Environmental degradation, unclean habits and settings, insufficient and improper systems for waste disposal, a lack of hygiene, and poor sanitation are the main problems Pakistan and other third-world countries face. These issues not only affect the health of the populace but also contribute to climatic changes, which are thought to be the greatest threat to human lives and the planet itself.
Environment protection is a requirement, not a choice. We must all do our part to make Pakistan a clean, green country. Here’s how we all can contribute:
Don’t litter the streets or roads
Remember that you are a responsible Pakistani citizen when you are out and about. It is your responsibility to keep the ground clean. Keep a small bag on hand to collect waste, such as plastic bottles, juice boxes, and wrappers.
Plant more trees
There are so many advantages that trees bring to our daily lives. They help prevent climate change, filter clean air, produce clean water, and provide habitats for countless plant and animal species. Our country can be protected from climate change and biodiversity loss by planting trees. Neem trees can be planted. They are low maintenance, water efficient, and provide a lot of shade.
Use Biodegradable Stuff
Sustainable living includes the use of biodegradable items that are created from recyclable and renewable components. This indicates that the garbage produced by these products won’t end up in a landfill. Paper bags containing seeds have been introduced by some companies. Therefore, even if they are thrown away, the seeds can still grow into plants. Alternatively, you can remove the seeds and plant them yourself.
Recycle
The environment and your neighbourhood can both benefit from recycling. It lessens the amount of trash that is dumped in landfills and burned in incinerators. By minimizing the need to gather fresh raw materials, it conserves natural resources like water and timber and prevents pollution.
Pakistan has faced numerous difficulties since its independence in 1947, including a weak economy, dishonest and incompetent leaders, inadequate civil institutions, conflict and security issues, and regional instability. However, Pakistan has already demonstrated great resiliency in the face of tragedy.
Pakistan has advanced significantly in terms of industry, airlines, embassies, literacy rates, exports, and so much more.
Literacy rate:
Pakistan has come a long way in terms of literacy rate. At the time of the first census in 1950, the overall literacy rate was 14% in Pakistan.
The current literacy rate of Pakistan is 58.00%. We have defeated illiteracy with the help of the Pakistani government’s ministry of education. 22 million pupils can now easily access schools and institutions.
GDP by Industry:
Out of the 921 industrial units in the subcontinent, Pakistan only received 34 at the time of independence. They were the cotton textile, cigarette, sugar, rice husking, cotton ginning, and flour milling sectors; collectively, they produced just 7% of the GDP and employed just over 26,000 people.
Now, Pakistan has the 22nd-largest economy. Pakistan’s industries have prospered over the years and are now responsible for 64% of GDP, up from only producing 7%. Agriculture, the automotive sector, cement, steel, tobacco, chemicals, machinery, and the cotton textile industry are among the major industries.
Radio Pakistan:
According to one of the pioneers of Radio Pakistan, three radio stations in Dhaka, Lahore, and Peshawar existed at the time of Independence. In 1947 there was no radio station in Karachi, the capital of Pakistan.
Now, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC, Radio Pakistan) is operating 67 broadcasting units. These stations spread across the country and cover 98% of the population and 80% of the total area of Pakistan.
Embassies and consulates in Pakistan:
Since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Pakistan faced a lot of struggles. Iran was the first country to open its embassy in Pakistan.
Now, there are about 59 Foreign Embassies and 68 Consulates placed in the territory of Pakistan.
Pakistan International Airlines:
PIA was founded on 29 October 1946 as Orient Airways and was initially based in Calcutta, British India, before shifting operations to the newly independent state of Pakistan in 1947.
After facing a lot of challenges, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has become one of the best airlines in the world. PIA is Pakistan’s largest airline and operates a fleet of 29 aircraft. PIA’s expansion is uninterrupted, and the airline now serves every domestic destination as well as international locations on four different continents.
Universities and Colleges in Pakistan:
Education is a necessity for any country’s development. At the time of independence, there were only a few colleges and universities in Pakistan.
Now, there are over 190 universities and 2900 affiliated colleges in Pakistan.
IT sector of Pakistan:
Pakistan’s digital growth is undergoing a rapid transformation. One of Pakistan’s fastest-growing industries, IT/ITeS contributes around 1% of the country’s GDP or about 3.5 billion USD. It has already doubled in the last four years. In the next two to four years, it will expand another 100% to $7 billion, analysts predict.
