PAKISTAN AMERICAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

PABA NEWS Issue No. 12 December , 2015

At George Mason, You Learn To Become A Global Leader

Going to college is not just about getting ready to find a job. It is about getting

ready for life and to grow as leaders who can bring about positive change. At George

Mason University, we say we are committed to helping our graduates become well round-

ed scholars and engaged citizens who are prepared to act.

For our community to thrive, we need creative change makers who can take on an active

role in solving our society’s most complex problems. How can young people get ready to play an

active role in dealing with these challenges and how can universities best help them?

Leadership cannot be learned in isolation from the so-called “real world”. Effective leaders must understand

the contexts in which their talents and skills and passions can best be utilized.

Service learning – transformative learning that

connect course work with experiences in applying new

knowledge to make a positive impact in society – provides

that context while meeting academic learning objectives.

Students learn best when their education is embed-

ded in experiential and collaborative contexts that can

make their knowledge immediately actionable. Service

learning projects benefit communities. They also benefit

students, because such mind-opening practical experiences

are crucial to their development as social entrepreneurs.

At George Mason University, located just outside

Washington, D.C., in Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William

County, and a few other locations, we have highlighted

innovative learning as the No. 1 goal in our 10-year strate-

gic plan. Service learning is a key part of that objectives.

Our faculty provides multiple service learning opportunities through the curriculum, research projects, extra-

curricular experiential learning, internships, integrated studies, our Social Action and Integrative Learning program,

our School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, spring break service learning trips, volunteerism, and many other

special programs.

And because the problems that our generation faces are increasingly global in

nature, we need to help students develop a global mindset that will make them

effective across cultures and national divides. Consider climate change, hunger, terror-

ism, or infectious disease. They are all complex problems we face today. And they are all

global problems.

Also in this Issue

Immigration Pathways

Virginia Game Institute

Fairfax County Police

Pakistan Briefs

PABA Team

Dr. Ángel Cabrera

Continued on P - 4

One of the biggest obstacles to international business is dealing with each country’s immigration laws.

Immigration laws are aggressively enforced in the United States, but there are many immigration pathways

open to Pakistani investors and companies.

First, Pakistan and the United States have a Friendship and Commerce Treaty which allows Pakistani compa-

nies and investors to apply for “E1” trader visas and “E2” investor visas. The “E1” trader visa is for Pakistani citizens

coming to the United States to conduct international trade between Pakistan and the United States.

For example, a clothing manufacturer in Pakistan might send an employee to the United States on an “E1”

visa to set up trade relationships with American companies. The “E2” investor visa is for Pakistani citizens who are

coming to the United States to manage investments. For example, a Pakistani architect might invest his money in an

American architectural firm and come to the United States on an “E2” visa to manage the firm.

Second, Pakistani companies can use “L” visas to transfer employees to the United States. The employee must

have worked abroad continuously for one year at a parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of a United States company.

The employee must be a manager, executive, or work in a position involving specialized knowledge. If a

Pakistani company doesn’t yet have an office in the United States, the “L” visa can be used to send someone to the

United States to set up a new parent, subsidiary, branch, or office of the Pakistani company.

Third, the “H1B” visa is available to Pakistani citizens who work in specialty occupations. A specialty

occupation requires highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree as the normal requirement for the job.

The best examples of specialty occupations are professions such as accountants, pharmacists, computer pro-

grammers, teachers, and financial advisors. The biggest drawback to “H1B” visas is that only 85,000 are available

each year, and companies need to apply the week of April 1 for a chance at receiving one.

Investors should also be familiar with the “EB5” investor visa program, which leads to permanent residence,

unlike the nonimmigrant visas discussed above. Through the “EB5” program, an investor who commits $500,000 and

creates ten jobs can receive permanent residence.

Most “EB5” investors don’t actively manage the investment, and most investors receive the principal back

after several years.

Hudaidah Bhimdi Ahmed is part of an experienced team of immigration attorneys at Murray

Osorio PLLC in Fairfax, Virginia at 703-352-2399 or info@murrayosorio.com.

