Category: Lifestyle

  • After Punjab gives control to a woman, all hail women deputy speakers in KP, Balochistan

    After Punjab gives control to a woman, all hail women deputy speakers in KP, Balochistan

    After Maryam Nawaz was given the charge of Chief Minister in Punjab, other provinces are also stepping up and recognizing the position of women in politics. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have also elected women for the post of deputy speakers in their respective assemblies.


    PTI-backed member from Chitral, Suraiya Bibi has been elected as the Deputy Speaker in KP Assembly after securing 87 votes.


    Suraiya Bibi is from the constituency of PK-1 Chitral, representing the Banu, Chitral, and Lower Dir regions. She has served as the Vice President of the Malakand Women’s Wing of the Tehreek-e-Insaf. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology. However, it is important to note that she is the second woman in the province to have been elected for this post. The first was Mehr Taj Roghani from Mardan, who is now a senator.

    In Balochistan, Ghazala Gola has been elected unopposed as the deputy speaker of the Balochistan Assembly.

    She belongs to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and according to her Twitter bio has served as a provincial minister on women’s development in Balochistan.


    Additionally, Sindh Assembly has elected Anthony Naveed from PPP as the deputy speaker. Naveed is from a minority community and is a former Special Assistant To Chief Minister Sindh – Pakistan on Interfaith & Harmony.

  • Karachi: Homeless siblings run over by car

    Karachi: Homeless siblings run over by car

    An unfortunate incident took place in Karachi when a fast-moving car ran over a sleeping family killing three siblings and injuring two other family members.


    The family was sleeping on a footpath near Nagan Chowrangi in the small hours of Wednesday morning when the car ran over them. However, the car driver managed to escape in injured condition, leaving behind his vehicle which was impounded by the police.


    The police said that two brothers and their sister were killed in the accident, reports Dawn. Bali Gopi Chand, 22, and Ashok Gopi Chand, 9, died on the spot. Later, Shri Ram Gopi, 15, died during treatment at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Sita Gopi, 14, and Lalay Gopi, 6 were injured and admitted for treatment.


    “An FIR has been registered and police are working on the case,” said SSP Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqi, adding that police will arrest the driver and whoever else was in the car. A case of manslaughter has been registered.


    Area SHO Qamar Kiani said that the police had conducted raids at three places to nab the suspect but to no avail.


    He also said that the case was registered on the complaint of a relative of the victims, who informed the police that he lived in the slum area of Sohrab Goth and sold vegetables on a pushcart. He was asleep in his home when at around 3 am someone informed him about the death of his relatives in a car accident.

  • Shadi karo aur bahir chalay jao; 17 countries that give citizenship after marriage

    Shadi karo aur bahir chalay jao; 17 countries that give citizenship after marriage

    Immigration is an important topic in Pakistan, especially with a looming economic crisis and rising inflation making the standard of living quite poor for most people.


    Many Pakistanis are eager to get the citizenship of another country through matrimony. There are a total of 17 countries where saying “I do” can pave the way to acquiring citizenship.


    Geo News took a closer look at the policies of each of these countries and how a couple can seek citizenship.


    Uruguay


    Uruguay, with its stable economy, grants citizenship after three years of marriage to a Uruguayan national.


    Dominica


    Dominica, a Caribbean gem, extends the opportunity for citizenship through marriage, beckoning individuals to a life of financial incentives and natural beauty after three years of union.


    Sweden


    Sweden opens its doors to couples married to Swedish nationals or those in registered partnerships, requiring three years of cohabitation.


    Germany


    Germany, a highly developed European nation, offers a short three-year timeframe for spouses of registered same-sex partners of German nationals.


    USA


    The United States, known for its diverse opportunities, requires three years of legal permanent residency and cohabitation for citizenship through marriage.


    Ireland


    Ireland presents a solid option, enabling citizenship through naturalization after three years of marriage or civil partnership.


    United Kingdom


    The United Kingdom stands out as a fast-track route, allowing citizenship by naturalization for couples residing for at least three years.


    Netherlands


    The Netherlands grants citizenship after three years of marriage or registered partnership, emphasizing cohabitation.


    Slovenia


    Slovenia provides a quicker path through marriage, reducing the usual 10-year naturalization period to just three years.


    Chile


    Chile prioritizes family reunification, granting citizenship after two years of marriage and cohabitation.


    Grenada


    Grenada, an enchanting Caribbean destination, allows spouses married after February 6, 1974, to become eligible for citizenship after two years.


    Bolivia


    Bolivia, although not offering many direct citizenship programs, presents marriage as a streamlined option, shortening the typical residency requirement to two years.


