Khurram Nazir's Blog

DOES PRAYER CHANGE THINGS?

khurramnazir — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:15:02 +0000

They say that prayer changes things, but does it REALLY change anything?
Oh yes! It really does!
Does prayer change your present situation or sudden circumstances?
No, not always, but it does change the way you look at those events.
Does prayer change your financial future?
No, not always, but it does change who you look to for meeting your daily Needs.
Does prayer change shattered hearts or broken bodies?
No, not always, but it will change your source of strength and comfort.
Does prayer change your wants and desires?
No, not always, but it will change your wants into what God desires!
Does prayer change how you view the world?
No, not always, but it will change whose eyes you see the world through.
Does prayer change your regrets from the past?
No, not always, but it will change your hopes for the future!
Does prayer change the people around you?
No, not always, but it will change you – the problem isn’t always in others.
Does prayer change your life in ways you can’t explain?
Oh, yes, always! And it will change you from the inside out!
So does prayer REALLY change ANYTHING?
Yes! It REALLY does change EVERYTHING!

75 questions to ask yourself

khurramnazir — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:11:28 +0000

An old proverb says, “He that cannot ask cannot live”. If you want answers you have to ask questions. These are 75 questions you should ask yourself and try to answer. You can ask yourself these questions right now and over the course of your life.

1. Why not me?
2. Am I nice?
3. Am I doing what I really want to do?
4. What am I grateful for?
5. What’s missing in my life?
6. Am I honest?
7. Do I listen to others?
8. Do I work hard?
9. Do I help others?
10. What do I need to change about myself?

11. Have I hurt others?
12. Do I complain?
13. What’s next for me?
14. Do I have fun?
15. Have I seized opportunities?
16. Do I care about others?
17. Do I spend enough time with my family?
18. Am I open-minded?
19. Have I seen enough of the world?
20. Do I judge others?

21. Do I take risks?
22. What is my purpose?
23. What is my biggest fear?
24. How can I conquer that fear?
25. Do I thank people enough?
26. Am I successful?
27. What am I ashamed of?
28. Do I annoy others?
29. What are my dreams?

30. Am I positive?
31. Am I negative?
32. Is there an afterlife?
33. Does everything happen for a reason?
34. What can I do to change the world?
35. What is the most foolish thing I’ve ever done?
36. Am I cheap?
37. Am I greedy?
38. Who do I love?
39. Who do I want to meet?
40. Where do I want to go?

41. What am I most proud of?
42. Do I care what others think about me?
43. What are my talents?
44. Do I utilize those talents?
45. What makes me happy?
46. What makes me sad?
47. What makes me angry?
48. Am I satisfied with my appearance?
49. Am I healthy?
50. What was the toughest time in my life?

51. What was the easiest time in my life?
52. Am I selfish?
53. What was the craziest thing I did?
54. What is the craziest thing I want to do?
55. Do I procrastinate?
56. What is my greatest regret?
57. What has had the greatest impact on my life?
58. Who has had the greatest impact on my life?
59. Do I stand up for myself?

60. Have I settled for mediocrity?
61. Do I hold grudges?
62. Do I read enough?
63. Do I listen to my heart?
64. Do I donate enough to the less fortunate?
65. Do I pray only when I want something?
66. Do I constantly dwell on the past?
67. Do I let other people’s negativity affect me?
68. Do I forgive myself?
69. When I help someone do I think “What’s in it for me”?

70. Am I aware that someone always has it worse than me?
71. Do I smile more than I frown?
72. Do I surround myself with good people?
73. Do I take time out for myself?
74. Do I ask enough questions?
75. What other questions do I have?

Corruption and illegal activities by CDA (Capital Development Authority).Islamabad, Pakistan

khurramnazir — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:05:51 +0000

Capital Affairs—Departure of clean and Green Environment.
The Capital Development Authority, established under CDA ordinance 1960 having a Board of Directors appointed by the Federal Government vested with general direction and superintendence of the affairs and the Business of the CDA.
Working under Establishment Division, the Capital Development Authority is the
overall administrative, developmental and regulatory authority of the city with
the objectives of city maintenance, citizen’s satisfaction, availability
of indispensable necessities, further expansion of city with the passage of
time, Planning and execution of development schemes, and such like other tasks
and is required to take measures to improve civic amenities including parks,
playgrounds, udyans and gardens identified as such in Master Plan and maintain
the same. Capital Development Authority is the principal authorizing and
controlling agent for any building construction and development activity within
the territorial jurisdiction of Islamabad City and is responsible for strictly
implementing the Master Plan of the City. One of its key tasks is to undertake
and execution of development projects like open spaces, parks, playfields,
lakes, etc.

The Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation is another body
set up by the Federal Government during 1988 to provide shelter to employees of
the Federal Government by launching self-financing housing schemes for them
including serving and retired and for other specified groups of people. Working
under Ministry of Housing and Works, the Foundation is registered as a company
limited by guarantee under the Companies Ordinance, 1984.
With the putting into action of Islamabad, a unique outline of master plan of
the new capital city was devised by an international architecture firm, Doxiadis
Associates and then details of the plan with all its intricate and complex
nuances was made possible by the dedication, professionalism, expertise and
tireless efforts of the then members of the CDA and after lengthy struggle that
multiple team was able to complete the master plan. the said Master Plan tends
to define `open space` as including but not limiting to parks, playgrounds, play
fields, botanical gardens, fountains, reflecting pools and other bodies of
water, walkways and non-build able rights of the way, and nullahs.

