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.

  • A Twitter user asked 26 y/o’s about the advice they would give to those in early twenties, and people had the best responses

    A Twitter user asked 26 y/o’s about the advice they would give to those in early twenties, and people had the best responses

    What advice would you give to someone in their early twenties? This was the question posed by twitter user @1ov1bri when she asked her followers about all the things they had learned too late- whether it was about life, career or love. And Twitter users had some amazing replies.

    A user said that the best lesson to learn is on how to be alone so that later in life you don’t invite people in who don’t deserve it.

    Another user said it’s never shameful to feel like you’re behind in life, because everyone works on their own progress.

    On careers, some users said it is better to question misbehavior at the workplace rather than stay silent and endure it.

    Another woman said its better to be absolutely certain about following a hard career like medicine.

    https://twitter.com/aishahbg/status/1691867199214866927?s=20
  • Police chief suspects the Jaranwala incident is foreign conspiracy

    Police chief suspects the Jaranwala incident is foreign conspiracy

    Editor’s note: While the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has made claims that this incident is a conspiracy, it has not come as shock to a lot of Pakistanis since similar incidents have happened in the past.

    Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar suspects potential foreign involvement in the recent violent riots in Jaranwala, where a communally stoked mob wreaked havoc by torching five churches.

    In an exclusive interview with SAMAA TV, IGP Anwar stated that the timing and calculated actions of the main suspects in the incident have raised suspicions of a well-coordinated plan.
    “While it is too early to conclusively establish external involvement, the Joint Investigation Team is set to delve into this angle”, he added.

    IGP Anwar believes that the perpetrators wanted to turn away the focus from the plight of women who are facing heinous acts in a neighboring country.

    “The sheer size of the unruly crowd, estimated to be around five to six thousand people, posed a significant challenge for law enforcement. The risk of loss of life, if the authorities had engaged in a direct confrontation, was a major factor in their approach,” said IGP.

    “We understand the frustration and concerns regarding our response,” IGP Anwar acknowledged, “but it was crucial to ensure the safety of innocent lives amidst the chaos.”

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, while addressing the participants of the annual internship program at General Headquarters said that Jaranwala incident is sad and unbearable.
    The COAS said that such elements have no place in our society.

    The COAS also said there is no scope for such Jaranwala incidents of intolerance and extreme behavior against minorities.

    “All citizens are equal to each other regardless of religion, gender, caste or creed,” the Army’s top general said.

    The COAS warned that no one will be allowed to take the law into their hands and people guilty of such crimes will be brought to justice.

    Key suspects arrested

    Over 130 individuals involved in the torching of the churches have already been apprehended, with the primary suspects also under custody, said Mr Usman.

    The identification of more than 170 individuals has been facilitated through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), aiding the ongoing investigation.

    The Incident

    Disturbing reports have been received from Jaranwala, Faisalabad, where multiple churches have been burnt amid allegations of blasphemy against a Christian community member. As per locals, the Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroonwala Church situated in the Isa Nagri area have been burnt so far. Christian colonies all around the city have been evacuated and there is a complete shutter down in the city.

    As per the videos and pictures circulating on social media, a police officer can be seen addressing the mob, trying to calm them while the crowd is demanding the death of the accused.

    In another video a man can be seen in a masjid, announcing that Christians have committed blasphemy and is urging others to gather outside the mosque to protest within the boundaries of law.

    In a separate video, a group of young boys and men can be seen chanting violent slogans.

    In a recent update, the Jaranwala police on has registered terror cases against more than 600 people for “vandalising multiple churches and torching homes belonging to the Christian community.” 

    As per reports, Lahore-Multan motorway was blocked by the protestors near Jaranwala. X (formerly Twitter) user Khurram Mushtaq tweeted:

    “Lahore-Multan motorway road is blocked near Jaranwala by people of adjacent villages to protest against alleged blasphemy by a Christian. I fear they will convert into a fierce/violent mob soon. Administration should engage them as early as possible.”

    https://twitter.com/KhurramMushtaq/status/1691728619263955234

    According to Journalist Asad Toor, police have registered a Blasphemy case against some Christian community members.

    A resident of Jaranwala, while talking to The Current, said that the entire Christian community is terrified. He said that the this is not a sudden incident. One of his house helpers, who belongs to the Christian community, arrived at their house around 6 o’clock in the morning and told his mother that the city may witness unrest. She further said the accused brothers were residents of the same colony and the matter seems to be a case of personal grudge.

    Another source told The Current that a girl was being teased by some members of the Muslim community and when they were scolded, the aftermath spiralled out of control, leading to blasphemy allegations which led to violent protests all around the city.

