Canadian Pakistani Times 12th sept 2013

Canadian Pakistani Times

Thursday

Pakistan stocks end higher, rupee steady

KARACHI: Pakistan's main stock exchange closed higher on Wednesday with the benchmark 100-share index of the Karachi Stock Exchange rising 1.04 per cent or 239.51 points to 23,231.68.

Led by Pakistan Petroleum Ltd and Lucky Cement Ltd the market continues its positive trend.

Stability in global equity markets after pause on Syrian strike also give confidence to market participants.

Pakistan Petroleum Ltd rose 3.9 per cent to 260.50 rupees while Lucky Cement Ltd was up 3.19 per cent to 264 rupees.

The rupee ended weaker at 104.75/104.80 against the dollar, compared to Tuesday's close of 104.75/104.82.

Overnight rates in the money market rose to 8.50 per cent from Tuesday's close of 6.50 per cent.

September 12, 2013

Volume 1, 76

Ontario Gains 43,600 Jobs in August

Ontario’s Economy Expands and Creates Jobs

employment rose by 13,300 jobs.

Ontario's economy continued to gain strength as the pr ovi ncial gover nment continued its focus on job creation and economic growth. In August, the province gained 43,600 jobs, the second largest gain made in a month since 2009. Youth

Employment in Ontario has increased by 477,300 net jobs from a low in June 2 0 0 9 , w i t h f u l l -t i me employment up 442,200.

This means Ontario has recovered all the jobs lost during the recession and

continues to outpace the United States and all of the Great Lakes States in job creation since June 2009.

Ontario is focused on creating the right climate to attract investment and build a strong, innovative economy that provides jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all.

Defense Day of Pakistan 6th September Defense Day is celebrated all over Pakistan as a national day (national holiday) in memory of those who were martyred in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 and successful defense of Lahore, Sialkot and other important areas5 of the country. Army officers like Captain Sarwar Shaheed, Major Tufail Shaheed, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed, Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed, Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed,and Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed gave sacrifices of their life for Pakistan and were awarded with "Nishan-e-Haider" for their acts of exceptional bravery. Nishan-e -Haider is a highest military award given to brave martyres of Pakistan army those who left remarkable examples of bravery and sacrifice for nation and country.

Traditionally on this day the Armed forces of Pakistan displays their latest missiles, tanks, guns, army aviation helicopters and other military hardware being currently used by Engineers, Electrical and Mechanical Corps, Army Air Defense, Signals, Army Service Corps and Army Medical Corps live on various places.

Everyone is allowed to watch this event live. These events which are held almost all over the country are also often telecasted live on national and private television channels as well. National songs and special documents relating to the war of 6 September 1965 and martyred soldiers are read, shown and all who laid down their lives to defend Pakistan are paid respects. It is narrated to general public how individuals gave sacrifices for the defense of the country and what is the responsibility of youth to come as they are

the future of Pakistan. The change of guard ceremony takes place at Mazar-eQuaid (Tomb founder of Pakistan) Karachi, where the cadets of Pakistan Air Force Academy present Guard of Honor and take charge. Today in the year 2013 (we all know) that Pakistan is passing through grave problems and perhaps its toughest time in history. With uncertainty surrounding all around, we pray from the bottom of our hearts that this phase would pass and the sooner the better. And hope and pray that the political elite of the country would focus on real issue rather than mere empty promises and statements that have (mostly) happened till date.

God Bless Pakistan and Love Live Pakistan.

September 12, 2013

02

Weekly Fortune: by Kiran Pandey Rai (kiranpandeyrai@gmail.com) 12Th September – 18th September ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ARIES (21 Mar- 20 Apr) The ascendant lord is debilitated in watery sign and will be travelling in stars mercury. Effect of Mars on Saturn rahu will make you aggressive and thus you will inflict yourself. You need to be cautious and cool this week .Take care of your personal life.But financial gains are there .

Lucky Days : Sunday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TAURUS (21Apr- 21 May) You will be thinking more of recreational activities. Your health can be a cause of concern .Your pets will also be suffering. You will gain and spend money in an extravagant way. There will be celebrations in the family and new members can also come to increase the family size.

There will be misunderstandings with the partners so you need to be careful while speaking .

Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GEMINI (22 May- 21 June) You may have opportunity to travel more frequently. You need to be little watchful towards the health of your kids. Even your father need to be more watchful while travelling. You will feel lack of pleasure and women may bring sorrow to you. Your hard work will achieve your goals.

Lucky Days : Tuesday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CANCER (22 June- 22 July) You will be getting unexpected success. But not to forget your effort as well. Financial gain will be there in this week at the same time expenses will rise to whole your pocket. Try to delay any meeting if possible or control your straight but harsh speech. Don`t be lethargic..

Lucky Days : Saturday and Sunday. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LEO (23 July- 22 Aug) You will be involved in religious activities .Inclination towards moral value and discipline will be more. Success will come easily with all your endeavors. Relations with younger siblings will not be good. Need to check your approach with them. Long journey will not be favourable.

Lucky Days : Monday and Wednesday. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VIRGO (23 Aug- 23 Sept) You will be more in planning mode than in action mode. There will be quarrel and chaos in family and maternal uncles will cause problems to you. You won’t get the expected gains. There could be miscarriage to pregnant women ,even some of you may decide to abort the baby.

Even need a proper check on your diet schedule otherwise health may suffer.

Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LIBRA ( 24 Sept-23 Oct).

“Think before you leap” you must know that there is an end to everything and it will be better if you become aware of the truth. Don’t go on the face value of anyone. If you are going through legal issues then as usual the lawyers will delay the case . Family life will be the worst patch of life. Gains are there but you will equally drain out your money, so better don’t count on them.

Lucky Days : Saturday and Sunday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SCORPIO (24 Oct-22Nov) Health will be cause of concern for you this week. Avoid or delay spending money on luxuries or physical pleasure because this may result in the form of defamation .Specially be cautious from servants, relatives etc as there could be some conspiracy against you. Maintain hygiene to have good health .Tip of the week for you is “Self –introspection”.

Lucky Days : Friday and Saturday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAGITTARIUS (23 Nov-2 1 Dec) You will have mental and financial peace in this week. You will get success in all your ventures . Even savings too can be expected. You will have things coming your way with less effort. You may plan a religious tour with family. A very good time for your father. You will be happy from your workfront too.Some increament or promotion can be expected this week .

Lucky Days : Tuesday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAPRICORN (22 Dec-20 Jan) .

You are working consistently hard, but it will take time to get recognition . wait for the right moment to get your reward. Sometimes speech works like miracle in our life , and this is one of the right week when you need highly to check it .Practice meditation daily for your personal well being. This week is little prone to vehicular accidents, better avoid drink and drive at any cost.

Lucky Days : Sunday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AQUARIUS (21 Jan-19 Feb) You will be working at your best and your family will be ignored. And this may create a strenuous relation with your spouse. Even in business also, your workaholics attitude may create fuss among your staff. Maintain leniency at workplace to retain a positive aura there and enhance productivity out of it.

Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PISCES (20 Feb-20 Mar) You will have mixture of moods initially in this week but eventually it will be settled. Professionally you will find saturation point and you may try your hand for new venture. Even though adverse situation is hovering but your patience will help you to get a favourable result out of it. It is better to keep your mother happy which may help you to keep your own unstable mind at rest.

Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday

JONES’ AGGREGATE RECYCLING BILL CONTINUES TO GAIN MOMENTUM AS LEGISLATURE

(Dufferin-Caledon) – With the Ontario Legislature returning this week, Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones’ Bill 56, the Aggregate Recycling Promotion Act, continues to gain momentum and has now been endorsed by local community group leader, Carl Cosack. Cosak said, “During the ARA [Aggregate Resources Act] review hearings it became clear that “recycling” is one important part of the solution to lessen demand of Ontario’s virgin aggregate resources. Most presentations, be it from industry or community groups, stressed the need for effective recycling programs.

Sylvia Jones’ Bill 56 is a nonpartisan way to promote this issue, clearly addressing both the provincial, and public, interest.

As Chair of the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, or NDACT, I fully support Bill 56.” Jones responded, “I thank Carl for his support and his dedication to this important issue.