On creation of the Housing Foundation in 1988, the CDA and the Foundatin joined
hands to share the responsibility of allotment of plots obviously within the
ambit of Master Plan of Islamabad city. Responsibility of allotment of plots to
the general public was of Respondent â€œCDAâ€ , and
â€œFoundationâ€ was responsible for allotment to the Government
employees and attached autonomous organizations. The Foundation has fixed a
quota for allotment of plots; 75% for employees of Federal Ministries/
Divisions/ attached department and their subordinate offices; 8% for autonomous/
semi-autonomous Government organizations and public sector corporations under
Federal Government; 5% for employees of constitutional bodies/ professionals; 5%
for retired Federal Government employees; 2% for widows of those Federal
Government employees who died during service; 3% for journalists; 15 for
disabled; and 1% for hardship cases.

Quite contrary to the norms of equality, while entering into agreement with the
CDA, the Foundation fixed 20% quota of plots for the employees of the CDA. The
CDA being an autonomous body should have been included/ placed alongwith other
corporation employees for the purpose of allotment of plots. In addition,
contrary to clear verdict given by the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan the
CDA authorities are of the view that deputation officers require the completion
of one year service in the CDA to qualify for the plot. Similarly allotment of
plots to the officers of the Housing Foundation are made on the basis of one per
cent quota to those employees who have served 10 years in government and have
served in the Foundation for not less than six months. Allocation of separate
quota for a class of employees relating to an autonomous body and showering
plots on the officers completing one year service in CDA for CDA employees and
six months service for employees of the Housing Foundation is quite
discriminatory and clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution of
Pakistan.
For the last two years CDA as well as the foundation has been involved in
clearing green belts, nullahs, area not announced for any building or any other
purpose and such like other spaces in sectors I-8, I-9, I-10, G-10, G-11 and
D-12 for new plots to be allotted to the employees of the CDA while 967 plots
were allotted to only officers including 120 DMG group officers in sector I-8 by
abolishing the Green areas, creating various issues for the already settled
residents. 4, 767 plots were allotted to the officers and the employees during
the terms of the former Chairmen CDA Kamran Lashari, Tariq Mehmood and the
current Chairman Imtiaz Inayat Ilahi by mostly abolishing the green belts and
unspecified areas. The illegal construction made on newly created plots is
hindering in smooth flow of rain and nullah water causing severe inconvenience
in those areas. Such activities of both CDA and the Housing Foundation are
dangerous and impact of this illegal construction will cause loss of property
and deterioration of health of the new and old residents in those areas. New
houses are being constructed without fulfilling the set criteria of the housing
ministry and are being rented out. Furthermore, these new constructions are
blocking the natural flow of sewerage and rain water into a nullah in these
sectors.
Due to illegal activities being carried on by both the departments the value of
houses around has gone down by half, both in terms of capital and rental value,
including loss of view, open space, plenty of greenery and natural light, and
the people of those areas are feeling suffocated and are not able to enjoy fresh
air as was two/three years back. There are houses in the corner of almost every
street that is almost touching the road from the front and side. This action not
only has made these sectors over crowded, but has caused imbalance in power
supply to the area, and has also destroyed the roads due to construction
activity. In order to avoid the objections/ satisfy court Appeals of corner plot
owners of those streets, the respondents have played a trick and left a 10 feet
street in between the two houses, which is of no use because it is closed from
the other side and which resulted in the new corner plot to look like being
constructed in the middle of the road when viewed from the side, which of
course, creates problems for the vehicle drivers entering or leaving the street.
The trees provide shade, and give us oxygen, which makes the atmosphere cool and
keeps a better environment. The indiscriminate cutting of trees in the areas has
a severe impact on the atmosphere of the area. There were beautiful trees in
green belts, which was providing shades to the many and was keeping the
atmosphere cool. Under the guise of development, many of them were already cut
and a few remaining which too is being abolished for creation of new plots. This
indiscriminate deforestation is destroying this natural heritage therefore it
needs to be protected on top priority.
How plots are being allotted in posh and expensive sectors of Islamabad is an
interesting phenomenon. In one case the officer who was obliged to allot plots
to others has himself acquired an expensive plot, and says he has the right to
do so. Interestingly before Mr. Sher Afzal, who was responsible for allotting
plots to federal government employees from junior cadres to federal secretaries,
himself got the plot in Sector I-8 in excess of his entitlement (as 600 square
yards plot was allowed to officers in Grade 20 and above but not to a Grade-19
officer), the Foundationâ€™s Executive Committee offered plots to CDA
chairman and all the six CDA members in other sectors, obviously, as bribe.
However when they came to know the scandalous nature of the whole episode and
learnt that media had started probing into it, they dropped the idea to take
these plots. How the Executive Committee of the Foundation allowed Category-I
plot to a 19 Grade officer is also a question mark. Currently the Housing
Foundation has made allotments to federal government employees in sector G-14
but to some other blue eyed employees have been allotted plots in I-8 and other
posh sectors. The location wise value of plots in the capital city Islamabad is
very different from other cities as according to real estate experts the prices
of plots existing in luxurious sectors like I-8 and â€œFâ€ Series
are extremely high than those existing in far flung sectors like G-14. Disparity
can be seen that the price of 600 square yard plot in sector I-8 and
â€œFâ€ sectors is more than Rs30 million while that a plot with the
same measurement in sector G-14 is merely Rs3 million to Rs4 million.
In utter violation of the rules and regulations as well as the verdict of the
Supreme Court of Pakistan, the CDA has also allotted plots worth billions of
rupees to the officers who had joined the CDA on deputation or allotted more
than one plot to the same employee mainly in the Sectors I-8, F-10, F-8, F-7,
F-6, G-10, and others by abolishing green belts and nullahs clearly in violation
of Master Plan. Certain deputation officers gained the plots despite the fact
that they had a very dull and bad performance during their tenure in their
offices merely on the basis of having 10 years government service and completed
one year service in CDA. It is an established position that till no amendment is
made in the master plan, anything done against it is a violation of CDA rules
but the present regime is grossly violating it saying that master plan is not a
sacrosanct document. The concerned authorities have absolutely ignored that
original master plan was in line with the rules of CDA Ordinance 1960, but the
recent changes are not. Construction on green belts is banned in Islamabad but
this is the second time that the CDA has occupied green belts for residential
purposes in these posh sectors. Establishment of Jinnah Convention Centre and
McDonaldâ€™s in F-9 Park are some of the violations of the master plan.
That the environment and ecology of Islamabad, are being continuously endangered
and threatened by various activities originating from both the CDA &
Foundation. The City of Islamabad is no exception to this where the dwellers are
faced with horrible congestion and havoc of unplanned urbanization, affecting
their legitimate rights to healthy environment and enjoyment of the open spaces
for fresh breath and natural panorama for physical, mental and spiritual well
being.
The CDA who is in charge of all the properties and works is cutting and removing
all the trees in Islamabad and clearing the greenery. The reason is stated to be
for the creation of additional plots to be allotted to the employees of the CDA
which is absolutely illegal. Dozens of main roads, streets and link roads have
been blocked by the CDA to create space for new plots. Clearance of greenery
have also severe ramification on the environment of the area, especially in this
summer season where the temperature has gone to the maximum in this city.

