My Visit to GPO Lahore While Fixing a Driving License Issue

Last week I made an unexpected trip to the General Post Office (GPO) Lahore to track down my driving license. The visit turned into more than just an errand—it became a walk through history.

A Building That Breathes the Past

Standing tall at the heart of Mall Road, the GPO building is a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Built in the late 19th century during British rule, its red-brick façade, high arched windows, and wide verandas immediately catch the eye. Even after Pakistan’s independence in 1947, the building retained its original charm and purpose. Today it houses various postal and government departments, carrying forward its legacy as the central hub of communication for Lahore and much of Punjab.

After Partition, the GPO remained the backbone of Pakistan Post. Over the decades, it has adapted to modern services—like Urgent Mail Service (UMS)—while still keeping alive the aura of a bygone era. Walking through the tall corridors, you can almost hear echoes of clerks and officers from a century ago, stamping letters and sorting mail for the entire subcontinent.

Observing the Present

Inside, I saw a hive of activity: postal workers sorting heaps of envelopes, clerks typing, and counters buzzing with customers. The atmosphere was busy but strangely calm—everyone knew their role.

I approached the counter to ask about my e-driving license, which the Police Khidmat Markaz claimed had already been delivered to my home. The postal employee checked the records and sighed, explaining, “Sir, we have a shortage of staff. Deliveries get delayed.”

His answer surprised me. This was UMS—Urgent Mail Service—meant for guaranteed and timely delivery. Yet, staff shortage had slowed things down. Perhaps he was right; the sheer volume of work was visible all around. Still, it raised the question of how essential government services can falter without adequate manpower.

A Lesson in Patience and Perspective

Though I went there frustrated, I left with a deeper appreciation for how institutions like GPO Lahore keep running despite challenges. The building itself is a reminder that public service has always required dedication and resilience.

For anyone considering a stable career in the public sector, it’s worth exploring the realities of government employment. This insightful article on the pros and cons of government jobs in Pakistan explains the rewards and struggles that come with such roles—something I reflected on while watching those postal workers carry on with quiet determination.

Types of Home-Based Businesses in Pakistan

Types of Home-Based Businesses You Can Start in Pakistan

In today’s world, many people in Pakistan are looking for flexible and low-cost ways to earn money from home. Whether you’re a student, a housewife, or someone who wants to quit the 9-to-5 grind, starting a home-based business can be a great way to build financial independence. The best part? Most of these businesses require little to no investment and can be started right away.

Let’s explore some popular home-based business ideas that work well in Pakistan.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is one of the most popular ways to earn from home. Skills like content writing, graphic design, digital marketing, programming, and virtual assistance are in high demand worldwide. With platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer, Pakistanis are already making a mark globally. All you need is a laptop, internet, and dedication.

2. Online Tutoring

If you’re good at a subject, you can teach students online. Many parents now prefer online tutors for subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science. You can also teach Quran, language courses, or even professional skills via Zoom or Google Meet.

3. E-Commerce & Online Selling

Running a small online shop from home has become easier than ever. From clothing and cosmetics to handicrafts and homemade food items, you can sell through Facebook, Instagram, or Daraz. With the right marketing, a small investment can quickly turn into a profitable business.

4. Blogging & YouTube

If you enjoy writing, photography, or making videos, blogging and YouTube are excellent home-based careers. They take time to grow, but once you build an audience, you can earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

5. Baking & Catering from Home

Food businesses never go out of demand. If you love cooking or baking, you can start by taking small orders from family and friends. With consistent quality, word of mouth will help you grow, and soon you can expand into catering or even a cloud kitchen.

6. Home-Based Investment & Consultancy

Some people also explore safe investment options and offer guidance to others. If you understand finance, you can provide consultancy on savings and investments. For example, here’s a helpful guide on safe and profitable investment schemes in Pakistan that many beginners can learn from.

Final Thoughts

Starting a home-based business in Pakistan doesn’t always require a big budget—it requires creativity, effort, and consistency. Whether it’s freelancing, online selling, teaching, or food services, there’s an opportunity for everyone. The key is to pick something you’re good at and take the first step.

With time and dedication, a small home-based business can turn into a full-time source of income.

