole representative at Sochi 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://paklinks.com/pak/media/k2/items/cache/6460d07c450acd8157d05c573a468efd_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://paklinks.com/pak/media/k2/items/cache/6460d07c450acd8157d05c573a468efd_XL.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's just 8 days to the start of the Winter Olympics 2014 in the Black Sea-neighbouring city of Russia. As has always been the case, Pakistani authorities find ways to mess up. The ongoing tussle between Pakistan Olympic Association (headed by Lt Gen (r) Arif Hasan) and the Government backed National Olympic Committee (formed under the controversial National Sports policy and headed by Akram Sahi) could lead to the suspension of Pakistan's membership of the IOC. This would mean Pakistan's sole representative at Sochi, Muhammad Karim may not be able to travel to Russia, endangering Pakistan's already thin participation in the games. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Karim, a teenager, is a participant in the men's slalom and giant slalom competitions. The government.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The feud started when the PML-N based government decided not to acknowledge Lt Retd Arif Hasan as the POA president after he won the seat in an election in 2012 (and defeating Sahi). The government introduced its National Sports Policy, leading to the formation of a National Olympic Committee headed by Akram Sahi. The IOC recognizes the POA headed by Arif Hasan. It has warned Pakistan that to sort out the mess by 31st January 2014 or face suspension.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">IPC Minister Riaz Pirzada has clearly stated that the Government has no intention of accepting the POA under Arif Hasan which means that the suspension is imminent. This would deprive young Karim of a chance to unveil his talent at the international stage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-24228743905583702982013-11-25T22:59:00.001-08:002013-11-25T22:59:11.155-08:00The Curious Case of Pakistan Cricket Team: Part 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan played the Asia Cup in June 2010 and did not qualify for the final. Next, was the tour to England. Pakistan faced Australia in 2 T20s (and won both) and 2 tests in England. Shahid Afridi left Test captaincy after losing the first test. Salman Butt was made captain for the second. The test series was drawn 1-1. Then Pakistan faced England for four tests. The series was lost 3-1 and everyone knows the "shenanigans" for which the tour is famous. The T20 series was lost 2-0 and the ODI series 3-0. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan flew to Abu Dhabi to face SA. Greenshirts lost the ODI series 3-2 but surprised everyone by drawing both Tests under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan travelled to New Zealand next. The T20 series was lost 2-1 but the Greenshirts showed composure and won the tests 1-0 and the ODIs 3-2. Next assignment was the World Cup 2011. Pakistan surprised everyone by qualifying for the semifinal after beating Sri Lanka, Australia and West Indies. India spoiled Pakistan's party and Greenshirts headed home after the semifinal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next was the tour to West Indies. Pakistan lost the only T20 but won the ODI series 3-2. The first test saw Pakistan's trademark collapse. Chasing 219, Pakistan were bundled out for 178. The second test was won by Greenshirts and series ended 1-1. Shahid Afridi had some concerns with the management and Waqar Younis and he quit captaincy after the WI series. Misbah ul Haq was made captain for all three formats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan won all their games on the tour to Zimbabwe. Waqar quit coaching after this series.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Next was the series against Sri Lanka in the UAE.Mohsin Khan was installed as an interim coach. Pakistan won the tests 1-0, the ODIs 4-1 and also won the only T20. Pakistan travelled to Bangladesh where they won all the games.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06lL87jvicY/TkpZ50soY-I/AAAAAAAADCk/k7HbbfUd_ss/s1600/Afridi+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06lL87jvicY/TkpZ50soY-I/AAAAAAAADCk/k7HbbfUd_ss/s1600/Afridi+21.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">England came to the UAE to face the Greenshirts. They were humiliated in the test series where they had no idea where the doosra of Saeed Ajmal was spinning. Pakistan took the Test series 3-0 but the ODI series saw a total reversal and Pakistan lost 4-0. The 3 T20 series ended 2-1 to England. PCB felt Misbah was not the perfect T20 captain and Hafeez was installed as T20 captain. Dav Whatmore was made coach and Mohsin Khan was removed, although he had done wonders as coach of the team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan went to Bangladesh to play the Asia Cup 2012. Pakistan won the final against Bangladesh (although they were beaten by India in league games).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next was the tour to Sri Lanka. Pakistan drew the T20 series 1-1, but lost the ODIs 3-1 and the tests 1-0. Australia came to UAE in September 2012. Pakistan lost the ODI series 2-1 but won the T20s 2-1. