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  • Pakistan’s forgotten Heritage Sites

    Pakistan’s forgotten Heritage Sites

    We mourn the loss of Notre Dame and applaud how people are pledging to bring it back to life, but what about our own heritage sites? Here is a list of sites that have been restored and others that have been forgotten.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd-72NJcp9w

    Ranikot Fort

    We might not be number 1 in a lot of things but we have the world’s largest fort. Didn’t know that? Neither did we until we read about it. In fact, the site is often referred to as the Great Wall of Sindh. Sadly, almost 60 percent of the walls have collapsed and multiple restoration projects have been shelved. Ranikot isn’t royal anymore.

    Ziarat is a holiday resort near Quetta where Jinnah’s famous summer house is. The residence was destroyed in 2013 by militants, but completely restored a year later.

    Swat Buddha

    The iconic seventh-century Buddha was destroyed by the Taliban in 2007. However, it was restored with the help of the Italians.

    Red Fort, Muzaffarabad

    Built by the Chak rulers of Kashmir in the 16th Century. Much of it was destroyed in the 2005 earthquake and is yet to be repaired.

    Laxmi Mansion

    We make movies about Manto but haven’t bothered to renovate the house he lived in. Lahore ka Laxmi Mansion is situated in Laxmi chowk but now no one lives there and if you ask someone for directions, they won’t even know where it is.

    Banbhore

    Located in the Thatta district, this historic site dates back to first century BC. Apart from excavations with the help of Italian Archaeological experts, not much has been done to restore the site which was once an important port.

  • VIDEO: PM says Iran suffered due to terror groups ‘operating from within Pakistan’

    VIDEO: PM says Iran suffered due to terror groups ‘operating from within Pakistan’

    Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday admitted that Iran has suffered from terrorism by “groups operating from within Pakistan” and expressed his resolve to not allow militants to use Pakistani soil anymore.

    “I know that Iran has suffered from terrorism which is from groups operated from within Pakistan,” the premier said while addressing a press conference along with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    While he asserted that Islamabad would no longer allow any militant groups to use its soil against anyone, PM Imran’s statement regarding terrorism in Iran is receiving mixed reactions on Twitter:

    https://twitter.com/alinaqvi11011/status/1120259518695452672
    https://twitter.com/farjad99/status/1120264441080229888

    Peace is breaking out on Iran’s eastern front as PM Imran landed in Tehran on Sunday to strengthen trust between the two neighbouring countries on the invitation of President Rouhani.

    According to reports, border security issues are on top of the premier’s agenda in Tehran as Pak-Iran relations have lately had a bad patch due to security issues along the border.

  • Parliamentary or presidential system: what you need to know

    Parliamentary or presidential system: what you need to know

    WATCH VIDEO:

  • Game of Thrones – The Pakistani style

    Game of Thrones – The Pakistani style

    The eighth and final season of Game of Thrones is currently on-air and we couldn’t help but wonder which actor would have played which character, had the show been a Pakistani one. Here’s who we think would have been the best fit for the different GoT characters.

    Fawad Khan as Jon Snow

    If there’s anyone who can look this good while knowing nothing, it’s Fawad Khan.

    Saba Qamar as Daenerys Targaryen

    The macho Mother of Dragons can only be matched by the might of Saba Qamar.

    Mehwish Hayat as Cersei Lannister

    There is zero doubt that the fire of Cersei can only be matched with that of Mehwish.

    Hamza Ali Abbasi as Jamie Lannister

    Fighting with one hand and being tossed around by moral dillemas, Hamza and Jamie go together.

    Rozi Khan as Tyrion Lannister

    Even though this chai wala isn’t an actor, there’s no one who could play Tyrion better. He just needs to be silent and stand there and we’ll all watch in awe at the resemblance.

    Mahira Khan as Sansa Stark

    Beychari Sansa ko fit hoti hai beychari Mahira. Waiting to see how she grows into a warrior princess.

    Imran Abbas as Bran Stark

    Other than the fact that they look scarily similar, Imran Abbas has got the focus needed to be Bran.

    Mikaal Zulfiqar as Robb Stark

    Hot stuff, dies early, hi Mikaal Zulfiqar.

    Sajal Aly as Arya Stark

    Seems innocent doesn’t she? Sajal has got the sting that is needed to be the strong Arya.

    Shahroz Sabzwari as Joffrey Baratheon

    This evil cutie pie could only be played by Shahroz.

