Karachi has emerged as the second-highest consumer of cannabis in the world, according to ABCD2018 Cannabis Price Index, despite the fact that it is illegal in the country.
According to the index, Karachi comes just second after New York (77.44 metric tonnes) in terms of consuming cannabis — including hashish — at 41.95 metric tonnes, or 41,950 kgs.
Which city consumed the highest amount of cannabis in 2018?
New Delhi is right behind Karachi at 38.26 metric tonnes. Mumbai is also in the top ten. Interestingly, Amsterdam did not make it to the top 10 considering how popular the drug is in the city.
People have been smoking hash on the subcontinent for centuries. It predates the arrival of Islam in the region, with reference to cannabis appearing in the sacred Hindu Atharva Veda text describing its medicinal and ritual uses.
According to a 2013 UN survey, cannabis was the most widely consumed drug in Pakistan with around four million users, representing almost 3.6 percent of the population.
Most people who smoke up regularly remark that cannabis helps them destress and cope with the anxieties of life. Meanwhile, others comment that it helps increase their concentration and focus.
With the increase in the number of police brutality cases in Pakistan, yet another statement from the past has come back to haunt the Prime Minister (PM), Imran Khan.
Last year during his speech at Bahawalpur city, Imran Khan vowed that his first act after assuming power as PM will be to “bring reforms in Punjab police”. He said that he will make Punjab Police exactly like the one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa free from political influence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLIEgIpYoaA
But with the recent appearance of two torture and murder cases of Punjab police in Lahore, it seems that Pakistan Tehreeke Insaf (PTI) government has failed to complete another promise it made to its supporters.
Last month in August, officials from the anti-corruption department unearthed a private torture cell in a forest near Karol village, set up by the station house officer (SHO) and constables of Gojjar Pura police to torture people illegally.
Similarly, a few days ago the ATM robber identified as Salahuddin Ayubi who went viral for making faces on the CCTV camera while robbing an ATM passed away in police custody.
The police claimed that Ayubi was behaving like a “mad man” in lockup when he suddenly became unwell. They added that the deceased was reportedly suffering from a health condition.
Both these cases have sparked outrage on social media and people are demanding justice from the Punjab Government.
This is not the first time police has been accused of brutally torturing or murdering people.
Previously, on January 19, four people were killed in an alleged shootout in Sahiwal, with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel claiming they had killed a local commander of militant organisation Daesh and three others in the operation.
However, the eyewitnesses had claimed that the police recovered no explosives from the alleged militant’s vehicle. The case is still pending in the court.
We knew that Meera Jee is a Priyanka Chopra fan but at a time when everyone is calling Priyanka out for being a warmonger, we did not expect Meera Jee to come in and fangirl over Priyanka.
Priyanka’s latest shoot for Vogue India with renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has been dominating our Instagram feeds for the past couple of days. However, most comments under the pictures call out Priyanka for promoting war with a lot of comments referring to her infamous conversation with Ayesha Malik e.g. “Are you done venting?”, “Girl don’t embarrass yourself.”
In midst of all this, our very own Meera Jee comes in and tell Priyanka she looks beautiful while also telling her that she’s in New York. Talk about being subtle.
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Meera Jee does live in her own world. What do you have to say about this?
Following a string of custodial deaths due to alleged torture in just the past week, the Punjab police has banned the use of cellphones by officers while on duty and barred them from capturing videos of other police personnel as well. Videos of the incidences of torture had been widely circulated on social media raising outrage.
However, citizens and media personnel will not be banned from taking them inside.
A notification sent by the additional inspector general on behalf of the Punjab Inspector General of Police Arif Nawaz to all Punjab police officers stated that it had been observed that police officials were using mobile phones while on duty even though “clear directions in this regard have already been conveyed to all field formations”. It added that it was the responsibility of the field formations “to get these instructions/directions/SOPs implemented in letter and spirit.”
The notification further read: “Frequent violations of these directions/SOPs reflect badly on the performance of supervising officers. In future, no officer below the rank of SHO (Station House Officer) or in-charge of a deployed duty will use [a] cellphone while on duty.”
Lower-ranking officers will instead be allowed to use ordinary phones that do not have the video recording feature.
The letter asserted that it was “strictly forbidden” to make a video of police officers on duty or upload a video of police officers performing their duty and any violation will result in “severe departmental action” against the police personnel involved as well as their supervisory officer.
At least three cases of police torture had surfaced last week including that of the infamous ATM robber Salahuddin Ayubi. Punjab IG expressed extreme displeasure over these deaths in police custody and said that the recent deaths and maltreatment in police custody indicated the irresponsible behaviour of field and senior police officials. The police chief warned that DPOs, SPs, SDPOs and supervisory officers would be held responsible if any such case surfaced again in the future.
Police brutality is a topic which has long been debated. In this regard, Spokesperson to Punjab Chief Minister Dr Shahbaz Gill on Sunday had said that the provincial government would soon introduce reforms in the police force and that a summary in this regard has been sent to Prime Minister Imran Khan for final review.