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next was the ICC T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Pakistan showed impressive form by beating Australia but lost the semifinal to Sri Lanka. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A small series was scheduled in India. Pakistan showed great skill in the entire series. Although the T20 series was 1-1, a great innings by Mohammad Hafeez was about to win it for Pakistan. The Greenshirts manhandled India in the ODIs 2-1 but it could easily have 3-0 had Pakistan's batting shown some strength in the final ODI.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tour of SA proved horrible for Pakistan as they were whitewashed 3-0 in the tests. They won the T20 1-0 but were beaten again in the ODIs 3-2 due to lacklustre batting performances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ICC Champions Trophy also was dreadful for Pakistan as they lost all three group games and went out of the tournament.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tour of West Indies was beneficial as Pakistan won the ODIs 3-1 and the T20s 2-0. But the following tour of Zimbabwe was marred by poor batting of the Greenshirts. Pakistan lost an ODI in the series but won the series 2-1 to match with the T20 win of 2-0. Unfortunately, a test was also lost after a collapse and the series ended 1-1.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">South Africa faced Pakistan in UAE in October 2013. Pakistan won the first test but a batting collapse meant the series was tied 1-1. The ODIs were lost 4-1 although it was closely contested. Pakistan blew off two ODIs. The first one was lost by a single run and the fourth one saw a batting collapse while cruising on 239-5 while chasing 270 odd. The T20 series was also lost 2-0.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusions:</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The purpose of this circumlocution was not to bore you, but to make you understand that it is not just a lack of consistency that has left Pakistan cricket in the state that it is today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Pakistan have tried being consistent. First giving Waqar Younis a reign of 2 years. Then Inzimam a reign of 4 years. Shoaib Malik had a reign of almost 2 years and now Misbah has been the captain for almost 3 years in tests and 2 in ODIs. But we haven't seen huge performances from the team during these consistent eras as well. Yes, there have been strong performance like against India and England in tests, but they are soon forgotten due to poor shows in the following series.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Changing captains does not work. From 1999 till today, Pakistan has had 13 captains. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* It does not matter whether the coach is foreign or local. Mohsin Khan did great work with the team, something Geoff Lawson and Dav Whatmore haven't been able too. Pakistan did win under Woolmer but there are no major world events to brag about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Interestingly, Pakistan won the T20 World Cup under Younis Khan who was made captain just 5 months prior to the event. The coach in the series was Intikhab Alam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* The domestic structure was changed from departments to regions in 2007 apparently after the advice given by Imran Khan to Dr. Nasim Ashraf. Cricket greats say that cricket has been effected badly by this change. I'll say, cricket wasn't touching heights before the change either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as I conclude, Pakistan get ready to play their 2nd ODI in South Africa. I hope they win the series.There are rumours of Waqar Younis joining the team as coach after the board fires Whatmore. But bear this in mind, changing captains, boards or coaches won't help Pakistan cricket. It will stay the way it has for the past 14 years.</span></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-19292224234244080452013-11-25T04:02:00.001-08:002013-11-25T22:26:33.940-08:00The Curious Case of Pakistan Cricket Team: Part 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The year 2006 started with India touring Pakistan for a second time in two years. The first two tests were tame draws but the third test in Karachi produced a demons for the Indian batsmen. Chasing around 600 in the fourth innings, India crumbled losing by over 350 runs. Pakistan won the test series 1-0 but where thrashed 4-1 by India in ODIs. Reasons were the loss were a failing batting line, one-dimensional pace attack and great Indian chasing ability. Next, Pakistan travelled to Sri Lanka and won the ODI series 2-0 and the test series 1-0. A 2 match DLF Cup in Abu Dhabi was shared 1-1 by Pakistan and India.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next was the fateful tour of England. Pakistan lost the test series 3-0 after forfeiting the fourth test, thanks to Inzimam's refusal to play after the hare-brained Daryll Hair declared that Pakistan had tampered with the ball. The ODI series was ended 2-2.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnhh3C2xH98/TkpJVWLboSI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/m1-zUjq255M/s1600/Afridi+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnhh3C2xH98/TkpJVWLboSI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/m1-zUjq255M/s200/Afridi+6.