Asian Standard, issue 2

Your regular edition of packed with the latest news and features INSIDE

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Puri:

‘I am touched by their warmth and love!’ Om Puri’s love for Pakistan shines through

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By the publishers of Asian Sunday

British Asian Community reacts to sex and drugs allegations against popular parliamentarian Keith Vaz

By Itrat Bashir and Fatima Patel

It’s not the first time a prominent parliamentarian has hit the headlines relating to sex allegations and drugs and we are sure it won’t be the last time.

Well known Labour politician Keith Vaz, who won his seat for the sixth time in last year’s general election with a majority of more than 18,000 has stepped down as chairman of the Home Affairs Committee after being in the spotlight for paying for the services of two male escorts and of trying to procure cocaine and poppers.

The married Labour MP was allegedly caught following a Sunday Mirror expose during an encounter with two male escorts at his North London home. In the expose Vaz, hid his real identity from the pair, telling them he was a washing machine salesman called Jim. According to the Sunday Mirror the MP for Leicester East also admitted to having unprotected sex with other escorts given that the MP had fronted a safe sex campaign in his Leicester East constituency only last year.

Vaz has since issued a public apology for the ‘hurt and distress’ the allegations have caused his wife and two children. Continued on pages 6 & 7

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11-month-old baby ‘raped by neighbour’ in Delhi An 11-month-old baby was allegedly abducted and raped by her neighbour in Delhi last week.

abandoned mobile phone near the child, officers were able to trace it back to the suspect.

According to police reports the baby, from a village called Vikaspuri, had been sleeping with her mother at a makeshift shelter in a police housing complex when she was taken to a nearby jungle and raped at around 10pm.

A senior police officer told reporters: ‘The police team was helped by the recovery of the mobile phone to track the location of the accused. We traced him to the labour camp.’

Her mother only realised she was missing around an hour later and informed police.

When Vikaspuri officers arrived at the scene, they found the 11-month-old in an unconscious state and immediately took her to the intensive care unit at a local hospital. Doctors have said that the baby’s condition is seriously and she was bleeding profusely.

Police officers managed to find the perpetrator after discovering an

Police say the accused man lived with other workers in the building and that he admitted that he took the child around 10pm.

The officer said: ‘He said he then took her to the bushes beside a drain and raped her for nearly two hours.’

The man has now been charged with rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 of the POCSO Act and is being held at Tihar Jail.

The child’s father later told police: ‘I was

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DESIGN & ARTWORK Karthik Ramamurthy Paul Parkes

REPORTERS Ayyaz Malik Alison Bellamy Ayesha Babar Itrat Bashir

sexual assault at Manchester magistrates’ court.

CONTRIBUTORS

The 32-yearold Imam was suspended from his post at the Whalley Range mosque when the offences came to light.

Tahira Rehman Shabab Gulfraz

PHOTOGRAPHY Riaz Ahmed

Barry Smith

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injuries might have a lifelong impact on her health.’

Religious leader avoids jail sentence after being found guilty of sexual assault.

Raheema Khan

ACCOUNTS

horrified to see my daughter’s condition.

Her clothes were torn and she had nail marks all over the body. The severe

A religious leader has avoided a jail sentence after twice groping a woman on two separate occasions, a court heard.

Hafiz Abbasi, an imam at Minhaj-ulQuran Central Mosque in Manchester was given a 12-month community order after being found guilty of

It is reported in the Manchester Evening News that the offences related to incidents that occurred in 2015 on October 21 and 29 when Abbasi touched a woman’s buttocks on each occasion.

In the first incident, Manchester Magistrates court heard how he approached the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and

deliberately brushed against her body for “five seconds or so”.

On the second occasion, the woman again met with Abbasi, this time accompanied by another man.

But when the other man left, the woman felt Abbasi touching her “two or three times”.

In an emotional victim impact statement, the woman read out in court, she said she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

She said: “You changed everything in my life.

“You tried to destroy who and what I am by your sick actions. You shattered my confidence and mentally and physically disturbed me.”

Abbasi, of Deer Park Road, Whalley Range, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault following a trial before magistrates.

Manchester Evening News reporter that defending, Ben Kaufman said Abbasi, who came to the UK from Pakistan in October 2014, still denies the offences and is seeking to lodge an appeal.

He said: “Within the Asian community this type of allegation has had even more of an impact upon Mr Abbasi and his family in their day-to-day activities.

“Since his conviction he has become extremely reclusive and stays at home.

As a man who has studied all his life and dedicated to his faith he now feels completely lost.”

Deputy district judge Owen Jones said: “Most of the others in your community supported you all along and now there’s no reason at all for anyone to doubt you.”

Abbasi was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.

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COVER STORY

British Asian Community reacts to sex and drugs allegations against popular parliamentarian Keith Vaz

by Fatima Patel & Itrat Bashir It’s not the first time a prominent parliamentarian has hit the headlines relating to sex allegations and drugs and we are sure it won’t be the last time.

Well known Labour politician Keith Vaz, who won his seat for the sixth time in last year’s general election with a majority of more than 18,000 has stepped down as chairman of the Home Affairs Committee after being in the spotlight for paying for the services of two male escorts and of trying to procure cocaine and poppers.

The married Labour MP was allegedly caught following a Sunday Mirror expose during an encounter with two male escorts at his North London home. In the expose Vaz, hid his real identity from the pair, telling them he was a washing machine salesman called Jim. According to the Sunday Mirror the MP for Leicester East also

admitted to having unprotected sex with other escorts given that the MP had fronted a safe sex campaign in his Leicester East constituency only last year.

Vaz has since issued a public apology for the ‘hurt and distress’ the allegations have caused his wife and two children.

Mr Vaz entered politics in 1987 as the Labour party’s youngest MP and has kept his seat since. He was born to Goan parents in Aden, a former British colony in Yemen, before moving to the UK as a child and now lives in London with his wife and two children.

After studying law at Cambridge he worked as a solicitor, before entering parliament. In 1999, he was appointed Europe Minister by then-prime minister Tony Blair – a role in which he served until 2001.

He was appointed to the prestigious post of chairman of the Home Affairs Committee in 2007, a role he held until his resignation.

Since then Vaz’s popularity continued to rise, with him topping the list of Britain’s most influential Asians in 2012 followed by making headlines with stunts such as calling Russell Brand ‘mate’ after inviting him to give evidence to the body on drugs policy and his meet and greet of the first Romanian migrants to the UK after economic travel restrictions were lifted on the country at Luton Airport.

Vaz, steps down as Chair from HAFC

Despite his popularity Vaz hasn’t been scandal free. One of the most publicised of them was the Hinduja scandal.

In 2001, there were accusations that he helped process the British passport application of one of the billionaire Hinduja brothers from India.

Their foundation had allegedly paid

money into a company that was run by Vaz’s wife.

After admitting he had ‘made representations’ on behalf of the Hindujas and other British Asians,

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COVER STORY he left his post as Minister for Europe, citing ‘health grounds’.

Things got worse for the 59-year-old parliamentarian as he was suspended from the House of Commons for one month in 2002, for apparently trying to obstruct an investigation into his financial affairs.

It was found he had committed ‘serious breaches’ of the MPs’ code of conduct, after the investigation by the Commons Standards and Privileges Committee to which he later apologised to the committee.

One of the most recent scandals involving Vaz however, is the Janner

scandal. Last year Vaz was accused of helping to shut down an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by the former Leicester MP Greville Janner – later Lord Janner.

As reported in the Observer during the debate, Vaz one of the key MP’s who spoke up for Janner.

‘He said his dear friend had been the “victim of a cowardly and wicked attack”. That was it. The story was dead.’

It was ruled last year that Janner was not fit to stand trial because of his dementia.

Looking at the present allegations and Vaz’ 29-year political record some are questioning whether Vaz, is right to maintain his position in parliament. We spoke to leading members of the Asian community to share their views.

Commenting on the recent Keith VAZ MP scandal, prominent British-Asian business-man Dr Rami Ranger CBE said that it is too early to jump to a conclusion; “let everything come out and then we can judge on the matter”.

Sitara Anjum

“We should give time to Keith to clarify his position. A newspaper has levelled an allegation against him and we

should wait for what he has to say in his defence.”

Talking to Asian Standard, Sitarah Anjum, a former councillor from Ealing-London and a businesswoman, said that I have read the news and it was unfortunate. She also said that the constituents feel the need to know the actual facts and thus the matter should be fully investigated.

“It is a serious allegation levelled against the MP, which needs to be probed. Keith Vaz needs to clear his position before the chair (of Home Affairs Select Committee). A public figure is expected to follow certain code of conduct, both in public and private life.”

Dr Aysha Raza, a Labour Councillor from Ealing-London, had a different view on the issue. She believed that it is a personal matter that should have no bearing on Keaith Vaz’s public duties.

“However, he needs to resolve the issue with his family and the Select Committee. What I have heard on the news, it was a sting operation by a tabloid newspaper.”

Amir Zaka, an accountant by profession, felt for the family of Keith Vaz. He said, “they must be devastated

by the news”. He said that the news has seriously damaged the reputation of a senior Asian parliamentarian and now he has to make a serious effort to prove himself innocent.

“In general, people take news stories as a ‘guilty verdict’ and hence the

person in question needs to prove his innocence. Keith Vaz’s reputation has been damaged and the people will question his integrity. Under these circumstances, the question is can he continue to be a MP.”

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news

Samia Shahid:

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Bradford beautician was raped before her death relatives claimed she died of a heart attack.

Nevertheless, the crime came to light after her new husband spoke out, despite death threats and demanded a thorough investigation was carried out.

Samia Shahiid with second husband

According to a police investigation it is being reported that Bradford woman Samia Shahid was raped before her death.

Nabila Ghazanfar, a Pakistani police spokesperson, told The Associated Press that a forensic examination confirmed that Shahid was raped before she was killed.

The 28-year-old beautician’s death is being labelled as an ‘honour killing’ after it was confirmed by investigating officers that she was strangled after she visited relatives in Punjab in July.

She was buried in a local cemetery after

Second, husband, Syed Mukhtar Kazim believes she was targeted because family members did not approve of her divorce and subsequent conversion from Sunni to Shia Islam to remarry.

Photographs of her body show a deep gash to her neck, where she was allegedly strangled with her scarf by her former husband.

Pakistani police have now arrested Shahid’s ex-husband, father, and uncle.

An investigator told the BBC that the ex-husband and father carried out the killing.

The men appeared in court on September 3 and The Telegraph reports that they will be held for up to four days while charges are prepared. The Telegraph is also reporting that Shahid’s mother and sister were involved in the crime, but have “fled to the U.K.” A police chief has been charged with aiding in their escape.

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FEATURE

Tour De Salah: Cycling, 5 Mosques, 5 prayers, and charity

East London mosque, one of the 5 iconic British mosques on route the ‘Tour de Salah’

Brave cyclists took on the ‘Tour De Salah’ challenge last week in a bid to raise money for their chosen charity.

The ‘Tour De Salah’ now in its third year is an initiative organised by British

Charity MADE in Europe, the same charity who organised initiatives such as ‘Live Below the Line £1 challenge.’

The annual cycling event involves cycling 100km across London, stopping to pray the five daily prayers at five iconic mosques; East London Mosque, Edmonton Islamic Centre, Harrow Central Mosque, Kingston Mosque and

Regents Park Mosque.

their faith.

This year over 75 cyclists bravely cycled through challenging weather conditions with some heavy rain, but they preserved to raise money for their chosen charity. This unique initiative saw participants push themselves physically and be cleansed spiritually; combining their passion for cycling with

From the registration at East London Mosque to the subsequent stops at Edmonton Islamic Centre, Harrow Central Mosque, London Central Mosque and Kingston Mosque cyclists saw the sights of London and enjoyed a challenging but uplifting event.

‘Tour de Salah’ is part of a wider

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FEATURE

Tour de Salah participants Credit: Sara Russell Photography

campaign at MADE, which stands for Muslim action for development and environment, aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues and more sustainable practices within the Muslim Community. It is all about exercising and becoming greener in their faith. The event attracts a wide range of participants of different cycling abilities, backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. It is engaging hundreds of Muslims across the UK and challenging many of the stereotypes people now have. This initiative is the first of its kind and the support from both the Muslim and non-Muslim community has been overwhelming.

Tour de Salah route

A previous participant who has taken part in Tour de Salah for the last three years, Louiza Chekhar, says about the event “So much fun, a great way to meet lovely people, push yourself and do something different – not your average challenge, but one with real spirit and ethos behind it.”

Another participant Salahuddin Mahzary said, “I share the vision of MADE’s Executive Director, Sarah Javaid, that Tour de Salah will become a blueprint of institutional and sectarian unity, what we can achieve together when we are united in a vision to tackle environmental and social injustice once and for all.”

London Central Mosque

Credit: Wikipedia

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‘I am touched by their warmth and love!’ Om Puri’s love for Pakistan shines through

by Ayesha Babar ayesha@asian-standard.co.uk

Om Puri is the actor who needs no introduction. The man is a household name for a whole generation of

British Asian audiences who have seen his stellar performances in East is East as George Khan, an immigrant struggling to hold on to his roots while navigating his way in the Britain of the early 1970’s.

