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.

  • Five standout events of the year 2023 in the world

    Five standout events of the year 2023 in the world

    Diplomats like Maliha Lodhi had predicted that 2023 was going to be a “world of uncertainty” and that proved somewhat true. The world witnessed a hotchpotch of events where at one end a positive step was taken to restore peace in the Middle East when China brokered a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia but Israel’s war on Gaza made everything fall apart.

    Apart from the man-made conflicts, nature also lashed out with climate change emerging as a dark reality the world can no longer ignore.

    Earthquake in Syria and Turkey

    Early in the year, a ferocious earthquake in Syria and Turkey cost more than 67, 000 lives, a staggering number. It hit southern and central parts of Turkey and northern and western parts of Syria on the morning of February 6. Thousands of buildings were destroyed with the severe magnitude 7.7 quake and aftershocks that struck Antakya within hours. It is estimated to be the most severe earthquake in Turkey since 1939.

    Iran and Saudi Arabia’s friendship mediated by China

    In an unexpected turn of events, China mediated a deal between arch-enemies Saudi Arabia and Iran in March, earlier this year, surprising the world. The thawing of relations was termed a major blow to the overpowering role of the USA in the region and was dubbed a “wave of reconciliation”.

    Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi for the first time post the deal on the sidelines of the joint Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on December 9, 2023, a moment for the history books.

    Titan submarine

    The tragedy of the Titan submarine came at a point when the world was witnessing the humongous tragedy of the immigrant boat disaster in Greece. In the first one, five men of rich backgrounds lost their lives in an adventurous pursuit while in the latter, 80 people died, and more than 500 went missing in the sea as the over-crowded ship sank.

    The glaring irony sent shockwaves all around the world where a group paid billions of dollars for their death in the name of seeing an archive deep in the sea and the other died by getting suffocated by being cramped in the basement of a ship. The illegal immigrants were denied entry in Greece and due to overloading, it sank. The incident also pointed towards the core racism in the world because the victims were largely brown Asians and Africans while the white population was saved by the authorities.

    Barbenheimer
    The Barbenheimer phenomenon marked the revival of cinema post-covid that engulfed the world in a frenzy.

    Two big-budget movies were coming out on the same day. One was Christopher Nolan’s directorial Oppenheimer, based on the life of the American scientist, the head of the Manhattan Project, and the creator of the Atomic Bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Even though it was about a scientist and the makers were expecting it to attract a niche audience, the movie did great business. The other was the Greta Gerwig directorial Barbie, a live-action, musical based on the life of the famous fictional doll. The audiences had high expectations of how it will be presented and they were not disappointed as the movie went on to break records. The release of the two movies activated the meme brigade to the point that a new pop-culture reference came to life in the form of Barbenheimmer.

    Israel’s War on Gaza

    The war that shook the world was the siege of Gaza by Israel. On October 7 Hamas invaded Israel and took at least 236 hostages. Israel retaliated in what is being called a disproportionate response. The genocide of the poor Gazans has not ended till now with the death toll nearing 21,000 after 80 days of war whereas the Israeli deaths remained at 1200. A short-term truce provided a little break for the return of hostages but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to not stop. Massive protests across the world saw the tide of public opinion turn towards Palestine.

    GAZA CITY, GAZA – OCTOBER 23: A woman holding a girl reacts after Israeli airstrikes hit Ridwan neighborhood of Gaza City, Gaza on October 23, 2023. (Photo by Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images)
  • Rates of violence against women, children remain alarming in 2023

    Rates of violence against women, children remain alarming in 2023

    2023 was another difficult year for the women of Pakistan who routinely have to battle against violence and discrimination. 

    In November, UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2023 report revealed that 245 million women and girls are subjected to physical and/or sexual violence from their intimate partners each year, adding that a “staggering 86pc of women and girls live in countries without robust legal protections against violence, or in countries where data are not available”.

    This violence is not limited to women and girls but extends to boys as well. Back in August, Sahil, an NGO, reported that an average of 12 children per day (or one every two hours) faced sexual abuse in Pakistan in 2023 whereas 2,227 cases of child sexual abuse were traced between January and June this year.

    Here are some of the pertinent cases from the year 2023 that took over the headlines:

    1. Fatima Case

    A domestic maid, 10-year-old Fatima Phuriro, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Ranipur.

