See what it means to Being a Pakistani

Being a Pakistani, there are many things that come in mind when someone asks us to describe our home, Pakistan. We have a diverse cultural band with different norms but similar values. We share distinct ethnicities but have the same identity. Culture is the foundation of a civilized society, and we believe that Pakistan is the best personification of a socially rich country.

Let’s ascertain some of the characteristics that only belong to our country and depict the real Pakistan.

The green and white flag

Designed by Syed Amiruddin Kidwai, Pakistan’s flag was approved on the 11^th of August, 1947 by the Constituent Assembly. As Pakistan was coined for the sake of Islam and Muslims, the green section represents the majority of the Muslim population while the thinner white section represents minority religions in Pakistan, clearly displaying our tolerance for all.

Festivities

Apart from the religious festivals like Eid, Christmas, Holy or Navroze, there are several native festivals celebrated in Pakistan as well. These include:

• Basant which is very popular in Lahore
• The Sibi Festival which has its roots in balochistan
• MelaChiraghan from Punjab

And many others. The celebrations are also very unique, which is one way of defining our culture.

Rickshaws and mini buses

We bet you can’t find mini buses in any other country in the world. There are many kinds of rickshaws that are available all over but Pakistani rickshaws are one of a kind. The colorful patterns and mysterious quotes painted on our vehicles make them stand out.

Local food

Of course, how can we skip the best thing about every country? Each country has its delectable local delicacies and we believe that Pakistani cuisine is the best cuisine ever. The mix of spices and a ‘desi’ flavor to our food are hard to find anywhere else.

Passion for anything and everything

Be it the cricket fever or the love for a particular political party, we never fail to show up for our favorite players at a match or at a political procession. Even if it is the rivaling with the “other party” over wedding dances, Pakistanis compete passionately.

With several cultures, traditions, opinions and perspectives, every Pakistani is a unique individual. The best part, however, is that we are one under the name Pakistan.

See what it takes to Being a good passenger on flight

Have you ever traveled via an airplane before? If you have, then you must be aware of the process of getting onto the plane to getting out of it at your final destination. From boarding to exiting the flight, there is a list of steps that every passenger has to go through. The imperative part here is the correct mannerism of being on a flight that not only makes you an abiding passenger, but also be helpful towards fellow travelers.

We have come up with a list of travel tips that, if adopted, will make your flight’s journey manageable and stress-free.

Follow the boarding rules    

A passenger cannot board the flight without a boarding pass and while there is a long line of passengers, make sure you have your pass in hand so you don’t have to search for it in your bag when your turn comes. Don’t get aggressive with the crew members, should you have any problems, ask politely. If you need anything, wait for everyone to get settled as the flight won’t take off before everything is under control and managed.

Cruising directions

We often tend to forget the basic directions of flying with an airline. These can be, forgetting to fasten seat belts, using the mobile phones during take-off or landing, trying to get into the already occupied toilet, blocking the aisle for others and taking a walk while the plane lands. Try not to be an annoying co-passenger to others. Put all your carry-on bags into the luggage cabin so you have enough space in your seat.

Avoid jokes and self-opinions

Joking about carrying weapons, terrorism or hijacking planes is to be avoided strictly. After all, anyone may take your joke seriously which will definitely put you in trouble. Do not pass derogatory comments about people’s ethnicities or traditions. Also, stay away from getting into conflicting discussions over politics, religion or delicate social matters. If you really want to strike conversations, keep it simple and preferably generic.

There are many other travel etiquettes that a traveler should follow regardless of the type of transportation or expedition. Some extra tips from us include, don’t have loud conversations that disturb others, don’t shove others to get out of the plane faster, take care of your belongings and be a responsible traveler by informing others if they leave behind their stuff, don’t call the crew members for fun (do so only if you need help) and most importantly, stay safe!

Preview of The Most Eco-Friendly Airports in the World

With rapid modernization and the race to cope up with the super advanced and technological world, we have forgotten the utmost importance of nature. It is that time of reality where machines are taking over the beautiful Earth, and we simply give in. We are failing to work towards sustainability and instead are letting our everyday lives to be mechanized.

No matter what it is about, it should be evoked that the ecosystem and nature is what dictates our existence. The better the environment, the better lives we can have. However, the world today is absolutely the opposite of it. Even if it is about traveling to explore a place, it is more about the amusement parks with machine run rides, tall and modern buildings/hotels to live in, or innovations in food to experience. People are least interested in the natural beauty while adore the manmade advancements instead.

It is our responsibility to give back to the Mother Earth that has and is giving us so much. Apart from the technological advanced and modern airports around the world, there are a few players that have adopted eco-innovations and are leading the way in sustainability. Find out the details below.

Changi International Airport in Singapore

The Singaporean airport is not only technologically ahead but leads the way in eco-friendliness too. It comprises of indoor gardens, rainwater harvesting, a butterfly garden and a nature’s trail, making it a green and eco-loving airport. You will find more than 900 skylights that are used to cut down on electricity.

