Region South Asia Country Pakistan Location Pakistan - location flexible Department Business Support Services Job Category Internship Pay Band Attachment Vacancy Description Right to work in Pakistan; Stipend: PKR 15,000 per month, Duration: 6 to 8 weeks, Location: Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore
The British Council in Pakistan offers internships to students every summer ranging in duration from six to eight weeks. Students get a hands-on experience of what it is like to work in UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Come and be part of a team at the British Council that’s working to changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.
WHO ARE WE
The British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.
Country Operation
We have been in Pakistan for over sixty years, and during that time we have developed deep and lasting relationships with individuals and organisations. We have re-opened Libraries as convening spaces, content hubs and information services that support our wider strategy in Pakistan.
In Pakistan we operate at scale supporting 500,000 exams a year, working with over 150,000 teachers and all Higher Education Institutions. We have ambitious plans for Arts, further work in English – especially in Sindh and KPK building on our success in the Punjab. We aim to do this through delivery of services using a range of channels including more digital avenues.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
We’re looking for talented individuals who demonstrate the following behaviours and skills:
In your supporting statement, we would like to see examples of how you have employed these behaviours and skills in your personal life or academic/ professional career so far.
This will form a key part of your assessment as a potential candidate for the internship programme.
WHAT YOU GET
· 6 to 8 weeks paid internship programme.
· Personal and professional development
· Corporate culture exposure
· Internship experience letter
LOCATION:
Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad
STIPEND
PKR 15,000 per month
CLOSING DATE: UK time: 23:59, 14 May 2017 Pak time: 3:59, 15 May 2017
IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.
Career Opportunities: Internship, Partnership, Governance and Advocacy - Rome, Italy
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are currently seeking to fill an internship position under the WFP External Relations Office of the Partnership, Governance and Advocacy Division. The position will be based at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy, starting as soon as possible.
JOB PURPOSE
The selected candidate will be assisting the WFP Partnership, Governance and Advocacy Division with the following key duties:
Assist in preparations for Committee on World Food Security meetings on topics such as but not limited to the Sustainable Development Goals, nutrition and support to smallholder farmers.
Support monitoring, data collection and knowledge management: including updating the RBA Collaboration Database on a regular basis; and keeping track on global RBA initiatives;
Assist in maintaining a network of RBA focal points at both HQ and regional level;
Assist in updating internal guidelines such as but not limited to: RBA Collaboration Guidance Material; relevant sections in the Project Design Manual for Country Strategies / projects, etc.;
Assist in strengthening on-going partnerships with the Rome-based agencies at all levels;
Keep abreast of FAO and IFAD policies and programmes and undertake research upon request;
Attend meetings, take notes, prepare briefs, reports and statements, and alert management on strategic issues;
Assist in analysing various documents and preparing comments from a PGR perspective;
Perform other duties as required.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Currently enrolled and have attended University courses in the last 12 months inclusive of having completed at least two years of undergraduate studies or have recently graduated in the last 12 months in the following: political science, international development, development economics, international relations, communications or other related field;
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point);
Fluent in English;
General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration;
Knowledge of the Committee on World Food Security and the other Rome-based Agencies would be an asset;
Strong writing skills, Coordination and advocacy skills in inter-governmental /inter-agency processes.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the amount of US$700 per month depending on the duty station of assignment. The current amount for Rome is around US$600.
WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, travel to and from WFP internship location, necessary visas and costs related.
IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.
This annual award, which began in 2007, is organized and presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan. Its purpose is to increase motivation among young researchers contributing to research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related industries in developing regions, which is promoted by Japan for the benefit of those countries. Up to three young researchers who have shown
outstanding performance in research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or related industries for a developing region, and who show great promise
outstanding achievements in research and development that will lead to future technological innovation in agriculture, forestry, fisheries or related industries for a developing area, and who show great promise
will be invited to Japan to attend the commendation ceremony this November and accept their awards and cash gifts (US$5,000 will be given per awardee).
Eligibility
Should be under the age of 40 (as of January 1, 2017)
Should be researchers who have the nationality of developing countries and/or territories, belong to a non-Japanese research institute or a non-Japanese university
Should be engaged in research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related industries in developing regions
Must be able to attend the commendation ceremony and deliver a lecture on November 2, 2017.
IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.
Filmmaking Work Abroad Program in Vietnam, Summer 2017
Director/ Cameraman/ Copywriter/ Storyboard Artist Recruitment
Established in 2001,Tu Van Television and Advertising Limited Company (Tuvan Media) take pride in being one of leading companies in the field of doing creativeness and making TV commercials, feature films, cultural programs and comedies and launching promotion campaigns. Powered by talented managers and staffs, and after many years working diligently and intensively, we were granted many achievements at home and abroad such as “Golden Bell Award” granted by Vietnam Advertising Association and “Excellent Effects” for TV commercials awarded by Vietnam Advertising Association.
UNESCO Centre of Cinema Development (UCCD) has been coordinating with national and international film units to build scripts and produce documentary, scientific and education and entertainment films. The Center cooperated with giant companies producing television commercials, advertising films to improve the effectiveness of media to customers.
This Summer, Tuvan Media in collaboration with UCCD is launching Filmmaking Work Abroad Program in Vietnam in Vietnam, Summer 2017 to find best candidates in the following functions
1/ Director: Number 02
2/Cameraman: Number 02
3/ Storyboard Artist: Number 02
4/ Film &TVC Copywriter: Number 02
A/ REQUIREMENTS AND JOB DESCRIPTION
1. FILM DIRECTOR AND CAMERAMAN
Target candidates
Undergraduates and fresh graduate students from Academies of Theatre and Cinema, Universities of Film Theatre or all Schools with related training courses with prominent study results
Education
Film and Television Direction, Cinematography etc
Experience
Having at least 2-3 videos or short films. In the résumé, online links of the prominent films must be inserted in term of directors/cameramen and clarified the role in each video (Cameraman or Director).
Job description
Candidates will take part in TVC projects in the position of Director/ cameraman in Vietnam.
Target Project
TVCs
Working hours
Full time
2. STORYBOARD ARTIST
Target candidates
Undergraduates and fresh graduate students with prominent storyboard products produced manually and by computer in black and white or full color.
Education
Majors or degrees in art, fine arts, illustration, digital art OR related area
Experience
Having at least 3-4 storyboards for animated features, films, television commercials and other ad campaigns, music videos, and video games – attached in PDF format (black and color products).
Candidates will take part in TVC projects in the position of Storyboard Artist in Vietnam.
“Storyboarders,” storyboard artists work with producers, directors, and film crew from start to finish by sketching scenes during initial meetings, and editing or eliminating scenes as the project progresses
Using computer drawing and storyboarding software to draw a series of pictures to represent a script or screenplay
Target Project
TVCs
Working hours
Full time
3. FILM & TVC COPYWITER
Target candidates
Undergraduates and fresh graduate students with a prominent portfolio which contain fresh, interesting and effective ideas about advertising goods or services on air
Education
A degree is not essential for a copywriter, but a qualification in the following subjects may increase your chances: marketing, advertising; communication or media studies; journalism; public relations …
Experience
Having at least 3-5 ideals in your portfolio about advertising goods or services with different approaches and in the best case 2-3 ideals become the script which is made into TVC.
In Resume, at least 3 scripts (TVCs scripts presented with pictures/ Illustrated ideals with Pictures by Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft PowerPoint) to show your creativeness, your skills at presentation (not only texts).
Skills
Creativity, imagination and commercial awareness with the ability to understand the target audience
Illustrated ideals with Pictures by Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft PowerPoint
Job description
Liaising with clients and interpreting their briefs. Brainstorming creative ideas, slogans, catchphrases, and messages; writing scripts for TV commercials
Presenting ideas to colleagues and clients
Overseeing TVC through the production stage to completion.
Target Project
TVCs
Working hours
Full time
B/ OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Languages
Excellent English (required)
2. Additional skills
A basic understanding of film theory
Have a good communication and presentation skills
Be conscious of any relevant technical or budgetary restrictions
Be able to work calmly and efficiently to tight deadlines.
