Imran Jawaid

A constructive overview of the current #pakistani IT market and Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi highlights some of the key issues and remedies that needs to be taken individually and collectively. One of the remedies is something that I advocate personally is in-fact the content and digital education that can help transform our local talent. Link To Video 👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/dGD-bhEm

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𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬: 𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 **𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳 - 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺** Recently, I had an unfortunate encounter with Saqib Siddiqui (LinkedIn (https://lnkd.in/gsRx8rin)), who contacted me for documentation for employee and organization onboarding. He insisted on keeping our agreement off any third-party platforms to avoid creating a negative impression with investors. Trusting his word, I agreed to the terms over WhatsApp—a decision I now regret. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥: After a month of hard work, I submitted my invoice for clearance. Saqib initially dodged my messages for days, claiming he was traveling. When we finally reconnected, he asked for explanations on work he had already approved on WhatsApp. I complied, editing and presenting the documents at his convenience. Yet, he continued to stall, stating his team needed to review the work. This back-and-forth dragged on for another month. On June 6th, Saqib dropped the bombshell. He claimed the work I had done was not what he had asked for and that the initial payment for the first two days was sufficient. His exact words: "Hmne kitna pay kiya hai aapko, bs utna hi bhot hai." My one month of effort meant nothing to him. 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬: 1. Lack of a Signed Contract: I trusted his words and did not get anything signed. 2. Misjudging Professionalism: I failed to judge his ability and behaviour as a professional. 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝: 1. Clear Terms and Conditions: Always ensure the work terms and payment are clearly defined and signed by both parties. This provides a legal angle to explore if disputes arise. 2. Weekly Payment System: Implement a weekly payment system to avoid wasting months of work without compensation. 3. Trust Your Instincts: If things feel fishy, they probably are. Review and get clarity. 4. Avoid Unreliable Clients: Stay away from people like Saqib who ask you to do things that are out of legal boundaries. This is a big red flag. Seeking Advice: I have all our chat history where I sent him everything I was working on, and he continued asking for more things to do. Is there still a way to secure my payment? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. #linkedin #fraud #freelancing #advice

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Internet throttling, VPN restrictions, and blocked websites are undermining Pakistan's IT exports—a critical pillar of the economy. The real victims? Young professionals, freelancers, and businesses striving to compete globally. This must stop. #SaveITSector #PakistanEconomy

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And in return, they'll give us nothing, - We'll have to buy (interrupted) electricity at high prices, then pay for generator fuel. - We'll have to pay for (interrupted) gas at high prices, then for the cylinder. - We'll have to pay for water supply and then pay for tankers. - We'll have to pay General sales tax, Adv. sales tax, and other sales tax. - We'll have to pay tax on everything from pencils to medicine. - We'll get broken infrastructure. - We'll get killed by snatchers for mobile, vehicle, and cash. - We'll get robbed by police with unidentified bikes. - We'll get stuck in the rain because (jb ziyada barish ata hai to zyada pain ata hai). May Allah bless us all and help us in leaving this country.

