Best Daal Chawal in Karachi

Daal Chawal is pretty common for lunch in Karachi. However finding the best daal chawal in Karachi may be a bit challenging.

I recently experienced Daal Frio opposite Uni Plaza (Adj to Techno City), close to I I Chundrigar Road, Karachi. Excellent food and generous serving with tasty Achar and Kachumber. Here are some pictures:

Best Daal Chawal

An interesting part of this experience was the cleanliness. In small eateries, cleanliness is usually an issue, not at Daal Frio as it is a family run business and owners are present all the time to ensure quality, quantity and cleanliness.

 Additionally, they serve superb mint-rolls, samosas and cutlets. I loved their mint-rolls and Samosas.

That's how they promote their business:

"Daal Chawal". Not just Daal Chawal but the whole sensory experience along with the accompaniments. Daal Chawal with a tarka of hot "Desi Ghee" that begins to melt after landing on the plate spreading its yellow amber liquid and drenching the rice. "Mix achaar", the one that makes you smack your tongue and lick your fingers. Kachumbur tossed up with lemon. So Stop dreaming and come to reality and walk in to our restaurant or order for take away or delivery @ 021 3 263 0000"

Papua New Guinea’s Best Food in Port Moresby – Vegetarian and Halal

Papua New Guinea is generally known as PNG. Recently I was asked by my organization to visit Port Moresby to conduct a 5-day training workshop for newly established and the only Women Chamber in Papua New Guinea. The chamber is known as PNGWCCI.

As most frequent travelers use Google, TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet to checkout happenings and things to do in a city, I did the same. I also used facebook to look for Pakistani and Muslim community in Port Moresby and was lucky to find Dr Faisal Qureshi who is a dental surgeon working in Port Moresby.

As a Muslim, I was also looking for restaurants serving Halal Food, or Indian styled restaurants that serve vegetarian curries. The Google search helped me as far as finding an Indian restaurant in a posh hotel in Wigani, about 20 minutes from downtown Port Moresby. I was advised against use of taxies. Taxi drivers here are known to be either drunk or involved in criminal activities. The only possibility to travel in the city is by renting a car through Avis or Hertz and the cost is around $200/day (even if you need a car for couple of hours).

My biggest concern was food. On the first day of my arrival I spoke to my facebook friend who offered me dinner. Name of the restaurant was Tasty Bite and was just across Crowne Plaza Hotel. I was surprised to see the number of customers in that family-run Indian restaurant. I went there every evening for my dinner and became friends with Ameen and Shabana who own this place.

Address is:

Tasty Bite, ANG House, Shop #5, Hunter Street, Port Moresby

Phone: +675 321 2222 – Email: tastybitepng@gmail.com

In addition to Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi minority in Port Moresby, restaurant serves Australians, New Zealanders and other foreigners. They are also open for lunch during working days. Dinner is served from 6:30pm-9pm. Best time to find a nice table is as early as 7pm. I advise to book your table by making a phone call.

They can prepare food from very spicy to mild. I loved their mixed vegetables with cottage cheese, beef kebabas (Halal) and Dal. I was told that they will soon start sourcing Halal Chicken to serve Muslim Community in Port Moresby.

So if you are looking for Best Food in Port Moresby which is Vegetarian and Halal also, try Tasty Bite, you will not be disappointed.

FoodPanda Brings The Largest Variety of Food Online

What is for Lunch today, is this a question that is raised in your office about fifteen minutes before lunch-time?  Well, in my office this used to be a routine, five days a week question. The reason is simple, people have changed their habits. Most office staff does not bring a lunchbox from home.

Craving for food becomes intense around mid-day and still busy at work, most do not realize that it's time for lunch – and "What is for lunch today" question arises.

In our office, we have solved the issue. Thanks to FoodPanda.pk – a single platform for ordering food online from a variety of restaurants. Chinese, fast-food, desi, you name it.

It's so happened that I was looking at FoodPanda.pk facebook page that has over 300,000 fans and realized that almost every popular restaurant is available there. I asked my colleagues to try FoodPanda.pk with Four simple steps:

• 1     Go to http://foodpanda.pk
• 2.       Select your area for food delivery
• 3.       Select your restaurant
• 4.       Order your food

First reaction from my colleagues was "we are not sure if this actually works!" – But the very next day, there was a strike in Karachi. All shops were closed; there was no chance of getting food from the next-door restaurant. Screaming for food started as usual – I again said, "let's try FoodPanda.pk" – No choice, colleagues agreed to order via this site.

