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** Biomedical engineering: Pakistani selected for international achievement award ** Pakistani national Muhammad Zaman was selected as the 2013 recipient of Early Career Achievement Award by Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS),Boston University’s website reported. Biomedical engineering: Pakistani selected for international achievement award – The Express Tribune
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Pakistan fighter pilot wins battle of sexes, now she’s ready for war
MUSHAF AIR BASE: With an olive green head scarf poking out from her helmet, Ayesha Farooq flashes a cheeky grin when asked if it is lonely being the only war-ready female fighter pilot in Pakistan.
:salute:
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World cycling couple reaches Islamabad - DAWN.COM
ISLAMABAD: After cycling over 150,000 kilometres around the world, a couple from France has reached Islamabad and expressed their surprise over hospitality in the country.
Richard and Stani Velomad left their home in France eight years back and in their second trip have bicycled across continents.
Dressed in a military green shalwar kameez with a white and red chequered scarf around his head to blend in as a local, Richard Velomad on Thursday told his audience, mostly adventure seekers, at the Alpine Club of Pakistan how he and his English wife were living their dream and seeing the world on cycles.
They risked getting shot along the way over asking for directions, rode through stunning landscapes, braved freezing weather and at times were offered tea everywhere they went in one country.
The French/English couple rode into Gilgit-Baltistan through China on mountain bikes on April 20. The riders were particularly surprised at the hospitality extended to them in Pakistan contrary to what they had heard about.
“Pakistan is a completely different story from the rest of the world. As much as we admire the friendly nature of the people and the hospitality extended to us, the landscapes in this country are simply breathtaking. The heat, freezing temperatures and the bumpy roads did not matter against the fine landscape in the northern Pakistan,” said Richard Velomad.
The couple immediately fell in love with truck art and got their bikes painted by an artist along the road.
The Velomads started out back in 1996 from Alaska, North America, and took a year to reach Mexico in 1997, which took another six months to cross. In March 1998, they reached Belize in South Africa, Guatemala in May, 1998, rode through the Honduras - the land of the Mayas and Incas, reaching Colombia in October, 1998. The pair then biked into Ecuador in December 1998, crossed Peru by March 1999, the birth place of Coco Cola as they were told, and Bolivia in June 1999, and Chile in 1999.
By the time the two reached Argentina in March 2000, they were almost broke and had to return home to make some money to hit the road again.
“Waking up to a different view, watching baby turtles hatch on the beach, taking pictures with people who smelled more than we did and so much more was all worth the trip,” said Stani Velomad.
Back home, the couple worked 85 hours a week and two jobs each. “We bought a rundown residence, painted it ourselves, gave it new and modern look and then sold it. We did similar things to make enough to hit the road again,” said Richard Velomad, explaining how bicycling around the world had become an addiction.
Against the wishes of their families, in December 2004, the couple left their hometown in France again and headed for Morocco and Tunisia in North Africa. They caught a boat to Sicily, rode past stunning architecture through Italy heading north. The two described Slovenia as a country of likeminded people.
“While in other countries where people would talk about politics, the Slovenes were like us, with a passion for outdoor adventures, hiking and climbing etc,” said Stani Velomad.
Although beautiful, Bosnia conjured sad images in the head when the couple rode through this country because of its history of war. The two took plenty of photographs of architecture in Austria and in Germany.
“We like Netherlands particularly because the whole country is made for bikers,” said Richard Velomad, describing their ride through Poland and Latvia.
Two years later in July 2006, the two bikers reached Russia, the land of a fabulous culture and both elegant and stately buildings. Because of visa concerns, the pair had to bike through Russia in three months. They completed some of that journey by train.
In September 2006, the bikers were in Mongolia, where they stayed six months. In May 2006, they reached China and rode through Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Destruction of rain forests in these countries is the main feature, same as in some of the South American countries,” said Richard Velomad.
In July 2010, the two were in Australia followed by New Zealand before heading back up north again on their bikes wherever they could ride it.
“In Burma, people were like Pakistanis. Wherever we went they would offer us tea. Then through China we entered into Pakistan.”
