Category: Lifestyle

The lifestyle of millennials is underreported in our mainstream media. The Current’s lifestyle news covers social events and issues that are unique.

  • Senate orders restoration of student unions in Islamabad universities

    Senate orders restoration of student unions in Islamabad universities

    The Senate Standing Committee on Education has approved the Islamabad Capital Student Union Bill 2023.

    The Committee passed Capital Student Union Bill 2023 in ‘principle’ in a meeting held under the chair of Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Wednesday.

    The committee members were asked to submit suggestions in a week.

    Senator Behrmand Tangi stated that “problems” are created with the lack of student unions in educational institutions in the universities. He gave an example of the University of Peshawar which was closed for three months due to protests.

    “The purpose of this bill is to give rights to the students. This is not a political bill. With this bill, the problems of teaching in the university will be solved,” he said.

    Similarly, senator Jam Mehtab Dahar believes that unionisation can reduce student protests in universities.

    A representative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), however, suggested establishing councils instead of students’ unions.

  • Deadly virus kills 35 ibex in Kirthar

    Deadly virus kills 35 ibex in Kirthar

    Ibex goats are dying in large numbers in Kirthar National Park, authorities have confirmed.

    According to local sources, four more ibex were found dead on Sunday while nine infected animals were traced by wildlife officers.

    Local sources have also reported that dead ibex are being cremated and buried, while efforts are being made to clean the ibex’s watering holes.

    The water in which the dead ibex were found has been blocked by planting bushes around it. While the water has become very polluted after decomposing ibex were found in it, locals claim the water will clean naturally with rains.

    Ibex are apparently suffering from an epidemic called Peste des Petits Ruminants, or PPR.

    Locals explain that this ‘goat plague’ is a virus that spreads rapidly, usually infecting sheep and goats. It is thus feared that the disease has been spread to ibex from goats

    Currently, there are around 25 thousand ibex in Kirthar and so far, 35 have died.

    Deputy Conservator of the Department of Wildlife, Hyderabad, Wahid Shaikh told Geo News that samples of the dead ibex have been sent to the laboratory for analysis, adding that the Sindh Wildlife Department has sent more teams to the affected area.

  • ‘Take the money and run’; Danish artist submits blank canvasses to museum

    ‘Take the money and run’; Danish artist submits blank canvasses to museum

    A Danish artist owes around 500,000 kroner (Rs14,408,870) to Kunsten museum in Aalborg after submitting two blank canvasses as part of a project called “Take the Money and Run”.

    Conceptual artist Jens Haaning presses upon the issues of power and inequality through his work and one of his projects was commissioned by by the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, Denmark, in 2021 in which he had to recreate banknotes in two pieces.

    Haaning, instead, gave two blank canvasses.

    He said, “The work is that I have taken their money.”

    While the museum did put his work on display, Haaning refused to return the money which he owes. Resultsntly, the museum has taken legal action against the artist.

    A court has now ordered him to return the cash – but keep some for expenses.

    The court has deducted artist fee and mounting fee from the total sum and order Haaning to refund 492,549 kroner.

    BBC spoke with Museum director Lasse Andersson who said that he had laughed out loud when he first saw the two blank canvasses in 2021, and decided to show the works anyway.

    “He stirred up my curatorial staff and he also stirred me up a bit, but I also had a laugh because it was really humoristic,” the museum’s director, Lasse Andersson, told BBC’s Newsday programme in 2021.

    Haaning, on the contrary, said that he did not intend to pursue the case any further, “It has been good for my work, but it also puts me in an unmanageable situation where I don’t really know what to do.”

    While talking to TV2 Nord on Monday, Hanning said that the museum had made “much, much more” money than what was invested because of publicity.

  • Can democracy deliver? Pakistanis answer in new report

    Can democracy deliver? Pakistanis answer in new report

    Open Society Barometer conducted a survey on one question: Can Democracy Deliver?

    The survey is based on representative polling in 30 countries with a combined population of over 5.5 billion people, including Pakistan, to reflect on geographic, economic, and political diversity.