Everyone wanted Chinese, so a selection of Chinese was ordered. Website also provided the total cost of the order. Approximate time for delivery was 30 minutes. Since it was an unusual situation in the city, delivery took 15 minutes more, and our order was delivered in about 45 minutes.

Hot meal, properly packed, with disposable spoons and forks, we hit the dining table and enjoyed our meal.

FoodPanda is certainly added a revolution in the restaurant industry. For Foodies, it provides choices that are otherwise impossible to consider while ordering food. In my office, everyone with a smartphone now has FoodPanda application.

        Did you try FoodPanda.pk – of not, do it soon and enjoy the    experience, a unique experience of ordering food right from your computer or smartphone – there are exciting deals available almost everyday!

Bootstrapping Your Career - A Book for Career Development

This book is For everyone who wants to excel in their career and avail themselves of millions of growth opportunities around them, and for sufferers of Career Stagnation Syndrome, a chronic condition translating into a stumbling block in career development.

Career Development is an on going process. A process that never end. It requires focus, strategy and commitment. 

My Book - Bootstrapping Your Career is based on my over 25 years of experience. It is first of its kind initiative that covers personal stories, moments of frustration and joy and tools and techniques to follow for continuous career growth. 

This is one of the most repeated statements I have heard as a volunteer career counselor. My usual response is: “What is your career objective and how are you searching for opportunities?” There is hardly any proper response to these questions.

My message when speaking at public events: competition is becoming stiffer, so start building a database of potential employers as soon as entering into the last semester before graduation. Without knowing the potential market, how can you market yourself?

The phrase “Dream Job” is another issue. What is a dream job? As a young graduate you are inspired by a youngish CEO of a multinational company, driving a posh car. Without knowing how this chap really reached this position, you wish to be like him. He becomes your inspiration and conception of a dream job. Do you realize that getting into a multinational is one of the most difficult things to do, and you might be wasting your time which could be better utilized in gaining market experience in a smaller company?

Bootstrapping Your Career addresses the most trickiest questions in very humanized manner. Join the facebook page to stay tuned. 

Books is scheduled for publishing in August 2013. 

Summer Internship in P&G Pakistan for Students

Job Description

Description

Internship in P&G Pakistan is a 10-to-12 week's program for students. During the internship time you will work on real business projects which are supporting current business strategies. You will be working in multifunctional teams with on-going coaching support; will get appropriate training and tools to successfully complete your projects.

There is a wide choice of functions (departments) to choose from, depending on your interests and relevance to your majors. They are:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Communications (External Relations)
• Supply Network Operations
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Customer Business Development
• Consumer Market Knowledge

Interns can be based at the P&G office in Karachi
Qualifications

The program is dedicated to students who are 6-months to 1 year away from their graduation.
Bachelors and Master Students

APPLY On Line http://www.pg.com/en_PK/

You can read career tips here 

Sales Job in Pakistan: Pharmaceuticals Sales Manager (South Zone Pakistan)

Job Description

1. Responsible for Sales of the whole South Zone (Karachi + Sindh + Balochistan)
2. Supervises 6 District Manager (3 in Karachi, 2 in Hyderabad and 1 in Sukkur).
3. Directly looks after all Field Force activities including the activities of District Managers (RSMs), Scientific Business Associates (Specialist Reps) and Business Development Officers (Medical Reps).
4. Is responsible for business of his Zone (Street sales and Institution sales).
5. Has close interaction with Regional Distributors and Institutional Distributors in development of the Company’s business.
6. Acts as the strongest link between the Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Head Office.
7. Proposes Business Plan activities to the Marketing Department including recommendation of Customers for the Scientific Meetings and Moots.
8. Ensures implementation of the Marketing Plan prepared by Marketing Promotion Department.
9. Participates in Asia Pacific Sales & Marketing Meetings held at various countries.

Desired Skills & Experience

1. Enriched experience in pharmaceuticals sales.
2. Experience in products related to Cardiology and diabetology will be preferred.
3. Strong Leadership skills
4. Excellent knowledge of market (South Zone Pakistan)
5. Proven track record of successful sales targets achievement and GOLY
6. Excellent communication, presentation, inter-personal, and team building skills.
7. Sales analysis and reporting skills.

