PTCL Bags Award for Best HR Practices

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4Y-3uvaDh99R34-kURKuH4uK4pR7dtEu94IDcqMXr4hF1IoYL1lWevWJyYxAp3pJ2qSvO_KmQyijNAqDln8Ir920vixW7N9hy5eO2Arr3stFNGIUSyyrxtaAoXsnehN-wFUw1QexSNI/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4Y-3uvaDh99R34-kURKuH4uK4pR7dtEu94IDcqMXr4hF1IoYL1lWevWJyYxAp3pJ2qSvO_KmQyijNAqDln8Ir920vixW7N9hy5eO2Arr3stFNGIUSyyrxtaAoXsnehN-wFUw1QexSNI/s1600/image.png" /></a></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">PTCL Executive Vice President (EVP) Talent Management & Learning, Shahzad Safdar Khan receiving ‘Best HR Practices in Telecom Sector’ award from Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani.</span></div> Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has been presented with the ‘Best HR Practices in Telecom Sector” award at the 4th Global HR Excellence Awards 2013 held in Karachi.<br /> The event recognized and highlighted various organizations that have excelled in HR practices and contributed positively by setting high standards in the field of HR. PTCL’s integral HR initiatives and practices were acknowledged as the best in the telecom industry.<br /> PTCL Executive Vice President (EVP) Talent Management & Learning, Shahzad Safdar Khan received the award on behalf of the company from senior parliamentarian, Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani. The award is recognition of the company’s Human Resource (HR) practices and dynamic initiatives undertaken for organizational development and talent nurturing & management.<br /> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: left;"> The event hosted a good mix of seventy leading organizations from the banking, telecommunications and SME sector as well as other corporate entities operating in Pakistan.</div> </div>

PTCL Bags Award for Best HR Practices

PTCL Executive Vice President (EVP) Talent Management & Learning, Shahzad Safdar Khan receiving ‘Best HR Practices in Telecom Sect...

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Govt is Finally All Set to Appoint PTA Members

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvjUM5ze2so26nIK6RkGzsi31TfydXY3X7ZnbBvDrw-oSPhzupizWBBC8DJsauUsmjs56I11BUti7ztusCEY7LN1lp2nz7iAWPu6nf-wtA6-sBtjmqC4DwC8fuebqkg1E_tAqFtgU6P4/s1600/Pakistan-Telecommunication-Authority-PTA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvjUM5ze2so26nIK6RkGzsi31TfydXY3X7ZnbBvDrw-oSPhzupizWBBC8DJsauUsmjs56I11BUti7ztusCEY7LN1lp2nz7iAWPu6nf-wtA6-sBtjmqC4DwC8fuebqkg1E_tAqFtgU6P4/s1600/Pakistan-Telecommunication-Authority-PTA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Federal government is finally all prepared to appoint three members of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, sources familiar with the matter confirmed RexHacker.<br /> For the purpose candidates were interviewed for the slots of Member Finance, Member Technical and Member Compliance as per job advertisement published on June 14th, 2013.<br /> If sources are to be believed then selection commission has finalized three names to be sent to cabinet division for approvals before the final appointment are to be made by Prime Minister next Monday after his return from USA visit.<br /> Unconfirmed reports suggest that commission has recommended Mr. Kamran Ali as Member Compliance, Mr. Tariq Sultan as Member Finance while Mr. Mushtaq Bhatti is to be made the Member Technical.<br /> Mr. Kamran, currently the Member Legal at Ministry of Information Technology has previously served at PTA as DG law. Mr. Tariq Sultan is currently the DG Finance at PTA.<br /> One members out of three members – supposedly the member technical – is to be made the Chairman after the proper appointments.<br /> It merits mentioning here that Lahore High Court had dismissed the June 14th job ad for members’ PTA, however, shortlisted candidates were interviewed last week at PTA headquarters after Supreme Court directed the federal government to appoint PTA Members till Sep 16th, 2013 – despite LHC’s dismissal – based on the same job ad.<br /> Appointment of PTA members has been challenged in the courts several times. Government had to advertise the job thrice before Supreme Court finally ordered the government to speed up the process for appointment of members.<br /> Analysts fear that current appointments may also face litigation as government increased the number of members from two to three through a SRO and not through a proper amendment in Telecom Act.<br /> Others hope a smooth transition and appointments so that the industry is again put on the roll after a break of over eight months.<br /> For the reference, here’s the timeline for the happenings regarding the appointment of PTA members:<br /> <ul> <li>January 15th, 2013: LHC removed Farooq Awan from PTA Chairmanship</li> <li>January 30th, 2013: Vacancy Announced for Member Technical and Finance at PTA</li> <li>February 14th, 2013: Government Advertises for the Jobs of Three PTA Members for the 2nd Time</li> <li>February 22nd, 2013:  Member Finance, PTA, Completed His Service Term</li> <li>March 1st, 2013: Wahaj-us-Siraj (CEO Nayatel) Challenged the 2nd Advertisement, IHC Tied Appointment of Members PTA to Final Judgment</li> <li>March 4th, 2013: Farooq Awan Appointed as Member Finance of PTA Despite LHC Orders</li> <li>March 7th, 2013: LHC Restrained Farooq Awan From Duty as Member Finance</li> <li>March 18th, 2013: Farooq Awan Removed as Member Finance of PTA</li> <li>April 1st, 2013: IHC Directed Cabinet Division to Appoint PTA Members Based on First Advertisement Only</li> <li>June 14th, 2013: Cabinet Division Advertised the Jobs for PTA Members for 3rd time</li> <li>July 4th, 2013: 3rd advertisement for Appointment of PTA Members Challenged in LHC</li> <li>July 17th, 2013: 3rd Advertisement gets Suspended by LHC</li> <li>Sep 03, 2013: Appoint Chairman PTA in 15 Days, Auction 3G Licenses in 60 Days: Supreme Court</li> <li>Sep 17th, 2013: SC Rejects Govt’s Request, Orders to Appoint PTA Chairman in Just 10 Days.</li> </ul> </div>