    The child had been working as a domestic worker at a haveli owned by an influential local, Pir Asad Shah Jilani.

    It was not until videos of the child were leaked by an unknown source and circulated in social media that the case caught the media’s eye. By then, the family had buried Fatima on August 15.

    The body was later exhumed and sent for an autopsy which revealed that the girl had been raped both vaginally and anally.

    The suspects are in custody. 

    2.  Rizwana

    Rizwana, 14, had been allegedly assaulted and abused while working at a civil judge’s home in Islamabad, after she was accused of stealing jewellery. Rizwana’s family revealed that the girl was not paid a single penny by the family for the extensive workload she was doing and was instead subjected to violence.

    Islamabad Police recorded Rizwana’s statement at the Child Protection Bureau in Lahore where she alleged that the judge himself beat her up, hitting her head against the wall, while his wife and children would also assault her.

    3. F9 park incident

    In February, a girl went to Islamabad’s F-9 park along with her male colleague when two men stopped them at gunpoint and took them to a heavily wooded area where they beat her, raped her and told her to “not come to the park at this time”.

    In her FIR, the girl said that the men told her to “not come to the park at this time”.

    The incident sparked anger and protests as women questioned the security in the capital of the country.

    4. Sara Malik

    The year started with the news that a body was found near Farhan Shaheed Park at Seaview, Karachi, in January. Identified as Sara Malik, the 23-year-old employee worked at a veterinary hospital in DHA 8. Registration of a murder case was recorded under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code after further investigations.

    Malik initially went missing from Karachi’s Seaview beach and the police reportedly claimed that she might have committed suicide by jumping into the sea but according to police officials, Dr Shan Saleem, who was nominated in the case, confessed to killing her after sexually assaulting her.

    5. Principal raping women

    The principal of a private school in Gulshan-i-Hadeed, Karachi, was taken into custody in September after allegations of raping and blackmailing women.

    Steel Town police Station House Officer (SHO) Nand Lal told media that the school principal was detained as videos of the alleged rape incidents made rounds on social media.

    The principal has admitted to the allegations that he raped women after promising them job opportunities, then recording their videos to blackmail them.

    It was also revealed that more than 45 women were identified in connection with the case as Irfan allegedly blackmailed the women in order to commit these crimes.

    The public prosecutor contended that the case is indicative of a planned scheme.

    6. Andaleeb Fatima

    Andaleeb Fatima, 13, was named as the victim in an FIR filed by her mother, Khalida Bibi, a resident of Chiniot in Punjab. Andaleeb had been working for the female suspect 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.

    7. Special needs children

    A nine-year old child with special needs was raped and murdered in Korangi, Karachi.

    According to Zaman Town police, the body was found in the “rear seat of a parked Suzuki Cultus car. The body was bluish and foaming from the mouth”.

    Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed reported that the child was differently abled with a right hand deformity. “There were multiple injuries all over the body and findings are suggestive of anal sexual abuse,” she revealed.

    Similarly, a 12-year-old student with special needs was sexually assaulted in a school for special children in Rawalpindi.

    8. Raped during job application

    In January, a woman in Lahore was gang-raped after being lured for a job. The culprits recorded videos of the immoral act to blackmail the victim.

    The defendant, Khalil, had invited the woman to travel to Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital for a meeting and had given her a job. As soon as she arrived, the suspect led her to a house where he and two other accomplices forced her into a room and raped her on gun point.

    According to the FIR, the woman alleged that the suspect had also videotaped the immoral behaviour and had told her not to call the police.

    9. Burnt alive

    Shumaila, the woman who was burnt alive by her husband Naseer and his first wife Robina died in a hospital in Lahore. She was admitted to a hospital but could not survive the severity of her burns. The incident happened in a village near Gujranwala, Chak Behlol.

    Further investigation revealed that she got divorced from her first husband to marry Naseer who was already married. The constant tussle between the two wives led to this tragic situation where she was burnt alive by Naseer and his first wife in the presence of a crowd of villagers who kept making videos.

    Naseer was taken into custody by the police.

    10. Boys

    In June, a cleric in Lahore’s Raiwind area tried strangling an eight-year-old to death after after he had repeatedly raped him in his madrassah.