You may wish to follow my blog for career guidnace

SERVIER RESEARCH & PHARMACEUTICALS PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD. 
65-Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore 710, Bus
Lahore,Pakistan
Phone: 587 95 00-65861267, 5832914, 5835953, 5861295 
Fax: ,92-42-5878855,5832873, 5883340 

Job in Islamabad: Information Assistant - International Finance Corporation

Job Description

Background / General description

The Information Technology Assistant will serve as the primary support resource for all technical IT matters within his/her Country Office. S/he will be tasked with:

(i)providing first line support and maintenance for all office technology;
(ii)facilitating technology deployment and upgrades - including infrastructure, desktop computing, and back office system administration;
(iii)participating in assessment of technologies;
(iv)delivering end-user and desktop training; and
(v)coordinating local vendor relations and SLAs.

The Information Technology Coordinator will provide ongoing support for his/her respective local office staff as well as staff visiting from HQ or other Country Office(s). S/he will manage the full range of information technologies for the local Country Office. This includes, but not limited to, addressing daily desktop application and network support, issues concerning the maintenance and implementation of IT standards, knowledge sharing, coordination with contractors, maintaining local vendor relations and understanding contracts/Service Level Agreements (SLA), as well as providing local office training.

Duties and Accountabilities

•Primary point of contact on all matters related to hardware, software and communications support for the CO.
•Work closely with other IT support elements, both within the region and in CBI.
•Perform IT activities for all CO support components, including installation of communications, hardware, system software, and telephony.
•Under the direction of the Regional Specialist, assist in establishing the IT budget for the CO.
•Assist in the decision making/planning process of IT needs at the beginning/end of each fiscal year.
•Advise Regional IT Specialist on standard IT equipment orders for CO.
•Under the direction of Regional IT Specialist/Regional Program Manager, evaluate and pilot test new products and services, both hardware and software.
•Propose IT applications and coordinate their implementations.
•Provide IT training for staff members, particularly for newly hired staff.
•Administer IFC information security standards, including requesting IT accounts, SecurIDs, remote access and passwords.
•Provide local expertise on all IFC Standard Software and Corporate applications.
•Follow up with all fixes and repairs to IT problems for Country Office.
•Setup, configure, and maintain video-conference, audio-visual equipment and other electronic devices for presentations or conferences.
•Prepare laptop PCs for mission travel.
•Train laptop users in remote access systems, such as SSL VPN, Fiberlink, Webmail and Notes replication.
•Disseminate IT information to Country Office and visiting staff with the CBI Outreach team.
•Coordinate Country Office moves of IT hardware and communications.
•Ensure Service Level Agreements are maintained with local maintenance providers.
•Attend expert training when required and maintain a working knowledge of the IT trends in the business relevant to supporting the IFC IT standards.
•Adhere, advise and enforce the technology standard requirements and procedures of IFC.
•Maintain a proper inventory of all CO IT related equipment and software.
•Maintain records in CO database for offices that have been identified as areas of primary support.
•Assist staff in procurement of cell phones and Blackberry devices.
•Ensure that the integrity and security of IFC Systems are not compromised from within or outside the corporation.
•Collect feedback on IT services from clients, through surveys and other tools, and inform the Regional Specialist or Regional Program Manager.
•Use the ‘Remedy’ call tracking system to track work and analyze reports to identify problem areas and training opportunities.
•Monitor local city and national technology trends and developments.
•Act as department’s software asset custodian and ensure licensed software is tracked and maintained in line with Software Asset Management (SAM) Policy, Process and Procedure manual.

Selection Criteria

•Bachelor degree in Information Technology (or equivalent combination of education and experience), and a minimum of 3 years experience working in the office technology support field.
•Proven computer literacy.
•Experience with IFC’s standard operating systems and desktop software including but not limited to Microsoft Windows Vista, Office 2007, Lotus Notes and SAP.
•Experience with Dell, Lenovo and HP hardware, including servers.
•Knowledge and experience with Cisco network equipment.
•Experience with Wide Area Networking and remote access systems.
•Working knowledge of office technology hardware - PCs, printers, fax machines, modems, etc.
•Ability to trouble-shoot problems over the telephone
•Excellent communications skills; the ability to listen and then clearly describe the problem and proposed solution
•General knowledge of the mission and business requirements of the International Finance Corporation
•Proven ability to work alone and in a team environment
•Able to translate technical material and descriptions into layman’s terms.
•General knowledge of IFC mission and business requirements

Company Description

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. We help developing countries achieve sustainable growth by financing investment, providing advisory services to businesses and governments, and mobilizing capital in the international financial markets. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

Visit my blog for articles on career development : http://hammadsiddiquiblog.com 

Uks-APNS Women in Media Awards 2013 - Pakistan

                                                    

            

Not for Publication

Uks-APNS Call for entries for the first ever

Women in Media Awards 2013

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: February 15, 2013

It is a pleasure to announce the first ever Uks-APNS 2013 media awards exclusively for women journalists in Pakistan. The awards aim to generate better awareness and understanding of the fact that positive media content can and does actually bring about positive change in the public mindsets and behaviour, especially in the realm of women’s development and gender equality.

