KarachiChronicle

Google today announced its annual Year in Pakistan Search, which looks back at 2016 through the collective eyes of searches on google.com.pk and offers a unique perspective on the year's major events, top newsmakers and hottest trends.

Google reveals the Internet’s spirit of the times through an exploration of the over one trillion search queries we receive each year. In addition to year end Searches, which highlights the top trends of 2016, we also have several tools that give insight into global, regional, past and present search trends. Google Search tools can never be used to identify individual users because we rely on anonymized, aggregated counts of how often certain search queries occur over time. These tools are available year-round for you to play with, explore, and learn from at Google.com/2016.

Trending searches of 2016 on google.com.pk

1.Cricket score
2.PSL schedule 2016
3.PTV Sports Live
4.Euro 2016
5.PAK vs ENG
6.iPhone 7
7.Bigg Boss 9
8.T20 World Cup Schedule 2016
9.Sultan
10.Olympic Games Rio 2016

Trending people searches of 2016 on google.com.pk

1.QandeelBaloch
2.AmjadSabri
3.Abdul Sattar Edhi
4.Donald Trump
5.MominaMustehsan
6.Mumtaz Qadri
7.Pratyusha Banerjee
8.Hillary Clinton
9.Melania Trump
10.DJ Bravo

In addition to showcasing what people were curious about in Pakistan, Google Search tools also offer insight into which topics captured the entire world’s attention in 2016.

Visit Google.com/2016 to explore the rest of the 2016 Year in Search stories and top trending charts from countries around the world.

Pakistani actress Armeena Rana Khan has added yet another feather to her cap for the year 2016 - she has been featured in the annual issue of coveted British publication Easter Eye, as one of the 50 Sexiest Asian Women.

Armeena Rana Khan featured in the annual issue of British publication Easter Eye

The actress, who has had an extremely successful year with her debut movie Janaan be-coming a worldwide blockbuster and her television serial Bin Roye securing great Televi-sion Rating Points, rounds off a fulfilling 2016 with this acknowledgement.

Eastern Eye’s award-winning entertainment editor Asjad Nazir, who founded the list and puts it together annually said: “The biggest breakout star of Pakistani cinema this year was Armeena Rana Khan, who followed up a successful 2015 with an even bigger 2016. With her starring role in hit film Janaan, the strikingly beautiful actress helped Pakistani cinema cross new frontiers internationally and form strong connections with new audiences. One of the highest new entries in the list, she is a star who will shine even brighter in 2017.”

Armeena was also recently awarded the Women’s Empowerment Award at the Pakistan Achievements Awards held in UK. Her upcoming projects include television serial Rasm-e-Dunya, British feature length film The Real Target, British sci-fi film, The Achilles Protocol and Pakistani feature film Yalghaar.

Armeena Rana-Khan, better known by her stage name 'Armeena Khan' is a Canadian/Pakistani actress. After completing her initial schooling in Canada, Khan graduated with an Honours de-gree in Business from university in England. Thereafter she began a brief career in modeling and featured in print and television campaigns for various clothing and consumer brands including Nishat Linen and Faysal Bank. She went on to study Acting in London at Ealing and Pinewood studios before focusing on her acting career full time.

In 2012, Khan took on her first acting role in an Art house Indian film. This was followed by her first Pakistani role in the drama ‘Shabe-Arzoo Ka Alaam’ (ARY Digital). Khan went onto perform in two British short films, 'Writhe' and ‘Stranger Within Me’. These were selected for the 2013 and 2014 Cannes film festivals respectively (short film corner).

In 2014, Khan’s second Pakistani drama "Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi" proved to be a commercial success and firmly established Khan in the Pakistani Television industry.

In 2015, Khan starred in two successful dramas, 'Ishq Parast’ (ARY Digital) and ‘Karb’ (HUM TV). 2015 asaw the International release of Khan’s first Pakistani feature film ‘Bin Roye.' Addi-tionally Khan is also the 2015 celebrity face of ‘Sprite’ in South Asia.

‘Janaan” which was the first sympathetic portrayal of Pushtoon culture, released in 2016 and became one of the biggest blockbusters of Pakistani cinema. Khan is currently working on one major feature film, 'Yalghaar', slated to be the most expensive Pakistani film to date.

ARY Films and Waadi Animations hosted exclusive movie premieres for the animated sequel of the 2015 blockbuster, 3 Bahadur: The Revenge of Baba Balaam in Lahore & Karachi respectively.

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Sarwat Gilani spotted at the premier of ‘

3 Bahadur: The Revenge of Baba Balaam’

3 Bahadur: The Revenge of Baba Balaam, features voice overs by Fahad Mustafa, Behroze Subzwari, Sarwat Gilani, Ahmad Ali Butt, Khalid Malik, Zeba Shahnaz, Zuhab Khan, Arisha Razi Khan, Hanzala Shahid, Ali Gul Pir, Mustafa Changezi, Badar Qureshi and Bassam Shazzali. Shiraz Uppal has composed the soundtrack.