In Bollywood, he is considered a powerhouse of acting talent, with fierce performances in Maachis and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He has finally made his foray into Pakistani cinema with a film called ‘Actor in Law’, which releases this Eid. He exclusively spoke to Asian Standard about his experience of working in Pakistan, how he thinks cinema can bring the two countries closer and how Naseeruddin Shah got him to try non-veg food!

Ayesha: It is an absolute honour to speak to you. Actor in Law is the first Pakistani film that you have done- could you tell us about your experience of working on the project?

Om Puri: It was absolutely fantastic!

It was great fun working with them and it is a very meaningful film and the story is told in a very light-hearted manner. There are, of course, some serious scenes, and there are songs but the songs are incorporated in the theme of the film. The director and producer of Actor in Law have previously worked together on a very successful film and the team is extremely passionate and they want to make Pakistan proud of its cinema, which is a great thing.

I have seen two Pakistani films so far: Khuda Ke Liye and Bol. Bol, I felt was a totally flawless film. Even the smallest character was great. It had some wonderful performances and was based on a very mature subject.

Om Puri promoting 'Actor in Law'

I have very high hopes from Actor in Law. Fahad Mustafa is a very bright young man and is a big star in Pakistan. He has given a great performance and he has proved that he is not only a light actor but

can deliver serious performances as well – he is as good as any Bollywood actor and I am sure he will amaze you with his performances in his future film.

The heroine of the film, Mehwish Hayat, has done a few films before.

I think she is brilliant. She’s playing a Parsi girl and she has picked up the accent so well that you cannot make out that she is not a Parsi. She has worked very hard on the accent with a diction expert and I am sure you will be impressed with her performance.

I am sure that both Fahad and Mehwish are elated, getting this appreciation from you. On another note, how would you compare the standard of production in Pakistani cinema with that of the Indian film industry?

I was very impressed with the production quality. Even though Actor in Law had a limited budget, no corners were cut. For example, there were crowd scenes of some two to three thousand junior artists, outside the courtroom and then we shot on the streets too and each time the effort was made for everything to look real and authentic.

How was your experience of shooting in Pakistan?

It was great! Personally I was so well looked after. I was staying at a hotel but the film’s unit was always around and soon felt like family. The shooting itself was a very smooth process for me. From the scenes shot on the streets to the sets, it was a well organised production.

There was no indiscipline or chaos – everything was under control. There was no stress in terms of staying here or shooting. Let me tell you, I have actually never given this much time to promote a film before for promotions. I have given the film twelve days and during this time I have travelled to five different cities

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Pakistan who are interested in the film industry and want to produce good cinema. Since our own industry is still going through a phase of rediscovering itself, they look up to cinema legends like you for inspiration. How do you think the Pakistani film industry can take itself forward so that it can establish itself as a major force?

Pakistani dramas have already established that there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan. They have great actors, they have great singers, they have great dancers and even the literature and poetry is so rich. As far as the film technique is concerned, looking at the few films that I have seen, I think they are of a very high standard. The only thing I feel is that the canvas is a bit small.

Obviously, one of the reasons for this is the limited audience.

Om Puri with Pakistani actor Fahad

within Pakistan and I will also be going to Dubai to promote Actor in Law. You are as much a household name in Pakistan as you are in India and people love so many of the performances you have given over the years. How did you find your interaction with the Pakistani people to be?

Very touching! I was so moved to see that so many people adore me here – really, I am touched by their warmth and sincerity and their sense of hospitality.

We hear you have developed a soft spot for Pakistani food?

Oh, yes! I was born vegetarian and till the age of about twenty I stuck to it. Then one day, Naseeruddin Shah, who was at that time my class mate at film school and lived with me in the hostel, said to me: ‘Array yar, try the curry at least!’ and put two spoonfuls of curry over my rice. The hostel served non-vegetarian food only once a week, so the following week, he put a little piece of mutton on my plate. I ate that and quite liked it. Over the years, I traveled the world extensively for film festivals and filming and ate practically everything. For the last 7-8 years I have come back to vegetarian food and developed a taste for all kinds of vegetables! When the team in Pakistan came to know that I avoid non-veg food, every single day there would be food coming for me. Fahad, Fizza and Nabeel, the producers, would literally take turns to get me home cooked vegetarian food. I would get a dibba of all my favourite things. They would also come and eat with me, really, I felt just at

Even my son is a fan of Pakistani food now. When I went back after the shooting, I had taken a Pakistani speciality called ‘mutton kunna’.

This time when I came for the promotions, he called me up and said, ‘Baba, please don’t forget to get me that kunna again!’

visited Pakistan, in the 1980’s when I used to travel a lot with my art films, everywhere that I would visit, I had such great experiences with people from this country. I would go to a Pakistani restaurant and they would refuse to take money from me or I would have a Pakistani taxi driver who would simply refuse to charge me!

pay, the guy exclaimed: ‘Om Puri sahab, it is our honour that you are here at our shop, how can I even think of charging you for these? You are our guest. Huzoor, aap ka yahan aana hi hamaray liye baray naseeb ki baat hai! (Sir, you coming to this shop is our good fortune)’. I jokingly told him I would send a car for many more vegetables!

What impact do you think cinema can have on the India-Pakistan relationship? Do you think it can help resolve issues?

I remember during a long shooting spell in London, I was staying in an apartment with my family. I really enjoy cooking and would often cook

Another time I was walking down a street in Paris and went past a Pakistani street artist making portraits. Suddenly I heard someone say in Punjabi:’ Om Puri sir, please come here for two minutes as I would love to make a sketch of you!’. When I asked him how much he would like for the sketch, he took great offence!

He said that he had made it with so much love and I was disrespecting his love by offering to pay. I kept that portrait with me for a very long time!

home!

You see, the common people in India and in Pakistan, they do not need cinema or anything else to love each other –there is already a very strong bond.

I have been to Pakistan about six times and I have not seen any negativity.

There are very few people on both sides who are trouble makers, as with anywhere else in the world but the vast majority of people are in favour of peace. You do not need any support to build a relationship between them. When Pakistanis go there, or when Indians come to Pakistan and I am not just talking about celebrities but even common people from sides, they always come back with stories of warmth and hospitality.

I will say it again that there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan and I am highly impressed with the quality of the films. With a little more direction the industry can become a force to be reckoned with!

In fact, even much before I first

for my family on my days off. One day, one son, who was about seven years old at that time came up to me and said that he wanted to eat bhindi. At that time it was not easy to find these things in Central London so a few days later I went to Southall to get desi vegetables. I saw this huge vegetable shop and I picked up eight different vegetables and took them to the counter to pay for them. Much to my surprise, instead of telling me how much to

It has happened to me countless times now and I am grateful for the love and respect that has been shown to me by Pakistanis all my life. This is why when I finally did come to Pakistan, I was not at all surprised by the love that was shown to me.

There are a lot of young people in

I can see that there are three Indian films running in Pakistan right now, so why are Pakistani films not released in India? There is no language barrier and Pakistani films will get a much wider audience.

There will be more money and the filmmakers will be able to mount their films in a much bigger manner.

You can then afford to make much bigger films – from period dramas to musicals. I understand that it is easier said than done. Our small budget films in India are facing the exact same problem actually. The big budget films with the big stars and the massive publicity budgets have damaged the industry. All said and done, the smaller films will obviously feel insecure about being crushed by these films that release across thousands of screen in one go. There are exceptions like Vicky Donor and that is why I would still encourage Pakistani filmmakers to try and release their films in India, even if it is a limited release.

I also feel that one can improve their craft by watching good cinema from all parts of the world and for that reason I feel that Pakistan should start hosting international film festivals. They must invite world cinema to be showcased and that will give the younger filmmakers a great chance to be exposed to and learn the fine techniques.

I will say it again that there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan and I am highly impressed with the quality of the films. With a little more direction the industry can become a force to be reckoned with!

Thank you ever so much Om Puri sahib, it was a pleasure and privilege to speak to you and we hope to see you in more Pakistani films in the future!

I would like to compliment you on the quality of the conversation we have had. Your questions made me think and probe myself for answers and that is always a pleasure. I look forward to getting my copy of the publication!

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Dr Faraaz 'The joys of fatherhood' drfaraaz@asian-standard.co.uk

Another week’s gone – and so much has happened. Last week I had the opportunity to tell you about my journey into parenthood following the birth of our son, Rehan. He is now three weeks’ old. What a wonderful three weeks these have been.

He has cried, slept, been fed, smiled – you name the facial expressions and Rehan has pulled them. Parenthood is a wonderful privilege and whilst I often dispense advice to my patients about for example good nutritional habits for their young children – it is all of course a learning curve for all new parents with the challenges that you only truly know when you are a parent.

After all, changing nappies, when to feed, how much weight your baby should lose or gain safely in the first week is something that we learn as we go along (even for us doctors) Rehan lost 13 per cent of his birth-weight in the first week – which caused both my wife and I some alarm. The midwives were great, the health visitor supportive and the paediatricians reassuring. True to form – he bounced back with some encouragement and support with his last weighing being within normal limits.

On becoming a new parent there are certain expectations and requirements: some cultural and others religious.

Rehan was born with a beautiful head of hair and there was prolonged debate in my house as to who had the courage to do the cutting and who would hold him. With this being a precise surgical procedure in my wife’s eyes, I was tasked with the shaving whilst she held him – anxiously peeking through a single partially open eye to make sure I did it correctly. My steady hand and gentle demeanour did nothing to appease my wife, who only could see me removing her baby’s beautiful hair.

In all the preparation, the suspense, the

anxiety – he slept through the entire experience blissfully unaware. Cutting a new-born’s first hair is something that we do as Muslims (Sunnah). People at work have asked me why we do this and although I am not a Muslim scholar – basic answers and understanding I have. The hair is weighed and that weight in silver is donated to charity (sadqa). So right from the very beginning there is a message of charity – in this case through the sacrifice of a new-born’s hair.

Rehan, looked just as cute half an hour after the event without hair than he did with. Am not sure if the next step of our sons future is going to be as easy, but it's all part of the journey of a growing Muslim boy . Circumcision is a subject that many find daunting and fearful at the same time. My family and I are prepared and I will be sharing our experience and discussing this topic in future columns.

Anyway, whilst I write this – I am pulled towards my other commitment, of a Specialty Registrar in Emergency Medicine. So until next time, see you then! Feel free to drop me a line by email, Twitter or pigeon, I will reply as soon as I can.

Cutting a new-born’s first hair is something that we do as Muslims (Sunnah).

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FEATURE

Report says India second most ‘unequal’ country followed by UK Japan showed up as the most equal country, with millionaires controlling only 22 per cent of total wealth.

India is the second most “unequal” country in the world after Russia, with millionaires controlling more than half of its total wealth, according to a report by Johannesburg-based wealth research firm New World Wealth.

In India, 54 per cent of its wealth is controlled by millionaires. While India is among the 10 richest countries in the world with a total individual wealth of $5,600 billion, the average Indian is quite poor, the report said.

“The higher the proportion the more unequal the country is. For instance, if millionaires control over 50 per cent of a country’s wealth, then there is very little space for a meaningful middle class,” the report noted.

Worldwide, Russia is the most unequal country where millionaires control over 62 per cent of the nation’s total wealth.

Instead, Japan showed up as the most equal country, with millionaires controlling only 22 per cent of total wealth.

City of London The report also found the US to be “surprisingly” equal, with millionaires controlling around 32 per cent of the nation’s total wealth.

“This is surprising low considering all the negative press that the US gets in terms of income inequality,” it added.

Britain was found to be slightly less equal than the US, with its millionaires controlling around 35 per cent of the total wealth there.

Russia also tops the list of a country’s wealth held by billionaires (with net assets of $1 billion or more) with 26 per cent of the total Russian wealth held by this category of high net worth individuals.

Nariman Point a business district in Mumbai city

Japan again is the most equal in this category, with billionaires controlling only 3 per cent of the total wealth of the country.

Proportion of wealth held by millionaires: •

Russia: 62%

•

India: 54%

•

UK: 35%

•

US: 32%

•

Australia: 28%

•

Japan: 22%

WEEKENDER Free Issue Two, Wednesdaday 7th September 2016

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Delicious recipes 4 page TV Guide inside

“If it is not challenging, then I prefer not to do it!�

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Event highlights

Finalists for 16th Annual Asian Achiever Awards announced The nominations for the sixteenth annual Asian Achievers Awards have been unveiled. They include, standup comedian Romesh Ranganathan; Paralympian Ryan Raghoo; Captain Naveed Muhammad MBE British Army; the charity Khalsa Aid; Barrister Jo Sidhu QC; entrepreneur Samir Desai, Co-Founder of Funding Circle; Manjit Wolstenholme from Provident Financial PLC and international restaurateur Arjun Waney of Robata Restaurants ltd.

Mr. CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, ABPL Group says: “The mission of the Asian Achievers Awards is twofold - to both

recognise and reward genuine high achievers in the Asian community. It’s humbling how the community holds our Awards in such high esteem, and this is reflected in the overwhelming number and quality of nominations we once again received this year. I certainly don’t envy the daunting task our esteemed judges have in shortlisting the nominees and selecting winners.”