The CDA is celebrating the Golden Jubilee. If we glance through the efficiency
and performance level of this government department it transpires that even
after 50 years of its establishment half of Islamabad is yet to be developed,
last residential sector developed in Islamabad was F-11 that was opened 23 years
ago in 1987 and since then no residential sector has been given to the people
increasing housing backlog to highest level, sectors G-12 and F-12 indicate the
helplessness of CDA, People are still facing acute water scarcity in the city
which aggravates in summer, sewerage system has become obsolete, basic civic
amenities are not available, federal capital has no bus service/ urban transport
system, rate of pollution has increased manifolds mainly due to reckless cutting
of trees marring the green image of the city. With this efficiency level
showering countless facilities to these departments and even allowing them to
freely play with the lives of the inhabitants of the city by taking actions like
narrated above is absolutely incomprehensible and is a joke with the Rule of
Law.

I am resident of Islamabad and I strongly protest against the indiscriminate
cutting of shady trees, clearance of green areas, and abolishing nullahs in
Islamabad by the CDA in collaboration with the Federal Government Employees
Housing Foundation to create additional plots for their employees, which is
contrary to the endeavors of environment conservation, internationally accepted.

To avoid litigation and then cursing the courts of law the concerned ministries
i.e. the Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Housing and Works should
immediately look into it at their own as state of affairs adopted by both the
departments is detrimental to the environment of the city and health of its
habitants, and is absolutely against the law of equality of citizens. Any
litigation would put the Government in a very embarrassing position. The
concerned Ministries should immediately:

1.      forbear the CDA and the Foundation from cutting and removing the trees from
the city;
2.      forbear both the departments from abolishing the nullahs and green belts/
open places from the city;
3.      cancel all the plots allotted to the employees of CDA and Housing Foundation
by clearing the nullahs and green belts in all the sectors;
4.      demolish the illegal construction made over those plots.
5.      cancel the quota system of allotment of plots to the employees of CDA and
Housing Foundation which is clear violation of Article 25 of the 1973
constitution.
6.      direct both the departments to replant the trees in the areas from where they
have cut the same.
7.      ensure that such practice is never repeated in future.

10 Most Creative Resumes

khurramnazir — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:58:56 +0000

Looking for a job? Having one of these creative resumes won’t necessary get you one, but it’ll surely get a lot of attention; meet ten of the best resumes we’ve seen.

Sabrina Saccocio is a TV, radio print and web producer who has put together this creative resume, looking for a unique and interesting work, a Facebook resume. (Link)

Pocket CV by Temitope Shoda. If you have to go to several jobs interviews in one day, this great resume is, besides creative, very easy to carry. (Link)

Michael Anderson’s portafolio not only shows he can create great graphics, it also proves he is able to turn ‘boring’ facts and figures into something exciting. (Link)

Very creative resume from Kristian Leigh Walsh, inspired in Game of Life. Check the video:

(Link)

One of the best resumes we’ve seen, made on a T-shirt. Very creative resume but you won’t be able to sue for sexual harassment if your future boss starts starring at your boobs. (Link)

Samuel J. Mallett folded resume (Link)

Resume in a box by ~Pixcaliba (Link)

Eugene Isaac was trying to land a writing job at a magazine, so he came up with this creative magazine cover resume. (Link)

Tired of writing or typing? How about sewing your own cool resume like graphic designer Melissa Washin. (Link | Photo)

Art director Katen Adolski used pencil tools to show her career evolution. (Link)

Europe VS USA

khurramnazir — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:50:32 +0000

How would it the comparison between the USA and Europe look like? Which has better or prettier bridges, more popular actors, faster cars are just some of the answers to tickle your brain. These things change through time. Take a look at the things compared and if you have some other ideas leave them in the comment section and we may add them to the list.

The Eiffel Tower vs The Statue of Liberty

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The Eiffel Tower is an 1889 iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris that has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tower stands 324 m (1,063 ft) tall.

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The Statue of Liberty officially titled Liberty Enlightening the World dedicated on October 28, 1886, is a monument commemorating the centennial of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, given to the United States by the people of France to represent the friendship between the two countries established during the American Revolution. The statue is 151 ft (46 m) tall, but with the pedestal and foundation, it is 305 ft (93 m) tall..

The Camp Nou vs Cowboys Stadium

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The Camp Nou is a football stadium in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The stadium has been the home of Futbol Club Barcelona since its construction in 1957. It is a UEFA elite stadium, and has hosted numerous international matches at senior level, and UEFA Champions League finals, the most recent being in 1999. It has a capacity of 98,787, making it the largest stadium in Europe, and the eleventh largest in the world.

