Sunday, April 26, 2009

Latest Master Plan of Lahore Map

Latest Master plan of Lahore map with Lahore Ring Road courtesy to LRE

Colour (Malcolm X)

When I was born, I was black.
When I grow up, I'm black.
When I'm ill, I'm black.
When I go out in the sun, I'm black.
When I'm cold, I'm black.
When I die, I'm black.

But you -

When you're born, you're pink.
When you grow up, you're white.
When you're ill, you're green.
When you go out in the sun, you go red.
When you're cold, you go blue.
When you die, you're purple.

And you have the nerve to call me coloured?

Quaid-e-Azam's Passport







PowerPoint and TIF file Viewing in your GMAIL

Marc Miller (Software Engineer) has posted a very important information in The Official Gmail Blog about PowerPoint and TIFF file viewing. It is a good news for all gmail users that their previously offered PDF viewer will now be supporting TIFF as well as PPT files online.

This viewer has much more features than the slideshow as you will be able to Zoom in or Zoom Out the document. Besides this the copy and pasting of document has been made possible in it. The printing of document is also easy and has option of "open as ready to print".

[ppt_viewer.png]

All of my previous writings on Pakistan Real Estate

Thanks to CMY and LRE all of my wirting related to Pakistan Real Estate on discussion forums are made availabale online on single click.

Bahria Town Lahore Safari Villas Living Experience (3)

(This article was posted and published in May 2008)

Salaam to all!

Many friends here on page and through email keep asking questions regarding practicle living experience of Safari Villas and Bahria Town Lahore. I thank all of them for remembering me.

Almost three years ago when brother CMY started this page, we use to reply questions like:
Where is Bahria Town situated? How far is it from Thokar? How is possible for some one to live there as it is too far from city. How many years will it take to attract people for making their homes? Etc etc.

Now the situation of question has been changed. As I am the only active member who is living there so I took it as my duty to provide information for visitors of this page (specifically overseas Pakistanis).

First of all we are discussing construction activity. The area from Executive lodges to Safari Villas is nicely populated as far as construction is considered. I think that there are more than 50 homes under construction. The total population in Sector B should be about 200 homes including under construction homes.

Two things are very important to understand when considering any thing regarding Bahria Town.

1. Due to distance from the main city residents needs community to live with. The visitors are impressed from Safari Villas where life is totally different than any other housing project including Bahria Town’s different sectors. Families are very much interrelated with each other here. Residents of Safari Villas have least hassles and problems of daily life due to availability of maintenance office on walking distance from each and every villa. The service is available 24 hours and one can record the complaint on phone as well. Generally the service is so efficient that a problem will be addressed within an hour. Some times it may take few hours if the staff is already involved in some Villa but it is not delayed from same day. All other facilities like mosque, markets, parks, milkman and Safai Wali etc are easily available and close to Safari Villas. At this stage no good service is available in Sector B other than Bahria Town announced facilities.
Safari Villas Lahore has dedicated power supply system. A practical problem of any Safari resident can not be ignored but Sector B resident’s problem is an individual's problem. Power supply system and maintenance facilities are not very good in Sector B. Again due to distance it is difficult to arrange plumber, electrician etc in emergencies.

2. Sector B is like any other Society. The standard of facilities can not be compared with Safari Villas. Besides this there is no concept of community living in Sector B. But Sector B is still good due to its price range and location of some blocks within Bahria. The blocks or plots near Safari Villas are more attractive for home builders.

Though I could not yet confirm all these information from some responsible source but these are important information for people interested in Bahria Town:

A. The new phase of Safari Villas is under planning and it will be located in Sector C.
B. Bahria Town has now got a large piece of land behind Juniper Block to canal. I personally visited the area and Bahria's Qabza is clear over there. Development is also under process. There are two options under consideration by Bahria Town management. One is to redesign the Juniper Block (I have seen the sketch of its new map in which Juniper was shown almost double of present map). The SECOND option is to manage OverSeas Block in this area.

C. The building of a Medical College in Sector C is now completed and has got required approval from authorities to start classes. The appointment of Professors has been made and first session of 100 students (25 BDMS and 75 MBBS) will be started within 2008.

D. The construction work on Grid Station has started in Sector B area and it is supposed to be completed by the end of 2008.

