Amid resistance, questions on transparency, confusions and other views; PTA’s Chairman Dr. Yaseen in his recent interview have yet again expressed that 3G Spectrum Auction in Pakistan will take place next month.

The brief of Dr. Yaseen’s interview as reported by Mobile Business Briefing can be read below. Some key points have been underlined.

Pakistan is to hold 3G auctions next month and is aiming to attract 15 million mobile broadband users within the first year, the country’s regulator has told Mobile World Daily in an exclusive interview.

Dr Mohammad Yaseen, chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), said that three blocks of spectrum in the 1900/2100MHz band and another at 800MHz are to be sold off, with licences expected to be awarded to at least three operators. Both new and existing market players are invited to bid and Yaseen said the country’s regulatory framework was geared up to facilitate foreign investment.

Bids will start at US$210 million for the 1900/2100MHz spectrum and US$155 million for the 800MHz licence. In the first rollout phase, existing operators will need to launch services in four Provincial Capitals and the Federal Capital within six months after being allocated, while new players will be given a year.

Pakistan is the world’s tenth largest mobile market with around 113 mobile subscribers at year-end 2011 – but has a market penetration of just 66.5 percent.

“Keeping in view the situation for fixed line broadband in the country [under 1 percent], we expect that during first year of its introduction 3G mobile broadband services will attract approximately 15 million subscribers with a steady growth afterwards,” said Dr Yaseen. He added that the Pakistan government was looking at the mobile sector as a “major contributor” to the country’s economy. “The telecom sector contributes about 1.5 percent in the national GDP on annual basis [and] is providing direct and indirect employment opportunities to more than 1.5 million individuals. [The] government is putting all emphasis on cellular broadband proliferation for further economic growth.”

Dr Yaseen said that 3G will enable value-added services such as health, education, money and entertainment. “The majority of the population consists youth who are eager and excited to enjoy mobile entertainment and Internet service on the move,” he said.

It is worthy to note here PTA has recently sought for EOIs from consultancy firm of international repute to offer services for the auction of 3G license which is due for submission on March 26, that is three-days before the Spectrum Auction date. Also some recommendations of the Standing Comittee on IT are yet to be considered.

via MBB

Today while going to market I saw uncountable green flags fluttering at the side of every road. My heart ached to see the recently carpeted road with hollow outs for the flag poles.
With passing time the holes dug to fix the poles will get bigger breaching the road creating awful look of the city. Not only this but also making dangerous for the pedestrians and automobiles. Pedestrians often sprain their feet tumbling in the ditches while crossing the ruined roads. Blind, cripple, disabled and old fragile citizens lose their balance resulting in fractures and wounds. But who cares!!
May I ask what use these flags are for? Furthermore when the event is over then nobody bothers to take off these flags. The broken hanging faded strips of cloth present ugly pathetic look. Same is the case with banners. Events, occasions exhibitions and seasons go by but banners are never removed.
What service are we rendering to Islam by hoisting these black, green and other party flags?
I am neither prejudice nor bias against any religion, sect or cast.
Black flags or green flags both are raised to show respect and affection to one’s sect. But wouldn’t it be more helpful if same money spent on flags is given out in charity to the needy. To the patients who can’t afford to buy medicine and die a despondent death or to the parents to buy milk for their hungry infants or to liberate the innocent prisoners for their bail?
The great humanitarian poet Qateel Shifai rightly said, ”Muflis k badan ko bhi ha chader ki zaroorat, Ub khul ke mazaron pe ye ailan kiya jai”

مفلس کے بدن کو بھی ہے چادر کی ضرورت

اب کھُل کے مزاروں پہ یہ اعلان کیا جائے

(The body of poor also needs the sheet of cloth,  so it should be announced at the shrines)

I mention Mazar (tomb, shrines) as symbol here. Same is done in shrines as token of love and of course out of respect. Is hunger, poverty, ailments, inflation, unemployment, crimes eliminated by spreading the sheets on the graves?
Being a Muslim it is our firm belief that Almighty Allah gives and removes our pain and not the decorated adorned sheets of cloth or banners.
The processions taken out to show strength for one’s sect is not what Islam or any religion preaches. Why cause problems for others? Why abuse and curse the VIPs for traffic jam. We do the same. We block the roads. We add noise pollution to the environment by using loudspeakers. We do all that is wrong, but create a hell out of it if others do the same——
Our character and realistic positive approach towards life is best way to impress and inspire others to follow our religion or party.  Otherwise no one is impressed rather they make fun of us.

Our older generation struggled to get an independent country for us,  to live a  harmonious life, but we the later generation did not perform our duties religiously hence handing over the country to you  in a very bad shape.

Now I request my youth to move forward, be practical and  be sincere to yourself, to your country and to your fellows. No matter what religion, cast creed, color or sect may any one follow. He is to be respected and loved. Believe in what you say—–and say what you believe in!
Raise your voice against uncivilized act. Prove your sincerity and loyalty with your deeds.
Love one love all is my message.

Sure, that Mercedes and state-of-the-art home theatre are ways to get some kicks, but you can derive real joy from your money by applying these spending techniques.