By Hudaidah Bhimdi Ahmed

The Mason Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI)

Grand Remodel Open House

On October 29, 2015, Prince William County and

George Mason University (Mason) Science & Technology

Campus celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of the Virginia

Serious Game Institute (VSGI), which has doubled in space

to help meet the rising demands of information technology

(IT), Serious Game, and Simulation start-up entrepreneurs

and early-stage companies.

The VSGI offers business incubation in the high-level

technology fields of simulation, modeling and serious game

design into new industries, such as: healthcare; education;

training; defense; business decision-making; and cyber-

security.

Since opening in March 2014, the VSGI is presently

home to 8 start-ups that have collectively created over 70 jobs, multiple patents, copyrights, innovative simulation and

game solutions and over $1 million in corporate support.

The additional 4,000 square-foot space allows VSGI to

expand services to new IT startups while retaining early-stage

companies that are expanding, yet still require the concentration

of business incubation services within the Institute.

Some of the early-stage companies are expected to com-

plete business incubation in 2016. The Institute expansion con-

sists of new product development labs, research space, office stu-

dios and a lounge area and modernized conference room and

kitchen amenities.

The newly refurbished space is designed to further stimu-

late intellectual inquiry and creativity in a social think tank set-

ting, which is part of the shared-learning environment that the

university-based business incubator cultivates.

In my brief talk during the event, I mentioned that

today’s expansion is a milestone achievement for the Virginia Serious Games Institute, which has been made possible

through the strength of our public-private and community partnerships here in Prince William County and the Com-

monwealth of Virginia.

In Innovation Park and throughout Prince William County, we are encouraging technological innovation,

growth and expansion. The VSGI mission is to support Mason’s entrepreneurial and innovation goals by cultivating

and supporting Mason founded startups, rapid prototype development, high-value knowledge job creation and regional

economic development through serious game technology discovery to improve human condition

The Institute offers new business incubators cutting-edge game design research and development, access to

visualization and simulation software, training, product development, business support and rapid-prototyping.

Each new business to enter the VSGI is provided access to business plan writers, advisors and mentors, as well

as legal support and IP consulting services from Sheppard Mullins LLP, banking support from John Marshall Bank,

and external server-farm support from LeaseWeb USA Inc.

By Dr. Scott Martin

Continued on P - 5

Continued from P - 1

George Mason is not only the largest public research university in Virginia, it is one of the most cultur-

ally diverse, which is a crucial asset for our students. Our students come from 125 countries, providing a global

backdrop that informs our service learning ventures, which truly stretch around the globe. They also go out and

study abroad or engage in global service projects that connect them with individuals and institutions from

around the world.

Let me give you some examples.

Pakistan native Abdullah Khurram graduated in 2014 with degrees in economics, and government and international poli-

tics. While attending Mason, Abdullah put his budding expertise and interests to work as co-founder of the Mashal Foundation,

which provided free education to children in a village in his home country. The

school’s mission was to “teach local but think global to make our students ac-

tive, innovative, and responsible citizens of tomorrow.” Abdullah is continuing

his education at the University of Chicago, with a particular interest in interna-

tional relations and global problem solving.

Archaeology major Bryan Dalton and film and video studies major Jack

Bolger assisted Mason anthropology professor Justin Lowry with the emergency

preservation of an archaeological site in Nicaragua. The 2,100-year-old site was

in danger of being destroyed because heavy tropical rains had caused flooding.

In re-excavating the site, the students worked alongside Nicaraguan archaeolo-

gists and authorities as well as students from other universities, gaining valuable

practical experience while serving the Nicaraguan people.

Closer to home, about a dozen undergraduates in our School for Con-

flict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) took part in a Service Learning Intensive spring break. They put their conflict resolution

skills into practice by working with members of a Job Corps facility in West Virginia. “Each group benefits, albeit in different

ways,” S-CAR Professor Patricia Maulden said at the time, perfectly summing

up the dual mission and outcomes of service learning.

By giving, our students get so much in return. They develop communi-

cation, coordination, and management skills, and learn how to work in teams.

They grow as problem solvers and as leaders. They refine their worldviews.

They experience a greater sense of context and urgency for the problems they

are trying to solve. And, from an academic standpoint, they retain information

from such hands-on participation. They are transforming society while trans-

forming themselves.