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan lost in the group stage of the Champions Trophy after back to back defeats against New Zealand and South Africa. Pakistan lost both Shoaib Akhter and Mohammad Asif due to a positive dope test. Next was the home series against WI which saw Pakistan win the tests 2-0 and the ODIs 3-1.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, the Greenshirts flew to South Africa. They lost the test series 2-1 and the ODI series 3-1. Another botched tour before the World Cup meant Pakistan went into the World Cup 2007 under pressure. The pressure showed itself as Pakistan lost to both West Indies and Ireland (minnows) to exit just two days after the start of the World Cup. Bob Woolmer suffered a heart stroke and passed away. The lacklustre performance meant another operation cleanup. Inzimam was removed from captaincy and youngster Shoaib Malik was made captain. Jeff Lawson was hired as coach of the PCT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan started well under Malik, beating World Cup finalist Sri Lanka 2-1 in Abu Dhabi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan went into the inaugural World T20 and surprised everyone by making it to final after beating Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Luck wasn't on the Greenshirts side as they lost by 5 runs in the final to India.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, Pakistan faced SA at home. Pakistan lost the test series 1-0 and the ODIs 3-2 after a batting collapse in the final ODI. The team travelled to India and lost the ODI series 3-2 and the test series 1-0.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan started 2008 by clean sweeping Zimbabwe and Bangladesh 5-0 in the ODI series. Pakistan defeated India in the final of the Kitply Cup to win the triseries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in June-July and did not qualify for the final. A T20 series was arranged in Canada, where Pakistan played Sri Lanka in the final and lost. Coach Lawson's contract was not renewed and he was ousted and Intikhab Alam was made coach. The Greenshirts faced WI in Abu Dhabi and won the ODI series 3-0. Next, in January 2009 they hosted Sri Lanka at home and lost the ODI series 2-1 after losing the third ODI at Lahore in uninspired fashion. This led to Shoaib Malik's sacking as captain. Younis Khan took over captaincy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first assignment was the Test series against Sri Lanka. The series was drawn 0-0 after the third day of the second test saw the biggest drama in cricketing history. Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by terrorist metres away from the Gaddafi Stadium. This shamed PCB as the SL team had favoured the Board by coming to Pakistan while other teams were not willing to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan faced Australia in May and lost the ODI series 3-2 after a collapse in the third ODI. Pakistan did win the T20 against the Aussies. Next was the ICC T20 which Pakistan won against all odds beating South Africa in the semifinals and SL in the final. Younis retired from T20 and Shahid Afridi was made T20 captain. Sri Lanka took revenge by winning the next series against Pakistan. The tests were won by SL 2-0 and the ODIs 3-2. Pakistan took a consolation win in the T20s.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next was the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa. Pakistan went into the semis after beating India and West Indies and coming close to beating Australia as well. The semifinal was won by New Zealand after Younis Khan dropped Grant Elliot. The maniacs in Pakistan's parliament and the PCB started asking questions and suggested that the catch was dropped as a match fixing scheme. Younis was grilled by the parliamentary committee and resigned as captain under protest. It took efforts from PCB to pacify the right-hander and he was asked to continue as captain. Next was the series against NZ in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan lost the ODIs 2-1 after a farcical performance in the third ODI. There were rumours of grouping inside the team and Younis was "rested" for the Tests (to be played in NZ). The following T20 series was won by Pakistan 2-0.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waqar Younis was chosen as the bowling coach for the team. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mohammad Yousuf was given the captaincy for the NZ tests. The first test was lost by the Greenshirts in trademark fashion. Chasing 251, the team were restricted to 218. The following test was won by Pakistan and the three match series ended 1-1. Yousaf led Pakistan to Australia. The test series was lost 3-0 after Pakistan failed to chase 179 in the 4th innings of the 2nd test. The ODI Series was lost 5-0. Yousaf too wanted "rest" in the final ODI and the reigns were handed to Shahid Afridi who bit the ball and was removed from the following T20 games for ball tampering. Shoaib Malik was made captain for the T20 game which Pakistan also lost. Mohammed Yousuf alleged that Shoaib Malik was responsible for the teams losses in Australia since he had made groups within the team while Malik called Yousuf a terrible captain. After all the hubbub, Malik captained the Greenshirts in the two T20s in Abu Dhabi against England. Series ended 1-1.