The two premiers had star studded red carpets including Ali Zafar, Ahmed Ali Butt, Shiraz Uppal, Sarwat Gilani, Fahad Mustafa, Aminah Sheikh, Ahsan Khan, Nida Yasir & Hassan Sheheryar Yasin to name a few, who had even brought in their kids to enjoy the adventures of Kamil, Amna & Saadi.

Ahmed Ali Butt with Fatima Khan

The story line revolves around three friends who find themselves at odds with each other after successfully reclaiming their town from Mangu the villian. When Deenu their trusted friend lands into trouble they have to find a way to come together again. They know that only then can they defeat the all-powerful Baba Balam who seems to have cast a spell on their bustling Roshan Basti.

Salman Iqbal, President ARY Group states, “We hope to live up to the promise of providing quality entertainment to our viewers with the ARY Films & Waadi Animations umbrella with this film our last offering of the year till we come back with a bigger and better 2017. 3 Bahadur 2 is a complete family entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Academy Award winning film director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and the Creative Director of the film shares, “3 Bahadur 2 is an animated movie for the children to have their very own Pakistani super-heroes. This movie is one of its kind and we hope that the sequel also becomes a blockbuster like the predecessor.”

Jerjees Seja CEO ARY Digital Network shares “3 Bahadur 2 is all set to hit cinema screens on 15th December 2016 and this movie is a complete entertainment package for the family, to fulfil and justify the promise of ARY Films by providing wholesome, Made In Pakistan entertainment to cinema goers.”

3 Bahadur was Pakistan’s highest grossing animated film in 2015 and garnered a large base of fans.

Pakistan’s leading group of shopping malls celebrated the 24thyear of the annual ‘Dolmen Shopping Festival’. A series of events across the three malls in Karachi marked the launch of 17 days of festivities filled with fun contests, exciting discounts and delicious food.

The star studded evening was kicked off by the surprise arrival of stars Iman Ali, Anoushay Ashraf, Faizan Haqque and the musical sensation Zoe Viccaji. Amidst throngs of ecstatic shoppers, the celebrities revealed the ‘Match & Win’ game and ‘Magical Doors’ which allow shoppers to play for a gift hamper. They also kick started the lucky draw which will have daily winners as well as a grand prize of 1 Million Rupees at Dolmen Mall Clifton, powered by Summit Bank. The prizes for Dolmen Mall Tariq Road and Hyderi are 500,000 PKR and 250,000 PKR respectively, which will be announced along with the grand lucky draw winners at the closing ceremony on the 1st of January 2017, making someone’s new year really special! And not just that, shoppers can also win gifts from Dolmen Mall brands through five lucky draws every day.

To participate, regular shoppers will have to show their receipt of a PKR 10,000 purchase whilst Dolmen Loyalty Card holders would be eligible to play with a purchase receipt of PKR 5,000.

“It is always the people that have been at the core of Dolmen Mall which is why we wanted to celebrate the end of 2016 by providing them with a wonderful reason to celebrate and spend time with their loved ones amidst family fun and festivities. Our aim is to bring together generations and we take pride in the fact that at DSF, there is something for everyone. People have joined in from all over Pakistan. Spirits are raised, hopes are high and we look forward to the next few days,” said Faisal Nadeem, Director of Dolmen Group at the launch.

With each floor at the malls designed to bring with it a new set of activities to entice the audience to explore further, Dolmen Malls truly appear as a shopper’s paradise. Dolmen Mall Clifton, Tariq Road and Hyderi feature a beauty lounge that is a treat for makeup enthusiasts who have a chance to learn tips from experts and get free makeovers. Children will also get a chance to play our life-sized games and win for themselves in the Carnival while families can enjoy exhibitions of Home n Décor, Dolmen Bazaar and various other festivities.

As an added treat, Sunny Day brunch will be hosted every Sunday in the food court at Dolmen Mall Clifton and Tariq Road to encourage people to try new food and reignite the ritual of having Sunday breakfast with the family to the soulful sounds of live music.

The management at Dolmen aims to provide quality events year after year to give their audience chance to celebrate.

3 Bahadur “The revenge of Baba Balam “released recently is the sequel of 3 Bahadur which was released in May 2015. This movie is an excellent attempt to place Pakistan among the countries that made animated movies.

3 Bahadur is a story of three super kids who were given super powers to deal with the evil.

These children live in a middle class locality known as Roshan Nagar and are always on the lookout for an opportunity to help their people or to save them from criminals.

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, the director of the movie has been upfront in giving the children of Pakistan their very own local heroes in the form of Kamil, Amna and Sadi. These are the characters that the young children can look up for inspiration.

Cinematography of ‘3 Bahadur “The revenge of Baba Balam’ is of excellent quality and can easily compete with any international animated movie.

Story of this movie has local heroes which everyone in Pakistan can easily relate to. Although it appears to be a very common story but it was presented in such a way that viewers remained engrossed from the beginning till the end.

In the movie, some common political slogans of Pakistan were used to create humor and they matched with the scenario so well that they filled the cinema hall with laughter.