E. Generator of 1150 KVA, from Cumins Company, periodical maintenance done by Cumins, incase of power failure the backup supply, this supplies power to all Bahria Town Lahore residents and commercial areas, incase of load shedding or power failure from WAPDA the power is retired within 5 minutes. A new and dedicated Generator has been installed now in Sector B BUT for Safari Villas.

F. A water disposal system is under construction in Sector B.

G. Land line Phones are now offered to all Bahria residents including Safari Villas. PTCL will finalize it within August 2008.

H. Bahria Town water management system is really appreciated. If due to any reason it disturbs, fire Trucks are there to fill the water tank in emergency. A new and dedicated tubewell has installed for Safari Villas.

I. Fire fighters are on duty round the clock which is an amazing service.

J. Bahria Town Hospital has some consultants in the evening. The fee is only Rs.200/= for Bahria residents. Besides this all available Tests are offered on very nominal charges. Bahria Town pharmacy provides medicines on residents’ door steps within 24 hours if it is not readily available.
K. Bahria Town Hospital has started Free Registration of the residents so that the patient could be treated without any delay during emergency.
L. The residents can avail the services of Doctor on duty any time by making payment of only Rs.50/=
M. Bahria Town has started admissions for new session from August 01, 2008. The school was extended by 30 more class rooms during last year. Bahria Town School issued its first but very nicely edited annual magazine. Bahria Town School is registered with Cambridge University for O level and A level exams. Monthly School Fee is less than Rs.2,000/= for Preschool students including pick and drop service from the door step of Safari Residents.
N. Bahria Town Lahore is planning for a tallest artificial water fall in Pakistan in its sector C. 
O. Bank, Post Office with all facilities, Police Station, Air conditioned shopping Centers are already working and some additions like Beauty Saloon, Gym and Cinema are also introduced in Bahria Town Sector B.
P. Safari Mall in Safari Villas Lahore is being handed over to an investor after Eid.

LIVING EXPERIENCES in Safari Villas
Life in Safari Villas is improving day by day. It is an amazing experience to witness all these additions. Bahria Town management is trying to facilitate its (at least Safari Villas) residents. Me and my family is enjoying our stay over here. Malik Riaz Sahib opened a special office to address all the problems of Safari Villas related to construction even if possession was given three year earlier. Madam Maira is appointed as a Manager so that the ladies can approach her without any hesitance. Her office is over booked so one has to wait for ones turn but they are trying their best to address each and every problem.

We did face serious power failure problems due to some technical fault in the generator. Too much interruption in the power supply caused a real problem for the residents but the management dedicated a new and special generator for Safari residents within ten days. Now the system is working satisfactory. 

Electricity unit rates are now revised. Residents are bound to pay flat rate Rs.9/= per unit from July 2008 which is too expensive. No monthly charges has been revised and residents are paying Rs.1,000/= per month which is on lower side as there are many services provided against this amount.

DSL Wireless (Internet) Service is available for Safari Area. TV Cable Service is now working efficiently.

Almost every second week there is some recording (shooting) of some TV program, drama or film is seen in Safari Area.

Sundays evening is like a fair or MELA is Safari. People from all walks of life come here and families enjoy picnic over there.

Due to too much rains in Lahore some time heavy water is seen on main road of Safari and Sector B but Bahria Town Management is continuously improving the system. Workers are engaged to clean the road as soon as rain stops if needed. Nowadays Bahria is resetting all of its roads for solving the problem of water slope. The main road on canal has finalized during last week. Water Disposal System is under construction which is basic need to control water drainage. Due to limited population and availability of work force this is being managed without any problem. Keeping in mind Bahria Town’s philosophy of CHANGE (change is only permanent value in Bahria Town. Change in policies, promises, commitments, work force and road systems etc is always main thing of Bahria Town), there will not be any practical living problems in near future (at least 10 years).

Thokar Chowk is now much better for traffic and it will be properly managed within couple of months which was the only hindrance for daily traveling to the city. Canal Road has been completed till EME and work on next phase is also under process. I think that it will be completed to Bahria Town with in 2008. As soon as it is ready the drive from Bahria to City will be an easy and tension free job.

Hussain Kaisrani
Courtesy: http://www.buypakproperty.com/pakrealestatetimes//showthread.php?mode=linear&tid=641&pid=652

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Safari Villas Bahria Town Lahore: A Living Experience (Part 4)


(This article was published and posted in June 2007)
It is now almost a year when my family shifted in Safari Villas Bahria Town Lahore. There were always many positive additions here which kept on providing sense of great feeling to witness the development. A wonderful development, road networks, over security, parks, beautiful mosque, mini zoo, market, shops, restaurants, transport services, school, hospital, kids playing area and electricity availability round the clock. There are other good additions in the area and a PERMANENT CHANGE and constant improvement makes the Safari Villas enjoyable.

