Fun Facts about Balochistan

Balochistan translates to ‘the land of the Baloch’, in many regional languages.The country is dominated by natural resources, especially its natural gas fields which supply natural gas to the entire country.Balochistan is Pakistan’s biggest province in terms of its area, covering 44% of Pakistan (134,050 square miles).

The camel is the provincial animal of Balochistan.A vast variety of languages are spoken in Balochistan, ranging from Makrani, Rukhshani, Sulemani, Pashto, Brahui, Lasi, Urdu, Punjabi, Hazargi,Sindhi, Saraiki, Dehvari, Dari, Tajik, Hindko, Uzbik, and Hindki.

The climate of Balochistan is very extreme. The highest temperature recorded was 53 degrees in Sibi in 2010.
The Gwadar Port is located in Balochistan and is an operator for the China Overseas Port Holding Company.The Sulaiman Mountains are the southern extension of the Hindu Khush Range.In Balochistan its highest peak is Zarghun Ghar at 3,578 meters (11,739 ft.)

Jovago brings Black Friday to the Pakistani Hotel Industry

Pakistan is in for a big treat this November. This is the first time ever  any hotel booking portal is bringing such an offer to Pakistan, and at the perfect time. There is a range of hotels to chose from because Jovago has an inventory of over 2000 hotels in more than 150 cities of Pakistan.

On the last Friday of November, that falls on the 27th, Jovago is coming with the best ever deals for its customers. We are talking about discounts of up to 50%! This is a 24 hour long sale, so you have to be on your toes if you don’t want to miss this remarkable opportunity. As winter is coming and people will most likely be travelling to northern areas of Pakistan, Jovago has come up with discounts on the best hotels from the north, including Movenpick Hotel in Murree. This means that you can book your hotels at half the original price. The hotel vouchers can easily be reserved online through Jovago’s App or website. The vouchers will be valid for the next four days.

No one expected this coming, right. We all love traveling and amazing sales like this one. So, be prepared to get a hand on this offer. Plan a weekend getaway, and a small trip at an affordable price, thanks to Jovago!

Sneak Preview : Delicacies of Balochistan

Sajji
Sajji is a Balochi specialty, where a whole lamb or chicken is roasted on coals after being marinated in salt and green papaya paste.

Kaak
Kaak is made from flattened dough, which is heated until the shell hardens and becomes crispy.

Dampkhut
Meat is sealed in containers, left over a low flame to cook slowly in its juices and bone marrow. Dampkhut is a cooking technique that dates back to over 200 years!

Khaddi Kabbab
A whole lamb or goat is stuffed with rice, and cooked over a fire. The rice is cooked by the fats of the lamb, and enjoyed.

Kehwa
A soothing green tea, usually served with breakfast.

Explore Balochistan to know what you are missing in life!

Tips to relax while on a Vacation

Here is how one can have a relaxing vacation :-

1. Choosing the perfect destination

When selecting a destination, think about the perfect place where you can relax, and the rest of the family can remained entertained without you constantly needing to be there. A beach, a mountainous region, an escape from reality!

2. Make sure it’s affordable

Do not bust your budget while trying to create the perfect holiday.Travel within Pakistan, and Jovago Pakistan will help you find the ideal package that is affordable yet luxurious!

3. Take time out for yourself

Upon arrival,  promise to take out some time for yourself everyday. Go for a walk, find a quiet spot and read a book, or enjoy and appreciate your surroundings and yourself!

4. Spend time with the people who matter

When on a vacation, spend time with the people who cherish you and who you cherish the most! Create everlasting memories that will nurture your relationship forever strengthening it.

5. Go with the flow

Nothing will go as planned if you create a tight schedule with no room for spontaneity. Savor each moment and do not aim to do too much in one day!

6. Nourish and Recharge your body

Be sure to indulge in delicious food and endless hours of sleep, recharging your body and preparing it for the adventures that lie ahead!

Explore the city of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is one of the major cities in Punjab. It is the capital ofBahawalpur district and the 13th most populous city of Pakistan. Bahawalpurhas a royal history, and is now a much developed metropolitan city. It can be considered as a mega city in terms of real estate, parks, markets and institutions.

The city is situated near the prehistoric and ancient cities of Uch andHarappa, which were once a domination of the Delhi Sultanate and Indus Valley Civilization. As Bahawalpur has been home to most of the kings and nawabs, it is a vital attraction for tourists and history lovers. These kings built palaces for themselves which are a basis of tourist attraction.

