Tag: lifestyle

  • What a month!

    What a month!

    While February flew by quite quickly in comparison to January (which felt like it lasted a century), looking back at the month, it feels like the general elections that took place on February 8 happened ages ago… Time can really mind-boggling like that.

    But, hold up! It has been one hell of a month in Pakistan’s politics for sure! Despite the polls, our federal government is yet to be formed; tensions between political parties aren’t cooling down; and as for our country’s future, it remains as unpredictable and worrisome as always.

    Let’s see how long this drama lasts until we are introduced to a new ‘twist’!

    POLITICS

    The results of February 8 polls were surprising for many after PTI-affiliated candidates won the most number of National Assembly seats compared to other political parties. The PML-N as a party had the highest number of seats but not enough to form the government. In fact, no party had enough numbers to form a government at the Centre.

    The PPP for its part tried to engage the PTI leadership for the formation of a coalition government but as expected, PTI founder Imran Khan declined their offer. After a lot of back and forth, the PML-N and the PPP finally decided to form a coalition government but the PPP has decided not to be part of the cabinet. As per this formula, Shehbaz Sharif will be their joint candidate for the Prime Minister while Asif Zardari will be the president.

    The PML-N formed the government in Punjab; the country’s largest province has its first female Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz. The PPP has formed a government in Sindh and Murad Ali Shah is the CM, again. Yesterday, the newly elected members of the Balochistan Assembly and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly were also sworn in. KP will have a PTI government with Ali Amin Gandapur as its CM candidate while Balochistan will have a coalition government between the PPP and PML-N. 

    Today, the National Assembly’s maiden session of the legislative will begin at 10am and the newly-elected MNAs will be sworn in. After the PTI-affiliated independent candidates joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), there has been a lot of debate whether they will get reserved seats or not.

    Yesterday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reserved its verdict on the petitions filed by the SIC seeking the allocation of women and minority seats. Some have predicted that the SIC with PTI-affiliated independents may not get these seats while others are hopeful of a positive outcome. 

    Unfortunately, allegations of rigging in the elections have been made by several political parties and candidates, which has certainly raised doubts about the legitimacy of the 2024 elections results. These allegations must be addressed by the ECP at the earliest. Political uncertainty will not end anytime soon due to these allegations. Let’s hope we see an end to this uncertainty in the coming months. 

    BUSINESS

    by Sadaan Khan

    In the tumultuous start of February 2024, Pakistan grappled with economic challenges that profoundly impacted its citizens. 

    The month commenced with a considerable blow to the already burdened masses as the government increased petrol prices by Rs13.55 per litre, reaching Rs272.89 per litre. Simultaneously, diesel prices rose by Rs2.75, escalating to Rs278.96 per litre.

    The following day added to the predicament with an increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) raised the price by Rs1.17 per kg, setting the consumer price for February at Rs257.59 per kg.

    The common populace bore the brunt of inflation, particularly in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where fruit and vegetable prices surged by 28 per cent in the initial two weeks of February 2024.

    Amidst these economic struggles, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a decrease of $172.5 million (2.1 per cent WoW) in foreign exchange reserves during the week ending February 02, 2024. This decline was attributed to debt repayments, as indicated by the central bank.

    Unfortunately, Pakistan witnessed an increase in external debt and liabilities, reaching $131.159 billion at the end of 1HFY24, marking a 1.09 per cent QoQ rise. On a yearly basis, this amounted to a 1.99 per cent YoY increase.

    As the government aimed to raise Rs2.845 trillion in the next three months through auctions, it faced challenges as OGRA approved gas price hikes for Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by 5 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively, for FY24.

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved Rs10 billion for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative, focusing on enhancing cyber threat identification capabilities. 

    To provide relief during Ramzan, the ECC approved the Ramzan Relief Package-2024, allocating Rs7.49 billion for targeted beneficiaries of BISP.

    On February 15, in response to global oil price trends, the government raised petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices by Rs2.73 and Rs8.37 per litre, respectively, for the remaining days of the month.

