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Pavel Guzenko - Beautiful Paintings

Last night I was browsing through paintings by different artists and I thought I should share some here. I'll be sharing paintings by different artists in next few blogs. 

Pavel Guzenko
Pavel Guzenko is a Ukrainian artist based in Kiev. Pavel started his career as a designer but then pursued his professional path in painting since 2006. Pavel Guzenko beautifully captures the glimmering gaze of human eye with his impressionist technique. The way Pavel Guzenko details the features of eye is so eye catching. :)








All of these paintings are amazing, but I like the first one the most. The way the light reflections and the details are addressed is mesmerizing. It looks like its eye of a young person who has ambitions for life and is looking at the bright side of the life. Simply Stunning!!!
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How to run YouTube or any blocked site in Pakistan?

Since PTA has blocked youtube.com, people in Pakistan are looking for ways to run the website. I would not go in to the moral issues of using the website. Anyways, there are few websites through which you can watch the videos of youtube.com or any other blocked site.
  1. Go to www.google.com and type "bypass proxy" in search
  2. All the results will lead you to website which will bypass the restrictions implemented by PTA.
  3. Some of them might not work, so just go to the next one. 
  4. Once these websites open, they will have again a search box where you will type www.youtube.com and click on Go.
  5. Youtube.com will be opened with in that browser. 
  6. You can watch as many videos as you want. So ENJOY!!!
Some of the bypass proxy websites are listed below;
  1. www.unblock-proxy.net
  2. http://edilly.com/
  3. http://unblockbypass.com/
  4. http://www.theproxyfree.com/
  5. http://bypassthe.net/
  6. http://www.bypassthat.com/
  7. http://www.worksurfing.com/
HotSpot Shield VPN
This is one of the most reliable and trusted VPN service available on internet. High level of security and protection allows you to surf any website without reveling your identity. It bypasses all the restrictions imposed by local authorities. It best part is, this software is available for free. Download Now!

All these proxy servers can be used to play games, visit facebook, twitter and other social websites which are normally blocked in offices.

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Cloud Computing in Pakistan


Adoption of innovative developments in Information Technology (IT) is considered as the key indicator of the economic development in a country. Cloud computing is the buzz phrase in today’s tech savvy world. Since the emergence of this concept in 1960s, the demand driven computing industry has started offering solutions to link together the complicated global infrastructure. Cloud computing could be defined as a service through which everything from computing power to computing infrastructure, applications, business processes to personal collaboration can be delivered to users wherever and whenever they need over a network. Some of the positive aspects of Cloud computing include flexible costs, ability to adapt to new markets and connections to ecosystems.
According to a recent survey of global executives conducted by IBM and the Economist Intelligence Unit, a growing number are beginning to realize how powerfully the cloud can propel business innovation.
As per Oracle estimates, “an enterprise can save its expenses significantly with 35 per cent deduction in operation expenses, 44 per cent cost reduction in electricity charges and 85 per cent saving in physical cost”.
According to another global study by IBM, more than 60 per cent of organizations plan to "embrace Cloud Computing over the next five years" to boost their "competitive advantage."
These statistics can be mirrored in local market as well. Given the known and tested benefits of the cloud, Government of Pakistan and local businesses can bring in cloud technologies that were otherwise beyond reach. With cloud computing, Pakistan’s developing economy can embrace next-generation tools, applications and related IT infrastructure. Ministry for Information Technology Secretary Mr. Farooq Awan also recently stated in a gathering that Cloud computing technology would encourage development of indigenous software and play a positive role in the progress of information technology in the country.
Cloud computing is an ideal technology for countries like Pakistan. Setup a business and put the applications almost for free on the cloud without installing a huge IT infrastructure which at times may cost more than the actual capital of the business. Cloud computing is smart, useful and attractive technology for Pakistan with its tremendous growth witnessed in the international market despite of challenges and widespread misconceptions.
As technology, Cloud is an important evolution of virtualization, automation, management, and operations discipline. From a business perspective, it is all that and more. The freedom and agility implied today through Cloud services was rarely available in the past.

It is a dire need of today to enable CEOs, CIOs, CFOs and CTOs of local and multinational companies in Pakistan to understand the importance and impact of Cloud services on their businesses.

