- Karachi police have released a list of 110 maids with criminal records in District South, urging residents to conduct background checks before hiring domestic help.
- The move follows a surge in home thefts and security breaches linked to domestic workers, with some acting as informants for criminal networks.
- Authorities advise residents to verify workers through NADRA and police registration, emphasizing vigilance and responsible hiring to ensure home security.
In an era where urban households increasingly rely on domestic workers for daily chores, security concerns regarding hiring unverified help continue to rise. Reports of theft, fraud, and even violent crimes involving household staff have put Karachi residents on high alert. With many families entrusting their homes and children to domestic workers, the risk of hiring individuals with questionable backgrounds has become a growing concern.
Addressing this issue head-on, Karachi police have released a list of 110 maids with criminal records in District South, urging residents to exercise caution when hiring domestic help. The list, compiled after a thorough investigation, includes individuals involved in theft, burglary, and other offenses. Authorities have advised homeowners to conduct proper background checks before employing house staff, emphasizing the importance of verifying credentials through legal channels.
The move comes in response to a surge in complaints regarding domestic workers engaged in unlawful activities. Many cases have surfaced where unsuspecting homeowners fell victim to well-planned robberies, orchestrated by maids with prior criminal histories. The police have also identified instances where domestic staff acted as informants for criminal networks, putting families at greater risk.
To mitigate the threat, law enforcement officials have urged residents to register their domestic workers with the police and verify their identification through NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority). Additionally, residents are encouraged to use reputable hiring agencies that conduct proper vetting and background screening.
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Speaking on the matter, a senior police official stated, “We are not discouraging people from hiring domestic help, but we strongly advise them to take necessary precautions. Background verification is essential for the safety of families and their belongings.”For residents of District South, Karachi police have made the list available at local police stations and on digital platforms to ensure easy access. Citizens can also report suspicious activity or seek guidance on verifying domestic workers by reaching out to their nearest police station.
As Karachi continues to grow, ensuring home security is a shared responsibility. While domestic help remains a necessity for many households, a vigilant approach to hiring can prevent potential security breaches. By taking proactive steps, residents can ensure a safer environment for themselves and their families.
Stay informed, stay safe!
Culture
- Heritage Under Threat: Karachi’s architectural history is rapidly disappearing, highlighted by the demolition of the 1868 Kanji Building during a seminar on heritage preservation titled “Bunder Road se Keamari: Confluence of Cultures.”
- Efforts to Preserve History: Experts at the seminar discussed restoration, adaptive reuse, and digital documentation of historic sites, with successful examples like the revitalization of Khaliqdina Hall serving as inspiration for safeguarding Karachi’s heritage.
- Urgent Call to Action: With hundreds of historic buildings at risk and limited government support, the seminar emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect Karachi’s architectural and cultural identity before it’s permanently lost.
Karachi, a city rich with history and cultural treasures, is slowly losing its architectural soul. As efforts are made to preserve its heritage, buildings that hold the city’s past within their walls are being erased overnight.
The irony was evident at the recent seminar, “Bunder Road se Keamari: Confluence of Cultures,” where experts and enthusiasts gathered to discuss preservation—while at the same time, the Kanji Building, a majestic 1868 structure, was being demolished just streets away.
Hosted at the historic Khaliqdina Hall, the seminar brought together architects, designers, and artists to highlight Karachi’s endangered heritage and the urgent need for collective action.
Discussions ranged from restoration projects to digital documentation, underscoring the importance of preserving what remains.
Saima Zaidi, founder of Numaish-Karachi, shared how her team helped restore the Khaliqdina Hall and its library, turning it into a vibrant cultural retreat for the city. Architects Christophe Polack and Asiya Sadiq emphasized the importance of research and long-term maintenance when restoring historic sites. Without continuous care, these spaces fall back into decay.
The seminar also explored how modern technology can help save Karachi’s past. Amer Bazl Khan stressed the importance of using digital tools to document and manage historical sites. Artist Ozair B. Mansoor presented detailed drawings of Karachi’s lost communities, immortalizing buildings that might soon only exist on paper, including the ill-fated Kanji Building.
Discussions on adaptive reuse by Qurratulain Poonawala reinforced the idea that preservation isn’t just about saving walls—it’s about reviving spaces to integrate them into modern life. Meanwhile, Ayla Raza and Nusrat Khawaja shed light on Karachi’s evolving artistic landscape, reminding attendees of the city’s once-thriving cultural hub.
Despite the enlightening conversations, the shadow of destruction loomed over the event. Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s silence on the demolition of the Kanji Building spoke volumes about the government’s stance on heritage protection.