This year, the Chair of Judges is Nishma Robb, Head of Marketing, Google UK & Ireland. She said, “The Asian Achievers Awards are widely respected across the business, arts, and social communities,

because of the robust and very fair judging process, and the calibre of the judging panel. I was very impressed with the quality of the nominations for the awards. It is an incredible accomplishment to be recognised as a finalist, and those shortlisted this year really are raising the bar of achievement again.”

Taking place on 16 September at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, the Asian Achievers Awards celebrates the outstanding work of South Asian individuals from across a spectrum of backgrounds and professions. This

year’s theme is Professional of the Year, for the outstanding achievement in Professions.

Since launching, The Asian Achievers Awards has helped to raise millions of pounds for various charities and this year, the chosen charity partner is the Indian Ocean Disaster Relief (IODR), which supports education and victims of human trafficking in Nepal. The Asian Achievers Awards is also proud to have Sunrise Radio and Colors TV on board as Media Partners.

ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2016 NOMINEES Business Person of The Year

Media, Arts And Culture

Dr Nikesh Kotecha - Director at Morningside Pharmaceutical Rakesh Sharma – Chief Executive, Ultra Electronics Harish Sodha - Executive Chairman, Diversity Travel

Janan Ganesh - Political Columnist, The Financial Times

Arjun Waney - Chairman, Robata Restaurants ltd Entrepreneur of The Year Reshma Sohoni - Partner & Co-Founder, Seedcamp Samir Desai CBE - Co-Founder and Director at Funding Circle

Romesh Ranganathan - Stand-up Comedian Irvine Iqbal - Actor The Singh Twins - Rabindra & Amrit Kaur Singh Woman of The Year Joysy John - Ada, National College for Digital Skills Manjit K Gill – Binti International

Professor Meena Upadhyaya OBE - Medical geneticist at Cardiff University Khalsa Aid - An international relief work organisation to assist victims in disaster situations Zlakha Ahmed MBE - Founder and Manager of Apna Haq Prem Goyal OBE – CEO, Global Marketing Consultants Professional of The Year Chitra Bharucha MBE – Director, Fit Biotech Leena Nair – Chief HR Officer of Unilever

Harnoop Singh Atkar - CEO at Oakland Primecare

Rupal Kantaria - Oliver Wyman

Selva Pankaj - CEO, Regent Group

Manjit Wolstenholme – Provident Financial PLC

Nina Bhatia – Managing Director, British Gas Connected Homes

Sports Personality of The Year

Achievement In Community Service

Jo Sidhu QC – Barrister, President Society of Asian Lawyers, Bencher of Lincolns Inn

Harleen Kaur – Martial Arts Daanyal Spalding - Golfer Ryan Raghoo - Paralympic long-jumper Myra Nasim – National Karate Champion Uniformed And Civil Services Mabs Hussain - Chief Superintendent District Commander, West Yorkshire Police PC Karmjit Rekhi MBE – Faith Officer, Metropolitan Police Service Captain Naveed Muhammad MBE – Chair of Armed Forces Muslim Association (AFMA) Lt Col Bilal Muhammad Siddique - Adjutant General’s Corps

High achieverManjit Wolstenholme

This girl can: Harleen Kaur

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Event highlights Business

Community

Asian Achievers Awards 2016 Nominees Arjun Waney

Dr Nik Kotecha

Harish Sodha

Entrepreneur

Zlakha Ahmed

Reshma Sohoni

Rakesh Sharma Life Time

Samir Desai

Prem Goyal OBE Media

Selva Pankaj

Lord Patel KT

Irvine Iqbal

Jo Sidhu QC

Leena Nair

Nina Bhatia

Professional

Jagan Ganesh

Romesh Ranganathan

Chitra Barucha

Sports

Daayal Spalding

Uniformed

Harleen Kaur

Myra Nasim

Ryan Raghoo

Bilal Siddique

Mabs Hussain

Manjit K. Gill

Manjit Wolstenholme

Rupal Kantaria

Woman

Naveed Muhammad

PC Karmi Rekhi

Joysy John

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Tantilising Recipes from It’s BBQ time...

Paneer Afghani

By Niru Gupta Paneer cubes marinated in a creamy paste of melon seeds, cashews, poppy seeds, cream and butter. Grilled golden on a tandoor.

Ingredients 500 gm paneer-cubed 1 Tbsp magaz (melon seed) 1 cup kaju (cashew nuts) 1 Tbsp khus khus (poppy seed)-soaked for 1 hour 1 cup cream 2 Tbsp butter 2 tsp powdered black pepper 5-6 chhoti elaichi Salt to taste

Method 1. Grind together the magaz, kaju, khus khus, pepper and elaichi.

2. Mix with the rest of the ingredients and marinate for an hour or so.

3. Grill in a tandoor or electric grill till golden and serve hot.

Reshmi Tikka Recipe by Chef Aditya Bal The creamy texture and the tenderness of the chicken, makes this one of the most popular Indian kebab recipes.

Ingredients 250 gm chicken, cut into cubes 1 tsp refined oil 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 Tbsp ginger-garlic paste 50 gm malai 50 gm curd 1 lime 1 Tbsp garam masala Salt, to taste For the garam masala: 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp kebab chini 5-6 green cardamom 1 stick cinnamon 5-6 cloves 1 tsp mango powder Method For the garam masala: 1. In a pan, dry roast cumin, coriander powder, black pepper, kebab chini, green cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

2. Grind them in a mortar and pestle and add mango powder. Mix them well.

For the tikka: 3. In a bowl, add chicken cubes, refined oil, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, malai, curd, juice of 1/2 lime, the prepared garam masala and salt. Mix them well together. Keep them in the fridge for 20 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven for 20 minutes at 180 C. 5. Roast the marinated chicken pieces in the oven for 20 minutes.

6. Remove them from oven and squeeze half lime over it.

7. Serve hot with preferred sauces

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Grilled Pomfrets or Codfish Ingredients 3 x Medium sized Pomfrets or cod fish 2 tsp - white pepper powder 1 tsp - Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp - Vinegar 2 tbsp - oil Salt to taste

Method 1. Clean the fish well, slit sideways and remove the insides.

Then wash well.

2. Mix the pepper salt, Worcestershire sauce and vinegar together and apply this paste all over and inside the fish.

3. Leave aside for 15 minutes.

4.Grease a baking tray and lay the marinated fish on it.

Drizzle the oil all over the fish.

5.Grill in a moderate oven for 15 minutes.

6. Serve with salad and chips.

Mutton Shashlik Ingredients 500 gm boneless mutton/beef cut into fairly large cubes 1 Tbsp garlic paste 1 Tbsp ginger paste 1 cup yogurt (dahi) 2 Tbsp grated raw papaya Chilli powder to taste 1 tsp powdered garam masala 1 Tbsp powdered coriander seeds 1 tsp salt or to taste 2-3 capsicums 2 onions 3-4 tomatoes skewers oil to brush chaat masala to garnish

3. Thread a piece of tomato, onion and capsicum into the skewer and follow that with a cube of meat.

Method 1. Prick meat cubes and marinate in garlic, ginger, yogurt, raw papaya, chilli powder, black pepper, chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Leave for 7 hours or overnight.

7. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or till cooked through and browned at the edges, or over a barbecue pit, or a grill.

2. Cut capsicum, onions and tomatoes to match the meat cubes.

4. Repeat thus having 3-4 pieces of meat sandwiched with the vegetables on each skewer.

5. Pour whatever juices there may be over the prepared shashlik and place over a drip tray.

6. Brush with oil.

8. Brush again with a little oil when almost done.

9. Serve hot over a bed of boiled rice.

By Niru Gupta The word ‘shashlik’ actually means skewered meat. Also, it is traditionally grilled cooked on a type of grill called mangal.

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04:30 CID (Drama)

22:00 Bewakoofiyan

05:31 Crime Patrol

22:30 Aray Meri Shaadi (Religious) 00:00 Dillagi (Documentary) 01:00 Sahulat Bazaar

ARY TV 05:59 Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (Drama) 06:30 Jeevan Prabhat (Religious) 07:00 Ek Duje ke vaaste (Drama) 07:30 Bhakti Sagar (Religious) 08:00 Saadguru Enlightens 08:30 Kuch rang Pyar ke Aise bhi (drama) 09:00 Kuch rang Pyar ke Aise bhi (drama) 09:30 Kuch rang Pyar ke Aise bhi (drama) 10:00 Kuch rang Pyar ke Aise bhi (drama)

02:00 Game (Film) 03:30 Bewaqoofiyan (Comedy)

20:00 Comedy Nights Bachao (Comedy)

03:40 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary)

21:30 24 (Drama)

06:00 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

22:30 Kavach Kaali Shaktiyon Se (Drama)

B4U MOVIES

10:00Dilli Walay Dulahray Babu

23:30 Comedy Nights Bachao (Comedy) 01:00 Code Red (Documentary)

(Drama)

02:00 Kavach Kaali Shaktiyon Se (Drama)

10:30 Talak House(Religious)

03:00 Udaan (Film)

(drama)

13:02 Azan-E-Zuhr (Religious)

11:01

13:09 Begunah (Drama)

13:00 Shakthi: The Power (Film)

15:30 Dilli Walay Dulahray Babu

SAB TV

16:30 Titoo MBA (Film)

SONY MAX

06:00 Zor (Film) 09:00 Mere Apne (Film) 12:00 Saala Khadoos (Film)

20:00 Lingaa (Film)

14:30 PK (Film)

23:30 Sooper Se Oooper (Film)

17:30 Dil to Pagal Hai (Film)

03:00 Mangal Pandey (The Rising) (Film)

(Drama)

04:30 Dil to Pagal Hai (Film)

04:30 Krishndasi (Drama)

12:00 Raja Inder (Drama)

13:30 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

00:45 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary)

02:40 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary)

09:30 Company (Film)

13:00 Asian Variety Show (Entertainment)

15:30 Jhalak Dikhla Ja (Entertainment)

19:30 Desi Beat (Magazine Programme)

13:00 Begunah (Drama)

The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

23:55 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary)

04:55 Azan-E-Fajr (Religious)

10:30 Kuch rang Pyar ke Aise bhi

11:30

20:45 Salaam Namaste (Film)

14:00 Comedy Nights Bachao (Comedy)

01:40 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary)

06:00 Sultaan (Film)

(drama)

13:00 24 (Drama)

18:30 Krishndasi (Drama)

05:30 Raja Inder (Drama)

09:00 Khoat (Entertainment)

18:00 Always Kabhi Kabhi (Film)

17:00 Jhalak Dikhla Ja (Entertainment)

05:04 Tadabbur-E-Qur’an (Religious)

08:00 Sahulat Bazaar (Consumer)

11:30 Comedy Nights Live (Entertainment)

04:00 Anabia (Drama)

12:30 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

Kuch rang Pyar ke Aise bhi

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YOUR WEEKEND TV GUIDE FROM ALL YOUR FAVOURITE ASIAN TV CHANNELS

Saturday 10 September 2016

SONY TV

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21:00 Fan (Film)

14:00 Fan (Film)

16:00 Mein Mehroo (Drama)

00:00 Kill Dil (Film)

17:00 Bade Bhaiya ki Dulhaniya(Drama)

16:30 Azan-E-Asr (Religious)

03:00 Swarag Se Sunder (Film)

17:30 Ek Duje Ke Vaste

17:00 Game (Film)

(Drama) !8:00 The Kapil Sharma Show 19:30 Keys to Kismat (Series)

16.37 Rishta Anjana Sa (Drama)

18:30

19:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

08:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

19:29 Azan-E-Maghrib (Religious)

09:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show)

19:36 Begunah (Drama)

22:30 CID (Drama)

20:00 Dillagi (Drama)

23:30 Crime Patrol (Drama)

20:42 Azan-E-Esha

00:30 The Kapil Sharma Show The Kapil Sharma Show

05:00 1942: A Love Story (Film) 08:00 Gupp Chupp (Drama)

Raja Inder (Drama)

21:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

03:00

COLORS TV

(Religious)

06:00 Swaragini (Drama) 06:30 Sasural Simar Ka (Drama) 07:00 Vatsalya Tech (Magazine Programme)

20.49 Dillagi (Drama)

07:30 Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi (Drama)

21:00 Anabia (Drama)

10:00 Bigg Boss (Entertainment)

09:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show) 10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show) 10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Reality Show) 11:00 Chachi 420 (Film) 14:15 Ram Aur Shyam (Film)

New dance reality TV show featuring Shilpa Shetty to start on Sony TV

Sony TV is all set to launch it's new dance reality TV show called Super Dancer.

The show aims to find a Kid prodigy who has the potential to be the future of dance.

The Kids are aged between 4 - 13 years.

They are not only required to have 3D’s of

dancing Desire, Discipline and Determination but also should be a keen learner and a passionate dancer with a unique personality.

Organisers have already been doing auditions across the globe.

STAR GOLD

The show will be hosted by Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Anurag Basu, and talented choreographer Geeta Kapoor.