Criticising the previous governments, Gill said that police were used as a tool for political victimisation in the past but now things would change. He asserted that the present government is striving hard to make things better, adding that a positive change would be visible within six months.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on several occasions has iterated the government’s commitment to bring reforms in the police force to so as to improve its performance. PM Imran had said that he wanted to see independent police in the country.
Meanwhile, this development created outrage on social media.
After series of #PoliceTorture cases #IGPunjab instead of focusing on confidence building measures with public, opening up police to accountability has directed measures to suppress evidence of torture/abuse & hide incompetency. Were these the reforms promised by #PTI? https://t.co/6tG5p6tceP
Instead of Law implementation for Police Officers to warn them for torturing suspects in custody and illegal detentions. Our Respected IG Punjab has banned the use of cellphones by officers while on duty and forbid them from capturing the vedio of other police personnel on duty pic.twitter.com/OniBEe4eab
University of Engineering and Technology Lahore on Sunday reportedly banned mixed gatherings and disallowed students from sitting together in the canteen.
According to a notification which surfaced on social media, the university canteens and cafeterias were instructed to make “separate sitting arrangements with suitable partition” for male and female students. The notification ordered immediate action and stated that failure to comply with it will lead to the canteen/cafeteria being sealed. It also said that the vice-chancellor or resident officer can make surprise visits to ensure that the rules are being strictly followed.
یو ای ٹی لاہور میں طلبا و طالبات کے کینٹین میں اکٹھے بیٹھنے پرپابندی لگادی گئی
However, a few hours later, it was reported that UET retracted the notification and said that the notification was issued without the vice chancellor’s approval.
UET Lahore has withdrew earlier notification which was notified without approval of VC. Dr. Mansoor Sarwar is progressive, enlightened and visionary academician who will turn institution into centre of excellence. Honorable Chancellor has also applauded him. pic.twitter.com/DxB5So3gzN
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that whoever doesn’t perform will be sent home.
Addressing a media gathering alongside Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and Punjab Information Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, Dr Firdous said that whoever doesn’t perform, “whether it is the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister”, will be sent home.
“There is only one criterion or benchmark – you have to perform. If you perform, you will stay. But if you don’t you will have to go.”
She asserted that everything comes down to performance and if the lawmakers are loyal to the people their “parameter will be performance.”
Soon after, Dr Awan’s comments began circulating on social media with many users commenting that she was warning PM Imran Khan.
As a result, Dr Firdous took to Twitter to state that her statement was being blown out of context and that PM Khan is a man of principles. She reiterated that whoever does not perform will be let go.
میری گفتگو کو سیاق و سباق سے ہٹ کر پیش کیا جارہا ہے۔کہنے کا مقصد یہ تھا کہ وزیراعظم عمران خان اصول اور میرٹ کے داعی ہیں۔جو پرفارم نہیں کرے گا وہ گھر جائے گا چاہے وزراء ہوں یا افسران۔
With Ashura to be observed across the country today and tomorrow, the authorities have revealed traffic plans across different cities and have also announced the suspension of mobile phone services in different cities.
Lahore
The main procession in Lahore will start from Nisar Haveli and conclude at Karbela Gamey Shah. Traffic will be diverted to alternative routes from different points. All relevant staff will be deputed on roads to facilitate the general public and no vehicle would be allowed to enter the procession route from adjoining roads. Security personnel will be deployed along the procession routes.
Participants can park their cars and motorcycles at Nasir Bagh, Mochi Gate Bagh, Data Darbar Eye Hospital, Central Model High School and Bengali Park. Further, special parking lots have been arranged at several different points for participants.
Telecom operators have been directed to suspend their services in specific areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
In a tweet, deputy commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat said that mobile phone services would be closed during main procession in sectors G-9, G-10 on 8th Muharram.
Cellular Networks will be suspended in the following areas at the mentioned timings in Islamabad. Apologies for inconvenience pic.twitter.com/W3gvrHAu1N
On 9th Muharram, the procession will be commence and end at Markazi Imambargah G-6/2. During the procession, Fazle Haq Road and roads from Poly Clinic to Kalsoom Plaza will remain closed.
Another procession on 9th Muharram will start from Imam Bargah Musa Kazim in sector I-10/1. Various roads including I-10 Markaz, CDA Chowk #1, Katarian bridge, IJP Road (Pirwdhai and Faizabad area) will remain closed for traffic while citizens are advised to use IJP road if they want to go to I-10 (Sabzi Mandi) from Faizabad, Murree Road, Bhara Kau or Khana bridge.
On 10th Muharram, the main procession will start from Imambargah Qasar-e-Zina (G-6/4) at 4 am to culminate at Imam Bargah G-6/2.
The second procession on 10th Muharram will start from Shrine Sakhi Shah Muzammil Bheka Syedan at 2 pm. Its route includes F-11/2-3 Signal Double Road, Naval Colony Hilal Road, Beaconhouse near Haidri Chowk and Telenor Plaza which will remain closed for traffic.
Karachi
Cellular and internet services will remain partially suspended on 9th Muharram in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad and Benazirabad, especially along the routes of the processions.