    The FIR, revealed that the accused Qari Muhammad Rizwan fractured the child’s arm while he was torturing him and had then pushed the boy down stairs from the first floor to the ground floor, which led to severe head injuries that made the boy unconscious.

    11. Honour Killing

    In September, a married woman from the Alkani tribe was allegedly killed by her husband and his allies over ‘honour’. The stoning took place in the limits of Chucha Border Military Police (BMP) station in the tribal area of Rajanpur district after the woman was accused of adultery with a man, leading to her husband killing her, along with her brother-in-law and their accomplice. They reportedly smashed her head with stones and clubs.

    In October, a newlywed couple was shot dead inside a mosque in Jhelum.

    Rehman Rasool and Safia recently eloped to get married of their own free will. They were then called in by the girl’s family for reconciliation. Sensing the possible threat, the two of them took refuge in a mosque’s courtyard but got gunned down by the family, nevertheless.

  • 26 madrassa students brought to hospital after food poisoning

    26 madrassa students brought to hospital after food poisoning

    At least 26 madrassa children lost consciousness after eating stale food in the suburbs of Islamabad.

    According to the police, the children of the Bhara Kahu madrassa had eaten stale food in the night, leading to acute food poisoning.

    Police said that the children were taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital overnight in a critical condition, reports Geo.

    According to hospital sources, the children were sent back to the seminary after medical assistance and gastric lavage.

    Hospital sources further said that all the children are out of danger, while the police said that the management of the madrassa is being interrogated.

  • Benazir Bhutto left us 16 years ago today

    Benazir Bhutto left us 16 years ago today

    It has been 16 years since former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a brutal suicide attack on December 27, 2007.

    Bhutto, daughter of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was born in Karachi in 1953. Her political career started after the judicial murder of her father. Benazir formally stepped into practical politics by establishing the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD). In consequence, she was held in the jail in solitary confinement.

    Post Zia-ul-Haq’s death, Bhutto came back from exile, campaigned for the elections, and became the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world on December 2, 1988. At 35, she was also the youngest elected Prime Minister in the world. She became Premier for the second time in 1993 and remained in exile during the military regime of Parvez Musharraf.

    In her book “Reconciliation” she wrote, “I suffered the punishment of my father’s arrest, imprisonment, and murder, and I knew that such wounds of the soul never heal. I was ready to do anything to spare my children from the pain I endured at my father’s death. However, this was the only thing I could not do.”

    Upon her arrival back in Pakistan in October 2007, she survived a suicide attack that took the lives of hundreds of supporters but Bibi remained unfazed and went on with her campaign. In every meeting, she used to declare, “I have risked my life for democracy in Pakistan.”

    She became the first high-profile victim of terrorism. The plague of terrorism is rampant again and the controversy around her death stands out as one of the leading factors behind the deficit of trust between the masses and the leaders.

    “With the country facing what is perhaps the most difficult and testing time in its history, the loss of Benazir Bhutto is felt more than ever. The long shadow of despotism is hanging over the country yet again…She had the intellectual capacity to engage with even her strongest critics, a quality rarely found in our political leaders. Her loss is more than that of a political leader. She came to symbolise the unity of an uneasy federation. Her death exacerbated political divisions and polarisation,” senior journalist and author Zahid Hussain sheds light on the contribution of the iconic leader.

  • 120 Kilos Of Cocaine Wash Up On Australian Beaches

    120 Kilos Of Cocaine Wash Up On Australian Beaches

    Australian police said Wednesday they were scouring beaches after mysterious packages believed to contain more than 120 kilograms (260 pounds) of cocaine washed up over the Christmas period.

    A first batch of 39 barnacle-encrusted, one-kilogram bricks of suspected cocaine was discovered on Friday near Magenta Beach, north of Sydney, police said.

    Since then, another 85 packages of  the same size had been spotted along about 80 kilometres (50 miles) of the New South Wales coastline, state police said.

    Police urged people to report any suspicious packages, Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein said in a statement.

    “Detectives and specialist police are currently combing beaches and coastlines for any outstanding packages and working behind the scenes to make sure we find and hold accountable those responsible,” said Weinstein, who is director of the state’s crime command.

