Arfa Karim – Pride Of Pakistan

One of the youngest IT professional Arfa Karim died on 14th January 2012 at 10:50 p.m. She was famous as the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in the history (at the age of 9). As a Pakistani, she is the pride of nation who brightened the name of the country in all over the world. When she passed successfully the exam of MCP in 2004 then in her honor, the Chairman of Microsoft Bill Gates invited her to visit the Microsoft Headquarters USA. She remained the youngest MCP till 2008.

Arfa Karim was born on 2nd February 1995 at Faisalabad, Pakistan. Her father Amjad Karim Randhawa is a retired military colonel. At present, she was the student of second year of A levels in Lahore Grammar School. When Arfa returned to Pakistan after visiting the Microsoft Headquarters then she had become famous due to her historical achievement. She gave many interviews to the television and newspapers. Also, the journey of her success began. She was awarded by Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal as well as Salaam Pakistan Award in 2005 in the field of science and technology. Like youngest MCP of the world, she was also the youngest recipient of the President’s Award for Pride of Performance.

Arfa was also invited as a keynote speaker in the Tech-Ed Developers Conference organized by Microsoft in November 2006 in Barcelona. She was the only Pakistani among 5000 developers of the world in that conference. Arfa represented Pakistan in many international forums. She also earned her first flight certificate at a flying club in Dubai when she flew a plane at the age of 10.

Arfa was suffered from Heart Attack and just after that Brain Hemorrhage on 22nd December 2011. Due to these sudden attacks, she slipped into coma and admitted into Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore where doctors were striving to save her life. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates took special interest in the treatment of Arfa. Gates made a contact to her father and told that he would bear all the expenses of Arfa’s treatment in the US but Pakistani doctors said that Arfa is on ventilator, therefore, it would be a risk to shift her to any other hospital in that condition. Gates also set up a team of international doctors who were in contact with the doctors of CMH about Arfa’s treatment through video conferences.

But as it is said that no one can change nature’s decisions, in spite of all these best treatments, Arfa lost the battle of life after 26 days on Saturday 14th January 2012 at the age of 16. Her funeral prayer was offered on Sunday 15th Januray 2012 at Shami Road in the Cantonment area of Lahore at 10 a.m. A large number of people attended her funeral including many politicians, armed forces officials and the Chief Minister of Punjab province Shahbaz Sharif. After that, she was buried in the graveyard of her native place Faisalabad.

After the news of her death, every eye was full of tears. Arfa Karim was a genius daughter of Pakistan who left an indelible mark on the hearts all Pakistanis. Her young death was a great national loss. The President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed their sorrow over the death of Arfa Karim. No doubt she is the great example of every emerging IT professional of Pakistan. May Allah give her in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give courage to her family to bear such a great loss (Aameen). The whole Pakistani nation (including myself) condoles sincerely to the bereaved family. We will always miss you Arfa.

Will Imran Khan Really Bring A “Change”?

“Change”, this is the major slogan of a growing political party of the country Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Under the leadership of former most popular captain of Pakistan cricket team Imran Khan, PTI is emerging in the whole country with all its power. The leader Imran Khan recently conducted some very successful public meetings in different cities of Pakistan due to which the power of PTI is increasing day by day. After the successful rally in Lahore, now PTI also conducted the public meeting near the tomb of Quaide-e-Azam on his 135th birthday. This rally was also one the memorable rallies in the history of Pakistan which were attended by thousands of people.

There is a big difference exists between PTI and other political parties of Pakistan. The difference is that the majority of PTI supporters consist of youngsters. Also, a huge quantity of children and women is also supporting Imran Khan and think that he is the true leader and our well-wisher. What’s the reason? Because Imran Khan talks about “change”. The “change” from which he can change the whole country. This sudden slogan of “change” supported him a lot and his party got popularity countrywide. This evocation of “change” also created a boom in Pakistani politics. Many great leaders of different political parties joined PTI like Shah Mehmood Qureshi (PP), Azam Sawati (JUI-F) including the biggest boom Makhdum Javaid Hashmi who had 24 years old strong loyalty with PML-N.