Over the last few months support for Bill 56 has continued to pick up significantly, from all sides of this issue. There is a real consensus building that now is the time for Ontario to really start promoting the use of recycling aggregate.” If enacted, Bill 56 would allow contractors to use recycled aggregate when bidding on construction projects paid for with public money. Jones believes the legislation would be an effective measure to encourage aggregate recycling in Ontario by eliminating barriers to recycled aggregates being considering for use in public sector construction across the province. Jones also highlighted the strong support she has received from Aggregate Recycling Ontario (ARO), an organization dedicated to increasing the use of recycled aggregate across Ontario.

“ARO recognizes that when we have approximately 3 million tonnes of recyclable aggregate sitting in stockpiles across Ontario, it is essential that take advantage of the many benefits of this undervalued resource.”Ed Persico, ARO Chair reiterated ARO’s support for Bill 56, “We commend Sylvia Jones for introducing the Aggregate Recycling Promotion Act. This bill recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of better managing this undervalued resource. It is our sincere hope that all parties will support and expedite approval of Bill 56 as soon as possible, and get it passed into law.”

03

September 12, 2013

Canada Loves all..

Two back to back community events over the weekend, the first organised and hosted

by Ontario MPP (Member Provincial Parliament) – Minister Linda Jeffrey (Brampton – Springdale) and the second by federal MP (Member Parliament) Kyle Seeback (Brampton West).

Both events had a great turnout despite constant rains. Inter community harmony could be seen and felt at both events.

Brampton – Canada which is home to many ethnic groups overall has a atmosphere of

peace, love and tolerance towards each other by all communities and this clearly could be seen all around at both of these events.

Events like these not only help neighbourhoods grow but also learn from and understand each other.

Youth which is also a great asset in every society, could be spotted at both events actively participating. Very welcome sign indeed as they are our future after all.

Canada on the whole gives us all a very

warm and friendly feel towards each other.

Yes we all do have our differences and we (always) might not agree with all political parties and their representatives but that is what democracy is all about....right?

Unlike other countries where might is (usually & mostly right) and that is their way of life.

Hope our Canadian society and culture of oneness would/could be an example for all oppressed societies of the world.

Thanks once again Canada for letting us grow with you.

And our prayer is always with and for the (often) helpless families and minorities living under oppressed, ruthless regimes.

God may grant wisdom to their governments.....Amen.

September 12, 2013

04

'Our hearts still ache' for 9/11 victims: Obama

Premier Nominates the Hon. David Peterson as Chair of TO2015 Kathleen Wynne Thanks Outgoing Chair for Outstanding Games Vision Premier Kathleen Wynne is delighted to announce that the Hon. David Peterson will accept the nomination to become Chair of the Toronto 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee, TO2015.

Premier Wynne would like to thank the outgoing Chair Roger Garland for his outstanding work in laying a strong foundation for the upcoming Games.

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Wednesday mourned the lives lost 12 years ago in the September 11, 2001 attacks, saying “our hearts still ache” for the nearly 3,000 people killed.

Against the backdrop of possible US military action against Syria, Obama marked the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks first at the White House, and then at a solemn Pentagon ceremony attended by families of 9/11 victims and senior officers. “We pray for the memory of all those taken from us -- nearly 3,000 innocent souls,” Obama said.

“Our hearts still ache for the futures snatched away, the lives that might have been,” he said.

“They left this Earth. They slipped from our grasp.”

Quoting the Bible, Obama spoke of “the miracle of restoration,” paying tribute to the resilient spirit of victims' families, saying he was “amazed at the will that you've summoned in your lives to lift yourselves up and to carry on.”

US troops invaded Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attacks to oust the Taliban for giving refuge to al Qaeda, and Obama gave

thanks to the American forces who served there - but said the war was now coming to a close. He said the country would remain vigilant in the face of future terror threats but said military might alone could not bring peace and security. “Let us have the wisdom to know that while force is at times necessary, force alone cannot build the world we seek,” he said. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 2001 attacks in New York, Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

At the Pentagon, 184 died when a hijacked airliner struck the building.

Ontario is proud to host the "People's Games" where it will welcome more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials from 41 countries, along with a quarter of a million expected visitors.

The Games will celebrate sport and showcase all that Ontario has to offer.

Mr. Peterson set the stage for world-class Games in 2009 when he formally ran Ontario's successful bid to host the event.

His work ensured that the Games will showcase Ontario's rich talent, culture and diversity.

Mr.

