KARACHI: An amusement park in Pakistan’s coastal city of Karachi has allocated a day for men only.
“When we opened the park, we were receiving requests from men on social media to allow them entry, which prompted us to decide to give them a chance to come and enjoy,” Askari Amusement Park spokeswoman Anum Feroz told Arab News. “For us, men also matter.”
Men have welcomed “Man Day” at the amusement park. “I’m happy,” said Noman Mahmud. “I wish it was Sunday instead of Monday, but I’ll try to make it.”
Askari opened its doors on the first day of Eid, with rides that have never before been seen in Pakistan, said Feroz.
The rides include a swing that freefalls 140 feet, a 170-foot air-conditioned Ferris wheel, a three-loop rollercoaster, a 90-foot pendulum that revolves 360 degrees, and a slingshot that slings 120 feet up in the air.
“More than 40 other rides are being installed,” said Feroz. “Askari has also installed an indoor arcade lounge with a virtual-reality area, a high-end food court, more than five acres of parking space, and much more.”
In its first six days, the amusement park accommodated more than 500,000 people.
Pakistani amusement park announces men-only day
Pakistani amusement park announces men-only day
- Build on a land once was fruits and veritable market – then known as Sabzi mandi and now called Purani (old) Sabzi mandi – Askari park was turned into amusement park and opened for public on Eid al-Fitr
- Bachelor youths of Karachi have rejoiced the announcement, saying ‘only their day’ will allow them to enjoy freely
Customs seize narcotics, smuggled goods, vehicles worth $4.9 million in southwest Pakistan
- Customs seize 22.14 kg narcotics, consignments of smuggled betel nuts, Hino trucks, auto parts, says FBR
- Smuggled goods enter Pakistan’s Balochistan province from neighboring countries Iran and Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs seized narcotics, smuggled goods and vehicles worth a total of Rs1.38 billion [$4.92 million] in the southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said in a statement.
Customs Enforcement Quetta seized and recovered 22.14 kilograms of narcotics and consignments of smuggled goods comprising betel nuts, Indian medicines, Chinese salt, auto parts, a ROCO vehicle and three Hino trucks in two separate operations, the FBR said. All items cost an estimated Rs1.38 billion, it added.
Smuggled items make their way into Pakistan through southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.
“These operations are part of the collectorate’s intensified enforcement drive aimed at curbing smuggling and dismantling illegal trade networks,” the FBR said.
“All the seized narcotics, goods and vehicles have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act 1969 have been formally initiated.”
In the first operation, customs officials intercepted three containers during routine checking at FEU Zariat Cross (ZC) area. The containers were being transported from Quetta to Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the FBR said.
The vehicles intercepted included three Hino trucks. Their detailed examination led to the recovery of the smuggled goods which were concealed in the containers.
In the second operation, the staff of the Collectorate of Enforcement Customs, Quetta, intercepted a ROCO vehicle at Zariat Cross area with the local police’s assistance.
The driver was interrogated while the vehicle was searched, the FBR said.
“During interrogation, it was disclosed that drugs were concealed inside the spare wheel at the bottom side of the vehicle,” it said.
“Upon thorough checking, suspected narcotics believed to be heroin was recovered which was packed in 41 packets, each weighing 0.54 kilograms.”
The narcotics weighed a total of 22.14 kilograms, with an estimated value of Rs1.23 billion in the international market, the FBR concluded.
“The Federal Board of Revenue has commended the Customs Enforcement Quetta team for their effective action and reiterated its firm resolve to combat smuggling, illicit trade and illegal economic activities across the country,” it said.