    Peru


    Peru simplifies the process further, allowing citizenship after two years of marriage.


    Argentina


    Argentina, with its rich culture and affordability, offers citizenship after two years of marriage, providing numerous benefits.


    Spain


    Spain, a treat for culture lovers, facilitates citizenship after one year of legal marriage, boasting a high quality of life and a moderate living cost.


    Belize


    Belize, a tropical haven, offers citizenship after one year of marriage to a Belizean national, combining a great climate with low living costs.


    Luxembourg


    Luxembourg stands out with a unique approach, requiring passing the Living Together in Luxembourg course or test and a Luxembourg language test for citizenship after three years of marriage. Known for providing a high quality of life, Luxembourg offers couples a distinctive route to acquiring citizenship.


    As we delve into the complex pathways of global citizenship through marriage, these 17 countries stand as diverse options, each with its own set of opportunities and advantages for couples embarking on this extraordinary journey together.

  • World’s third biggest mosque opens to public ahead of Ramzan

    World’s third biggest mosque opens to public ahead of Ramzan

    Algeria has finally opened the third-biggest mosque in the world and the largest in Africa, ahead of the holy month of Ramzan, according to Al Jazeera.


    The inauguration of the mosque has taken several days due to unrest in the country. The Grand Mosque of Algiers was formally opened on Monday by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.


    Djamaa El-Djazair is how the locals refer to it, and it can house up to 120,000 worshippers at once. With a height of 265 meters (869 feet), it has the highest minaret in the world.


    After seven years of construction, a vast modernist building spanning approximately 70 acres was completed, with marble and wood elements along with Arabic and North African architectural elements.


    It even has a library large enough to house a million volumes and a helipad. The massive structure was built by a Chinese firm, reportedly costing around $900 million.

    It is being marketed as the third-biggest mosque worldwide, following the holy mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s mosque in Madina, both located in Saudi Arabia.

  • Pakistan mein kab aur kahan barish hogi?

    Pakistan mein kab aur kahan barish hogi?

    As per the latest forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), several regions across Pakistan are on high alert as they anticipate rainfall and heavy snowfall starting from Thursday.

    The Met Office has issued a weather advisory indicating that a strong westerly wave is set to approach western parts of the country by February 29, likely affecting most areas by March 1. This weather system is expected to persist for approximately two days, potentially leading to disruptive conditions.

    Areas including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gawadar, Quetta, Chitral, Abbottabad, GB, Kashmir, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot are bracing for heavy rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms.

    In Sindh, Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur & Dadu, Jamshoro, Thatta, Tharparker, Badin, Umerkot, Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Naushahro feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar districts & Karachi division are bracing for heavy rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms on February 29 and March 1. PMD has also warned of the possibility of isolated hailstorms during this period.

    Similarly, Balochistan is expected to experience widespread heavy rain along with wind and thunderstorms in areas such as Nokkundi, Dalbandin, Chagi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Noushki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah during the same timeframe.

    Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is likely to witness heavy to extremely heavy rain coupled with thunderstorms from February 29 to March 3, affecting areas like Chitral (Lower & Upper), Dir (Lower & Upper), Malakand, Buner, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Torghar, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu, Karak, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, DI Khan, North & South Waziristan districts.

    Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Kashmir are also expected to face heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain, along with windstorms and snowfall throughout the forecast period.

    In Punjab, cities including Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali and Bhakkar on 01st & 02nd March. Heavy snowfall is also expected in Murree, Galliyat and surrounding during the period. Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Multan, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar are gearing up for widespread heavy rain accompanied by windstorms.

    The Met Office has issued warnings regarding the possibility of flash flooding in various regions. In Balochistan and Dera Ghazi Khan, heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding in local nullahs on February 29 and March 1. Similarly, hill torrents in KP, Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat, as well as local nullahs in Islamabad, could experience flash flooding on March 1 and 2.

    Moreover, the heavy rain and snowfall may result in road closures in popular tourist destinations such as Murree, Naran, Kaghan, and Swat, among others. Consequently, tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period.

    The PMD has urged all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential risks or untoward situations arising from the forecasted severe weather conditions.

  • Naa Channa Daal naa; Pakistan has a new favourite daal

    Naa Channa Daal naa; Pakistan has a new favourite daal

    Lentils are an important part of the diet of Pakistanis, with the plant-based protein being a staple in most households.

    The country grows and consumes a wide variety of nutritious lentils, not just in normal daal form, but also in kababs, bhallas and even chaat.

    However, what is the country’s favorite daal? Gallup Pakistan has released a new survey about this very important question.


    In the survey, 21 percent people gave a verdict in favor of maash ki daal and said it was their favorite among all pulses, reports Geo.