This movie gives some beautiful messages for the society. First and foremost is unity. It further highlights that as long as our super kids are united, they dominate evil and are seen winning the war but once they are seen going their separate ways, the evil starts taking control over them. I hope that young generations of Pakistan always remember this basic principal that ‘Unity is strength’ and make it a central part of their life forever.

Another important message conveyed through this movie is not to misuse your power. This is an important message for our society where people misuse their power and authority with impunity and create imbalance in the society. Our super kids from 3 Bahadur, through their performance in schools’ annual sports day highlight that spirit of participation is more important than winning or loosing
In a society where intolerance is rampant, Kamil by giving food to one of his foe Pateeli sets a very good example that helps your foe also in times of need as you never know that your good gesture may turn your foe into your friend and he may come to your help in time of need.

It is good that the creators of 3 Bahadur learned from their first experience and curtail sponsor messages to bare minimum in their second venture

I think sound is the one area which was a little weak. The overall sound quality is good but at times the sound is too loud which is not good for children who are the main audience of this movie although this movie is strong enough to give joy and entertainment to people of all ages.

Voices of Fahad Mustafa, Behroze Subzwari, Sarwat Gillani, Ahmad Ali Butt, Khalid Malik, Zeba Shahnaz, Zuhab Khan, Arisha Razi Khan, Hanzala Shahid, Ali Gul Pir, Mustafa Changezi, Badar Qureshi and Bassam Shazzali are used for different characters of this movie and each voice appropriately suitedthe character for which it is used.

Watching 3 Bahadur gives a positive energy to viewers. In my view, a movie is liked by the audience when they come out of the cinema hall singing that movie’s song or having positive discussion about the movie and while coming out from the cinema I heard many children singing and chanting songs of the movie.

During a conversation with Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, she revealed that they will not be making the third part of 3 Bahadur soon, but somehow I was engulfed by this movie and am anxiously waiting for another part of 3 Bahadur to see how the three super kids fight and thwart the next level of challenges which Baba Balaam bring for them.

I recommend all parents and guardians to go to the cinema with their children to watch this entertaining movie

This story is first published in Daily Times on December 22, 2016

The 42-year-old captain of Pakistan test team,Misbah-Ul-Haq was adjudged the winner of ‘ICC Spirit Of Cricket Award’ for inspiring his side to play the game in its true spirit and at the same time lifting the Pakistan cricket team from precarious situations to number-one on the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings.Remarkably, this was achieved without playing any Test matches in his home country.

Misbah is the first Pakistan player to win the award which previously was won by MS Dhoni (2011), Daniel Vettori (2012), Mahela Jayawardena (2013), Katherine Brunt (2014) and Brendon McCullum (2015). New Zealand also won this award in 2004, 2009 and 2010, England in 2005 and 2006, and Sri Lanka in 2007 and 2008.

Expressing his views on this achievement, Misbah said: “I feel honoured and humbled to have won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. To lift the Test mace earlier this year and now this in the twilight of my career, is a message for every athlete that age is not a barrier as long as the sportsperson maintains highest fitness levels and continues to perform up to international standards.

“As a team, we have focused on playing within the rich traditions of the sport with a positive mindset and approach so that we can entertain the spectators and fans, and at the same time, challenge the oppositions. I am glad that this has been noticed and recognised by the game’s governing body.”

Pakistan’s pioneer blues/jazz band Blue Sax has released the audio of their latest single Layee Hayat which can be heard by clicking on https://soundcloud.com/the-bluesax-band/layee-hayaat

Talha Ali Kushava founder of Blue Sax band

The song is a cover of the ghazal originally by Ustad Ibrahim Zauq, considered as a leading light among Urdu poets in the subcontinent.

Layee Hayat is considered to be one of the best works by Ustad Ibrahim Zauq and has been performed by several legendary singers over the years, most prominently by KL Saigal. This is the first time the ghazal has been covered in the blues/jazz genre. The inspiration behind the poetry has been the fact that no one has any control over one’s actions and destiny. It is a direct strike against the arrogance and condescension of the human mind, lying bare in essence, the inability of the human being to do or accomplish anything.

Blue Sax band

Speaking about why Blue Sax chose to record this cover, the band’s founder Talha Ali Kushava says,“Layee Hayat has been a part of my musical journey since the beginning. I used to hear KLSaigal’s version from my Uncle’s collection, which can also be heard in the beginning of our version. I have been performing this song at live events for years now, which later became a part of Blue Sax’s live set. It was only natural we recorded an official version of this cover. I hope the audience enjoys our cover as much as we did while recording it”.

Steve George

Best Quotes about Quaid-E- Azam

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a great leader. Not only his friends but his foes were also full of praise for him.