There are some new developments in Bahria Town Lahore which are also directly related to Safari Villas which I wanted to share with you. 

1. The Meadows enhances the beauty of Bahria Town Lahore. There are worth visiting sites in the Meadows project which are in final stages. 
2. Bahria Town School Lahore has been affiliated with Cambridge for its O level and A Level exams. Besides this it has affiliation with Agha Khan Board for Matric. The quality of education in School is satisfactory and fees structure is very much on low side. As per school's Principal Ms. Naghmana Ambreen, the fees are very much subsidized. Pick and drop for Safari residents is free. 
3. New restaurants has been started. Yummy 36 is now serving better along with its Ice Cream Parlor and restaurant. De Olive Green has vast open area as it is situated in Shaheen Park. 
4. Sham-e-Ghazal, Jashn-e-Baharan and Youm-e-Azadi March etc are the events which were arranged during last few months. 
5. A very beautiful mosque is now completed. Juma prayer, Eid Namaz and Taraveeh can be offered in Safari Villas, Masjide Qurtaba. 
6. Bahria Town Management has started yearly white wash and coloring of all the villas without charging any thing from the owners.
7. Bahria Town Management has taken its responsibility to remove the problems in the making and construction. Almost every tile of my villas has been replaced. All the faults were considered by Bahria Town and they accept as their responsibility. 
8. Movie Theater, Community Hall is under construction. Its speed of construction shows that these will be ready within next month. 
A contract with AFC has been made and they are supposed to open their branch within next month. 
9. AFC has a plan to have a general Store or Mart type of shop along with their Fried Chicken.
10. As Sui Gas bills were not accepted by PICIC bank, Bahria Town Lahore Branch so Bahria Town office is taking the responsibility of depositing these bills. 
11. Hospital has more facilities as Specialists / Consultants are available in their clinics (within the hospital) from 8 AM to 4 PM. Emergency is functional 24 hours basis. Unfortunately we needed hospital facilities - both consultancy as well as Emergency - and we found it very professional and economical.


I do want to share with you my disappointments with Bahria Town.

1. Bahria Town Management has almost stopped their completion work in Safari Villas as well as in Sector C. It seems that their work force as well as machinery remained busy either in The Meadows or in their project on Raiwind Road. 
2. Though they take full responsibility of removing their construction faults but they are not quick in this regard. Their customer service for solving daily problems is VERY prompt and professional. It does happen that their team reaches on spot before returning of the complainer to his/her villa. 
3. They are not able to provide PTCL phone lines to all the villas. Though they have provided V Wireless phones but many people are not comfortable with it due to its limitation (Mainly it does not have extension option). 
4. Cable network in NOT under control of Bahria Management so their service is not upto the mark. 
5. Internet Services are not yet provided by Bahria Town. 
6. Life is NOT enjoyable in Safari Villas NOWADAYS due to too much electricity shut down. Bahia Town has totally FAILED in providing this facility during last three days. Their rates for electricity unit are on higher side and their service in this regard is pathetic.
Thanks for your time.

Visitor replied on Friday, June 15, 2007 12:29 AM PST
Thanks for very valuable insight.
I think the only problem with Bahria has been its location, probably it is the farthest of all current and new socities. As far as development is concerned, it can be said that it matches that of DHA. And due to this location thing, most probably DHA will take away most of the international real estate investment (hotels, commercial buildings etc) like they have floated the opportunities inDHA-8 (parkview)recently in newspapers.

tzk replied on Friday, June 15, 2007 09:02 AM PST
thanks very much for such detailed and unbiased/critical information.
Please tell bahria management that phone and internet are like blood for life these days. We can no survive without them. Most expats who are thinking of settling down in pakistan is because of these facilities. If we have highly reliable phone and high speed internet service(without interruption), a lot of pakistani people can move back and work from there.

tzk replied on Friday, June 15, 2007 09:08 AM PST
Visitor & Ali
a few things
1. quality of development of bahria is way better than dha
2. a lot of people prefer dha for the name (status symbol)
3. new phases of dha are atleast as far from lahore as bahria.
4. approach to dha is not as good as bahria (multan road, canal, defence road)
5. distance these days is more of a psychological issue than a practical issue. A visit from gulberg to railway station will take more time than a visit from gulberg to bahria. similarly it is much faster to go to bahria from garden town, ichra, mall road, samanabad, mazand than to go to dha
6. Real ali, please learn to respect the opposing view. We all need to learn to disagree with respect. This is our national delima that when we disagree we lose temper and cant absorb why the other person does not think on the same lines i do.

