Pakistan through the eyes of Pakistani expatriate in Saudi Arabia

By Mona Rahman

Today not only the Pakistanis within Pakistan are celebrating the 64^th independence day, the 64th effulgent beam of its freedom with profound enthusiasm and high spirits but Pakistanis all around the globe are celebrating this imperative day with their unique identity.

Profile or display pictures (DP) on Face book, Twitter social networking sites garbed in flags, positive messages, hues of Pakistan all give us a delicate scent, a sweet fragrance of our beloved Pakistan.

Although, Pakistan is hit by inevitable mishaps which we see every time we grab the TV remote or log in. We all know that global recession, instability, energy crisis, aftermath of destructive floods and 2005 massive earthquakes has caused great damage and now the apprehensive conditions in the business and economic hub of Pakistan , “Karachi”.

Does this mean will lock our happiness? No, we have to keep our hopes alive, because hope is the only driving force for any nation to be successful.

The overseas Pakistanis though they are not in their country yet exhibit a deep love. They play a key role in building the national economy and are an asset for the nation. 1.5 million Pakistanis reside in Saudi Arabia who support our economy through remittances. Pakistanis invest and have set up industries in Pakistan.

If we Pakistanis did not ever have love for our country why would we have community schools wouldn’t be our children studying in other private schools?

The point is instead of spreading negativity and very often on social sites let’s spread a positive word. So every one feels positive and we can exhibit a positive image.

When Pakistan was made every one knows we had so many difficulties we had resources but every thing needed to be organized and it was organized…stabilized and so if today we are veiled in darkness….its only our people who through proper leadership can make our nation rise once again.

This message goes especially for the youth…. The way on this Independence Day we have changed our profile pictures with green flags, tagged each other in positive images, inspirational and motivational patriotic you tube videos expressing peace and love we should continue to do it frequently not only on significant days.

It is WE the youth and we the elders who nurture the minds of our young blossoming generation so we shouldn't be planting negativity :-)

Long Live Pakistan!!!

Pakistan Zindabad!!!

TEC to hold first Digi Mark Summit 2011- Pakistan

TEC to hold first Digi Mark Summit 2011- Pakistan

TEC (Training, Event and Consultancy), a professional enterprise is to hold the first Pakistan Digital Media Summit titled, “Digi Mark Summit 2011-Pakistan”on 18^th August at Royal Palm in Lahore.

The event is designed to guide the corporate sector in building brand image, product promotion, and communication with customers via digital media, taking their business to escalating heights.

The corporate professionals and students will be given an opportunity to benefit from the valuable experiences in terms of knowledge and expertise by exclusive interaction with e marketing veterans and entrepreneurs. Event is focused to deliver value to corporate sector with a 360 degree perspective of online media marketing techniques.

The guest speakers include: Mr. Monis Rehman, Online Advertising and the Trends Local Publisher Perspective CEO, Naseeb Networks, Mr. Farhan Mirza- Social Media and Advertising Models, VP marketing Strategic Allianz, Mr. Hassan Khan- Online Media Strategist Media Mind, Mr. Badar Khushnood- Country Consultant Google Pakistan, Mr. Sarmad Ali- Managing Director Marketing The Jang Group and Mr. Muhammad Muaz Bin Shahbaz- Regional head of Sales and Marketing Rozee. PK

TEC has been established to help individuals and organizations in enhancing their capacities which will enable them to survive and thrive in a dynamic environment. It regularly conducts different events on contemporary issues which are meant to bridge the gap among the universities, research institutes, public and corporate sectors and developing a culture of creating and sharing knowledge.

To be a part of the largest digital marketing event of Pakistan and experience Internet marketing join the summit by registering through www.digimark.thetec.org. Queries can be reached and mailed at info@thetec.org. For more information please contact Mr. Saqib Mughal 0321-4141808 or Mr. Muhammad Raza 0300-8006070.