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In March, an operation clean up was undertaken by the PCB with regards to poor performance in Australia. PCB shocked everyone by banning Younis and Yousuf indefinitely and Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Umer Akmal were fined for unruly behaviour on the tour. Shahid Afridi was made the captain for all three formats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan went into the World T20 2010 and were defeated by a master knock by Mike Hussey in the semifinal. Needing 18 of the last over, Hussey clobbered Saeed Ajmal around the park, reaching the target with a ball to spare.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- to be continued</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br /></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-39841516146467026932013-11-21T22:11:00.001-08:002013-11-21T22:12:44.795-08:00The Curious Case of Pakistan Cricket Team: Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We ended the last part at Pakistan's humiliating first round exit from the World Cup. So, as has been the norm, an operation clean up was undertaken and Waqar and Richard Pybus were sacked. Rashid Latif was made captain and Miandad was named coach for a third time. Senior players like Inzimam and Shahid Afridi were not included in the Cherry Blossom Cup that followed. Pakistan won the Cup after beating Zimbabwe (tournament also featured World Cup Semifinalist Sri Lanka). Next was a tri-series in Sri Lanka also involving New Zealand. Pakistan were beaten by the Blackcaps in the final. Pakistan headed to England for the Natwest Challenge which the Greenshirts lost 2-1.<br />
In the following series, Pakistan hosted Bangladesh. Inzimam saved Pakistan from embarrassment by winning the the third test by a wicket. As if fate was on his side, Rashid Latif was banned for five ODIs for claiming a dropped catch and Inzimam was made captain (first temporarily but eventually permanently). Rashid never played a game for Pakistan again. The ODI series was whitewashed by Pakistan.<br />
Pakistan hosted South Africa next. A closely contested ODI series was won by the Proteas 3-2 but Pakistan came back strong and won the test series 1-0 (Pakistan's first test series victory against SA).<br />
Next NZ was mauled by Pakistan 5-0 in the ODI series in Pakistan. In the return series to NZ, Pakistan won the test series 1-0 but lost the ODI series 4-1.<br />
Next Pakistan faced India after a long time. The ODI series was tightly contested but Pakistan lost 3-2. India went on to win the 3 test series 2-1 after lacklustre performance by Pakistan in Match 1 and 3. Miandad was removed as coach and Bob Woolmer was inducted.<br />
Asia Cup followed in August 2004. Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka, beat India but did not qualify for the final. Pakistan faced Australia and India in the Amstelveen Cup where Pakistan beat India but were defeated in the final by the Aussies. <br />
ICC Champions Trophy saw Pakistan beat Kenya and India to qualify for the semifinals. Inconsistency came back to haunt Pakistan during the semifinal against West Indies. The whole team was bundled out for 130 odd.<br />
Next was Paktel Cup in Pakistan which Pakistan lost in the final to Sri Lanka. The corresponding test series was drawn 1-1. Pakistan faced India in a one-off ODI to commemorate BCCI's 75 years, and spoiled the party for Indians by winning comprehensively.<br />
In December, Pakistan toured Australia and were drubbed 3-0 in the test series including a 491 run loss. In the VB series that followed, Pakistan grudgingly qualified for the finals, getting beaten 2-0 by Australia.<br />
The Indian tour followed this horrendous defeat. Pakistan drew the first test match courtesy Kamran Akmal and Abdur Razzaq's famous stance at Mohali. They were not so lucky in the second test but went on to draw the series 1-1 in the third. The ODI series was a great boost for Pakistan. Greenshirts won 4-2 after losing the first two games.<br />
The next series was in the Caribbean where Pakistan won the ODI series 3-0 but went on to lose the first test due to the same inconsistency of the batting time up. The second test was won and series drawn 1-1.<br />
England toured Pakistan in November 2005. The English team was fresh from a great Ashes victory but were mauled 2-0 in the test series by Pakistan, only because the second test was drawn due to insufficient light. Pakistan dominated the ODI series winning it in the 4th game (3-1) but went on to lose the last game.<br />
<br />