Peterson

has

nominated as the new Chair as Ont ar i o begi ns t o bui l d excitement for the Games in communities all across the province.

Mr. Peterson will take over as Chair from Roger Garland, who has held the position since 2009.

Mr. Garland worked tirelessly during his tenure, shepherding the largest multi-sport event ever to be hosted on Canadian soil.

As he moves on to new opportunities, Mr. Garland leaves the new Chair with a strong foundation on which to host a successful Pan American and Parapan American Games in 2015.

The Games and Gamesrelated investments will create more than 26,000 jobs and grow Ontario's real GDP by $3.7 billion from 2009 to 2017.

Supporting a memorable and successful 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games is part of the government's plan to showcase the province, while creating jobs and positioning Ontario as a sport tourism destination for years to come.

been

Falling Basmati productivity and exports Historically, Pakistan has been the world’s leading supplier of Basmati rice. But in recent years, its competitive edge has been eroded because of decline in productivity and international prices.

shows a decrease of 10 per cent. The production declined due to a decrease in area and effects of monsoon rains; the late receding of water in rice fields prolonged the sowing.

The per acre yield of Basmati rice has declined to 32 from 48 maunds per acre over the past five years, while India has developed seeds that produce over 50 maunds per acre.

In 2012-2013 Pakistan produced six million tonnes of rice while usually it produces around 6.5 million tonnes per

Exports to major traditional buyers of Basmati rice such as the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran declined sharply in the year, while they considerably increased to the UK, the US, Malaysia and Spain. The long grain rice goes to countries like Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malaysia and China which is a recently developed market.

The Asian Development Bank proposes to spend $1 million on technical assistance needed to add value to ongoing activities of public and private sector stakeholders, that would lead to a significant increase in the yields of Basmati rice. The strategy is to develop Basmati value chain in Punjab and raise productivity per acre by developing new high yielding varieties. By 2017, the project is expected to cover over two million hectares.

One of the major bottlenecks in the Basmati value chain is farm production.

Other issues are high production costs and declining yield of current Basmati varieties which are making its cultivation a less profitable for farmers, resulting in shifting of some farmers to non-Basmati varieties for better yields.

Pakistan is considered far less developed in agriculture as compared to other regional countries such as China, Thailand and Malaysia.

According to Economic Survey 201213, rice accounts for 2.7 per cent of the value added in agriculture and 0.6 per cent of GDP. Rice sowing area is estimated at 2.31 million hectares, 10.1 per cent less than previous year’s area of 2.57 million hectares.

Production of the crop is estimated at 5.54 million tonnes, against the target of 6.9 million tonnes which shows a weak performance of 19.7 per cent, and its comparison with previous year’s production which was 6.16 million tonnes

annum, which includes 1.5 million tonnes of highly aromatic, premium quality super Basmati and rest consists of varieties of long grain rice such as Irri-6. Of this, a modest quantity is locally consumed, since rice comes second after wheat as a staple food grain.

The traditional importers of Pakistan’s Basmati are now moving towards India because of competitive price and quality.

The country is the fourth largest exporter of rice after India, Vietnam and Thailand and captures a significant segment of almost 15 per cent of the global rice trade.

Besides, the running of mills on diesel -generators also led to an increase in operational cost. Pakistan is expected to produce about 6.2 million tonnes of rice in 2013-14, nearly 20 per cent lower than the official target of 6.9 million tonnes.

In the fiscal year 2012-13, exports of rice stood at about 3.5 million tonnes, five per cent less than the previous year’s 3.7 million tonnes.

The decline was mainly due to 35 per cent reduction in the export of Basmati rice which stood at about 630,035 tonnes compared to 968,942 tonnes exported in the previous fiscal year.

The price of Basmati rice has increased by 15 per cent due to increase in tariffs of electricity and gas.

The rice industry representatives have opposed lobbying by India to get support for subsidies on rice exports ahead of the next World Trade Organisation meeting later this year as it could harm the rice sector in Pakistan and several other smaller countries in the region.

India earned about $6.2 billion from rice exports in the fiscal year 2012-13

(April – March), up by about 26 per cent from around $4.9 billion in the previous fiscal year. In terms of value, Iran and Saudi Arabia accounted for around 19 per cent and 12 per cent respectively of India’s rice exports in the last year.