Huge crowd of PTI supporters in Karachi Public Meeting

Public meeting of PTI in Karachi (25-12-2011) contained a huge crowd of PTI supporters. Everywhere I saw the heads of people with PTI flags in the meeting place. Not only in the meeting place but also a huge quantity of supporters were also present outside where a big screen was arranged to see the address of Imran Khan and other PTI leaders. In the address, Imran Khan gave the hopes to the nation and his speech contained almost all such promises to the nation which is explained by every political leader. Media also gave full coverage to this public meeting. Representatives of different channels also talked to different supporters of Imran Khan including youngsters, children, women and infact, handicapped too. All these said that Imran Khan is their only hope and he will bring a “cange” in the country.

Well the moto is to write this blog is not that I am a supporter of Imran Khan or PTI. I personally do not support any political party because history tells us that no one is sincere to this country. When political parties are not in the power then say that we will change the country, we will remove the corruption, and a lot of hopes bla bla bla. When these parties come in the government then rob the country, fill their personal accounts with national wealth and make new new records of corruption. All political parties are selfish and always see their own beneficium over country. Anyone accept or not but it is true. I am also not saying that Imran Khan is wrong. I just want to say that Pakistani nation has reconnoitered many political parties and has seen the results too. So we should also give a chance to PTI like other parties and see that will Imran Khan really bring a “change” in Pakistan or prove himself as a selfish, greedy and corrupt leader like others.

A Memorable Trip

Saturday 3rd December 2011 was one of my memorable days. On that day, I and one of my close and sincere friends Hussain planned to go to give the audition for a theater play in defence. Actually the moto is just to try that have we the abilities for acting or not ;-) :-P Well we just went for fun and enjoyment and then this journey became memorable of both’s life.

I and Hussain planned to meet at 4:30 p.m at Paradise bakery. My home is the most nearing to that place. Well I arrived at the bakery and then at exact time, Hussain came with a car and totally surprised me. Because we made a plan that we go by bus. Pillion riding was also banned by the government. So my friend came and we departed for the destination. First of all we went to Usmania Colony from where Hussain had to put the engine oil in his car. During that break, we stayed some minutes and took cold drinks for refreshment.

Main Road of Phase 8 (Khayaban-e-Shaheen) Defence

After filling car’s engine with oil, we departed for audition. The place was Le’cole for Advance Studies which is situated in Khayaban-e-Shaheen phase 8 (defence). Actually it is so far and inside the defence area. We had to arrive there at 6 p.m. Well at Khayaban-e-Ittehad, we stopped and asked the address from an estate agency. The address was not so difficult so we continued our journey. Actually phase 8 of Khayaban-e-Shaheen was not proper build. Majority of the area contains plots only. So after arriving there, we asked the floor from the guard on which the auditions are conducted. We arrived at the audition hall where other participants were also present. The theater drama was in English. So their representatives gave both of us a script in which dialogues are written.

View of Beautiful Creek Vista Apartments (Phase 8 Khayaban-e-Shaheen) Defence

Representatives gave everyone a chance to speak those dialogues with best of their efforts. We tried our best and analyzed that can we become actors or not? :-) Well the audition was so successful but the competition was also so tough. So administrators say that we will call you for the next round. After the audition, we departed from that place and arrived to the Shaheen Shinwari Restaurant (Gulshan-e-Jamal) where we ate the popular and delicious dish of that restaurant Chicken Boneless Handi. My friend Hussain ate first time that dish from the restaurant and he really liked it. I also took one parcel for my family and then we returned back. From a CNG station in Johar Mor, Hussain filled his car cylinder with CNG and then he dropped me at my home.

Beautiful view of Creek Vista Apartments at night

Well this was a wonderful trip with Hussain and we really enjoyed it. Specially the Chicken Handi of Shaheen Shinwari was so delicious. Hussain is a good person as well as a true friend who always help me whenever I need him. One more thing I forgot to tell you. He also stared at girls in the whole journey (as he is a little bit naughty). Also, he made me laugh with different jokes. I hope that we will remember this memorable trip as we both went outside for a long time because we don’t have enough time for enjoyment due to our family responsibilities. Well we will keep arranging such type of programs to make strong our friendship more Insha Allah.

Salam Ramadan 2011

It is related to Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.A) that the Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (S.A.W) said, “When the month of Ramadan comes, the Gates of Heaven are opened and Gates of Hell are shut down and the devils are tied with chains”. (Bukhari and Muslim).