C/ PROGRAM INFORMATION
1.Organizational Preferences:
Earliest Start Date
Latest End Date
Minimum Duration
Maximum Duration
01 June 2017 (required)
01 June 2018
6 months (required)
1 year
2. Advantages
Build portfolio and strengthen credentials
Broaden network of professional contacts in Film industry and have chances to work with experienced directors
Improve adapting ability and flexibility
Gain working experience and enhance professional skills in an international environment, enrich knowledge and solve problems in an effective manner.
Be supported during the time in Vietnam (accommodation fee, two-ways flights) and monthly allowance
Cultivate cross-culture experience in one of the most culturally rich countries in Asia like Vietnam
Challenge yourself, develop comprehensive personal and interpersonal skills.
Receive Certificate after Project completion.
3. What does it cover?
1. Travelling expenses to Vietnam: Two-way flights
2. Visa to Vietnam
3. Accommodation
4. Monthly living allowance
4. How to Apply
Round 1: Form Application Round Applicants should send a résumé with recent photo, a cover letter, scanned passport + degree/ related qualification + attachment required in each position above (online link videos/ storyboards /scripts) before 30 April 2017 through email: Tuvanmedia.production@gmail.com
Save your files with the file names
“Full name_Nationality_Position application _File name
For example: Mark Twain_Japanese_Copywriter_Cover letter
When emailing your application please use the following format in the ‘subject’ line: Summer 2017_ Position application _Full name_Nationality (Clarify the position applying)
For example: Summer 2017_Copywriter Application_Mark Twain_Japanese.
Round 2: Online interview with Tuvan Media
The list of chosen candidates to interview will be sent before 10 May 2017
The intended day for interview: 12 May 2017
Notification: The final selection results will be announced on 15 May 2017
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us to start a new promising cooperation.
Contact information
Global Exchange Program
Department for filming abroad – Tu Van Television Advertising Company Limited
14/17 Hoang Ngoc Phach Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi City, Vietnam
IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.
Soil organic matter affects so many soil properties and processes that a complete discussion of the topic is beyond the scope. Often one effect leads to another, so that a complex chain of multiple benefits results from the addition of organic matter to soils. For example, adding organic mulch to the soil surface encourages earthworm activity, which in turn leads to the production of burrows and other biopores, which in turn increases the infiltration of water and decreases its loss as runoff, a result that finally leads to less pollution of streams and lakes. In Pakistan, the soils are very poor in organic matter than the desirable level. A soil having 1.29 % C is considered to be sufficient in organic matter, but Pakistan soils are having less than that. In a survey conducted by Farooq-e-Azam it is reported that the range of soil carbon in Pakistan soils is 0.52 to 1.38% in different soil series. Most of them have less than 1%. Reasons For Low Organic Matter Content of Pakistan Soils The low organic matter content of Pakistan soils can be attributed to the following reasons. Climatic Conditions The mean annual temperature influences the processes of decomposition of organic matter. At high temperatures the decomposition proceeds very quickly. That is why high temperatures prevailing in Pakistan are conducive for a rapid decomposition and loss of organic matter. Soil Orders The differences of organic matter content among soil orders also play key role in determining the potential of a soil to keep a certain level of organic matter. The largest soil orders in Pakistan are Aridisol and Entisol, which are known to have lowest organic matter content among all the soil orders. So our soils naturally have lesser capacity to hold higher organic matter content. Use of Mineral Fertilizers Before the advent of mineral fertilizers and green revolution the farmers used to replenish their soils by the application of organic wastes. With the availability of cheap and easy to handle mineral fertilizers the farmers were able to get higher yields only with the application of mineral fertilizers. Thereby the use of organic wastes reduced drastically. The increasing price of mineral fertilizers and soil degradation concerns have forced people to reconsider the organic sources in agriculture. Poor Economic Conditions of Farmers The miserable economic condition of our farmers is another reason for less application of the organic wastes back to soils. Almost no crop residues are left in the soil after harvest. The straw and other crop residues are used as fodder for the farm animals and the animal dung is used as fuel. About 50% of animal droppings are not collected, about half of the collected is burnt as fuel and only one fourth is available for field application. Green manuring is not adopted by our farmers