    Nayyer Ejaz as Sandor “The Hound” Clegane

    Haayee The Hound! Can you spot any difference? (Other than the obvious pagri of course).

    Shamoon Abbasi as Khal Drogo

    It’s like Shamoon was made to play Khal Drogo.

    Ahmed Ali Butt as Samwell Tarly

    Can you think of anyone else?

    Mawra Hocane as Margaery Tyrell

    Looks sweet, but can be utterly ruthless.

    Ali Azmat as Varys

    We didn’t pick Ali Azmat because both are bald. He’s got the edgy smoothness needed to be The Spider.

    Resham as Melisandre

    Resham is the perfect match for Melisandre’s conviction and intensity.

    Ali Zafar as Ramsay Bolton

    Ramsay created a lot of trouble with his conniving ways so who better than our very own Teefa.

    Sanam Saeed as Brienne of Tarth

    Sanam has got the stoic might to play Brianne of Tarth.

  • Usman Buzdar going home?

    Usman Buzdar going home?

    With reports claiming Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is about to be fired, Prime Minister Imran Khan has also warned his new “Wasim Akram” against poor performance.

    CM’s spokesperson Dr Shahbaz Gill, however, has denied all media reports regarding Buzdar’s removal.

    To be honest, we also don’t think anyone can ever sack an “under-training” and such an innocent chief minister:

  • The Current’s Selfie Guide

    The Current’s Selfie Guide

    We all love taking selfies, don’t we? But your once-in-a-lifetime farewell moment has to look super hot. When you’re all dolled up, making goodbye memories, master your selfie pose with The Current’s selfie guide.

    SMILE:

    Always tilt your head a little to the side. Practice in the mirror and figure out your best side. Everyone has one and we’ve actually had female politicians tell us not to photograph them from a certain angle. So trust us when we say, know your best angle and SMILE. Because you’ll look young and happy. Not too big though and try sticking your tongue lightly to the roof of your mouth. Gives your smile a little softness. REMEMBER: You want to be Deepika at her wedding, not Priyanka.

    POUT:

    If you’re going to pout, you better do it right. Otherwise your school title will be Duck Face and no one wants that. So to master the perfect pout, make sure you use lip liner when you put your lipstick on. It will define your lips and also give it a nice, rosy shape. For a natural pout, you need to put slight pressure on the edges of your nose. Push your nose down slightly, tilt your head to a side angle, and do a small pout. That’s the only way to go.

    THE CAMERA:

    Can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Invest in a phone with a good camera (preferably ones with a portrait mode since they look soo professional). But if your phone sucks, you can get a good selfie out of it. How? Always take your selfie from a higher angle than your face. It makes you look thinner than if you do at eye level or below. And if you’re taking a selfie with friends, DO NOT EVER take the selfie yourself. The person taking selfie will always look the worst so its better them than you.

  • Five outfits to wear to your farewell

    Five outfits to wear to your farewell

    Can’t decide what to wear to the biggest night of the year? Don’t worry, we got you sorted. While the sari is everyone’s go-to attire for the event, if you’re not a sari girl, we’ve got other options that will make you look like a diva.

    A plain sari

    Nothing looks more understated and elegant than a plain sari in a bright, attractive colour. Dress it up with makeup and accessories and you’re good to go.

    Sadaf Kanwal in Zaheer Abbas

    Kaaftan

    The kaftan is a fuss-free attire which is perfect for the summers considering how breezy they are. Let’s not forget how glam and ethereal this looks.

    Amna Chaudhry

    Pantsuits

    If long, flowy outfits are not your thing, you can opt for a pantsuit, which gives a powerful, confident vibe. Either pair plain trousers and a coat with a lace shirt for a feminine touch or statement pants and a blingy jacket for a more glamorous look.

    Mahira Khan in Elan, Ayesha Omar wears Sania Maskatiya pants and Zara Jacket

    Sari pant

    Add a twist to your outfit by opting for a sari pant.

    Mahira in Studio S Designs

    If bling is your thing, you can wear an embellished blouse with a plain sari to strike a balance and not look overdone.

    Natasha Kamal

    Now that we have plenty of fashion inspo, the next step is getting the clothes made. You can either opt to go to the designer directly and get your outfit made, or you can make it from scratch with the help of your darzi. There are plenty of places where you can get the material from at affordable prices.

