Happy Birthday Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah!!

25 December: Happy Birthday to the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah!! Dedicating an emotional message for the youth in the morning show of TVONE Global, recorded exactly a year ago. Also, season's greetings to all my friends in Pakistan and around the world!

Exclusive Interview with H.E Ambassador of Pakistan to South Korea

This is PAKISTAN, this is KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA!

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of the most legendary places on earth,

often ignored because of the Afghanistan War across the border and within the province in few areas. But, today, it was an eye opener for me to know the untapped potential of this province of Pakistan which the investors locally and abroad do not know much about. This is my learning from today's Investment Roadshow, "Exploring the Investment Friendly Environment in KPK & FATA', I have summed up, Why one should invest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province? in 25 key reasons. You are welcome to share for the benefit of this province, for the benefit of its people and above all for the benefit of peaceful and progressive Pakistan!

1-Rich in Gas, mineral resources, marbles and stones are some of the best in the world
2-Easy access to politicians/bureaucrats for facilitation
3-Cost of labor, warehousing, water charges are very minimal as compared to other provinces
4-Conflict Resolution with local Jirga system makes it a quick process
5-Huge Hydro potential area 

6- No corruption at top level and at its improving at police level
7- Low-Cost skilled workers, engineers, accountants etc are available in job market
8-No crime other than Afghan-related war in few areas
9-Good Road Infrastructure
10. Raw materials are available in huge quantity
11- Easy access to financial services
12- Strategic Location is perfect with Afghanistan, Central Asian Countries and China in close proximity, Kashmor-Dera Ismail Khan touches the borders of all provinces of Pakistan
13-Hattar with all the best facilities is very close to the capital, Islamabad
14-People of KPK and FATA are very hard working, many are also working abroad with good purchasing power
15-Government of KPK has formed a working group of Technocrats, Businessmen, Academia etc for 'reforms' in the province
16-Lot of potential of agriculture like best Malta Fruit and Dates etc.
17-It has it own electricity rates
18- Great opportunity for technological advancement
19- Large properties available at low price
20-No customs duty
21-100% profit for foreign investors according to official policy
22-Hospitable people
23- Lot of scope for small and medium enterprises
24- Huge potential to start furniture, jewelry , embroidery, garments outlets
25-Heaven on earth, beautiful mountains and unprecedented level of potential for tourism

Media Coverage of visit to South Korea

19th August, World Humanitarian Day

19^th August, World Humanitarian Day, a day to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe!

Are we with Pakistan?

       

 

Independence Day Exclusive 

We know that vast majority of Pakistanis are peace-loving and hospitable, it is something which is a fact, and we all say wherever we travel. Those watching foreign media thousands of miles away and those who have not been to our country may not know it until they visit this beautiful land.

Sadly, minority of terrorists has hijacked us, and the majority of peace-loving people have been suppressed and those who have spoken against the forces of evil have been targeted. Terrorists are using acts of barbarism to disintegrate Pakistan. Certainly, these coward perpetrators have no religion.

Be it through creating sectarian violence, killing our brave security officials, politicians, young peace activists, teachers, doctors, law enforcement personnel & institutions or foreigners, they want to tarnish Pakistan’s image as a progressive country and label it as the most dangerous place in the world.

On the other hand, ironically, political parties themselves are apparently divided and have their own vested agenda rather than giving right direction to the nation, they have failed to even come at one platform against extremism & terrorism when it was most expected from them.

Amidst this tumultuous situation, there seems to be only two options left for common Pakistanis now: First one is that every peace-loving Pakistani must strongly renounce extremism in all of its forms and manifestations and speak and stand up side by side with fellow countrymen affected by it irrespective of sect, faith, color, language or creed. We have to speak against this barbarism, reject it, and fully disown it till we eradicate this menace from our society. Media must play a role which promotes patriotism not only on 14 August or 23rd March, but each day should bring positive resolve for the betterment of our country. In this first option, power is in our (common people) hands if we hold it tightly as one.

The second option is to be just remaining silent spectators. Unfortunately, later one has not helped us before; it is not helping now and won’t help in future. It is not the option, but to go for former one in a nonviolent way. This is an urgent need if we want to survive collectively as a nation. If we do so together then we will also survive individually.

As I write these lines, 14 August is already here, patriotism may not be seen at its peak this year around as we have witnessed before, but we still have some of it which we need to keep alive. No matter whatever the situation, if we will be proud Pakistanis and would believe in our worth then the world will also proudly announce our country with pride. If we care for our country only then world will respect us. We just need to reclaim our motherland by working hard and owning it. Are we with Pakistan?

Video link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152021504230198&set=vb.228420653866109&type=3&theater

Statement on the situation in Egypt

We are with the people of Egypt! However, I believe there has to be some political stability in the country. With our experience here in Pakistan, the previous government was the most corrupt, but they were the only one to complete their 5 years tenure in our history. No one was happy but there was one consensus by all the political parties and military that for the sake of democracy, we must give a full chance so that any party in rule do not complain again that we were not given the chance of completing full tenure and be politically victimized on that basis as it has happened before. While still there are so many issues here and good governance is a challenge in this part of the world, I am concern that what will happen if after one more year another elected government is ousted again in Egypt? And if people are inspired by it in countries like Pakistan then only military will take over and even so-called democracy will just be a dream and we will not move an iota on the path of true democracy

Social Media: Can we promote it with positive news?