Govt is Finally All Set to Appoint PTA Members

Federal government is finally all prepared to appoint three members of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, sources familiar with the ...

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BlackBerry Sells itself to Fairfax Financial Holding for $4.7 billion

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTULAgIMOirIcJWzZ3T42HSCz0Z70_n0y2dQIzolSdfPganyy7pisFoK_-5P7Xm5EOSTJ5CmP-HT_eziLmlZkpxMbCkWLyeMso3uLrN8Vi6LFKygaJjCcLnIdpkGFRo8QOr1I1ZaKxaqE/s1600/blackberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTULAgIMOirIcJWzZ3T42HSCz0Z70_n0y2dQIzolSdfPganyy7pisFoK_-5P7Xm5EOSTJ5CmP-HT_eziLmlZkpxMbCkWLyeMso3uLrN8Vi6LFKygaJjCcLnIdpkGFRo8QOr1I1ZaKxaqE/s1600/blackberry.jpg" /></a></div> If you thought that the $7.7 billion which Microsoft paid to buy Nokia, a company with such prestige, culture and legacy a small amount of money, listen to this: BlackBerry has been bought by a Canadian company Fairfax Financial Holding for $4.7 billion. (Still, the Canadian company did end up in Canadian hands.)<br /> Fairfax Financial had already held around 10% of BlackBerry’s shares previously. Stockholders will be receiving $9 per share as a part of this deal which will take the company private.<br /> The deal – which is final – is still pending some regulatory requirements as the parties involved will be subjected to six weeks of due diligence, until the 4th of November.<br /> The news might have been a bit of a surprise to hear sometime ago but not now as only yesterday we reported that Blackberry was eyeing a $1 billion loss this quarter and was cutting its workforce by 40 percent.<br /> It’s incredibly ironical as only about half a decade ago, BlackBerry was worth a staggering $100 billion. After the iPhone, its sales actually increased a bit but dived headfirst towards the ground later, a reaction to which is the news you’re reading right now.<br /> Prem Watsa, the Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial had something to say however: “We believe this transaction will open an exciting new private chapter for BlackBerry, its customers, carriers and employees,” he said.<br /> “We can deliver immediate value to shareholders, while we continue the execution of a long-term strategy in a private company with a focus on delivering superior and secure enterprise solutions to BlackBerry customers around the world.”</div>

BlackBerry Sells itself to Fairfax Financial Holding for $4.7 billion

If you thought that the $7.7 billion which Microsoft paid to buy Nokia, a company with such prestige, culture and legacy a small amount ...