because it does not give short term economic returns. Intensive Tillage Another culprit for the lower organic matter content of our soils is the practice of intensive soil tillage. Soil tillage aerates the soil and breaks up the organic residues, making them accessible to microbial decomposition thereby reducing the organic matter content of the soil. The slogan “Dab Kay Wah Tay Raj Kay Khah” (Plow more, earn more) has played a considerable role in the organic matter losses. Different Organic Sources Available for Improving Soil Organic Matter in Pakistan There is a large contingent of organic sources available in the country to be used for improving the organic matter content of our soils. Some of them are discussed here under. Farmyard manure Farmyard manure is decomposed mixture of the dung and urine of cattle of other livestock with the straw and litter used as bedding and residues from the fodder fed to them. It has been estimated that about 1.5 million tones of nutrients are available from farmyard manure in Pakistan. About 50 per cent of the dung in Pakistan remains uncollected. Out of collected animals dung about 50 per cent is used as fuel in the from dried cake, locally called “Pathi”. Whatever is collected for manuring is usually heaped on the ground surface with residues from fodder and other house sweepings. The nitrogen in the manure is subject to volatilization and leaching losses and the material that finally will be spread on the field may have low nitrogen content. The application of well-decomposed manure is more desirable than using fresh materials. Poultry manure Poultry manure has a higher nutrient content than livestock manure. According to the estimates the poultry manure available in the country can contribute about 101 thousand tones of nitrogen, 58 thousand tones of phosphorous and 26 thousand tones of potash. Crop residues Crop residues include straw, husk, leave, vegetable and fruit waste, grass cuttings, weeds, sawdust etc. In Pakistan, most of the crop residues such as wheat straw, sugarcane tops/trash, cotton sticks, rice husk etc are used as fodder for animals and as a fuel. But other waste materials can be converted into useful compost manures by conserving and subjecting them to a controlled process of decomposition. Green manure Green manuring refers to the practice of growing crops, preferably legumes and ploughing them under, when they reach maximum production of green tops. Legumes are preferred as they have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. The amount of N fixed varies from crop to crop and may be about 20-40 kg/ha. In Pakistan Dhancha, Guar and Sunhemp are suitable crops for green manuring. Filter cake and silage According to an estimate Pakistan sugar industry is producing about 1.2 million tones of filter cake every year, which is a rich source of organic matter, micro and macronutrients. Some sugar mils have molasses based distillery plants, which produce silage containing nutrients specially potassium. In case, all these materials are recycled by composting back to soil, it will also be a good source of essential plant nutrients for crop growth. Slaughter house waste Slaughter house wastes such as dried blood, meat meal, hoof and horn meal; have a high N content and are essentially concentrated organic manures, fairly quick acting, safe to use and effective on all crops. Slaughter houses are wide spread throughout Pakistan and largely their by-products are left outside, in one appraisal, it was shown that about 8000 tons blood meal could be produced annually for manorial use containing essential nutrients. Other solid and liquid based materials The other solid and liquid based materials available include sewage and sludge, fishpond effluent, city refuse and some waste of food processing industries. All these materials cannot be used directly as source of plant nutrients. However, after proper processing and removal of heavy metals and undesirable materials, these can prove good source of plant nutrients. Compost Composting is the process of decomposing (through the action of micro-organisms in the soil) plant residues in a heap or pit with a view to converting the nutrients contained in the residue in more readily available form. In rural areas crop residues, stubbles, weeds, fallen leaves, remnants of fodder and green manure, etc. can be collected and stored in heap or pit. In this way, as the last pit is filled, the compost in the first pit is ready for application. Municipal/industrial wastes comprising mainly town refuse and human excreta can also be composted. The preparation of urban compost on a large scale is being done in many countries. Some plants are also installed in Pakistan. Quite sophisticated machinery may be required for this purpose. Biogas compost This is a process by which organic material are biologically decomposed to yield energy in the form of combustible gases. The residual material provides valuable manure. Cattle dung which should be used for improving soil productivity is generally burnt as fuel. Biogas technology reconciles both these objectives: anaerobic decomposition