Enough has already been said about the video song ‘Eye to Eye’ and without any ambiguity; it has reinforced the fact that the power of social media is growing strong in Pakistan than ever before. However, its freedom comes with responsibility and more so for those who are being followed and are looked upon as mentors. 

May it be the elections campaign or songs by new comers, social networks can now turn individuals from unpopular to popular and vice versa. Similarly, it can change the fate of people from zeros to heroes and heroes to zeros. Importantly, all this is possible in just matter of hours. But hey, don’t forget to pour some ingredients as a prerequisite to achieve it. Make sure that you include some hot spices like glitters of glamour, funky comedy, play with golden words and perform some unusual actions. Moreover, you may include a cranky fight, dress weird, bring some curiosity or suspicion and yes, background does play a pivotal role so make it eye catching as much as possible. 

Ironically, you can be a successful politician in Pakistan if you can lie and make your followers believe things what you will never do. Try to hide the truth from the public, just deny if you ever said so, and blame everyone but not yourself. If you are a singer, don’t worry for your quality of voice. If you can put some ear catching music and remember all the ingredients, you can be the next sensation. If you are developing writing skills, social media is for you. Just be creative as what readers really resonate with, it isn’t so much how you write, but what u say. If you are not educated then you are lucky as you have better chances of getting any kind of job because the so-called educated ones here do not go for those which you can do. Additionally, just learn how to use a computer and taste all the spices mentioned in this article. One day, you will surely be a successful entrepreneur. If you are new as a trainer, you can be in line of huge fan following and in the list of budding trainers. For all this, you do not need to be a good public speaker, posses training skills or world of knowledge, just learn the basics of selling yourself. It will be icing on the cake if you are an actor too with some abilities of making hilarious actions and to make people move. Again, social media is the platform for your self-promotion so go for it buddies. 

One of my great friends and a journalist, Mr. Fareed Rais writes:

“I agree with you. I have always insisted on the power of social media, but unfortunately, our people still don't have any awareness what to share, what to like, where to share and where to comment. You post a picture and you will get hundreds of likes, if you are a female then this figure will be multiplied. But if you post anything educational, anything informative, anything analytical, you will hardly get any comment or likes as it is my personal experience. People like Veena Malik, Meera gets fame, but people can hardly understand the reality of umpire Asad Rauf who has been falsely associated with Leena Kapoor. Facebook and other social media applications need awareness on how to use it, but here in Pakistan, it is unfortunate that people use it as a hobby without keeping in mind the protocols”.

Indeed, there is also a lot of positive work being done via social media and hats off to our youngsters for it, but will such initiatives of them for the progress of our country be a hit within a day or so? Will we promote and share it not in hundreds and thousands, but in millions and billions? We need to ask ourselves, how much we really promote the success of our people who make Pakistan proud internationally; those who are doing remarkable work in the country and the work of those who are the talented and hidden stars of our country. How much our Media highlight them and why their success for Pakistan can’t be the ‘Breaking News’? 

If we have time for face book and tweet updates minute after minute, then imagine if we could take only some of it in promoting social media with positivity around. The day good news reaches out to common masses in every nook and corner of the country; it will be a Pakistani Social Media Revolution via the online world with support of other media. The image of Pakistan and Pakistanis will automatically improve then at the world level. Let’s not wait and start working on it at Pakistani to Pakistani level, will we?

Indonesia in Pakistan

"Sometimes, our experience may be altogether different when we see a country and meet the people directly. This is what happens in case of Pakistan since the real situation is quite different as depicted in the med media reports. Happily, I have a pleasant stay here and found the Pakistani people hospitable, warm and welcoming. I have impressed by the friendliness of the people especially for Indonesia as a brother country. I deeply admire the attractive shades of the distinct culture of the provinces of Pakistan, which have captivating beauty. The rich culture is the symbol of civilized nation and the culture of Pakistan reflects that its people are peace-loving and desire to live in harmony. I also believe that we need to further strengthen our bilateral cultural ties by introducing and promoting our music, cinema, theater, painting and art to make the people-to-people contacts strong and durable"~ Excellency Burhan Muhammad, Ambassador of Indonesia in Pakistan  

Courtesy: Social Diary-Pak Observer 

Azerbaijan-Pakistan Friendship

“Pakistan is a great country. One has to stay here for quite a while, interact with ordinary people, drink water and eat a food of this land, take part in the weddings, festivals, inhale a philosophy of Allama Iqbal in order to understand this country. And indeed, all this should be done through love. Only if you love the country you may understand its spirit. 

People this is a greatest asset of Pakistan. What I have notice here-your people have got an invisible wire, linking them with Almighty. Believe me, they can better than many others in the world understand a real meaning of life, trust God and rely on Him. As far as culture and traditions is concerned, they are very similar to like Azerbaijani ones. Music, literature, philosophy, with some minor differences, is the same. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize our independence”~His Excellency Dashgin Shikarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Pakistan

Courtesy: Social Diary-Pak Observer 

Oh Turkey!