The show is produced by Frames Productions of Ranjeet Thakur and Hemant Ruprell

06:00 Silsiilay (Film) 08:15 Mann (Film) 11:50 Jodi Breakers (Film) 14:25 Partner (Film)

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17:10 Dil Tera Deewana (Film)

18:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

20:00 Golmaal 3 (Film)

18:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

22:40 Shaadi Ke Side Effects (Film) 01:20 Baazi (Film) 04:30 Grahan (Film)

19:00 Saathiya (Drama) 19:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 20:00 Dance+ 2 (Game Show)

STAR PLUS

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21:00 Diya Aur Bati Hum (Drama)

08:50 Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein (Film) 11:45 Chitchor (Film) 13:35 Aaj Ka Arjun (Film) 16:35 Trimurti (Film) 19:40 Jungle (Film)

22:30 Dance+ 2 - Get Set Go (Game Show)

14:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama) 14:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama) 15:00 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama) 15:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)

00:45 Judaai (Film)

16:00 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)

03:35 Aaj Ka Arjun (Film)

16:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama) 17:00 The Art Room (Entertainment)

ZEE TV

17:30 3 Course with Pankaj (Cookery) 18:00 Out and About (Entertainment)

23:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

18:30 Zee News (News) 19:00 Big Story, Big Debate (Chat Show)

23:30 Dance+ 2 (Game Show) 06:00 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

(Documentary)

22:00 Badlapur (Film)

21:30 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary) 22:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

(Drama)

00:30 Dance+ 2 - Get Set Go (Game Show)

20:00 The Golden Years with Javed Aktar

06:30

Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

01:00 Diya Aur Bati Hum (Drama)

07:00

Saathiya (Drama)

01:30 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary)

07:30

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

02:00 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary)

06:30 Shrimad Bhagwat Katha (Entertainment)

02:30 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary)

07:00 Zee News (News)

03:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

07:30 Yoga for You (Entertainment)

03:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

08:00 Nirankari Baba Mission (Entertainment)

04:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

08:30 Narayan Seva Sansthan (Documentary)

04:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

09:00 Money Guru (Business and Finance)

13:00 Dil-e-Beqarar(Rpt)

09:30 The Art Room (Entertainment)

15:00 UDAARI

08:00 Hum Ko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai... (Drama) 08:30

Siya Ke Ram (Drama)

09:00 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary) 09:30

Diya Aur Bati Hum (Drama)

10:00

Dance+ 2 (Game Show)

11:00

Saathiya (Drama)

11:30

Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

12:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama) 12:30 Hum Ko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai... (Drama)

05:00 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama) 05:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

ZEE CINEMA

13:30 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary) 14:00 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary) 14:30 Singham Returns (Film) 17:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door

05:30 Pure Bollywood (Music) 06:30 Black and White (Film)

22:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama) 23:00 Neeli Chatri Waale (Documentary) 00:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama) 01:00 Dr. Subhash Chandra Show (Drama) 02:00 Bollywood Business (Magazine Programme) 02:30 Big Story, Big Debate (Chat Show) 03:30 The Art Room (Entertainment) 04:30 Fear Files (Documentary) 05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

HUM TV EUROPE 09:00 Jago Pakistan Jago 10:30 Joru Ka Ghulam(Rpt) 11:00 Deewana 12:00 Jhoot

14:00 Dharkan

10:00 Food Ka Mood (Cookery)

16:00 Akbari Asghari

10:30 Bacha Party (Cookery)

17:00 Laaj

11:00 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment)

13:00 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary)

21:00 Amma (Drama)

18:00 Pakeeza 19:00 Namak Party

12:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama)

19:30 Mr Shamin

12:30 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama)

21:00 Akbari Asghari

13:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama)

20:00 LAAAJ

22:00 Saturday Night Special

13:30 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani

HUM Awards to air on Hum TV on Eid Fans of the Hum Awards, will be pleased to know that the popular Pakistani awards will now be aired on HUM TV for during Eid.

The Hum Awards celebrates,recognises and awards the best in Pakistani Television and films released in that year. The awards were

held in Karachi in May 2016. Hum Awards 2016 will air Eid Day 2 (around 11 September) at 22:00 on Hum TV UK/ Europe.

Disclaimer: Please note listings correct at time of printing and can vary.

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Sunday 11 September 2016

SONY TV

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05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama)

07:00 Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman (Drama) 07:30 Bhakti Sagar (Religious) 08:00 Sadguru Enlightens (Religious) 08:30 Ek Rishta Sajhedari Ka (Drama) 09:00 Ek Rishta Sajhedari Ka (Drama) 09:30 Ek Rishta Sajhedari Ka (Drama)

06:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama) 06:30 Begunah (Drama)

01:00 Sahulat Bazaar (Consumer)

03:00 Khoat (Entertainment)

10:00 Comedy Nights Bachao (Comedy)

04:56 Azan-E-Fajr (Religious)

B4U MOVIES

11:30 Jhalak Dikhla Ja (Entertainment) 13:00 24 (Drama) 14:00 Dil se (Film) 17:30 Comedy Nights Bachao (Comedy) 19:00 Ishq Ka Rang Safed (Drama) 19:30 Desi Beat (Magazine Programme) 20:00 Jhalak Dikhla Ja (Entertainment)

12:00 Raja Inder (Drama)

21:30 24 (Drama)

12:30 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

22:30 Kavach Kaali Shaktiyon Se (Drama)

10:30 Ek Rishta Sajhedari Ka (Drama)

13:09 Dillagi (Documentary)

11:00 Ek Rishta Sajhedari Ka (Drama)

14:00 Anabia (Drama)

23:30 Jhalak Dikhla Ja (Entertainment) 06:00 Isi Life Mein...! (Film) 09:30 Khushi (Film)

15:00 Aap Kay Liye (Drama)

13:00 Run (Film)

16:00 Teri Chah Mein (Drama)

16:30 Love Breakups Zindagi (Entertainment)

12:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

16:28 Azan-E-Asr (Religious)

14:00 Dhoom 3 (Film)

16:35 Teri Chah Mein (Drama)

17:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

17:00 Rana Saheb Kay Life Kay Funday (Drama)

19:00 Asian Variety Show (Entertainment)

18:30 Bulbulay (Comedy)

21:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

19:00 Khushhaal Susral (Drama)

22:30 CID (Film)

19:26 Azan-E-Maghrib (Religious)

23:30 Crime Patrol (Drama)

19:30 Begunah (Drama)

00:30 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

20:00 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

02:00 Adalat (Drama)

20:40 Azan-E-Isha (Religious)

03:00 The Kapil Sharma Show (Comedy)

20:47 Jeeto Pakistan (Game Show)

05:31 Crime Patrol (Drama)

05:00 Tadabbur-E-Qur’an

08:10 Sahulat Bazaar (Consumer)

13:02 Azan-E-Zuhr (Religious)

04:31 CID (Film)

Programme) 08:30 Bigg Boss (Entertainment)

05:30 Hamd O N aat (Music)

10:30 Game (Film)

08:00 Desi Beat (Magazine

02:00 Dillagi (Documentary)

05:05 Tadabbur-E-Qur'an (Religious)

09:00 Good Morning Pakistan (Chat Show)

(Drama)

00:30 Bulbulay (Comedy)

07:00 Aray Meri Shaadi (Religious)

10:00 Ek Rishta Sajhedari Ka (Drama)

11:30 Asian Variety Show (Entertainment)

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YOUR WEEKEND TV GUIDE FROM ALL YOUR FAVOURITE ASIAN TV CHANNELS

04:00 Ghayal (Drama)

06:30 Jeevan Prabhat (Religious)

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20:00 Nh10 (Film) 23:30 Lingaa (Film) 03:00 Corporate (Film)

01:00 Code Red (Documentary)

09:00 Khidki (Reality Show) 09:30 Khidki (Reality Show) 10:00 Khidki (Reality Show) 10:30 Khidki (Reality Show) 11:00 Love Aaj Kal (Film) 13:30 Salaam Namaste (Film) 16:30 Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (Film) 19:35 Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (Film) 23:00 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 23:50 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 00:40 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 01:35 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 02:25 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 03:05 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 03:50 Crime Patrol 4 (Documentary) 04:40 Neal and Nikki (Film)

02:00 Kavach Kaali Shaktiyon Se (Drama) 03:00 Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (Drama) 04:30 Ishq Ka Rang Safed (Drama)

COLORS TV

SONY MAX

SAB TV 06:00 09:00 12:00 15:00

Suhaag (Film) Milap (Film) All is Well (Film) Dilwale (Film)

18:00 Azhar (Film) 21:00 Bahubali: The Beginning (Film) 06:00 Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat (Documentary)

04:30 Dil to Pagal Hai (Film) 07:30 Khidki (Reality Show)

00:00 Chak De! India (Film)

22:00 Khoat (Entertainment)

07:00 Vatsalya Tech (Magazine Programme)

08:00 Gupp Chupp (Drama)

03:00 Tahalka (Film)

23:00 Rana Saheb Kay Life Kay Funday (Drama)

07:30 Ishq Ka Rang Safed

ZEE TV to launch new drama A new fiction show will be launching on ZEE TV from September. The show is called 'Sanyukt' and will replace 'Meri Saasu Maa'

The drama is produced by Saregama Productions, stars Shubhangi Latkar, Kiran Kumar, Harsh Vashisht and Namrata Thapa.

The new fiction drama will be about an extended family and the trials and tribulations between each family member.

‘Sanyukt’ airs in the 19:30 slot from Wednesday 7 September at 19:00 in the UK

08:30 Khidki (Reality Show)

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11:00 22nd Annual Star Screen Awards... (Entertainment)

ZEE CINEMA

13:00 The Big Idea (Entertainment)

14:30 Housefull (Film)

13:30 The Great Chefs of India (Cookery)

17:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

14:00 Jamai Raja (Drama)

18:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama)

06:00 Dil Diya Hai (Film)

18:30 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

08:10 Bobby Jasoos (Film)

19:00 Saathiya (Drama)

10:35 Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (Film)

12:00 Neeli Chatri Waale (Documentary)

14:30 Jamai Raja (Drama) 03:35Aaj Ka Arjun (Film) 06:25 Trimurti (Film)

15:00 Jamai Raja (Drama) 15:30 Jamai Raja (Drama)

09:20 Awaara (Film)

16:00 Jamai Raja (Drama)

12:40 Awara Paagal Deewana (Film)

16:30 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment) 17:30 3 Course with Pankaj (Cookery)

21:00 Amma (Drama) 22:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama) 23:00 The Golden Years with Javed Aktar (Documentary) 00:00 Brahmarakshas... Jaag Utha Shaitaan (Drama) 01:00 Bollywood Cut (Entertainment) 02:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama) 02:30 Tashn-E-Ishq (Drama)

13:35 Hum (Film)

19:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

17:00 Seeta Aur Geeta (Film)

20:00 Dance+ 2 (Game Show)

15:10 Maine Pyar Kiya (Film)

20:00 Housefull (Film)

18:30 Don 2 (Film)

23:00 Housefull 2 (Film)

21:00 Diya Aur Bati Hum (Drama)

21:05 Ishqedarriyaan (Film)

18:00 The Big Idea (Entertainment)

04:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Drama)

02:05 Gumrah (Film)

21:30 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary)

23:35 Vaastu Shastra (Film)

18:30 Zee News (News)

04:30 Jamai Raja (Drama)

04:35 Bal Hanuman 2 (Film)

22:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)

01:45 Awara Paagal Deewana (Film)

19:00 Dr. Subhash Chandra Show (Drama)

05:00 Kaala Teeka (Drama)

22:30 Jana Na Dil Se Door (Drama)

STAR PLUS

23:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

04:10 Barsaat (Film)

20:00 Neeli Chatri Waale (Documentary)

03:00 Meri Sasu Maa (Drama) 03:30 Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

ZEE TV HUM TV EUROPE

23:30 Dance+ 2 (Game Show) 00:30 Saathiya (Drama) 01:00 Diya Aur Bati Hum (Drama) 01:30 Siya Ke Ram (Drama)

06:00 Hum Ko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai... (Drama) 06:30 Hum Ko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai... (Drama) 07:00 Hum Ko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai... (Drama) 07:30 Mere Angne Mein (Drama) 08:00 Mere Angne Mein (Drama) 08:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 09:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama)

02:00 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Drama) 02:30 Ishqbaaaz (Documentary) 03:00 Saathiya (Drama) 03:30 Hum Ko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai... (Drama)

05:30 Yogic Healing by Swami Ramdev (Entertainment)

12:00 - 13:00

LAAAJ

07:00 Zee News (News)

13:00 - 14:00

UDAARI

07:30 Yoga for You (Entertainment)

14:00 - 15:00

Deewana

15:00 - 16:00

Deewana

16:00 - 17:00

Akbari Asghari

17:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL

19:00 - 19:30

Mr Shamin

19:30 - 20:00

Joru Ka Ghulam

20:00 - 21:00

Udaari

21:00 - 22:00

Akbari Asghari

22:00 - 23:00

KATPUTLI

08:00 Bhakti Bhav (Entertainment)

09:00 Money Guru (Business and Finance)

05:00 Siya Ke Ram (Drama)

09:30 The Art Room (Entertainment)

10:30 Dance+ 2 - Get Set Go (Game Show)

Namak Party (Rpt) Dil-e-Beqarar(Rpt)

04:30 Diya Aur Bati Hum (Drama)

09:30 Dance+ 2 (Game Show)

10:30 - 11:00 11:00 - 12:00

08:30 Narayan Seva Sansthan (Documentary)

(Drama)

Jago Pakistan Jago

06:30 Shrimad Bhagwat Katha (Entertainment)

04:00 Suhaani Si Ek Ladki (Drama)

05:30 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein

09:00 - 10:30

10:00 Out and About (Entertainment) 10:30 Bollywood Business (Magazine Programme) 11:00 Big Story, Big Debate (Chat Show)

‘Housefull 3’ to premiere on Star Plus in September Star Plus UK is to premier the Bollywood Bollywood blockbuster ‘Housefull 3’ on UK television The huge comedy hit is about a father, who doesn’t want his three daughters to get married. Now, it’s up to three men to try to

and convince the father that they’re a good fit for his daughters.

