Umar Saif

Dr. Umar Saif received his academic training from LUMS, Cambridge and MIT. He did his BSc (Hons) from LUMS (1998), PhD from University of Cambridge (2001) and Postdoctorate from MIT (2002), all in Computer Science. Dr. Saif worked and taught at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) as a research scientist for four years, where he was part of the group (O2S) that developed system technologies for project Oxygen -- a US$28 million project sponsored by the US Department of Defense (DARPA) and an industrial Alliance of world-class companies including Nokia, HP, Compaq, NTT DoCommo, Phillips, Acer and Delta.

While at MIT, Dr. Saif also managed the multi-million dollar collaboration on future computing technologies between University of Cambridge and MIT sponsored by the Cambridge-MIT Institute (CMI) and a consortium of hightech British companies.

Dr. Saif's research interests broadly span areas of Ubiquitous Computing, Distributed Systems, Mobile Systems, Network Protocols and Architectures and ICT for developing world countries. Dr. Saif has authored several influential publications and is a Fellow of the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust. Dr. Saif's research has been featured in popular media, including BBC, New Scientist, MIT Technology Review, Distributed Systems Online, and Dawn News. His research has received grants from Microsoft Research (MSR), Oxygen Consortium at MIT, Cambridge-MIT Institute (CMI), US State Department/USAID, HEC and PITB.

Dr. Saif was selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum in 2010. Dr. Saif received the MIT Technovator Award in 2008, Mark Weiser Award at IEEE Percom'08, Digital Inclusion Award from Microsoft Research in 2006 and the IDG CIO Technology Pioneer Award in 2008. During his doctorate studies, Dr .Saif was a Trinity College Overseas Scholar and Commonwealth Scholar at University of Cambridge.

Dr. Saif has (co-)founded four technology startups: BumpIn.com (contextual chatting), SeeNreport.com (citizen journalism), ChOpaal.pk (SMS social networking) and TicketMy.com (event tickets). Dr. Saif is the founder of one of the first startup incubators in Lahore, Pakistan, called SCI. 

Salim Ghauri

Salim Ghauri Chairman and CEO, NetSol Technologies Ltd. (Pakistan)
He is currently the President of Asia Pacific, NetSol Technologies Inc. and the Chairman and CEO of NetSol Technologies Limited, Lahore. He has been heading NetSol Technologies Limited for the last thirteen years. During this tenure, NetSol has gained world-class recognition and sustainable growth, topping the list of IT companies in Pakistan and serving blue-chip clients all over the world. 

This IT icon of Pakistan has accomplished what governments and large institutions strive to accomplish in decades, and it is amazing to see how the zeal, will power, effort, courage, and hard work of a single man can reshape the future of IT in Pakistan. This is what that makes Mr. Salim a true visionary and one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the country. Mr. Salim is also serving as the first Honorary Consul of Australia for Punjab (Pakistan).

SALIM GHAURI, THE IT ICON OF PAKISTAN SHARES WITH US THE SUCCESS STORY OF NETSOL’S SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY. IN THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE EDITORIAL TEAM OF MANAGER TODAY, HE TALKS ABOUT HIS VISION AND STRATEGIES AT NETSOL AND HIS CONTRIBUTION FOR THE UPLIFT OF THE IT INDUSTRY IN PAKISTAN.

Rtn. Shehzad Ahmed

Rtn. Shehzad Ahmed District Governor 3271, received his early education from Cadet College Hasanabdal, a premier educational institution in the country. He was the Wing Commander (the best cadet) during his final year (F.Sc). He received his B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University, USA. After coming back to Pakistan, he founded PROMARK, a management consulting company, and has been leading it as its Chief Executive/Director. He also worked as Executive Director at Descon Information Systems.

Shehzad is actively involved in social service activities. He joined Rotary Club of Lahore Garrison in 1997 and has been serving the District in various capacities since 1999-2000, such as Assistant Governor, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Matching Grants, World Community Service (WCS), eClub, Literacy, Polio Plus, TRF Alumni, District Advisory Council, Public Image Promotion, District website and Internet, etc.

Shehzad has helped numerous Rotary Clubs in the District in finding international partners for their humanitarian projects. He is the recipient of The Rotary Foundation District Service Award. R.I. District 5390 (Montana) awarded him a commemorative shield through Past R.I. President Richard King for being the “Outstanding International Host District’s Grants Subcommittee Chair for 2004-05” at Centennial Convention at Chicago. R.I. District 5890 (Houston) awarded him Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his services. He has also been recognized for his services by other social service organizations, such as Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT), Rising Sun Institute for the mentally challenged, Fatima Memorial Hospital, The Trust School etc. Mayor Helene Schneider from the City of Santa Barbara, USA presented him proclamation in January 2010 in recognition of his community services. He has addressed Rotary Clubs in Canada, India, Thailand, UAE, UK and USA on their invitation. His RotaryDistrict3272 yahoogroup (formerly Rotary3270) is an excellent source of Rotary information and fellowship.

He is life member of various professional bodies including Alpha Pi Mu (Industrial Engineering Honor Society, USA), Institute of Engineers, Marketing Association of Pakistan and Pakistan Engineering Council. He has been Central Executive Committee member of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and Co-convener and member of various Standing Committees at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is founder member and advisor to many non-profit organizations. He is a Life member of Rotarians On The Internet (ROTI) and different Rotarians Action Groups.

He and his wife (Dr. Maimoona Ali) are Major Donors Level 2 and the first and the only Bequest Society Members in the District. He is also a Benefactor and one of the founder members of Paul Harris Society. Dr. Maimoona is Past President of Innerwheel Club of Lahore Garrison. Both their daughters (Fatima and Aaesha) are Paul Harris Fellows and members of Interact Club. Fatima is currently District Interact Representative (DIR) and is Charter Member and Past President of Interact Club of Lahore Garrison.