It has made significant increases in rice exports to Africa, Middle East, Nepal, Singapore and the UK. In value terms, Saudi Arabia was the largest destination for Indian rice, which accounted for about $678.5 million, up by about 10 per cent from the previous fiscal year, followed by UAE ($343 million) and Nigeria ($307 million).

India is likely to be the top rice exporter once again in 2013-14, with around 28 per cent of the global rice trade share. Since 2011, when it lifted its ban on non-Basmati rice exports, its rice export pace has been intensifying. It is expected to export about 11 million tonnes of rice in 2013-14 which may include about 3.5 million tonnes of Basmati rice, higher by about five per cent from around 10.4 million tonnes exported in the previous year.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, India’s rice production is expected to reach a record 108 million tonnes in 2013-14.

Vietnam remains the cheapest rice destination.

The Vietnamese dong declined by about one per cent in July, making its quotes more competitive globally.

The country is expected to export about 7.5 million tonnes of rice in 2013, down from a previous projection of eight million tonnes.

It exported about 4.28 million tonnes rice during Jan-July 2013, almost 10 per cent less from the exports in the same period last year.

-Ashfak Bokhari

September 12, 2013

05

SPORTS Campese sorry for telling Ahmed to 'go home' SYDNEY: Australian rugby great David Campese has apologised for a Twitter outburst in which he said Muslim cricketer Fawad Ahmed should “go home” if he refused to wear a beer logo on his shirt.

Cricket Australia agreed to the Pakistanborn leg-spinner's request not to wear the sponsorship logo of beer brand VB on his team outfit because of religious reasons.

The move sparked critical comments, including from former Australian cricketer Doug Walters, who said Ahmed should realise how much funding sponsors put into the sport and if he did not want to wear the uniform, he should not take their money.

The comments prompted former Wallaby captain Campese to tweet: “Doug Walters tells Pakistan-born Fawad Ahmed: if you don't like the VB uniform, don't play for Australia. Well said Doug. Tell him to go home.”

In another tweet on Friday he said: “Team means team not I. You can't win if you think that way. sponsors pay money to pay wages, develop the game...”

Cricket Australia condemned any “racist comments” directed to Ahmed on social media and Campese has reportedly been suspended as a rugby commentator by a South African television station over the remarks.

In his latest tweets, posted late Monday, Campese apologised.

“Just like to say sorry for comments. It is Ahmed, who became an Australian about sport and never has or will be about citizen in July after his application was fastreligion. Any (one) who knows me can tell tracked, did not have the brewer's logo on his shirt during his international debut in recent you that,” he said.

T20 matches against England.

Campese added that he would be ringing the Australian Cricketers' Association “to say His case is not the first of its kind, with South African batsman Hashim Amla, also a sorry and to pass my message on”.

Muslim, permitted not to wear the logo of “Sport is about team work and team. That Cricket South Africa sponsor Castle, a beer company, on his kit. Australia's one-day vicewas my point. Sorry again.”

Junaid takes four as Zimbabwe resistance ends on 294 Tailenders Prosper Utseya (22), Tinashe Panyangara (24) and Tendai Chatara (21) all frustrated Pakistan's bowlers on the second morning before Rehman trapped Chatara lbw to end the innings.

Hamilton Masakadza topscored with his 75 on Tuesday.

HARARE: Junaid Khan took 4-67 as Pakistan ended a late rally by Zimbabwe to bowl it out for 294 in its first innings in the second test on Wednesday.

Seamer

Khan

led

the

Pakistan bowlers and was backed up by spinner Abdur R e h man 's 3 -4 7 , but Zimbabwe's last two wickets added 60 runs to move the home team to a respectable score after it was 203-7 late on the first day and 237-8 overnight.

Pakistan won the first test by 221 runs and needs only a draw at Harare Sports Club to claim the twomatch series.

captain George Bailey said former asylumseeker Ahmed was unmoved by the row.

“I don't think it'd particularly worry Fawad,” Bailey said after Friday's washout in the first one-day international in Leeds. “I think he's probably had to deal with a lot more important things than what's on the front of his shirt.

Amla joins South African cricket's elite club JOHANNESBURG: Opening batsman Hashim Amla has joined an elite group to be voted South African Cricketer of the Year twice.