With hundreds of historical buildings at risk, the seminar was both a call for action and a painful reminder of what’s already been lost. If Karachi’s citizens and authorities don’t unite to protect these spaces, the city’s architectural identity may soon be nothing more than a memory.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
From Struggles to Strength: Faiza Siddiqui’s Inspiring Journey of Resilience
In the bustling streets of Korangi, Karachi, where life moves at an unrelenting pace, Faiza Siddiqui and her small food stall symbolize strength and resilience.
Behind the counter, stirring a sizzling wok filled with chow mein infused with desi flavors stands Faiza— a woman who refused to let fate dictate her life.
A divorced single mother of two, Faiza had every reason to surrender to despair. Society often paints single mothers as helpless, dependent, and vulnerable. But Faiza? She saw adversity as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock. When life knocked her down, she chose to rise—stronger, fiercer, and more determined than ever.
“Complaints are for losers who have accepted defeat. I am a strong woman, and I will change my destiny with my resolve,” she declares, her words carrying the weight of her struggles and the fire of her unwavering spirit.
Her journey wasn’t easy. With no financial support and two young children relying on her, Faiza knew she had to step outside the traditional roles imposed upon women. She needed to earn, stand on her own feet, and carve a future where she and her children could thrive. And so, she set up a small Chinese food stall in the heart of Korangi.
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What makes Faiza’s stall stand out isn’t just her story—it’s her food. With a unique fusion of Chinese and desi flavors, her chow mein has become a local favorite. Alongside it, she sells crispy samosas, spicy rolls, and golden fries, each bite carrying the taste of her perseverance.
But the real magic is in the way she runs her business. With every plate she serves, she’s not just selling food; she’s serving hope, resilience, and a reminder that women can stand tall in the face of hardship. She challenges the norms, defies expectations, and proves that strength isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about the will to keep going when the odds are stacked against you.
Her children watch her with admiration, learning not just the art of survival, but the power of self-belief. Faiza’s story is not just hers alone; it belongs to every woman who dares to dream beyond the limitations placed upon her.
In a society where women are often told to stay within boundaries, Faiza Siddiqui has drawn her lines—bold, unshaken, and unbreakable. She is serving a plate of chow mein and a lesson of courage, determination, and the art of rewriting one’s destiny.
- Proposed Legislation Against Black Magic: A Senate committee in Pakistan is reviewing an Anti-Black Magic Bill bill to criminalize black magic, aiming to address fraud and exploitation while introducing severe punishments for harmful practices.
- Debate Over Implementation: Advocates argue the law is necessary to protect victims, while critics caution against vague language that could lead to misuse, false accusations, or infringement on personal freedoms.
- Balanced Approach Emphasized: Experts and lawmakers recommend combining punitive measures with public awareness campaigns, strengthened law enforcement, and safeguards to prevent the misuse of the legislation.
In a move that has stirred both curiosity and debate, a Senate committee in Pakistan has taken up the review of a proposed bill aimed at criminalizing the practice of black magic.
The bill, if passed, would introduce stringent punishments for individuals engaging in occult practices, marking a significant step in addressing a controversial issue deeply rooted in cultural and social beliefs.
The proposed legislation has sparked varied reactions across the country. Advocates argue that it is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals who fall prey to exploitation by so-called practitioners of black magic.
Victims often suffer emotional, financial, and even physical harm at the hands of individuals who claim to possess supernatural powers.
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However, critics caution that the bill must be carefully crafted to avoid misuse. They warn that vague definitions or overly broad language could lead to false accusations or even a witch-hunt-like scenario. Concerns have also been raised about ensuring the legislation does not infringe upon personal freedoms or religious practices.
During the committee’s initial review, lawmakers discussed the cultural sensitivities surrounding the subject. Many highlighted the prevalence of fraudulent practices that prey on superstition, often targeting marginalized and less-educated communities. A Senator supporting the bill noted, “This is not just about banning black magic; it’s about curbing fraud and exploitation.”
Experts have suggested that alongside punitive measures, the government should also invest in public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the risks of falling victim to such practices. Strengthening law enforcement to handle complaints responsibly and preventing potential misuse of the law were also emphasized.
If approved, the legislation would empower authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in practices deemed harmful or deceitful. Depending on the severity of the offense, punishments under the proposed bill could range from hefty fines to imprisonment.
While the path forward for the bill remains uncertain, its review signals a growing recognition of the need to address long-standing issues tied to superstition and exploitation. The debate continues to capture public interest, with many awaiting the final verdict on how the government plans to tackle this complex and sensitive matter.