TheExpertsCloud is a well known name in promoting and advocating Cloud Computing in Pakistan through a series of workshops and seminars around the country.
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Gilani declared ineligible by Supreme Court of Pakistan

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has been declared ineligible by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in contempt of court case, setting aside speaker ruling of the National Assembly Speaker Fehmida Mirza.
Mr Gilani will no more be a member of parliament following the verdict. The court said the office of the prime minister fell vacant from April 26, when he was convicted by the seven member bench of apex court for not implementing court orders of writing letter to Swiss authorities to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Identical petitions were submitted by Imran Khan and Khwaja Muhammad Asif in the Supreme Court against the speaker ruling. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry announced the verdict against Mr Gilani.
To many Pakistani's this will be pleased to get rid of the least capable and puppet like Prime Minister. We are also hoping that the next PM will write letter to Swiss authorities soon after joining the office. 
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Iqbaliyaat - 1

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Journalists on Malik Riaz Payroll

A list of 19 journalists accused of taking money, plots and other favors from Malik Riaz has also surfaced on internet. This list is printed on letter head of Bahria Town and contains names of Mubashir Lucman, Shahid Masood, Najam Sethi, Kamran Khan, Hassan Nisar, Hamid Mir, Mazhar Abbas, Meher Bukhari, Marvi Sermid, Arshad Sharif, Nusrat Javed, Mushtaq Minhas, Javed Chaudhry, Sana Bucha, Muneeb Farooq, Aftab Iqbal, Sohail Waraich, Asma Sherazi and Sami Ibrahim. Most of these are senior journalists with huge fan-following and people of Pakistan believe what these journalists say. This list questions the authenticity of the reports and analysis done by these journalists. Anyone listening to these anchors and journalists should think twice before believing anything said by these scumbags. 
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Leaked video of Malik Riaz interview on Dunya TV

Business tycoon and ex-CEO of Bahria Town, Malik Riaz's allegations on Arsalan Iftikhar, son of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is becoming a complex conspiracy with every passing day. Arsalan Iftikhar allegedly blackmailed Malik Riaz and took money from Malik Riaz's son in law. There are stories of how Malik Riaz paid for the expensive foreign trips of Arsalan Iftikhar to get favors from Supreme Court in return. These stories were shared with few journalists and when it became public, SC took suo moto notice of it.
Malik Riaz was summoned in Supreme Court, who after appearing in the court, held a press conference in which he accused CJ, his son, serving judges and many other people of having knowledge of the story forehand. Serious allegations were put on the judiciary and SC took suo moto again. 
And now another fresh chapter of the conspiracy unfolds when a leaked video surfaced on the social video site, Youtube, showing two anchors, Mubashir Lucman and Mehar Bukhari, of Dunya TV scripting the questions and answers for Malik Riaz. During the video Mubashir Lucman received a call from Abdul Qadir Gilani, son of Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mubashir after speaking to him passed the phone to Malik Riaz who chatted with him for a while. It was also claimed that Mehar Bukhari received a text from Maryam Nawaz Sharif stating that they were offered a bullet proof car by the tycoon but the offer was declined by the Sharif family. 
A call from the owner of the Dunya TV was received during the video in which he instructed the anchors to go over-time if required and do not interrupt the guest. 
Supreme Court has taken a suo moto notice of the leaked video and has summoned record of Off-Air clip from PEMRA. CJ also asked PEMRA Chairman about the role of PEMRA and media regulatory framework. PEMRA Chairman said that the channels which violate law are issued notices and actions are taken when complaints are received.
SC has now directed Attorney General to pursue a case against Malik Riaz, Arsalan Iftikhar and  Salman Ali who might have committed illegal acts and should be brought to book with the full force and rigour of the law. 
To me one of the benefits that PPP government took from the timing of this case was to camouflage the MEMO GATE case. Most of Pakistani's are unaware that Mr. Hussain Haqqani is found guilty in the case but no hype was created because our media was feeding the transmissions related to Malik Riaz.   


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Cyber Secure Pakistan Conference

Everyday loads of information is placed over the world wide web (www) by individuals, companies, universities and governments from all around the globe. Though this provides convenience but it give a bigger chance to hackers who are always trying to steal information and use it for their criminal activities. These hackers are findings new ways to steal our information or damage our online existence. In Pakistan, we have seen attacks on websites of universities, government bodies and businesses. To protect ourselves from such attacks, we have to be aware and well informed of the ways to hide and secure our information from such thieves. Cyber Secure Pakistan Conference held on 17th May at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad was centered around the same theme. The event was organized by UltraSpectra (Pvt.) Ltd. in association with Pakistan Information Security Association (PISA). The sponsors included Google, MovingMindsTrachulas, NIMS, TheExpertsCloud, KasperSky, Interactive Group and National ICT R&D Fund. Media Partners of the Event included ProPakistani, mustakbil.com, CIO PakistanFM 91 and shashca.comPakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) also supported this event. 
Even though late start of the event, Generic topics selection by speakers were displeasing factors but overall it was a good effort by the organizing team and gave a chance to individuals and companies to network with others.
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A report on Sheen Watan - Plantation Campaign 2012-16 - Season 1