To pay tribute to Quaid-E-Azam, Muhaamad Ali Jinnah on his 140^th birth anniversary, I am reproducing below the thoughts; detractors have about Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Jinnah was the most beautiful man i ever seen. Lady Wavel

No one was able to move Jinnah from path of truth. Sir Cowasjee Jehangir

No one in history of India was loved so much like Jinnah. Bertrand Russell

I can never forget this great leader from my heart. Sir Winston Churchill

Jinnah Thinks about every matter with cold mind. Abdul Kalam Azad

If Jinnah was in Sikhs they would Worship him. Sardar Kartar Singh

Jinnah never did an agreement by bowing down to anyone but on equal basis. Lord Mountbatten

Muhammad Ali Jinnah is the only personality of India from whom whole nation has expectations Allam Iqbal

Jinnah can't be bought at any price .Pee Lance

If Muslim League has 100 Gandhis and 200 Abdul Kalam Azad and Congress has only one Jinnah than India would have never divided. Vijay Laxmi Pandit

Jinnah is Beautiful Magician. Crips

Jinnah had a cold mind and bright mind. Harry Truman

I believe no power can buy Mr Jinnah. Gandhi

Jinnah was pride of Whole India not just Muslims.CR Reddy

Good Character and Good Politics where those secrets due to which Jinnah good success. Nehru

Jinnah was not just leader of Muslims but whole of India. BJP’s Leader Jaswant Singh

Jinnah's decision was like stone. Pandit Nanak Chan

Mr Jinnah is showing right path to People of India. M C Raja

Mahtab Akbar Rashdi and HUM Films recently hosted a press conference for their upcoming movie “Thora Jee Le” in Karachi which is all set to release on 20th January 2017 nationwide.

‘Thora Jee le’ is a comedy/drama film written and directed by Rafay Rashdi, produced by 1NFLUENCE and executively produced by Mahtab Akbar Rashdi. The youthful movie has been shot in Karachi and Larkana.

The cast includes some of the youngest actors in the Pakistani film industry namely, Rizwan Ali Jaffri, Bilal Abbas, Ramsha Khan, Salman Faisal, Fatima Shah Jillani, Kasim Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram.

‘Thora Jee Le’ will be released in the upcoming year under the HUM Films banner. The story revolves around seven individuals belonging to different backgrounds and how their lives transition from college to practical life. A story about self-discovery, dosti, tafreeh, jigri & yaari between friends, who venture on a journey of a lifetime, only to discover that, fate has different plans, for all of them

“Thora Jee Le is ready to rule the cinema screens on 20th January 2017 nationwide. This movie is going to give a chance to new talented actors who are going to debut with this movie and this platform will help them shine and rise creating a career for themselves. Thora Jee Le will be wholesome entertainment to cinema goers.” commented Mahtab Akbar Rashdi executive producer of the movie.

“Thora Jee Le has a youth-based and heartwarming story that a lot of people will relate to. It is packed with lots of comedy and entertainment.” says director Rafay Rashdi, the writer and director of the film.

The music of ‘Thora Jee le’ is composed by the very famous Suhaib Rashdi with sound by Electrikroom Studios.

“This movie promises an exciting story with a fresh cast. HUM Network has always provided new talent to the Pakistani film industry and we are proud to be providing quality entertainment to our viewers consistently.” Sultana Siddiqui, President HUM Network.

Thora Jee Le is all set to release on 20th January 2017 nationwide.

Thora Jee Le revolves around 7 individuals belonging to different backgrounds and how their lives transition from college to practical life. You see them getting back together to catch up and from there go on a journey to relive their friendship and bonds. A story about self-discovery, dosti, tafreeh, jigri & yaari between friends, who venture on a journey of a lifetime, only to discover that, fate has different plans, for all of them

Thora Jee Le is a comedy/drama film directed and written by Rafay Rashdi.

This youthful movie has been shot in Karachi and Larkana.

Thora Jee Le is produced by 1NFLUENCE and executively produced by Mahtab Akbar Rashdi

‘Thora Jee Le’ will be released under the HUM Films banner. The story revolves around seven individuals belonging to different backgrounds and how their lives transition from college to practical life. A story about self-discovery, dosti, tafreeh, jigri & yaari between friends, who venture on a journey of a lifetime, only to discover that, fate has different plans, for all of them

Suhaib Rashdi composed the music of ‘Thora Jee le’ with sound by Electrik room Studios.

Thora Jee Le will be released in cinemas nationwide on 20th January 2017

Sound Track Kyunke Lamba Safar Hai is sot on roads with purpose to promote travelling by road.

Kiran Chaudhry, recently held an exhibition at Labels Karachi to celebrate the New-year with an exhibition of Anaya by Kiran Chaudhry, the collection showcased her latest festive Chiffon Collection, in addition to selected styles from their upcoming pret line.

After the successful exhibition in Lahore for Anaya’s Festive Collection the exhibition took place in Karachi at this festive season with their new bestselling Festive Chiffon Collection (Vol. 2)!

Anaya by Kiran Chaudhry exhibits her Festive Chiffon Collection 2016

Talking about the latest collection, Creative Director Kiran Chaudhry said “With the wedding season upon us, we wanted to bling thing ups a bit and showcase our signature style with a somewhat bolder style statement.”