of the cattle dung yield both fuel (biogas) and organic fertilizer (sludge). Biogas, popularly known as “gobargas”, is composed mainly of methane (CH4), about 60 percent; thus 1000 cubic feet biogas is equivalent to 600 cubic feet of natural gas, 5.2 gallons of gasoline and 4.6 gallons of diesel oil. A small family of four would require 150 cubic feet of biogas per day, for cooking and lighting an amount which can be generated from the family’s night soil and the dung of three cows. Strategies For Improving Organic Matter Content of Pakistan Soils Integrated Plant Nutrition Management System Organic source (farm yard manure, crop residues), in addition to providing nutrients, improve the physical condition of the soil. Nevertheless, organic materials release plant nutrients slowly. Crops require an instant flow of nutrients at special growth stages to ensure higher yield, which cannot be supplied by natural weathering of minerals and organic materials. Biological sources have their own limitations of being crop specific. Fertilizers, which have all the nutrients in available form, can provide sufficient plant nutrient flow to the corps. Fertilizers are the quickest and surest way of boosting crop production but their cost and constraints frequently deter farmers from using them in the recommended quantities and balanced proportions. The limitations associates with either source of plant nutrients are often overcome when they are used in judicious combinations providing a mixture, which in the long-term, is not only complementary but also synergistic. At present in Pakistan during a survey by NFDC it was found out that 49 per cent farmers use the FYM. The cultivation of sesbania as green manure crop in normal as well as marginally salt effected soils is being practiced by some farmers and its worth has been proved in many studies. Among the crop residues the practice of ploughing of cotton sticks is picking up among the farmers. Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) and Provincial Agricultural Research Institute are carrying out work on biological fertilization. Pakistan Agriculture Research Council in collaboration with Engro Chemical Pakistan Limited commercialized rhizobium specific for chickpea in the name of Biozot. NIBGE is also marketing its bio-fertilizer for rice in the brand name as Biopower. Provincial Research Institutes are also providing inoculums to the farmers formers for leguminous and non leguminous crops. Zero/ Minimum Tillage System Zero tillage is a system in which the soil is left undisturbed. The only soil disturbance is of a narrow band by soil engaging components of the planter or drill. Reduction in soil disturbance from conventional, highly disturbed tillage methods to minimum or zero tillage produces slower carbon losses and may even increase the amount of C stored in a soil. Long-term experiments conducted in developed countries support this conclusion. Other benefits of zero tillage to farmers include: Less labour, reduced machinery wear and tear, high soil moisture, improved soil tilth, reduced soil erosion and reduced production cost. In Pakistan, the zero tillage has proved excellent for rice-wheat cropping system. It allows utilization and conservation of antecedent soil moisture, time saving due to early planting, and minimize yield losses attributed to soil structural break down under continuous cropping practices. Adoption of zero tillage system for all the agro ecological zones of Pakistan still needs a lot of experimentation and research work. Weed control through chemicals is one of the drawbacks of this system. Because of being costly and environmentally hazardous it is desirable to use some cheaper and environmentally safe chemicals. It is also possible that instead of keeping the field completely free of weeds, we can keep them to a safe threshold level and only till when weeds exceed threshold level. Increasing the cropping intensity is excellent way-out to reduce weeds. However, under our conditions, minimum tillage system seems to be more promising than zero tillage. Cultivation can be done only when ever it is inevitable, for example at seedbed preparation or when weeds exceed the threshold level. This would also help reduce the use of chemicals for control of weeds and insects. Thereby reducing the input costs and environmental concerns.
The upper layer of the earth which is composed of different thin rock particles is helpful in the growth of vegetation and plants that is called soil.
Basic Components of Soil
Soil has three basic components. 1. Solid particles like salt, mineral and organic matter. 2. Air. 3. Water.
Importance of Soil
The kind of soil totally depends upon climate, location, vegetation and rock material. The agriculture of a country depends upon her soil’s structure and kinds. Soil is a gift of nature.
Alluvium
Those materials which are transported from one place to another by rivers and deposited at other places are called alluvium.
Aeolian Soil
Similarly wind also transports the material from one place to another which is deposited over the surface that is called Aeolian Soil.