Recent natural disasters and the wave of terrorism effected Pakistan’s economic, social and environmental conditions in a severe manner. During the period of 2008-09 when the Law & Order conditions were at its minimum level due to insurgencies in Swat, Dir, Malakand and Buner which resulted in deforestation at huge level in these areas. This had a prominent impact on the environment and sever changes were observed which included the disastrous flood of 2009, which resulting in losses of citizens, infrastructure, forests and livestock. The environmental changes were observed in all the districts of KPK. A strong need for effective and sustainable plantation campaign was identified. A five year self-sustained plantation program was designed which included two plantation campaigns every year starting from 2012-16. REDA took the initiative to mobilize the volunteers of schools, colleges, universities, members of civil society and industrialists to participate in plantation campaigns. In first phase of the program REDA along with these partners and support of Ministry for Environment, Ministry of Education and Forest Department, Govt. of Khyber Pakhtunkwa successfully planted 8200 saplings in district Peshawar and Khyber Agency, FATA.
Unfortunately no importance has been given to this important issue in the past and is a matter of grave concern. To take initiative for protecting environment highly proactive plantation campaign is needed; in which communities, students, businessmen and locals will be mobilized and encouraged to actively participate. This will be a self-sustained activity for the period of five years managed by “Green Alliance” a consortium of civil society organizations, academic institutions, media, local community, Forest Department etc. Lead Organizations include: REDA, ADFIRE, CAUSE, GEPS (Green Environmental Protection Society). These NGOs have professional staff capable enough to develop strategy of plantation, implement it and also to ensure sustainability so as to achieve the target goal.  

Situation Analysis
According to 1998 census, Peshawar is the highest populated district and capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is also an industrial hub of the province. The industries and millions of vehicles used by the locals’ is the main cause of increase in toxic gases that have a negative impact on the environment.  The number of trees and plants in Peshawar has considerably decreased due to building of new roads, installations, bridges, fly overs, immigration of high population of Afghan refugees for the last 20 years and recent idps from Swat, malakand , mohmand agency Bajour agency  who had to cut trees for fuels and domestic requirement.

Target Areas
Sheen Watan is a country wide plantation program. Peshawar District and Khyber Agency were selected as pilot areas.
Hayatabad, Badabera, Cantt. and Chamkani were selected in District Peshawar.
Jamrud and Mulagori were identified in Khyber Agency where the required resources for the successful campaign were easily available. The interest of local students and volunteers in the cause was of the highest level.

Partners and Team
Volunteerism is the core concept of the plantation activity and thus links and understandings were developed with the members of civil society, students of schools, colleges and universities along with residents of these areas. Currently our partners include:
Corporate Businesses: TheExpertsCloud, MovingMinds
 NGOs:  The Edifiers, REDA, CAUSE
Student societies: GEPS
Institutes & Universities: IM-Sciences, Islamia College University, Agriculture University (Peshawar)
Ministries: Ministry for Environment, Ministry for Education
Departments:    Forest Dept.
Volunteers from schools, colleges and universities in the areas actively participated in the first phase of the campaign.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between REDA, CAUSE, The Edifiers, Islamia College University and IM-Sciences. Ministry for Environment, Ministry for Education and Forest Department have shown interest in signing MoU for the cause.

Action Plan
The campaign was divided into two main categories:

Awareness Campaigns
Volunteers arranged plantation awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, universities and with local residents in the selected areas. Different aspects of plantation including its need, impact on environment, benefits and safe keeping were discussed in these meetings. Responsibilities were allocated among members for the smooth running and successful completion of the program.
In these campaigns beneficiaries were identified and enlisted with the required demand. Resource assessments for beneficiaries were also performed against each demand. List of Beneficiaries is presented in appendix 1.1.
Ministry for Environment and Forest Department were contacted and a request for the required saplings was forwarded. Forest Department responded by provided 8000 saplings. The supply was insufficient to fulfill the demand. This initiated the future plan of nurseries which is discussed later in the report. List of provided saplings is available at the end of this document as appendix 1.2.

Plantation Campaigns
Saplings were supplied to the targeted schools, colleges, universities, PDA and residents in the area. Students were mobilized and encouraged to actively participate in the campaign. Volunteers planted these saplings in schools, colleges, universities, public and residential areas. In some areas of Mulagori students were given saplings to plant at their homes.
Sheen Watan campaign was celebrated in 23 schools, 2 colleges, 2 universities of Hayatabad, Cantt., Peshawar City, Chamkani, Jamrud and Mulagori. List of the schools, colleges and universities along with the saplings details is presented in exhibit 1.1. List of other beneficiaries can be seen in exhibit 1.2.
Minister for Environment Mr. Wajid Ali Khan was invited as chief guest to the plantation campaign at Govt. High School No. 1 where he addressed the students on environmental issues and appreciated volunteer efforts in Sheen Watan Campaign. He assured his support and cooperation for the cause and advised Forest Department in this regard. Honorable minister then planted a tree in the school premises.

