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IT classes for Pak expats further delayed

DUBAI - An unresolved dispute over a locked hall between the Pakistan Association and the non-existent Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has led to further delay in the start of IT classes for Pakistani expats that were scheduled to start two months ago at the Pakistan Association premises.

"At present, we plan to start off by January 10 - despite the space issue - with 20 computers in a room fit enough to be a store," said Mr Samana, adding that 50 of the 150 donated computers could be used any time, provided there was enough space for installation.

In November 2003, the Pakistan Association's Technology Centre (PATC) was launched in collaboration with the Pakistan IT Professionals Forum for the benefit of Pakistani expats, but it could not take off because of a locked hall at the Pakistan Centre.

"We were supposed to start these classes in November with 150 computers donated for this purpose by the IT Forum, but due to space constraint at the Pakistan Association Sports and Recreation Centre, we have been unable do so," said Shafi Samana, President, Pakistan Association.

According to Mr Samana, some members of the former PBC locked the main hall located at the premises of the association as the council was using it earlier.

"We are still trying to negotiate with the Pakistan Consulate to hand over the keys so that the project can be started, but to no avail," he informed.

On the other hand, the consulate is awaiting a decision on the issue by Ambassador Air Marshal Syed Qaiser Hussain.

The response from the public is huge, while instructors from the Pak IT Forum are also willing to start off immediately. "We wish the issue was resolved as soon as possible because we are doing it for a noble cause," he added.

The association aims at providing a fully equipped IT centre for all those Pakistani expats willing to hone their IT skills. "Women, children, businessmen and students are all welcome at the centre," said Mr Samana.

"PATC is a computer lab resource which will be used to conduct knowledge transfer events within the Pakistani community, specifically focusing on the IT skill sets of women and children of the Pakistani community," he added.

Those wishing to receive training at the centre can register online through the forum's website www.vpakistani.com.