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Cowboys Stadium is a domed stadium with a retractable roof in Arlington, Texas. It serves as the home of the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys. It replaced the partially-covered Texas Stadium, which opened in 1971, and served as the Cowboys’ home through the 2008 season. It was completed on May 27, 2009. The stadium seats 80,000, making it the 3rd largest stadium in the NFL by seating capacity (After FedEx stadium and the yet to be named new Giants Stadium)

Snatch vs The Godfather

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Snatch is a 2000 crime film written and directed by British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, and featuring an ensemble cast.

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The Godfather is a 1972 American gangster film based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo and directed by Francis Ford Coppola from a screenplay by Puzo, Coppola, and Robert Towne (uncredited).

Monica Bellucci vs Angelina Jolie

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Monica Anna Maria Bellucci (born 30 September 1964) is an Italian actress and fashion model.

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Angelina Jolie (born Angelina Jolie Voight; June 4, 1975) is an American actress. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.

Mont Blanc vs Mount Whitney

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Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco is the highest mountain in the Alps, Western Europe and the European Union. It rises 4,810.45 m (15,782 ft) above sea level and is ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence. It is also sometimes known as “La Dame Blanche”. The mountain lies between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy, and Haute-Savoie, France.

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Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 m). It is located at the boundary between California’s Inyo and Tulare counties, just 76 miles (122 km) west of the lowest point in North America at Badwater in Death Valley National Park (282 feet (86 m) below sea level). The western slope of the mountain lies within Sequoia National Park and the summit is the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail which runs 211.9 miles (341.0 km) from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The eastern slope lies in the Inyo National Forest in Inyo County.

The Beatles vs Elvis Presley

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The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music.

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Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King”.

Moscow vs Washington DC

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Moscow is the capital and the most populous city and the most populous federal subject of Russia. Moscow is a major political, economic, cultural, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the world, a global city. It is also the seventh largest city proper in the world, a megacity. The population of Moscow (as of 1 January 2010) is 10,562,099.

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Washington formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States, founded on July 16, 1790.

Roger Federer vs Tiger Woods

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Roger Federer is a Swiss professional tennis player. As of 21 June 2010, he is ranked World No. 2 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He previously held the number one position for a record 237 consecutive weeks and 285 total weeks, one week behind record holder Pete Sampras.

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Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods is an American professional golfer whose achievements to date rank him among the most successful golfers of all time. Currently the World No. 1, he was the highest-paid professional athlete in 2008, having earned an estimated $110 million from winnings and endorsements.

William Shakespeare vs F. Scott Fitzgerald

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William Shakespeare (baptised 26 April 1564; died 23 April 1616) was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”. His surviving works, including some collaborations, consist of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

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Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940) was an American author of novels and short stories, whose works are the paradigm writings of the Jazz Age, a term he coined himself. He is widely regarded as one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers.

The Chain Bridge vs The Brooklyn Bridge

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Széchenyi lánchíd or Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, and was opened in 1849.

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The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River. At 5,989 feet (1825 m), it was the longest suspension bridge in the world from its opening until 1903, and the first steel-wire suspension bridge.

Napoleon Bonaparte vs George Washington

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Napoleon Bonaparte , was a military and political leader of France and Emperor of the French as Napoleon I, whose actions shaped European politics in the early 19th century.

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George Washington (February 22, 1732 [O.S. February 11, 1731]– December 14, 1799) served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797 and as the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. Because of his significant role in the revolution and in the formation of the United States, he is often revered by Americans as the “Father of Our Country”.

Mercedes-Benz vs Cadillac

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Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of luxury automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. It is currently a division of the parent company, Daimler AG (formerly DaimlerChrysler AG), after previously being owned by Daimler-Benz.

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Cadillac is a luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors. Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mainly in North America

16 point plan

khurramnazir — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:16:29 +0000

1. Don’t talk negatively about people behind their backs.
2. If you gossip, people won’t confide in you. Mind your own business .
3. Try to work for someone who’ll challenge your powers.
4. You’ll learn more in a year than 4 years of college.
5. Successful bosses have good communication skills. They learn from people, including their employees .
6. Work in such a way that makes your boss look good. It’s not flattery
7. On downsizing, the first to go are those with few friends. Bosses prefer competent people whom they respect.
8. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Let your dress reflect professionalism.
9. Workout to get in good physical shape. Unless exceptionally skilled, the unhealthy are at a comparative disadvantage.
10. Personal integrity is crucial. Tell nothing but the truth. Bosses can forgive mistakes but if you lie, you’re gone
11. Be on time . Try to arrive few minutes early. It saves you from stress. You’ll be much relaxed & work better.
12. Strive your best to keep a deadline. If you cannot meet it, then apologize & ask for an extension
13. Don’t take things personally. If some people are unhappy with you, it’s their problem. But always strive to give your best .
14. If you must correct someone, don’t get personal about it. Do it never in front of others
15. Spend some time alone every day. Think What’s the mission of my life? What do I want to be? And how to go about it.
16. As you move along Plan A of your career, maintain a Plan B as well an alternative course to rely

Lord’s Test at centre of fixing allegations

khurramnazir — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:07:24 +0000

The fourth Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s is at the centre of a police investigation into spot-fixing following the arrest of a 35-year-old man, Mazher Majeed, who was allegedly caught claiming to have bribed Pakistan’s bowlers to bowl no-balls on demand.

According to a report in The News of the World, Majeed accepted £150,000 to arrange a fix involving Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, whom he allegedly asked to bowl no-balls at specific moments of the match. The paper also alleges that the team captain, Salman Butt, and the wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal, are involved, along with three other unnamed cricketers.

