It is a good opportunity for investors and prospective new comers in this field to familiarize themselves with the few names that are there in this field, and learn of ways and paths of making a their work a success.

You must be living under a rock or in a cave not to know that Pakistan today is a hotbed for foreign and local investment in IT and software development market. Projects like Brightspyre, Scybe, PakTranslations.com, and many other companies working in the development sector are poised and ready to receive investment through their projects.

The list of speakers for Islamabad is as follows:

• Ovais Ashraf, CEO, Trivor Software / Trango
• Faisal Chohan, CEO Cogilent Systems / Brightspyre ; possibly also Atif Mumtaz
• Faizan Buzdar – CEO, Scrybe Corp.
• Osama Hashmi, CEO, CDF Software – (Green & White)
• Zahid Mirza, Netsol Technologies
• Saeed Qadri, CEO, Voxel Communications
• Faisal Qureshi, CEO, Kolachi Advanced Technologies
• Jehan Ara, President, PASHA

It will be a 3 hour session, like the one held in Karachi with PixSense and the one planned for Lahore.

Date: Thursday, January 31.
Time: 6pm to 9pm.
Venue: LMK Resources, ETC beside Marriot Islamabad.
Organizers: LMK Resources, P@SHA, Green and White.
Courtesy: Green & White
Link: [Green & White Post]
Investor? Info for you.

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet T-37 (correction: K-8) has crashed near Swabi in NWFP province, the preliminary reports said Tuesday.

The PAF jet crashed in the compound of the Gulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Science and Technology in Tobi area of Swabi District according to the PAF.

The pilot is dead and a gardener on the ground is also feared to have expired in the crash, the sources said. (GEO)

Watch this space for pictures and more updates.

Inna lilahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon!

The most attractive part of the offer was their unlimited download timings. Their package offers 512 Kbps speed for 6GB, and unlimited downloads from 8:00 p.m to 8:00 a.m & on Sundays, all at Rs. 1,199/-. Which is Rs. 200 I pay for this wretched connection, at a slower speed, lesser download/upload limit and that can’t even get Blogger for me to open. I hope someone at Dancom listens, and listens in on their competitors in the market too…

Anyone who’s started using Nayatel? I wonder what their services are like.

Who knew that her car would end up becoming her coffin? A car that was built to protect her. Till when will man escape God’s will and desire. It’s all a matter of time…

From God we all come, to God we all go!

We at IMB wish to condole with her family and the nation in a moment of great sorrow. And no, it’s not politically motivated.

Anyways, I have compiled a list of interesting web links from all over the internet here and here for you to use as reference anywhere. Most of them have been grabbed from various mailing lists and friends. Thanks to all of them.

It is neither indifference nor lethargy, it’s pure catatonia at what is happening around us these days that we are all in, in this blistering cold city. It’s really sad that a part from us few bloggers there isn’t much one can do to help the situation anyway. If you have any good idea, do post a comment, or suggest a story.

Here is my dedication to all depression/sadness stricken young people out there.

Hope Leaves by Opeth.

I happen to be in Karachi for a few days so I started work at a local startup. As usual the first day was not all that ‘work’ so I decided to leave office 5:15 pm yesterday. The office is located at main Shahrahe-Faisal and I had to get a cab ride back home. I arrived home at like 5:50 pm when I heard about the attempt at Benazir Bhutto’s life. A few moments later, the sad news of her demised was broadcast and all of us were left stunned. I am sure most of us were like that too. While I was totally catatonic, my family members started calling people up to inform them about the tragedy and to return home as soon as possible.

One of my uncles was stranded in the traffic some 10 ~ 20 minutes away from our home, but they were being told that people had already started stoning and trashing cars passing that area. Without losing a second they jumped off the car and started walking home. A better idea considering grievers were targeting cars and shops only. This was Khyaban -e- Zamzama. With two young daughters and a wife, they reached home safe and sound.

But not everyone was as lucky as them. When we decided to return at 1 am that night (today) to get the car we witnessed the darker side of the situation first hand.

Cars stood stranded in the middle of the road, burnt and charred to the ground. From Suzuki to buses stood twisted and still. Banks and shops were broken into and stolen from, we saw this as we zipped around in our car to reach our stranded car – only the headlights of our car disturbing the cold silence of the darkness after the emotion riots that evening. Tires lied burnt and odorous, as rocks and stones told of a sad story of anger and frustration.

