The first ever "Pakistan Web Awards" ceremony, organised by "The Xeptionaiz" was held in Karachi at a local hotel. The initiative was supported by IT Deportment, Government of Sindh, Pakistan Software Export Board and City District Government Karachi. Sindh IT Minister, Mohammad Raza Haroon was the chief guest on the occasion.
Diamond Award (first position), for the best web-site in Pakistan, went to www.satmaptrg.com nominated under category "IT/ITeS". Platinum Award (second position) was secured by www.tribune.com.pk in the category of 'Press & Media", while for the Gold Award (third position), tie-up occurred as two web-sites www.ufone.com & www.jazzjazbo.com won the award. Both were nominated under the category "Cellular /Telecom Companies". Special Award was also announced for www.pakistan.pk, the National Rabta Informational Penal of Pakistan developed by Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA). There were more than 130 web-sites nominated in 35 categories. Each category winner was given "Silver Award".
The jury panel was consisted of Arshad Khalil, CEO KTF Education Arena Multimedia, Talib Syed Karm Rector and Executive Director at Management Excellence Center, Institute of Business Management, Sohoil Aziz, Council Member at Marketing Association of Pakistan and Representative of Messe Berlin in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Barrister Zahid Jamil, IT Low Expert, National Response Centres for Cyber Crimes, Pakistan and Mr. Atiq Ur Rahman, Read of Marketing, RAKCODS & Business Development Advisor at Riphah International University, UAE.
Appreciating the initiative, Raza Haroon stressed the need to enhance standard of corporate web-sites. He commended the efforts behind gathering this talent on a single platform and suggested that the awards may be made an annual happening in order to keep the web-sites ready to compete globally. On the occasion, the new revamped look of Sindh Government Web Portal and Sindh IT Department web-sites were also demonstrated.-PR