He also won the award three years ago and emulates all -rounder Jacques Kallis (2004, 2011) and retired fast bowler Makhaya Ntini (2005, 2006).

The right-hander was also named Test Cricketer of the Year and Fans' Cricketer of the Year and was honoured for his treble ton against England.

“It is not easy to keep finding special words to

speak about Hashim,” admitted Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

“He has set (postapartheid) South African record Test scores against England and Australia and is the first player to score a Test treble century for our country.”

Batsman-cumwicketkeeper AB de Villiers was named Players' Player of the Year and oneday international Cricketer of the Year.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn took the Twenty20 International Cricketer of the Year prize and fastmedium bowler Kyle Abbott was voted Newcomer of the Year.

The judges were South African cricket legend Graeme Pollock, a former franchise player and a broadcaster.

Brampton A's Announce First Foreign Player, Dipanjot Singh ORANGEVILLE, Ontario. – A week after adding two talented and versatile Canadians (Evaldas Zabas & Jameson Tipping) to the roster, the Brampton A's announced the signing of their first foreign player Dipanjot Singh.

Singh, born in the Punjabi region of India and raised in Evanston, IL comes with an amazing resume of perseverance, vision, and ultimately success. A solid High School player in Illinois, Singh had virtually no scholarship offers to play basketball at the university level.

He took his love of basketball to NCAA Division I, University of Illinois at Chicago, where he would "do anything to stay in the game" and offered to become a volunteer student manager (washing uniforms, sweeping the floor, and keeping stats in practice.) While playing pick up one day the Head Coach walked in and saw him doing well against his varsity players and asked him to be on the "scout squad" a nonroster spot, just for practice.

In addition to doing well and a roster

spot opening up over the summer, he was moved into a non-scholarship position of a walk-on by then coach Jimmy Collins. This role allowed him to dress, be on the bench, and travel with the team.

In his final season at UIC, new coach Howard Moore saw his potential and in response to a losing streak decided to put him in a game. He scored 10 points off the bench against Cleveland State University led by 2 time NBA Champion Norris Cole of the Miami Heat. Singh ultimately became a starter and one of the leading scorers on the team. He scored 17 points against the Horizon League’s top team UW Milwaukee in his first career start.

Dipanjot graduated and with one year of eligibility left took his talents to the University of Mass at Lowell (an NCAA Division II powerhouse), where he would lead them in to the NCAA tournament and work on his Post Grad Degree under head coach Greg Herenda.

A's head coach David Magley couldn't be more excited about Singh, "Dipanjot

came to a tryout in Indiana and really surprised us by how well he could shoot the ball and his overall 'feel for the game.' Like our first two signees (Evaldas and Jameson) he is not a 'position' he is a 'player' and as such can fill many roles on our roster."

Magley was unaware of his story until after he was signed and then became even more enthused, "It is rare that superstars live up to expectations but for a young man to go from student manager, to practice player, to walk-on, and starter of a good NCAA Division I team is almost never heard of.

He had a dream and simply would not quit until it was fulfilled. I am certain that playing professionally was something almost too far off to even think of, yet here he is.

This type of character on a roster is invaluable and I am completely confident that he will have a positive impact on all around him."

For his part, the humble Singh, puts it

this way, "I'm blessed to play professional basketball with the Brampton A's franchise in my rookie year. I am thankful to Coach David Magley for finding me and giving me this opportunity.

I am grateful to the owner James Tipping and everyone in the Brampton A's organization. My childhood dream was to play professional basketball and it has come true, and one day I plan to write a book about my journey. Maybe a NBL Canada Basketball Championship can be part of the story too. I am blessed and thankful for this opportunity."

The Brampton A's will begin their inaugural season November 1st and will be playing their games in the Powerade Centre and will be competing in the NBL, Canada's only professional basketball league.

The NBL is beginning its third full season and has teams in Windsor, London, Ottawa, Mississauga, Moncton, Halifax, PEI, and Saint John as well as Brampton.

September 12, 2013

06

'Riddick' illuminates box office with $18.7m debut third place in its expanded second weekend with $8.1 million, giving it a total of $20.1 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters.

6."One Direction: This Is Us," $4.1 million ($7.6 million international).

7."Elysium," $3.1 million ($21.2 million).