Future Plan

District Nurseries
Keeping in view the demand for sapling from the target areas, a plan to develop nurseries is presented by REDA. Nurseries will be developed in all the districts of KP. These nurseries will also act as Point of Distribution for the district. This will enable the program to spread in a much swift manner. To develop these nurseries REDA will request for the expertise and assistance of forest department and ministry of environment and will benefit from their experience in the field.
REDA will take the initiative by starting one nursery with Euro Sausages and one with Islamia College University.
Estimated cost of a nursery is given in exhibit 1.3.
List of the sapling species planted in the campaign can be seen in exhibit 1.4.

Appendix
 Exhibit 1.1: List of saplings donors
S.No
Supplier
Contact Person
Address
Contact
Saplings provided
Date
1
Forest Dept
Tahir
Tarnab Farm
0345-9111372
2150
27/2
2
Forest Dept
Tahir
Tarnab Farm
0345-9111372
3100
29/2
3
Forest Dept
Tehseen ullah
Zyam, Charsadda
0346-9546202
2500
1/3
4
REDA
Amin Khan
Peshawar

270





TOTAL
8020


Exhibit 1.2: List of Beneficiaries.
S. No.
List of Beneficiaries
Contact
Person & Details
Saplings planted
Date
1
Govt. Girls High School,  Phase 1, Hayatabad
Zainab 
100
28/2/12
2
Govt. Girls Primary School, Phase 1, Hayatabad
Zainab 
100
28/2/12
3
Jica, Phase 1, Hayatabad
Zainab 
100
28/2/12
4
Govt. Girls Primary School No. 5 , Phase 2, Hayatabad
Zainab 
50
29/2/12
5
Govt. Girls Primary School No. 6, Phase 3, Hayatabad
  Zainab
100
29/2/12
6
Govt. Girls Primary School No. 3-4, Phase 3, Hayatabad
 Zainab
50
29/2/12
7
Furqan House, Phase 2, Hayatabad
Haider 
20
29/2/12
8
Rise School, Phase 2, Hayatabad
 Haider
20
29/2/12
9
Sahibzada house, Phase 2, Hayatabad
Haider 
15
29/2/12
10
Khan Saeed, Phase 2, Hayatabad
Haider 
10
29/2/12
11
Govt. College for Management Sciences, Jamrud, Khyber Agency
Tahir 
400
29/2/12
12
Govt. Degree College, Phase 6, Hayatabad
Waqar
100
29/2/12
13
Badabera, Peshawar
M. Aslam
0345-9023116
300
29/2/12
14
Govt. Girls Primary School, Hazrat Ali Kaly, Shahkas
Zahir
0302-5544128
50

15
Hira Public School, Jamrud
Zakarya
0301-8200310
50

16
Abaseen Public School, Shakas
Shakeel
0300-9264860
100

17
Govt. Primary School, Shakas
Ahmadyar 0301-2461580
100

18
Malak Saad Public School,
Mudassir 0332-9092189
100

19
Phase 1,2,3,4,6,7. Hayatabad
Noor 
120

20
Schools and BHU of Chamkani
Asif 
1050

21
Schools (Peshawar city and Cantt.)
Mian Shahzad 0333-9149975
400

22
Defence colony
Hannan
0321-9191288
50

23
Chamkani
Asif 
400

24
Badabera, Peshawar
Aslam 
200

25
Hayatabad
 Noor
300

26
Mulagori
Nisar
800

27
Hayatabad
Nauman Habib
400

28
Industrial Estate
Euro Sausages
15

29
Islamia College University
Waqar
600

30
IMSciences
Haider
200

31
PDA

400

32
Govt. High School No. 1
Mian Shahzad
200

33
Jamrud
Tahir
400

34
Chamkani
Asif
270
Fruit bearing plants
35
Hayatabad
Rashid
300


TOTAL:
7870

Exhibit 1.3: Estimated cost to setup a nursery.
Item Description
Estimated Cost
Polythene bags                
Rs. 10,000
Tools
Rs. 5,000
Seeds
Rs. 5,000
Sheds   
Rs. 5,000
Saplings (2000-2500 saplings)
Rs. 20,000
Transport
Rs.10,000
Pesticides
Rs.5,000
Soil        
Rs.5,000
Salary                                   
Rs. 2000 per month
Misc
Rs. 3,000
Administrative cost
Rs. 10,000
Total     
Rs. 80,000
Exhibit 1.4: List of Sapling species supplied
Saplings species
Popular
Sanata
Shesham
Guawa
Jaman
Citrus
Amaltas
Lemon
Chinar
Injeer
Palosa
Orange
Eucalyptus
Toot
Sanata
Pine

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