    The report surveyed 36,344 respondents aged 18 or older in each country

    According to the survey, 86 per cent of respondents have faith in democracy while only 20 per cent believe that authoritarian countries can deliver “what citizens want.”

    72 per cent believe that human rights have been a “force for good” in the world, and 71 per cent agree that “human rights reflect values that I believe in.”

    It is noteworthy that only 57 per cent of 18-35-year-olds prefer democracy to any other form of government, compared to 71 per cent of older respondents.

    Democracy and Pakistan
    The global average percentage of respondents who deem it important to live in a democratically governed country is 86 per cent while in Pakistan it is 79 per cent.

    Similarly, 56 per cent of Pakistanis preferred democracy over other form of governance in comparison to 62 per cent of the global average.

    The global average percentage of respondents who believe human rights have been a force for good in the world is 72 per cent while in Pakistan it is 81 per cent.

    Human Rights and Pakistan

    With the global average of 72 per cent respondents, 81 per cent Pakistanis believe human rights have been a force for good in the world.

    78 per cent of Pakistanis believe human rights reflect the values that they believe in in comparison to the global average of 71 per cent.

    The highest percentage of Pakistanis, i.e. 39 per cent, rank economic and social rights as the most important. This is followed by civil and political rights with 23 per cent, environmental rights with 16 per cent and digital rights with 12 per cent.

    Most importantly, 43 per cent of Pakistanis disagree with army rule as a “good way of running a country” in comparison to 33 per cent who agree.

    Likewise, 45 per cent of Pakistanis disagree with having a leader who “does not bother with parliaments or elections is a good way of running a country” while 33 per cent agree.

    Equity, justice and Pakistan

    73 per cent of Pakistanis fear that political unrest in their country could lead to violence next year in comparison to 58 per cent of the global average.

  • American entrepreneur paying $4 per hour criticised for exploiting Pakistanis

    American entrepreneur paying $4 per hour criticised for exploiting Pakistanis

    A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday is being criticised by users. The video, which features an X user named Christian, says that he remotely hires people from Pakistan to work for him.

    He has a marketing agency and he stated he pays his employees $4 an hour and “they’re extremely grateful to be working with me”.

    Christian explains that he hires a virtual assistant from Pakistan for administrative level tasks for his business like formatting spreadsheets, setting up email accounts and pays them 4 USD an hour.

    He justifies the meagre amount by expounding that an average monthly income in Pakistan is 280 USD, but as he is paying them four USD an hour, they are getting 160 USD a week or 640 USD a month, which is almost 3 times the average income, “a really great living for them”, he adds.

    “They live very very well.”

    He also added that if they perform well, the pay can be raised up to $7 an hour which is 4-6 times the average monthly income of a typical person in Pakistan.

    “They’re really grateful to be working with me because of the money they make. They have a great income, I get a great employee — it’s a win win.”

    He, however, concluded the video keeping in mind the expected criticism;

    “Before you leave a comment, yes i have US based employees. Yes, they make way more than $4 an hour. I’m just saying for this specific task, I pay a Pakistani assistant $4 an hour and they are very appreciative of it.”

    While some appreciated his work, many have criticised him for exploiting people from developing countries by paying them less than those from developed countries.

  • Suspect in KP MDCAT bluetooth scam has been identified

    Suspect in KP MDCAT bluetooth scam has been identified

    The suspected mastermind behind the MDCAT test cheating scam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been identified. The accused has been alleged to have helped candidates cheat through Bluetooth devices.

    Sources have told Jang that the accused turned out to be a former employee of the Public Service Commission and the Federal Public Service Commission, and was aware of the frailties of the testing system.

    Moreover, he had ordered Bluetooth devices from China and would entice medical test candidates to cheat.

    He would also send his operatives in the examination hall to leak the tests.

    The accused has earned hundreds of thousands of rupees in return for aiding candidates to pass the MDCAT.