8."Blue Jasmine," $2.7 million.

"Typically, the weekend after Labor Day 9."Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters," is one of the slowest weekends of the year," $2.5 million ($6 million international). said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst 10."The World's End," $2.3 million. for Hollywood.com. "By Universal releasing Estimated weekend ticket sales Friday a brand-new sci-fi movie with one of the through Sunday at international theaters biggest stars in the world, they took (excluding the US and Canada) for films advantage of that and came out on top with the No. 1 movie. It gave the weekend a nice distributed overseas by Hollywood studios, according to Rentrak: boost."

1."Elysium," $21.2 million.

2."White House Down," $12.6 million.

3."We're the Millers," $9.9 million.

4."The Conjuring," $8.5 million.

5."One Direction: This Is Us," $7.6 million.

LOS ANGELES: "Riddick" is seeing light financing.

6."Riddick," $7.4 million. at the box office.

7."The Smurfs 2," $7.3 million.

"I don't think there were any mistakes 8."Planes," $7 million.

The sci-fi thriller starring Vin Diesel as made here," said Nikki Rocco, head of 9."Grown Ups 2," $6.7 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through an intergalactic criminal with built-in night distribution for Universal, which returned to Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, Universal and Focus are owned by vision debuted in first place with $18.7 the fold to distribute "Riddick" in North NBC Universal, a unit of Comcast Corp.; according to Hollywood.com. Where million, according to studio estimates America. "Vin wanted to do it. He had to do available, latest international numbers for Sony, Columbia, Sony Screen Gems and Sunday. "Riddick" is the third installment in it on his time. He was very, very busy with Sony Pictures Classics are units of Sony Friday through Sunday are also included. the series, following the $11.6 million debut `Fast & Furious,' and I think everything came Final domestic figures will be released on Corp.; Paramount is owned by Viacom Inc.; of 2000's "Pitch Black" and the $24.3 million together as he wanted it to come together."

Disney, Pixar and Marvel are owned by Monday. launch of 2004's "The Chronicles of The Walt Disney Co.; Miramax is owned

by Filmyard Holdings LLC; 20th Century Riddick."

"Riddick" also fared well internationally, 1."Riddick," $18.7 million ($7.4 Fox and Fox Searchlight are owned by bringing in an additional $7.4 million in 22 million international).

News Corp.; Warner Bros. and New Line "Riddick," which finds the alien anti-hero markets such as the United Kingdom and 2."Lee Daniels' The Butler," $8.9 are units of Time Warner Inc.; MGM is stranded and pursued by bounty hunters on a Hong Kong. million. owned by a group of former creditors hostile world, served as a passion project for 3."Instructions Not Included," $8.1 including Highland Capital, Anchorage Diesel and series writer-director David "Lee Daniels' The Butler" fell to second million.

Advisors and Carl Icahn; Lionsgate is Twohy. After the studio originally passed on place with $8.9 million in its fourth weekend 4."We're the Millers," $7.9 million owned by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.; funding a third chapter, the pair acquired the at the box office, bringing its total domestic ($9.9 million international). rights to the character from Universal and haul to $91.9 million. The Spanish-language 5."Planes," $4.3 million ($7 million IFC is owned by AMC Networks Inc.; Rogue is owned by Relativity Media LLC. independently secured their own film comedy "Instructions Not Included" earned International).

Dergarabedian said box office totals are up more than 26 percent this weekend over last year when "The Possession" scared up $9.3 million in the top spot in its fourth weekend. "Riddick" will face stiff competition next weekend when horror sequel "Insidious: Chapter 2" and "The Family" starring Robert De Niro and Tommy Lee Jones hit theaters.

In search for talent! makers will soon realise this.

This musical graphs and standards will soon see a gradual rise.

Anu himself comes from a musical family as his father was a music composer as well.

He himself has seen his ups and down in this often tough and competitive movie industry.

After getting a lot of awards and recognition for his filmy music tunes, lately he has not had a hit album.

As he himself has been a music composer since 1977 and in the 90s Anu composed hits for films like Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee, Baazigar and Jaanam.

The 2000s saw him winning the National Award for his music for J.P. Dutta's Refugee and the Film Fare S pe ci al J ur y A w ar d f or hi s outstanding music. He won the Filmfare Best Music Director Award for Main Hoon Na and Baazigar.