Pearson International Airport in Toronto

This airport in Toronto is pioneering a cool new mode of sustainability by introducing a honeybee beehive to help support food security and farming in the area surrounding the airport.

Denver International Airport in USA

Denver International Airport has installed four solar groups, making its total solar capacity up to 10 megawatts, the most of any American airport. These arrays can produce enough electricity to power 2,000 plus homes every year.

East Midlands Airport in U.K

Ever heard of an airport to generate electricity from wind energy? The East Midlands Airport has two commercial-scale wind turbines installed to produce 5% of the airport’s electricity. The airport has been attaining “carbon-neutral” ground procedures since the past four years.

One of the benefits of staying at airport hotels in the mentioned airports is that one can enjoy the beauty of nature and modern architecture at the same time. We believe that the government of Pakistan must also emphasize on eco-friendliness at the new Islamabad airport.

University of London Launches Masters in Professional Accountancy in collaboration with ACCA

Lahore, 3^rd May 2016: ACCA and the University of London have joined hands to offer the first ever world-class Masters programme integrated with a prestigious professional qualification and held a launch event in Islamabad.

This ground-breaking Masters programme will be made available to ACCA students and members around the world. This marks the first time an accountancy body has joined with a university to enable students across the globe to gain a Masters’ degree and a professional accountancy qualification at the same time.

The Launch Ceremony was held in Serena Hotel Islamabad. The event was attended by the Chief Executive and Pro Vice Chancellor( International )University of London International Programmes Dr Mary Stiasny ,  Mary Bishop , Director Learning ACCA , Stuart Dunlop , ACCA Regional Director MENASA , Saad Wasim , Country Head University of London International Programmes Pakistan & Bangladesh , Sajeed Aslam , ACCA Head Pakistan , Rehan ud Din , ACCA Head of Education MENASA along with renowned Educationists including Faisal Mushtaq , Khadija Mushtaq , Walid Mushtaq , Dr Neelam Hussain,  Heads of Regulation Authorities  ,Key Employers and a large number of ACCA Members , Affiliates and  University of London Alumni.

Speaking at the ceremony, Stuart Dunlop, ACCA’s Regional Director MENASA highlighted, “We are delighted to be the first professional accountancy body to be able to deliver this type of programme, meaning ACCA now directly offers choice from a complete suite of professional and academic qualifications. ACCA has a long history of working with academic partners and is proud of the opportunities these partnerships offer to our students and members.”

Saad Wasim, Country Head for University of London, in his keynote address stated, “‘The University of London has pioneered with academic excellence for the last 150 years and has always had a tradition of innovation and it gives us great pleasure to announce that we have joined forces with such a well-respected professional association, ACCA, to now deliver this Masters programme for its students, Members and Affiliates. He highlighted the benefits of achieving the Masters in Professional Accountancy and felt it would definitely help in one’s career progression” 

Commenting on the news that an ACCA student or member will have the opportunity to undertake a reduced number of modules to achieve a Masters qualification, Dr Mary Bishop, Director Learning, ACCA said, “Through ACCA’s strong global relationships, we know that employers in many markets place a very high value on finance leaders having both a professional and a Masters qualification. We also know ACCA’s flexibility and portability are big factors for students when making their decision about which path to take, and ACCA, and the University of London have just increased that access and flexibility.”

Dr Mary Stiasny, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) and Chief Executive of the University of London International Programmes described the partnership between the University and ACCA as beneficial to students all over the world who are pursuing the ACCA Qualification. She also said, “It offers ACCA members and the thousands of new students the option to enrich their learning journey by obtaining a Master’s degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the world.”

The design of the Master’s degree in Professional Accountancy has been customized with two pathways for both ACCA students and its Members/Affiliates wishing to grow in their careers.

5 Healthy Snacks to Carry While Traveling

Hitting the road this summer in Pakistan? Whether traveling by car or plane, you sure need some snacks to snuggle during your trip. It’s a universal need that you just can’t escape. Food is something that is not only a need to survive but the best source of entertainment. Don’t you sometimes feel too bored and then get rid of it with food?

Although you are provided with food/snacks on plane or train, they hardly give you anything other than the specified meals. So what do you do when you feel hungry, you take your own snacks. We have a list of items that are healthier options for you to carry. These are as filling as any other processed food. Keep reading to find the list of alternate options for you.

Mini sandwiches

The easiest snack to make on your own is a sandwich. Make it more fun by cutting it into mini bite sizes that you can pop into your mouth easily. Experiment with the types of breads and fillings, and pack it in a big or several small boxes so everyone has their own.

Granola bars

Granola bars are the healthiest option if you feel the need of a sweet snack. They are sweet and power packed with the grains that energize you while you travel. Go for the organic ones that are low on fat as well as free of chemicals.

Fruits

The best thing to rely upon while traveling is fruits. They are readily available, extremely healthy and tasty, and rich in nutrients. Though they can’t be stored for long, but that’s the idea of travel snacks, you eat them right away. Just be sure to take the ones that can survive a day long trip before rotting away.