Bahawalpur is well-known for its legendary carpets, embroidery and pottery. The Punjab government has given notice to such amazing hand work and has set up a Craft Development Centre from where handicrafts can be purchased. Some of souvenirs manufactured in Bahawalpur are Flassi, Gindi, Changaries, Khalti and more.

Jovago’s Top 3

Noor Mahal
The Noor Mahal is abeautiful palace in Bahawalpur which was owned by the Nawab of Bahawalpur. The palace was created by NawabSadiq Muhammad Khan (IV) who was passionate about constructing spectacular buildings. Most of the palace’s raw materials were imported from England and Italy and was furnished with top quality foreign gears. The palace was complete in 1875.

It has 32 rooms altogether. The interior of the palace is an incorporation of Islamic and sub continental styles. The building was acknowledged a “restricted monument” in September 2001 by the Government of Pakistan’s, Department of Archeology, but it is now one of the main attractions for anyone wanting to visit.

Derawar fortDerawar Fort is a large square fortress in Bahawalpur located in Cholistan desert. Built by a Hindu Rajput, Raj JajjaBhatti, the fort has a majestic sight that one cannot miss if visiting Bhawalpur.It was. However, the fort has been depreciating over the years, and needs instant repair if not renovation.

Bahawal StadiumThe Bahawal Stadium is a very famous cricket ground in Bahawalpur. It is the second largest stadium in Asia in terms of area.This ground is used for many other sports, cricket being the core. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000 spectators. The first test match in Pakistan was held at the Bahawal stadium while the second test match held here was between India and Pakistan, a news that still excites the people of both nations.

TIPS

Restaurants
Bahawalpur has a rich culture of dining out. There is a range of cuisines and restaurants be it 5 star to roadside cafes. Names like Four seasons, Kebabish grill, The Grand regency are a must try! To complete the dining experience, the city has a wide variety of desert shops.

Shopping
A number of shopping centers are under construction in Bahawalpur. Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and The Mall are the main shopping markets. Apart from that, major shopping malls, which are highly in trend, include Bobby Plaza, Takbeer Shopping Mall, Time and Prince.

Hotels
Bahawalpur is host to many hotels that are a good choice for accommodation. There are 5 star hotelspresent including Pearl Continental. Other than that, there is a list of reasonable hotels that are perfect for planning a low budget trip to the city. You can check this list at Jovago’s website with further deals and great offers.

Saleha Qureshi launches her First Festive Collection

Karachi: 18th November 2015) Designer Saleha Qureshi, known for her pret-wear under the label of Saleha. has announced the launch of the first Festive Collection for her eponymous brand on November 21, 2015 from her Flagship outlet in Karachi.

Saleha’s Festive Collection is a capsule of 5 unique designs in the tones of black and gold, including intricate embellishments and handwork .Speaking about her collection, designer Saleha Qureshi said, “The Festive Collection is designed for the multitasking Pakistani woman – who wants to be able to use the same outfit at many different events in a season – be it a wedding or a formal dinner or gala ball – together or as separates.”
Saleha has also just launched her extremely popular and affordable ready to wear Winter Collection this month, and it is available at her outlet.

Saleha’s Festive Collection is made to order, and available for preview at her store in Karachi on appointments only. She will also be showcasing this collection at Ensemble Lahore on December 3rd, 2015.

The Borders of Pakistan

Pakistan is situated in the Middle East, and is positioned in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It shares its borders with the Arabian Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, India and China! Its borders cover a distance of about 6,975 km in length – excluding the coastal areas! They stretch from the south to the mountain ranges in the north, with peaks as high as K2 at 28,251 feet!

The following paragraphs cover a few interesting facts about the neighboring countries and seas of Pakistan!

Pakistan and China

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, lies on the border between Pakistan and China. It connects Sinkiang Uighur of China and Gilgit–Baltistan of Pakistan and is one of the highest paved international roads in the world. The border is 523 kilometers long and is situated in the northeast of Pakistan. The famous Sino-Pakistan Agreement made the border between the two countries official, and was passed in 1963.