As the Senate deliberates, the question remains: Can the law strike the right balance between curbing harmful practices and respecting cultural diversity?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Stay tuned to WOW360.
Meet Tennis Star Ushna Suhail- Highest Ranked Female Player in Pakistan’s History
- Ushna Suhail, Pakistan’s highest-ranked female tennis player, has achieved this historic milestone through dedication, resilience, and a passion for the game cultivated from a young age in Lahore.
- Despite limited facilities, societal barriers, and funding challenges, Ushna persevered, balancing academics with rigorous training and excelling on international platforms like the Fed Cup and ITF tournaments.
- Her journey is a testament to breaking stereotypes and inspiring future generations of female athletes, symbolizing hope, determination, and the power of hard work.
Ushna Suhail, a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes, has carved her name in history as Pakistan’s highest-ranked female tennis player.
This remarkable achievement is a personal victory and a moment of pride for the nation. Ushna’s journey to the top has been extraordinary, marked by unwavering dedication, resilience, and a love for the game that started at a young age.
Born and raised in Lahore, Ushna discovered her passion for tennis during her school years. She balanced academics with rigorous training, a testament to her discipline and determination.
A graduate of Punjab University, Ushna’s academic pursuits never overshadowed her athletic ambitions. Instead, they fueled her drive to excel in a sport that has long struggled to gain recognition in Pakistan, especially for women.
Her early days in tennis were far from easy. With limited facilities, lack of funding, and societal barriers, Ushna faced challenges that would have discouraged many.
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However, she turned these obstacles into stepping stones, training tirelessly and seeking opportunities to compete internationally. Her family’s support and sheer willpower were pillars of her success.
Over the years, Ushna has represented Pakistan on numerous international platforms, including the Fed Cup and ITF tournaments, earning accolades and bringing attention to women’s tennis. She has not only raised the bar for Pakistani tennis but has also inspired a new generation of female athletes to dream big.
Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and the power of breaking stereotypes. Despite the odds, Ushna has proven that passion and hard work can transcend barriers.
As she continues her journey, Ushna Suhail remains a symbol of hope and determination. Her story is a reminder that with the right mindset, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. Pakistan celebrates her as a true trailblazer in sports, and her historic ranking is just the beginning of greater achievements to come.
Here’s to Ushna Suhail, a role model on and off the court, who has shown that dreams, no matter how big, are always worth chasing.
- Consent Requirement: Pakistani women must obtain permission from their parents (if unmarried) or husbands (if married) to perform Hajj in 2025, as outlined by the Religious Affairs Ministry and Council of Islamic Ideology.
- Travel Conditions: Women traveling without a male guardian (mehram) must do so in a group of reliable female pilgrims, ensuring safety and dignity during the pilgrimage.
- Additional Rules: Children under 12 are not allowed to perform Hajj, and all pilgrims must be vaccinated with Saudi-approved immunizations.
According to a statement released by the Religious Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, Pakistani women intending to perform the Hajj in 2025 will need approval from their husbands or parents.
Women without this consent will be unable to participate in the pilgrimage.
This year, Saudi Arabia has allocated a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan. Of these, 89,602 individuals will undertake the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the remaining pilgrims will travel with private tour operators, as outlined by the ministry.
Conditions for Women Traveling Alone
The 2025 Hajj Policy, a copy reviewed by Dawn.com, stipulates that women can travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj without a male guardian (mehram), provided they meet specific conditions set by the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
The policy states:
- Consent Requirement: Women must secure permission from their parents if unmarried, or from their husbands if married.
- Travel in Groups: They must travel with a group of reliable female pilgrims to ensure safety and dignity.
These guidelines were established during the CII’s 232nd session held on June 6-7, 2023.
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Historical Context and Reforms
In the past, Pakistani women were prohibited from traveling alone for Hajj. However, in 2021, the Saudi government lifted this restriction, allowing women to undertake Hajj and Umrah without a male guardian. This decision was part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing women’s rights under Saudi Arabia’s political leadership.
Additional Policy Highlights
The document also specifies that children under the age of 12 are not permitted to perform Hajj in 2025. Furthermore, pilgrims must be immunized with vaccines approved by Saudi Arabia.
These measures reflect ongoing efforts to align religious practices with modern considerations while ensuring safety and dignity for all participants.
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned to WOW360.
Bint e Ahan: Pakistan’s First Female Bike Riding & Self Defense Club
- Empowering Women Through Mobility and Self-Defense: Bint e Ahan, Pakistan’s first female bike-riding club, combines self-defense training and mobility to empower women, having already trained over 2,000 women with a vision to reach one million.
