Passport Renewal Experience (Passport Office Awami Markaz Karachi)

• Wanted to renew the passports of my daughter, wife, and myself – without resorting to an agent.
• Passports were still valid but for less than six months.

Phase – 1: Fee Submission

• First visited the Passport Office – Awami Markaz Branch (Directorate General Immigration and Passports) for information and fee submission. This time I went alone. Reached there ~10 am.
• Information desk at Passport Office was functional and helpful.
• For Fee submission, I headed to the National Bank Awami Markaz Branch located upstairs (2^nd Floor I guess) inside the building. Ask anyone for directions.
• Normal Fee was Rs. 3,000 for 5 years passport.
• Now they have started issuing 10 years Passport also. Fee is Rs. 5,400 but the facility is not available for kids. Urgent Fee was Rs. 6,000 and 9,000 for 5 and 10 years respectively.
• Fee submission was a straight forward process and does not need any support from agent.
• At passport office there was a written warning displayed about agents giving customers fake bank slips so be careful and do that yourself even if you hire an agent.
• The guy at the Bank’s cash counter asked for original CNICs also. He was not interested in passports but I carried them anyways.
• For daughter, the Child Registration Certificate (B-Form) was needed mainly to write her CNIC number on the fee form. I was not carrying that. But got the magic number by calling back home and it was sufficient.
• Jurisdiction: Awami Markaz Passport Office is only for certain localities in Karachi, mostly belonging to the former District East. Others shall visit Passport Office Saddar.
• The above process (information gathering and fee submission) took me hardly an hour.
• Documents to Carry: CNIC, B-Form, Passport (None is required as such but they will ask you at the Information Desk or at the Bank’s Cash Counter).
• Documents needed for the submission of renewal form (next visit): Original CNIC, Original Passport, and Original B-Form (Originals are must) of the applicant. Photocopy CNIC/B-Form and Photocopy Passport of the applicant. For daughter we needed to attach Photocopies of our CNICs and Passports. No photographs are required.

Phase – 2:

• Reached Awami Markaz at around 9:15 am and after parking the car headed directly to the Passport Office ignoring the omnipresent and persistent touts. (No need to go upstairs)
• Pre-arranged photocopies of all the above documents including photocopies of wife’s and my parents’ CNICs.
• Was short of some photocopies which were easily done by the photocopy shop besides the Passport Office. Rs. 5 per copy; CNIC or otherwise.
• Since we were early, there was almost no queue at the Passport Office and we were let in by the guard in a couple of minutes after checking our bank slips. He told us to keep original CNICs, Passports, and Bank Slips in our hand.
• Inside, the first step was the photograph. There they also gave us the Call Slip. Took 5 minutes.
• Next step was the bio-metric finger prints. Not needed for the daughter. Took 5 more minutes.
• Then there was the data entry desk. There they needed all the photocopies. Made us a print-out of the forms and stapled photocopies to each one of them. Took slightly more than 5 minutes.
• Afterwards, there was the guy who was stamping the forms. He asked a few basic questions while stamping it and returning that back to us. Took 5 more minutes.
• Then we went to some officer/director sitting in the cubical. He handled a couple of cases before attending us. He also asked a few basic questions hurryingly and in the meanwhile checked our forms. Took 10 minutes.
• Last time he asked for our parents CNICs and we were not carrying them and this time when we arranged and carried them he did not bother!
• He also asked whether there is a valid visa on the passport before affixing the ‘Cancelled’ stamp.
• He kept wifey’s and my forms with him while returned the daughter’s one instructing us to submit that back after getting it attested by a government officer.
• Attestation was kind of a nuisance so I checked outside with agents; one quoted Rs. 400 while the other suggested me to get that done by a known person to avoid the fake attestation.
• The whole process took hardly 30 minutes which was the fastest in my whole life. Hats off to Chaudhary Nisar – our Interior Minister, although there is room for improvement.
• Now I have to submit back the duaghter’s form after getting it attested.
• We were told to collect our new Passports from Passport Office, Saddar after 15 days.

