Development in Pakistan

[Omar1984]

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Cafe Bistro launches in Lahore

[Omar1984]

Forensic lab of South Asia to be operational soon, says Shahbaz

LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the latest forensic lab of South Asia will soon be fully operational in Lahore to probe the criminal evidence on most modern scientific lines. He said Rs one billion cost Forensic lab is sure to play an important role in criminal justice system and to become a milestone in the administration of prompt justice to the people, eradication of crimes and investigation of heinous crimes on modern scientific lines.

He said that various sections became functional in the forensic lab while the remaining would also become operational soon. He directed the concerned authorities for hiring the most competent workforce on merit for operation of the Lab.

The CM said while addressing a high level meeting at Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), here Friday. Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, MNA Muhammad Afzal Khokhar, MPA Khawaja Salman Rafique, Saiful Malook Khokhar, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Home, Commissioner Lahore and officer concerned attended the meeting. DG PFSA Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Tahir gave a briefing regarding completion of lab, performance of various sections and other matters.

The CM said the forensic lab of international standard would also benefit the other provinces in the investigations of criminal cases. Shahbaz Sharif said protection of life and property of people and eradication of crimes was the top priority of the government and establishment of the most modern lab was an important step in this direction. He said billion of rupees had been spent on this project. He said arrangements were made for the training of experts abroad and it was now the responsibility of the institution to deliver results.

He said those who had received training abroad would now as master trainers train the other staff of the lab.

He said crime scene investigation, computer forensic, pathology, polygraph reader, toxicology, trace chemistry, finger prints, death scene investigation and other sections have been set up at the forensic lab and a high standard of the project has been ensured. Granting approval to the board of the governor of the lab, he said that the institution will be completely autonomous. He said that the remaining work of the lab’s building will also be completed within 30 days. He directed that training courses for the staff associated with judicial, investigation and prosecution be arranged.

He said that arrangements should also be made for special lectures by the experts and a plan be submitted to him for this purpose.

He further directed that construction work of the boundary wall of the forensic lab should immediately be started.

Forensic lab of South Asia to be operational soon, says Shahbaz | The Nation

[Omar1984]

The newly-launched Pak Business Express train, Pakistan's first private train service, arrives at the Cantt station in Karachi on February 4, 2012. PHOTO: AFP




A woman smiles as she and other passengers sit on the train prior to its departure from Lahore on February 3, 2012. PHOTO:AFP




The Pak Business Express train arrives at the Cantt Station in Karachi on February 4, 2012. PHOTO:AFP




Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani waves the green flag to signal the departure of Business Express, which he inaugurated in Lahore on February 3, 2012. PHOTO: AFP




Passengers board the Pak Business Express train at the Lahore railway station on February 3, 2012




Passengers sit on the Pak Business Express train prior to departure in Lahore on February 3, 2012

[American Pakistani]

The newly-launched Pak Business Express train, Pakistan's first private train service, arrives at the Cantt station in Karachi on February 4, 2012. PHOTO: AFP




A woman smiles as she and other passengers sit on the train prior to its departure from Lahore on February 3, 2012. PHOTO:AFP




The Pak Business Express train arrives at the Cantt Station in Karachi on February 4, 2012. PHOTO:AFP




Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani waves the green flag to signal the departure of Business Express, which he inaugurated in Lahore on February 3, 2012. PHOTO: AFP




Passengers board the Pak Business Express train at the Lahore railway station on February 3, 2012




Passengers sit on the Pak Business Express train prior to departure in Lahore on February 3, 2012

This has failed,


Demo Crazy will never let Pakistan develop.

[SHAMK9]

lahore food street

[SHAMK9]

a few pics of karachi, karachi is amazing bt it needs more skyscrapers

[Omar1984]

a few pics of karachi, karachi is amazing bt it needs more skyscrapers

Amazing !!!!!!!!