  • Alleged “Donkey” flight held in France, sent back to India

    Alleged “Donkey” flight held in France, sent back to India

    The Airbus A340 initially had been bound for Nicaragua when it was detained last Thursday at Vatry airport, east of Paris, where it had stopped for refuelling. A donkey flight is an illegal immigration used for unauthorized entry into foreign countries like the USA, UK, Canada etc.

    It had arrived from the United Arab Emirates and was halted after an anonymous tip-off that it was carrying potential victims of human trafficking.

    Of the original 303 people on the passenger list, 276 were on the plane that arrived in Mumbai before dawn on Tuesday.

    Passengers began walking out onto the concourse four hours later but refused to speak to a large crowd of waiting journalists and covered their faces to shield their identities.

    It was unclear whether the arrivals were questioned by authorities and India’s government has yet to issue a statement on their return.

    Among those staying behind in France were two people questioned by police there over suspected people trafficking.

    A judicial source said they were released after it was established the passengers had boarded the plane of their own free will.

    French authorities are continuing to investigate the case for a potential violation of immigration laws, but no longer for people trafficking, judicial sources said.

    Another 25 passengers sought asylum in France including five minors, local officials said.

    A source close to the inquiry told AFP that those aboard were likely workers in the UAE bound for Nicaragua, which they intended to use as a staging post for journeys to the United States or Canada.

    Authorisation for the plane to leave France came after a court ruled that any further detention of three of its passengers would be illegal.

    The passengers of the flight, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, were put up at Vatry airport during the investigation.

    Beds, toilets and showers were installed, the local prefecture said, while police prevented press and outsiders from entering the airport.

    The passengers included 11 unaccompanied minors, according to Paris prosecutors.

    The Indian embassy in Paris posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday that it was grateful for the “quick resolution” of the incident.

    The 30 crew members were not detained. Some had handled the Dubai-Vatry leg while others were to take over for the flight to Nicaragua.

    ‘Mutual benefit’

    The use of charter flights to aid migrants “is a relatively new phenomenon”, Manuel Orozco, director of migration issues at the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue, told AFP last month.

    Orozco said he believed that airline operators and Nicaraguan airport authorities made “an economic calculation” for their “mutual benefit”.

    Indian deputy foreign minister V. Muraleedharan this month told parliament that close to 100,000 illegal Indian migrants had attempted to enter the United States this year, citing US Customs and Border Protection data.

    Last year the issue caught public attention when four Indians froze to death while trying to cross into the United States on foot from the Canadian border.

    They were among a group of 11 people attempting the journey, with the remaining seven detained by US authorities.

    Many Indian migrants seek passage to the United States for economic reasons.

    But human rights experts say there are several other factors at play, including the oppression of minority communities in India and extreme visa backlogs.

    Unlawful Indian migration abroad is such an established phenomenon that it forms the backdrop of the Bollywood comedy-drama “Dunki”, released in cinemas last week.

    Starring Shah Rukh Khan, one of India’s most bankable film stars, “Dunki” delves into the various means by which Indians attempt the perilous journey to the West with the help of unscrupulous agents and corrupt border officials.

  • December 27: Holiday in Sindh

    December 27: Holiday in Sindh

    The caretaker government of Sindh on Tuesday announced a public holiday on December 27 (tomorrow) on account of the 16th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

    Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar’s spokesperson made the announcement, declaring a public holiday across the province tomorrow.

    “The Government of Sindh has been pleased to declare 27th December 2023 (Wednesday) as a Public Holiday throughout the Province of Sindh on the occasion of Shahadat of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed for all offices, Autonomous, Semi-Autonomous Bodies, Corporations and Local Councils under the Administrative control of Government of Sindh, except the essential services,” said the notification issued today.

  • New Year par kya gift dein?

    Hello, my beautiful people, New Year celebrations are around the corner and you’ve probably forgotten to buy a gift for your loved ones just like me. Yeah, yeah, I know you are thinking, who even expects a gift on New Year’s? Well, a lot of people do, your loved one might be expecting a surprise too. So, stop procrastinating and start thinking. I have a bunch of ideas for you.