More Tips

• Keep Original CNIC with you all the time even when you visit only for submitting the Fee.
• It is better, although not a must, to submit the fee a day, or more, ahead to save the time at Passport Office queue.
• When going for fee submission, it would be smarter to take a ball pen along to save time.
• Parking available behind the building and is free of charge.
• Keep your parents CNICs (Original or Photocopy) also, just in case.
• Absolutely no need to get an agent. Be there early, submit the fee a day or two ahead (valid for six months), ignore touts, and you will be done without much hassle.

Ideas

Usually I keep thinking of great ideas, or in fact they keep coming to me. But as the time passes-by, I realize that they were not so good. Then I forget them, and start thinking on the new ones. Looks like that this is some sort of a cycle, a trap maybe. 

In Urdu we call it “Khayali Pulao”: خیالی پلاؤ

A time will come when I break this infinite loop and the world will feel lucky :-P

Truth Must Not Be A Reaction

کچھ لوگ اب بھی سچ بولتے ہیں! ان میں سے کچھ ہمیشہ سچ بولتے ہیں اور کچھ جب تک سچائی پر قائم رہتے ہیں جب تک انھیں یقین ہو کہ اگلا بھی سچ پر قائم ہے. لیکن جیسے ہی انکا یقین کمزور پڑتا ہے ویسے ہی سچ سے رشتہ بھی ختم ہونے لگتا ہے.

کوئی اگر مجھ سے سچ نہ بولے تو مجھے ظاہر ہے دکھ تو ہوگا، لیکن کیا کسی کا سچ نہ بولنا مجھے یہ حق دیتا ہے کے میں بھی اس سے سچ نہ بولوں؟

اگر ایسا ہے تو پھر سچ ایک ردعمل (reaction) ہوا.

ردعمل میں بولا جانے والا سچ ادھورا سچ تو شاید نہ کہلانے لیکن اسکے فوائد ضرور ادھورے ہونگے.

Some people still speak the truth! Some of them always speak the truth and live the truth as long as they are sure that the other person is also truthful. But as soon as this belief weakens their relationship with truth also start tumbling.

If I feel that the other person is not truthful to me, I will not feel good, obviously, but does that feeling entitle me not being truthful in response?

If this is true, then truth will become a reaction.

This reactionary truth may not really be called half-truth, but its benefits will definitely be minimized.

Air Blue Cheap But Disappointing

Dear Air Blue Representative

Yesterday, I had to book a flight for my father and myself from Karachi to Lahore and was very excited to see the low fares on the website. I immediately reserved my seat bus since then I am having disappointment over disappointment:

1. I wanted to pay through credit card but was shocked to see that I needed to pay in British Pounds, which is not only logical for a domestic flight booked locally, but also makes it expensive due to exchange rate and exchange commission.

2. Alternatively, I took the pain to go to Air Blue kiosk at Karachi Airport, where the second shock was waiting for me. At the Air Blue counter also, I was informed that my card will be charged not only in Pounds but there will be an added 2% charge - no matter if I have Air Blue co-branded card. This was very disappointing as I have never come across someone in Pakistan charging in the foreign currency! Nevertheless, I had to take out cash from the ATM and paid for my ticket - defeating the whole cause of me going all the way to Air Blue's airport counter.

3. Another surprise was yet to come when I asked the booking agent about my Frequent Flyer detail which was not appearing on the internet reservation. Spelling of my name was also wrong. Unfortunately, the staff could not rectify this as she told me that they don't have the rights of doing so. I have traveled through many other airlines and it appeared that Air Blue staff is least empowered. The staff then rectified the ticket manually with a stamp and suggested me to contact the call center. It would be unjust to not mention here that the staff was courteous and patient.

5. The staff at the counter was not also able to see my frequent flyer miles and the website is also not functioning :-(

4. When I contacted the call center, I was further disappointed as no-one attends the call. This is unbelievably disappointing! I have tried from my home and work both and at different timings but no response. How come an airline work without a functioning call center.