Cookies

You might be thinking that cookies aren’t the healthiest option. Well, they can be if they are homemade. You can opt for gluten free products to make them yourself. Store bought/packaged cookies are full of preservatives and unhealthy. If you bake them yourself, you will enjoy a personal satisfaction.

Tea/Coffee

It is not the best option to carry hot tea/coffee on a plane, but you can carry your favorite flavored tea bags or coffee blends that you can mix in hot water. You can do the same for a road trip or carry a flask filled with tea/coffee. Trust me, you can’t afford to skip tea or coffee from your snack list.

Tip: Plan your snack according to your destinations and travel routes. Ideally you will be planning it when you are researching the destinations for traveling.

Other than these healthy snacks you might be interested to explore the delicious cuisine of Pakistan.

Mianwali- The City of Minerals

Situated in the province of Punjab, Mianwali is the capital city of the Mianwali district that was formed by clubbing Isa Khel, Piplan, Bhakkar and Layyah. With a smaller area and less size of population, the city is well urbanized with several educational institutions, sports complexes and developed highways and roads. There is a railway that connects Mianwali city with Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. It hosts one of the country’s major operational and training air bases as well as the No. 1 Fighter Conversion Unit of P.A.F.

If you are fond of listening to radio and tuning into FM shows, did you know that FM 93 belongs to Mianwali? Yes, the city is very advanced. It dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization and was conquered by the Mughals back then. Along with a modern society now, the city has a rich history as well. The super talented cricketer, Misbah-ul-Haq is from Mianwali.

Jovago’s Top 3

Namal Lake

Namal Lake is located in Rikhi, a village on one corner of the Namal valley in Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. It was formed following the construction of Namal Dam in 1913. The lake is very beautiful and attractive; it is not only famous due to its beauty, but also for the several mammals that have taken refuge under it including Russian ducks, Siberian cranes and other migratory birds.

Kalabagh

Known as ‘Garden Village’ in local language, it is a small town in the Mianwali district and lies on the banks of River Indus. It is home to the Kalabagh Dam. The place is famous for its red hills, salt ranges and scenic views of the Indus River. If you are at Mianwali, do add Kalabagh to your list of top attractions to visit.

Chashma Barrage

Chashma Barrage is a barrage on the River Indus in Mianwali District of Punjab, 304 km NW of Lahore and 56 km downstream of Jinnah Barrage. The barrage was constructed by French architects and has an elusive design. Chashma Barrage is used for irrigation, flood control and power generation.

Tips

Restaurants

Namal Inn Restaurant and filling station is a popular restaurant located near Namal Lake and serves traditional delicacies with an urban flavor. It is home to several international food chains as well. Red King Hotel & Restaurant and N’s Kitchen are other famous eateries.

Shopping

There are no shopping malls in Mianwali but the most famous market is Liaquat Bazar. Online shopping is common in the city and you can easily find anything online.

Hotels

There are some good and affordable hotels in Mianwali which offer various facilities .Royal Inn Hotel andHotel Shahzad are a few to name. You can log on to Jovago.com and find more options according to your preference.

Interesting Facts about First-class Travelers

We usually never hear anyone, even in the farthest of our circle that they traveled in first class of an airline. The most we can expect is a business class seat that someone booked for themselves and that too, for a super long flight. We would all agree that on short flights there is not much difference and it makes more sense to spend on longer flights for comfort.

However, how do you know that the person traveling in a first class has paid for himself? Let’s find out the different categories of people who are traveling in a first class seat.

The unexpected but true answer is that truly no one who is traveling in first class is actually paying for that fare. There are two main subgroups sitting in premium cabins on flights, people flying on negotiated fares, via a corporate or group agreement, and frequent fliers who are in those seats via mileage awards, or certificates that upgrade your seat to a higher class.

The fun part to know here is the details behind these fares. Corporate customers are usually accounted to a huge discount on the fare, ranging from 40-60%. The big companies do a travel agreement with any of the airlines and negotiate onto a discounted price. These tickets also tend to be fully changeable and refundable if needed.

Secondly, people search for any cheaper rates or deals for traveling and book in advance for a first class ticket as well, just like the case of an economy class. In exceptional cases, people would be willing to pay the full price on account to get the desirable flight. Other than that, it is quite common to see people receiving an upgrade on their seat on the spot due to their mileage coverage or other customary benefits.

Now, who are the rest of the people traveling in the highest class? Around half of the people are the ones who do not arrange for the tickets themselves. These include celebrities who were promised first class travel in their contract, senior business people whose travel expense is covered by their company, or people who are in the senior management of the same airline who enjoy employee perks.

So, after subtracting all the categories of ‘non-payers’ in first class of an airline, we are left with only 10% of travelers who actually book and pay for themselves because they can afford to. These are likely ultra-high net worth individuals and a small number of people who are doing some sort of once in a lifetime splurge on a Honeymoon or dream destination.