    Despite the government accumulating additional debt, there was a glimmer of positivity with a 4.29 per cent MoM increase in total textile exports to $1.37 billion in January 2024.
    On the fiscal front, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported substantial growth of almost 30 per cent in tax revenue, collecting Rs5.15 trillion from July 2023 to mid-February 2024, compared to Rs3.97 trillion in the corresponding period last fiscal year.

    Furthermore, the US dollar remained relatively stable against the Pakistani rupee, with no major changes reported in the interbank rates. The Pakistani rupee exhibited minor fluctuations, being reported a few paisas up and some down.

    As February concludes, Pakistan faces a delicate economic landscape with challenges and glimpses of hope, underscoring the need for strategic measures to navigate through these complexities.

    LIFESTYLE

    by Urwa Khurshid

    February was quite a month. There were moments of bewilderment and complete shock along with the ones that were oddly satisfying. It started off with the election hustle that seemed to last a fortnight until we acclimatised to live in that dust because we learned that it would not settle. 

    The election campaigns over social media were a delight and the results of the elections were a surprise. It was predicted before the elections that people have lost interest in the process and the turnout would be low but the enthusiasm we got to witness on February 8 was a satisfying surprise indeed. However, internet blockade continues to spoil the fun and leaves a question mark over the condition of democracy in the country.

    That being said, nationally this month brought to light many instances of crime, illiteracy and intolerance. The wife of a famous anchor of a leading news channel Ashfaque Ishaq Satti came forward about the violence she had to endure at the hands of her husband. It was appalling to see how a public personality could be the proponent of a heinous crime. Yet there was a section of society criticising the woman for speaking out.

    Just like that when The Current published a feature about the legal and religious interpretation of the conviction on Marital Rape, so many flooded the comment section to school that this does not exist. 

    Another case of intolerance has been the Ichhra mob case where seemingly religious men decided to halt and heckle a woman for wearing a dress that had Arabic written on it without verifying that it was not a Qur’anic script. The incident made waves both nationally and internationally but the way a woman ASP rescued her from that charged crowd showed us how a woman in power can handle things rather bravely and responsibly. 

    It can be agreed that all of this stems from the kind of upbringing one has had. In this regard, the most shocking incident has been from Karachi where a boy living with his uncle’s family and divorced mother killed his seven-year-old cousin by slitting his throat only because he used to complain to his father about this elder cousin. An American parenting vlogger was sentenced for abusing her children. The bottom line in all of this is a simple fact that surely humans are complex but as a society we have to ensure that we are raising them right.

    SPORTS

    By Waseem Sarwar

    In the mid of February, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) started, which is the most enjoyable event for Pakistani fans. Six different teams from the country participate in this event but this month was not good for Lahore fans as Lahore Qalandars are almost out of this tournament due to bad performance in the event.

    Babar Azam became the fastest batter to complete 10,000 runs in T20 in just 271 innings. Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam scored a century after a long time in a match against Islamabad United on February 26.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) terminated the central contract of fast bowler Haris Rauf due to his refusal to be included in Pakistan’s Test squad for the 2023-24 tour of Australia. Australia won the Under-19 world cup this month. A tragic news this month: Marathon’s world record holder athlete Kelvin Kaptam died in a car accident.

    Pakistan’s Hamza Saeed won the gold medal in the 33rd Fajr Open Taekwondo Championship in Tehran. 

    India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli and wife Anushka Sharma announced that they welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on February 15. Pakistan’s right-arm fast bowler Hassan Ali — who is married to an Indian girl — also became a father for the second time.

    ENTERTAINMENT

    By Kainat Alvi

    The entertainment world has been full of interesting events taking place this month. First off, the wedding of Jannat Mirza’s sister, Sehar Mirza, made headlines as the rukhsati was held without the groom.

    And guess who was spotted together? None other than famous actor Ahsan Khan and Indian actress Sonam Bajwa! They teamed up for a clothing brand’s photoshoot.

    Yumna Zaidi delighted her fans once again by performing at a wedding, dancing to the viral song ‘Teri Baaton Main Aisa Uljha Jiya’. She always knows how to steal the show!

    There’s also been a lot of buzz surrounding the film ‘Taxali Gate’.  Fans are raving about it on social media, with many saying it’s Abu Aleeha’s best work yet. Definitely one to watch!