While the protests in Turkey were sparked by plans to build on an Istanbul park and have broadened into anti-government unrest across the country, and many would say that opposition parties are provoking it as Secularism vs. Religious issue and that it may be a conspiracy against the ruling party, but we also need to understand that free & fair elections are the central institution of democratic r...epresentative government, if the current government there is truly a 'democratic' one then it is the right of Turkish citizens to enjoy broad freedom to criticize government, to publish their criticism and to present in a peaceful way. Yes, one big mistake can cost so much to any government. Never did I know that Taksim Square, a beautiful part of Istanbul where I was there with friends from Pakistan and around the world in 2010 will become a symbol of police brutality and state oppression in 2013. This violence in Turkey is condemnable and unjustifiable! News, updates, videos, pictures and messages by friends pouring from Turkey are shocking and heartbreaking to me:( The new government of Pakistan has also a LESSON to learn from the current situation there. May peace and sanity prevails in Turkey!!

Come around the World with me!

If you not then who?

Must watch movie!

CHAMBAILI - Theatrical Trailer from Chambaili on Vimeo.

Thoughts for Boston

 

 

 

 

Boston, we here in Pakistan are thousands of miles apart, but we can still feel the sting of your people! Our country has been a survivor of terrorism since long...these acts of violence will never deter us in any way nor you and will continue to build the bridges of peace and friendship, Marathons will go on....Prayers and blessings for all affected!

Am one of them:-)

Humbly honored to be included in the list of people who make Pakistan proud:-)

Thank you Unique Pakistan!

Pakistan Election 2013

While it is the first time in Pakistan’s 66 years history that the National Assembly has completed its five-year democratic tenure today, Pakistani nation has been equally patient in these years and deserves a brighter future! May we pass through this transition test peacefully and emerge stronger! 

The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Movie Trailer)

TRAILER - The Reluctant Fundamentalist from PartyLiciouS Entertainment on Vimeo.

Synopsis: Based on a 2007 novel by Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid, it is a story about a young Pakistani man chasing corporate success on Wall Street. He finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American Dream, a hostage crisis, and the enduring call of his family’s homeland.

I am really looking forward to this one....:-) 

From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

“The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers and cities; but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us, and though distant, is close to us in spirit - this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden”~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Come and experience Denmark with me

Guest of honor & judge @ ASK Welfare Society

It was a pleasure to be a guest of honor & judge in a speech competition at ASK Welfare Society. It was a tough call especially in the secondary student's category. 

Thank you very much to the society founders for inviting & giving this honor!!

From newspapers & magazines

Little thing makes a difference : Bilal Masood-TVONE GLOBAL

Little thing makes a difference : Bilal Masood-TVONE GLOBAL from Bilal Masood on Vimeo.

Speak and stand up for Pakistan!

We know that vast majority of Pakistanis are peace-loving and hospitable, it is something which is a fact, and we all say wherever we travel. Those watching foreign media thousand of miles away and those who have not been to our country may not know it until they visit this beautiful land.

Sadly, minority of terrorists have hijacked us, and the majority of peace-loving people have been suppressed and those who have spoken against the forces of evil have been targeted. Terrorists are using acts of barbarism to disintegrate Pakistan. These coward perpetrators HAVE NO RELIGION! 

Be it through creating sectarian violence, killing our brave politicians, young peace activists, teachers, doctors, law enforcement personnel & institutions or foreign NGO staff, they want to tarnish Pakistan’s image as a progressive country and label it as the most dangerous place in the world. 

On the other hand, ironically, political parties themselves are apparently divided and have their own vested agenda rather than giving right direction to the nation, they have failed to even come at one platform against extremism & terrorism when it was most expected from them.

Amidst this tumultuous situation, there seems to be only 2 options left for common Pakistanis now: First one is that every peace-loving Pakistani must strongly renounce extremism in all of its forms and manifestations and speak and stand up side by side with fellow countrymen affected by it irrespective of sect, faith, color, language or creed. We have to speak against this barbarism, reject it, and fully disown it till we eradicate this menace from our society. Media MUST play an unbiased role. All so-called politicians and public servants who serve their interest rather than public must be identified and brought to the court rooms. We must speak our mind and make each vote a valuable one in the upcoming election. In this first option, power is in our (common people) hands if we hold it tightly as ONE.

The second option is to be just remaining silent spectators.Unfortunately, later one has not helped us before; it is not helping now and won’t help in future. It is not the option, but to go for former one in a nonviolent way. This is an urgent need if we want to survive collectively as a nation!  If we do so together then we will also survive individually. As I write these lines, it is already early morning and I am awake, are you?

Ya Allah!

Watan kay Bharaktay Sharare Bhuja Day
Issay phir akhuwat ka gulshan bana de
Mein amno amman ki rida mangta houn
Ilaahi Main Tujhse Duaa Mangta Hoon!

Sincerely,

Bilal Masood

Youth Ambassdor of Pakistan