The couple didn’t say how long before they ended their journey. “All we know is that we are heading towards India,” said Stani Velomad, explaining how the world had been their home since the last eight years.
It wasn’t the physical difficulties they faced but adapting to different cultures which was a bigger challenge.
“It has been draining who to ask for directions and who to trust. It’s alright if this goes one for a month. But eight long years we have been amongst people, who could have been unwelcoming,” said Stani Velomad commenting on the risks they had faced along the road.
“In the USA, a woman pulled out a shotgun at my wife when she knocked on a door to ask for information,” said Richard Velomad.
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**Pakistani Techie helps installing communication network for UAE satellite station
KARACHI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined the league of the world’s big players in satellite communications in April 2011 by launching its first satellite into orbit – now it has two. The satellites are managed from Yahsat Satellite Tracking Ground Station in the UAE. A veteran Pakistani IT expert, who assisted in network installation of this project, is now aiming for a skilled IT workforce for his homeland.**Pakistani Techie helps installing communication network for UAE satellite station – The Express Tribune
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**Motorbike Journey across Pakistan to Project Pakistan!
**Lahore: 26[SUP]th[/SUP] June 2013] Élan, one of Pakistan’s leading luxury fashion brands, announced their collaboration with renowned biking enthusiast Moin Khan on an exciting new project titled “Project Pakistan” at a press conference held at Veranda Bistro in Lahore on 26[SUP]th[/SUP] June 2013. After his historic bike ride from California to Pakistan, Moin Khan, along with two other international bikers, is now embarking on a motorbike journey across Pakistan to discover the beauty and heritage of the country and disseminate a positive image of his fellow countrymen.
Speaking about “Project Pakistan”, biking enthusiast Moin Khan said, *“While Pakistan is a country which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent times, there is a side to the country which barely sees the light of day. I strongly believe that Pakistan has a lot to offer to the world, much of which can be observed through its historic and cultural landmarks and scenic vistas in the country’s northern areas which are a paradise for biking enthusiasts like us. On this trip I am taking two foreign bikers with me to what I’m confident will be an eye-opening and mind-broadening experience. I plan to take 40 bikers next year and then 400 bikers the year after that. In due time, I’m hopeful that Pakistan will become the next go-to place for international bikers and that people will come to appreciate the true beauty and wonder that the country holds.”
*Speaking about the trip biker Michael Philip Stewart said, *“*I have always wanted to ride up into the Himalayas and I immediately jumped at the chance to go. Two of my well-traveled friends visited Hunza valley years ago and still talk about it as one of their favorite spots in the world. I love motorcycle riding adventures and can’t wait to explore these remote areas. Hopefully our experience will help motivate other foreigners to get out and see the world, and build bonds of friendship the way Moin has done with our international group of riders.”
***“I am going to Pakistan because this is the trip of a lifetime. I have no reservations whatsoever. I am excited about this trip, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. A fresh start, a new adventure! My family is understandably worried, but I would be crazy not to go!” ***said biker Kyle James Haggmark
Motorbike Journey across Pakistan to Project Pakistan! | Unique Pakistan
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^ Zabardast!! so inspiring!
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Pakistan improving in R & D. keep it up guys! :k:
Pakistan becomes major player in world research
**Pakistan becomes major player in world research **
ISLAMABAD - **Pakistan has witnessed, an impressive 50 per cent increase in the number of research publications during just the last two years, going up from 3939 to 6200 in the higher education sector of Pakistan. **
This has been the second highest increase worldwide. Scimago, the world’s leading research database, forecast that if this research trend from Pakistan continues, then by 2018, Pakistan will move ahead 26 notches in world ranking, from 43 to 27, and for the first time ever, will cross Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand in Asia. Today Pakistan is publishing more research papers per capita than India.
The number of PhD faculty at our public universities has also increased by almost 50%, from 4203 to 6067 in just the last 2 years alone. This is the result of the HEC PhD scholars that have started returning back and joining universities. These scholars are being selected for pursuing studies at leading universities of the academically advanced countries through a well-defined open, transparent and merit based mechanism.