    The district administration has imposed section 144 for seven days, prohibiting all kinds of assembly, except for events organized by the government. Following the orders issued by the caretaker prime minister, the Punjab government has given directives to form a high-level inquiry committee to probe into the incident.

    “This was a well thought out plan to disrupt peace and a high-level investigation is underway regarding the desecration of the Holy Quran and incidents that take place afterward,” a spokesperson for the provincial government said in a statement.

    Meanwhile, last night Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar also reached Jaranwala to monitor the situation. The officers also held a meeting with the Aman Committee members and other locally influential religious and political parties’ leaders to engage the protesters.

    Meanwhile, Punjab government has removed Jaranwala AC Shaukat Masih from his post and made him an officer on special duty (OSD). Sources said the AC, who is also a Christian, was made OSD to pacify the violent protesters who were pressing the government to immediately transfer the officer.

    Interim Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, took to X (former Twitter) and condemned the incident and said, “I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities.”

    Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party and former Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged the administration to ensure safety of the Christian community and their churches.

    Senator Sarfraz Bugti tweeted, “Punjab Govermnet should enforce its full might to protect the Christian churches and homes.”

    Former Interior Minister of Pakistan and President of PMLN Punjab, Rana Sanaullah said, “The culprits must be brought to justice at the earliest, and the law should take its due course.”

    Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, tweeted that the situation is troublesome and police is trying to resolve the situation.

    Bishop Azad Marshall, President Bishop Church of Pakistan & Educator, said, “We, Bishops, Priests and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident in the Faisalabad District in Pakistan.”

    The situation is changing by the hour in the city and netizens have taken to social media to raise their concerns.

    President Pakistan Muslim League Kasur, Rana Sikandar Hayat, urged authorities to take immediate action.

    Politician and Activist, Ammar Ali Jan, stated that the police is helpless in front of bigots.

  • ‘Judge’s wife tortured me daily’: Rizwana speaks up

    ‘Judge’s wife tortured me daily’: Rizwana speaks up

    Rizwana, the 14-year-old domestic helper whose case of being subjected to severe mistreatment at the hands of a civil judge’s wife in Islamabad, has given her statement to the Islamabad police on Friday. Her case came to light on July 25 when Rizwana was transferred to a Lahore hospital due to grave injuries.

    An earlier report indicated that the civil judge himself also mistreated the teenager, according to Rizwana’s grandmother.

    In her official statement to the police, Rizwana detailed how the judge’s wife, Somia, used to beat her with sticks, iron rods and other objects. The minor revealed, “She used to kick and slap me in fits of anger,” adding that she would also grasp Rizwana’s hair and forcefully strike her head against the wall.

    Rizwana further detailed that whenever the judge’s family left the house, she was forced to stay in a room for days without access to food or water. “I was not allowed to meet my parents. The judge’s wife stood next to me whenever I talked to my parents on the phone.”

    The young girl also disclosed that Somia frequently threatened her, warning her not to inform her parents about the beatings. “They did not even bandage my wounds,” Rizwana stated.

    According to the police, the civil judge hasn’t appeared before joint investigation team yet. It’s noteworthy that the civil judge was removed from his position and assigned the role of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) by the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Muhammad Ameer Bhatti.

    READ MORE : Next 24 hours critical for tortured 13-year-old, attempted murder case registered against judge, wife

  • PDMA warns of medium to high-level flood in Sutlej

    PDMA warns of medium to high-level flood in Sutlej

    The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that River Sutlej’s water level has surged, resulting in minor flooding at Ganda Singh Wala. The current water discharge at the Ganda Singh Point is 73,000 cusecs, according to the PDMA website.

    Authorities from the PDMA have issued a statement stating that water levels at Ganda Singh Wala might increase to the level of moderate to high floods. The spokesperson further added that India might release more water into the river by August 20.
    PDMA shared that Indian authorities released 141,000 cusec water from Pong Dam and 83,703 cusec from Bhakra Dam in the Sutlej. Expectedly 125,000 cusec waters would enter Pakistani territory from Hari-ke-Pattan and a high-level flood is predicted at Ganda Singh.

    The PDMA has issued instructions to the deputy commissioners of Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari to prepare in case an emergency arises.

    India released a significant amount of water in July and early August which destroyed thousands of acres of crops. The water level in the Sutlej River has been fluctuating at a low-level flood since last month resulting in the destruction of houses and forcing the villagers living near the border area to evacuate.

  • 1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    Bringing attention to a little-known emergency lifeline, popular TikToker Jannat Mirza and her father, a police officer, have teamed up to spread awareness about the significance of dialling 1124 during accidents—an alternative to the widely recognised 1122 emergency number.

    Jannat Mirza, celebrated for her engaging content and impactful messages on social media, is stepping up her influence to highlight the importance of the 1124 emergency helpline. In a recent video, she shared her personal experiment evaluating the responsiveness of the 1124 service.