I have traveled with many budget airlines around Europe and South East Asia and it was very satisfying to see Air Blue growing as a no-frill airline in Pakistan. But I am seriously disappointed by this.

I request you to please rectify my booking in your system most importantly by adding the Frequent Flyer number so that I can not only get pre-flight benefits but miles could also be added to my account.

Looking for an immediate and positive reply.

Hafiz Muzzammil

Fish Massage at Ranikot Freshwater Pond

Short Term Kidnapping in Karachi - Experience and Tips from a Victim

Yesterday I got an email letter from a trusted source about the prevailing short term kidnapping in Karachi. This is a firsthand account of an unfortunate happening which is written in a  frank, horrible, and helpful manner at the same time. I thought to share that around for the sake of awareness with the prayer that may Allah keep all of us, and people around us, safe and healthy.

Here goes the letter:

Dear Freinds

Last 3 days were the most horrible days for me and my family. On the morning of 3rd June 2013 while I was in my office in Abu Dhabi, I received a hysteric call of my sister saying "Bhai Jan has been kidnaped" with no other information.

OUR SIDE OF STORY

I called my sister in law and she said that someone called from my brother's mobile that your husband has been kidnapped. dont inform any one in govt authority otherwise they will slit his throat. But do inform your closed one and the one in dubai also. wait for my next call.

having diffrent thoughts in my mind, I informed my parents who are living with me these days in Abu Dhabi. One can expect the response. Well the intention was to let them pray for thier son. In the mean

time we started to contact various close relatives in order to let them prepare for arrangement of money.

I decided to fly back home and handle the situation personally. I flew back home on 4th June. while i was at dubai air port kidnappers made another call demanding Rs. 1million. Sister in law attened the call and after receiving threats of severe consequences she agreed on 1 million to be delivered in 3 hours.

Fortunately it was banking hour and thanks to some of our relatives the amount was encashed from the banks and collected on time. they called again at 6 P.M asking to take a rikshaw and come to layari "Cheel Chowk". They waited there for 2 hours and then finally paid the ransom and thanks to allah by the time they came back home brother came back home also.

STORY AT BROTHER SIDE:

My brother told that he was going to office on II Chundrigar road from his residence (North Karachi). In order to avoid traffic of lasbella he used the way of garden via old golimar. near Agha Khan Gym khana a motor cycle with 3 passengers suddenly came in front of his car causing him to stop and then transfering him on gun point at back seat. Put dark glasses on his eyes. then he asked where is the tracker. He said the car is not having a tracker. he said no the car has a tracker installed, tell me where it is. MY brother said u belive or not the car has no tracker in it. he said what if we find out in your car. My brother said then you shoot me. Kidnapper opened the bonnet and checked immidiately and came back n said ok. They remained in the same car (black new XLI) and keep moving the car in the same area for around 3-4 hours during this time they sold the car. Then they transferred him to another car and then drove for 1 hour approx. It was a semi constructed big house where they kept him. they offered tea, water and food and at night provided mosquito repelling coil. during the initial conversation they asked to whom we can talk about you my brother said my wife at home. He asked what about brother or parents he said they are in dubai.

The next day the same kidnapper came and questioned how much you can pay he further said we are expecting 1 caror. My brother said, "listen the car belongs to the bank my salary is X amount (above 100K) and out of which these are my straight expenses and about 10K you can say are my savings per month. My bank account would be having maximum 2-3 lacs. If you are expecting 10 million or even 5 million then forget it i have apologized to God All night yesterday and now i am ready to die you just shoot me now". The kidnapper said no no...we have caught a wrong man.. but we cant leave you with out ransom as other people know and they will never leave their share. So i have decided that i have to leave you as i m feeling soft corner for you. other wise you can see the hook in the ceiling where we used to hang the kidnapee with one leg and then he speaks him self about all of his resources. We will leave you just pray that Allah put mercy in the heart of person to whom I am going to talk to ...  :-)

In the evening they took him out and kept him at a "chappar hotel" offered 2 cups of tea and then 2 guys rode him on a bike till sir syed college, gave him a Rs1000 note to take rikshaw. So he took rikshaw and came back home.