George Mason students are strategically positioned to make an impact

as undergraduates or as graduates. We are surrounded by federal and interna-

tional agencies, 175 embassies, 551 think tanks, global financial organizations

such as the World Bank, countless nongovernmental organizations, and a robust business community.

We have all of the resources, on campus and off, to promote service learning, global mindset, and to bring about positive

change in our community and around the world. I invite you to be part of that journey.

Dr. Ángel Cabrera is the President of George Mason University

Dr. Cabrera with Mr. M Siddique Sheikh ,

Chairman PABA and Member Board of Visitors

Continued from P - 3

In return for a nominal rent, for non-Mason affiliated startups, companies are provided with a studio

office, state-of-the-art telecommunications and data services, a receptionist and concierge services,

kitchenette and a conference room and social area.

Lastly, resident startups have access to a talented Mason

student intern and potential graduate employee pool, free parking

for clients and guests. If a Mason affiliated startups applies

(faculty, staff, student, alumni) and is accepted by the VSGI Exec-

utive Advisory Board, all expenses are included free for 12

months.

Every year the VSGI invites applicants to reside in the

business incubator located on Masons’ Science and Technology

Campus in Innovation Park, Prince William, Virginia. Business

incubator applicants are considered on how well their business plan

or proposal encompasses the development of product software, hardware or IT services and financial feasibility.

Merit is given to businesses or initiatives with projects or concepts that add significant value in the realm of re-

search, development and innovation to industry. An Advisory Board of distinguished investors and industry experts

judge and select the qualifying candidates. Mr. Mohammad Siddique Sheikh, the PABA Founder is a member of the

VSGI Executive Advisory Board.

Current applications are being excepted through February 1, 2016, for residency starting July 1, 2016. Current business residents of the VSGI are: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP); Catililli Games; Little Arms Studios, Professions Quest LLC; Scriyb; Starlift Games; Stillwell Technology & Robotics; and Wyvern Interac-tive

Dr. Scott M. Martin is Founding Director Computer Game Design Program Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI), and is also an Associate Professor, CVPA Visiting Fellow, SGI/University of Coventry, UK.

PARTNERS

Universal Air & Vacuum

Services

FPCD Holds Meeting To Promote Understanding, Liaison With

Communities Chief Ed Roessler of Fairfax

County Police Department

organized a combined meet-

ing of the Chief’s Council on

Diversity Recruitment and

Chief’s Citizen’s Advisory

Council to discuss diversity

recruitment efforts and initia-

tives to increase communica-

tion between residents and

FCPD.

During nearly 2-hour sessions, Chief Roessler and other FCPD officials shared with

the participants efforts being by the department to ensure a congenial and peaceful environ-

ment in the county through citizens’ participation.

Chairman of the Chief’s Council on Diversity Recruitment, M. Siddique Sheikh,

lauded Chief Roessler who, after taking charge in July, 2013, has worked hard for promot-

ing harmony in the county and encouraging communities to join the police force. He as-

sured full support of the Council to the Police Chief in achieving the desired goals.

The main purpose of the Diversity Recruitment Council is to assist the police de-

partment to increase the cultural diversity of the sworn, civilian, and volunteer workforce to

better reflect the diversity of the communities.

Several community members have volunteered time and working with their respec-

tive communities to promote a better understanding of the FCPD by highlight efforts being

by the law-enforcement agency to ensure and promote peace in the county.

CAC encourages community leaders to get involved with the FCPD and provide a

valuable services to their respective communities. The forum also helped to keep citizens

informed about county issues and laws at the same time.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Steve Webster, Shakeel Tufail,

Ghufran Ahmed, Augustine Anthony, Khalid Noufal, Sajjad Qamar and Frank

Anderson for all their help and support to make 2015 a very successful year for

PABA. I am looking forward to working with them and all other friends to make

the next year even better.

I would also like to thank all members, especially Haroon Sheikh, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Haseeb

Javed, Raheel Sheikh, Kuldeep Singh, Robert Reilly, and partner companies — Amerigas, BB&T,

Berliner, Ashcraft, NTA, Secureninja, Universal Air & Vaccum Services, Green Pro Cleaners PLC ,

Murray Osorio and others, without whose support this success would not have been possible .