Cricinfo understands that the players named were questioned about sums of money found in the rooms, though it is thought that those were made up of the daily allowances players are given while on tour. The man arrested, Majeed, is believed to have contacts with the team though until now it was assumed he was acting as an agent for players, helping them secure sponsorship and kit contracts.

Officials from the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit are currently flying in from Dubai, and in a statement, the ICC confirmed that the allegations were being taken seriously.

"The International Cricket Council, the England & Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board have been informed by the Metropolitan Police that a 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers," read the statement.

"The Metropolitan Police have informed the ICC, ECB and PCB that their investigations continue and ICC, ECB and PCB, with the involvement of the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, are fully assisting those enquiries. No players nor team officials have been arrested in relation to this incident and the fourth npower Test match will continue as scheduled on Sunday. As this is now subject to a police investigation neither ICC, ECB, PCB, nor the ground authority, the MCC, will make any further comment."

A Scotland Yard spokeman added: "Following information received from the News of the World we have today [Saturday, August 28] arrested a 35-year old man on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers."

In a video secretly recorded during the NOTW investigation, a man alleged to be Mazher is clearly heard predicting that Amir would bowl the first over of the England innings, and that he would deliver a no-ball from the first ball of the third over – which as Cricinfo’s ball-by-ball commentary noted: "was an enormous no-ball, good half a metre over the line." The man also appeared to correctly predict a no-ball from the sixth ball of the tenth over, bowled this time by Asif.

Pakistan’s team manager Yawar Saeed confirmed that the allegations were being investigated, with police turning up at the team hotel in Swiss Cottage at 7.30pm, shortly after the close of an eventful third day of the Lord’s Test, in which Pakistan were left on the brink of defeat after losing 14 wickets in the day.

According to Sky News reporters outside the team hotel, police officers were seen leaving the building with two bags at around 11pm, while an unidentified man in a Pakistan training top was understood to have been taken away in an unmarked police car from the back of the building, although the team manager denied that any arrests had been made within the squad.

Even allowing for their disastrous on-field performance, Pakistan left Lord’s with unusual haste after the third day’s play, with the team bus departing barely 20 minutes after the close of play, before any member of the squad had taken part in the mandatory post-match press conference.

Pastor says armed militia to protect church during Quran-burning event

khurramnazir — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:05:19 +0000

(CNN) — An armed Christian organization, Right Wing Extreme, will protect a church that is planning to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on September 11, the church’s pastor said Tuesday.

The Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, says it is hosting the event to remember 9/11 victims and to take a stand against Islam. With promotions on its website and Facebook page, the nondenominational church invites Christians to burn the Muslim holy book.

Dove’s Facebook page, set up for the September event, has nearly 6,000 fans. The initiative has also drawn critics.

Dove World Outreach Centre Pastor Terry Jones has accepted the support of Right Wing Extreme, which he said offered to come to the church with between 500 and 2,000 men on September 11. He described the organization as an armed civilian militia group.

"There is a need for this protection. It is absolutely necessary in light of the death and terror threats we have received," Jones said in an email to CNN.

"We have met with the FBI who have warned us of the threats they have seen, not only against us but against other targets in Florida. We have personally received threats by phone and many by mail," he said.

No one from Right Wing Extreme was immediately available to comment on Tuesday.

But in a statement sent to CNN by the Dove World Outreach Centre, Right Wing Extreme founder Shannon Carson said: "We fully support Dove World Outreach Centre and its efforts to put an end to the notion that Islam is a peaceful religion. Islam is a violent cult with the goal of world domination."

Muslims and many other Christians, including some evangelicals, are fighting the church’s plan to burn the Quran.

Religious leaders in Gainesville have planned an event billed as a "Gathering for Peace, Understanding and Hope" on September 10, in response to the church’s proposal.

The Islamic advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations has called on Muslims and others to host "Share the Quran" dinners to educate the public. In a statement, the group said it would give out 100,000 copies of the Quran to local, state and national leaders.

Separately, Jones has proposed a meeting with Abdul Rauf, the imam at the centre of the controversial proposal to build a mosque and Islamic centre near New York’s ground zero.

The meeting would be meant to negotiate a "peaceful resolution," said a statement from Dove World Outreach Centre on Tuesday.

CNN Link1, CNN Link2

Pakistan investigates brutal mob killing of brothers

khurramnazir — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:24:50 +0000

Pakistan’s government has launched an inquiry into the brutal killing by a mob of two teenage brothers in the eastern city of Sialkot.

The 15 August lynchings were captured on video and have outraged Pakistanis.

In the footage the youths protest their innocence as they are beaten with sticks and wires by a group of men before being strung up on metal poles.

Police officers and other on-lookers did nothing. Officials say the mob mistook the brothers for robbers.

The BBC’s Syed Shoaib Hasan in Islamabad says it is clear from the footage that the two brothers – Mughees Butt, 19, and Muneeb Butt, 15 – were alive as they were hung from the poles.

At one point, the screaming youths ask to be shot so their ordeal might end.

Local police officials have been suspended while the investigation is held.

Our correspondent says the lynching has raised more questions about the government at a time when its popularity has plummeted to new depths, following accusations it was slow to respond to floods that have caused havoc across Pakistan.

Mob justice has been quite the norm, in Sindh, in Punjab and elsewhere in the country. The killings in Sialkot are a reminder that these murderers are getting more brutal, more dehumanised with each incident. The causes behind the madness that led to the lynching are still being probed. What is clear, however, is that the police were involved. Video footage of the incident shows policemen who seem to be part of the mob. The Supreme Court has taken notice of the double murder. The SHO ‘concerned’ has been arrested and a case registered against 14 people. The IG Punjab has suspended a few policemen in Sialkot and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has also woken up to the situation. As he castigated the police the chief justice remarked: “What message have you given to the world about Pakistan?” One could say, with due respect to the judiciary, that the act would have been bad enough had it remained hidden from an international audience.