It's a fun, feminine and contemporary range in light pastels for daytime affairs and more formal ensembles that are perfect as an evening or wedding wear.

Every piece is made with pure finesse and there are subtle elements that are sure to catch your eye.

Anaya by Kiran Chaudhry -"Premium fabrics and effortless style at reasonable prices". The brand continues to showcase their unique color palette and their focus remains on providing high quality luxurious fabrics and very refined design aesthetic at prices that won't break the bank.

Saman Tariq Malik, has won the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Each year the Rhodes Trust awards this scholarship to one person from each member country to study at Oxford. Saman is the Rhodes Scholar-elect from Pakistan for the year 2017. She competed for this scholarship against an estimated 4000 applications from Pakistan this year. The result was announced on the 26th of November 2016 by Mr. Babar Sattar, the National Secretary for Pakistan Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee, following the interviews held in Islamabad.

Saman Tariq Malik, has won the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship

Saman Tariq Malik did her major in English from Lahore University of Management Sciences and also did her minor in History during her time in LUMS. She represents the first student from Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences to have won the Rhodes. She was consistently on the Dean’s Honor List and was also the winner of the prestigious Raazia Waseem Award for the Best Senior Project in English at LUMS.

Saman’s research thesis was the culmination of her long term interest in literary histories of South Asia. Though Saman officially majored in English, her work is essentially interdisciplinary in nature, traversing the disciplines of history and comparative literature. Her areas of interest include the study of Urdu literary traditions, vernacular print cultures, narratives of exile, gender and reform discourses, the Anglophone novel, world literatures and Orientalism. Ostensibly, an examination of a lesser known Urdu translation of Kalidasa’s ubiquitous Sakuntala by Akhtar Husain Raipuri, Saman’s Senior Project diverged into a study of intellectual after lives of literary texts in South Asia’s context. Her project, “Many Afterlives: The Urdu Translation of Sakuntala and the Politics of Authenticity,” was supervised by Dr. Ali Raza (Assistant Professor, History) and Dr. Maryam Wasif Khan (Assistant Professor, English and Comparative Literature) and is now being revised for publication.

During her undergraduate academic career, Saman was involved in a range of extracurricular and service activities. In 2016, she was selected as a research assistant for Dr. Ali Usman Qasmi’s project on the Archives of Pakistan. She assisted in organizing the first comprehensive workshop for archivists across the country taught by Dr Kevin Greenbank from the Cambridge University. Saman was also selected among nine students for a seminar workshop on the ‘The Ontology of a Witness of War’ conducted by Dr. Manan Ahmad from Columbia University. As a research assistant for a remembrance-based digital archive project she assisted Dr. Ali Raza and continues to work on it after graduation. Alongside, she is also assisting Dr. Ali Usman Qasmi (Assistant Professor, History) in his historical inquiry on national culture of Pakistan. She is a senior teaching assistant for courses at LUMS under the supervision of Dr. Maryam Wasif Khan who is preparing her for teaching. Recently, Saman delivered a lecture in Dr. Khan’s Western Canon class: “Beyond the Western Canon: Sexuality, Sappho and Ismet Chugtai.” Saman is a contributing writer for the acclaimed online magazine, Tanqeed. She is an artist with a special interest in contemporary Pakistani political art.

Vice Chancellor LUMS, Dr. Sohail Naqvi extended his felicitations while commenting that “Saman took full advantage of the open, interdisciplinary environment of LUMS, working with the resident and visiting international faculty to produce her insightful research thesis focusing on the literary histories of South Asia. She brings honour to herself, the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and LUMS. We are all truly proud of what Saman has achieved.

Saman aims to further her interest in South Asian literary cultures and digital archiving through an MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies at Oxford. According to Dean of the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Ali Khan, “Saman’s proposed research on intellectual and cultural histories of South Asia is likely to yield tremendous and much needed insights into our history. We need excellent historians in Pakistan and Saman is poised to join the ranks of the very best”.

Upon receiving the scholarship Saman thanked her faculty at MGSHSS saying, “I am deeply honored to be awarded the Rhodes Scholarship 2017. It is a dream come true. I want to thank Dr. Ali Usman Qasmi, Dr. Ali Raza, Dr. Kamal Munir, and Dr. Maryam Wasif Khan for their constant guidance, love and support. I look forward to my time at Oxford, contributing through my work to the diversity that comprises the Rhodes Scholar community’.

Or a guest for the weekend?

A dinner conveys a certain amount of value being derived but a weekend is at another level completely.

And of course if you wouldn't even have a conversation with your product, that's another story.

The amount of personal time and money you are prepared to invest on anything depends on the amount of value you receive.

How is value described?

On one level, value is derived by how a product FUNCTIONS. Does it consistently work as promised? Does it deliver to specifications?

On another level, value is created by how a product makes the buyer FEEL when it is used or consumed.

Is it special in some way? Is it different in a way that makes it remarkable and memorable?

Does the consumer mention and recommend it to their friends?

Which is more important: value derived from function or value created from feelings?