Tourism Industry:
The tourist industry in Pakistan has a lot of potential. The fastest growth rates in tourist arrivals are currently being seen in Pakistan. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan’s GDP in 2016 was ₨793 billion (equivalent to ₨4.0 trillion or US$18 billion in 2021), constituting 2.7% of the total GDP. By 2025, the government predicts tourism will contribute ₨1 trillion (US$4.4 billion) to the Pakistani economy.
Pakistan is experiencing a crisis, yet all is not lost, and there is still hope for Pakistan.
14th August is just around the corner. It is a National holiday in Pakistan. It commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign state following the end of the former British India.
Here are some ways to celebrate 14th August with your friends and family:
Decorate Your House
Encourage the kids to adorn your house with flags, banners, balloons, and other items that promote independence in all its vibrant hues. Hoist the National Flag on top of your roof. This will instill a sense of patriotism in your home.
Play “Mili Naghmay”
National Songs reflect the actual feelings of every Pakistani and foster a sense of patriotism and connection. So, gather up and play songs like “Dil Dil Pakistan”, “Hai Jazba Junoon” on repeat.
Wear Green or White Clothes
Anyone who is patriotic for this country feels overwhelmed by wearing green or white clothing. Make sure that everyone in your family, from your grandparents to the smallest members, is wearing green or white clothes, accessorized with Pakistani flag pin.
Visit National Monuments
Take your kids to national landmarks and museums so they can connect with Pakistan’s history by witnessing the past come to life in front of their eyes.
Pray for Pakistan
Pray for Pakistan to be rescued from the evil spirits of anarchy and bloodshed that threaten the country. Pray God to provide a government that will advance the country. Pray that we achieve Jinnah and Allama Iqbal’s goal!
“Teatime with Roha” is a food photographer based in Islamabad. She uses natural light to create stunning photos. She has a fantastic eye for details, and her food photography will make you hungry!
Here are her top five tips to take Instagram-Worthy food photos:
Natural Light
Natural lighting! It’s the most important thing when it comes to aesthetic food photography. Not direct sunlight but perhaps something more of a “golden hour” intensity. Simple sunrays passing through a window or branches of a tree will do the trick too!
Capture steam or water drops
When capturing a drink, it’s temperature showing is a bonus. If it’s a hot drink, try to capture the vapours and if it’s a cold drink, try to bring in the water droplets for an Icey feel.
White plates on white marble tops
This has got to be the easiest beginner’s way of capturing an aesthetic photograph. Personally, I find it to be very whitewashed because our culture is so colourful, nonetheless it does look good.
Focus on fewer items
Too many food items in one frame can be confusing. Focusing on fewer items brings out the beauty in each of them more. I personally love taking closeup shots of food. So close you can taste the picture!
Build your personal aesthetic
Remember that there is a difference between objective and subjective aesthetics. You need to enjoy what you do and give it your own twist. I love taking a sort of “point of view” shot of my plate, holding it in my hand and people really clicked with that!
Sustainable fashion focuses on clothing that’s designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly. Lowering CO2 emissions, dealing with overproduction, cutting waste and pollution, promoting biodiversity, and making sure that garment workers are paid fairly and have safe working conditions are all essential to the sustainability matrix.
Here are some ways to support sustainable fashion:
Buy Less
One of the best ways to protect the environment is to purchase fewer, higher-quality garments. Not only does it conserve the resources needed to make new garments, but it also reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.
Shop your own wardrobe
Consider how you can make what you already own look brand-new rather than purchasing entirely new items every season. Look at the accessories you haven’t worn in a while that you could add to a current ensemble to make it more interesting. Combine elements to create new looks. Have fun and use your imagination!
Shop second-hand
Across the world, there are second-hand stores. Additionally, a lot of websites and apps provide a variety of second-hand clothing options, from the cheapest to brand-name garments. Buying pre-loved items will increase the longevity of these clothes and lessen the environmental effect of your closet.
Buy Higher Quality
Even if it costs a bit more, investing in higher-quality, more durable clothes that you can see yourself wearing often over the years can also be beneficial because it will likely stay in your closet for longer.