The agents who promote such despicable acts of violence must be identified. Those in the media must introspect and see how much they have contributed to the sense of desperation found among Pakistani citizens today, while the police must be taken to task along with rulers who encourage the law-enforcers and the general public to play judge and executioner. The very day newspapers reported the Sialkot double-murder, they also carried a news item about the awarding of the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz to the DIG Gujranwala, Zulfiqar Cheema, for “maintaining law and order”. The police officer, in whose jurisdiction Sialkot also falls, appears to do his job in a manner that is condemnable. There are serious allegations that under his watch people have been killed in encounters and their bodies paraded through the streets. When the state rewards such actions, it is actively creating conditions for incidents such as the one that took place in Sialkot. The state is no less guilty than the SHO who has been booked.

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SIALKOT: While Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday ordered the suspension of District Police Officer Waqar Chohan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif changed the investigation officer of the case, and directed the authorities concerned to detain the suspended DPO.
The suspension of the DPO was recommended by the Punjab chief minister in a telephonic conversation with the prime minister on Sunday evening. Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, Sunday visited the bereaved family and later addressed a press conference at the residence of MNA Khwaja Muhammad Asif in Sialkot Cantt.
He said Additional Inspector General CID Punjab Mushtaq Sukhera would head a five-member joint enquiry committee, which would complete the investigation process within a week. He said the Inspector General Police Punjab had been directed to arrest all the accused including the police officials and onlookers within three days.
He said after the inquiry completion, the FIR against the police officials would be changed. Shahbaz also ordered the arrest of former Sialkot DPO. He said an anti-terrorist court would hear the case on daily-basis and the decision would come in days or weeks, and not in months or years. He appreciated the role of print and electronic media in highlighting the barbaric incident.
Nawaz Sharif said on the occasion that the killings were a barbaric incident and everyone present there, including the police officials, were responsible for it and they would be brought to justice.
Nawaz said the police, district administration and ordinary citizens had briefed him about the sad incident and revealed that both the brothers belonged to a gentle, noble and well-off business family, and they had no previous criminal record of any kind.
Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer also visited the family of the murdered boys – Hafiz Mughees and Muneeb Sajjad. Talking to journalists on the occasion, Taseer sought pardon from the nation over the killing of two brothers in the presence of the police and the public.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, meanwhile, said the culture of mass brutality was introduced by the Gujranwala police a year or so back when the bodies of alleged criminals were paraded in public.
Meanwhile, Shams Ali, one of the accused involved in the barbaric killings, claimed that he carried out the murders at the behest of DPO Waqar Chohan. He quoted the DPO as saying: “Go ahead and kill both of them. Police will claim the responsibility for the killings and declare it a police encounter.” Shams Ali told Geo News that his 12-year-old nephew also sustained injuries in the firing before the episode of torture of the brothers.
Punjab Rescue Services Director General Dr Rizwan Nasir meanwhile suspended the in-charge of Rescue 1122 office, Shaukat Ali Sajid, and his seven subordinates on the charges of helping the killers. The Rescue 1122 office is situated at Daska-Sialkot Road near village Buttar and the staff had provided the mob ropes to tie the hands and feet of the two ill-fated brothers.
On the other hand, scores of young men from Mohalla Hajipura attacked the Rescue 1122 office for allegedly helping the culprits. However, the staff fled the office and saved their lives. Police from Saddar Sialkot police station rushed to the scene and baton-charged the angry mob to disperse them.

Sialkot – Pakistan

Pakistan – Monsoon Floods

khurramnazir — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:00:53 +0000

1. Situation Overview

Latest government estimates indicate that over 14 million people have been affected by the floods (National and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities). Assessments are ongoing to establish the degree to which affected populations are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. The official death toll has risen to 1,343, with 1,588 people now reported as injured. The latest NDMA report indicates that over 722,000 houseshave been either damaged or destroyed.
Details on the extent of the damage across Sindh and southern Punjab provinces are still being established. Data currently available indicates that Shikarpur, Thatta, Kashmore and Khairpur have been the hardest hit districts in Sindh. Damage has also been severe in Layyah, D.G. Khan, Muzzafargarh and Rajanpur in southern Punjab.

In close coordination with the government, partners continue to scale up their efforts to better understand the humanitarian consequences of the floods across the country. WFP-led rapid Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) assessments are now completed in 11 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK). Multi-Cluster Rapid Assessment Mechanism (MCRAM) assessments have been carried out in 4 of these districts.

The focus in terms of assessments has now shifted to Punjab and Sindh. VAM assessments got underway in Punjab on 11 August. Six districts will be covered. VAM teams are due to move to Sindh on 14 August. Surveys to establish the location of displaced populations in Sindh are ongoing. The strategy will be the same as for KPK, with VAM teams rapidly establishing the overall numbers in need of assistance, and MCRAM enumerators following up to clarify what the priority needs are. An assessment coordinator will arrive in Islamabad on 13 August to lead the work of the inter-agency assessments working group.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warning of fresh floods in low-lying areas of Sindh along the banks of the Indus Riverin the coming days. Water levels in the river are rising at Chashmabarrage, which is likely to affect several districts of the province over the weekend. The Department has warned that low-lying areas of Khairpur, Jacobabad,Ghotki and Sukkar Districts are at risk of further flooding. Scattered rain and thundershowers are expected across most of the country with moderate to isolated heavy falls over upper Punjab, upper KPK, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir over the next three to four days. Hot and humid weather is expected over the south of the country.

Access to affected areas in the north of the country continues to be a major challenge, with Chitral and Upper Dir, large areas of northern Swat, Kohistanand the whole of Gilgit-Baltistan inaccessible by road. Several bridges in Sindh are reported to be closed to traffic due to high flood waters along the Indus River.