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It's an appalling observance almost on the daily of the number of people in Pakistan's IT Industry chasing companies for salaries and shaming CEO's publicly here on LinkedIn. I feel for you. Inflation on the rise, stuck in personal and professional predicaments, surrounded by corrupt dollar hungry vultures without any sense of ethics or morale. What's done is done, what you've lost, if only meant to be shall return otherwise consider it gone. But here's what to bear in mind for future trials; 1. RESEARCH the FOUNDERS before even opening up the company website with the 'U.S / Dubai Based Company' badge. Do they themselves hold any practical experience besides the so called 'CEO / FOUNDERS' tag? What was their working experience before starting their venture? Most importantly, what is the vision they hold? 2. Become the INTERVIEWER during the interview, why not? Besides the above queries in point 1, ask about the company's business model, hierarchy, future plans, do they atleast have 2 years working capital and if you get told that's not for you to worry about, get up and bounce! 3. DEMAND CLARITY from day one. Don’t shy away from asking for clear KPIs, deliverables, and timelines. A reputable organization will have these in place and be willing to share them with you, not hide behind vague job descriptions and undefined roles. If the terms aren't transparent, that’s your cue to reconsider. Your time and skills are assets, so know their worth and ensure they are valued by the company before signing on. 4. NETWORK INTENTIONALLY and build relationships in the industry beyond your immediate role. Be proactive in joining forums, LinkedIn groups, and local IT communities. A strong network will not only provide you insights about the company's market reputation and financial standing, but also act as a safeguard against shady employers. Plus, it opens up pathways to better opportunities and career advancements. 5. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING – from the offer letter to communication about your responsibilities, salary, and benefits. Keep a record of your interactions, agreements, and commitments. If things go south, this will serve as evidence and leverage for you to ensure you're not left unpaid or mistreated. Companies with a solid foundation have nothing to hide and will be more than willing to put everything in writing. 6. PRIORITIZE FINANCIAL SECURITY over appealing titles. It’s easy to be lured in by fancy designations and "CTO" tags, but if they don't come with a steady paycheck, health insurance, or a contractual guarantee, you could be digging your own grave. Stability is key in volatile markets like Pakistan’s, so when a company seems too good to be true, dig deeper. 7. Understand the following about the International Market - CLEAR COMMUNICATION, HONESTY & TRANSPARENCY is what will enable you to not just win clients but build referring relations. DO NOT TRY TO OVERSELL! Don't let the bygones hold you back from what you deserve! All The Best

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An idea sparks the journey, but commitment fuels the journey's success. The most powerful ventures blend your unique skills and passions with unwavering dedication. Find that sweet spot where your talents meet your passion, and watch your idea transform into a purpose-driven reality. 🔥✨ Thank you Naja Faysal and Parrots Lab for the great conversation! Check out the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eaaFefYB #EntrepreneurMindset #PassionMeetsPurpose

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🚀Just started my JavaScript journey with the amazing instructor Miss Hera Iqram! The first assignment is complete, feeling accomplished 🤓💪🏼 Ready to dive deeper into the world of JavaScript and expand my coding skills. 📚💻 Assignment 01: If else Statements. Zeeshan Aijaz Wajid Ullah Saylani Mass IT Training Program #JavaScript #CodingJourney #LearningExperience #WebDevelopment #HTML #CSS #CodingJourney #TechSkills #Programming #LearnToCode #ProgrammingJourney #beginnerdeveloper #webdesign #codingprojects #tech

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These days there is debate going on about budget cut of HEC which will resultantly put financial strain on Universities which resultantly can put research projects on hold, but my question is why Universities in Pakistan can't generate revenue by establishing Software House within their premises. Universities have all the ingredients required to establish and run the Software House, they can generate revenue to become self-sustaining and in addition they can contribute to National Economy also.

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Over 9 years in Pakistan's tech industry has shown me both the amazing talent and the not-so-great practices. While the good definitely outweighs the bad, I'm concerned about some companies screwing over employees by withholding salaries and benefits when they resign or look for new opportunities. This is messed up and hurts everyone. Soon, I'll be naming companies and sharing stories of how they treat their employees like scammers, which is ironic because that's exactly what they're doing! Let's talk about this and clean up the tech industry together. #PakistanTech #WorkEthics #EmployeeRights #Scammers

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📢💼🇵🇰 : The recent increase in income tax for salaried individuals in Pakistan is deeply concerning and unfair. This policy places an undue burden on hardworking citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet. We must raise our voices against this injustice and demand that the government reconsider its decision. Lowering the income tax rate for salaried employees is crucial for promoting economic equity and ensuring a fair distribution of the tax burden. Let's stand together for a more just financial system. #TaxReform #FairTaxation #EconomicJustice #SupportSalariedEmployees #PakistanEconomy #TaxRelief #StandTogether #RaiseYourVoice