  • ‘I’m not a gold digger’: 35-year-old Pakistani man defends marrying 70-year-old Canadian woman

    ‘I’m not a gold digger’: 35-year-old Pakistani man defends marrying 70-year-old Canadian woman

    A 35-year-old Pakistani man Naeem Shahzad has gone viral on the internet for his marriage to 70-year-old Mary from Canada, after meeting her on Facebook. Their union was met with scrutiny by social media users, who criticised Naeem for being a “gold-digger” and marrying the older woman for a Canadian passport. But in an interview with Urdu Point, the couple has clarified that they married for love. Naeem revealed the two met in 2012, and after 2015 the two began talking about getting married, and finally they tied the knot in 2017.

    Addressing comments that he’s a gold-digger, Naeem said he married Mary because after struggling with depression and other mental health issues, adding that he could open up to the woman who supported him in every way, after which he fell in love with her.

    “I’m not a gold digger. You are in my house you can see we have nothing luxurious here,” Naeem clarified. “We have necessary things like a sofa set for when guests arrive. We brought our beds from our own homes. Let people say what they want to say.”

    Naeem further explained he and Mary are not living a lavish lifestyle in Canada, where they survive on the pension the woman receives.

    “The most important persons for me right now are my wife, my mother and my brother,” Naeem said, further elaborating that he was prepared before marriage to listen to criticism that he’s a gold digger, but doesn’t care anymore.

    Naeem revealed his wife had come back to Pakistan after six years, and the couple plan on making their living through a Youtube channel ‘Beast Brother’s PK’. The couple will stay for six months in Pakistan and six months in Canada.

    Watch their complete interview below:

    This case of online romance leading to marriage follows the recent string of marriages between foreign women and Pakistani men. Recently, a woman from Sweden came to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to marry 23 year old Ahmed, whom she met on Facebook.

    Read more: Love online: Swedish woman flies to KP to marry Pakistani lover

  • Pakistani-born British neither studying nor working: Government report

    Pakistani-born British neither studying nor working: Government report

    British government statistics from 2017 to 2019 reveal that British youth of Pakistani origin are dropping out of education.

    The British government collects data during the annual population survey. According to the report, among the British youth, the majority of young Pakistani origin ones are not studying.

    The survey revealed that this young lot is not part of any training program, nor are they employed.

    According to British government statistics, 12 per cent of Bangladeshis, 11.7 per cent of white British and 11.5 per cent of black British youth are not employed, nor attaining any education or training.

  • Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    Introverts who grapple with anxiety often seek job opportunities that minimise social interaction and reduce stress. In today’s digital age, there’s a vast array of high-paying online careers available worldwide that cater to introverts’ inclinations.

    By thoughtfully examining job descriptions and selecting roles that align with personal needs, introverts can discover fulfilling and lucrative career options. 

    Here are 10 career options introverts dealing with anxiety or depression can consider:

    1. Copywriter 

    Description: If you possess creativity and a way with words, pursuing a career as a copywriter might be the ideal choice for you. 

    Responsibilities: Writing for blogs, creating eBooks, and crafting marketing materials. 

    Skills required: Strong written language skills and knowledge of basic digital marketing. 

    Average salary: $36 (PKR 10,670) per hour 

    2. Web developer 

    Description: Web developers design and construct websites, making them a perfect fit for introverts who prefer working independently. 

    Skills required: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. 

    Average salary: $70,000 (PKR 20.74 million) per year 

    3. Data scientist 

    Description: Data scientists analyze large data sets, providing valuable insights and actionable plans for organisations. 

    Skills required: Strong mathematical, analytical, and organisational skills. 

    Average salary: $50,000 (PKR 14.82 million)-$70,000 (PKR 20.74 million) per year 

    4. Transcriptionist 

    Description: Transcriptionists listen to audio and convert it into text, offering flexibility and good earning potential. 

    Skills required: Proficiency in written and spoken English and fast typing. 

    Average salary: $18 (PKR 5,335) per hour 

    5. Photographer 

    Description: The demand for stock photos provides introverted photographers with opportunities to work with minimal interaction. 

    Skills required: Photography and photo editing. 

    Average salary: $15 (PKR 4,446)-$40 (PKR 11,856) per hour 

    6. Bookkeeping 

    Description: Detail-oriented introverts can excel as bookkeepers, managing financial records for individuals or businesses. 

    Skills required: Strong math skills and proficiency in spreadsheets. 