‘Housefull 3’ stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Nargis Fakhri and Jacqueline Fernandez.

The film did very well at the box office and is part of the successful Housefull franchise.

‘Housefull 3’ will premiere on Star Plus UK on Sunday 11 September at 21:00.

Please note listings correct at time of printing and can vary.

10

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Interview

“If it is not challenging, then I prefer not to do it!”

Mehwish Hayat opens up about making the right choices, Actor in Law and Dil Lagi

by Ayesha Babar ayesha@asian-standard.co.uk

Mehwish Hayat has been in many ways the face of Pakistan’s cinematic renaissance. From being a big screen darling to television, to singing, the woman who has frequently been ranked as Asia’s most beautiful, is taking over our screens one project at a time! Ayesha Babar caught up with her exclusively for Asian Standard on her upcoming film Actor in Law and much more.

You were the leading lady of last year’s biggest hit – Jawani Phir Naheen Aani . Congratulations on the tremendous success of the film! It must feel great to be a part of a film that brought audiences back to the theatres.

Actor in Law Music launch

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Interview

for this one too!

roles of such strong women?

Coming to Actor in Law, the trailers and promos that we have seen have us very excited. And you look great in the film. Could you please tell us a bit more about your character in the film?

Being an artist, I always opt for characters that are challenging. I have always had strong reasons to do whatever work I have done previously and it has mainly been looking for something that is a challenge; that is difficult and pushes my limits as an actress. In fact, if it is not challenging than I prefer not to do it!

I am playing the character of a journalist who belongs to a minority community – I am playing a Parsi girl.

The film is a social comedy and the issues and the events that happen, they take the story forward and this character has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. I had to have a particular dialect and accent to make the character look and sound authentic so I had to work with a special trainer. I also watched a few films with strong Parsi characters to pick up on the subtle body language.

The director wanted us to do long rehearsals before we started shooting to make sure that we got it right so there was a lot of homework involved.

I think that helped a lot as by the time we were on the floor shooting, I was completely confident and ready! Being an actress and a perfectionist, it was difficult for me but I thankfully, I think it went really well!

Actor in Law also stars Om Puri ji, who is a veteran actor from across the border. How was your experience working with him? Were you nervous at all?

It was absolutely wonderful! It didn’t feel at all like he is not one of us. The way he is, he is a superstar but also at the same time, he is so humble and down to earth.

To be honest, I was quite nervous and intimidated before I met him but the way he met me, he made me feel so comfortable. The nervousness disappeared within a minute and after that it was all hassi mazaaq (relaxed banter). I was surprised at how friendly and funny he is as a person! And that camaraderie, I think, has translated onto the screen as well.

I find that it is extremely important for you to be comfortable with your co-actors to deliver a good product.

This film also brings you and Fahad Mustafa back together. How was that working relationship?

In terms of my Dil Lagi character, it was a tough one, something I had not done before. Portraying a strong girl is always a treat for me and I myself, being a strong girl, prefer roles that portray empowered women and any opportunity that I get to bring such a character to life, one who can change mind-sets a little bit, I jump at that.

Even in Actor in Law, I feel blessed and lucky that Nabeel and Fizza, the makers of the film, chose me for this character because I don’t think this character has been done in Pakistan before.

Is the switch between television and film difficult because of the different dynamics of working in the two mediums?

I try and do one thing at a time so I made the conscious decision of starting Dil Lagi after I had wrapped up Na Maloom Afraad and then Jawaani Phir Naheen Aani. And only once those two were complete, did I move on to Dil Lagi. The good thing is that Dil Lagi has been directed by the director of Jawaani Phir Naheen Aani and I am working opposite Humayun Saeed, who again was my co-star in the same film. Humayun also had not done a drama for four and a half years so actually it was a film team coming together and bringing something from that medium onto television. If you watch the serial, you would know that we have tried to bring the same quality to Dil Lagi – from the crisp editing to the camera that we used and above all, a very strong script. Where the difficulty comes in is in the routine.

While shooting for a drama, we are filming about ten scenes a day while for a film, it is one or two scenes that you have to prepare for each day.

Fahad is always a treat to work with.

We have worked together in the past so this was more like a reunion! He is super fun on sets and very talented so it was great having him as a coactor. I hope you like our chemistry on screen!

Mehwish with actor Fahad

It feels great. I feel like I have grown with the new Pakistani cinema industry. The team of my next, Actorin-Law is the same team that was behind the first film that became a blockbuster, Na Maloom Afraad, and I am proud to have been a part of that film too. Then Jawani Phir Naheen

Aani became the next blockbuster and the highest grossing film of Pakistan and I was a part of that. And now this is the third one and I am very, very hopeful about this one doing well too!

There is a lot of pressure, for sure, but I feel great. I have been blessed before and I am keeping my fingers crossed

Film is not the only medium you are acing at the moment! Your television serial, Dil Lagi, is one of the highest rated shows on tv and is pretty much the talk of the town with its different storyline. Your character, Anmol, is not the stereotypical woman who is always crying and feels victimised but rather someone who takes control of her life and makes her own decisions – as a mainstream actress, is it difficult to play and even get the

Singing talent at Coke studio

Sometimes dramas give you a little more leeway and drama audiences are somewhat forgiving. In a film, there is just no margin for error so there is more pressure.

We were rather surprised to see you in this year’s Coke Studio as well. You are taking over, Mehwish! Pakistan is suddenly waking up to the singer Mehwish Hayat as well – what reactions have you received for your singing performance? (laughs) Well, I had sung a few drama title tracks some years ago and a few for shows that are running even now but somehow the fact that I was singing them never got noticed.

Because of my acting commitments, I was not really getting the time to pursue music and then Coke Studio came along. That was a golden opportunity for me as Coke Studio in Pakistan is the most prestigious platform that a singer can think of and I was blessed that I was able to make the most of it. I felt the audience did not really know that I could sing and that I could sing so well. It was a shock for them, I think! I have been getting lots of emails and messages of appreciation from all around the world and it has been the most viewed song of Coke Studio episode 3 so it feels absolutely great!

After Actor in Law, when can we see you next on our screens?

Right now, I am taking things easy! I have had a crazy year working on Dil Lagi, Actor in Law and Coke Studio so I want take a bit of a break, sit back, relax and enjoy myself. And when I do take up another project, then we can talk about that.

Thank you so much for your time, Mehwish! You make a lot of Pakistanis very proud with your achievements. So many of your peers look up to you because of the work you have done and the choices that you have made so well done and all the best for Actor in Law! Thank you very much! I hope I can continue doing good work and entertaining my audiences!

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FEATURE

More Americans are using cannabis – and view it as harmless

by Ian Hamilton Lecturer in Mental Health, University of York

There has been a significant increase in the number of Americans using cannabis, rising from 21.9m in 2002 to 31.9m in 2014. The number of regular users doubled over the same period to 8.4m. This coincides with an increasingly liberal approach to cannabis regulation in several US states. The authors of a new study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, also found that people perceived cannabis to be less harmful. This perception seems justified as problems related to cannabis use, such as dependency, remained stable during the study period.

These findings are not what you would expect when cannabis use becomes more popular and is thought to be increasingly potent. This study also contradicts another study, using

data over the same period, which found that disorders associated with cannabis use have doubled.

So which one should we believe?

The study in The Lancet Psychiatry is problematic as it doesn’t include some of the most marginalised groups, such as the homeless or those in prison.

These groups are more likely to use cannabis and develop problems, such as dependency.

The absence of these people from the survey might account for the stable numbers of people with a cannabis dependency over the study period. Also, it excludes young people (people under the age of 18) who are more prone to developing cannabis problems than older people.

Not as harmless as suggested It can be an inconvenient fact for those lobbying for a more liberal policy approach to cannabis that its use is risky for some.

We know that a small number of people use the majority of cannabis consumed. This group is more likely to use a range of substances in addition to cannabis. They are also likely to have a range of additional social problems related to housing, education, employment and crime.

So far, the evidence suggests that those who dabble with cannabis are unlikely to suffer anything worse than feeling nauseous. Unfortunately, there is a small number of people who appear to develop more serious problems as a consequence of their cannabis use, such as mental health issues or dependency. Cannabis has also been implicated in other issues, including poorer educational achievement and doubling the risk of a car crash.

The greatest risk posed by cannabis is that it is still mixed with tobacco by many users. For young new users this can be an introduction to tobacco which leads to dependency and all the harms caused by tobacco use.

An interesting contrast is emerging between the UK and the US. The US has increasingly adopted a more liberal policy approach to cannabis, and this research suggests it has been accompanied by increasing use of the drug. Meanwhile, the UK has continued to prohibit cannabis use – with the government claiming that falling use of the drug in the population justifies their policy position.

Both countries are participating in a policy experiment on their populations. Unfortunately, neither country is collecting sufficiently detailed data to be able to draw any reliable conclusions. Both still have the opportunity to rectify this.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

Credits: Cannabis trends. The Lancet Psychiatry

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ASIAN STANDARD Issue 2

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POLITICS

Social media ‘consciously failing’ to combat terrorism: says Home Affairs Committee

by ITRAT BASHIR itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

The Home Affairs Select Committee says in it recently published report that social media giants like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are ‘consciously failing’ to combat the use of their sites to promote terrorism and killings.

The report, ‘Radicalisation: the counternarrative and identifying the tipping point’, published following an inquiry that has lasted 12 months, and included visits to Glasgow, Bradford and Europol.

related to all kinds of abuse.

Among its findings, the report pinpointed that 800 UK-linked fighters are estimated to have travelled to Syria and Iraq since the conflicts began in those countries and 50 percent of these foreign fighters are thought to have returned.

The Committee also noted that terrorism-related arrests in the UK were 35 percent higher in 2015 than in 2010. Moreover, the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit has secured the removal of more than 120,000 pieces of terrorist-related content between 2010 and 2016. On average about 100 removal requests per day contain Syria-related content, which would amount to 36,500 requests per year.

In the report, it was noted that over 90 percent of Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani Muslims living in the UK think of themselves as British, a higher proportion than in other ethnic groups. Also, over 80 percent believe it is possible to maintain both British and other cultural/religious identities effectively.

The Committee says these networks have become ‘the vehicle of choice in spreading propaganda and the recruiting platforms for terrorism’.

However, the committee disclosed that between mid-2015 and February 2016, Twitter had suspended over 125,000 accounts globally that were linked to terrorists whereas Google removed over 14 million videos globally in 2014 which

Interestingly, only less than 0.5 percent of UK journalists are Muslim, compared to almost five percent of the national population.

Commenting on the report, Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the Committee, said, “We are engaged in a war for hearts and minds in the fight against terrorism.

The modern front line is the internet.

Its forums, message boards and social

media platforms are the lifeblood of Daesh and other terrorist groups for their recruitment and financing and the spread of ideology.”

According to him, huge corporations like Google, Facebook and Twitter, with their billion dollar incomes, are consciously failing to tackle this threat and passing the buck by hiding behind their supranational legal status, despite knowing that their sites are being used by the instigators of terror.

He believed that the companies’ failure to tackle this threat has left some parts of the internet ungoverned, unregulated and lawless. He suggested that the existing Metropolitan Police internet referral unit should be expanded and upgraded into a state-of-theart, round-theclock hub to immediately shut down terrorist activity online.

narrative to the slick and effective propaganda machine being run by Daesh. We should utilise the brightest talent of the world’s creative industries to counter terrorist propaganda with even more sophisticated antiradicalising material. In the face of this new threat, we need a terrestrial star wars.”

He also pointed out that the communities most affected by Prevent regard it as being toxic. “Prevent needs to become a more transparent, stakeholder-led, inclusive strategy, and be renamed ‘Engage’. It is vital that this strategy fully involves the Muslim community in a new partnership,” he added.

“It must include operatives from the Home Office, the security services, the Police, internet companies and others. The government must develop an effective counter-

PM orders for audit of racial disparities in public services

by ITRAT BASHIR

of 10 Downing Street.

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

The Whitehall departments have been asked to identify and publish information showing how outcomes differ for people of different backgrounds, in a range of areas, including health, education and employment.

Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered for a review of treatment meted to ethnic minorities by public departments.

The Prime Minister said that she is launching an audit to look into racial disparities in our public services that stretches right across government.

“The PM is launching an unprecedented audit of public services to reveal racial disparities and help end the burning injustices many people experience across Britain,” revealed a spokesperson

“It will highlight the differences in outcomes for people of different backgrounds, in every area from health to education, childcare to welfare, employment, skills and criminal justice.

This audit will reveal difficult truths, but we should not be apologetic about shining a light on injustices as never before. It is only by doing so we can make this country work for everyone, not just a privileged few,” she added.