-- to be continued </div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-51524990119172014152013-11-19T22:28:00.000-08:002013-11-19T22:28:28.978-08:00The Curious case of Pakistan Cricket Team: Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we start from where we left off last time. In late 2001, Pakistan toured New Zealand under Moin Khan's captaincy and the coaching of Javed Miandad. The ODI series was tightly contested, ending 3-2 in favour of the kiwis. The Test series raised some eye brows with Pakistan leading 1-0 at the start of the third test. A poor batting display led Pakistan to a loss by an innings. The series ended 1-1. There were rumours of match fixing too. Moin Khan and Javed Miandad were both sacked and Waqar Younis was made captain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waqar's first challenge was ARY Gold Cup featuring New Zealand and Sri Lanka. After winning all round games, Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in the final by 77 runs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Richard Pybus returned for a third time as coach for Pakistan's tour to England. After getting hammered in the first test, Pakistani pacers helped the team level the series 1-1. Natwest Tri-series followed the Test series. Pakistan qualified to the final after beating England in all games and defeating Australia once. Unfortunately, the final was a replay of the 1999 World Cup. Pakistan were bowled out for 152. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the 2nd edition of the Asian Test Championship, and qualified for the final with Sri Lanka. Muddasar Nazar was named Coach after Pybus left the job citing security concerns in South Asia after the 9/11 attacks. The Greenshirts headed to Sharjah (second time this year) for the Khaleej Times Trophy featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka easily in the final.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next Pakistan went to Bangladesh and won both tests and all ODIs. West Indies flew to Sharjah (due to security situation in Pakistan), where Pakistan won both tests and also won the 3 match ODI series 2-1.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan were defeated in the Final of the Asian Test Championship. This defeat only bit temporarily since Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka a month later in the final of Sharjah Cup (April).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Zealand visited Pakistan in April-May 2002 after serious security concerns caused a series to be cancelled in 2001. Pakistan won the 3-match ODI series comprehensively (3-0) and also won the first test handsomely thanks to Inzimam's 329. The second test was cancelled after a bomb exploded near New Zealand team's hotel. Pakistan won the series 1-0. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan headed to Australia for a 3 match challenge. The tightly contest series was won by the Greenshirts 2-1. In August Pakistan went to Tangiers for the Morocco Cup featuring SA and Sri Lanka. Pakistan lost 3 out of the four round games and did not qualify for the final. Next came a PSO tri-series in Kenya, featuring Australia and Kenya. Pakistan lost both games to Australia, getting bowled out less than 120 on both occasions but qualified for the final by beating Kenya. Luck helped Pakistan share the trophy in the final as rain halted Australia's chase of 228.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan were knocked out of Champion Trophy 2002 by Sri Lanka in the very first game. PCB tried shaking things up by employing Richard Pybus as coach for a fourth time. But the worst </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snFin6wS70w/TkpRzACtzqI/AAAAAAAAC9U/Yv0tqlTJMlg/s1600/Pak+Team+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snFin6wS70w/TkpRzACtzqI/AAAAAAAAC9U/Yv0tqlTJMlg/s200/Pak+Team+12.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was to follow. Pakistan faced Australia in a first "international home test series" with the first game played in Colombo and the rest being placed in Sharjah. Pakistan were in control of the first test, on 173-3 chasing 316 but trademark inconsistency came to haunt the team, the match was lost by 41 runs. More misery awaited Greenshirts as they were bowled out for 59 and 53 in the 2nd test match and lost this one as well as the next one by an innings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe 5-0 in the ODIs and 2-0 in the tests. Pakistan were annihilated in South Africa. The greenshirts lost 4-1 in the ODI series and and then were embarrassed 2-0 by SA in the test series where they followed on in both tests losing the first one by 10 wickets and the second one by an innings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such "fruitful" preparation before the World Cup brought "reward". Pakistan were sent home before the Super-6 stage and their only victories were against Namibia and the Netherlands. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please note that Pakistan had the services of Wasim, Waqar, Inzamam and Yousaf at this time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coach Richard Pybus and Waqar Younis were both removed from coaching and captaincy respectively.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half time conclusions:</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Usually we blame PCB's adhoc policies for Pakistan Cricket's sorry condition. But if you look at both the previous part, PCB showed great restraint by keeping Waqar Younis as captain from April 2001 till the World Cup 2003 although Pakistan lost series during the two periods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Second, people blame inaction on part of the PCB that leads to Pakistan team's poor performance. PCB tried using a foreign coach four times with the national team, but nothing came off it as Pakistan lost both Champions Trophies and World Cups.