Buy Natural Fabrics
Purchasing natural fibres is better for the environment as well as for you because synthetic fibres can itch and make you perspire more. Two examples of natural fibres that make excellent fabrics and clothing include cotton and bamboo.
The Islamic holiday known as Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, and his comrades at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram. When faced with disasters, Imam Hussain (RA), his family, and associates displayed the greatest moral standards.
Here are some lessons that we think everyone should learn from Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (RA) remarkable journey:
Significance of Salah
Imam Hussain (RA) never forgot the significance of Salah when engaged in the Battle of Karbala. When it was time for Zuhr, Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions halted to pray despite the Yazid’s troops firing arrows at them nonstop.
Sacrifice
Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated to the devout believers that they should be willing to give up all to uphold Allah’s religion when it is in danger. He rebelled against Yazid when he saw how the dictator openly disobeyed Allah’s precepts.
Patience
One of the most important life lessons we can take from Imam Hussain (RA) is to be patient, even when things don’t go your way. Imam Hussain (RA) maintained his composure throughout everything, including the contract violation that led to hostilities with Muawiyah and the incident where he was turned away from water on the Euphrates. He had the patience to put his affairs in Allah’s hands despite the oppressors killing the Imam’s (RA) youngest child, Ali Asghar, who was just six months old.
On the Day of Ashura, when the battle was in full swing, he told his companions: “Be patient O ‘ the son of the nobles. Death is only a bridge that takes you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces”
Determination
Imam Hussain’s (RA) legacy is one that exemplifies remarkable courage, determination, and grace in the face of oppression. Imam Hussain (RA) did not move from his true position in the face of enormous obstacles. On numerous occasions, including at Karbala, he was given the chance to swear allegiance to Yazid in exchange for the protection of his life and the lives of his family. However, Imam Hussain (RA) remained steadfast in his choice since he understood it would go against Islamic values.
Submission to Allah’s will
From an early age, when his Grandfather Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would tell how he will be left alone in a place called Karbala, Imam Hussain (RA) was aware of his fate. However, Imam Hussain (RA) never questioned Allah’s plan, even when he was left alone on the Day of Ashura. He always accepted his fate.
Hazrat Zainab (R.A.) is the granddaughter of Allah’s messenger Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) and the daughter of Hazrat Fatima (R.A.), also known as al-Batool, or “the chaste and the pure.” A brave woman, Hazrat Zainab (R.A.), stood up to Yazid’s atrocities while standing with her brother Hazrat Hussain (R.A.) on the Karbala battlefield. The title “Queen of Karbala” is given to Hazrat Zainab Bint-e-Ali (R.A.), who truly played a significant role in representing Islam. Many significant lessons may be learned from Sayeda Zainab’s life, and they are all still relevant to our lives now.
Strength of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)
Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was aware that it would be her duty to take care of the widows and orphans. Despite the severe disaster that befell her and her family, she exhibited strength, confidence, and faith. Her life teaches us even in the most challenging situations, women must not undervalue their strength. In these circumstances, being proactive might be of the biggest importance.
Leadership of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)
Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was renowned for her leadership through her conduct. History repeatedly recalls her pivotal role in uniting the people who had been captured by the army of Yazid and left behind by the Karbala martyrs as a brilliant example of leadership in the face of difficulty.
Vision of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)
Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was a leader with vision. Islam’s continued existence depended heavily on the preservation of the Imamate. Hazrat Zainab (R.A) understood she had to defend her nephew, Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p), and she did it as well as she could with God’s Divine defence and assistance. When it was necessary to defend him physically, she remained steady and publicly spoke out when the truth was distorted or obscured.
Courage of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)
We learned from Hazrat Zainab (R.A.) that it’s not always simple to resist our oppressor. Even though our oppressors might take on many different identities and organisational structures, it’s crucial to summon the confidence to stand up to them. To be steadfast and strong, we must have faith in our principles and in ourselves. By defying the obstacles and resisting the vile and formidable oppressor of her day, Zainab (R.A.) rose to become a pillar of courage and hope.
The excellent and unique leader Imam Ali (AS) distinguishes out from all other leaders. Along with believers, several non-Muslims also loved his character and unique features. They tried to emphasise facets of this unending leader of ages’ persona and have published hundreds of books and research papers about him.
By the manner he made decisions in every situation that came across his concept of justice, historians consider him to be one of the most just rulers and an exceptional model of social justice.