Latest figures from the ‘Equality and

Human Rights Commission’ show large disparities between how people are treated depending on their race.

Commenting in response to the government, Equality and Human

Rights Commission Chair David Isaac said, “Our report, ‘Healing a divided Britain’, showed the deep inequalities that still exist in our society and made the case for concerted action by government.

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POLITICS

Chairman Senate of Pakistan

discuss Kashmir issue with Lord Speaker

by ITRAT BASHIR itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

meeting, the Chairman drew attention of the Lord Speaker to the blatant violation of human rights in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) that led to countless deaths and injuries to the innocent civilians. He also highlighted the use of the pellet bullets by the Indian forces as a result of which hundreds of people including children have been inflicted with debilitating injuries such as loss of eyesight.

He also pointed out that the British soil should not be allowed to be used to incite violence in Pakistan.

Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, and Lord Speaker Lord Fowler discussed ways and means to enhance mutual cooperation between the Senate of Pakistan and the House of Lords.

According to a Pakistan High Commission’s spokesperson, during the

On the occasion, the Chairman Senate emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in building and strengthening relationship between the two countries. He also underlined the importance of exchange of parliamentary delegations.

He extended the invitation to the Lord Speaker to visit Pakistan in near future, which was accepted by Lord Fowler.

Liberal Democrat leader warns about ‘forces of racism’

by ITRAT BASHIR itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron fears that the ‘forces of racism’ may use Brexit as a justification for violent abuse.

Addressing the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) in Manchester, he said that “since the referendum, I have been absolutely horrified to see the forces of racism, intolerance and hate claim the EU referendum result as their own, and to see them use it as an excuse for violent abuse”.

“People have been let down for decades by shorttermist politicians who put the needs of one part of society above the rest. Now, in the wake of the Brexit vote those divisions are more exposed than ever before.”

Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, in discussion with Lord Speaker Lord Fowler

Tim Farron

According to him, with the country facing huge challenges, from inequality and injustice to an NHS in crisis and an economy in jeopardy, we are left with a reckless, divisive and uncaring Conservative government and Labour fighting among themselves with no plan for the economy or the country.

“That’s why the Liberal Democrats are needed more than ever. We are the real voice of opposition to the Conservative Brexit government and the only party fighting to keep Britain open, tolerant and united,” he added.

Tim also said that people like Nigel Farage or French far-right leader Marine Le Pen should not be allowed to ‘dictate our policy’.

“Since the referendum, we have also seen some horrifying rhetoric about EU citizens who live, work and love here. To EU citizens in the UK, I have this to say: we will stand by you, no matter what,” he added.

22

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BUSINESS

Nominations are open for Asian Business Awards 2017

by ITRAT BASHIR itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

The Asian Business Awards, which celebrate the successes of entrepreneurs from the community, are open for nominations ahead of the annual event in spring 2017.

The annual awards highlight deserving Asian businesses, said a spokesperson of the Awards. The glittering ceremony will be held on March 17 in Central London. Earlier this year, Kuljinder Bahia of Southall Travel, won the prize.

Also, the 2017 Asian Rich List, the definitive index of Asian wealth in Britain, highlighting exceptional entrepreneurial achievement over the

Sadiq Khan rides Elizabeth line route to mark Crossrail milestone

by ITRAT BASHIR itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

London Mayor Sadiq Khan visited the Crossrail project (Elizabeth Line) to mark the construction programme reaching the 75 percent complete milestone.

He was the first VIP person to make station-to-station journey on the Elizabeth Line from Custom House to Canary Wharf and views completed permanent track in east London.

On the occasion, the Mayor said that the opening of the Elizabeth line will be a landmark moment for London.

Half of the permanent track on the line has now been laid, and nearly all of the platform structures, which will give step-free access to the 200m long trains at all of the 10 new stations, have also been built.

Commenting on the project, Sadiq Khan said, “It will help us deliver a

modern, truly world-class transport system that allows us to deal with the growth in London’s population over the coming decades.

“It is vital for the future prosperity of our city that progress continues apace and we deliver this wonderful project on time. With brand new trains and all the stations being step-free, the opening of the Elizabeth line will improve the quality of life for millions of people across London and the south east, and provide a huge boost to our economy.”

The route of Crossrail will pass through 40 stations from Reading and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 21-km tunnels to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

The Transport for London (TfL) run railway will be named the Elizabeth line when services through central London open in December 2018.

last 12 months, will be launched at the gala awards ceremony. This year, the Hinduja family was ranked number 1, spokesperson added.

The Asian Business Awards are now in their 20th year. The event is a celebration of Asian business excellence, acumen and achievement and it where business leaders mix with powerful policy makers, business trendsetters

and celebrities.

More than 800 leading businessmen and women attended the Asian Business Awards earlier this year. Chief guests have included Theresa May when she was Home Secretary, HRH the Prince of Wales, Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister and former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

British Airways resumes flights to Iran

by ITRAT BASHIR itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

British Airways has resumed its service to Iran on September 1 after four years, following the recent relaxation of sanctions.

The carrier will start six direct flights to Tehran from Heathrow, which the British Airways believes ‘opens up exciting new prospects for Iran as a tourist destination thanks to its rich heritage and culture, unique architecture, and world-class food and delicacies’.

“As well as giving even more choice and flexibility between London and the Middle East, especially for families looking to visit relatives, Tehran is also a great emerging market with real opportunities for businesses

to grow commercial links,” said the airline.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Head of network and fleet, said that British Airways has a long history of flying to Iran so they are very excited to be launching our new six times a week service, direct from Heathrow to Tehran. He added that Iran is a fascinating country, full of amazing and surprising places for tourists to visit and discover its sophisticated and ancient culture.

“The recent lifting of sanctions has also effectively allowed Iran to re-open for business and paved the way for commerce to re-connect with Iran’s economy, which is the second largest in Middle East and North Africa, with a diverse range of businesses and industries,” he added.

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BUSINESS

PIA pilot sisters Asian Curry Awards voting deadline extended make history

by ITRAT BASHIR

unparalleled feat in PIA.

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Talking to Asian Standard, PIA’s spokesperson said Danyal Gilani said, “There is no known record of two real sisters having flown the same weight category aircraft concurrently. History was recently made when Erum was upgraded to fly B-777.”

Two sisters working as pilots in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) made history by flying Boeing-777 airplanes concurrently.

Maryam Masood and her younger sisters Erum Masood are both first officers who fly different planes. The two sisters made history by flying 777 aircrafts at the same time, which is an

The Boeing-777 is the largest twinjet passenger-carrying aircraft in the world, which can accommodate up to 450 passengers.

by ITRAT BASHIR

itrat@asian-standard.co.uk

Asian Catering Federation (ACF) has extended the deadline for the voting of Asian Curry Awards 2016.

According to ACF, spice lovers have until midnight on September 30 to vote for their favourite restaurants for the sixth Asian Curry Awards. The deadline has been extended on the request of leading restaurateurs, which claimed that many of their best customers will be on holiday in August and September.

The awards are open to Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese restaurants and takeaways.

This year the scope of the awards is expanded and new categories has been added, including curry pub, buffet restaurant and event caterer. Also, a separate category of vegetarian restaurants and Middle Eastern and Turkish can enter for the first time

Last year’s top accolade went to Vivek Singh’s acclaimed Cinnamon Club, which was named Best South Asian Restaurant (Central London).

This year’s winners will be announced at another high profile, glittering awards

ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London’s Mayfair on October 23.

Curry fans can vote by emailing restaurant name and location to info@asiancurryawards.com.

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Issue 2

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BUSINESS

Money Talks with our finance expert

Shabab Gulfraz

Are ISA’s a good way of investing?

There are now very few tax breaks for savers; however ISA’s are one product that based on current government policy that should be around for the long term. A Cash ISA is a good way of keeping interest on savings free from tax. This money could be earmarked for a car, holidays, or simply an emergency fund. I consider Cash ISA’s as short term funds.

If you have already accrued sufficient cash, a consideration could be an investment linked ISA. Although there will always be some level of risk attaching to the investment ISA, its benefits are its long term growth potential and its tax efficiency. The growth and income accrue tax free and they can be an extremely efficient part of your retirement planning.

In the current tax year, the ISA contribution limit is £15,240 and will increase to £20,000 from April 2017. If you do not utilise the annual allowance, then it is lost.

ISA’s enable investors to build up a relatively large fund over time. Other investments that are taxable can be

utilised annually and moved to the same or revised funds within the ISA "wrapper". Over time an investor could have a significant part, or all of their investments in the ISA environment, with the obvious and significant tax advantages.

Furthermore, legislation now allows ISA’s to be transferred between spouses on death; therefore your ISA can be passed on.

ISA’s can also be transferred from one provider to another provide without losing the tax benefits. This means you are able to move between providers and access funds from the whole of the market. As investors will know it is imp -ortant to be able to make changes for various reasons including

In the current low interest rate environment I have had clients query whether it still is a good idea to save in Cash ISA’s.

changes in personal circumstances.

In the current low interest rate environment I have had clients query whether it still is a good idea to save in Cash ISA’s. The answer is that usually all clients should maintain cash reserves sufficient for their circumstances and Cash ISA's are the obvious choice.

However, for longer term savings you may want to consider an alternative approach such as an investment linked ISA. It is important to understand the level of

risk involved with the underlying funds as they have can range from quite low risk to very speculative. I would always suggest discussing your position within an independent adviser who will be able to guide you and explain the benefits and risks involved and can tailor the ISA to your requirements.

For a more detailed personal assessment contact me by email at shabab@asian-standard.co.uk

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Legal TALK

Sabeena Din Sabeena Din is a Solicitor, Director and Founder of Milson Legal Solicitors. She is a specialist family solicitor and a member of resolution which means she promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Having admitted as a solicitor in 2009 she has exclusively specialised in the arena of family law.

'a world behind closed doors' Fear, depression, stress, feeling down, withdrawn, and anxiety are just some of the emotions felt by victims of abuse.

Abuse can be in any form whether that be verbal, physical, psychological/ emotional, mental, financial or sexual.

Abuse in any form is never ever okay and in my experience victims can be from any gender, age, colour, background, reputation, status, religion, ethnicity or sexuality. People from all walks of life have been affected by this.

We know from statistics that domestic abuse will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime.

I have represented many victims who have suffered and they tell me how difficult it was to make that first contact to obtain help. I hope to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the hope that I am able to change someone’s life, anyone’s life; even one life affected is far too many.

Everyone is affected differently some of the changes I have seen in my experience include victims loose selfconfidence and self-esteem; they become withdrawn and unsociable. Sometimes the victims stop taking pride in how they look and change their dress code for instance stop wearing makeup or pampering them self in any sort.

1.

2.

We know from statistics that domestic abuse will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime.

Let’s talk more about different types of abuse As I mentioned earlier there are different forms of abuse, I will list a few below

3.

The most visible form of abuse is physical violence. This is when the victim has suffered from violent acts such as burns, kick, punches or a brutal beating that has caused bruises or scars on their body.

Then there is psychological or emotional form of abuse in which the victims are lead to believe that they are worthless and stupid.

The victims are sometimes left in isolation and the perpetrator usually faults and controls them.

Emotional abuse usually occurs in conjunction with other forms of abuse.

Sexual abuse includes the victim being raped or made subject to a

sexual assault.

4.

Financial abuse is when victim is pressured or their finance is controlled by the perpetrator by force. This could be pressuring someone to make a will and exploitation of victim’s possessions, property or even benefits.

5.

Forced Marriage is when one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage or when consent is extracted under duress.

6.

Honour based violence is a form of domestic abuse which is perpetrated in the name of so called ‘Honour’. This can be triggered for many some examples

include refusing an arrange marriage, wanting a divorce and having a relationship outside the wedlock.

7.

Female Genital Mutation is when part or all of a girl or young woman’s genitals are removed or injured for non-medical reasons.

This is sometimes referred to as “female circumcision”.

Options available for victims If you are a victim of any type of domestic violence it is important to seek advice. This can be done very discreetly, if you are worried about confidentiality then it’s important to know that solicitors are bound by regulations by the solicitor’s regulation authority and must protect your confidential information in your case. This is a foundation feature in the relationship between a solicitor and their client. What you tell your solicitor will be confidential unless disclosure is required by law or you provide your consent. Solicitors can give you advice and make you aware what options you have available and how you can be protected.

Under the Family Law Act 1996, there are two types of court order that can be granted to protect someone from domestic abuse. These orders are occupation order and non-molestation orders. Breaches of the order are treated very seriously by the Court.

Maximum sentences can be as high as 5 years imprisonment

It’s the way forward Yaar

www.fevertvleeds.co.uk

Fever FM @ The Resource Centre 233-237 Roundhay Road - Leeds LS8 4HS Tel: 0113 380 5680 - Direct: 0788 170 1133 Email: radioasianfever@yahoo.co.uk - www.radioasianfever.co.uk

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OPINION

by ALISON BELLAMY alison@asian-standard.co.uk

A supportive community goes a long way A strong community support network can be the answer to many things, I think.

It can help ease suffering, struggling, unhappiness, grief, loss, financial woes; or any of the issues which cause the average person to collapse in a heap.

To put it simply; life is a journey, and for most of us, a series of ups and downs.

Issues with relationships, family and work have all raised their head so far in my life, as well as the loss of people close to me.