Hussain replied on Friday, June 15, 2007 01:24 PM PST
Dear 'The real ali'
It is my unbiased opinion that u got offended without any reason, Mr. Visitor has the right to differ with anyone on solid reasons.

Aziz replied on Friday, June 15, 2007 04:18 PM PST
Dear Hussain Bhai,
Thank you very much for such a detailed analysis and time for posting the valueable comments.
Dear Real Ali,
I have noticed that you are some what very uncomfortable with DHA, and usually do not like any one taking its side or speaking for it. It is just a brotherly request to let people say what they have to say and you also share your views with us all.
Thanks

tzk replied on Saturday, June 16, 2007 08:30 AM PST
dear real ali
It is always hard to understand others point of view. It is a lot of times thought how come the other person does not understand something so simple. The actual reason is that two people are looking at the same thing from two different angels.
Please dont get offended when people say something about one society or the other and you can not absorb the reason behind their statements

Hussain Kaisrani replied on Sunday, June 17, 2007 02:54 PM PST
Salaam and Thanks for comments of friends.
I am here again to provide latest updates regarding my post.
The main problem in Safari Villas was too much electricity shut down which created serious problems for three days. It is worth mentioning that Bahria Town management took the matter seriously and ordered a new power generator (worth Thirty million Rupees) which has been installed and started working from yesterday.
After solution of this big problem and due to wonderful weather, life is more enjoyable in Safari Villas nowadays.
Thanks.

Usman, UK replied on Monday, June 18, 2007 04:17 PM PST
Dear Mr. Kaisrani,
thanks for sharing your views and experience. I just want to support what you said as I have the same experience as my family is living there. It is simply wonderful. Distance is not a big problem if you have your convayance. It is rather better to be in a quiet and clear atmosphere. If someone wants to construct a house, BT is the best place at present. If you want to invest for some quick return, then keep on playing around in different societies including DHA. No society at present matches with BT in terms of its standards of development and facilities. It is crystal clear. Bt is going to the winner finally due to its development standards, facilities,and low price. I was shocked to see a picture of house under construction in Phase-6, in an latest post. Just compare it with BT, you will get what I want to say. No further comments as it may hurt many on this forum.

Safari Villas Bahria Town Lahore: A Living Experience (5)

Salaam to all!

Many friends here on page and through email keep asking questions regarding practicle living experience of Safari Villas and Bahria Town Lahore. I thank all of them for remembering me.

Almost three years ago when brother CMY started this page, we use to reply questions like:
Where is Bahria Town situated? How far is it from Thokar? How is possible for some one to live there as it is too far from city. How many years will it take to attract people for making their homes? Etc etc.

Now the situation of question has been changed. As I am the only active member who is living there so I took it as my duty to provide information for visitors of this page (specifically overseas Pakistanis).

First of all we are discussing construction activity. The area from Executive lodges to Safari Villas is nicely populated as far as construction is considered. I think that there are more than 50 homes under construction. The total population in Sector B should be about 200 homes including under construction homes.

Two things are very important to understand when considering any thing regarding Bahria Town.

1. Due to distance from the main city residents needs community to live with. The visitors are impressed from Safari Villas where life is totally different than any other housing project including Bahria Town’s different sectors. Families are very much interrelated with each other here. Residents of Safari Villas have least hassles and problems of daily life due to availability of maintenance office on walking distance from each and every villa. The service is available 24 hours and one can record the complaint on phone as well. Generally the service is so efficient that a problem will be addressed within an hour. Some times it may take few hours if the staff is already involved in some Villa but it is not delayed from same day. All other facilities like mosque, markets, parks, milkman and Safai Wali etc are easily available and close to Safari Villas. At this stage no good service is available in Sector B other than Bahria Town announced facilities.
Safari Villas Lahore has dedicated power supply system. A practical problem of any Safari resident can not be ignored but Sector B resident’s problem is an individual's problem. Power supply system and maintenance facilities are not very good in Sector B. Again due to distance it is difficult to arrange plumber, electrician etc in emergencies.