A team of professional and independent jurors for each category (who are also part of the Media Advisory Group at Uks) will select the winning entries.  The criteria will cover accuracy and innovation, clarity of message, technical proficiency, and presentation and above all, gender sensitivity.

The first of its kind in Pakistan, the ‘Women in Media’, awards invite entries from women journalists from all across Pakistan. The awards will be presented in Karachi on March 8, 2013 on the International Women’s Day.

The 1st prizewinner for each category (print, radio, TV and social media) receives a cash prize plus a trophy and certificate, as does the runner-up. Recipients of the lifetime achievement award and the beginner’s award also receive cash prizes, a trophy, and a certificate.

It may be added that in 2012, Uks Research Centre and CIPE (Centre for International Private Enterprise) held a series of theme-based (Powerful Women, Powerful Nation) media trainings for Pakistani women journalists to motivate them on how to highlight the positive angle in their content to and become a driving force in turning this theme into a national campaign. It is hoped that these 120+ women will also be contesting for the awards.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 15^th February, 2013. Late applications will not be considered.

For details please Click here

How to Start Job Hunting?

Career, finding a new job, fresh entry into job market are the key concerns for many. I have been mentoring on this subject for long and have also written many articles.

Recently, I received the following email from a young lad:

Just read your blog “How to Build A Career Path?” It is an excellent piece of advice for all job seekers. Thanks a lot sir:) Your efforts to help people especially youth are commendable!

Read complete article about Job Hunting

Why Do Networking? Your network is your net worth

Most young people who are just coming out of schools do not focus on networking. During networking events such as seminars and conferences, these young boys and girls prefer not to sit with people they do not know. Coffee breaks and other opportunities to interact with new potential friends are missed also. My experience is that at a gathering of 100, only five percent people make new contacts.

“Your network is your net worth” – one must believe in this and act on keep building his network of relevant influential people. Guy Kawasaki author of Rich Dad Poor Dad said that “The richest people in this work look for and build networks, everyone else look for work!”

Read complete article - Click here

Political Officer Job at British High Commission Islamabad

                                                                                               

Job Title	Senior Political Officer (Please note this position has been re-advertised therefore applicants who have already applied need not apply. Candidates from both rounds will be considered in the final process).
Slot Code	4664003
Reference Number	058-2012
Date of Announcement	Wednesday – 05 December 2012
Last Date to apply	Tuesday  – 18 December 2012
Job Type	One year renewable contract
Grade	LE-I
Salary	PKR 117,839/- per month
Number of Positions	01 (Full time)
Section	Political
Qualification	Bachelors
Experience	Þ    Knowledge of Indo-Pak relations, and Kashmir, would be useful.  Þ    Awareness/experience of interacting with political parties and civil society groups desirable.
Description Competencies Skills/Knowledge	Main purpose of job: To provide political analysis and understanding on the India-Pakistan relationship and wider regional stability, and help strengthen the BHC contact network to support UK policy work. Other tasks include; Þ      Increase depth and breadth of understanding of the India-Pakistan relationship through effective analysis and reporting on developments. Help the Political team provide informed, strategically-aware advice to UK policy-makers on all aspects of the relationship and assist the Projects Team in implementing the Indo-Pak Conflict Strand. Þ      Inform effective BHC engagement on Indo-Pak, and wider regional issues, through advice on relationships and key influencers within and outside of the Pakistani establishment. Þ      Strengthen existing network of BHC contacts in Pakistan Government, Civil Society and Media constituencies. Þ      Join regular BHC visits to Pakistan-administered Kashmir to meet politicians and other stakeholders, and provide timely and strategically-aware reporting on Kashmir, as a political entity, and as key to relations between India and Pakistan. Þ      Help the political support officer to monitor regional security issues and produce timely reporting and analysis on key developments. Þ      Manage one political support officer: delegating work effectively; providing timely and constructive feedback; and helping this officer to develop. Þ   Managing External Relationships Þ   Strategic Awareness Þ   Communicating & Influencing Þ   Delivering Results Þ      Experience of, and strong skills, relating to project management, including stakeholder and relationship management; Þ      Experience of political influencing Þ      An excellent command of written and spoken English & Urdu; Þ      Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Þ      Strong self-organising skills; Þ      The ability to think creatively to solve problems, often under pressure; Þ      Willingness to work to frequent and tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard of work; Þ      Flexibility and sense of humour required to work positively in a diverse team; Þ      Confidence and commitment to deliver results with minimal supervision; Þ      Strong IT skills;
Submit to	Applications should be submitted on the attached job application form to: HR Department, British High Commission, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 P. O. Box 1122 Islamabad
Special Note	(It would be appreciated if along with your job application form you could also send any relevant job references (experience) letters / certificates.) Þ    Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Þ    Shortlisted candidates will be expected to be available for interview within one to two weeks of being advised they have been shortlisted. Þ    There will be a written test at the interview stage. Þ    Appointment is subject to medical and security clearance. Þ    Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered. Þ    Applicants must abstain from contacting the BHC for information on the selection process. Any applicant who in any way tries to influence the Selection Committee will be disqualified immediately.