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* After every series loss, people cry out for change in PCB as well as the captaincy. We saw what happened under Saeed Anwar and then Waqar Younis. Moreover, the board was changed 3 times in 1999-2000. Had change been the catalyst to success Pakistan would have shown great success during this period.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Another criticism is that younger players are not included in the side. Many youngsters were included after the 2000 loss to Australia, but the nation cannot tolerate loss and after every series there is hue and cry to bring back the legends. Same is true today about Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Wasim & Waqar era is a bit over-rated</span></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-67871184643322436002013-11-17T22:50:00.001-08:002013-11-18T21:53:04.776-08:00The Curious case of Pakistan Cricket Team: Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sat watching Pakistan choke once again in the 2nd T20 against the South Africans (the original chokers), I thought to myself, how can consistency be made a forte of Pakistan cricket (some might say that they are losing consistently, but lets not go there). The answer came to me fast: You can't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we analyze Pakistan's performance in the last 15 years we can fairly say that consistency is alien to Pakistan cricket team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We start with 1999, a year when Pakistan's team had greats like Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhter, Waqar Younis, Inzimam, Yousaf, etc. The only difference between the team then and now is that the team won Sharjah cups which at times took place twice a year. Unfortunately, Sharjah Cup doesn't take place anymore. Many people refer to Wasim-Waqar era as the Golden Era of Pakistan. Please! Pakistan people only remember those years fondly because its been too long and because Pakistan beat India alot in those yeas.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PEJdp-SF7M/TkpSwoTpqbI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/mooZKuM5a7U/s1600/Pak+Team+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PEJdp-SF7M/TkpSwoTpqbI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/mooZKuM5a7U/s200/Pak+Team+13.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan started the year by defeating India in India but then lost the next match with wickets falling like 9-pins. Series Ended 1-1. Pakistan did come back to beat India in the badly construed Asian Test Championship and won the Championship by beating Sri Lanka in the final. Pakistan also went on to win the Pepsi Tri-series in India. But before we get all patriotic, let me clarify that Sri Lankan and Indian teams in 1999 were skeletons of what they are today. Both had some star players but they lacked coordination and lost many times to Pakistan. In April, Pakistan won the Sharjah Cup but due to differences Coach Javed Miandad was removed. Pakistan went into the World Cup (under Coach Richard Pybus) in England as one of the favorites. Pakistan had a good world cup winning all games in Group stage (except Bangladesh, but we all know what was going on there). In the super-6 stage, we lost to South Africa and India and only qualified for the semifinal by beating Zimbabwe. After comprehensively downing New Zealand in the Semis, Pakistan were drubbed for 132 by Australia in the final of the 1999 World Cup. Richard Pybus was removed. Say hello to inconsistency.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan rehired Pybus later in the year and Pakistan won another Sharjah Cup but were severely beaten in Australia where they lost 3-0 in the test series and also lost both finals of the Tri-series.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heads rolled after the defeat. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pybus was shown the door and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wasim Akram was removed from captaincy, placing the reigns in the hand of Saeed Anwar. The Board (which itself was changed 3 times in as many months) wanted to "introduce young blood" and many youngsters were given a chance in the series against Sri Lanka. Result: Pakistan lost ODI series 3-0. Pakistan went on to lose 2 games in the Test series before Saeed Anwar gave up captaincy and Moin Khan was made captain and Javed Miandad was named the Coach. Moin won his first test making it a 2-1 in the Test Series for Pakistan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan went on to win the Sharjah Cup (this was a real achievement since they beat SA in the finals), the West Indies ODI tri-series (but were beaten 2 times by the West Indies) but lost the WI test series 1-0 (thanks to Umpire Billy Doctrove). Then Pakistan won the Asia Cup in June. Next was the tour of Sri Lanka where Pakistan won the test series 2-0 but were hammered in the tri series (also including South Africa) and could not even win a single match. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan went to Singapore in August to play a short tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand. Moin was injured so Waqar captained the side. Pakistan won both league games but were beaten by South Africa in the final. Next was ICC Champions Trophy in Nairobi in which Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the semifinal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- To be continued</span><br />