Ramadan is the 9th month in Islamic calendar. The purpose of this Holy month is to avoid a Muslim from those habits which he has acquired throughout the year. It is a month in which Muslims beware of some acts like eating, drinking and fulfilling their desires. The moto is that if a Muslim can control these desires in this month which are normally permissible for him than he can definitely control himself from other desires which are strictly forbidden in Islam.

Ramadan gives a golden chance to every Muslim to connect and keep closer to Allah by reaping many rewards that lie in this Holy month. The main significance of this Holy month is Fasting. When a Muslim keeps him away from eating and drinking for a limited time just for Allah then he surely gains unlimited success of never-ending life in heaven. Remember that Fasting doesn’t only mean to beware of eating and drinking, but also refrain from many other bad things and habits such as fighting, backbiting, abusing, using slang language, etc. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink" (Bukhari). In another Hadith, He said, “If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting'" (Bukhari).

The moto of Fasting is to attain righteousness (called “Taqwa” in urdu) in Muslims which means to fear from Allah and to obey His every command. So Fasting in 30 days of this Holy month mean that it is a command of Allah for Muslims that is followed. It is proved by this Hadith in which the Prophet (S.A.W) indicated, “Allah said, all the deeds of Adam's sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.” Fasting will also become our source of protection in the Day of Judgment. On the day when we will be collected in one place to give an account for our every good and bad deed that we are done in this world. On that time, Fasting will save us from hell. A Hadith confirms it more in which the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) said, "Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins" (Bukhari).

In the importance of Fasting in Ramadan, The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) more said, "Paradise has eight gates, and one of them is called Ar-Raiyan through which none will enter but those who observe fasting." The Prophet also said, "If a person spends two different kinds of something (for Allah's cause), he will be called from the gates of Paradise" (Bukhari).

Another important factor that discriminate Ramadan from other months is the advent of the Night of Lailat-ul-Qadr. The Night is said to be the one in which Allah writes the decree of His creation. In Quran, Allah says, "The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. (That night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn." (3 – 5, Surah Al-Qadr).

So, the Holy month of Ramadan 2011 has been started with its shower of blessings. Ramadan Mubarak to all of you from me. May Allah make our every Fast of this Ramadan a shield of protection from hell and its fire. May Allah make this month as an intercessor for us in the grave. May Allah not make us like those people who do not get any blessing and virtue from their fasts except for hunger and thirst and may Allah guide us towards making this Ramadan as a source for gathering numerous and unlimited blessings and getting our all major and minor sins forgiven. Aameen.

Colors Of Life

1. When problems are so big and your strength is no longer enough to carry them, don’t give up. Because where your strength ends, the grace of Allah begins.

2. Some flowers grow best in the sun. Others do well in the shade. Allah knows what is best for you so He puts us where we grow the best.

3. Luck is like sand in the hands. It will sneak out through the fingers. No matter gripped firmly or held loosely. Only hands in the praying position can save it.

4. Never loose your patience. No matter how drastic the situation becomes.

5. Your language is a reflection of your personality. So keep it in control.

6. Keep pace with your spiritual thoughts for it surely would lead you to your aspirations.

7. Everyone in this world would easily say “you have changed a lot”. But no one in the world will ever look into your eyes and say “you have compromised a lot”.

8. If you never tasted a bad apple, you can never differentiate a good apple. That’s how, you have to experience life before you understand.

9. Compromise in the art of dividing o cake in such a way that everyone believes that they have got the biggest piece.

10. You want and you wait, that’s time. You want and you get, that’s luck. You want but you compromise, that’s natural fact. You want, you wait and you compromise, that’s true life.

Cheating In Exams – An Art

Every student definitely knows about the concept of cheating in exams. This trend is popular in almost all over the world. In fact, in the most progressive countries like UK, USA, too. Basically to cheat in exams means to give exams with illegal ways. Like if a student doesn’t prepare for his exams properly then it carries some material in which different solutions of their courses are written which he didn’t learn. He thinks that he will give paper by using them. Some students successfully give their exams by cheating and some are caught red handed. Because cheating in exams is an illegal way and a proper law as well as strict actions exist against this activity in the world.