 If you are looking for Interview Tips Click here

 Application Forms

Job at British High Commission Islamabad

                                                                                              

Job Title	Campaign Manager
Slot Code	4665015/TEMP
Reference Number	057-2012
Date of Announcement	Thursday – 29 November 2012
Last Date to apply	Wednesday – 12 December 2012
Job Type	6 months (with possibility of extending the contract)
Grade	LE-II (Non-Industrial)
Salary	PKR 74,099/- per month
Number of Positions	01 (Full time)
Section	Press & Public Affairs
Qualification	Þ   Masters or 4-years Bachelors Honours degree in communications, social sciences or humanities
Experience	Þ   At least two years experience of project or campaign management
Description Competencies Skills/Knowledge Desirable	Main purpose of job: Management and day-to-day implementation of strategic communications campaign to improve perceptions of the UK in Pakistan, focussing on existing strong UK-Pakistan links as well as increasing awareness of the work being delivered by the UK government in Pakistan (Celebrating Connections); monitoring and reporting of progress against objectives, timelines, and budget. To proactively develop and source content for the Celebrating Connections campaign by working closely with external partners, press and digital teams, and colleagues from the British Council, UK Trade and Investment and UK aid; with oversight and support from the Strategic and Digital Communications Manager. Other tasks include; Þ   Owner of the campaign action plan – ensuring that timelines on agreed actions are being met by both external and internal partners. Regular contact and meetings with partners to manage delays or problems in delivering outputs. Reporting delays, risks, and problems in real time to the Strategic and Digital Communications Manager (line manager). Þ   Lead on managing outreach activities and events for the campaign with support from Strategic and Digital Communications Manager and other team members. Þ   Monthly reporting and monitoring of activities and impact of the project, using information provided by press and digital teams on coverage and engagement. Reporting back to the Bilateral Programme Team at the end of project. Þ   Proactively working with the press and digital teams to spot opportunities and procure content from various departments across the mission. Þ   Managing the budget of the campaign effectively and reporting potential under/overspend to the line manager and the Bilateral Programme Team in time. Ensuring budget sheet is up to date and spending and procurement is managed according to the High Commission’s procurement guidance, with support from LE-3 and LE-4 staff members managing the team budget. Þ   Communicating & Influencing Þ   Problem Solving & Judgement Þ   Delivering Results Þ   Managing & developing Staff Þ   IT proficient: Fully proficient on Microsoft Excel, Word and Power-point. Þ   Excellent oral and written communications. Fluent in Urdu and English languages. Þ   Budget management and forecasting skills. Þ   Experience and knowledge of using social media tools including Face book, Twitter and Tumblr is desirable.
Submit to	Applications should be submitted on the attached job application form to: HR Department, British High Commission, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 P. O. Box 1122 Islamabad
Special Note	(It would be appreciated if along with your job application form you could also send any relevant job references (experience) letters / certificates.) Þ    Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Þ    Shortlisted candidates will be expected to be available for interview within one to two weeks of being advised they have been shortlisted. Þ    There will be a written test at the interview stage. Þ    Appointment is subject to medical and security clearance. Þ    Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered. Þ    Applicants must abstain from contacting the BHC for information on the selection process. Any applicant who in any way tries to influence the Selection Committee will be disqualified immediately.

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