[Omar1984]

The fast-track growth of foreign retail franchises in Pakistan


Interior views of Dolmen Mall that will house several big brands such as Mango, Next and Debenhams. Hyperstar opened here a short while ago as well. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS


KARACHI: When Pizza Hut opened its first franchise in Pakistan in 1993, few were familiar with the concept of franchising. Soon it became a household name, and was followed by other fast food franchises. Many observers viewed these import-oriented luxuries in an underdeveloped country like Pakistan, with scepticism and considered it a waste of our precious foreign exchange. However, the trend of foreign retail outlets continues to expand into other products, services, and brands.

The press launching of the 200 years old British department store, Debenhams’ branch in Karachi earlier this month on 27,000 square feet space, at the upbeat Dolmen City Mall, was attended by important personalities, like, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Stephen Green and UK Cabinet Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. It appears to have pushed the retail franchising business to another level. The skeptics are turning into fans.

This will be the first international department store in Pakistan offering a complete range of product categories synonymous with Debenhams, including a full range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as, home, beauty and accessories. It is promised to be a truly world class shopping experience.

“I am very bullish on retail, not just for local but also foreign brands,” said Yasin Paracha, Managing Director, Team-A Ventures (Pvt) Ltd, which is the franchisee in Pakistan for Debenhams. “Foreign brands will perhaps give Pakistan that softer image we need; that we are normal people, with normal tastes and preferences and actually do drive in cars and wear western clothes! Furthermore, foreign brands will give the local brands the required positioning on the brand scene and will give customers the choice to decide where they want to spend their money.”

It is worth noting that before the fast food franchises, auxiliary industries like the home-delivery service and suppliers of quality poultry, meat etc, according to modern quality standards, hardly existed.

Paracha is very upbeat about the employment possibilities this presents. “This creates immense number of jobs; the average requirement per 1,000 square foot, of retail space is around six, which means Dolmen City, with a leasable area of 650,000 square feet will provide jobs to around 4,000 people! These will be mostly undergrads who might struggle to find good jobs in offices. Here they have the chance to work in a comfortable environment, look nice, and develop the discipline to deal professionally with customers. It also provides students the opportunity to work. Almost every teenager in the UK has worked in a retail environment.”
About government revenue and taxation, Mr. Paracha says, “This adds immense revenue, as most brands will progress towards declaring and paying taxes, they are too much ‘in your face’ to avoid it. Furthermore, instead of considering this as an outflow of foreign exchange, it actually saves it, as most people spend on shopping when they travel, they will convert to shopping within the country if they have the option and the right environment.”

Paracha does admit that there are still many challenges to changing perception about the high-end international retail outlets operating in Pakistan. “The challenges are lack of good quality retail space. Lack of expertise and training is probably our biggest challenge. People with good backgrounds do not consider retail a reputable or worthy profession, this too should change once students start to get involved, hence experiencing true retail at an early age. And of course lack of recognition of organised retail (which basically means good quality shops and products, and registered retailers who pay taxes) on a government level.” Paracha believes that taxation will increase once the process is made simpler. “We will pay for sure, but we need to know; how much, and how to pay. Last year alone, the Sales Tax policy changed so many times that we lost track!”

In the evolving world, if the rich who used to shop abroad start spending more within the country through these international franchises, it would not only retain foreign exchange but will also generate jobs and world class professional knowhow, besides enhancing our soft image in the world.

The contributor writes on socioeconomics and has a background in trading and exports in the private sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2012.


The fast-track growth of foreign retail franchises in Pakistan – The Express Tribune

[SHAMK9]

[sandy_3126]

beautiful indeed... good going

[nomi007]

name of this place

[SHAMK9]

this has to be the best pic of lahore for year 2012. i mean the pic shows the culture, religion with a touch of European style, soo damnn gorgeous

[SHAMK9]

cool video about peshawar, i always though peshawar look like kabul and afghanistan bt i was wrong

[Omar1984]

Updates:

[SHAMK9]

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pics of peshawar