Which is the better metric of product performance? Which has the greater strategic implications?

Most organizations believe a product is performing well if it consistently does what it's supposed to do.

If product promises, or specifications, are delivered 24X7X365. Dependability and consistency are the primary key success factors.

The issue is that performance doesn't go far enough today; customers expect products that work as the product manual promises. And when they do, they are at best SATISFIED .

No long term loyalty is created and the customer will leave for a better "mouse trap" when it shows up. And when products perform below expectations, customers are quick to voice their negative feedback to as many people as they can.

On the other hand, when the product AMAZES, when memories are created and magic happens, customers buy-in at a completely different level.

They turn into maniacal fans who go out of their way to support the supplying organization in every way.

They "spread their word" to others .They talk up how great the company is and strongly recommend it to others.

By all means ensure your product performs consistently, but don't stop until you wrap it up with an AMAZE layer that delights your customer.

It's AMAZE that creates long term value for the organization.

About Author

Roy Osing (@royosing) is a former President and CMO with over 33 years of leadership experience covering all the major business functions including business strategy, marketing, sales, customer service and people development. He is a blogger, content marketer, educator, coach, adviser and the author of the book series Be Different or Be Dead

Sastaticket.pk (Pvt.) Ltd. – a website that empowers Pakistani travelers with instant booking and comprehensive choices, has unveiled a remarkable sale for this New Year 2017.

Hotels New Year Sale

The New Year sale provides an opportunity to travelers who are looking forward for a budget-friendly winter break. The online portal offers vouchers to the customers for discounts of up to 20 per cent on domestic hotels and 10 per cent on international hotels booking, whereas people can also avail discounts of PKR 500/- and PKR 2,000/- on domestic and international flights respectively.

Speaking about the extraordinary sale, Shazil Mehkri, CEO, Sastaticket.pk (Pvt.) Ltd. said, “We aim to deliver top-notch service and a wide range of travel products that are at par with global standards. The New Year sale ensures to provide affordability, convenience and unparalleled experience to our customers.”

The voucher is valid for the first 50 bookings till January 8, 2017 while the discounts for booking hotels are applicable till January 16, 2017.

Flights New Year Sale

In past, Sastaticket offered similar massive discounts on ‘Black Friday’ promotion for its customers and witnessed record-breaking online sales with growth of 700%. Customers can view full details to avail this remarkable sale offer.

Based in Karachi, Sastaticket.pk is a one-stop shop for all travel related services. A leading consolidator of travel products, provides reservation facility for domestic and international flights, domestic and international hotels, and holiday packages. It has more than 100,000 hotels across the globe and more than 20 Airlines on portal. Sastaticket.pk is an online venture of Quality Aviation – a leading travel agency of Pakistan with more than 20 years of experience in traveling.

iflix, the world’s leading Internet TV service for emerging markets, offering users unlimited access to thousands of TV shows, movies and more, today announced a multi-year content licensing deal with Hum TV, Pakistan’s most established and acclaimed 24-hour entertainment TV channel, ahead of its service launch in Pakistan.

iflix partners with HUM TV

iflix members in Pakistan will soon be able to binge on nearly 50 of Hum TV’s most popular and award-winning titles, including Bin Roye, Udaari, Mann Mayal Zara Yaad Kar, Pakeeza, Gul-e-Rana, Maan, Kaisay Tum Se Kahoon, Qaid-e-Tanhai, Vasl and many more. In the coming months, iflix will continue to add more of Hum TV’s best titles, with audience favourites including Humsafar, , Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Sanam, Diyar-e-Dil, Sadqay Tumhare, Dil-e-Muztar, Meray Qatil Meray Dildar, Man-o-Salwa, Shanakht, Kadoorat, and many more, to its vast catalogue.

iflix Group Chief Content Officer, James Bridges commented: “We are deeply committed to localization, and this landmark partnership with Hum TV is a testament to that promise. We are thrilled to add so many of Hum TV’s most popular and award-winning beloved, local dramas to our vast library of top international and regional content, as a part of our promise to deliver the best and widest selection of TV shows and movies from all over the world to our members.”

Chief Strategy Officer of Hum Network Limited, Hassan Jawed commented; “Our collaboration with iflix exhibits our commitment to promoting quality entertainment content globally. As part of this commitment, we have focused on digital media to make our content easily accessible to our global target audience. We are confident that iflix will prove to be a key strategic partner for us in the years to come”.

Now available in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Brunei, iflix will continue to roll out its world-class service to key additional emerging markets in the coming months. Offering consumers a vast library of top Hollywood, Asian regional, and local TV shows and movies including many first run exclusives and award winning programs, each subscription allows users to access the service on up to five devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, and television sets, for viewing wherever, whenever. iflix subscribers can also download TV shows and movies from iflix’s extensive catalogue for offline viewing.

iflix is the world’s leading Internet TV service for emerging markets, offering users unlimited access to thousands of TV shows, movies and more. With a vast selection of first run exclusives, award winning movies and shows, plus the best in local and regional programs, iflix places the entertainment people want at their fingertips to either stream or download. For one low monthly fee, iflix subscribers can watch on their mobile phone, laptop, tablet, TV… wherever, whenever.