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Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-49102346660420778392013-10-22T03:07:00.004-07:002013-10-22T03:07:48.742-07:00Economist School Briefs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently, the Economist published a crash course on understanding the Financial Crisis. That made me search for the earlier school briefs the magazine published in 1999. Those were a series of eight articles on Finance. You can find links to them below<br />
1: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/252285">Finance Trick or Treat </a> (Published Oct 21, 1999)<br />
2: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/254485">The business of banking</a> (Published Oct 28, 1999)<br />
3: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/256818">Moneyed men in institutions</a> (Published Nov 4, 1999)<br />
4: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/326645">Stocks in trade</a> (Published Nov 11, 1999)<br />
5: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/260590">Monopoly power over money</a> (Published Nov 18, 1999)<br />
6: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/326882">Future perfect</a> (Published Nov 25, 1999)<br />
7: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/327003">Shared Values</a> (Published Dec 2, 1999)<br />
8: <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/327229">The future of finance</a> (Published Dec 9, 1999)</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-22898824509315347662013-10-02T23:50:00.002-07:002013-10-02T23:50:33.740-07:00About Cable Networks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With rising inflation and a sinking economy, it is heartening to see that prices of Cable TV, broadband internet and mobile networks are falling or are at least are stable.<br />
I remember paying the first bill for cable TV, which was around Rs. 150 in 2000. Today prices are around 350 (max). Over the 13 years, more channels have been added including some from our neighbouring country India and others from the USA. Moreover, the mushroom growth of Pakistan's own TV channels is astonishing. In 2000, Indus TV was the first private channel to start its operations. But today the number of Pakistani channels has skyrocketed (can't even remember how many or what their names are).<br />
Probably, the Cable Networks are trying to target volume rather than margin. The two top networks in Lahore, Wateen & Worldcall offer similar channels although Wateen's own channels do not feature 60-minute Bahria Town Ads.</div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-53001640640353299772013-09-22T23:28:00.000-07:002013-09-22T23:22:17.312-07:00PTCL comes to Phase 5<div><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt">PTCL has finally decided to lay fibre optics cable in DHA Phase 5 after almost a four-year standoff. Exclusive rights for broadband were awarded to Wateen telecom since 2008 which led to PTCL's absence from the area. <br> After an anti-trust court case in 2010, DHA has finally yielded and allowed PTCL to enter the precinct. <br></div></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-77258904291203530382013-09-13T07:51:00.000-07:002013-09-13T07:46:21.068-07:00The Quagmire called Zimbabwe Cricket<div><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt">It seems Zimbabwe Cricket is destined to be continuously involved in scandals. Starting in 2003, we saw Andy Flower and Henry Olongo mourning the death of Democracy. Reports of racism within the team started doing rounds in the media, although the committee set up by the ICC did not find any truth in them.<br> More recently, Zimbabwe players have gone up in arms over their match fee. Zimbabwe Cricket is in dire straits, which was evident from their preference for shifting the second test to Harare from Bulawayo. Cricketers wanted to boycott the first test but some last minute diplomacy made sure that the team went out to play, sans Sean Williams who didn't want to set foot in the ground without getting paid first. <br> Despite their financial troubles, Zimbabwe have shown great spirit in both test matches, something that had been missing during their previous outings. It is high time ICC takes some action and either directly pays the players or sets up an independent unit under a respectable individual, say Heath Streak, who would route the payment from the Council to the players. If the practice of putting faith in ZC to pay the players continues, we might keep seeing more instances vis a vis Kyle Jarvis.<br> </div></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-35441853085555479672013-08-27T05:00:00.001-07:002013-08-27T05:01:06.401-07:00Time flies by..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Trh3FRd50/UhyS72RWVHI/AAAAAAAAGXA/zyuapqi5xyc/s1600/Hublot-La-Ferrari-MP-05-Masterpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Trh3FRd50/UhyS72RWVHI/AAAAAAAAGXA/zyuapqi5xyc/s200/Hublot-La-Ferrari-MP-05-Masterpiece.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, I came across a magazine solely for watches, WATCHTIME. As I perused through the pages, I was mesmerized by the sheer volume of watch brands that exist in the market. I, being a watch collector (although small) myself, I found the magazine truly entertaining. But this is not why I'm writing this post. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the end, I came across a watch by Ferrari (see picture attached) which looked more like an engine. Additionally, I for one, found the reading time off the watch extremely hard. But the price tag on the watch read $235,000. I rubbed my eyes into see if it was actually $235.000 and not $235,000 but to my dismay it was the latter. Moreover, another watch I saw took GPS signals from 24 satellites to show you the correct time wherever you go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I see both these watches as a waste. I mean can't you just change the time when you get off at an airport? Why do these rich people have to complicate even the simplest of things in life. People don't have clean water to drink and these snobs spend $235,000 on a watch that doesn't even show time correctly. Get a $2 disposable watch you stiff-necks. </span></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-25619644710449096392013-01-13T11:59:00.001-08:002013-01-13T12:00:55.689-08:00End of an Era<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So its official. March 15 will mark the end of a revolutionary product in the history of the internet, the MSN Messenger (a.k.a Windows Live Messenger). As a management student, this didn't come as a surprise since all products have to go through the "disposal" phase. But I will admit feeling a tinge of nostalgia. My first encounter with MSN Messenger was during 2001, when I was just 11 years old. The concept amazed me; send messages to people sitting at the other end of the world and get their replies immediately. I still remember, the version than was 4.6. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As time passed, features were rolled in MSN Messenger. Emoticons, Winks, Display pictures all made their way into the program. A more simpler version was kept as Windows Messenger though we don't know what its purpose was.</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/sad/goodbye-tears-smiley-emoticon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/sad/goodbye-tears-smiley-emoticon.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then in 2005, the big news came. MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger announced interoperability, allowing users of both programs to chat with each either cross-platform. It was nothing less than magical in those days. </span><br />
<a href="http://www.bigblueball.com/forums/attachments/windows-live-messenger-news/808-yahoo-microsoft-im-interoperability-arrives-msn-yahoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://www.bigblueball.com/forums/attachments/windows-live-messenger-news/808-yahoo-microsoft-im-interoperability-arrives-msn-yahoo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2008, the MSN Messenger was rebranded Windows Live Messenger in order to bundle it with Windows Live Essentials. The latest version (version 15) was released in 2010. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During the last two years, I felt that messenger was being underused. Due to the introduction of Facebook chat and Google Chat, right into the websites, meant that the need for a standalone chat client was fast diminishing. Even the Messenger add on website, Mess.be was not updated after June 2010.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, in November 2012, the interoperability with Yahoo Messenger was cancelled and in January this year, Microsoft announced that the plug will be pulled on Messenger on the 15th of March 2013 (with contacts being added to Skype). This date in spring, will mark an end of an era. </span></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888647364257718453.post-48038112164103631262012-12-13T02:30:00.000-08:002012-12-13T02:30:05.749-08:00Zing Stumps and more<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXXTlfGc2RI/UMmfw8rRyAI/AAAAAAAAGCs/dekLZNrBV1c/s1600/bbl-light-up-stumps-670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXXTlfGc2RI/UMmfw8rRyAI/AAAAAAAAGCs/dekLZNrBV1c/s320/bbl-light-up-stumps-670.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Zing Stumps are the new IN thing at Big Bash 2012. As seen in the photo, the stumps light up when the bails are dislodged. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wasn't surprised to see the Zings, as they are called, in the Big Bash. After all, it was the Australian Cricket Board which first experimented with coloured clothing (thanks to Kerry Packer) that we now take for granted. Then was the use of floodlights, under which the 1992 world cup was played.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2006, the hotspot was also used for the first time in Australia during the Ashes. Flashing stumps are the latest addition to the list of innovations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Moreover, Zings are not the only new technology being used this year in Big Bash. There are other smaller additions like the FoxKopter camera and helmet cameras. To be honest, I'm not a fan of different camera angles but the stumps seem to be an additional entertainment. Their purpose is to help stumping decisions but they surely will add to the cricketing flavor.</span></div>
Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14207036722981820023noreply@blogger.com0