The spokesman for the Traffic Police said that on 9th and 10th Muharram, processions will begin at Nishtar Park and will terminate at lmam Bargah Hussanian Iranian, Kharadar. MA Jinnah Road has been sealed with containers and other barriers and would remain unavailable for routine traffic on 9th and 10th Muharram.
On 9th and 10th Muharram, the procession route will be Nishter Park, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto Road, Father Jaminis Road, Mehfil-e-Shah e Khurasan, Karachi X-Ray, Nawa-e-Waqt, Peoples Chowrangi, New MA Jinnah Road, Corridor-III, Saddar Dawa Khana, Preedy Street, Tibet Chowk, MA Jinnah Road, Boltan Market, Bombay Bazaar, Kharadar, Nawab Mahabat Khanji Road to Hussainian Iranian Imambargah.
India has been at the receiving end of jokes after it’s space mission failed. From ministers to the public, everyone in Pakistan has been poking fun and having a laugh at their failure.
Hamza Ali Abbasi, who is in the centre of all things current (and political), also had a few thoughts to share.
Taking to Twitter, the actor remarked that India is “delusional.”
The tragedy is tht we have a neighbour who wants to destroy Pak, is fueling nuclear race, arms race & wants to land on the moon only to add to a mere delusion of itself as some super power while most ppl in both countries live below poverty line. #IndiaFailed#IndiaOnTheMoonpic.twitter.com/izbF5rTyKv
In a successive tweet, he wrote that India wants to “go to the moon just to stroke their false ego.” Ouch!
Any country, including Pak, which has the tech to produce weapons like MIRVs can send a probe to the moon given they r willing to spend massive resources. It doesn’t matter if Ind moon mission failed, the tragedy is they want to go to the moon just to stroke thr false ego! https://t.co/OsLR5L4s9u
India’s space mission failed on Saturday after it lost contact with an unmanned spacecraft moments before it was due to make a historic soft landing on the Moon. Blasting off in July, India had hoped to become just the fourth country after the United States, Russia and regional rival China to make a successful Moon landing and the first on the lunar South Pole.
But in the early hours of Saturday India time, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi looked on and millions watched with bated breath nationwide, Vikram, the lander named after the father of India’s space programme, went silent just 2.1 kilometres above the lunar surface.
However, PM Modi comforted the glum scientists and a stunned nation from the lunar programme’s command centre in Bangalore, saying India was “proud.”
The Government of Sindh has recommended the Ministry of Interior to suspend cellular services in the province on 9th and 10th of Muharram, ARY Newshas reported.
According to details, the Sindh home secretary has requested the interior ministry and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile phone services during mourning processions of Muharram ul Haram.
The provincial government has also issued a circular to all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners in Sindh, to point out the provincial administration about those areas in their jurisdiction where the cellular services required to be suspended.
The government has recommended for suspension of mobile service on selective places, especially along the routes of mourning processions.
The suspension of cellular services and internet services is being taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and avoid any incident of sabotage or terrorism.
Previously, the Sindh government had suspended mobile phone and internet services in Karachi and other major cities of the province on the main routes of the mourning processions in Chehlum last year.
Meanwhile, Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code was imposed in Rawalpindi on Thursday as part of security measures for Muharram. It will remain effective until 10th Muharram.
Under Section 144, pillion riding and carrying weapons are banned. Wall chalking and use of loudspeakers is also not allowed.
Don’t know why but Sadaf Kanwal appears to hate Mansha Pasha.
On a recent appearance on the talk show BOL Nights with Ahsan Khan, when the host Ahsan Khan asked Sadaf to name one person who shouldn’t be in the industry, Sadaf responded Mansha Pasha.
When Ahsan expressed his shock and asked why, Sadaf replied, “Bas aisay hee.”
Azfar then remarked that this is the rapid-fire segment and Ahsan is trying to make it into “an elaborated fire.”
Ahsan then commented that Mansha is a very good actress. To this Sadaf responded, “I know, I’m also a very good actress.”
Mansha being Mansha couldn’t resist hitting back at Sadaf.
This is not the first time the two have feuded publically.
Late last year, Mansha had taken to Twitter to comment that the women in the industry “need to step up and learn to speak better.” In case you didn’t know, Mansha was referring to Hira Mani (“From stole my husband from my best friend and cheated on my fiancee”), Sadaf Kanwal (“Jab Me Too hota hai ussi waqt kiyon nahi boltein”) and Momina Mustehsan (“Quotes from Uncle Ben and your friendly neighbourhood spider-man”).
From stole my husband from my best friend and cheated on my fiancee, to jab Me Too hota hai ussi waqt kiyon nahi boltein, to quotes from Uncle Ben and your friendly neighbourhood spider-man.
The women of this industry need to step up and learn to speak better.
Sadaf hit back at Mansha by taking a dig at Pasha’s dressing style.
In response to Sadaf, Mansha posted the following tweet:
While we are all learning about clothes, makeup, hair and how to take perfect selfies, lets also learn how to talk about REAL issues that matter in the REAL world.
As public figures, lets not reduce ourselves merely to the clothes on our back and use our voice for good.