    Looking for something heartwarming? ‘Ishq Murshid’ is the perfect show for you. Follow Shahmeer as he embarks on a scheme to capture Shibra’s heart, which involves disguising himself as a poor man and starting anew. And let’s not forget the beautiful dance performance at actress Arisha Razi Khan’s wedding with her husband. It was a sight to behold!

    Wrapping up the month on a high note, the Pakistani short movie ‘Jamun ka Darakht’ won the award for Best Social Justice Short Film at the Cannes World Film Festival.

    And also get ready to amp up your Ramzan with a lineup of exciting and comedic dramas that promise to keep you entertained throughout the holy month! From heartfelt stories to hilarious antics, here’s what to watch: Dil Pe Dastak, Tere Mere Sapne,Chand Nagar Drama, Babu Ki Dulahni,Goll Chakar.

    With these exciting dramas on your watchlist, Ramzan is set to be filled with laughter, joy, and memorable moments for the whole family!

    FOREIGN NEWS

    Starting with the Israeli genocide in Gaza, the death toll has hit 30,000 while more than 70,000 people have been injured by the end of February as the Israeli attacks throughout the strip remained relentless as ever, but the international community is still mum about it.Palestine also reached out to the UN’s top court — International Court of Justice (ICJ) — where Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki asserted that his people were enduring “colonialism and apartheid” under the Israelis, and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasing of the occupation.

    But pro-ceasefire voices always fall on deaf ears and the authority to stop the Israeli barbarity remains with the powerful who have failed to make it possible to-date. For the fourth time since October 7, the US vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

    On the other hand, US President Joe Biden, while he enjoyed an ice-cream, casually stated that he hoped a ceasefire in Gaza could start by the beginning of March, adding that Israel was ready to halt operations during the Muslim month of Ramzan as part of any deal.

    As for the tensions in the Middle East, Yemen’s Houthis reported the first civilian death in US and British air strikes in one of the rounds of joint raids which have been at odds with the West with their support of Palestine.

    February also marked the second anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war but this month, all eyes were on Russian President Vladimir Putin after his incarcerated political opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison — and his wife accused Putin for his demise. 

    Additionally, there have been protests by farmers worldwide, from India to Europe, separately, for their rights and to register their rebellion with the sitting governments against soaring fuel, and fertiliser costs, lower prices of their produce, and restrictive regulations. The protests shed light on the very pertinent issues faced by the primary food-producing sector of countries owning big agricultural markets.

  • American parenting vlogger sentenced to prison for child abuse

    American parenting vlogger sentenced to prison for child abuse

    A Utah mother-of-six who doled out parenting advice on a popular YouTube channel has been sentenced to prison for abusing her children, holding two of them in conditions prosecutors likened to concentration camps.

    Ruby Franke, 42, pleaded guilty in December to four counts of aggravated child abuse and was sentenced on Tuesday to one-to-15 years in prison on each charge.

    Franke’s business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, 54, whom she described as her “mentor,” received the same sentence.

    Beginning in 2015, Franke ran a since-deleted YouTube channel called “8 Passengers” which provided parenting advice. She would later feature on a YouTube channel run by Hildebrandt after separating from her husband.

    Utah prosecutor Eric Clarke said Franke and Hildebrandt held two of the children, then aged nine and 11, in a “concentration camp-like setting.”

    “The children were regularly denied food, water, beds to sleep in, and virtually all forms of entertainment,” Clarke said. “They were isolated from others, and were hidden when people came to visit the house.

    “They were also forced to do manual labor outdoors in the extreme summer heat, at times without shoes or socks,” the prosecutor said. “Both children had extensive physical injuries from the abuse that required hospitalization.”

    Clarke also said the children were emotionally abused, “to the extent that each believed, to some degree, that they deserved what was being done to them.

    Eventually, the older one “had the courage” to run away and ask a neighbor to call the police, Clarke said, adding “Heaven knows how much longer they could have survived in that situation.”

    Franke apologized for her actions at her sentencing hearing before Judge John Walton.