About 10 to 15 scholars are completing their PhDs every week and are being placed by HEC at the universities under Interim Placement of Fresh PhDs Programme (IPFP). Other HEC incentives include a 0.5 million research grant to every returning scholar. Currently, there are hundreds of fresh foreign PhDs currently inducted into various universities across the country.
**The number of PhD students enrolled at the universities has increased by over 40% in just the last one year, from 6937 to 9858 students, while over 28122 students are registered for MPhil/MS, up from 16960, an increase of 65% in just two years.
**
The increase in the number of PhDs awarded is again very similar, from 628 to 927 in the last 3 years, and will surge exponentially in the future as more PhD faculty and students join the universities.
Commenting on these developments, Dr. Javaid R. Laghari Chairperson HEC said that Universities are the single most important producers of knowledge and research that leads to innovation and entrepreneurship.
By introducing innovation, creativity and interdisciplinary research as a vital component of teaching, and with knowledge exchange programs, the university contributes more directly to the economy and the society than many other institutions in the country.
The HEC is encouraging research and ensuring proper utilization of the manpower being trained in fields relevant to the socio-economic development of Pakistan. In this regard, HEC has identified and prioritized energy, water resources, environment, food security etc. and other important socio-economic issues related to Pakistan.
Dr Laghari was of the view that with increased budget allocations for higher education sector and encouragement by new democratic government, Pakistan will win more laurels in the higher education at international level.
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Malaysia names institute after Pakistani scientist
ISLAMABAD: In recognition of his work in the field of science, the largest Malaysian university, “Universiti Teknologi Mara,” has named its Research Institute of Natural Products after Pakistani Professor Atta-ur-Rahman.
It will now be called “Professor Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Chemistry.”
The vice-chancellor of the university Professor Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar informed Dr Atta that this honour had been conferred upon him for his vast contributions to the scientific world, particularly in the field of natural products and biological sciences.
Atta has 910 international publications in several fields of organic chemistry including over 700 research publications, 26 patents, 116 books and 65 chapters in books published largely by major US and European presses. Seventy-seven students have completed their PhD degrees under his supervision.
Atta is the first scientist from the Muslim world to have won the prestigious Unesco Science Prize (1999) in the 35-year-old history of the Prize. He was elected as Fellow of Royal Society (London) in July 2006 thereby becoming the one of the 4 scientists from the Muslim world to have ever won this honour conferred by the prestigious 350 year-old scientific Society.
In addition to that, he has been conferred honorary doctorate degrees by many universities including the degree of Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) by the Cambridge University (UK) (1987), Honorary degree of Doctor of Education by Coventry University UK in November 2007, Honorary DSc degree by Bradford University (2010), Honorary Ph.D by Asian Institute of Technology (2010) and Honorary Doctorate from King of Malaysia (University of Technology, Mara, 2011).
Atta was elected Honorary Life Fellow of Kings College, Cambridge University, UK in 2007. He was conferred the TWAS Prize for Institution Building in Durban, South Africa in October 2009 in recognition of his contributions for bringing about revolutionary changes in the higher education sector in Pakistan. The Austrian government also honoured him with its highest civil award “Grosse Goldene Ehrenzeischen am Bande” (2007) in recognition of his eminent contributions.
Atta was the President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (2003-2006) and was again elected as the President of the Academy from Jan.1, 2011.
He was the Federal Minister for Science and Technology (March 14, 2000-Nov.20, 2002), Federal Minister of Education (2002) and Chairman of the Higher Education Commission from 2002-2008.
I wish Pakistan could make a proper use of this man of outstanding credentials and commitment.
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MIT recognises Pakistani as one of world
MIT recognises Pakistani as one of world’s brilliant minds
KARACHI: All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them, says Walt Disney.
Disney’s quote, perhaps, best explains the success story of Farhan Masood, who has been recognised as one of the world’s brilliant minds by Massachusetts Institute of Technology earlier this year for his product – world’s fastest retina and face scanner algorithm called SmartXS.
Masood’s dream – to build a Pakistani product and turn it into a global one – came true this year after he won the MIT Business Acceleration Plan contest, a highly competitive annual event whose objective is to help Pakistani IT, ITES, telecom and new media companies improve their business.
