About Lil Ole Me

Smiling JehanMy name is Jehan Ara. I am a person of average intelligence who can best be described as a pretty good human being, a communicator, an entrepreneur, a mild activist, a believer in the general goodness of people and an optimist.

I was born in Karachi but moved to Hong Kong as a child. It was in that vibrant and fast-moving city that I grew up. The kind of things that Hong Kong stamped on me were:

- a real appreciation for good food
- the importance of hard work, and
- the value of time (mine and everyone else’s)

If there is anything remotely angelic in my character, I owe it all to my mother who was the nicest, kindest and most beautiful human being on the face of this planet. She always wore a smile (even during the times when she was in pain due to the state of her health) and had a wonderful sense of humour. She had a kind word to say about everyone she met and her patience and compassion knew no bounds. We were lucky to have had a mother who taught us the basic lessons of love and sacrifice.

My father must be held responsible for teaching us the essential values of integrity, hard work, loyalty and commitment. Stories of his generosity and his hospitality have spread far and wide. Many a time I run into people in the course of my work who inform me that they have had the pleasure of staying at our home in Hong Kong. Should I tell them, I wonder, that the traffic through our apartment would put the traffic on our freeways to shame?

Amongst my vices, topmost is the pleasure I get in bestowing gifts on family and friends - this has earned for me the nickname “Santy Claus”.

What do I enjoy? I love to write, to talk, to read, to listen to music, to watch movies and go to the theatre whenever I get a chance. I love to travel - see new towns and cities, experience different cultures. I am a gadget freak and especially love everything “Apple”.

I am passionate about anything I undertake - whether it is the branding of P@SHA, the planning of an event, the development of a product, cooking a meal, counselling, working with younger people, or taking on a cause and pursuing it to the limits.

Amongst the things I fail to comprehend are the instincts in people to bring each other down, to be unhappy at the success of others, their inability to unite towards the achievement of a common cause and their selfishness in the pursuit of commercial or monetary gain.

Does this make me a social entrepreneur? I don’t know. I don’t like labels. All I know is that whatever I do, it needs to ignite in me a passion, an interest, a sense of achievement, of pleasure - a need that goes beyond mere monetary benefit.

28 Comments Add your own

  • 1. mohtashim  |  July 13, 2007 at 9:23 pm

    love the title!!! :D

  • 2. Arifa Mashhood  |  August 10, 2007 at 10:02 pm

    Love the page layout!! I met Jehan in my third year at college (she was a final year student). The meeting was verrry interesting, but a separate story on its own. After an initial comic setback, we became the best of friends and have remained so ever since. At some point on this friendship path, we decided to become sisters and the bond has remained strong despite the miles or oceans separating us; when my cjhildren were born, she naturally beacme the godmother for both.

    Jehan, you are a wonderful person, a true friend, a lovely human being and the best sister ever!!

  • 3. The Pakistani Spectator  |  October 21, 2007 at 8:01 pm

    MashAllah

  • 4. The Pakistani Spectator  |  October 21, 2007 at 8:02 pm

    Hello ,
    I hope you are fine and carrying on the great work you have been doing for the Pakistani side of http://WWW. I am Ghazala Khan from The Paksitani Spectator (TPS), We at TPS throw a candid look on everything happening in and for Pakistan. We are trying to contribute our humble share in the blogistan.

    We at TPS are carrying out a new series of interviews with the notable Pakistani bloggers. In that regard, we would like to interview you, if you dont mind. Please send me your approval for your interview, so that I could send you the questions. We would be extremely grateful. We have done many interviews with many bloggers from Pakistan like Dr. Awab, Kashif Aziz, Fahd Mirza and host of others.

    regards.