Pakistan and India

On August 17, 1947 the 2,912 kilometers long border between Pakistan and India on the west was made official. It was known as The Radcliffe Line named after its founder Sir Cyril Radcliffe. One of the significant places for both countries on the border is Wagah. It is the village from which the Radcliffe line was drawn separating India and Pakistan and is the only road border crossing between them.Every evening ‘the lowering of the flags’ ceremony is conducted there and people from both the nations bare witness to it.

Pakistan and the Arabian Sea

The coastline of the Arabian Sea which covers 1,046-kilometres lies on the south of Pakistan.The Indus River and its tributaries flow into the Arabian Sea serving as an instrumental route between Pakistan and other countries for conducting trade.

Pakistan and Iran

The border between Pakistan and Iran is located on the west side, and is known as the Pakistan-Iran Barrier. It is 909 kilometers long and a 700 km concrete wall that is, three feet wide and 10 feet high has been built to stop the flow of illegal border crossings.

Pakistan and Afghanistan

The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan formally known as the Durand Line is located on the west of Pakistan. The Durand Line is named after Sir Mortimer Durand, who was the foreign secretary of the British India. The border is 2,430 kilometers long, and was established inNovember 1893 after an agreement between Afghanistan and the British Empire.

Karachi: Live on Snapchat

5^thNovember, 2015, the day that gained immense highlights. This is the day when the city Karachi went live on Snapchat. Pakistanis, especially Karachiites, were in extreme delight as Karachi made it to Snapchat’s live story. Karachiites were informed a day before about this news through snapchat and it was something no one could wait for.

Snapchat aims to showcase insights from different cities around the world that come from the very own residents of that particular city. Just like every other city, Karachi gained much popularity through Snapchat’s initiative.

The story was all about things that perfectly define Karachi. The sun shining bright early in the morning, the beauty of the Arabian Sea, the famous monuments like Frere Hall and our founder’s tomb,traditional food and the very special ‘chai’ are some of the various highlights of the story. It proved to the people around the world that Karachi iscertainly ‘the city of lights’.

As much as we enjoy visiting other cities from all over the world virtually(thanks to Snapchat), we are sure the rest of the world had a great virtual tour of our beautiful.The Karachiites participated actively in sending in their stories to be featured on the live story. Snapchat could not feature each one of them for apparent reasons but we hope thatSnapchat comes back to our country and the world gets to explore the truer Pakistan.

Social media is a key part of today’s era and absolutely anything can be conveniently passed on for the rest of the world to see. We should get inspirations from Snapchat’s initiative that wants to promote the goodness of the world. As Pakistanis, we must take the responsibility of representing the bright side of our country and be optimistic about it.

How to Stay Motivated at Work

Jovago has come up with a list of things to do which can help you stay motivated at work:

1. Exercise before you work!Exercising before you work activates your neurons and is the perfect alarm. Wake up half an hour early, and perform a short work out routine. Whether its yoga, lifting or cardio, push yourself and get your body moving!

2. Create a to-do list for the dayCreate your list upon arrival and continue adding tasks that can be both related to work and unrelated. Physically writing your goals helps increase the responsibility felt to complete them on time!

3. Plan to have frequent meeting with your mentorHaving a mentor who supervises you and updates you on your progress and areas that can be improved is truly empowering. It helps to establish a relationship with them, and helps you understand your workplace and what is expected of you!

3. Take 10 minutes off, for every 50 minutes you workThe key to maximizing your hours at work is to take as many breaks as possible! Short breaks can be set aside for a walk, a powernap, and a time to write or eat. These breaks can be viewed as rewards for completing your work on time!

5. Build a relationship with a reliable colleague Getting to know your colleagues is essential. Grab lunch or go for coffee with them after work! This will help you stay motivated during your working hours, as surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is a great form of inspiration.

5. Set goals, and celebrate your milestones!Setting short-term and long-term goals about your career path and future aims helps you to map out your personal road to success. Once achieved, celebrate your winnings and accept any moments of failure as points of learning along the way.

5. Sleep wellAfter a long day, it is important to energize yourself. Sleep early, or take a nap after work. Help to maintain a balance so you do not over work yourself.

Finally, do not forget to utilize your leaves and plan a trip to Murree to ease your hectic routine and continue working with full vigor.

Sneak Preview of Sara Rohale Asghar’s Clothing Line

Sara Rohale Asghar a graduate of pifd in 2006 developed the brand in 2007 and has been ardently working, keeping alive the traditional embellishments compelled with modern cuts and varied range of hues.Offers a clothing line from luxury pret to bridal 

Sara Rohale Asghar will be showcasing “Blooming rose of eve’s garden” which is an enchanted trousseau narrating the journey of a woman. It’s a collection of elaborate garments with esthetically laden embellishments and ethereal silhouettes.