Dostyy.com: The Smart Way to Hire Domestic Staff in Lahore

Finding reliable and skilled domestic help in Lahore has often been a frustrating and time-consuming task for busy households. From endless phone calls to depending on word-of-mouth recommendations, the search could take weeks—or even months.

Now, Dostyy.com is changing the game. This modern hiring platform makes it simple, fast, and safe to connect with the right domestic workers — all without the headaches of traditional hiring methods. Whether you’re looking for a maid, nanny, driver, cook, or caretaker, Dostyy.com links you directly with verified candidates in minutes.

1. Your Complete Domestic Staffing Hub

Forget chasing multiple sources. Dostyy.com has dedicated categories for:

Maids & Housekeepers
Cooks & Chefs
Babysitters & Nannies
Drivers & Personal Assistants
Caretakers for elderly or special needs

Everything you need is available in one place, saving you time and effort.

2. Verified Profiles You Can Trust

Hiring someone for your home requires trust. Dostyy.com ensures candidate authenticity with:

Verified contact details
Profile pictures
Skills and experience summaries
Expected salary range

Employers can confidently shortlist candidates knowing they’re viewing genuine profiles.

3. Powerful Search & Filter Tools

No more scrolling through irrelevant profiles. You can quickly filter candidates by:

Job category
Experience level
Gender
Location within Lahore
Salary expectations

This means you only see people who truly match your requirements.

4. Direct, No-Middleman Contact

Say goodbye to delays. Employers can reach out to candidates directly via call or WhatsApp. This eliminates the need for intermediaries and speeds up the hiring process.

5. Fast-Track Hiring with Premium Packages

For urgent hiring needs, Dostyy.com’s White Glove Packages offer:

Tailored candidate searches
Priority matching
Real-time updates

This ensures you get the best candidate in record time.

6. Hire Anytime, Anywhere

Dostyy.com is available 24/7, so you can browse profiles, shortlist candidates, and start conversations whenever it’s convenient for you.

Why Lahore Employers Prefer Dostyy.com

Cuts down hours of manual searching
Reduces the risk of unreliable hires
Offers a wide variety of domestic help options
Directly connects you with verified candidates
Premium packages for urgent requirements

Guide to Find Your First Job After Study – Step-by-Step Plan for Fresh Graduates

Just graduated and don’t know where to start your job hunt? This guide breaks down the essential steps every fresh graduate should follow to land their first job faster and with confidence.

Completing your studies is a huge milestone – congratulations! Now comes the real challenge: landing your first job. For many graduates, this can feel overwhelming due to lack of experience, unclear career paths, and tough competition. But don’t worry — this guide will help you take focused steps to start your career journey with confidence.

Step 1: Self-Assessment – Know Your Strengths

Before applying for jobs, take time to reflect:

What are your key skills and interests?
What kind of roles align with your education and passion?
Are you open to internships or freelance work?

Use this self-awareness to narrow your job search and apply for positions that truly suit you.

Step 2: Create a Professional CV and Portfolio

Your CV is your first impression. Make sure it:

Highlights your education, skills, internships, and any relevant projects.
Is ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) so it’s not filtered out.
Includes a custom cover letter for each job application.

Step 3: Build Your Online Job Profile

In today’s digital job market, having an online profile boosts your visibility. Platforms like Dosty allow job seekers in Pakistan to:

Create a free job portfolio
Upload CVs and work samples
Get noticed by top employers

Make sure your profile is complete, well-written, and regularly updated.

Step 4: Apply Smartly, Not Blindly

Instead of mass applying, focus on:

Relevant roles that match your qualifications
Companies that offer learning and growth opportunities
Tailored applications with specific CV and cover letters

Use reliable job portals like Dostyy.com to find jobs specifically suited to fresh graduates.

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews

Once you start getting interview calls:

Research the company beforehand
Practice common interview questions
Dress professionally and be punctual
Show eagerness to learn rather than pretending to know everything

Step 6: Be Open to Internships or Freelancing

If a full-time job doesn’t come immediately, consider:

Internships to gain experience and exposure
Freelance projects in your field
Volunteering or certifications to strengthen your resume

These temporary options often lead to permanent opportunities.

Step 7: Stay Consistent and Positive

Job hunting can be tough emotionally. Stay patient and don’t lose hope. Keep learning, networking, and improving your profile until you get the breakthrough.