Respect and Humility
He encouraged people to treat one another with kindness and to spread peace and love to all people. Many times, humiliating and vilifying others makes people joyful. Even his adversaries received Hazrat Ali’s words with deference and respect.
Human Rights
Human rights had the highest priority under his caliphate. They included the freedoms to live, to speak, to be treated equally (across racial groups), and to act.
Loyalty
At a period when everyone was a disbeliever, Hazrat Ali (R.A) was deeply devoted to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He stated, “Blessings are for the man who earns honestly, distributes alms in the name of Allah, has good tongue control, doesn’t oppress others, doesn’t add new laws to Islam, and has a great character.”
Knowledge and Wisdom
Hazrat Ali’s (R.A) life taught us many lessons. He was a fountain of information, yet he never took credit for it. It’s all because, according to the following hadith about him, he was the only one to receive Hazrat Muhammad PBUH’s insight and understanding. “I am the city of wisdom, and Ali is its doorway,” the Holy Prophet (PBUH) remarked.
In a relatively short period of time, Paragon salon, which is situated in the centre of the city, has elevated to the status of the town’s hotspot. You can feel calm and comfortable by getting beauty services at this location.
Ambiance
First and foremost, we were impressed by how aesthetically attractive the Paragon salon was. It has stunning earthy and sepia tones. What truly struck our attention was the interior’s eccentricity, including the motorbike and the neon “keep it classy” sign. The décor of most salons is far gaudier and more feminine, but we felt that this salon’s gender neutrality was a true step in the direction of equality.
Services
A salon is notable for the services it provides to its clientele and Paragon offers an extensive range of those. From simple to professional haircuts, facials, meni-pedis, beauty regimens, and SO MUCH MORE, you have a wide range of alternatives to pick from.
Pricing
We love it when a salon understands that luxury can be affordable as well! The pricing at Paragon Salon did not cost us an arm and a leg and is quite on the competitive rate that you will find in the market. What thrilled us the most? You could get packages tailor made to your preference, as a bonus they might throw in a discount or two!
Staff
A place is made or broken by the professionalism of its staff, and at Paragon Salon, they have the best staff ever. The staff was courteous to the utmost level, as well as well-aware of their duties to the salon. We felt truly pampered as all our needs were catered throughout the clock. Isn’t around the clock pampering all that a girl’s dreams are made of?
Our most favourite service?
HAIRCUT! Though our preferences of the kind of haircut we want for ourselves may vary (and sometimes, we’re just looking to tame the beast of tangles), we can all agree on one thing: we want a good haircut. Actually, no, we want a fantastic haircut!
So, if you’re looking for a salon with exceptional haircut and hairstyling services, Paragon Salon is where you need to go!
The first month of the Hijri calendar, Muharram, also referred to as Muharram-ul-Haram, marks the beginning of the Islamic year. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred to it as “the Sacred Month of Allah” and it is the only month to which Allah’s name has been attached, making it a very blessed month.
The word “Muharram” literally translates to “forbidden,” signifying how sacred it is and how certain actions become prohibited because they would compromise its sanctity. The word Al-Masjid Al-Haram, the name of Allah’s House (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), and the month of Muharram share a common Arabic root. Both are holy places where every action, whether good or bad, weighs heavier on the scales.
We’ve put together a short list of simple methods to benefit from Muharram:
Seek Forgiveness:
Muharram is a month when sins are heavier, so you should seek forgiveness as often as you can during this time. You can also seek forgiveness for your sins by providing others with water, which is a wonderful Sadaqah Jariyah.
Offer voluntary fasts:
Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA)
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“The best fast after the month of Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah, al-Muharram.”
Fasting on the Day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year as the Prophet said, “Fasting on the Day of Ashura (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim)
Give regular Sadqah:
The Islamic New Year begins with Muharram, making it the ideal time to make resolutions and create healthy routines that will pay off all year long.
Avoid sinning:
Allah tells us in the Qur’an: “so wrong not yourselves therein” [Soorat at-Tawbah 9:36]
The four sacred months (Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa’da, Dhul Hijjah) are mentioned in this verse. Muslims are encouraged to refrain from sins and increase their good deeds during the sacred months.
Read more Quran:
The best method to be closer to Allah during this month is to recite the Quran. Setting aside just 10-15 minutes per day for it is the best strategy.