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Groopic, a Smart Phone App by Lahore Based Eyedeus Labs, Gets Global Recognition

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Pakistan is a land of opportunities and talented people. This verity has again been put to light by techrepreneurs of Eyedeus Labs, a startup created under a platform of Plan9, Technology incubator out of Lahore.<br /> Every now and then, quite lot groups of dynamic young tech entrepreneurs come with innovative ideas congregating to invent mobile apps that are surely willing to change the way of doing business with the rest of the world.<br /> This time, just a while ago, buzzing out internet and international media, young group of entrepreneur’s hard work got recognition by CNNN in visage of Groopic smartphone app that outshined tech environment.<br /> Within just a short span of time and limited resources, Groopic has been developed by EyeDeus Lab’s team using patent pending technology and readily, just from its beginning, it grounded its sensation’s flag by getting coverage over international tech blogs like Gizmodo and TechCrunch.<br /> Just to enlighten, Groopic is Smartphone app that has solved ever existed problem of including photographer in a picture in a group photo. This app caters best in itself enabling you to take a group picture and put yourself in it. So photographer won’t be out from picture anymore even without asking help from a stranger or to have a trivet.<br /> Groopic, smartphone app developed to give user an idyllic group photo in just three simple steps that are:<br /> <ul> <li>Simply take two pictures</li> <li>Mark the photographer</li> <li>Finally, this app will automatically merge these incomplete pictures into one complete group picture.</li> </ul> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAUXWCG1_XlRt6cD2V3AkHMV8wL3em0TSso4ITfZnXtu9AdTwEbpWHKhKJPsWSAW3G2csR57JgL7mTS3o9l2RhyphenhyphenPxrzV-FQ-q2J5nAUqv-LDHaxFEexOwpKODre1zTKVdNZlHGLDNluI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAUXWCG1_XlRt6cD2V3AkHMV8wL3em0TSso4ITfZnXtu9AdTwEbpWHKhKJPsWSAW3G2csR57JgL7mTS3o9l2RhyphenhyphenPxrzV-FQ-q2J5nAUqv-LDHaxFEexOwpKODre1zTKVdNZlHGLDNluI/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div> Talking about this amazing app, Ali Rehan (CEO of Eyedeus Labs) told CNN about the aspect how internet is bringing an avid shift for most of all companies operating in Pakistan.<br /> Moreover, Groopic was previously selected for BlackBox connect summer 2013, a two week Silicon Valley immersion program designed for founders of startups. Definitely, it clearly embraced a feat by our developers for being one of the eight sponsored teams by Google<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>.<br /> Other than this credit, further Groopic app achievements are:<br /> <ul> <li>Won Best startup Award at Startup Weekend Lahore in February 2012</li> <li>Earned Punjab Information Technology Board(PITB) Plan9 incubation</li> <li>Got Runners up Award at P@SHA ICT Awards 2013</li> <li>Featured by renowned and leading media property, Techcrunch.</li> <li>Currently got prominent coverage by CNN media.</li> </ul> Another endearing aspect of this intriguing app is its now among the Top 10 Photo & Video Apps on the US AppStore. However, this smart app could be purchased for Apple devices for 0.99$.<br /> Certainly, considering this app development, it could be concluded that developers are exploiting best potential to bring a vibrant revolution in tech environment and this mark has been attained to greater extent till now as Pakistani app developer community is growing at its pace and technology giants are in chase of our developers to pick up with their emerging apps.<br /> But regrettably, apart from this whole sensation, it’s rather apparent that until attainment of recognition by foreign countries, our society, particularly local media are likely far behind to appreciate this budding talent entirely.<br /> Obviously this act someway put a murky effect on creativity of folks, thus this act should get reform at all levels now.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0dDK-TkR_QjWYJ41P3B-H7gSfauJZ9uTNQ7L6lOwOMSOQ0OA24pZ681-ZxJahGpmzUMxFaqBJTDqu7xdsnzr2-mBWXYZarjHg3Gq-tXwo_hdkB9EA35JLikkwiEhf6MGQn3En9rmmPE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> </div>

Groopic, a Smart Phone App by Lahore Based Eyedeus Labs, Gets Global Recognition

Pakistan is a land of opportunities and talented people. This verity has again been put to light by techrepreneurs of Eyedeus Labs, a star...