    Silver Jewelry

    Cute jewelry items are always a good gift. You can gift them anklets, get a couple’s band i.e. matching rings, or you can give your male loved one a challa, if he is into it. I would recommend Ghazi Silver House for good and affordable jewelry. If you are in Lahore, you can visit their store located at MM Alam Road.

    Dari Mooch

    If your significant other proudly dons a beard but seems to be overlooking its proper care, you might want to consider gifting them an all-encompassing solution to address both their beard and skincare needs. Look no further than Dari Mooch, a brand known for its premium grooming products designed specifically for the modern man who takes pride in his facial hair.

    Books

    If your loved one is an avid reader or has a keen interest in a particular genre, now is the perfect time to surprise them with a thoughtful and enriching gift — a collection of books. Explore the ongoing book sale at Readings or Liberty Books, where you can discover a diverse selection of literary treasures at discounted prices.

    Intimate Dinner

    Consider gifting your loved one an intimate dinner experience that transcends the ordinary. Instead of venturing out to a crowded restaurant, create a haven of warmth and romance right at home or in a private, secluded setting. Elevate the celebration by crafting an evening that revolves around shared moments, exquisite cuisine, and the comfort of being in each other’s company.

    You can watch Your Place or Mine on Netflix together.

    Aromatic candles

    Spice up your intimate dinner a bit with Aromatic candles. The aroma can add to the romance, and you can always add some red roses to create a vibe. Polly and other stories have a decent collection of affordable candles.

    Teddy Bear/ Cute stuff

    Aren’t we girls in love with Teddy Bears, Plush toys, and cute stuff? Well, Miniso is your best friend for all the cute stuff. Go gift them a bunch of things and yes, there is a sale going on too.

    Skin Care Products

    Well, winters always demand more skincare, and, doing skin care as a couple or as a friends group is always fun. Well, in my case, I have cool cousins and we do face mask skin care together.

    You can try gifting a Face Mask or Scrubs from Conatural or Saeed Ghani.

    While you are at it, if your loved one is tensed due to extreme hair fall, gift them an organic water-based solution from Silk Locks by Zahraa.

    Rice Water Hair Growth Spray by Barn and Island also has amazing results.

    Sari

    Selecting a saree as a gift for a special girl can indeed be a wonderful choice, as the timeless elegance and versatility of a saree make it a cherished wardrobe piece. Remember, the beauty of gifting a saree lies not only in the garment itself but also in the consideration and effort put into choosing one that aligns with her taste and preferences. The gesture of presenting her with a saree is a celebration of her individuality and the special bond you share.

    You can avail yourself 50 to 70 percent off in the ongoing Winter Sale at The Saari Girl.

    Leather Products

    If your loved ones have an affinity with leather goods, be it jackets, wallets, handbags, belts, or keychains, consider exploring the offerings at Jild for your next purchase. Jild is currently running a remarkable sale with a substantial 60 percent discount, making it an opportune time to indulge in high-quality leather products.

  • Third gender not recognized by Election Commission of Pakistan

    Third gender not recognized by Election Commission of Pakistan

    Nayyab Ali, a transgender candidate for the National Assembly, has recently shared on X (formerly Twitter) that as per the data released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) only two genders applied for the election: males and females, whereas she has applied as a third gender ‘X’.

    Nayyab, a resident of the federal capital city of Islamabad, has applied to contest the upcoming general elections from National Assembly Constituency 47. “Confused about why our papers might be rejected based on our gender identity. The law acknowledges transgender persons–clarity needed,” she added to the previous statement.

  • Case registered for deportation of step-siblings in Sara Sharif murder case

    Case registered for deportation of step-siblings in Sara Sharif murder case

    In the case of Sara, a 10-year-old Pakistani girl who was allegedly killed in England by her father and stepmother, a case was registered in the Lahore High Court for the handover of the step-siblings of the murdered girl, reports Geo.

    On the order of the London High Court, Surrey County Council filed a case in Lahore High Court, stating in the petition that Sarah’s half-siblings in Pakistan should be handed over to the British government. Five of her half-siblings are currently in Pakistan.

    Pakistani police arrested Sara’s father, mother, and uncle from Jhelum and all three returned to Britain and were arrested.

    According to the British media, the hearing of Sara’s murder will be held in London High Court in September 2024.