- Shark Tank Pakistan Appearance: Seeking PKR 2 crores for an 8% equity stake, they highlighted barriers faced by women, including safety and transportation, to a national audience, though they did not secure funding.
- Driving Awareness and Change: Despite setbacks, their appearance amplified their mission, inspiring women to embrace independence and redefining societal norms to foster a more inclusive future.
Bint e Ahan, which claims to be Pakistan’s first female bike riding club incorporating self-defense training, recently made an appearance on Shark Tank Pakistan.
The club sought PKR 2 crores in funding for an 8% equity stake, presenting their mission to a panel of investors and a national audience.
During their pitch, Hafa Omer, representing Bint e Ahan, highlighted a crucial issue: while women constitute 52% of Pakistan’s population, their representation in workplaces, parliament, and leadership roles remains minimal.
She stressed the barriers women face when stepping outside their homes, with families often worried about two critical aspects—safety and reliable transportation.
A Mission to Empower Women
Bint e Ahan aims to address these challenges by empowering women through mobility and self-defense. The club has already trained and supported over 2,000 women, helping them gain independence and confidence. With a long-term vision, the organization aspires to scale its operations and train one million women across Pakistan.
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Spreading Awareness Despite Setbacks
Though the club was unable to secure funding for Shark Tank Pakistan, their appearance served as a powerful platform to raise awareness about their mission. By introducing their initiative to a wider audience, they showcased the transformative impact of their work and encouraged women across the country to explore new avenues for empowerment.
The Future of Bint e Ahan
As Bint e Ahan continues its journey, their focus remains on breaking barriers for women in Pakistan, fostering independence, and redefining societal norms through innovative solutions. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the club aims to inspire change and provide tools for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Watch their Shark Tank Pakistan pitch here: Bint e Ahan – Shark Tank Pakistan.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
- Pioneering Snail Farming in Pakistan: Sidra Sajjad, an entrepreneur from Mansehra, introduced snail farming in 2021, establishing Prime Snail Mucus, a cruelty-free operation producing snail slime for cosmetics.
- Innovative Production and Products: Using a proprietary extraction method and UV filtration, her farm produces high-quality snail slime, which is formulated into serums, creams, and other skincare products enriched with organic ingredients.
- Expanding Potential: Sidra highlights the growing global demand for snail-based beauty products and seeks strategic partnerships to expand the industry in Pakistan, urging awareness and investment.
Inspired by the global demand for snail mucus in cosmetics, Sidra Sajjad, an ambitious entrepreneur from Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has introduced snail farming to Pakistan.
With a background in the herbal business, Sidra became intrigued by snail farming’s economic potential after reading about its benefits.
Her curiosity led her to extensive online research and inspired her to persuade her father, Sajjad Akhtar Swati, a retired school teacher, to support her vision.
In 2021, Sidra turned her dream into reality by establishing a snail farming operation on a three-kanal (16,335 square feet) plot in her hometown.
The Vision Behind Prime Snail Mucus
“Snail farming is a rapidly growing industry focused on harvesting snail slime, a prized ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products,” Sidra explained during an interview. Snail mucus is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which help combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Sidra remained determined. Her perseverance paid off, and her enterprise, Prime Snail Mucus, became a success story, bolstered by her family’s unwavering support.
“Our farm houses over 500 kilograms of wild snails in a natural environment maintained by a team of 32 workers,” she shared. Initially, the extraction process caused stress to the snails, but after extensive research, Sidra implemented a cruelty-free method that ensures the snails are treated with care.
“For over three years, we’ve utilized a lyophilization process and developed a proprietary, chemical-free extraction method,” Sidra revealed. This innovative technique guarantees superior-quality slime, setting a new industry standard.
Innovative Production Processes
Sidra’s farm extracts one kilogram of snail slime from 12 to 15 kilograms of snails. The snails then rest for one to two months to regenerate mucus. A dedicated on-site laboratory ensures the extracted slime undergoes UV filtration to eliminate bacteria.
The purified slime is available in raw and serum forms to meet market demand. The lab also manufactures creams and serums containing up to 90% pure snail mucus. Additional organic ingredients like aloe vera, glycol, and vitamin A are added to enhance the formulations.
These products, rich in vital minerals, are used in a variety of cosmetics, including serums, facial masks, moisturizers, and fading creams. “Snail cream is highly sought after for its quick absorption, smooth application, and non-sticky finish,” Sidra noted.