I am not a supporter of the affected party in this tragic assassination of yesterday, but I feel the person whoever did this infringed on every Pakistani’s right to live a free life. He murdered the basic sense of humanity and brotherhood, and not one person or one ideology. Regardless of cause or motive, no one has the right to ‘kill’ any other person for whatever reason.

Lets pray in unison for our country, and our nation that may we come out stronger and more determined to respect life, ideas, peoples and nations. Ameen.

I miss Islamabad :(

I was still thankful for I had been traveling in a heated college bus, had some warm clothing on, and was heading home to something warm to eat. With the clothes I had on, I looked like something right off the flight from abroad or something… But still, it was not the things around me that make me angry. It was the people. It ‘is’ always the people, isn’t it? You can never ask them for compromise, a little accommodation, or even a heartfelt greeting. We are all cold and frozen from the inside; just like this weather!

We, me and a few others, landed on a dirt track. After making our way to the nearest traffic signal (read landmark) I called up home for them to come pick me up. I decided to bear away the weather for a little while, which was honestly the last thing I would do before going berserk on someone near-by.

The traffic signal was just off the highway, hence there was a police barrier (or chowki) right next to where I was standing. I had no other choice, but to avail the dim light of the kiosk to make myself prominent in that cold, dark and desolate road side. Desolate except a few policemen. Policemen! And as soon as I saw one, he looked back and approached me.

“Good God! The perfect night, the perfect day!” I said to myself. For all the things I had heard of the late about the on going student-police relationships, this had to be the best time. The police have been blamed for manhandling students, lawyers, civilians, etc. They threw a few of ‘us’ into jails for no apparent reason. They are characterized as a fully autonomous ‘goon squad’, stories and news about which are more popular than the local folklores. The horror of standing there shivering in the middle of nowhere; the worst of fears ran through my head.

But the situation called not for me to lose it all together. And why should I? After all, as this tall person with a beard and an AK-47 on his shoulder approached me, he greeted me, “Asalam Alikum!” I replied, we shook hands and he inquired where was I heading to and where was I coming from. In situations like these, I have seen and heard from my friends to step away from the officer, not to answer a word, and to avoid conversation all together. Some also suggest to create a ‘racket’ if there is too much interrogation to your liking.

I am not the champion wrestling type, I avoid agitating situations for my own good. Most of the times I end up getting the bad part, so I usually do not try. Anyways, he smiled at me and told me not to be afraid as all his interrogation was merely because of the black bag I was carrying. I felt relieved and asked to move into a brighter spot. He allowed me to do as I may and offered me to place the bag on the motorcycle seat that stood near-by. I said no, as the dust from my bag would ruin his seat.

Soon, a motorbike came to a halt in front of us and passed him a black bag. He was a few steps away and the noise from the traffic didn’t allow me to listen in to what they exchanged. It was just a bag of fruits, of which he offered me two bananas. Did I mention I was starving? I couldn’t refrain from taking the second, you never can when someone offers you something to eat just like that. I felt happy, yet quite surprised.

As he got on with his duty on the road side, the reality of the arctic weather hit me once again. I realized how difficult it must have been for these guys to do this lousy duty day in day out, with such a crap salary, and with such rejectionism from the civil circles in such severe of weathers. The rejection from being understood as human beings trying their best to serve their neighborhoods, their streets, their cities, their country! And not to mention the variety of characters they get to face on a daily basis who have ego’s talking with the stars. It must really be a shit life!

Regardless of what people and the newspapers tell me, it takes two hands to clap! And I believe from this night onwards, if we the civil society people acted civilized, there is no reason for this arm of the law to extend out toward us. We are not the only ones eligible of being called ‘humans’! These people need to be treated humanely too. A little bit of respect and patience is was they ask off us.

After all, we are not the ones being blown to bits and pieces by suicide bombers, now are we? It’s guys like these who will one day sacrifice themselves to protect our royal asses from the menace of terrorism and crime.

And I might even sleep well tonight, knowing I had met a guy like him who was on the streets making them safer, and happier.

Thank you, Mr. Unnamed police officer!

We at IMB have been discussing what new topics to write about a for a while and one of the most favored topics was food and eating out. One of our readers suggested us to do a Top 3 list of eat-outs in Islamabad. One of the ideas we really liked, and we got around to writing our own mini-reviews for these restaurants. More recently Adnan Siddique, a new Islamabadi, suggested to us in a comment here to do a similar post. So here we go!