Plan a Trip to Neelum Valley!

The best kind of trip is the one where you can actually relax – no messages, no phone calls, no whatsapp, no instagram – let go of technology and embrace your surroundings. Although it is very hard to find WiFi and signal free zones, Neelum Valley fulfills these requirements!

We have created an itinerary for you to have a relaxing trip, where you can just enjoy the company of people you travel with, and of course, yourself.

Day 1:

To start the Neelum Valley excursion, you will have to drive from Islamabad to Muzafarrabad.  Muzaffarabad is the cultural and financial capital of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It lies on the banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. When in Muzaffarabad, visit Jovago’s top three sights, and for more information click here.

Aim to leave Muzaffarabad by 11am, and drive towards Keran. You will reach Keran by 3pm.

Keran is a village in Neelam Valley. It is situated 59 miles from Muzaffarabad and lies on the banks of the Neelam River at an altitude of 5,000 ft. The view from the tourist rest houses in Keran is phenomenal. Snow-capped mountains surround the resorts as well as snow kissed trees. Spend the night in Keran, and find your perfect resort through Jovago!

Day 2:

In the morning drive from Keran to Kutton. Kutton is also known as Jagran Valley. It is a village in Neelam Valley that is located amongst vast strips of greenery and snow. There is a beautiful waterfall in Kutton, which is worth a visit. After seeing the waterfall, proceed deeper into Neelum Valley and visit Sharda.

Sharda is one of the two administrative centers (tehsil) in the Neelam district. When in Sharda, visit the ruins of Sharada Peeth a famous temple and Hindu pilgrimage site. It was dedicated to the goddess Sarasvatī (Sharda) who represents learning. Kashmir was once a place where Hindu was taught and learnt.

Other historical monumentsthat must be visited include the Sharda fort, and Kishan Ghaati.

Spend the night in Sharda, and your comfortable stay is only one click away!

Day 3:

Go from Sharda to Kel, hiking to Arang Kel and then coming back to Sharda at night.

Kel is a village in Neelam Valley, situated at an altitude of 6,879 feet. Upon reaching Kel, trek to Arang Kel which is only a 2 kilometer hike away. It is situated at an altitude of 8,379 feet and is a popular tourist spot. Arang Kel is a hill station surrounded by lush green trees, and fields of greenery. The view from the hilltop features the serene mountains surrounding Neelum Valley, as well as the beautiful stream itself.

After this visit, you will notice how traveling without technology is a charm on its own.  Enjoy Neelum Valley!

Warid Launches New “Islamic APP” for Muharram

Lahore, October 2015: Warid Telecom has launched a brand new information based “Warid Islamic APP” for both postpaid and prepaid customers. The application has been launched in time for Muharram, giving customers access to Islamic content, including Hamd o Naat, Quranic Ayat with translation and Tafseer of Quran with translation, directly on their handsets. The app is available for free on Android’s Google Play Store and for non-Android users, it will be available online.

This new development will allow Warid customers to listen to numerous informative Islamic materials at their own convenience every day. Relevant content is available for all users who download the application or visithttp://islamicstream.waridtel.com. Customers will not be charged for the use of this application, though standard data charges will apply.

Warid has always endeavored to provide their subscribers with informative and educational services, and this application is a key example of that. The company has always excelled in providing customers with convenient and accessible options for their personal enjoyment and will continue to do so in the future.

Ghana Stock Exchange implements automated stock trading system

Lahore, 2015: InfoTech, a leading systems integrator and technology solutions provider, recently upgraded the existing trading platform at Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), allowing the exchange to further expand, innovate and attract international investors. The upgrade was successfully deployed on 16th October 2015, where Capizar® ATS went live. This achievement marks a great stride in the landmark project.

As part of the upgrade, InfoTech deployed Capizar® ATS, a comprehensive trading platform that includes core-matching engine, FIX/FAST gateways, integrated risk management, corporate announcement module and support of multi asset types, which has made it the choice of emerging markets to boost their business value.  The system upgrade not only considerably enhanced in terms of latest technologies but also improved market liquidity through new listings and public investments. Furthermore, the upgrade has brought GSE’s activities closer to international standards by state of art integrations with data vendors; improved liquidity via FIX protocol support; enhanced market surveillance. Correspondingly, this upgrade provided a concrete foundation for regional integration in West Africa according to the proven industry standard.