2. Sector B is like any other Society. The standard of facilities can not be compared with Safari Villas. Besides this there is no concept of community living in Sector B. But Sector B is still good due to its price range and location of some blocks within Bahria. The blocks or plots near Safari Villas are more attractive for home builders.

Though I could not yet confirm all these information from some responsible source but these are important information for people interested in Bahria Town:

A. The new phase of Safari Villas is under planning and it will be located in Sector C.
B. Bahria Town has now got a large piece of land behind Juniper Block to canal. I personally visited the area and Bahria's Qabza is clear over there. Development is also under process. There are two options under consideration by Bahria Town management. One is to redesign the Juniper Block (I have seen the sketch of its new map in which Juniper was shown almost double of present map). The SECOND option is to manage OverSeas Block in this area.

C. The building of a Medical College in Sector C is now completed and has got required approval from authorities to start classes. The appointment of Professors has been made and first session of 100 students (25 BDMS and 75 MBBS) will be started within 2008.

D. The construction work on Grid Station has started in Sector B area and it is supposed to be completed by the end of 2008.

E. Generator of 1150 KVA, from Cumins Company, periodical maintenance done by Cumins, incase of power failure the backup supply, this supplies power to all Bahria Town Lahore residents and commercial areas, incase of load shedding or power failure from WAPDA the power is retired within 5 minutes. A new and dedicated Generator has been installed now in Sector B BUT for Safari Villas.

F. A water disposal system is under construction in Sector B.

G. Land line Phones are now offered to all Bahria residents including Safari Villas. PTCL will finalize it within August 2008.

H. Bahria Town water management system is really appreciated. If due to any reason it disturbs, fire Trucks are there to fill the water tank in emergency. A new and dedicated tubewell has installed for Safari Villas.

I. Fire fighters are on duty round the clock which is an amazing service.

J. Bahria Town Hospital has some consultants in the evening. The fee is only Rs.200/= for Bahria residents. Besides this all available Tests are offered on very nominal charges. Bahria Town pharmacy provides medicines on residents’ door steps within 24 hours if it is not readily available.
K. Bahria Town Hospital has started Free Registration of the residents so that the patient could be treated without any delay during emergency.
L. The residents can avail the services of Doctor on duty any time by making payment of only Rs.50/=
M. Bahria Town has started admissions for new session from August 01, 2008. The school was extended by 30 more class rooms during last year. Bahria Town School issued its first but very nicely edited annual magazine. Bahria Town School is registered with Cambridge University for O level and A level exams. Monthly School Fee is less than Rs.2,000/= for Preschool students including pick and drop service from the door step of Safari Residents.
N. Bahria Town Lahore is planning for a tallest artificial water fall in Pakistan in its sector C. 
O. Bank, Post Office with all facilities, Police Station, Air conditioned shopping Centers are already working and some additions like Beauty Saloon, Gym and Cinema are also introduced in Bahria Town Sector B.
P. Safari Mall in Safari Villas Lahore is being handed over to an investor after Eid.

LIVING EXPERIENCES in Safari Villas
Life in Safari Villas is improving day by day. It is an amazing experience to witness all these additions. Bahria Town management is trying to facilitate its (at least Safari Villas) residents. Me and my family is enjoying our stay over here. Malik Riaz Sahib opened a special office to address all the problems of Safari Villas related to construction even if possession was given three year earlier. Madam Maira is appointed as a Manager so that the ladies can approach her without any hesitance. Her office is over booked so one has to wait for ones turn but they are trying their best to address each and every problem.

We did face serious power failure problems due to some technical fault in the generator. Too much interruption in the power supply caused a real problem for the residents but the management dedicated a new and special generator for Safari residents within ten days. Now the system is working satisfactory. 

Electricity unit rates are now revised. Residents are bound to pay flat rate Rs.9/= per unit from July 2008 which is too expensive. No monthly charges has been revised and residents are paying Rs.1,000/= per month which is on lower side as there are many services provided against this amount.

DSL Wireless (Internet) Service is available for Safari Area. TV Cable Service is now working efficiently.

Almost every second week there is some recording (shooting) of some TV program, drama or film is seen in Safari Area.

Sundays evening is like a fair or MELA is Safari. People from all walks of life come here and families enjoy picnic over there.