    “I was led to believe that this world was an evil place filled with cops who control, hospitals that injure, government agencies that brainwash, church leaders who lie and lust, husbands who refuse to protect and children who need abuse,” she said.

    She said her paranoia “culminated into criminal activity for which I stand before you today ready to take accountability.”

    Franke and Hildebrandt will serve a minimum of four years in prison but their exact prison terms will be decided by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

  • Canal and wuzu water to be used to sprinkle on roads

    Canal and wuzu water to be used to sprinkle on roads

    The Lahore High Court has directed the Water And Sanitation Agency (WASA) to use stored canal and ablution water for sprinkling the roads to combat dust, reports Geo.

    Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court heard petitions for remedying smog, in which federal government’s lawyer Asad Bajwa. appeared in the court.

    During the hearing, the court said that in light of the commission’s report, WAPDA should take immediate action against the industries, the stored water of the canal, and ablutions should be used for sprinkling the roads. If not, WASA will be responsible for violating the court orders.
    The court said that keep things simple and not make things difficult, set new resolutions and targets for the new year, in the new year we have to commit to keeping the environment of the world clean.

  • Blind man calls for help for three days while stuck in manhole

    Blind man calls for help for three days while stuck in manhole

    Muhammad Naveed, a blind man from Ali Husssainabad in Maraka, Multan Road fell in an open manhole. He reportedly went missing three days ago after saying he was going to the nearby stop. On his return, he fell in the open manhole, a 10 feet deep sewer, and remained there for three days.

    Yesterday, passersby heard his cries and informed the shopkeepers on the street. They took immediate action, trying to pull Naveed out of the hole with the help of ropes. Meanwhile, the rescue team also arrived and helped speed up the process.

    The sewage drain was right in front of the office of the National Highway and Motorway Police, reports Jang.
    Naveed was injured and was given first aid upon recovery.

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  • Want a pet that will live for a hundred years? This Giant Sulcata tortoise needs a home

    Want a pet that will live for a hundred years? This Giant Sulcata tortoise needs a home

    A woman living in the Canadian region of British Columbia, near the city of Richmond, was paid a surprise visit from a giant tortoise of the endangered African breed Sulcata in the backyard of her farmhouse.

    Shelly Smith, a dog trainer, initially presumed the animal to be a rock poking out from the rows of spinach but it turned out that it was moving too-not all of a sudden but at a slow speed.

    She called a local animal shelter. Interestingly, while she was asked about the size of the tortoise, she blurted out that “it was bigger than the platter you’d use to serve 24 people a Thanksgiving turkey.”

    The tortoise has been named as Frank the Tank and is now living with a foster family until it finds a permanent home.

    The Sulcata breed of tortoise is endangered but keeping them could be very overwhelming because of the size they grow to and the care they demand so it is common for owners to abandon them. They are relatively cheap (almost 500 Canadian dollars) but these are the kinds of pets which are passed onto the next of kin in the will. Apart from the huge size they grow up to, they can live almost 150 years.

    Frank the Tank currently weighs 35 pounds and is expected to grow to 50 pounds. His age at the moment is unknown but it appears he probably has a century in hand.

    The veterinarian at the shelter house said, “You really have to plan on what you have to do with him after you die.”

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  • Khalifa nan-khatai lover, US Ambassador Donald Blome wants more women in the Pakistani workforce

    Khalifa nan-khatai lover, US Ambassador Donald Blome wants more women in the Pakistani workforce

    US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, visited Lahore from September 4-6 and The Current got the opportunity to sit down with him and have a little chat.

    And yes, you read it correctly. The ambassador is a lover of Khalifa nan-khatai. He told us that he discovered the biscuits last year when he came to Lahore. Later, during his February trip, he even stopped by Khalifa Bakers in the Walled City.

    Visit to Lahore
    Over the course of his latest tour, Ambassador Blome visited PepsiCo’s FritoLay Snack plant and NetSol Technologies Ltd. While the focus of the ambassador’s trip was to foster the economic ties between the United States (US) and Pakistan, special emphasis was placed upon the importance of human rights and inclusive workspaces — particularly in regards to women.