Classification of Soils
The soil of Pakistan may be classified according to the regional basis.
Indus basin Soils
The indus plain is made with the deposition of alluvium by the indus river its tributaries. For the last thousands of years rivers have been depositing the soil in the form of layers. These soils have more calcium carbonate and less organic matter. These soils are divided into three main categories.
Bongar Soils
Bongar soils cover a vast area of indus plain. The area includes most of the part of Punjab, Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu and Kachhi plain. A major part of the province of sindh is also comprised of these soils. Some of these soils are rich and irrigated give very good production. Usually these soils are far from the present rivers beds.
Khaddar Soils
Khaddar soils are also formed along the rivers. So every year new layer of salt clay is deposited. These soils have low content of organic matter and salt.
Indus Delta Soils
These soils cover the river Indus Delta. They extent from Hyderabad to the south coastal area. Most of the soils is clay and developed under floodwater. Rice is cultivated in the major part of these soils.
Mountain Soils
These soils mostly cover the highlands of northern and western areas of Pakistan. The soils of northern mountainous areas have high content of organic matters because the climate is moist. Whereas the soils of western mountainous areas have high content of calcium carbonate and low content of organic matter because the climate of these areas is arid and semi-arid. The soils of Pothwar plateau have high lime content. They are productive when plenty of water is available.
Sandy Desert Soils
The soils cover the western areas of Balochistan, Cholistan and the desert of Thar in Pakistan. They are formed by layers of sand particles. They have moderate quantity of calcium carbonate. They are made of disposition of sandy soil layer by layer Arid and semi-arid type of climate effect these soils. So the economic activities are very low in deserts.
PAKISTANPakistan is one of the world's largest producers of hashish, much of which is trafficked via the Middle East and Central Asia to Europe, Africa and North America. Cannabis grows wild in many regions of the country; cultivation is widespread, and is believed to be increasing due to ongoing political and economic instability.
Pakistan is one of the world’s largest producers of hashish, much of which is trafficked via the Middle East and Central Asia to Europe, Africa and North America. Cannabis grows wild in many regions of the country; cultivation is widespread, and is believed to be increasing due to ongoing political and economic instability.
Law & International Policy
Drug use is endemic in Pakistan, but authorities are more concerned with heroin and opium use (Radio Nederland)
Cannabis is illegal in Pakistan, although its possession and use is far less likely to be penalised than that of ‘harder’ drugs such as heroin and amphetamines. On the other hand, drug trafficking and consumption are viewed as serious—and growing—problems, and Pakistan is under constant pressure from the international community to achieve greater control over the flow of illicit drugs transiting the country.
The organisation tasked with implementing Pakistan’s drug law and coordinating drug investigations abroad is the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), established in 1995. In 2010, the Afghani, Iranian and Pakistani ministers for drug policy met in Islamabad and agreed to extend cooperation between the three countries, including improved sharing of information and mounting of joint patrolling operations in the border regions.
Cannabis Arrests & Sentences
In some parts of the country (particularly the northwestern tribal areas), laws prohibiting use of cannabis are infrequently enforced, and it may even be sold in public markets with no repercussion from authorities. However, in other regions such as Lahore and Islamabad, possession may be punishable by between six months’ and two years’ imprisonment.
The penalties for trafficking of cannabis and other narcotics are far more severe. Pakistan retains use of the death penalty, and according to law it may be applied to anyone convicted of trafficking over one kilogram of an illegal drug. In practice, death sentences are rarely applied for amounts of less than ten kilograms. In 2008, a moratorium on executions was imposed; this ended in 2012 as a single individual convicted of murder was put to death. Since then, no executions have occurred, but around 8,000 people remain on death row, many for drug offences.
In February 2013, ANF agents seized ten tons of hashish in a raid on a Karachi warehouse, however, no arrests were made. Also in February 2013, a provincial excise inspector was arrested in Karachi for possession of around 80 kg of hashish. In March 2013, police in Swabi district in northeastern Pakistan seized two tons of high-quality hashish destined for Punjab.