2. Humanitarian Need and Response

a. Education

Humanitarian Needs: According to the Provincial Education Department, the floods damaged 727 schools in KPK while 913 others are currently being occupied by flood-affected people. The Department has decided to delay the reopening of schools in KPK after summer vacations until 1 September. Regular activities of the education cluster such as teacher training and support to schools have been suspended. The government has asked the cluster to help arrange fumigation and cleaning of schools affected by floods. It has also asked the cluster to support repair and rehabilitation of damaged schools, and to arrange temporary buildings for the education process to continue when schools re-open. There is a need to provide tents and other schools supplies such as furniture, plastic mats, stationery and note books to damaged schools in Jalozai, Benazir complex and Togh Sari IDP camps. Repair of latrines and temporary shelters is also needed in the camp schools.

Response and Gaps: With schools closed and access continuing to be problematic the cluster is focusing its efforts at this point on establishing the extent of the damage in the education sector and the priorities for support.

b. Food

Humanitarian Needs: Of the 14 million people thought to be affected, it is estimated that 6 million are in need of food assistance. Following the completion of rapid food needs assessments in 11 districts of KPK (which identified 2.6 million people in need of food assistance in that province alone), WFP assessment teams are now conducting a similar exercise across affected districts of Punjab, and will move into Sindh on 14 August. The food cluster aims to commence distributions in identified priority districts in Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan in the coming days.

Humanitarian Response: By 11 August, the food cluster has reached more than 382,000 beneficiaries in 5 districts of KPK with almost 4,600 metric tons of food. Additional distributions are scheduled to commence in D.I. Khan and Lower and Upper Dir by the weekend. The cluster is now expanding its activities to address immediate food needs in all affected provinces; up to 6 million flood-affected individuals will be targeted nationwide for food assistance over the next three months. The cluster aims to reach 2 million persons in need of critical food assistance within the next 10 days. The cluster has increased its storage capacity in Punjab by approximately 2,700 metric tons, with the establishment of two additional warehouse facilities. On 11 August 2010, helicopter operations picked up pace and delivered the largest load to date (of 25 metric tons of mixed commodities). The total quantity of food delivered to locations still inaccessible by road is now 72 metric tons since the helicopter operation commenced on 5 August.

Gaps and Constraints: The food cluster is currently working to extend its network of cooperating partners across affected areas, in order to scale-up distributions in support of all target beneficiaries and avoid the incidence of gaps. Access – even to those areas reachable by road – continues to be a major obstacle, amid ongoing poor weather. Currently the food cluster is distributing a limited food basket, consisting of immediately-available commodities. Further donor support is urgently required, in order to reach the full target beneficiary caseload with the complete planned food basket.

c. Health

Humanitarian Needs: Limited access to safe water and crowded and unsanitary conditions mean there is an increased risk of communicable diseases among the affected population. This includes water- and vectorborne diseases (diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever) and vaccine-preventable diseases including measles, polio and tetanus. Between 31 July and 9 August, the most common diseases reported have been scabies, respiratory tract infections and acute diarrhea (based on a total of 288,984 consultations). There is also a need for proper management of injuries and psycho-social support to people affected by the disaster. Initial damage assessments show that 89 health facilities have been damaged and that 52 have been destroyed in KPK, Punjab and Baluchistan. There is need for additional life-saving drugs among affected populations. Health assessments are ongoing in affected areas that are accessible.

Humanitarian Response: Disease surveillance has been revived in all affected districts of KPK. In Baluchistan and Sindh, a disease early warning system (DEWS) is in place in accessible districts. In Punjab, disease surveillance has just been introduced. So far WHO and health cluster partners have distributed 142 cholera kits, 125 health emergency kits, 3 surgical supply kits, 550 vials of anti-snake venom, 5,100 hygiene kits and newborn kits, and 700 clean delivery kits. These kits will cover the needs of around 800,000 people for one month.

Gaps and Constraints: Initial requirements set out in the PIFERP total for critical, life-saving, preventive and curative interventions IS US$56.2 million. Additional funds will be required to support recovery of the country’s health system after the immediate relief phase. Flooded roads and bridges continue to limit the capacity of cluster partners to assess and assist all those in need.

d. Logistics

Humanitarian Needs: A number of areas continue to be inaccessible by road. Storage capacity needs to be augmented in Peshawar, Multan and Sukkur.Several bridges in Sindh are reported to be closed to traffic due to high flood waters.

Humanitarian Response: The cluster is in the process of establishing logistics hubs in KPK (Peshawar), Punjab (Multan) and Sindh (Sukkur). Logistics officers are being deployed to each to augment response capacity. All cluster members will have access to temporary storage facilities; interested organisations should submit a temporary storage request form, which is available on the cluster website: (http://www.logcluster.org/ops/pak09a/temporary-storage-request).The logistics cluster continues to coordinate requests from participants for transportation of cargo, including airlift operations for the distribution of relief supplies. The cargo request form has been updated and is available on the cluster website: (http://www.logcluster.org/ops/pak09a/cargo-movement-request).Helicopter airlift operations based in Ghazi continue to deliver food to Kalam in upper Swat, having been resumed after several days of suspension due to poor weather. Two additional airlift operations have now commenced: a Khwazakhela-based operation to support flood-affected areas in Swat and an Abbottabad-based operation to support areas in Kohistan.

Gaps &Constraints: Due to continued rains and high flood levels, areas remain inaccessible by surface transport means and additional helicopter-lift operations are required to provide life-saving humanitarian supplies to districts in Punjab and Sindh.

e. Nutrition

Humanitarian Needs: Though detailed assessment information is not yet available, given the clear risk of malnutrition among affected populations, the nutrition cluster is aiming to provide blanket distributions of supplementary food (plumpy’doz and high energy biscuits) to all severely affected children from 6-59 months and pregnant and lactating women. 63,000 children and 33,600 pregnant and lactating women are being targeted in KPK alone.