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Microsoft Announces the Second-Gen Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> On Monday, Microsoft took time to unveil the successor to the first-generation Surface RT and Pro tablets. The new Windows RT and Windows 8-running tablets are renamed the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 respectively and come with several cool improvements, both on the surface and on the inside.<br /> <h4> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Microsoft Surface 2 Pro</span></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XKZKXuFQ22laBN6p3eUVGPUBkpr8Q7YNEgLuitGc10t8o2RzMFP-pWzWcCdWwZ45XCHbAN8qJzFrRvsj47ajw7txOaJc0IicwGC-u35AR01kSbTfUViVbQbq9Wvck8Fn4YVPt4xHa_4/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XKZKXuFQ22laBN6p3eUVGPUBkpr8Q7YNEgLuitGc10t8o2RzMFP-pWzWcCdWwZ45XCHbAN8qJzFrRvsj47ajw7txOaJc0IicwGC-u35AR01kSbTfUViVbQbq9Wvck8Fn4YVPt4xHa_4/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div> <h4>   <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></h4> The Microsoft Surface 2 Pro comes with the same 10.6 inch 1080p display with 1920 x 1080 resolution with, but with 46% more colour accuracy now. It is also Gorilla Glass protected and supports pen-input. (A digitizer pen is bundled along with the tablet.)<br /> On the inside, it comes with a dual-core 4th-generation Intel Core i5 “Haswell” processor which is clocked at 1.6Ghz (can be turbo-boosted to 2.6Ghz). Alongside it is Intel HD 4400 Graphics and 4 or 8 GB worth RAM.<br /> All in all, the new Surface 2 Pro offers 20% performance boost, 50% graphics boost and thanks to Haswell, 75% battery life increase. It is also more cooler and quieter than before.<br /> There are two HD cameras on the front and on the back as usual. For connectivity, it has 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0, mini DisplayPort, Wi-Fi, microSD card slot and 3.5mm headphone jack.<br /> The design is the same VaporMg as before and now, it also features a two-step kickstand on the back. The Surface 2 Pro runs on Windows 8.1 out-of-the-box.<br /> It will available in 64, 128, 256, 512 GB storage options for $899, $999, $1299 and $1799 respectively. According to Microsoft, the Surface 2 Pro is now faster than 95% of the laptops in the world.<br /> <h4> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Microsoft Surface 2</span></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAF3qkfYkWkE7Su-YFNDHFc4effynyRMFi7vJUDl6MHMiXPAZ60e-z5Fbn0Ii3SORUzLBkDt9sB8LvroqJlDJ2zYm81DEDmVDV6cS7AMOFckaaF72Cd1mZqiWcCS0afxgVH0UnuvjKSo/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAF3qkfYkWkE7Su-YFNDHFc4effynyRMFi7vJUDl6MHMiXPAZ60e-z5Fbn0Ii3SORUzLBkDt9sB8LvroqJlDJ2zYm81DEDmVDV6cS7AMOFckaaF72Cd1mZqiWcCS0afxgVH0UnuvjKSo/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div> <h4> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></h4> The Surface RT proved to be one of 2012′s biggest let-downs and Microsoft are keen not to repeat that again in 2013. Called the most-productive tablet ever, it now comes with a 10.6 inch 1080p ClearType Display and Gorilla Glass protection.<br /> On the inside, it comes with a 1.7Ghz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 4 processor, a 72-core GeForce GPU and 2 GB of RAM. This makes the Surface 2 four times faster than before. Around the back is a 5 megapixel camera (5 times better than before) with Full HD 1080p video, followed by a 3.5 megapixel camera on the front.<br /> For connectivity, it comes with Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, microSD card slot, HDMI and 3.5mm headphone jack. Battery life is quoted at being 10 hours.<br /> Of the inside, it runs on Windows RT 8.1 and comes with Microsoft Office 2013 RT edition. It will come in either 32 or 64 GB storage options which will cost $449 and $549 respectively.<br /> <h4> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Free Offerings With Windows Tabs</span></h4> Both the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will hit the markets in the coming few weeks and will come 200 GB worth free SkyDrive storage for 2 years, as well as free Skype calls for 1 year.<br /> <h4> <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Covers </span></h4> Along with 2 new tablets, Microsoft also announced several new keyboard covers for the Surface tablets. The tablets are now thinner and lighter than before.<br /> The Touch Cover 2 features 1092 sensor now, compared to only 82 previously. The Type Cover remains mostly as before. A new cover called the Power Cover was also introduced which is actually a Type Cover but has a battery inside. All of them are backlit unlike before, and have a proximity sensor on the inside to variate the lightning levels on the keyboard.<br /> Microsoft also announced the new Surface Remix project which is just like a normal cover, except that it trades the keys of a keyboard for music controls. It is mainly targeted towards DJs. Microsoft has even made a dedicated <a href="http://www.surfaceremixproject.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for it.</div>