LESSONS LEARNED

During discussion with the kidnapper, Kidnapper said they has assumption that a person having XLI, city or Civic can pay ransom of Rs. 10 million. A person riding CD 70 can pay 400,000/- and a person riding 50cc bike can pay 100,000/-  So my suggestions are better to have smaller vehicle. Better if not brand new.

Some days earlier I received an email that someone suggested to keep an idle phone with sim on silent mode this could be really effective way of tracing the person. They are using untraceable sims. I think that arranegement can be done to auto recharge the mobile with the car electric system. By the way CPLC has arrangement to trace the sim even if the mobile is off while battery is connected and have some power.

Avoid taking routes from garden, purana golimar, layari express way. All exits that are connected with layyari areas specially the end of layyari express way. God forbid if some thing happens to any of you or in your circle, do negotiate but show your complete willingness to act on thier instructions. Inform CPLC they will act after having your advice and agreement. and in last the most important instrcution is to make Duas and recitation as allah is the ultimate authority. no one can save us if he has chosen us to meet him and nothing can harm us if he chose to protect us.

May allah keep you and your family members all safe.

Best Regards

XXX

(Baqra) Eid ka Chand

Baqra Eid 2012 Moon From Our Rooftop

Yesterday, when I was coming out of the mosque after Maghrib prayers I inevitably noticed the newborn crescent of Zil-Hajj. Subhanallah!

It was a welcome sight as observing a newborn moon is not only difficult but important also. (Why so? Please see below)

Good Luck

Luckily the sky was clear enough that even a person with eyesight like mine could see it without seeking someone’s help!

It was a good luck for the whole nation also as the self-assuming clerics at Masjid Qasim Khan at Peshawar could not see the Halal a day earlier! So unlike the ‘small’ Eid a couple of months back when we celebrated on three different dates, there will be – most probably – one ‘big’ Eid all across the country!

However, SaudiArabia announced that they will celebrate the 3 days festival of sacrifice from Friday, a day earlier, as they had already completed 30 days of Ze-Qaad. Accordingly, this year Hajj will be performed on Thursday, October 25^th.

Suspense

Overhere, especially around work places, people are worried about Eid holidays, i.e. which days government would announce officially off. It is tricky because Eid is now falling on Saturday and Sunday, which are already off-days at most places, so people are now expecting something generous from the ‘awami’ government! A friend suggests “Who knows the govt. is quite liberal in giving holidays and may also announce Monday (alongwith Friday) off.”

Around neighborhoods, people – and especially youngsters – are mostly discussing where to buy the sacrificial animal, and at what price?

The Basics

On top of all this festivity, let’s not forget the rationale behind it; sacrifice, good deeds, and helping those who are in need. I found the following link very appealing in this regard and would also like to share it with ones who might be looking for solace:

Virtues of the First 10 Days of “Dhul-Hijja”

Why Moon Sighting is Difficult and Important?

It is Difficult in the sense that the newborn moon is usually razor thin, unlike the moon yesterday, and needs sharp eyes to locate. It appears for very short duration and that too around sunset. So if the environment is hazy or there clouds, sighting becomes more difficult.

And important in the sense that the start of a lunar month is usually subject to moon sighting which cannot be predicted in advance accurately as there are almost always a chance that the new moon appears a day earlier, i.e. after completing only 29 days of the previous month; as it appeared here yesterday.

It becomes more important for Muslims because their festivals – Ramzan, Eid, Baqra Eid, Ashura – are linked to the lunar calendar and their exact dates are always a surprise, at times till the eleventh hour! This phenomenon adds an element of suspense, diversity, and sometimes controversies also!

Resource

On the internet, I found a useful resource on moon sighting; however, I am not sure of its authenticity:

http://moonsighting.com/1433zhj.html

And yes, a warm Eid Mubarak to all in advance.