A Growing Industry with Immense Potential
Sidra emphasized the vast growth potential of snail farming in Pakistan. “The global market for snail-based beauty products is expanding rapidly due to their multifunctional benefits,” she observed. However, she believes that raising awareness and encouraging investment is crucial to realizing the industry’s potential in Pakistan.
Currently, the snails on her farm are in hibernation until March, allowing Sidra to focus on marketing her products to companies in Lahore. “I am seeking strategic partnerships with forward-thinking companies,” she said. “Together, we can harness the full potential of this innovative ingredient, elevate cosmetic formulations, and set new standards for skincare excellence.”
Sidra’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how vision, determination, and innovation can transform challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future in Pakistan’s agricultural and cosmetic industries.
Stay tuned to WOW360.
- FGM (female genital mutilation) is a common but hidden practice among some Pakistani communities with 75-85% of women affected and little public awareness or legal intervention.
- Survivors like Mariam and Aaliya describe enduring emotional and physical scars, compounded by a sense of betrayal and societal silence.
- Experts and advocates stress the importance of community engagement and education to eradicate FGM, emphasizing sensitivity to cultural norms to drive lasting reform.
Seven-year-old Mariam eagerly anticipated a surprise. Dressed in her favorite pink dress with butterfly clips adorning her pigtails, she believed she was heading to a cousin’s birthday celebration.
Instead, her aunt led her to a dilapidated building where a stern-looking woman restrained her on a cold metal table. The searing pain that followed left her emotionally and physically scarred, fracturing her trust in her mother forever.
Now 27, Mariam still carries the weight of that day. “It feels like something vital was taken from me, leaving behind a void,” she says. The emotional aftermath has been equally devastating, making it difficult for her to navigate relationships or express her needs.
Estimates suggest that 75-85% of women in specific communities in Pakistan undergo FGM, often in unhygienic conditions without anesthesia. Despite the prevalence of the practice, it remains shrouded in secrecy, with little public awareness or legal action.
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For survivors like Aaliyah, the experience is an enduring source of trauma. At 26, she recalls the cold table, whispered reassurances, and pain she could neither process nor understand as a child.
“It felt like a nightmare, too cruel to be real,” she says. Betrayal by trusted adults compounds the physical and emotional pain.
Globally, efforts to eradicate FGM are gaining traction, yet some communities cling to the practice, framing it as a religious and cultural necessity. Critics, however, argue that it’s a tool to suppress female sexuality, with the clitoris often labeled as “haram ki boti” (a sinful piece of flesh).
Medically, the consequences of FGM are severe, including reproductive complications, persistent pain, and loss of sexual sensation. “It’s an extremely harmful practice,” says Dr. Asifa Malhan, a gynecologist in Karachi. Yet, Pakistan lacks specific laws to criminalize FGM, and existing provisions under child protection laws remain underutilized.
Efforts to challenge FGM face significant cultural and social barriers. Survivors who speak out risk ostracism, while the practice persists underground. Researchers like Huda Syyed emphasize the need for a compassionate and inclusive approach. “Change must come from within the community,” she says, warning against alienating or vilifying those who practice FGM.
For Aaliyah and Mariam, breaking the silence is essential. “This practice took something from me,” Mariam asserts, “and it ends with me taking it back.”
Source: Aljazeera
Kaantay Na Lagao: 99% of Women are Denied Atleast One Essential Right in their Nikahnama
On 17th December 2024, the CFHR launched “Kaantay na Lagao”, a campaign in collaboration with Fahad Hussayn and Mashion, featuring The Unwearable Jewellery Line.
The collection symbolizes thorns (kaantay) in bridal jewelry to reflect the challenges endured by women in marriage when key clauses of their nikahnama are crossed out or left blank.
This year, our campaign aims to highlight the importance of the rights contained within nikahnama, as well as, call out socio-cultural practices that have for decades forbid brides from negotiating their marriage rights and normalized the removal of women’s marriage rights from the nikahnama.
The nikahnama is not just a document that one signs to get married; it is a legal safeguard for a woman’s rights within her marriage and the practice of crossing out or leaving blank clauses such as the special conditions (Clause 17), delegated right to divorce (Clause 18), and maintenance (Clause 20) deprives women of their rights, undermining the nikahnama’s intended role and increasing susceptibility of women to unequal power dynamics in the marriage as a result.
The Diagnostic Study of Nikkahnamas in Punjab (2023) found that of the nikahnamas reviewed, 89% of brides did not have both their DRD & monthly maintenance; 8% had only the right to maintenance but not the DRD; 2% had the DRD but not the monthly maintenance; and only 1% had both rights.
Stay tuned to WOW360.