Microsoft Announces the Second-Gen Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2

On Monday, Microsoft took time to unveil the successor to the first-generation Surface RT and Pro tablets. The new Windows RT and Windows...

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Mobilink Sets Up Computer Lab to Extend Education Services in Chakwal

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa2sE9cxCpKZKP9RIyXXWwX-E4L1KHl3drmdoY0DjpL5JeHa6D_Rdes-62Qf0VQ78i9nT_fRBeO_U3BE2bRi4Z3ygC0jNhKji4fnjNEL9N55Itv3ewL9KzlIG3laaLt2UZHLjFtikYQ0/s1600/Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa2sE9cxCpKZKP9RIyXXWwX-E4L1KHl3drmdoY0DjpL5JeHa6D_Rdes-62Qf0VQ78i9nT_fRBeO_U3BE2bRi4Z3ygC0jNhKji4fnjNEL9N55Itv3ewL9KzlIG3laaLt2UZHLjFtikYQ0/s640/Picture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="color: red;">Arif Mehmood, Director Sales Mobilink (2nd from L) and Raja Muhammad Anwar, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation (2nd from R) following the inauguration of the Computer Lab facility in Chakwal.</span><br /> Mobilink Foundation has partnered with the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) to set up a computer lab facility at a PEF partner secondary school at Tatral village in District Chakwal.<br /> The lab has been set up as part of Mobilink’s vision to create a better every day for the communities it operates in.<br /> As a result of this partnership, the school will be able to provide computer based education to students as well as train its teachers in line with the latest technology curriculum.<br /> Mobilink Foundation has provided an integrated communications facility to enable online lessons within the lab.<br /> Arif Mehmood, Director Sales (North) Mobilink stated, ”Corporate Responsibility remains at the core of all that we do at Mobilink. Our ambition for the computer lab is to enable students in Chakwal to have access to the latest technology, as means of making a difference in the way the children at the school learn and grow.”<br /> Speaking to the audience at the inauguration ceremony, Raja Muhammad Anwar, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation said,<br /> <blockquote> ‘‘The Foundation is fully benefiting from information and communications technologies to effectively run its model of free education. Soft loans are sanctioned to partner schools for the purchase of computers. Computerized database for 1.4 million students is secured through innovative student information system.<br /> PEF has a secure online funding system and complaint mechanism for partner schools. We have also increased the monthly grant of partner schools starting from September 2013.<br /> The corporate sector must come forward and wholly promote the cause of gratis education in the impecunious strata through their CSR principles.”</blockquote> The Mobilink Foundation continues to work with various educational institutions across the country to improve the quality of curriculum and curriculum delivery. The latest computer lab is the third facility set up as a part of Mobilink’ s Corporate Responsibility educational initiatives in the past two years with the aim to making basic education and ICT facilities available to students across Pakistan.</div>

Mobilink Sets Up Computer Lab to Extend Education Services in Chakwal

Arif Mehmood, Director Sales Mobilink (2nd from L) and Raja Muhammad Anwar, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation (2nd from R) following ...

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