Hum Network Limited (HNL) has established itself as the leading media company in Pakistan with a global foot print especially in all international markets where there is a sizeable population of South Asian Diaspora. This includes North America, Europe, Middle East as well as India. Many of HUM’s narratives and format shows have global cult fan following. Today HUM’s content on various global social media platforms including You Tube as well as Face book, has the highest number of subscribers within the entertainment genre in the South Asian Region.

HNL operates the only 24 hour dedicated Food Channel in the South Asian Region by the name of HUM MASALA. This too has very strong following in all global markets with South Asian Diaspora. HNL also, is the pioneer of Fashion & Life Style format shows, on ground events like Fashion Pakistan Week and Bridal Couture Week.

Be bold to step into the spotlight & let your Chinon do the rest

Iznik is a Lahore based brand established in 2015 to show new meanings of luxury in Pakistani fashion. It has started its journey with unstitched luxury chiffon and become a prominent source of glamorous cultural attires. It had provided most luxurious chiffon dresses in affordable prices and made everyone crazy for its sensational style. In short span of time, Iznik has become essential for festive wardrobe with its unique ethnic look and rich amalgamation of pure fabrics.

Iznik is an ethnic brand for women using fusion of niche style amalgamated in rich embellishments with pure threads of silk.

This season, Iznik brings it's Chinon; luxury chiffon collection, a mixture of 10 'bold & beautiful' embroidered unstitched designs.

Chinon is a combination of not just aesthetically spectacular clothes, but also of convenience, latest kinds and formal designs

Iznik’s designs require the least preparations and once stitched, they will surely make you stand out in these outfits.

At Iznik, fashion is no longer a form of luxury but it has become an iconic empowerment tool for the modern woman. Women are adding massive value to the society which creates the urge of providing them with classy ethnic wear in a style like never before.

Embroidered and filled with sequence work these finest pieces of vibrant colors are all a women need to make a statement this season.

Iznik is the lifestyle of today’s woman which play role in completing their mantra of being chic, classy, trendy and elegant.

The show that created massive ripples in the country, Miss Veet Pakistan, has finally come to an unforgettable conclusion with the best panel of judges in town Aamina Sheikh, Aisha Khan, Tapu Javeri and the mentor Fayezah Ansari. With the 12 lucky contestants who were given this opportunity, Miss Veet Pakistan was the transformation journey, which made the audience laugh, cry and scream at times, but in the end it was all worth it. The finale took place at Mohatta Palace in Karachi which was beautifully adorned and comprised of action packed performances and the overwhelming crowning of Zainab Raja as Miss Veet Pakistan 2016.

Zainab Raja crowned Miss Veet Pakistan 2016

The event was hosted by Azfar Rehman. The finale, which was attended by members of the media and the bigwigs of the film industry, started off with a bang. The show opened with a magnificent theatrical performance featuring the beautiful Mawra Hocane who kept the audience glued to their seats. The 12 lucky contestants were revealed in the show through a mesmerizing performance choreographed by Wahab Shah. The girls were given five awards on the values, which they were judged on throughout the Miss Veet Pakistan journey, and one special award of the Digital Viewers Choice.

Gorgeous Aisha Khan spotted at the Grand Finale of Miss Veet 2016

RB Pakistan announced that they would now take forward the transformation mission to every girl in Pakistan through “Veet Academy”. Aamina Sheikh, Sarwat Gillani, Hareem Farooq, Sidra Iqbal and Masarrat Misbah are the five faces of Veet academy

Aamina Sheikh

After the successful transformation of contestants in Miss Veet Pakistan and the immensely good response by the audience, we have decided to give this transformation opportunity to every single girl in Pakistan through the platform of Veet Academy” said Fahad Ashraf, the Marketing Director of RB Pakistan.

Ali Zafar enthralls audience with his performance during Grand Finale of Miss Veet 2016

The show had many surprises for the audience, one of which was the presence of Osman Khalid Butt with an exclusive release of a song from the upcoming film Balu Mahi. The show moved on to the most awaited performance by the heartthrob Ali Zafar who rocked the stage and the hearts of the audience with hit songs like Jhoom and Rangeen. He also revealed the top 3 contestants who then went into a rigorous question answer session with the Miss Veet Judges. The purpose of the question and answer session was to ensure that the title of Miss Veet Pakistan 2016 goes to the most appropriate candidate, one who can do justice to the title with responsibility. The night ended with crowning of Islamabad’s Zainab Raja as Miss Veet Pakistan 2016.

Veet is the leading name in depilatory products with over 80 years’ experience of developing safe, effective hair removal products that are successfully used by over 30 million women across the world, every year.

Zameen.com, Pakistan’s premier and the most trusted real estate website, concluded its flagship realty event, the two-day Zameen.com Property Expo 2017, in Karachi on January 8. The event was held at the Expo Centre, University Road and was the portal’s 6th successful property expo in 12 months.