Final Thoughts:

Finding your first job after graduation is a journey that requires preparation, patience, and smart strategies.

Top 10 Side Business Ideas in Pakistan for Employees – Start Small, Grow Big

In today’s rapidly shifting economy, relying solely on a 9-to-5 job is no longer a safe strategy. Whether you're a domestic worker, a teacher, an office assistant, or a corporate executive, the need to create a second income stream is more important than ever.

The good news? Pakistan is full of untapped opportunities.

With a bit of creativity and consistency, you can start a side business without leaving your current job. Based on years of experience as a business mentor and motivational speaker working with thousands of hardworking Pakistanis, here are the 10 best side business ideas for employees across all walks of life.

1. Home-Based Catering or Tiffin Service

Love to cook? This is your chance to turn passion into profit. Many students, office-goers, and bachelors miss home-cooked food. You can start a tiffin or lunchbox service right from your kitchen. It's a great low-investment business for housewives and domestic helpers.

Tip: Begin within your community or office circle and let word of mouth grow your brand.

2. Online Reselling & Dropshipping

You don’t need a shop or inventory. Start reselling trending products on platforms like Daraz, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. Simply promote products, take orders, and deliver directly through suppliers.

Perfect for tech-savvy office workers and students who want to earn from home.

3. Tuition & Coaching Services

If you're skilled in a subject or fluent in English, you can provide tuition after work or school hours. Whether you're a teacher, professional, or even a domestic worker with academic knowledge, this is a smart and respected side business.

You can start in your neighborhood or offer virtual sessions online.

4. Freelancing & Online Gigs

Online freelancing isn't just for experts anymore. From data entry and customer service to writing, translation, and virtual assistance — there's something for everyone.

Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com allow you to earn in dollars with just basic skills. Even if you're a peon or assistant, with a little training, this can become your consistent side income.

5. Home-Based Beauty & Grooming Services

Good at makeup, mehndi, or hair styling? Offer your services in your area or advertise on social media. This is ideal for part-time employees and housemaids looking to earn extra on weekends.

Start a simple Facebook page or share your work on WhatsApp groups.

6. Handicrafts & Homemade Products

Crochet, embroidery, homemade jewelry, or candles — Pakistani handmade items are loved worldwide. Turn your skills into a business by selling locally or on online platforms.

Especially great for teachers, housewives, or anyone with creative hands and spare time.

7. YouTube or TikTok Content Creation

If you enjoy speaking, teaching, or entertaining, start creating content. Topics can include recipes, motivation, fashion tips, daily routines, or educational tutorials.

It takes time to grow, but once you build an audience, platforms like YouTube can generate regular income.

8. Start a Rental Business

Do you have a spare room, bike, camera, or equipment? Rent them out! Many people earn passive income from items they aren’t using daily.

This is a great way for salaried individuals to build income without daily involvement.

9. Event Planning & Decoration

Have a creative eye and love organizing events? Start small by managing family events, birthday parties, or local functions. As your reputation grows, so will your business.

It’s an ideal side gig for clerical staff and home-based workers with an artistic touch.

10. Affiliate Marketing

No product? No problem! Promote others’ products on your social media, blog, or YouTube channel and earn a commission on every sale.

Affiliate marketing is one of the best options for people who want to earn online without dealing with inventory or delivery.

Final Words: Your Side Hustle = Your Freedom

No matter your current job, your future is in your hands. A side business isn't just about earning more — it’s about discovering new skills, building confidence, and working toward financial independence.

💡 Start small, but start today.
💪 Your full-time job pays the bills, but your side hustle builds your dreams.

So what are you waiting for? Explore your talent, pick an idea, and begin your journey toward success — one step at a time.

My Visit to Shahpur Kanjran Mandi 2025 – Bakra Prices Sky High!

Yesterday, I visited Shahpur Kanjran Mandi in Lahore with the intention of buying a Bakra for Eid ul Azha Qurbani – but let me tell you, the scene there was nothing short of shocking!

As soon as I stepped in, it was clear that livestock prices this year have skyrocketed. Whether you’re looking for a Bakra, Kajla Chhitta (Kajra Chatra), or Cow, be prepared to stretch your budget a lot more than expected.

💸 Bakra Prices: Through the Roof!