This is life and we are all fighting our own battles and never really know what someone is going through.

“wow” out loud. She needed a huge sum of money to do so. As a member of a cooperative type scheme where she pays in a cash sum every month, she was able to borrow the full amount at literally zero interest and now has a beautiful home. By relying on a community initiative, she has made it possible without getting into debt. She just has to pay the balance back each month, with as much as she can afford.

You can get through troubles on your own, but a little help from your 'close circle of friends and family' often goes a long way.

This is something I think that the majority of British Asians do best. They are a fine example of how to cope with and live life to the maximum - in a good way.

It seems to me that their supportive community network means that life is perhaps made a bit easier.

I know for some people, living such a close existence with relatives would be too much and could not entertain the thought of ever living with their mother-in-law. But when it is part of a traditional lifestyle, it is the way you are brought up and becomes intrinsically part of you.

Be it finding a babysitter, having a meal cooked for you or even getting on the property ladder, anything is possible.

My friend, who is a British Asian of Pakistani descent, has a wonderful support network. I often laugh in amazement at photos from her family gatherings and wonder how she can recall all the names of her cousins. And whenever she visits her parental home down south, she always has lots of family and friends to catch up with and returns full of happy updates. Yet despite all this, she always makes time for me and truly embraces life to the full, with a successful career and countless friends.

She recently improved her home with a dramatic make-over which made me say

As the mother of two children, we often go to our local park and during the school holidays prefer an early morning visit.

You find that at 9.30am the park is extremely quiet and there are no queues for the playground.

The other week we met an Asian family who were all out riding their bikes, except for granny that is, who sat on a bench nearby as she proudly watched over everyone. Even their mum had a go and admitted it was her first time on a bike, but she wanted to encourage her young boys to do well. There was around eight of them, all enjoying the sunshine on their borrowed bikes. Their attempt proved successful and after a couple of hours

they were all whizzing around on two wheels in jubilant spirits. I noticed how much the boys enjoyed their new skills and were soon racing around pretending to be superheroes in super cars.

We spoke about our families and how life changes once you have kids. It was the usual sort of chat I have with other mothers in playgrounds. Childcare usually crops up, as it is a problem for most people, I find. Whereas my own mother has been extremely supportive, in recent years ill health has meant she was unable to care for the kids for more than a couple of hours, resulting in large childcare bills.

The mother I was talking to said she never had to think twice about childcare and had never once struggled to find care for them, meaning she could work long hours and knew her children were in good hands. She laughed as she explained they were farmed out to various aunties during the day time and cared for alongside siblings and cousins. I felt a pang of envy as I realised the merits of having an extended and close network. I am not unusual as a white British professional, to have used nurseries and child minders.

And of course they have their place for developing social skills.

Among my friends the lucky ones are those that have fit and healthy parents who can offer babysitting and childcare when they work. And it is often just one or two people you can rely on, not countless members of the family. If not, childcare bills of up to £600 per month per child are not uncommon if you work full-time. It is more than a mortgage and often means there is no point in working as you are literally earning no money, when all costs are considered.

So maybe we should all take a leaf out of our British Asian neighbours’ book and create a community and encourage our own relatives to be closer and support and help one another as much as we can.

'You can get

through troubles on your own, but a little help from your 'close circle of friends and family' often goes a long way.'

30

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MOTORING

THE NEW ŠKODA KODIAQ At 4.70 m long and with up to seven seats and the largest boot in its class, the ŠKODA Kodiaq is the brand’s first large SUV. From early 2017, ŠKODA’s latest model will showcase all of the brand’s strengths: characterful design, extraordinary interior space and innovative technology.

offering more comfort, safety and real-time information. The ŠKODA Kodiaq is at the forefront of ŠKODA’s extensive SUV campaign.” ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, Christian Strube, added, “The ŠKODA Kodiaq offers all of our brand’s strengths: well-thoughtout functionality, superior interior space and excellent value for money.

The largest boot compared to the competition and the optional third row of seats alone make our new SUV the ideal companion for day-to-day demands. And when it comes to driver assistance systems, infotainment and connectivity, the ŠKODA Kodiaq proves ŠKODA’s innovative capabilities, offering the technology of higher classes and therefore putting itself at the top of its segment.”

“With the ŠKODA Kodiaq, we are striking out in a new direction and opening up new markets,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “With our first large SUV, we are conquering a new segment for the brand – and new customer groups. Our new addition to the ŠKODA model range is truly as strong as a bear: it makes the brand even more attractive thanks to its concept, striking design and as the first ŠKODA that has the option of always being online and thereby

SCOOTER NAVIGATION HAS ARRIVED...

TomTom has created the world’s first scooter smartphone-connected satnav called TomTom VIO. The VIO is highly functional but makes a strong visual statement - once you’ve seen it on a scooter the bike looks naked without it.

The circular glove-friendly touchscreen device acts as an extension to a

connected smartphone, which uses the well-developed app as the brains. No more taking a phone out of the pocket while riding, finally.

The weatherproof display unit offers turn-by-turn navigation both visually and audibly via a Bluetooth® helmet

audio system. When a call comes in, the display will show a photo of who it is so the rider can take it via the headset while directions remain on the TomTom VIO display.

TomTom’s famous speed camera warning system is built-in. But following the design of the TomTom VIO even these alerts are minimal and attractive. TomTom VIO’s speed display changes colour to red warning riders if they are going too fast, and then back to the original colour scheme when travelling within the limit. That means even without directly looking at the VIO the rider is acutely aware of their current speed.

Design detailing continues inside and out on the TomTom VIO thanks to snap-on silicon covers available in six different colours – ideal for matching up with the scooter. Then, to keep consistency, even the maps can be set to the same colour using one simple touch in the app.

Corinne Vigreux, co-founder and managing director, TomTom Consumer, said: “The innovative new TomTom VIO is game-changer for scooter riders.

Not only will it speed up the commute, but gone are the days of fiddling with your mobile at the traffic lights, or wondering who’s calling as you negotiate the traffic. For the first time, riders can explore the urban jungle safely, and confidently, in style.”

The TomTom VIO is available from 8 September at Halfords and Amazon and on the TomTom website, priced £149.99. The device ships with a black, snap-on silicon cover - six other colours are available for purchase.

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KIA REVEALS ALL-NEW RIO AHEAD OF PARIS MOTOR SHOW PREMIERE

The all-new, fourth-generation Kia Rio will make its world premiere on 29 September in Paris, at the 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile. With a progressive new exterior and interior design, the Rio is revealed for the first time globally today through an exclusive set of images.

“The new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé is characterised by a high level of agility and sporty driving dynamics. With its expressive design and high everyday practicality the Coupé is able to appeal to new target audiences,” according to Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes AMG GmbH. The SUV Coupé fulfils a very wide variety of tasks with style: the unmistakable design stands out from the crowd without being

Affalterbach. Mercedes-AMG is once again extending its product portfolio with the addition of a very dynamic model: the new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé* combines a sporty, elegant design with the brand’s hallmark Driving Performance and the advantages of an SUV in terms of seating position, interior flexibility and also traction off the beaten track. The 270 kW (367 hp) 3.0 litre V6 biturbo engine, the automatic transmission 9G TRONIC with shortened shift times and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive configured with a rear bias form

MOTORS

Design of the new Rio was led by Kia’s design centres in Germany and California, in close collaboration with the company’s global design headquarters in Namyang, Korea.

The appearance of the new Rio is defined by straight lines and smooth surfacing, giving the car a distinctive, confident new look.

THE NEW MERCEDES-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC COUPÉ

the basis for an especially dynamic onroad driving experience. A significant contribution is also made here by the independent sports suspension based on the multi-chamber air suspension system AIR BODY CONTROL with adaptive damping adjustment.

Additionally, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé also enables occasional off-road excursions to be undertaken: the ground clearance can be increased at the touch of a button, and the pneumatic all-round self-levelling ensures a constant vehicle level at all times.

overpowering, the sports car-like performance reveals the Coupé to be a thoroughbred performance car, and the convenience settings selectable at the touch of a button make it a reliable companion whatever the conditions.

The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and its speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. * Fuel consumption, combined: 8.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 192 g/km

31

The technical data at a glance Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé Engine

3.0-litre V6 with direct injection and biturbocharging

Displacement

2996 cc

Output

270 kW (367 hp) at 5500-6000 rpm

Peak torque

520 Nm at 2500-4500 rpm

Drive system

AMG Performance 4MATIC allwheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution of 31:69

Transmission

9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shortened shift times

Fuel consumption – urban/extra-urban/ combined

10.9/7.0/8.4 l/100 km

Combined CO2 emissions

192 g/km

Efficiency class

D

Weight (DIN/EC)

1780*/1855**

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.9 s

Top speed

250 km/h***

* Kerb weight according to DIN, not including driver; ** Kerb weight according to EC, including driver (75 kg); *** Electronically governed

32

ASIAN STANDARD Issue 2

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Competition and Puzzle

WIN cinema tickets to watch the much awaited ‘Actor In Law’ in cinemas.

We are giving our lucky readers a chance to win a pair of cinema tickets to watch ‘Actor in Law’ To win a pair of tickets to watch Actor in Law in cinemas simply answer this question:

Who plays the aspiring actor’s father in the film. a.

Amitabh Bachchan

b.

Fawad Khan or

c.

Om Puri

Email your answers to competition@asian-standard.co.uk or post them to Asian Standard, 1st Floor, 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE Remember to include your full contact details when entering. Competition closes midnight 15th September. Terms and conditions apply. For a full list see website.

Can you spot the 10 differences between these pictures?

Love reading

ASIAN STYLE MAGAZINE AND ASIAN STANDARD NEWSPAPER? Why not subscribe?

Have the magazine and newspaper delivered direct to your inbox for FREE! Or posted hardcopies for only £30 for a years subscription First Name: Surname: Delivery Address: Postcode: Contact Telephone Number: Email Address: By completing the above, I confirm I accept RF Publishing terms and conditions of registering for email subscriptions.

Full details or a list of terms and conditions can be obtained by emailing info@asianstylemagazine.com Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive information from any of our associates or third party affiliates Paid subscription

Online subscription

Once completed you can either post to Asian Style Magazine, 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE or email to subscriptions@asianstylemagazine.com Email subscription is free and subject to Asian Style Magazine terms of use.

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ASIAN STANDARD Issue 2

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JOBS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Are you a self-starter, ambitious, self-motivator, have the hunger to achieve and increase earning potential?

Hours of Work: Negotiable Salary: Basic+Commission+ Expenses+Pension

Then our Managers at Asian Standard want to hear from you A position has become available for Business Development Manager to help sell our services to Business clients.

You must have a minimum of one year’s experience selling to B2B customers. You must possess excellent communication skills and be educated to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above and have a can do attitude. You will be required to travel nationally and will be required to meet targets.

For the right candidate full training will be given.

To apply or for more information email a covering letter with your CV to jobs@asian-standard.co.uk with BDM in the subject field or post to: RF Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor,18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE T. 0333 577 0046

REPORTERS/JOURNALISTS

Hours: 30 hours per week Pay: As per NUJ guidelines and experience. Pension scheme plus other perks

Asian Standard is a new weekly newspaper from the same publishers of Asian Sunday and Asian Style.

Due to our expansion we are looking for journalists/reporters to join our energetic team in Bradford.

You will have all your preliminary qualifications, including 100 wpm shorthand. The ideal candidates will have knowledge of Asian Communities living in the UK along with business and lifestyle.

according to NUJ guidelines and based on experience.

We have a cracking news patch here and we want enthusiastic reporters who will get out and about bringing in exclusive stories and getting into the heart of our communities.

We are an equal opportunities employer and therefore accept applications from all backgrounds.

RF Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor. 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE

To apply send your CV with a covering letter to editor@asian-standard. co.uk or post to:

Flexible working hours. Pay scale

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

Hours: 30 hours per week Pay: Based on experience Pension plus other perks Media is a very fast paced industry, and with more and more people preferring to read news online, a role for a digital and social media

assistant has become available.

media posts

We are looking for someone who has experience in creating content for social media and our websites as well as experience in social media strategy and campaign delivery.

• Coordination of social media campaigns

The Digital & Social Media Assistant will be responsible for: • Creating and commissioning content across the business for social media and web platforms • Daily strategic planning of social

• Experience managing social media platforms • Photography & video experience

• Filming and photography work, including video/imagery editing

• Knowledge of HTML and CMS (Drupal)

• Assist in social media training for internal staff members

• Self-starter attitude

The successful Digital & Social Media Assistant will possess: • Journalism skills, ability to create & edit content for digital purposes

To apply simply send in your CV plus samples of work to editor@ asian-standard.co.uk or post to RF Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE

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latest FREE weekly newspaper to our portfolio.

Pay: Voluntary first year. Thereafter £150 per day plus expenses Number of positions: 6 RF Publishing Ltd, is the publisher of Asian Sunday, Asian Style magazine and a new weekly title Asian Standard. Asian Sunday was launched in 2011 as Britain’s leading and first FREE Sunday newspaper, with a particular focus on British Asian news, for British born South Asians, with a view to reaching out to the wider community. We then relaunched the successful Asian Style Magazine in January 2016 and then added Asian Standard as the

After five successful years, we want to ensure we continue leading as Britain’s to go to Asian media when it comes to British Asian news.

