Is it true that in Pakistan a strong reference has more value than a person's degree itself???

Well, I would like to put it this way. Its not about Pakistan or any other place. Everything around you, for you...depends on you. Yes I am not going to strengthen your believe on references. Determination can bring you anything you like in the world...and about references...you will get so many of em on your way to your destiny. Just say no to any concept which makes you depend on anything except yourself and the Almighty.
Best of luck!

As they say: It is all about "connections" - GOOD ones. Do I agree? - Partly!


P.S. References are one thing, 'safarish' is another. :)

Well I must say (might sound harsh), this is purely a 'BULLSHIT'.... when you are saying strong reference, definitely u mean safarish... yeah it happens and happens alot in Pakistan specially in Govt. sector, buh the thing is on the other hand there are many many good organizations which have completely merit base criteria to get in... nd Alhamdulillah m proud to be a part of one...!!
In multi nationals mostly reference does not means safarish, reference is just reference that this very person is an acquaintance of mine or u just refer particular candidate when u think he is capable of doing that particular job...thats it, referal person's job ends here... rest all upto the Candidate and his personal knowledge and skills... nd beleive me if u have those 'U are In'... !!

There two sorta references:
-You just use the a common way to reach/ get some where/thing
-You "pay" to reach/get some where/thing

The first thing we often do and it does not harm anyone, its like, Someone tells you that there is a job vacancy he knows and you are searching for the same thing, so you go and try your luck there.
The second kind, Well yea we do see that very often too and only the non capable person wud go with it.
It happens everywhere, Han shayed Pakistan me zayda hay but your talking about finding the job part only, it commonly happens at university level too, See references u may lose but the degree never go in waste, I know some people who didn't use any sorta references and they are doing well there.

Well it depends on the company where one is going to apply. I prefer that don't try to walk holding the hand of another person. In Pakistan, reference do have importance but you should use your ability first and if you think that you are better, then don't miss your chance and go for reference.

Yes references are very important,not only in Pakistan but anywhere in this world. But it is not as important as degree. Degree is more worthy than reference or even sources because in the long run, its only your learning that helps you to stay at your position.

i did have references.. i vowed not to use them.. i eventually got a job, because they needed a trustworthy intelligent and hardworking guy. and based on my previous internship, i got it. but i never signed that contract. coz i knew for promotions and stuff, alot more had to be done. i wont generalize it to everybody. but thats THE main reason why i am sitting outside those borders hoping to return the day i get hired in pak because my skill set is so unique that they would have to reject all the reference guys. my first job was because of a similar situation... but i guess i wanted this to happen on a higher level.

It depends where you are applying the scenario ... if its something related to govenrment then obviously yes ... but if is something related to hard core educational problem then the porblem can be solved by a person with a degree ...!