    17 percent of Pakistanis chose gram dal as their favorite, 14 percent chose moong dal and eight percent chose masoor ki daal, while four percent chose white beans (Lobya) as their favorite.


    Six percent said they liked all pulses, while four percent said they did not like any pulse.

  • Flash floods wreak havoc in Gwadar

    Flash floods wreak havoc in Gwadar

    Unexpected floods have hit Pakistan once more as Balochistan bears the brunt of sporadic rainfall just before spring. The flooded area includes the provincial capital of Quetta but this time, Gwadar has been severely affected.

    The flood was prompted by heavy rains on February 27 in Gwadar where the highest amount recorded was 58 millimetres.

    According to the Commissioner of Makran, the rain persisted for nine hours while in Gwadar, the duration was more than 16 hours which also impacted the electricity system.

    Some of the other areas experiencing rains were Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Turbat.

    It has been forecast that heavy rains will continue across the province until March 2.

  • Woman strangles 8-years-old nephew over property dispute

    Woman strangles 8-years-old nephew over property dispute

    A woman in the Ghazi Tehsil of Haripur allegedly strangled her minor nephew and threw his body into a well over a property dispute. She has been arrested by the police along with two accomplices, reports Dawn.

    The boy, Abdul Moeed, 8, a student of grade III, went to school on Feb 21 but didn’t return home. The family searched for the missing boy, but could not find any clue to his whereabouts, informing the police.

    As per the initial investigation conducted by the police, the suspect, Abida Shaheen, was identified by the police upon investigation of her mobile phone record. She disclosed that she strangled Moeed with the help of two accomplices, Waseem and Mohammad Akhtar, and then threw his body into a well in the village.

    After her confession, the police recovered the body from the well and shifted it to Ghazi Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for autopsy.


    A criminal case was registered against the woman and the accomplices under sections 201, 202, and 302/34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.


    The motive behind the boy’s murder was a property dispute between two brothers – the husband of the accused woman and the boy’s father – the police said.

  • Watch: Drunk Pakistani passenger restrained in international flight

    Watch: Drunk Pakistani passenger restrained in international flight

    An unruly and drunk flyer on Sunday forced the cabin crew to physically restrain him using cable ties during an international flight from Dubai to Islamabad.
    The incident happened on an Emirates flight where a man’s behaviour was described by a witness as drunk and “extremely violent”, according to a US-based outlet. The individual was subdued by the crew initially but with help from fellow passengers, he was tackled to the ground.

    https://youtu.be/fl2y01G-D5w?si=VFrlol9QSBHIuB-I


    A video has emerged on social media platforms showing a restrained passenger in an airport wheelchair. The viral footage captures the individual’s attempt to headbutt a male flight crew member, who, along with another crew member, successfully pushes him to the floor. Subsequently, two male crew members hold the passenger down while two female flight attendants secure his legs using cable ties.


    In a post on X, a Pakistani journalist Amir Mateen shared details from a fellow passenger, describing the man’s aggressive behavior and subsequent restraint by the Emirates cabin crew. Mateen raised questions regarding the passenger’s release, suggesting potential connections enabling his departure despite the incident.


    “This happened in Dubai flight to Islamabad this morning. Sent by a passenger who remained terrified during the flight: “Drunk guy extremely violent. Restrained and handcuffed by Emirates cabin crew but I think Pak authorities let him go as he was well connected,” said Amir Mateen, who was a person on board.


    This incident adds to a series of similar occurrences in recent months, including a mid-air altercation on a Southwest Airlines flight in February and other incidents of disruptive behavior aboard flights.

  • From dress to shoes, all the info about Maryam Nawaz’s oath-taking look

    From dress to shoes, all the info about Maryam Nawaz’s oath-taking look

    Vice-president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz, famous for her fashion sense, is making waves with the customised emerald green dress she wore on her oath-taking ceremony on Monday when she became the first female Chief Minister of Punjab.

    The Current contacted designer Ayesha Jawad who runs the fashion label Parniyaan. She revealed the exquisite details of the dress, stating that the fabric used for the shawl (dupatta) was chiffon bordered with chantelle and an organza design. The design on the dress was also of the same chantelle net which gave it an oomph of elegance.


    Yes! This is the same dupatta she was cautious of getting ruined when she brushed off Uzma Kardar.


    Ayesha revealed that it was a customized dress and could be available for Rs. 60,000 approximately.


    As for the suave footwear, it was from Manolo Blahnik’s White Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps collection. It is originally available in the price of £945, roughly Rs. 334,795.41.

    When the late Benazir Bhutto became the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, she too wore a green suit, a look that became iconic for generations.