Due to too much rains in Lahore some time heavy water is seen on main road of Safari and Sector B but Bahria Town Management is continuously improving the system. Workers are engaged to clean the road as soon as rain stops if needed. Nowadays Bahria is resetting all of its roads for solving the problem of water slope. The main road on canal has finalized during last week. Water Disposal System is under construction which is basic need to control water drainage. Due to limited population and availability of work force this is being managed without any problem. Keeping in mind Bahria Town’s philosophy of CHANGE (change is only permanent value in Bahria Town. Change in policies, promises, commitments, work force and road systems etc is always main thing of Bahria Town), there will not be any practical living problems in near future (at least 10 years).

Thokar Chowk is now much better for traffic and it will be properly managed within couple of months which was the only hindrance for daily traveling to the city. Canal Road has been completed till EME and work on next phase is also under process. I think that it will be completed to Bahria Town with in 2008. As soon as it is ready the drive from Bahria to City will be an easy and tension free job.

CMY  
Hussain bhai thanks for writing a very detailed post. Your time and effort is highly appreciated.

Abrar  
Kaisrani sahib, many thanks, very detailed post. God bless you. This post will help many visitors of this forum and many from overseas will still be obliged with recent pictures, otherwise news, views and confused.:)
P.S. Pictures should be of Bahria, Lahore, and not Bahria Pindi. I know a friend here who went back home to get married after seeing a picture but came back with someone looking different. It turned out that picture he saw was of younger sister. Anyway, they are living happily now.

tzk 
thanks husain saheb for providing useful details like always.
200 houses, is it sector b excluding safari villas? 
How many safari villas are occupied?
Did the situation of school improve?

Shahid, Melbourne 
Good review! How much is a new 8 Marla Safri villa in Lahore.

JJ  
How long is the drive from Safari Villas to the center of Lahore, both in peak traffic times and in non-peak times. thanks

tzk  
i would estimate 30-45 minutes to most parts of lahore but husain can give better idea as he drives every day

Abrar  
I would not recommend a daily commute to the city depending on the current road and traffic conditions. I find pictures of vehicles stuck in rainwater and frequent traffic jams very disturbing. Realistically, a place of work in Lahore and other cities in Pakistan should be within a radius of 10 miles, maximum and even that commute should be on public transportation. Public transportation should be made available more easily, its quality should be improved, and it should offer low fare during rush hours. People should be encouraged to use public transportation and by doing this they will help themselves and others. They will have more money in their pocket, they will save fuel, they will save environment and they will reduce traffic jams. Where possible employers should offer incentives to their employees for using public transportation.

JJ  
I am a bit confused.
Safari Villas are sold as already designed built houses, right?
From the pictures I see, most are not totally free standing. In other words, they are connected to the neighbors home, much like a town house in the US. Is that also correct?

tzk  
safari villas are town houses

mrk 
Kindly post some pictures if possible

JJ  
Who pays for the upkeep of roads and parks and for simple maintenance of the villas that is provided by managment? 
Are there montly service charges for each villa ?

Lake City Holdings Raiwind Road Lahore Pakistan

I wrote the following article in September 27, 2005 on the launch of Lake City Holdings Lahore Pakistan. It was reproduced from LRE page to almost all the Pakistani Real Estates related website and discussion forums.





Lake City Lahore Trip (September 2005)

Yesterday I managed to visit Lack City Holdings project on Raiwind Road Lahore. The purpose of this trip was to see the actual situation and give a brief report to brothers/sisters visiting this page.

I was hearing about this project about six months ago when one of my friend started his job related to accounts with Lake City Holdings. He could not understand why these big businessmen have joined their hands to start this project which is so far from Lahore city. For me it was not a strange decision as Lahore Master Plan shows Raiwind within Lahore. The developer's group did its home work properly. They bought all the required land and went for LDA approval before launching their product. This is certainly a good and transparent start. Although it is now a binding for every developer to provide each and every detail of its project before launching any housing project but LCH is the first one to act upon the new rules and regulations. Its yet not clear whether they have bought required land for their next phase about which they are claiming but it is obvious that they have either not applied for next phase or LDA did not approve it yet. They avoid discussing about their future project. I have been officially informed that they have only two Bela(s) in their project. You can easily guess what will, totally, be the size of Lake City Holdings. 

Lake City Holdings has launched its Bela Vista Housing project with aggressive campaign on print media as well as on multimedia. Their documentary played on cable networks and digital channels is impressive. Although they prepared it on same lines and actions which is of Bahria Town but it is much better than Bahria Town's documentary as far as quality of recording, script and sound recording is concerned. This lovely documentary makes a mind of every investor so one has some vision of the project when starts ones long journey on a rough Raiwind Road. Same was the situation of mine although I am not involved in any kind of investment in real estate business. 