The Modern Cannabis Trade
The mountainous northern regions of Pakistan are ideal for cannabis cultivation (Guilhelm Vellut)
Due to its 2,430 km, porous border with Afghanistan, along with its vast tribal territories that exist outside of central government control, Pakistan is highly vulnerable to drug trafficking. Hashish, raw opium and heroin enter Pakistan through Afghanistan, and are shipped on to the Middle East, Europe and North America.
The southern coastline of Balochistan and the seaport of Karachi are crucial for transshipment of hashish and heroin destined for the Gulf States. Smuggling by sea is most common between April and June, and is lowest in July and August due to rough weather and excessive humidity, which can degrade hashish. In a typical scenario, a mother ship will anchor in deep water and smaller, high-speed craft will load and unload the hashish.
Land-based trafficking gangs operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan are well-equipped, organised and brutally efficient. Movements of law enforcement agents are tracked using state-of-the-art communications equipment, and gangs often travel in multi-vehicle convoys with advanced weaponry, including anti-tank rockets and anti-aircraft missiles.
Cultivation of Cannabis
Cannabis grows wild in many rural areas of the country, and is cultivated almost as widely. The wild varieties of cannabis in the lowland regions are usually low in cannabinoids and may be either C. sativa or C. ruderalis; however, in the northern mountainous regions of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram, high-cannabinoid C. indica strains may also be found.
Cannabis growing wild in Taxila, northern Pakistan (Guilhelm Vellut)
Cannabis also grows freely in major cities such as the capital Islamabad and the second city Lahore, although cultivation is not widely practised in cities due to the increased presence of police. Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, a city in northeastern Pakistan, was reported to contain cannabis plants growing in a vegetable patch at the time of his discovery and execution in 2011.
In recent years, the possibility of legal hemp cultivation as a means to boost Pakistan’s struggling rural economy has been put forward in the media and in research. It is argued that hemp cultivation, which can be conducted on marginal land, could free up land needed for food production but currently used to grow cotton. However, there is no indication that the government has taken any steps to implement hemp-growing programs.
Cannabis in Pakistan’s Tribal Territories
The heartland of cultivation and traditional hashish production in Pakistan lies in the northwestern Federally Administered Tribal Areas—vast swathes of rugged, fertile terrain, beyond reach of central Pakistani authority and ideal for cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy. Opium is primarily cultivated in the Afghan tribal territories just across the border—which tribal populations can cross unchallenged, as can vast quantities of contraband—but it is estimated that at least 1,000 hectares of poppy fields are operated in Pakistan.
Hashish is openly sold at bazaars in tribal regions of Pakistan, such as the city of Peshawar (John Blower)
Tirah Valley in the mountainous Khyber Agency region has achieved minor renown for its vast cannabis fields and abundant hashish production. Jamrud, a small town known as the doorway to the Khyber Pass, has over 250 currently-operational hashish shops. In 2013, tribal conflicts over control of the region meant that many farmers could not venture into their fields to plant their crop, and the harvest suffered greatly. As a result, hashish prices have skyrocketed, from Rs20,000 (€140) for one kilogram before the conflict began to Rs50,000-65,000 (€350-€455) at present.
The tribal areas are out-of-bounds to foreigners unaccompanied by armed bodyguards, and the threat of violence and even kidnapping and ransom is always present. The tribal areas are home to various heavily-armed militias, and it is alleged that the proceeds of hashish produced for export are used to fund insurgency. In 2004, a boat crewed by suspected Al-Qaeda members was intercepted off the coast of Pakistan en route to the Gulf States and found to be loaded with almost two tons of hashish.
Hashish Production in Pakistan
There are several methods of hash-making in use in Pakistan, which are used to produce a range of hashish grades. Generally, the first stage of the process involves threshing the dried plants over a thin woven cloth to separate the ‘garda‘ (dried resin, or trichomes) from the unwanted plant matter.
One large-scale commercial method involves placing the garda in a metal pan with a small amount of water and gently heating it, while using a large stone or boulder to knead the pollen and encourage it to bond. Ghee, henna and other adulterants may also be added to the mixture, to facilitate bonding, or to increase weight or aroma.