    Average salary: $40,000 (PKR 11.8 million) per year 

    7. Virtual assistant 

    Description: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to individuals or businesses, often on a flexible schedule. 

    Skills required: Time management, IT skills, and effective communication. 

    Average salary: $20 (PKR 5,928) per hour 

    8. Graphic designer 

    Description: Introverts with design skills can create visually appealing graphics for various purposes. 

    Skills required: Graphic design expertise and knowledge of Adobe Photoshop/InDesign or similar tools. 

    Average salary: $20 (PKR 5,928) per hour 

    9. Dropshipping 

    Description: Dropshipping allows introverts to select and market products while others handle fulfillment. 

    Skills required: Organization and trend-spotting abilities. 

    Average salary: $45,000 (PKR 13.3 million) per year 

    10. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) specialist 

    Description: SEO specialists optimize websites for search engine visibility, offering a flexible and fulfilling career. 

    Skills required: Knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, and basic HTML/CSS (for technical SEO). 

    Average salary: $55,000 (PKR 16.3 million) per year 

    Introverts dealing with anxiety can discover rewarding and well-paying online careers tailored to their preferences for minimal social interaction. By methodically assessing their skills and interests, introverts can embark on a successful and fulfilling career path in the digital landscape. 

    How to choose?

    Introverts can find and get online jobs through a variety of channels, including: 

    • Job boards: General job boards like Indeed and Monster often have a wide range of online jobs listed, including many that are well-suited for introverts. There are also specialized job boards that focus on remote work and freelance jobs, such as FlexJobs and Remote.co. 
    • Freelance marketplaces: Freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr allow freelancers to create profiles and bid on projects from clients all over the world. This is a great way for introverts to find online jobs that match their skills and interests, and to set their own hours and work independently. 
    • Company websites: Many companies now have dedicated career pages on their websites where they list their open positions. Some companies even have specific sections for remote jobs. 
    • Social media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also be a good place to find online jobs. Many companies use social media to announce job openings and recruit new employees. You can also follow relevant hashtags and keywords to stay up-to-date on the latest job postings. 
    • Networking: Networking is another great way to find online jobs. Talk to your friends, family, and former colleagues to see if they know of any online job openings. You can also attend virtual networking events and join online communities for professionals in your field. 

    Once you’ve found some online jobs that you’re interested in, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job. Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the position, and explain why you’re a good fit for the company. 

    Here are some additional tips for introverts who are looking for online jobs: 

    • Focus on your strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of your skills and interests, and then use that list to identify online jobs that would be a good fit for you. 
    • Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. When you’re applying for online jobs, it’s important to market yourself and your skills effectively. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments and explain how you can add value to the company. 
    • Be patient. It may take some time to find the right online job for you. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the first job you apply for. Keep applying and networking, and eventually you’ll find the perfect job for you. 

    Remember, there are many online jobs that are well-suited for introverts. By focusing on your strengths and marketing yourself effectively, you can find an online job that allows you to work independently and succeed in your career. 

  • Jalila Haider wins Justitia Award in Vienna

    Jalila Haider wins Justitia Award in Vienna

    Advocate Jalila Haider has won the distinguished Justitia Award in Vienna on Friday, September 15.

    The Justitia Awards are presented to women in law in one of three categories: international leaders / lifetime awards; academia; game changers / pioneers / young achievers.

    Jalila Haider is a human rights attorney and a political activist from Quetta and the first female attorney of the local Hazara community.

    She is the founder of We the Humans – Pakistan which works towards the empowerment of local communities in Balochistan by creating opportunities for women and children.

    The advocate also heads the Balochistan chapter of the Lahore based organisation Women In Law ‘Women In Law Initiative Pakistan’. It works for equality of opportunity and connectivity of female lawyers in Pakistan.

    Among many other achievements, Haider was selected as one of ‘News Women Power 50’ list of Pakistan’s most influential and powerful women in 2015.

    In 2014, she was selected as an Atlantic Council Emerging Leaders of Pakistan Fellow.

    She is not the only Pakistani lawyer to have won this prestigious award.

    In 2021, Nida Usman Chaudhary won the Justitia Award, becoming the first Pakistani woman to be granted the honour.