    In Karachi, Aashiana Centre is your best bet, while in Lahore head over to Lahore Centre or Liberty. Islamabad has limited places, but Satellite Town in Pindi has some great kapra stores. And don’t worry ladies. Tailors are now almost as good as the real thing. Show them a sample of what you want, and they’ll have your back.

    Need help finding a good tailor in your city? Message us and we’ll help you find one. Have a beautiful looking night.

  • The Current’s Makeup Guide

    The Current’s Makeup Guide

    Is your farewell right around the corner? Confused if you should do your makeup yourself or head to the salon to get it done? This makeup guide is just for you. Watch makeup artist Ammara Salman give an easy tutorial to do any makeup look you prefer.

    Light Makeup Look:

    If you’re someone who doesn’t like to experiment much and prefer a no-makeup look, this tutorial is for you. (You’ll also be shocked to see where the makeup products are from. We adore this look).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP8TWik7QAI

    Heavy Makeup Look:

    Getting ready for a fancy farewell isn’t just about the dress and the hair. Your makeup should also be on point. For all the makeup queens, we have this heavy makeup look with all the tips you need to have the perfect glam and not look overdone.

    https://youtu.be/k27qyMYYDII
  • The curious case of Peshawar BRT

    The curious case of Peshawar BRT

    More than a year has passed since the initial launch date of the much-awaited Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that was to be completed within “six months”; however, the controversy surrounding the project continues to deepen.

    Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister Pervez Khattak had in October 2017 broke ground on the multi-billion-rupee project aimed at providing comfortable transport facilities to the residents of Peshawar.

    Launched with the Asian Development Bank’s assistance, Khattak had announced the 26 km long project would be completed by April 2018, but it was later delayed to May.

    However, the Peshawar BRT has lied in limbo ever since its inauguration, as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, while auditing the affairs of Rs29.65 billion Lahore and the Rs28.5 billion Multan metro buses, has failed to finalise the total cost of its own project.

    Meanwhile, an investigation into the BRT has revealed that “havoc has been played with public money through faulty planning and designing, negligence in execution of work and poor management of the project”.

    According to reports, the government has lastly approved an increase in the project’s cost by 38 per cent, revising from Rs49 billion to Rs66 billion.

    The new cost, which still might not be the final one, is 53.46 per cent higher than the total cost of Punjab’s most expensive mass transit project – the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus – that was completed at a cost of Rs44.31 billion.

  • All you need to know about PM Imran’s cabinet reshuffle

    All you need to know about PM Imran’s cabinet reshuffle

    Soon after Finance Minister Asad Umar “resigned” from Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet, the premier on Thursday fired several ministers for showing unsatisfactory performance in their respective domains.

    Among the victims of Thursday’s bloodbath were Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Interior Minister Shehryar Afridi, Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan and Health Minister Amir Mehmood Kiyani.

    While the sacked cabinet members were handed new ministries in what is being termed as a major reshuffle, here is what you need to know about the new portfolios of the same old ministers.

    Fawad Chaudhry’s Science and Technology Ministry

    As the name suggests, the ministry is concerned with science and technology. It is responsible for the country’s science policy, planning, coordination and efforts to initiate technological programmes that can also be aimed at economic development.

    Shehryar Afridi’s States and Frontier Regions Ministry

    The main responsibility of the ministry is to deal with the issues of tribal areas of Pakistan, the frontier regions and previously Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) that is now a part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    Ghulam Sarwar Khan’s Aviation Ministry

    Concerned with matters of aviation, the ministry works in coordination with different organisations, including the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Airport Security Force (ASF), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and even Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

    New Interior Minister:

    The government has also announced a federal interior minister for the first time, with the portfolio — earlier held by the PM himself — going to Brig (r) Ijaz Ahmed Shah, who was appointed the federal minister for parliamentary affairs just last month.

    Yes, a PM can keep ministries to himself. An example is former premier Nawaz Sharif, who kept with him the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

    While Shah is known to have experience of tackling threats posed by militant organisations, his appointment has stirred a political controversy as he remained a trusted aide of former military ruler Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf.

    Raining Special Assistants:

    Meanwhile, a trio of Special Assistants to the Prime Minister (SAPM) has also been appointed in an apparent attempt to bridge the gap that has surfaced after sacking of federal ministers.

    Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has been made the SAPM on Information and Broadcasting Division, Dr Zafarullah Mirza has been assigned the portfolio of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, while Nadeem Babar will serve as the SAPM on Petroleum Division.

    The special assistants won’t officially be ministers, but being the most superior in their respective domains, they will be entitled to a minister’s power.