A more traditional method is to place the garda directly into a goatskin, which is then stored for several months. The subdermal fat beneath the skin enables the bonding process, gradually turning the golden-brown garda into a sticky, greenish-brown mass. Reportedly, the flavour of the end product improves according to the length of time it is kept in the goatskin.
Smaller quantities of high-grade hashish are hand-made for personal consumption and local distribution, although some high-grade hashish may also be exported. Producers of high-grade hashish typically purchase good-quality ‘garda’ from growers and hand-press it into dark, sticky ‘eggs’ which may be of exceptional flavour and effect.
Cultural Use of Cannabis
Local residents smoking hashish in Lahore (Guilhelm Vellut)
Pakistan has several religious communities, including Sufis and Hindus, that have used cannabis for centuries as a means to achieve euphoria and spiritual enlightenment. Their ability to do so has generally gone unchallenged by the Pakistani authorities. As well as smoking hashish in a chillum or similar device, cannabis is widely consumed in the form of bhang, a potent yoghurt-based drink that is associated with the worship of the Hindu god Shiva.
Aside from religious use, in some communities cannabis is used recreationally and is not socially prohibited. In contrast, alcohol is almost universally disapproved of, and its use is confined to foreigners and particularly Westernised Pakistanis. Traditional use of cannabis in medicine is also well-documented in Pakistan—for example, bhang is recorded as an effective treatment for dysentery. Cannabis use is equally widespread in both urban and rural areas; it is almost exclusively consumed by adult males.
Pakistan’s approach to cannabis has changed in recent decades. In the 1960s and ’70s, Pakistan was an essential stop-off point for travellers on the ‘Hippie Trail’ that snaked through Asia; cities such as Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi embraced the trend, and a thriving tourist culture sprang up. It was during this period that the famous hashish markets of Peshawar were established, and although they still thrive, control of the hashish stock has passed into the hands of organised militant groups. As a result, the government has stepped up efforts to combat trafficking.
Purchasing Cannabis in Pakistan
It is easy to obtain cannabis and hashish throughout Pakistan, although hashish is considerably more common than herbal cannabis. It is reported that police in many areas of Pakistan are willing to accept bribes in exchange for ignoring drug offences; however, this is never guaranteed, and it is advisable to avoid encountering police in most areas as they may be heavy-handed. However, if consuming cannabis discreetly in one’s own home, there is usually little risk of arrest.
Rickshaw drivers in urban areas will often offer hashish to tourists, but may be in cooperation with police (PSIT)
In Lahore, Jallo Park is well-known for its cannabis, which grows freely and can reportedly be obtained in large quantities in return for tiny sums paid to the gardeners. The city of Karachi’s Abdullah Shah Gazi Mausoleum, an ancient Sufi shrine, is also scene to regular ritual cannabis consumption in which mystics, devotees and interested onlookers are all welcome to take part; it is reported that watching police are more likely to respond to illicit public touching than to any cannabis-related issue. Occasional crackdowns do occur, but are usually dealt with by payment of bribes.
In many cities, street dealers will offer cannabis openly to passers-by, particularly those considered to be foreign or affluent in appearance. However, such dealers are often working in cooperation with corrupt police officials; after the transaction is made and the police alerted, the resulting bribe is split between the two parties. For foreigners in Pakistan, making discreet enquiries in local bars or among friends is the best means of ensuring a reliable source of cannabis or hashish.
The price for hashish (usually referred to as charas) and cannabis may vary somewhat between cities, and is often negotiable. The typical quantities purchased are known colloquially as a rod (five grams) or a tola (ten grams), and usually cost around €0.30-€0.40 per gram.
What Next for Cannabis in Pakistan?
As the hashish-making industry is so well-established and so crucial to the rural economy, it is likely that Pakistan will continue to produce significant quantities for the foreseeable future. Authorities are stepping up regional efforts to combat trafficking, but thus far it appears that the relentless flow of narcotics from Afghanistan and Pakistan has been marginally affected.
It is important to document the history and current events of the ongoing drug war that continues to affect the lives of so many people throughout the world. For this reason, Sensi Seeds and the Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam aim to provide the most accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information on the present situation, country by country. We welcome your comments, feedback and corrections.
