But we do know that the three metros rank poorly in everything except the average salary ranking, where they place first, second and third, respectively.

FORBES: Most Overpriced Places In The U.S. 2006

Since the Sharifs came to power last year, Shahbaz points out, Pakistan's ranking in the leading survey of international corruption has dropped from second place to 15th.

ECONOMIST: The crumbling of Pakistan

Both it and Apple face tough competition from local Chinese handset makers, like ZTE, Coolpad and Lenovo, one reason why Apple smartphone market share ranking in China fell to 6th place in the third quarter of 2012, from 4th place in the second quarter, according to market research firm IDC.

FORBES: Nokia's One-Up?On Apple In China