May be you people will not believe but it is a reality that I would have passed the project if a big board was not put on the main road. Until yet this great project could not construct a single room for their marketing office. Only less than half Kilometer road has been constructed which is even not enough for car parking of the visitors. They are still using a tent as an office for promoting and introducing their project. Yes! We were warmly welcomed and cold drink was offered. The young and professionally trained staff was there to provide required information. I introduced myself to one of the young man Mr. Wasi and requested him to listen me first before starting his presentation. I told him which was already available on their website or what were being presented in their documentary. After that he was requested to provide any information other than that but he very nicely said that he does not have any further information. 
As there was no chance to visit the area (because there was not any WALKING PATH yet made) so we came back to our place.

On the project site one semi constructed small building, semi constructed main gate, less than half kilometer road and an office under tent was there which we could see.
Every thing else is on papers, in documentaries and in the minds of planners. The staff on site was not able to offer any brochers except a two page photo copied paper having information which is already available on website. 
 Now what can be suggested in present situation is:
  1. The project seems to be a safe but a long term investment.
  2. Interested friends are suggested to take advantage of their Introductory Launch Offer but to avail this you will need to pay in lump sump. 
  3. One can start living there as soon as construction is started as Raiwind Road is already a busy road. I think at least 5 years are needed to have some one's dream house. 
  4. Although I have no doubts that Raiwind Road will ultimately have great look and quality development but for the time being it is NOT a proper road with good traffic controlling. There are too many PIND (villages) on Raiwind Road which does not give a nice look.  
  5. Almost all of Lake City Holdings directors are Seth (typical Pakistani businessmen) who are generally not good in spending money where it is NOT directly related to their profit so it does not seem possible that they will contribute in making Raiwind Road. 
  6. The rates of Lake City Holdings are too high especially when market is so cold. 
  7. As they have no track record so we have nothing to guess what and how will be delivered after (about) three years. In this situation the risk factor goes high.
----------------------------------
Now almost four years are spent and there has been much activities involved in Lake City Holdings BUT living has not been yet started over there.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Why Bill Gates SOLD OFF Microsoft

I liked the following letter of Mr. Banta to Bill Gates. Lets have a look into it.
Letter is from Banta Singh of Punjab to Mr. Bill Gates of Microsoft
Subject: Problems with my new computer
Dear Mr. Bill Gates,
We have bought a computer for our home and we have found some problems, which I want to bring to your notice.
1. There is a button 'start' but there is no 'stop' button. We request you to check this. 
2. We find there is 'Run' in the menu. One of my friends clicked 'run' he ran up to Amritsar ! So, we request you to change that to 'sit', so that we can click that by sitting.
3. One doubt is whether any 're-scooter' is available in system? I find only 're-cycle', but I own a scooter at my home.
4. There is 'Find' button but it is not working properly. My wife lost the door key and we tried a lot trace the key with this ' find'  button, but was unable to trace. Please rectify this problem.
5. My child learnt 'Microsoft word' now he wants to learn 'Microsoft sentence', so when you will provide that?
6. I brought computer, CPU, mouse and keyboard, but there is only one icon which shows 'MY Computer': when you will provide the remaining items?
7. It is surprising that windows says 'MY Pictures' but there is not even a single photo of mine. So when will you keep my photo in that.
8. There is 'MICROSOFT OFFICE' what about 'MICROSOFT HOME' since I use the PC at home only.
9. You provided 'My Recent Documents'. When you will provide 'My Past Documents'?
10. You provide 'My Network Places'. For God shake please do not provide 'My Secret Places'. I do not want to let my wife know where I go after my office hours.
Regards,

Banta
Last one from me to Mr Bill Gates:
Sir, how is it that your name is Gates but u are selling WINDOWS?

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Visiting UK? Oh, Yes!

I never thought to leave Pakistan and settle down in some other country like every second young man thinks. I love my work and Pakistan.

I always dreamed visiting UK to meet friends over there and KSA for performing Umra.

Nowadays Pakistanis are being suspected and rejected every where but I am planning to visit UK this year. My friends and well wishers in Pakistan have doubts that I will be offered visa in these circumstances But .. but brother Fazal Karim (my sponsor) believes that I will very happily be offered a visa as he as well as me are responsible persons and don't have any hidden motives. I do agree with him.