Of the 165 participants that compete in this contest, some members of top teams also get a chance to attend an entrepreneurship development programme at MIT in Cambridge, USA.
After a winning performance in the contest, Masood joined the list of MIT alumni. He has just returned after attending a course at MIT, one of the world’s best educational institutes. Those who attended this programme previously had benefited a great deal.
According to Pakistan Software Export Board’s website, some of the companies that participated in this programme saw their revenues grow by 5 to 10 times and valuation increase by 15 times. Giving the example of Sofizar, the PSEB’s website stated that the company’s revenue increased from less than $1 million to $30 million in two and a half years.
Masood, too, seem to benefit from the programme as his product has been well received by both MIT and the industries worldwide. “MIT has done tech evaluation of SmartXS, which is a big achievement,” Masood told The Express Tribune. “When your product is recognised by MIT, there is not much you can ask for.”
Interestingly, the man behind this technology is a college dropout who hated math for he was weak in the subject. “I have got all of this achievement because of my passion,” the 36-year-old Lahorite said.
Masood is the CEO of Solo Smart that’s based in Lahore and has offices in the UK and USA, represented by its subsidiaries namely Solo Tech and Solo Matrix respectively. It also has an office in Australia.
“We are trying to bring all these companies under one name – Solo Matrix. It is a high-tech company that deals in Megatronics – a combination of software, electrical and mechanical engineering,” he said.
SmartXS is a biometric verification system that uses human face and eye to verify his identity, Masood said, and works mainly in two spaces – workforce management and security access control.
“Our algorithm is very fast,” he said while claiming it is the world’s fastest retina and face scanner algorithm.
The product was first brought to life in 2005 and its hardware was as big as a refrigerator, but now it’s smaller than a PC, Masood said. It has started to get worldwide recognition.
He said his product is currently used by the National Database and Registration Authority, the Pakistan Army and many multinational groups including Pepsico, Nestle and Tetra Pak. These companies are in talks with Masood for the implementation of the technology in their global operations.
“We are also getting queries from immigration departments of many governments for this product,” he said, refusing to share details. “University of Pennsylvania has also shown interest in the medical application of this product.”
Before starting his own entrepreneurial venture, Masood served as IT professional and had a lucrative job. He is the originator of Urdu, Persian and Arabic on internet and was able to incorporate Urdu, Persian and Arabic characters in English-based Windows back in 1997.
**Masood was hired as a project director in Dubai Electronic Government in 2000. “The government had softened its state laws for one day to hire me and few others,” he said as he didn’t have a bachelor’s degree, a requirement for that job.
Despite his lucrative job that paid him 55,000 UAE dirhams per month, he chose to be an entrepreneur. “If I can do a lot of things for others, why not for myself and that very thought was the reason I chose to come back and launch my own business,” he said.**
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2013.
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^ I was just going to post this...thanks for sharing! :)
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dup...
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Dunya News: Pakistan:-Pakora seller son gets 3rd position in Multan Boar…
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These bright students need our and the government’s support. Imagine the level these kids can achieve with a little bit of care and support.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/970632_509707645772946_1114215497_n.jpg
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Applause for the motorway police guys.
I am a proponent of strong systems rather than stop-gap measures. Only strong systems can reduce animal-like behavior that we demonstrate every day. A cop serving in normal police might have had his suspension orders handed within hours for such outrageous bahavior!!!
Jamshed Dasti: You have no idea who I am! – The Express Tribune
…Dasti threatened motorway police officers with “grave consequences” after the latter had the ‘audacity’ to pull him over for speeding. Never mind that it was the fourth time they had signalled for the speedy MNA to stop his Toyota Hilux…
…The MNA flatly refused to accept the speeding ticket and the police refused to let him go without it. After some arguments, the MNA gave up and paid the fine before moving on to motorway exit and heading for Peshawar…
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Pakistan’s youngest scale modeler…self taught engineer.
](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=690844714275862)
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A positive Pakistani who is no longer with us but should not be forgotten.
A small tribute to an incredible woman:
(Best Viewed Large.)