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I understand that Pakistan is a poor country in need of influx of US Dollars. I also understand that unemployment is a real problem here. However, I reject the notion that these needs justify deception and fraud. I don't care your organization brings millions of Dollars to Pakistan and creates 1000s of jobs, if you're doing that by deceiving a bulk of people trusting you with their ideas and vision. You're faking identities, lying about your experience, lying about your capabilities, and selling them crap. These people, who're trusting you with their ideas and vision, and paying you from their hard-earned money, ABSOLUTELY do not deserve this. I wholeheartedly believe that our tech industry has the potential to change the entire economic landscape of this country. Our professionals, once trained and polished, can create some of world's best software. We can create software, data products and AI that will inspire change throughout. We cannot let devious filth take over our industry and tarnish our reputation in the global stage. Not even a single penny earned through fraudulent means will ever benefit us, because this brings about the displeasure of God.

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Looking to have a productive Wednesday? Zara Khan of Lifespace offers up several tips for how to beat the midweek slump. Among them is keeping your workspace organized. "When your workspace is messy, it can be difficult to focus," she writes, "To avoid this, often clean your desk and throw out any unnecessary items. This will allow you to have a clean environment which will help you stay productive." #wednesday #wednesdaywisdom #midweek #slump #midweekslump #productive #productivity #tidy #tidiness #workspace #focus #organized

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If a private company goes through a tough financial situation, it puts a hiring freeze, cuts costs. Several perks from the past are discontinued. But in case of Government of Pakistan, I only see increases in expenses. Increased salaries, increased perks, increased maintenance budgets for official buildings. I don't see any perks being discontinued. I understand that maintenance costs are rising, but shouldn't government try to make do with what it has got, rather than take more loans, and burden the already week economy and inflation-struck people with more taxation.

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Thoughts on the Challenges in Tech Firms in Pakistan 🧠 Over the past few months, I've come across numerous posts on Linkedin about layoffs and employees expressing frustration with their jobs at tech firms in Pakistan. These posts often highlight a range of issues that seem to make their work difficult, and even affect their peace of mind. As someone who's passionate about improving the work environment and fostering better opportunities, I wanted to gather thoughts from fellow professionals. What do you think is lacking in tech firms here? What factors contribute to the difficulties faced by employees, and what changes would make the workplace more fulfilling and secure? Some common themes I've seen include: 1. Job security concerns 2. Low salaries compared to market standards 3. Toxic work environments 4. Lack of growth opportunities What are your thoughts? I believe this conversation could help us understand what's missing and push for meaningful change. Let's discuss! 💬👇

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🚨 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭 🚨 A friend recently joined Cronysoft, a company based at Fortune Tower, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi. Initially, there were concerns that the company might be involved in haram products, such as alcohol. She directly inquired with HR, who assured her that they did not engage in such activities, and she would not be assigned to any projects involving haram products. Her team lead also reaffirmed, "We are Muslims and won't work on anything haram." However, within a week, my friend discovered she was assigned to a project with hidden details involving haram products. As the days passed, the company became more comfortable openly assigning her tasks related to these products. When she confronted HR, they admitted, "Yes, we work on projects that sell alcohol. You can leave if you want; next time we'll ensure to hire people who have no issue working with these products." Shockingly, her senior and team lead, despite being Muslim, supported this stance and tried to explain how it was okay. If she had known the truth from the start, she would never have left her previous job to join Cronysoft. She resigned immediately. I'm sharing this to prevent others from unknowingly joining a company that works on haram projects and to caution against leaving a job for a company that may not be truthful about their practices. #cronysoft #workethics #haram #alcohol #prohibited #jobseekers #ethicsatwork #jobalerts #workplaceintegrity #hr #awareness

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Why are these CXO events in Pakistan only having old people. This is a young nation, our median age is 22. Any forum without youth representation is missing out on fresh perspectives and the innovative ideas that younger generations bring to the table. It's crucial for organizers to create spaces that are not only inclusive but also appealing to the youth, as they are key drivers of change and development in a nation as young as Pakistan. Engaging younger people not only enriches discussions with diverse viewpoints but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to societal and economic development.