Students are very genius. Their minds are very sharp. Some are very intelligent in studies and some use their sharp and active mind in illegal activities. Let’s take the example of cheating. A lot of students use a variety of techniques to cheat in the exams. Sometimes the techniques are very creative on which human’s wisdom is really astonished and people think that if a student uses this sharpness in his studies then he will be on top. So, due to such amazing creativity, the method of cheating in exams has become an art. A creative art which any student can use while giving his paper. Come I tell you that how much and which type of creative cheating techniques are famous in the world.

Well first of all we talk about carrying small papers in exams in which materials related to the subject is written. This method is the most easy and popular cheating method. These small papers are commonly called “pharrey” in Urdu. Some students carry these papers in exams by keeping them in their sleeves of shirts, in the socks, in the belts and I saw some cases to hide these papers in the undergarments of students. But mostly students are caught by using this method. Not only this but also students performed research on making this paper small and small to hide easily. The result of this research is shown in the form of “micro”. Photostat machine operators use micro technique to make the written material on the paper small and small which becomes the cause of reducing the size of the paper more and more. This becomes very easy to take these papers in the exams and hide them easily.

Now I tell you what happened when I was giving my exam of second year. On that time, the trend of mobile phones was boosting. In the paper of Physics, A student in my row was sitting and giving the paper. Two headphones were put in his both ears. First time external came and checked him. Asked about the reason of these headphone then he said that I am deaf and this is the ear instrument due to which I can listen. On that time, mobile phones are not so much popular that’s why the external believed him and leave him. So he did paper normally. Suddenly another external of higher level came to that student and stand him up, opened the button of his shirt and pick out a small walk-man. All the people in the examination hall were shocked including me. Then everyone knew that student recorded his material’s conversation in the walk-man and was using it as cheating. So this was the very creative technique of cheating I have ever seen.

But now, with the development of technology, many creative techniques of cheating have been introduced. Students use their hand, legs and other body parts to write their course material to take in the examination hall. In Pakistan, trend of cheating can also be seen during exams. Either the exams of Matric or Intermediate, students cheat in their paper with the help of different methods. I saw many times such cases that the administration of many schools is involved to help the students for cheating. Paper out is the other popular method. Although, it doesn’t come in the category of proper cheating but is an illegal activity. Just before atleast one day or some hour of starting the exams, the paper of that subject got out. Means some resources got the paper and sell them to the students on a costly price. That’s why Pakistani boards of secondary and intermediate education always prepare 3 papers of every subject which are called A, B and C papers. If the one is get out then others are used in exams.

As I am a professional SEO and internet search expert, one day while searching, I found a website which is specially made of different techniques of cheating to be used in the exams. I was really astonished :-) The site is "cheatinexams.com" which contains many tricks and tips of cheating. So what shall I do? Internet has become so advance. Everything is available on it. So whatever we say about cheating but as a fact, it is illegal. Students who pass their exams through cheating have no future because the ability of students doesn’t grow. And one time a student is successful in cheating to pass his exams then he becomes confident to cheat more in the future exams. So by cheating and help to expand it, a nation wastes its talent and can never grow in the field of education, science and technology.

Good Ways Of Life

1. The nicest place to be is in the THOUGHTS of someone. And, the safest place to be is in the PRAYERS of someone.
 

2. It is not what you do for your juniors/subordinates/children that are important. It is what you teach them to do for them selves.
 

3. Luck is not in your hands. But work is in your hands. Your works can make your luck but luck can not make your works. So always trust yourself.
 

4. Birds that live in a lake will fly away when the lake dries. But the lotus that grows in the same lake will die with the lake. So recognize the birds in your life.
 

5. Do not only be close with someone who makes you happy. Be close with someone who can not be happy without you. It may make a lot difference to him at least.

6. No one will manufacture a lock without a key. Similarly the God does not give problems without solutions. Only we should have patience and courage to find them.
 

7. Coincidence decides to whom you meet in life. Your heart and your mind decide with whom you want to stay in life. But only destiny decides who gets to stay in your life.
 

8. Leave something for someone…never leave someone for something because in life something may leave you but someone will always live with you.
 

9. Those people whom you miss in your happiness are the ones whom you love. But those people whom you miss in your sadness are the ones who love you. Do not forget them.
 

10. A successful man is he who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him! Learn to accept criticism proactively and with grace.