I had my eyes on a medium-sized, healthy Bakra — something decent for Qurbani without being too extravagant. But to my surprise, even average-sized Bakray were starting from PKR 90,000 and going well above PKR 140,000. A good breed with symmetrical horns and proper teeth was almost unaffordable for the common man.

Some sellers justified the prices by claiming increased fodder costs and transport expenses, while others simply smiled and said, “Janab demand zyada hai, qurbani ka waqt hai!”

🐐 Kajla Chhitta: Beauty With a Price Tag

Now, coming to the beloved Kajla Chatra – the eye-catching black and white goats everyone seems to love. The prices for Kajla goats were jaw-dropping. A decent Kajla started from PKR 120,000 and some “showpiece” ones were being quoted at over PKR 200,000!

They were beautiful, no doubt, and many were well-fed and active — but the question remains: are they worth the price?

🐄 Cow Prices – Not for the Faint-Hearted

For those who prefer cows for collective Qurbani, prices were equally alarming. A 2-3 person share cow was being quoted at PKR 300,000 to 400,000, depending on breed and size. Full-sized, healthy cows meant for 6-7 shares were going as high as PKR 800,000 or more.

📝 My Advice to Buyers

If you’re planning to visit any mandi soon, especially Shahpur Kanjran or other big ones in Lahore or Karachi, go well-prepared and informed. The market is unpredictable, and bargaining is a must.

📌 Before you buy any animal, I highly recommend reading this detailed guide first:
👉 Guide to Buying a Healthy Qurbani Animal in Pakistan

It explains what signs to look for in a healthy animal, how to check its age and teeth, and how to avoid common scams. This guide saved me from making a few bad decisions at the mandi!

Final Thoughts

Eid ul Azha is about sacrifice and sincerity — but the way prices are going up every year, Qurbani is becoming a financial challenge for many. If you're planning to buy in the next few days, may Allah make it easy for you.

And please, don’t forget to do your homework before heading to the mandi — it’ll save you both money and stress.

Have you visited any mandi yet? Share your experience in the comments below!

Importance of ATS-Friendly CV for Employees in Today’s Job Market

It's more difficult than ever to get your CV in front of a recruiter in today's digital job market. Why? Because most businesses employ something known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — software that sifts and sorts CVs before a human ever lays eyes on them.

So, even if you're the ideal candidate for a job, your application could be rejected by the computer automatically if your CV is not ATS-friendly.

So, what is an ATS-friendly CV, and why is it so important? Let's have a breakdown.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is computer software that employers utilize to screen, filter, and rank job applications according to keywords and layouts for employment. It assists firms in saving time by automatically shortlisting the most qualified applicants.

Why Your CV Must Be ATS-Friendly

1. You Might Never Reach a Human Recruiter

If your CV is not ATS-readable, it's tossed aside.

More than 75% of recruiters rely on ATS — this is no longer optional.

2. Keywords Matter

ATS seeks job-related keywords (such as "data analysis," "sales strategy," or "customer support").

If your CV doesn't have those, it receives a low score — even if you possess the qualifications.

3. Fancy Designs Can Work Against You

Most job applicants employ innovative templates with graphics or tables, but ATS is not always able to read them correctly.

Clean and minimalistic formatting is ideal.

4. Boosts Your Interview Prospects

An optimized CV ensures your skills and experience are actually noticed by recruiters.

This can be the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked.

Master Tips for Creating an ATS-Friendly CV

Apply conventional job titles and concise headings such as Education, Work Experience, Skills.
Avoid charts, graphs, tables, and text boxes.
Save your CV in .docx or PDF (but ensure it's readable).
Highlight achievements using bullet points.
Tailor your CV by incorporating keywords from the job posting.

Real-Life Example:

Two candidates with equal experience, both applying for a digital marketing position:

Candidate A employs a fashionable CV with icons and graphs, no keywords.
Candidate B employs a lean, keyword-rich CV that ATS can seamlessly scan.

Result? Candidate B is shortlisted. Candidate A is rejected — by a machine, not a human.

Last Thoughts

In a competitive job market such as Pakistan — particularly in urban centers such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad — an ATS-optimized CV is no longer an added advantage, it's a requirement. Whether you're applying for local or international jobs, your first step is to ensure your CV makes it through the digital gatekeeper.

If you're committed to your professional life, invest some time in ATS-optimizing your CV. It may unlock the door to your next career move.