The initial automation of GSE was also implemented by InfoTech, which involved provisioning of a turnkey solution, and consequently provided the impetus for GSE to win the “Most Innovative Stock Exchange of Africa” in 2009.

To mark the occasion, Naseer A. Akhtar, CEO InfoTech Pvt. Ltd, commented, “The rapidly growing performance of InfoTech Group in emerging African financial markets is proof of our excellent professional relationship with our clients and our promise to put their business needs first. Our clients place utmost trust in us and it is our responsibility to meet their criteria and to serve them with the most robust solutions in the market. This upgrade will allow GSE to further improve efficiency and attract investors worldwide, and will also provide a base for regional integration.”

For further information, please contact:

Latitude – Corporate Relationship Solutions
Tayyab Babar, Account Director
Ph: +92 (0) 345 458 2027
Email: tayyab@latitudecrs.com

InfoTech (Pvt.) Ltd.
M. Haris Naseer, Director
Ph: +92 (042) 111 427 427
Email: haris.naseer@infotechgroup.com

Careem raises US$ 60 million in new funding with The Abraaj Group as lead investor

·         Careem is the leading app-based car service in the region covering 20 cities from Morocco to Pakistan

·         New investment from Abraaj, Al Tayyar Travel Group (Al Tayyar) and other investors will drive growth into new markets and cement Careem’s leading position in region’s major cities

Lahore, 10 November 2015: Careem, the MENA region’s locally founded app-based car service, today announced a Series C investment of US$ 60 million with The Abraaj Group (Abraaj) as lead investor. This funding represents one of the largest investments in the region’s emerging technology sector and will be used to accelerate market expansion and innovation in Careem’s car service across its core markets in MENA, Pakistan and the wider region.  It marks the third round of fundraising by Careem and sees Abraaj join other leading investors including Al Tayyar, STC Ventures, Beco Capital, Impulse (a subsidiary of Kuwait Investment Authority), Lumia Capital and Wamda Capital. Al Tayyar remains the largest institutional investor in Careem.

Founded in Dubai in 2012, Careem is an app-based car service currently operating in 20 cities from Morocco to Pakistan. As a home-grown pioneer of MENA’s technology sector, Careem’s mission is to simplify people’s lives through reliable and affordable urban transport. In the last three years, the company has witnessed strong growth month on month of over 30% across its core markets of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Having delivered millions of successful rides with tens of thousands of ‘Captains’ (drivers), this new investment will further strengthen Careem’s leadership position in the region. Careem plans to continue growing by partnering with regulators and governments to create jobs, improve livelihoods and empower women.

Careem will use the funding from Abraaj to invest in further growth in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, introducing key new hires, accelerating its pace of entry into new markets, and developing innovative new products and services. The company was founded by Magnus Olsson and Mudassir Sheikha, both former consultants at McKinsey & Company, and Dr. Abdulla Elyas. It aims to become the biggest consumer logistics business in the region.

Abraaj’s investment in Careem through its Funds builds on its thesis of investing in enterprises that cater to rising levels of urban demand in global growth markets and recognises the relevance of technology-led, “sharing economy” businesses with strong management and growth trajectories.

Commenting on the investment, Mustafa Abdel-Wadood, Partner at The Abraaj Group, said, “The transport industry is witnessing a positive disruptive revolution from the use of technology. The headroom for growth in the ride-share and taxi-app industry continues to be substantial and is proving out globally – and with our markets being no exception. We strongly believe that the combination of Careem and its management team with Abraaj’s track record of supporting regional champions will drive scale, efficiency, and produce significant public policy benefits. We intend to equip this business fully to rise to the challenge – and take leadership of this segment”.

Mudassir Sheikha, Careem’s co-founder and Managing Director, added: “As we successfully close our third round of funding, we welcome our new investors and partners into Careem. The Abraaj Group brings unique regional insights, proven execution capability, and global resources we consider critical to realizing our mission of simplifying the lives of people in the region. We will continue to innovate our product, expand through the region, bring greater income generating opportunities to even more of our Captains, and recruit outstanding talent to serve a growing customer base across our cities”.