    “I put the 1124 helpline to the test,” Jannat Mirza revealed to her followers. “I was genuinely surprised by the quick response I received.” She recounted a simulation where she mimicked an accident scenario and dialled 1124. Almost instantly, a responsive team was dispatched and promptly arrived at the specified location.

    Emphasising the critical role of the 1124 helpline, Jannat Mirza’s father, an experienced police officer, stated, “While many are familiar with 1122, being aware of 1124 is equally crucial. The goal is to offer timely assistance, and this helpline allows us to do precisely that.”

    The collaborative video by Jannat Mirza and her father aims to bridge the information gap surrounding emergency services.

    Given that accidents can occur unexpectedly, knowing the appropriate channels to seek help is imperative. Jannat Mirza’s firsthand encounter and her father’s professional insights collectively underscore the efficiency of the 1124 emergency helpline. By sharing their experience, they aspire to motivate individuals across Pakistan to familiarise themselves with this vital service, potentially safeguarding lives.

    About 1124 service

    In 2007, a centralised 24/7 call centre helpline, 1124, was established to receive calls from citizens all across Punjab. These incoming calls trigger a rapid response mechanism from Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) posts, and, in areas without PHP presence, Punjab Police is dispatched to assist the individual in need. This comprehensive service encompasses immediate assistance in cases of vehicle breakdowns, other emergencies, crimes against oneself or reported by a third party, traffic regulation and management concerns, accident response, and facilitating rescue and evacuation to nearby medical facilities.

    Moreover, this helpline serves as a vital platform for registering inputs in various domains and subsequently relaying the data to relevant authorities. One notable application is reporting fire hazards within residential areas. The call centre incorporates advanced features, including call recording, routing, interactive voice response (IVR), and other cutting-edge functionalities, to efficiently manage calls from citizens throughout Punjab. Importantly, this helpline can be dialled without the need for an area code, streamlining access to timely assistance.

  • Another case of domestic staff torture surfaces in Islamabad

    Another case of domestic staff torture surfaces in Islamabad

    Islamabad police have arrested a woman after yet another case of torture on a minor working as domestic help in a house.

    Andaleeb Fatima, 13 was named as the victim in the FIR, filed by her mother, Khalida Bibi, a resident of Chiniot in Punjab. Andaleeb had been working for the accused woman since July of this year and according to her mother, she was unable to talk to her daughter since was not allowed to do so by her employer.

    It was only when Khalida Bibi visited Fatima after several unanswered calls that she found out about the torture inflicted upon her daughter. She found bruises on different parts of her daughter’s body. Fatima told her mother that her employer routinely beat her and tormented her with a hot spoon. She also locked her up and did not feed her food.

    On Khalida’s arrival, the employer locked mother and daughter in a room so that they are unable to speak against her. However, later, she released them from confinement and sent them off without Andaleeb’s salary.

    Andaleeb has been admitted in a hospital for medical examination while investigation into the case has been initiated. The registered case is based on the charges of 328-A (cruelty to a child), 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).According to Dawn.com, the accused was presented before a magistrate’s court and was later sent to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on judicial remand.

  • CNN has exacerbated my ‘pain and suffering’, says Saima Mohsin

    British-Pakistani journalist Saima Mohsin, has won the right to take her former employee, CNN, to a full tribunal at the London Central Employment Tribunal. As per her claims, she was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against following an injury she sustained on an assignment in Israel.

    Previously, CNN claimed that Mohsin cannot bring the matter into a court in London under her contract but following a preliminary hearing last month, Judge Klimov ruled in Mohsin’s favour, allowing her to proceed with her case to sue CNN for negligence.

    Saima Mohsin currently works with Sky News on a freelance basis and has a programme on ITV about living with invisible disabilities.

    In 2014, Mohsin was reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict from Jerusalem when her cameraman ran over her foot. This damaged her tissue, resulting in chronic pain, forcing her to walk with a stick and reducing her to work part-time only. Mohsin suffered from depression as a consequence. In 2017, CNN terminated her contract. As per a Guardian report, Saima had requested CNN if she could switch to a presenting role in order to reduce the amount of time spent travelling but she was told “You don’t have the look we are looking for”.

    Later, according to Deadline.com, Mohsin “repeatedly indicated her willingness to settle outside of legal proceedings, but CNN has so far declined to do so”. She also said that the news network has exacerbated her “pain and suffering” by continuing with the legal action.

    In her statement, Saima Mohsin said, “I have constantly offered reinstatement or mediation and negotiations. I didn’t ask for this battle while learning to deal with an invisible disability and rebuild my life. But it was important I take a stand.”