As leading ethnic media publishers, we want to ensure our media teams are always reporting responsibly and accurately as well as being at the forefront of breaking news. Therefore, we are now looking to recruit a non-executive team to help steer our media team in the right direction.

We are looking for individuals who have a passion for community and want to help make a difference by guiding and steering our media relations and media reporting in the right direction.

We are looking for individuals who have a passion for news and are committed to developing responsible relationships with our partners, key

stakeholders, as well as Directors and to help us build trust with our readership with factual, responsible and independent reporting

analytical ability; and the capacity and temperament to work in an open, inclusive and collaborative environment.

The appointed candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to the strategic development and direction of our publications oversee the development and review of key performance targets, ensure the publication complies with its statutory requirements and ensure that a high standard of corporate governance is observed at all times. Candidates who are able to offer advice to senior management on a range of general management issues, such as HR matters and management best practice would be advantageous.

Previous experience as a NonExecutive Director is not essential but an aptitude for strategic thinking, the ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to our publications objectives are.

We are looking for candidates with a background in business, HR, finance, law, training above all with the ability to perform at Board level.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate: integrity and a commitment to transparency of decision-making; effective communication, influencing and inter-personal skills; high level of

Applications are welcome from individuals of any background, gender and disabled people who are able to make a real contribution to this organisation.

Members are expected to attend quarterly board meeting and to participate in additional meetings, conference calls and sit on ad hoc committees from time to time. Most meetings take place in the evening.

Interested candidates should submit a CV to board@asian-standard.co.uk with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role.

CARE ASSISTANT

Join one of the fasted growing Home Care companies in the country. We offer a competitive hourly pay rate, time and a half on bank holidays, paid mileage (20p per mile), company uniform, company training.

We provide what we believe to be a fresh, modern and compassionate approach to home care, domiciliary care, healthcare and assisted living. Our caring, friendly

and understanding team of staff are highly trained and passionate about their jobs, hereby delivering exceptional home care services to all our clients. We are also very proud to offer a financial support service that is not readily available with many other care providers.

The Care Assistant’s role will involve:

• Following care plans and Service User needs

• Personal Care

The successful Care Assistant will have:

The Care Assistant will be responsible for supporting Service Users in their daily routines.

• Being flexible to cover weekends, early mornings and evenings

• Meal Preparation • Supporting an open, positive and inclusive working culture

• Health and Social Care training or be willing to work towards Level 2 • Home Care experience • Full driving licence and own car

• Also looking for carers who can speak: Urdu, Punjabi & Hindi Applicants must be willing to undergo a DBS check.

The pay rate starts at £7.50 per hour.

Call: 01274 309543

35

JOBS

NON-EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

4-year appointment, approximately 12 days per year

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SPORTS

The US Open Tennis Review; Murray Looking for A Helping

by AYYAZ MALIK ayyaz@asian-standard.co.uk

The final tournament in the tennis calendar, the US open is well under way, here’s our insight into how the tournament at Flushing Meadows will pan out.

Just like in many other tournaments in recent years, Serbian player Novak Djokovic comes in as the man to beat as he is the defending champion. Having said that, however, in the last major tournament which was Wimbledon, the 29-year old Djokovic was dumped out in the fourth round by Sam Querry.

As much as a surprise that was for the tennis world to absorb, the six-time Australian Open champion will no doubt be looking to avenge the fact that he had to relinquish his title after that defeat to American Querry.

Since that disappointment for Novak in June, his rival Britain’s Andy Murray won Wimbledon for the second time and has also retained his gold medal in the recently concluded Rio Olympics. The 29year old since old coach Ivan Lendl came back, looks to have recaptured that same form he was able to produce when his American-born coach was with him first time around.

If Novak Djokovic thinks that he is going to have things all his own way at the US Open, in Andy Murray there is someone who is determined to not let that happen.

Besides Murray, other players will be looking to lay an assault and make a sustained bid for glory.

Nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal after missing Wimbledon and failing to make the impact he would have wanted in the Olympics will no doubt be looking to make an impression here.

The Spaniard after his injury record in recent years is arguably coming into this tournament with little or no pressure to get to the latter stages. Mallorcan Nadal, being the champion that he has been over the years, won’t be coming into this tournament just to ‘make up the numbers’.

In the Spaniard’s absence, players like Stan Wawrinka and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga have been the players who have offered some form of challenge to Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic when it comes to challenging for major tournaments.

Usually, there would be another player who would also be seen as a contender for US Open glory and that would be Swiss legend Roger Federer.

Veteran Federer is having to sit out this tournament at Flushing Meadows due to injury.

Andy Murray In the seven-time Wimbledon champion’s absence, players like Tsonga and Wawrinka will be hoping that just like at Wimbledon, one of Murray or Djokovic can be beaten in the earlier rounds to aid their quest for glory.

Swiss player Wawrinka, however, was nearly knocked out by Brit Dan Evans who took him to five sets and even had a match point against the former French Open winner. Unfortunately for Evans, his opponents vast amount of experience at this level proved to be the difference.

Fellow Brit Andy Murray has had no such issues to date and is in the last 16 after 34-year-old world number 40 Paolo Lorenzi 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 6-2 6-3. Rival

Novak Novak Djokovic has been equally comfortable so far, which would no doubt would be an ominous sign for the chasing pack.

As solid as both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have looked throughout this tournament to date, to say the outcome of the tournament is a foregone conclusion is naive at best. We still do think that one of the top two players (Murray/Djokovic) will be triumphant come 11 September, but the example of Dan Evans’ match with Stan Wawrinka where the Swiss was expected to win easily is a good example that there’s no ‘easy games’. One thing is for certain, that there is plenty of high drama left in this year’s US Open.

The Transfer Window; Our Thoughts

by AYYAZ MALIK

captures.

ayyaz@asian-standard.co.uk

Former defender David Luiz rejoins The Blues for £38 million from PSG and former Bolton loanee Marcos Alonso joins from Fiorentina in a £27 million deal. Not to be outdone by their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur left it late to secure the last minute signing of Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle in a deal which will potentially rise to £30 million.

Football’s ‘silly season’ came to an end on 31 August as the football transfer window closed until January. As part of regulations that were drafted in the 2002/2003 season, clubs after 31 August aren’t allowed to buy or sell players until the start of January.

There is a slight exception to the rule, but the ‘exception’ does have conditions, for example, a transfer deal can be authorised outside of the transfer window for players who aren’t playing for a club, or if the FA give authorisation for a specific deal to happen.

With the football season finishing in mid-May, teams then began their process of securing the signings of the talent that their scouting network has been no doubt scouting all season. Some clubs in this transfer window such as Manchester United and Manchester City were able to conclude their dealings well before the 31 August deadline.

Teams such as Arsenal and Chelsea, however, were a little bit more ‘last minute’ in this current transfer window.

North London side Arsenal, secured German Shkodran Mustafi and Lukasz Perez in a combined fee of £52 million, but it was Chelsea on actual deadline day who arguably made the high-profile

Crystal Palace were another side who also were looking to go ‘big’ in this transfer window, the South Londoners secured the services of former Liverpool forward Christian Benteke for a fee in the region of £32 million pounds.

The Eagles since last season have been in ‘free fall’ and they would be hoping no doubt that the former Aston Villa man can recapture the same form he showed with the Villains two seasons ago.

Yorkshire side Hull who have had all sorts of issues off the field and haven’t been able to secure any signings in the transfer window were able to secure the services of Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason as well as five other players such as former Manchester United man James Weir. The Tigers missed out on striker Jonathan Kodija who decided to join Aston Villa.

Arguably this particular transfer window hasn’t seen too many players leaving their clubs, but what this transfer window has highlighted that the football world seems to disregard its surroundings.

Manchester United signed Paul Pogba for a world record £89 million and Manchester City signed John Stones in an eye-watering £47 million deal, which only emphasises the massive transfer fees paid for players.

While the country is still arguably in a recession, football keeps spending more

money and breaking more transfer records. This trend doesn’t seem like it’s going to change soon either.

Observers keep saying that the ‘bubble’ will burst in terms of the money spent on players. This transfer window saw the amount of money increase for what clubs spend on players.

This window saw the overall spending on players exceed £1 billion, everyone thinks the ‘bubble’ will burst, but realistically it doesn’t look to set to burst anytime soon.

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SPORTS

Pakistan; Cricket’s Version of Jekyll and Hyde? teams is because there are striking resemblances in terms of how England were over 12 months ago.

Pakistan are not far off in terms of being competitive, it’s ‘small’ details which is stalling their progress.

Bad fielding and the need to bolster their batting line-up are evident flaws in terms of the way Pakistan functions as a team, but they do possess match winners in their team such as bowler Mohammed Amir and explosive wicket-keeper batsmen Sarfraz Ahmed.

For a team that possesses one of the best off-spinners in the world in Yasir Shah and a ‘decent’ batting lineup which includes the experienced Shoaib Malik and Azhar Ali to name some, the Asian side’s struggle in white ball cricket is a mystery.

The sports desk here at Asian Standard analyses the current ‘problems’ in the Pakistan side and we offer our thoughts on where they can improve. Captain Azhar Ali, who is also a part of the test side is tasked with the unenviable task of trying to bring through the ‘next generation’.

Ali isn’t able to call upon the services of legendary duo Younus Khan or Misbah Ul-Haq who only played in the test series against England after a desperate plea from the PCB. Any side in the world would naturally feel the effects of such retirements to such talented batsmen.

If Pakistan takes a leaf out of teams like England’s book then maybe, just maybe they can be as successful as they are in the test arena, but it will take patience. Good things come to those who wait.

Bradford Fighter Looking for A Ghaz-Tronomical Rise to the Top

Pakistan jekyll & hyde

It’s an issue that is giving many people in the cricketing world ‘food for thought’, the issue that is the contrasting fortunes of the Pakistan cricket team in one-day cricket and test cricket. The 1992 world champions only just recently became the bestranked team in test cricket, but in the one-day arena Pakistan are the second worst one-day team in the world (they’re ranked ninth), only Afghanistan are ranked lower.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Pakistan and their cricket team, we can assure you, but what we will say is that patience is needed. What we mean is that once they find the ‘right’ team, stick it with and ‘trust’ it, England have operated on this ethos and now they are one of the best sides in the world.

At this current moment in time if you’re a Pakistan fan, then, unfortunately, we have to report that they have found it difficult to solidify their middle order. Players have been changed and so has their batting order, the top-ranked sides have a settled batting line-up.

On the plus side, the Pakistani batting line-up and in particular the middle order does possess talent with the likes of Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik.

In the case of Malik though at 34 years of age, he is the ‘wrong’ side of 30 so he too is another player who will need replacing in the not too distant future.

There are players waiting in the wings who are capable of replacing players like Shoaib Malik, or even just stake a claim for themselves. Umar Akmal is one player who has undoubted talent, but he continues to be sidelined due to poor discipline. Shoaib Maqsood is another player who has a genuine chance of staking a claim in a middleorder that is in need of a make-over.

to cope with the ‘big stage’, after all, Asad Shafiq statistically matches up with and even betters Sir Garfield Sobers’ batting average as number six batsmen, which isn’t a bad achievement for the Pakistani player.

Arguably this is what Pakistan need, someone who has the temperament to succeed at the highest level. As important as addressing their batting lineup is, that’s not the only factor that you need to factor in for a team to be competitive on the international stage.

If you take England for example, their opponents in the current one-day series one will see that arguably they are not too dissimilar to Pakistan’s current side. The Three Lions addressed this issue with some ‘bold’ decision making. In England’s case, they decided to axe then skipper and replace him with current skipper Eoin Morgan.

One player who we feel is most urgently needed in the one-day side is Asad Shafiq. The 31-year old Shafiq is a player who has really excelled in test cricket for his country, we feel in the limited overs game his presence in the side would be just as beneficial.

After an initial ‘rocky’ start to his captaincy, Irishman Morgan has a very talented team at his disposal.

His England side have a great blend of talent, they have players who can ‘attack’ the bowling in Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, but what they also have is players who can ‘control’ the innings in the likes of Joe Root.

Shafiq has shown time and time again that he has the temperament

The reason why I keep comparing England and Pakistan’s cricket

Bradford fighter Hamed Ghaz continued his impressive start to his professional boxing career with a win over Chris Adaway, at Leeds United FC’s Banqueting Suite which meant that Ghaz has won his first eight fights as pro. The 20-year-old from Undercliffe won his first pro bout against Jason Nesbitt in November 2014 and after that things have gone from strength to strength for Hamed.

Opponents such as Deniss Kornilovs, Dan Naylor and most recent opponent before Adaway, Ibrar Riyaz have all failed to come out on top against the 20-year old British Asian.

Light- Welterweight Hamed Ghaz had this to say about his aspirations in professional boxing;

Hameed Ghaz

“I started boxing in December 2008 and, of my 34 amateur fights, I won 29 of them.

“Now I have turned professional my dream is to become a world champion”.

In the past fighters such as Audley Harrison have struggled to get to the heights that their talent merited in the world of boxing, but in the case of Bradford fighter Hamed Ghaz it looks clear that this won’t be the case if his determination is anything to by.

The way professional sport is, there will surely be stiffer examinations and stiffer challenges to come for the Bradford man.