Expat women seek more work choices

Expat women seek more work choices

Young, educated, career-oriented, expatriate women in the Kingdom are eager to work in suitable jobs. Despite the fact that Saudi labor laws make it difficult for these women to work legally, they take positions at different institutions, particularly schools, in order to gain financial independence and explore new opportunities.
“Most expatriate women in the Kingdom are either working as medical staff, teachers or in all-women organizations, such as, women’s branches of banks and women’s retail stores.
There are very few professions open for legally working expatriate women,” Basha Nawaz Khan, an international legal expert, told Saudi Gazette, adding that expat working women in the Kingdom who live without their families are a rarity.
“The only exception to this are nurses,” he added.
Most workplaces refuse to sponsor an expat female employee, requiring her to be on her husband’s Iqama. “Generally, the husband will also be working in the same city as his wife. Very rarely is the wife sponsored by her company, as usually, her husband is her sponsor. As such, all of the expat female employee’s expenses, such as, visa, airfare, Iqama renewal, etc., are borne by her husband. She must, therefore, keep this in mind and negotiate well with her employer,” said Khan.
School jobs are usually preferred by expat women as a school is considered to be a secure place with a safe environment. “There are fewer encounters with males, and the teaching profession is respected and is a culturally accepted job,” said Sana Obaid, a Pakistani teacher working in a private school in Makkah.
However, a common issue in private schools that employ young women is their (the women’s) marital status. “Before a teacher is appointed in a school, she is asked during the interview if she is married, and if she is or is getting married in the near future she is rejected for some ambiguous reason even if she is highly qualified,” said Obaid. Most private schools prefer unmarried women considering that they are able to work for longer hours and with better concentration.
Chaman Rahim, a sociologist and assistant professor in Dar-ul-Hekma College in Jeddah, agrees.
“An unmarried girl concentrates well on her job as she does not have the responsibilities of her husband and in-laws. When she is married, she becomes distracted as she starts planning her new life,” said Rahim.
In defense of the recruitment policy of schools, Majida Rauf, a recruiter in a private school, says: “It is a must that we ask unmarried women about their marriage plans and married women about their family plans.
This is because when they take a leave or abandon their jobs for family reasons, it becomes difficult for us to find a replacement in a short time and for the students to adjust to a new teacher.”
Sadaf Waris, an Indian student, believes that girls should not be questioned about their marriage as such affairs are decided by their parents. Waris views the trend of unmarried working women as necessary so that the women are able to “break social and cultural taboos and answer people who point fingers at them because they are unmarried.”
Espousing the notion of young working women, Rahim said: “Girls like to work, have their own identity and be independent. Making new contacts helps their confidence, and the money that comes in is like the icing on the cake.”
She said that nowadays, many girls choose to work in companies and other institutions rather than schools. “Moreover,” Rahim said, “men prefer to marry working women as they can help to financially support the family and increase its standard of living.”

Beat the heat -2

Beat the heat -1

Celebrate With Colors of Henna

Eid signals the time to indulge loved ones

Eid signals the time to indulge loved ones
By Mona Rahman

The end of the holy month of Ramadan marks the start of the Eid-Al Fitr festival and celebrations which are often highlighted by the exchange of gifts amongst close family members and children. Buying children gifts instead of the traditional token money is the latest rage in the Kingdom and in other Muslim countries, and shopping malls are choked these days with last-minute shoppers.“I don’t give my sister token money anymore; prior to Eid, I take her out shopping and buy her whatever she likes, according to my budget: an elegant dress, some bangles or a traditional pair of shoes,” said Mohammed Kamran, a Pakistani expatriate in Jeddah. “As soon as the Shawwal moon is sighted, I drive my mother to our relatives’ home where she distributes gifts to the children including dolls for girls and batter-operated toy cars for the boys.”He added that the gifts are usually bought during the last week of Ramadan so that they can be gifted on time. In part, this change of tradition has come about by the miss-use of token money by children too young to spend the money properly. “It is much wiser to buy suitable gifts like stuffed toys, clothes, video games and books rather than gifting money,” remarked Saeed Fathy, a Saudi resident of Jeddah. “We can buy gifts and then give a small amount of token money on the actual day as well.”The possibilities for gift-buying are endless with men being able to buy exclusive jewelry and accessories for their wife, mother and sister; a pair of gold earrings or small necklace is always a good option, but with rising prices and the availability of highly attractive artificial jewelry, there are cheaper alternatives to making a loved one feel good as well.A number of jewelry stores are, therefore, offering a number of special offers. “We are offering an Eid special offer of artificial jewelry consisting of a wrist watch, ing, pair of earrings and necklace of a certain brand between the range of 100 and 120 Saudi riyals,” stated Abdul Haq, the salesman at a local jewelry store in Andalus Mall, Jeddah. A similar gift package for men is also offered, including a wrist watch, pen, key ring and a pair of cuff studs for approximately SR160.Another good idea is to purchase aromatic perfumes and exotic oils, available at nominal prices at most perfume stores everywhere. “A special Eid offer for ladies is a gift box comprising of four different bottle of perfume costing SR180, and one bottle of perfume can cost as low as SR99” said Mohammed Khalil, a salesman at a health and beauty store in Jeddah. Many such gift packs also include shower gels, soaps, body lotions and bath oils, available for both men and women.There are pricier perfume options as well with most branded perfumes costing SR150 to SR350.Clothes make another excellent present, since everyone wants to wear new clothes in Eid, particularly if the gift receiver is a close relative or friend whose preferences are known in advance and can be splurged on. If one is feeling particularly indulgent then electronic gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, gaming consoles and music players these days make apt gifts. If really stumped for an idea, gift shops are always a good place to find a diverse variety of products catering to all ages and types of people. Many of these shops offer items for as little as SR10 to SR1,000.Since Eid is an occasion of celebration, it is nearly impossible to assume that sweets will not be linked to festivities. in this respect, it is always a good idea to buy gift boxes comprising of traditional sweets, nuts and chocolates. Arab specialities like baklava and kunafa as well as those from the Subcontinent, are also make an excellent present for loved ones.“During the first three days of Eid, we are prepared to receive dozens of orders which we get from customers who opt to carry these delicious gifts to their loved ones,” said Saleem Jamshaid, a Pakistani shop owner of a sweet shop in Jeddah. – SG