The event saw a massive footfall of more than 80,000 visitors and converged real estate developers, agents, buyers and sellers under one roof for a weekend full of information exchange, on-the-spot deals and many other fun activities.

AKD Group Chairman Akeel Karim Dhedhi was the chief guest on the first day, while on the second day Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan Chairman Mohsin Sheikhani attended the event as the chief guest.

Over 75 exhibitors signed up to showcase their projects and services, causing Zameen.com to book two halls at the Expo Centre. Among the huge line-up of exhibitors were Property Legends, Square One, Remark Real Estate Marketing, Gwadar Sea View Housing Scheme, Real Crown, The Springs Apartment Homes, DHA Bahawalpur, DHA Multan, and Sheranwala Heights.

The portal orchestrated an extensive marketing campaign, including ad campaigns on different television channels, billboards and streamers across the city, to ensure that all exhibitors received an impressive response and multitudes of people showed up at the event.

The event was not just about real estate, as many fun activities were also arranged for families and children. While people enjoyed delicious meals served at two food courts set up at the venue, children enjoyed playing in the dedicated play area.

Throughout the event, many people won exciting prizes by spinning the wildly popular ‘Wheel of Fortune’. Even a lucky draw was held towards the end of the event to give away many prizes, including LED televisions, microwave ovens, smartphones, power banks and much more to the lucky winners.

Zameen.com held six property affairs in the last 12 months in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi combined. “As Pakistan’s largest real estate website, we know how to put on successful realty affairs. Last time, we organised a property expo in Karachi in April 2016, but the response we received this time around in the city by the sea surpassed even our expectations,” said Zameen.com CEO Zeeshan Ali Khan. “We had devised even more robust strategies for this event and after witnessing the monumental response, we believe that our efforts have paid off well.”

Zameen.com was founded in 2006 by the Ali Khan brothers. Since its inception, the portal has shown impressive growth. Today, it has a team of over 750 highly skilled employees with offices in 11 and presence in 30 cities across the country.

The portal boasts monthly traffic of more than 3.5 million visitors and flaunts over 11,000 registered agents.

After winning hearts with her performance in the 2016 blockbuster Janaan, Hania Aamir has now begun shooting for her next silver screen role with Hamza Ali Abbasi.

Hania Aamir to play the female lead in 'Parvaz Hai Junoon'

19 year old Hania Aamir will be playing the lead role in MD Productions & Hum Films' upcoming project ‘Parwaaz Hay Junoon’.

‘Parwaaz Hay Junoon’ is the directorial debut of award-winning director Haseeb Hasan and has been penned by Farhat Ishtiaq of Humsfar, Diyar-e-Dil & Udaari fame.

The film is being produced in collaboration with Pakistan Airforce and will be focusing on highlighting the stories from real life, with real-life airforce pilots & personalities to play part in the film along with the lead cast.

Parwaaz Hay Junoon will be released in 2017.

We live in a product flogging world.

Products are pushed at us. Technology rains down on us through mass communications.

What businesses supply (as opposed to what we want) is jammed down our throats with the hope that we will bite-and-buy what they offer.

Today more than ever, however, purchase decisions are motivated by what people want and desire, not need.

People buy on the basis of what they yearn for and ache for; to achieve happiness in a world with pressure and stress on their lives.

Product flogging is intrusive and completely out of sync with this reality, and is a recipe to fail.

Happiness is driven by what we experience rather than what we consume in material goods. Fond memories of a family vacation are long-lasting. The new car is fun for a while but soon feels no different than just the one we just traded in.

This is a game-changer for product floggers. Rather than push features, technology and price, the challenge is to create broad-based appeals to the full spectrum of feelings that an individual has.

The marketer's objective in this sense is to elicit a positive emotional response from the customer, rather than satisfy a consumer need.

"When people were asked to recall their most significant material purchase and their most significant experiential purchase over the past five years, they reported the experiential purchase brought them more joy and enduring satisfaction, and it was clearly 'money well spent' compared with the material purchase," wrote Thomas Gilovich, Professor of Psychology, Cornell University in Determinants of Happiness.

Furthermore, experiences create more happiness than material goods because they are a personal expression of what we desire. They belong to us alone and no one else.

Memo to marketers: forsake your flogging ways and start creating personal experiences for your customers.

Keep Maya Angelou's words in mind: "... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

The payback is long-term customer loyalty; the better they feel, the longer they stay.

These 3 steps will get you started.

1. Establish the EXPERIENCE CREATOR POSITION in marketing to augment in the standard product management role.

These are the experience packagers; the folks that integrate, brand and price the value elements necessary to deliver the complete experience that customers covet.

2. Include FEELINGS as a key element of marketing research. What experience would make someone happy, special and fulfilled? What does the person crave?

3. Measure the EMOTIONAL ELEMENT of your experience packages; "How did it make you feel?" not just "Did it meet your needs?"

The world is full of floggers.If you want to make a difference and stand-out from the flogging herd, let experiences guide you.

About Author

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