This picture on the right however is a platter of Mutton Biryani taken from Karachi Metroblogs, thanks guys.

So starting from number 3, here is my list.

My Number 3 restaurant in Islamabad would be Nadia’s Coffee Shop, Islamabad Marriott. Their food is really good and the variety especially on the buffet hi-tea is something to die for. One of it’s kind in Islamabad, the seating and ambiance (I hate this word, but heck) is really good with live music being played a yards away. The only reason it falls short of number 2 spot is because it’s not your typical monthly outing, and for a person like me I won’t even consider going there twice in a quarter. Although it is the right spot to close a deal or make a (business) proposal. So, Nadia will be my number three :)

On Number 2 comes Chinatown * located adjacent to the Rana Market F-7 and they serve some really good Chinese and Schezuan dishes. If you are in the mood for some spicy and rich Chinese, head on down to Chinatown for some wholesome grub. They serve a variety of soups, starters, appetizers, entrées, and main dishes that are really affordable at the same time quite palatable too. Sometimes on weekends them might fall short of parking space or seating, it is better to go there with a booking/reservation first. They take orders for take away and also for sit and eat one the phone which really ups their ratings with me since I am a lazy bum and usually have my cell handy. Just in case you don’t have their number, just call up the local directory service at 17 and ask them about Chinatown in Rana Market. Recommended dish: The Firepot.

Finally, the Number 1 restaurant in Islamabad for me is the Kabuli Restaurant also located in F-7 but on the main College Road, adjacent to Jinnah Super Market. I am a sucker for desi food, since I know I can always fix myself a sandwich here and there, and I really can’t take the pain of even thinking of making such delicious Afghan Peshawari food. This spot was also competed for by Savour Food’s of the Savour Pullaofame, but in thematic comparison to the number of items of the two restaurants Kabuli takes the cake. From Central Asian specialties to Pakistani favorites, this is the best bar-b-q in Islamabad bar none. The seating can be a little issue for some, as they are rarely any empty tables; the wait times are long on weekends and dinners. The food there is to die for especially the Chutnee and Achar they serve it with. If you are in Islamabad, and want something desi with a hot Naan Kabuli is the place to go. Recommended dishes: Mantu, and Kabuli Pullao (aka Brinj in Farsi).

Other acts worth mentioning are Jharoka, TalkingFish, KC Grill, UpperDeck, Muitat, Chung Pa, Olive Garden, Jahangira, Usmania, Tabbaq, Lasania, Haji, Table Talk, Royal Orchid and Orient.

For a general overview of what we have already talked about, here on IMB, check out our Food Archives, or just search.

Have a happy dining experience, with love, from Islamabad Metroblogs.

* Chinatown is undergoing renovation these days so it’s suggestible not to waste time planning on going there.

14th of August is round the corner and looming menace of one wheelers on Islamabadi avenues and their pillion bombardiers (using crackers) is ever present.

However, help is on the way. A strong deterrent issued by the Islamabad Traffic Police says,

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has decided to award two-year imprisonment and fine up to Rs 5,000 as the maximum punishment according to the law to people performing motorcycle stunts on roads like one-wheeling.

ITP’s camera equipped vehicles would also check violations by motorists on roads. “A mechanism has been devised for checking traffic violations through the installation of cameras. With proper monitoring by the Traffic Police control room, the cops’ performance would also be ensured.” [Link]

Some of us think that they too have a right to enjoy the independence day celebrations just the way other people do. I support this thought, only if they do not infringe on the celebration or participation of others. Not only in Islamabad, this phenomenon of taking to the roads and streets on motor bikes with mufflers removed seems universal in Pakistan.

Today we are 60 years too late of bringing any sort of good reform to our civic manners and limits. If it is of any use, lets try not to be party-poopers for the families that only want to drive from zero point to Abpara to the constitution avenue and then Jinnah Avenue just to see the beautifully lit buildings.

I love ITPs lovely ‘attitudes must change’ approach, because they HAVE to, and I get to know that my tax money is being spent, in one good way or the other.

I don’t know what the truth behind the claim is and if it is worth it going to the CC in the middle of work or not, but still this is not my type of an activity, have fun at the meeting.