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🌍 The Future of Jobs in Pakistan & Beyond: What’s Next? The job market in Pakistan and neighboring countries is evolving rapidly. Here’s what to watch out for: 1. Tech Skills in Demand: 📈 As businesses go digital, skills in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity are hot commodities. 2. Rise of Remote Work & Gig Economy: 💻 Remote jobs and freelance opportunities are booming, connecting local talent with global clients. 3. Startup Surge: 🚀 Entrepreneurship is on the rise, with startups in fintech, e-commerce, and health tech leading the way. 4. Upskill or Get Left Behind: 🎓 Automation is changing traditional roles—reskilling is key to staying relevant. The future of jobs is about adaptability. It’s time to learn, innovate, and seize new opportunities! 💪 #FutureOfWork #Pakistan #JobMarket #SkillsForTomorrow

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Recently, the IT Ministry of Pakistan claimed that the excessive use of VPNs was the major cause of the internet slowdown over the past two weeks. As someone with a background in IT, it's frustrating to see such ignorance from those in higher positions making false claims for their personal gains, so I feel it’s important to set the record straight and help everyone understand what’s really going on. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, masking your online activity and enhancing privacy. In simpler terms, VPNs are widely used to access restricted content, protect data, and maintain anonymity online. A firewall, on the other hand, is a security system designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It's often used by organizations (and governments) to block unwanted traffic and restrict access to specific sites or services. The IT Ministry’s claim that VPN usage is behind the recent internet issues is misleading. VPNs have little to no impact on the overall speed of the internet in a country. While a VPN might slightly reduce your personal browsing speed due to encryption and server distance, it does not cause nationwide internet slowdowns. In reality, the government’s installation of a firewall to control and monitor social media and other platforms is the more likely cause of the slowdown. When a firewall is implemented at a national level, it filters and inspects massive amounts of data, which can significantly slow down internet speed. This kind of monitoring and filtering introduces latency, causing delays in your internet connection, which is what many of us have been experiencing over the past two weeks. The slow internet in Pakistan, regardless of the reason, has severely impacted freelancers, leading to canceled client contracts and financial losses. IT companies, which depend heavily on stable internet connections, have also faced significant operational disruptions, affecting productivity and service delivery. #Pakistan #ITSecurity #InternetFreedom #VPN #Firewall #TechAwareness #DigitalRights #HumanRights #RightsViolations #Government

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Pakistan has a long and rich history in agriculture. For centuries, it's been a central pillar of the economy and way of life. Here's a glimpse into that history and the hurdles it faces today: The Past: A Land of Plenty Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE): Early signs of agriculture emerged with this civilization, showcasing sophisticated irrigation systems. Mughal Era (1526-1857): The Mughals focused on agriculture, introducing new crops and promoting infrastructure for efficient production. Post-Independence (1947): Agriculture was a dominant sector, contributing over 50% to GDP. The Present: Challenges and Change Declining Share: The importance of agriculture in the economy has decreased, now contributing around 19%. Low Crop Yields: Despite fertile lands, Pakistan's crop yields are lower compared to other countries. This is due to factors like: Soil Exhaustion: Overuse of land without proper replenishment has led to nutrient depletion. Water Scarcity: Outdated irrigation systems and competition for water resources pose challenges. Limited Research: Investment in agricultural research and development lags behind. Looking Ahead Pakistan has the potential to be an agricultural leader. Efforts are underway to address the issues: Modernization: The government is introducing initiatives to improve irrigation systems and promote technology adoption. Focus on Research: Increased investment in research on better crop varieties and sustainable practices is crucial. Farmer Support: Providing better access to credit, education, and infrastructure can empower farmers. By overcoming these challenges, Pakistan can ensure food security, boost its economy, and empower its rural population.

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