    Ghazala Khan
    The Pakistani Spectator
    pakspectator.blogspot.com

  • 5. Farhan khan  |  January 1, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    I have worked with J in Enabling Technologies for 2 years during 2002 - 2004 and enjoyed working there and also learn a lot from her, and now is nice to see this page.

    regards

    Farhan khan
    Graphic Designer
    http://www.pixlogics.com

  • 6. Shahida Saleem  |  January 3, 2008 at 11:25 am

    I read an article about Jehan, and decided I had to meet this woman!! She was 100% better than her write up. It’s been a pleasure, a privilge and an experience working with her in various capacities. Being a newcomer to Pakistan, there were many dissapointments,but people like Jehan renew my hope. Sharing her magic through the blog is a great idea!

  • 7. Mohammed Mudassir Azeemi  |  January 15, 2008 at 11:42 pm

    Hiya!

    I came to know about your site from Green & White , just want to say that it is great to see so many Paki Bloggers specially in Startup and Entrepreneur arena.

    Keep up the great and superb work.

    Mudassir Azeemi
    San Francisco, CA

  • 8. Kashif Adeel  |  January 16, 2008 at 10:40 pm

    hi,

    Just like mudassir i found your link from green and white…u guys are doing really good job in keeping us up-to-date about our IT industry…..gone through the eCrime blog and watched the videos…really interesting….

    do let us know about the happening IT sessions in Lahore …

    Kashif Adeel, PMP
    PMO, Allied Bank

  • 9. Qaiser Felix  |  January 18, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    Hi
    This is Qaiser Felix. I am a journalist and work for AsiaNews Rome (www.asianews.it). You can visit this link http://www.asianews.it/search.php?l=en&status=find&numtab=&findkey=&author=Qaiser+Felix&date=&geo=&areat=&paging=50&go=Find

    To have a look at some of my stories.

    As I was searching for some information about ‘Electronic Crime Ordinance 2007’ on net, I came to know about you and your work. I must say you are a great women.

    I am planning a story about this Bill for AsiaNews next week. I guess you have a very good knowledge of this Ordinance. Can you tell me some more about this like how I can get access to Barrister Zahid Jamil’s report (full text) and can I get a quote from you for my report etc.

    Sincerely,
    Qaiser Felix
    Correspondent in Pakistan
    AsiaNews Rome http://www.asianews.it

  • 10. Mutahir  |  February 9, 2008 at 7:09 am

    Great Blog, Great written work ! Keep up the Good work

    Mutahir

  • 11. Fariha Akhtar  |  February 12, 2008 at 11:08 pm

    People are really really inspired by u. You must check this link out:

    http://www.khnaveed.com/about_me/about_me.htm

    I just hope I don’t get beaten by this smart guy :P

  • 12. Ain  |  February 14, 2008 at 2:42 pm

    prime example of ‘Plagiarism’.

  • 13. Suleman  |  February 19, 2008 at 12:12 am

    MashaAllah, its a great profile.

    I tried to look hard, but I couldn’t find your email address on the site. I am looking for an SMS application provider in Pakistan. I am Riyadh based and we’re trying to establish an IT e-services company here. I would high appreciate if you could advise us or guide us in some way.

    Thanks,
    -Suleman

  • 14. bibomedia  |  February 29, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    :)

  • 15. Riaz ur Rehman  |  March 7, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    Nice to see your blog which is very good. I found Jehan Ara very kind hearted woman. she is also caring and loving. i worked with her in ET about 2.5 year and i learn lots of new things from her innovative ideas and inspiration specially in multimedia sector.She did great job while she was president of P@sha. She is institute in herself.

    Best wishes!

    Riaz ur Rehman
    Sr Graphics Designer
    Folio3 (pvt) Ltd.

  • 16. sarah  |  March 20, 2008 at 10:02 am

    Hi…am Sarah. i was trying to find your contact address but coudnt do so.I have seen your blog and really like the way your present it with your individual style.

    I am from Youpark.com which is a mobile content provider selling up to 15000 mobile application and games. Our software house, Mobile Weaver ApS is based in Islamabad and Copenhagen. Being a new emergent in the mobile content industry we have been performing really well abroad. Presently our strategy is to introduce our company and its products further in Pakistani market.

