Khuda Hafiz, Pakistan
24 September, 2008
By Ole Johan Furset
The temperature is already remarkably lower. Lower than the temperature on Monday April 1st when I arrived. I spent the summer of ’08 in Pakistan, and by the time this is published I will be on my way back to Norway. The main reason I chose to go to Pakistan was that this was probably the country in Telenor’s portfolio which is most different from my own country, in most respects. Also it’s a country that today stands in the centre of world attention and seeing this country and culture from inside has taught me much, even about Norway.
Six months I will never forget
I have taken part in a very interesting project, I have met very friendly and skilled colleagues, I have met people with whom I have felt very welcome, I have become accustomed to the Pakistani food, and I have seen many different places and exciting places far outside the typical tourist track of a Norwegian. But I have also heard three bombs which have killed people, the most recent one last Saturday.
All in all my positive experiences have by far outweighed the negatives, and to the degree I have had any bad experiences, I still wouldn’t be without as I have been able to learn tremendously from these. I’ll wind up my stay in Pakistan, saying that I have had six months that I will never forget, six months which has given me loads of learning about telecom, people, and the Pakistani culture.
Next trainee programme starting in autumn 2009
Even though Telenor’s trainee programme is open for applicants from all over the world, we do not have any Pakistanis among us current trainees. If there is one thing that can be improved in the trainee batch, then it is having Pakistani trainees in, and I hope and believe I will see Pakistani trainees in the autumn of 2009!
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September 25th, 2008 at 4:09 am
Thanks Ole,
For your remarkable comments about Pakistan and its culture, I hope when you will be in your country then you will clear the bad image which current situation has created. And I hope you will again visit Pakistan and we will always welcome you over here with lot of love and Pakistani Food. :).
September 26th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Hiya I’ve been following your blog recently. I am finishing my BSc here in the UK in Computing. I really want to join this trainee scheme. I am British born and have lived here all my life but at the same time a Pakistani.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:58 am
i really enjoy ur comments and also appreciate.i also want 2 join the trainee programme of telenor.i’ll try my level best 4 it.
October 27th, 2008 at 10:39 am
For your remarkable comments about Pakistan and its culture, I hope when you will be in your country then you will clear the bad image which current situation has created. And I hope you will again visit Pakistan and we will always welcome you over here with lot of love and Pakistani Food. :).
October 28th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Dear Mr Furset
Thank you for your unbiased and realistic comments on Pakistani Culture. I am a pushtoon from North Western Frontier Province of Pakistan. Indeed I love my culture as much as any Patriotic Pakistani would do. I hope and pray that this situation of law and order soon improves and the world will see a very different Pakistan soon. Since you have visited Pakistan, you must have seen its land scape. Pakistan has a great natural diversity ranging from ice frozen himalyas to Sizzling hot Thar desert. Finally seeing the contribution of Telenor Pakistan, I will love to join the new trainee Programme.
Best Regards
Imran Hassan
October 31st, 2008 at 11:35 am
Dear Ole,
I am happy to hear that you have learnt a lot in Pakistan and you are taking cutural and professional experience gained in Pakistan to Norway.
Pakistan is a vibrant country and will stand on its feet again INSHALAH very soon. We will be able to get rid of these terrorist activities in Pakistan and will be able to attract international attention towards one of the most emerging nation in terms of economic growth in world.
I would like to wish you best of luck for your future endeavours.
Best regards,
Ahsan Sarwar
November 7th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
That is really nice to see your feelings for Pakistan and its culture. A very nice old lady once told me that no experience is all good or bad, perhaps you know what she meant. Well it fascinates me to know you enjoyed your project bcoz that may just make you quite helpful to me. I am a student of Electronic engineering. I am aiming for a career in Telecom sector but I am confused about my final year project selection. I don’t know what does Telecom organizations want to see in a candidate’s final year project or which particular technology to focus in my FYP? Would you advise me like a nice old man
November 10th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Dear Ole;
Thanks for speaking truth about pakistan!!!!!western media showing the bad image of pakistan all over the world without observing its cultrue,tradition n circumstances.but ur views bout pakistan look a beam of light in the dark night!!!!!
i m student of Masters in Telecommunication in pakistan n i ‘ll join Telenor trainee program in 2009…..
Best Regards
Zia ur rehman zia
November 15th, 2008 at 6:22 am
For your remarkable comments about Pakistan and its culture, I hope when you will be in your country then you will clear the bad image which current situation has created. And I hope you will again visit Pakistan and we will always welcome you over here with lot of love and Pakistani Food. :).