Humanitarian Response: Over 754 children of 6-59 months and 585 pregnant and lactating women have now received high energy biscuits as supplementary food in Nowshera, Lower Dir and Swat. Over 800 children have received micro-nutrient supplements and 674 children have been de-wormed across KPK. More than 2,000 mothers and caregivers were given key messages on infant feeding in emergencies including breast feeding. Cluster and coordination meetings are being held in all provinces and at federal level. The cluster currently includes more than 30 implementing partners.

Gaps and Constraints: Funding and quick availability of supplies are the major gaps. The cluster immediately needs cash assistance to ensure supply of plumpy’doz (120,000 cartons) and high energy biscuits (54,000 cartons) to prevent further exposure of children, pregnant and lactating women to malnutrition through blanket feeding of supplementary food.

f. Shelter and NFIs

Humanitarian Needs: The estimated number of destroyed and damaged houses is now over 722,000, according to the NDMA. More information regarding partially damaged and completely destroyed houses will allow the cluster to better plan and target their responses. While the majority of initial responses have focused on KPK and Balochistan, emerging needs are being addressed in Punjab and Sindh. Migration of people fleeing rural low-lying area is on-going in Sindh. Some spontaneous settlements are reported to be in dangerously flood-prone areas. There is also a concern that the affected populations will return to unsafelocations.Large volumes of plastic sheeting which meet minimum standards are required as locally available tents will not be able to cover the growing needs.

Humanitarian Response: IOM is leading the cluster at the national level. UNHCR meanwhile is leading provincial level coordination in KPK and Baluchistan. Target populations in these areas include local Pakistanis, conflict-affected IDPs and Afghan refugees. UN-HABITAT will do the same in Azad Kashmir. Shelter response in Sindh is being planned in close coordination with the PDMA and distributions have begun. Guidelines on the use of plastic sheeting for emergency shelters have been produced and will be disseminated through local radio stations and banners.To date over 55,000 tents and 31,400 plastic sheets have been distributed (over 72,500 households have been served).Cluster members have also distributed 200 tool kits, 52,850 blankets and 15,000 kitchen sets.62,700 tents and 126,000 plastic sheets are in the pipeline, as well as 169,000 blankets and 74,500 kitchen sets.

Gaps & Constraints: The local market in Pakistan will not be able to meet short-term emergency shelter needs for prioritized items (plastic sheeting, tents and blankets).Consolidated and synthesized assessment information is needed as is mapping of extreme risk locations at the local level.A long-term advocacy plan is required to support landless families or those whose land is precarious.While shelter material is arriving in Sindh, distribution planning is being compounded by the on-going migration of people fleeing the rural low-lying area. Blocked roads and shortages of staff on the ground represent additional challenges.

g. WASH

Humanitarian Needs: There is an urgent need for WASH NFIs (hygiene kits, jerry cans, buckets, aquatabs, etc.)Given the risk of water-borne disease across affected areas. Currently available resources can cover only a fraction of what is required. The onset of Ramadan poses increased risks of dehydration among flood affected populations. A rapid assessment of WASH needs in southern Punjab and Sindh is a priority.

Humanitarian Response: Cluster partners are providing tinkered drinking water to around 650,000 individuals (the majority of whom are in KPK where UNICEF, Oxfam, Acted and Mercy Corps are reaching 450,000 people. Cluster partners have also restored a total of 125 tube wells, benefitting an additional 700,000 people. Over 50,000 hygiene kits have been distributed (80% of distributions have been in KPK). 330 sanitary workers and 30 tractor trolleys are engaged in affected districts of KPK for removal of solid waste, including the bodies of dead animals.

Gaps &Constraints: Funding shortfalls and accessibility are proving to be the major challenges for WASH cluster partners.

Cluster coordinators continue to meet in the Serena Hotel in Islamabad every second day (next meeting will take place 14 August). A general coordination meeting (GCM), including the broader response community, donors and government is planned for 13 August. A humanitarian coordination centre has been established in the same location to function as a coordination hub for all humanitarian actors, providing a platform for information exchange and operational planning. Additional international staff continue to arrive in the country to strengthen coordination capacity at the inter-agency and cluster levels.

Outside the Capital, field coordination hubs are up and running in Peshawar (covering KPK), Multan (covering Punjab) and Sukkur (covering Sindh). Immediate priorities at this point include establishment of critical coordination structures, mapping of affected populations, coordination of assessments, liaison with provincial authorities and provision of a variety of common services such as who, what, where (3W) information. Focal points for priority clusters are now in place in these locations.

The Humanitarian Country Team continues to support the implementation of the Pakistan Civil-Military Principles (including the use of military assets) during the current floods response. Humanitarian agencies can contact OCHA (Nicky Bennet) for further information on civil-military issues.

3. Contacts

OCHA Pakistan:

Manuel Bessler, Head of Office

bessler@un.org

Maurizio Giuliano, Public Information Officer a.i.

giuliano@un.org, +92 300 8502397

Nicki Bennett, Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer

bennett5@un.org, +92 300 850 2289

Susan le Roux, External Relations and Donor

Liaison Officer

leroux@un.org, +92 308 520 5819

FawadHussain, Sindh Field Hub

fawad.hussain@un.org, +92 301 854 2495

HussainUllah, Punjab Field Hub

Husssain.ullah@un.org, +92 301 854 2449

OCHA Geneva

Randa Hassan, Humanitarian Affairs Officer

hassan50@un.org,

Office: +41 22 917 2732

Cell: +41 79 602 3598

OCHA New York:

Ben Negus, Humanitarian Affairs

Officernegus@un.org

Office: +1 917 367 4374,

Cell: +1 646 785 9642

Source OCHA