    Regarding this I have written an article that I want to get published through your blog. Kindly let me know your acceptance and contact me through my email address

  • 17. Jehan  |  March 20, 2008 at 4:38 pm

    Hi Sarah. Thanks for all the kind words. I will email you directly so that we can connect. Must see you next time I am up north.

    Riaz, good to see you on my blog. Hope you are well.

  • 18. Sultan Hamdani  |  March 23, 2008 at 1:25 pm

    Jehan Ara, is one of the most energetic people i know of, she is workoholic, but is fun to be with.

    She is also one of those guys who has no ego and no favoritism, you can influence her if you have a point and you do give in when she has one.

  • 19. Dr Adnan Iqbal  |  March 26, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    Thank you very much for having an informative site and its good to lil know about yourself as well.

  • 20. Asim  |  April 9, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    Hi, this probably not the best approach for my query but i could not really find an email address for you. I am doing some research and I am positive that you can help me - VC firms in Pakistan? Is there an association or perhaps any other listing where I can get contact information? Would really appreciate your help in the matter. Thank you kindly.

  • 21. Aqeel Ahmad  |  May 8, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    Found your blog through google reader. Some great stuff here. I share your taste for good food.

    Aqeel
    http://lahore-menu.blogspot.com

  • 22. Sohail Abid  |  May 10, 2008 at 8:54 am

    I just opened pasha.org.pk and i was like WOW!!

    Its a very warm congratulations to you and the entire team who have thought out the new pasha website. Why have you not written about it here or I missed it? Its a really worth sharing news with the readers of your blog.

    Stay Happy

  • 23. Amaar Ikhlas  |  June 18, 2008 at 3:47 pm

    Dear Dr Jehan,

    We are a startup based in Lahore setting up a design and web development studio and are also publishing a Free monthly magazine by the name of The Fourth Article. We are regular visitors to your blog and find it very informative.

    I wanted to send you copies of our magazine. Would appreciate if you could send us your postal address.

    The magazine’s website is http://www.thefourtharticle.com

    We are also working on a contest based website the likes of which Pakistan has not seen. http://www.khelojeeto.com is the name. If interested I would love to share some concepts for your feedback.

    Look forward to your reply

    Regards

    Amaar Ikhlas

  • 24. Jehan  |  June 18, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Hey Amaar I am not a doctor :) Just call me Jehan. Lovely magazine. Wonderful effort. I would love to receive it. My address is:

    Jehan Ara
    President, P@SHA
    172/P 4th Floor
    Najeeb Corner
    Block 2 PECHS
    Karachi

    Phone: (92-21) 541-8121

    The kehlojeeto.com site sounds interesting. Please do certainly share the concepts and I will give you my opinion such as it is. Must catch up with you guys next time I am in Lahore.

  • 25. Tehseen Baweja  |  June 18, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    Hey Jehan,

    Wanted to email you but the dumb me couldn’t find an email address or contact form :)

    Just like Amaar and others, we are trying to do a few projects as well and would be absolutely thrilled to have your feedback/guidance!

    The major one is http://www.vidpk.com. Right now it is a video sharing website for Pakistan(is), but we are moving it in the direction of a video social. I would love to get in touch with you and if possible, get your feedback on a few specific things…

    Thanks

    Tehseen

  • 26. Jehan  |  June 19, 2008 at 6:30 am

    Tehseen, my email address is president@pasha.org.pk. Feel free to contact me if I can be of any help with feedback on the specific projects that you have in mind.

  • 27. Old Baba  |  June 29, 2008 at 8:07 am

    Cute pic you got there in your profile. Updated version would be appreciated. Thanks

    Old Baba of ICT :)

  • 28. Jehan  |  June 29, 2008 at 8:26 am

    Hey Old Baba of ICT, this isn’t such an old photo and all of us are allowed a bit of vanity. By the way, why hide behind a cload of an Old Baba. Come forward and tell us who you are. :-)

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