  • Zulfikar Jr forms Sindh’s first locally initiated wildlife foundation

    Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr., grandson of former Pakistani President and Prime Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, has taken a step forward with advocacy for wildlife and climate justice. In his latest Instagram post, he has announced the launch of Bulhan Foundation.

    Bulhan Foundation aims to “foster a culture of care and compassion for all living beings”. Further details have been given on the foundation’s official Instagram page where they highlight their vision. Their goal is to “operationalize and implement pro-nature and pro-people laws”. Under this ambit, they look forward to the preservation of wildlife as well as indigenous visual cultures.

    Acknowledging that Pakistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, the foundation also intends to be one of the “first responders providing on-the-ground relief” to humans and animals during natural calamities like floods, drought, possible economic-induced famine etc.

    With a solutions-oriented approach, Bulhan Foundation will be Sindh’s first locally initiated wildlife foundation. Bhutto’s sister, author Fatima Bhutto and friend, Menaal Munshey, are the co-founders.

    The mascot for the foundation is the Indus River Dolphin, known locally as Bulhan.

    Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has been working for wildlife protection for a long time now, especially when it comes to dolphins. Earlier this year, at his art exhibition at Como Museum Lahore, he dedicated an entire section to the blind dolphins of river Indus.

  • CIE students continue to demand justice

    On August 10, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) announced the results for this year’s May/June A Level examinations, leading to a loud uproar from students who believed that the marking was unjustified. Students have said that their devastation stems from the fact that only a few students have achieved A or B grades while many only managed to get Cs, Ds, Es, and Us.

    This year, Cambridge examinations were disrupted in Pakistan following the May 9 and 12 riot, leading to a shut down across many areas and cities. The riots also resulted in the cancellation of three whole days of examinations.

    While students believe that the CIE grading criteria has been unfair and that the papers should be taken again, Cambridge International on August 13, published an official statement to address the controversy.

    Responding to students, the CIE stated that this year’s marking has returned to the pre-pandemic 2019 standard. This means achieving, for example, an A grade, would mean getting an A grade in 2023. “Students all around the world have seen this return to the 2019 standard,” the statement said.

    The grading has been done on the basis of the components given. CIE has acknowledged the disappointment of students in Pakistan but it has also offered reassurances of its fairness and reliability of grading for the missed exams.

    The anger, however, has refused to cool down. On Tuesday, several students went out on the streets of Lahore and Karachi to protest against the “unfairness”.

    The students demanded retakes so they could improve their grades.

    Institute of Business Administration (IBA) has taken into consideration that many students have not been able to achieve the grade they could have otherwise. According to IBA’s Registrar Dr Asad Ilyas, the number of students who cannot meet their usual admission standards is more than double this time. Henceforth, the university will also reconsider their admission requirements for this year to be fair to the students.

    Nonetheless, A Level students apply to universities across Pakistan and around the globe, and with the grade they have been granted this year, their chances of getting into prestigious universities have lowered.

  • Turkish journalist jailed fifth time

    Turkish journalist jailed fifth time

    Turkish investigative journalist Baris Pehlivan, who was ordered to return to prison by text message this month, was jailed on Tuesday for the fifth time in three years.

    The justice ministry informed him on August 2 via an SMS message that he had to surrender himself by August 15 to the prison in Silivi on the outskirts of Istanbul, where many of the government critics are held.

    Pehlivan’s latest book, “SS”, accuses former interior minister Suleyman Soylu of having links to organised crime.
    “Baris might be released on parole,” his lawyer Huseyin Ersoz told AFP. “A decision could be made at any time,” he said.
    A former editor in chief at Oda TV and contributor to daily newspaper Cumhuriyet, Pehlivan has already been imprisoned four times.
    Two of those incidents involved him spending a day behind bars — once in February and once in May.

    Pehlivan and six other journalists were sentenced to three years and nine months in prison in 2020 for reporting the funeral of a member of Turkey’s MIT secret services who was operating in Libya, where Ankara supports the UN-recognised Tripoli government.
    While his death has never been denied by the Turkish authorities, the reporters were charged with revealing “state secrets”.
    Pehlivan was recalled this time to serve eight months of the 2020 sentence for violating the country’s national intelligence laws.

    “People go to jail (in Turkey) just for writing the truth, just for doing journalism,” Pehlivan said before being sent to prison.
    “Mine is a drop in this ocean, in this big fight,” he said.

    Press freedom advocates last week condemned the “judicial harassment” of the journalist and urged the Turkish government to respect media freedom.
    Erol Onderoglu of Reporters Without Borders said Pehlivan was the 13th journalist to be jailed this year.
    “Arresting a reporter is an anachronistic attack on public opinion,” he commented on Twitter, recently rebranded as X.

    Turkey is ranked 165th out of 180 countries in the RSF’s latest press freedom index.