* Tech-City Project To Be Awarded By Jan. 7 Through Bidding The Tech-city project will be awarded to the successful bidder by January 7, an incubation

project for Information Technology start-ups. As many 16 domestic and international experts

have submitted their Expression of Interest for the Project. An information and communica-

tion technologies project, the Tech-city will support start-up and emerging technology com-

panies.

* Malaysian Telecom Company Plans to Invest $50million in Pakistan Edotco, a subsidiary of Axiata, a Malaysia-based regional telecom company, plans to invest $50 million in Pakistan in

the Tower Sharing Business and is also open to other opportunities in the wake of forthcoming spectrum auction for 3G

and 4G licenses. Mr. Raymond Tan, Group Head, told Pakistani officials in a Nov. 6 meeting. Pakistan, a country of

over 180 million people, has a lucrative telecom market which has grown exponentially in the past decade.

* Pakistan Warns Stern Action Against Import Of Haram Meat Meal Pakistan will serious action against imports of meat meals which contain undesirable (haram) ingredients such as Pig

fats. Being a Muslim country, Pakistan consider ingredients using Pig meat or fat as haram. Lately, some industries

have been extracting oil from the products containing haram ingredients, prompting the government to take strict action

against them. It has been brought to the knowledge of the government that some industries are importing haram ingre-

dients in the form of poultry feed and these ingredients are being used by mixing in soyabean oil to increase the value

of protein.

* Pakistan-US discuss establishing Knowledge Corridor A delegation of US Embassy met Pakistani officials on Nov. 6 to discuss modalities for setting up Pak-US Knowledge

Corridor. The two countries agreed on the initiative during the visit by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the United

States in October. The initiative envisages partnership between Pakistani and US universities to prepare 10,000 Ph.Ds.

in the next 10 years .

* Sri Lankan Businessmen Asked to Benefit for Pakistan’s GSP-Plus Pakistan, which has a Free Trade Agreement with Sri Lanka, has offered the Sri Lankan businessmen to benefit from

the GSP-Plus status granted to Pakistan by the European Union which allows certain exports from the country on pref-

erential or even zero duty. The matter came under discussion during a meeting between Sri Lankan Minister Ranil

Wickramasinghe and his Pakistani counterpart Khurrum Dastgir during a meeting in Colombo on Nov. 10. Pakistan

also offered to set up Special Economic Zones for Sri Lankan businessmen to set up export-oriented industries in

Pakistan .

*Pakistan Asks Japan For Level-Playing Field for Textile Products Pakistan has asked Japan to ensure a level-playing field for its textile products, which is facing a disadvantageous

position because of differential market access, as compared to regional competitors such as India, Bangladesh and

ASEAN countries. The matter came under discussion during the 5th meeting of Pakistan-Japan Business Joint Dialogue

held on Nov. 10 in Islamabad. Pakistan’s competitors are enjoying an edge over Pakistan because of bilateral or region-

al trading agreements, or having LDC status. The meeting was informed that Pakistan was paying 5.36 percent more

tariff on its exports that its competitors. Last year, Japan imported textile products worth $38 billion. Pakistan could

only export products worth $123 million, because of being expensive.

Pakistan Briefs

The Pakistan American Business Association, commonly known as PABA, was established in

1986 to bring together business people of diverse occupations, providing opportunities for

them to flourish and help others grow.

Through our board, active members and leadership in the United States of American and in

Pakistan, PABA has been able to achieve many successes at local, national and international level. PABA nurtures

business opportunities between Pakistan and the United States and enables its members to develop new businesses

and promotes dialogue between Pakistani and American government officials. we have don

PABA AT A GLANCE

Local, state, national and international conventions

Job fairs for aspiring business people

Relief efforts for Katrina Hurricane and 2010 Pakistan Flood victims

International Trade Conference in Pakistan in 2004

Raised Funds for Shaukat Khanum Hospital in 1995

And much more,,,,,,,,,

PABA To Host International Trade Show in Washington D.C. Soon

Pakistan American Business Association

9302 Old Keene Mill Road Suite B

Burke, VA 22015 - 4278 www.pabausa.org

What we have done

Editorial Team :

M. Siddique Sheikh

Shakeel Tufail

Augustine Anthony

Khalid Noufal