    “It is not just a matter of simply hiring — there are things you have to change, and ensure a welcoming environment for women with different needs and different requirements to excel in the workforce,” he pointed out.

    Playing a leading role in corporate social responsibility, American-based companies have not only created employability in Pakistan, but they endeavour to cater to the local communities through initiatives that actively work towards women’s empowerment as well as education, health, disaster relief, and skills development.

    Ambassador Blome cited a USAID programme in partnership with PepsiCo that aims its attention on women farmers of Pakistan who are working in one of the more difficult areas, toiling under a strenuous work environment.

    Cultural Barriers
    Taking into consideration the socio-domestic constraints that often restrict women from growing in their careers, Ambassador Blome believes that practical initiatives can make workplaces more inviting for women in Pakistan.

    “It is the simple things; like having child care facilities, providing safe transportation — beyond that is developing a culture that ensures that equal chance is given to women to advance within their jobs and careers, and that they are valued in the same way every other employee is valued.”

    He further stated that he hopes American firms like PepsiCo, which has advanced gender parity in managerial roles globally, are exemplary models providing a leadership structure for the local businesses.

    “A lot of things work through to get there. But many Pakistani companies are also trying to head in that direction,” Ambassador Blome acknowledged.

    Success stories
    While a number of US businesses have actively countered gender inequality, Ambassador Blome particularly highlighted the digital sector as a success. He mentioned that not only more women are being employed by IT firms but certain institutes have been accommodating by providing opportunities for flexible work like allowing to work partly at home, partly in office.

    NetSol Technologies, an American software company, is known for being an “equal opportunity employer with the largest concentration of female employees in Lahore”.

    This year, they took an initiative to encourage women back into workspaces — women who are married or left the job after having a baby. This was carried out by creating women-exclusive jobs which catered them through on-office facilities.

    Ambassador Blome, however, also hailed a number of “impressive” Pakistani women-led organisations that are in the lead when it comes to facilitating women.

    “It is a whole constellation of different issues that come together,” he underlined.

    “If companies are able to make that work [i.e. create inclusive workspaces], it would be incredibly effective because it brings unique talents and energy, and it is something badly needed for Pakistan. The participation of women in force is too low here and it hurts the country in many ways — to forgo this incredible resource the country has.”

  • Life in Afghanistan: Two years since the Taliban takeover

    Two years since the Taliban stormed back to power on 15 August 2021 after two decades of war against the US and its allies, life has changed dramatically for many Afghans. A businesswoman, a former Taliban fighter and a farmer tell AFP how the changes have impacted them.

  • CII grants conditional permission to women performing Hajj without a mehram

    CII grants conditional permission to women performing Hajj without a mehram

    The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Wednesday gave conditional permission to women to perform Hajj without a mehram under certain conditions, a spokesperson for the body confirmed.

    Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs had sought the views of CII to determine whether or not women would be allowed to perform Hajj without a mehram (close-male relative) or male guardian.  

    In October 2022, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, announced that women all over the world would be able to perform Hajj and Umrah without a mehram or male guardian. The Ministry of Religious Affairs sought clarity on the matter from the CII.

    A CII spokesperson stated it is acceptable, citing the Islamic Jafri, Maliki and Shafi’i schools of thought, which state that women are permitted to perform Hajj without a mehram under Sharia law.

    The Council clarified that according to Hanafi and Hanbali fiqh, a woman is not obligated to perform Hajj if she does not have a mehram.

    However, the CII stressed the permission is dependent on certain conditions.

    What are the conditions?

    Firstly, a woman can only travel sans mehram if granted explicit permission by either her parents or husband. Secondly, if a group of women are to travel for Hajj together, the religious ministry is entitled to a thorough investigation to ensure the group is fit to embark on the pilgrimage.

    The CII spokesperson did note that if a woman wanted to solo travel for Hajj and Umrah, and she did not feel insecure while traveling, she had the right to go (of course dependent on her parents’/husband’s permission).

    Writer and former advisor to the Minister of Hajj, Faten Ibrahim Hussein, praised the new ruling. According to him, allowing women to perform Umrah without a mehram makes the pilgrimage more attainable, as many come from difficult social situations and may not find a mehram.