Lazim Hai Keh Hum Bhi Daikhain Gay !!!!

Shifting of Sector C Bahria Town Lahore undeveloped plots to Bahria Orchards, Raiwind Road Lahore

Salaam,

Bahria Town Lahore has shifted undeveloped plots of developed blocks (Gulmohar and Nargis etc) as well as non developed blocks (Blossam, Rose etc) to Bahria Orchards on Raiwind Road Lahore.
Following is the discussion which appeared on Lahore Real Esate on April 16, 2009.
My questions are;

1) Was there any draw done to move sctor C plots to Bahria Orchard?

2) Last but not least, Can someone advise if I should keep what they are offering or try to force them to give me plot in sector C. Please note that they said its going to be Nargis block, if I cancel my Bahria Orchard one.

I'm a little confused about how to proceed and don't have any friend there who could advise me.
This forum seems to be full of knowledgeable people, I would appreciate your input to make up my mind.

New location in Bahria Orchard is a corner one with 100' and 50' wide roads on sides.

Thanks and Allah Hafiz

IR replied on Thursday, April 16, 2009 02:59 AM PST

Dear Faisal Saeed Sahib,

The best option you have is to ask Bahira to give you full refund of money you paid.

Faisal Saeed replied on Thursday, April 16, 2009 08:11 AM PST

Thanks Dear IR for your kind response. I didn't know that I've this option. Are you sure if its even an option, would they do that?
I will be calling them anyway.

khan replied on Thursday, April 16, 2009 12:54 PM PST

To ask for refund is perhaps the poorest of chices.
Bahria has always delivered. Delay sure there is but I see no reason why you should not get your plot. Bahria Orchards is as good as Bahria "C". With the sounthern ring roadgoing bthat way, it should be as livable as 'C'.If take the refund do you hve an alternative or better investment. r.Faisal Saeed should suggest where should he buy. Which society is better than Bahria. Personally I feel Bahria is as good as any other society. It is the only society which has it prices more stable than any other society. If all are bad than it is far less bad than others.

Ask CMY to advise you and any tom dick and harry.

Faisal Saeed replied on Thursday, April 16, 2009 08:26 PM PST

Thanks Khan bhai, I appreciate your help. Your opinion is indeed helping me in understanding where do I stand and I hope if couple more members provide their thought I would be able to take right step, inshaAllah.

Thanks Once again.

(Ahmad) Hussain Kaisrani replied on Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:48 PM PST

Faisal Saeed Sahib,
Yes! It is not a good practice by
Bahria Town but as it happened so you should adopt best option available.

  1. The first and best option is to get FULL refund. I agree with IR (Imran Rabbani Sahib). As you have asked whether Bahria will be ready to give the refund or not. The answer is yes but they will give you refund after deducting 20% from the paid amount to Bahria. They will also deduct membership fee and subscription to daily Jinnah. Also the cheque will be post dated. Moreover you will have to work with them to get this refund.
  2. If you are not able to get FULL refund then best option to say YES to their offer to Nargis Block. I doubt that they will honour their offer but if they do, please accept it without any further thought.
  3. I agree with khan Sahib's view that Bahria Orchard is as good as Sector C but Sector C is a reality and it has now cleared its shape and size after too much shuffling and changing. Bahria Orchard have yet to see many positive and negative things. One should avoid to pass through uncertainty if possible. It will take more (at least) three years to clear its actual face which may be very beautiful.
Thanks.

khan replied on Friday, April 17, 2009 04:55 AM PST

Lot more wisdom in Mr. Kaisrani's post. Thank you and Keep it up.

Awami Villas Lahore - A low cost Housing Project of Bahria Town

Salaam!

Bahria Town Ltd has cancelled all of Awami Villas which were paid less than SEVEN installments. The members may get the status of their Awami Villas either by contacting toll free phone No. 0800-00100 or by using Members Portal online.

The cheques of paid amount (after some deductions) are being prepared nowadays and will be dispatched on member's postal addresses with in next couple of weeks.

Following links may be useful for understanding Awami Villas project:

Awami Villas Rawalpindi Maps - Awami Villas 1, Awami Villas 2 and Awami Villas 3
Awami Villas Specifications / Categories (Standard, Premium and Upgrade)

===== Sorry for broken links - Hussain Kaisrani (August 28, 2013) ======