Rizwan Qureshi
Dressed for Success

The lifting of textile import quotas in Europe and America in 2005 was seen as an opportunity by some and a threat by the others. There was the risk of loss of market share to unfettered competitors, especially China. But for the savvy it was an opportunity to exceed their quota levels. Despite investing billion of dollars in the four years up to the lifting of quotas Pakistan textile industry has not done as well as had been hoped and most of the companies have seen their profits dip and smaller companies closing down shops. Further collateral damage is feared when safeguard quotas on China are lifted next year. Chenab group is one of the few companies in Pakistan that have hit the highway of success in the post-quota world. Mian Latif established Chenab Group of Companies in 1975 setting up a single processing unit in 1975. Over the years Chenab has turned into vertically integrated powerhouse, raising quality and cutting time to market which is valued by big importers

It is so easy for us to allow our sense of reverence for ‘higher-ups’ to interfere with our ability to make a true connection with them. They are, after-all, people, just as we are! This very thought is what liberates our minds and fosters free exchange of ideas among people from a variety of backgrounds and traditions.

Pakistan’s economic performance is attracting a number of foreign investors and investment groups.  Millennium Global Capital (PVT) Ltd  recently finalised their first $10milliom investment.  Blue Chip Editor-at-Large Zainab Omar talks to Millennium’s CEO in Pakistan, Mahmood Ali Athar about their plans and their strategy.

A spate of editorials, articles, columns and reports emanating from the United States in the last few months have argued that the US assistance to Pakistan should be made conditional upon the progress in the achievement of American strategic goals in the region. These assertions echoed in the national media and the popular discourse in the country. This article tests the validity of these assertions with the help of empirical evidence and attempts to disentangle the myths from the reality.

Tasaduq Sohail’s neighbours think he has gone senile when they see him go out on the streets every morning to feed crows, kites and other birds. He also keeps dozens of birds in his small apartment in Karachi. He paints a magical realm where animals and birds share the world equally with humans. In these paintings it seems that this communion with animals heightens the senses of humans like a psychedelic effect.

Yond Karzai has a mean and stupid look. He talks too much. Such men are dangerous. If only he also thought sometimes. He goes on blaming Pakistan for his woes, without looking at himself and his deeds, or rather the lack of them. This is the best way to deflect attention from one’s failings. Not that President Musharraf hasn’t ticked him off often, the most famous being the dressing down he gave Karzai at George Bush’s dinner. Today he meets President Musharraf in Turkey again. Will he see sense or get another scolding?