He was nominated 14 times for the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director.

He is known for his singing for his private albums like Dekho barish ho rahi hai, Tera Chehra, Dhua dhua and an English album, Eyes and has rendered his voice for some main stream movies as well.

Anu Malik a front line music director of the Indian movie industry also commonly known as bollywood, is currently visiting Ontario – Canada.

In conversation with him he reveals that he is on a talent search looking for possibly a great voice for Indian silver

screen.

He admits that music in Indian movies is not of the same standards as it used to be.

But is pretty confident that people still prefer the oldies and movie

Canada he claims is full of outstanding talent both for bollywood movie and music industry, and yet has to be fully explored by movie and music directors and composers.

We wish all participants Good Luck and also wish Anu Malik that his search bears fruits.

Harrison Ford interviews Indonesia's leader on environment JAKARTA: Hollywood actor Harrison Ford interviewed Indonesia's president on Tuesday about environmental degradation for a TV documentary on climate change.

Ford, known for his starring roles in the ''Indiana Jones'' and ''Star Wars'' films, is also an environmental activist and a director of Conservation International.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono explained Indonesia's commitment to preserving its oceans and forests, spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said.

Ford is in Indonesia for the production of a documentary series on climate change titled ''Years of Living Dangerously.''

He has visited several national forests and parks and interviewed activists, businesspeople and government officials, including Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan.

Hasan was reportedly angered over Ford's criticism of environmental damage to the country's forests.

Fires widely used to clear forested land are blamed for regional haze and worsening climate change.

He said Ford told him that Indonesian forests and parks had been severely damaged and were poorly protected. ''He was very emotional. His temper was high during the interview,'' the national Antara news agency quoted Hasan as saying.

Ford and his team have filmed stories behind land degradation, deforestation, and conservation in Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands.

Showtime's ''Years of Living Dangerously'' series explores the human impact of climate change and is a collaboration among Hollywood stars and journalists.

September 12, 2013

07

Happy birthday Asha Bhosle

Happy birthday Asha Bhosle - born September 8, 1933, commonly referred to as Ashaji, is an Indian singer. She is best known as a playback singer for Indian cinema, although she has a wider repertoire. Her career started in 1943 and has spanned over six decades. She has done playback singing for over a thousand Bollywood movies. In addition, she has recorded several private albums and participated in numerous solo concerts in India and abroad. Bhosle is the sister of legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Only because of Canada...

Lately everyone in Punjab is trying to figure out who exactly is Jassi Jasraj for one reason or the other. I met him few weeks ago in Brampton – Ontario on his recent visit to Canada and heard him well over a year ago and saw his music video on “Punjab burning” referring to 1984 riots (which the Sikhs claim as genocide) till date.

Perhaps never in the history of Punjabi Music Industry has any Singer targeted any other social issue like this, the way Jassi jasraj has done. Lately Jassi through his lyrics has also attacked Honey Singh for his vulgar and double meaning lyrics. Whether it is a right or wrong way it’s a matter of a never ending debate. Still needs to be seen how Honey Singh will react to all this, although he hasn't reacted till date, but for how long will he remain silent?

Jassi seems to be a level headed down to earth individual, when asked instead of attacking other singers or their questionable lyrics why not educate the general public to withdraw support to such work and just boycott it. He seemed to not have a genuine answer, but did nod seeming to be in agreement. He praised all Canadians for their hospitality & generosity shown towards him and acknowledged their large heartedness.

Ontario – Canada home to many Punjabis (both Indian & Pakistani) who do have a great appetite for their culture and by far the Sikh community leads in keeping these traditions alive, and this all is only possible through multiculturalism programmes available at all government levels in Canada.

Thanks Canada once again for letting us all be a part of you and accepting us with open arms.

September 12, 2013

08

NASA launches spacecraft to study Moon atmosphere Wallops Island, Virginia, Sept 07, 2013 NASA has launched an unmanned spacecraft that aims to study the Moon's atmosphere, the US space agency's third lunar probe in five years.

Blazing a red path in the night sky, the spacecraft lifted off at 11:27 pm (Saturday 0327 GMT) aboard a converted Air Force ballistic missile known as the Minotaur V rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

“The spacecraft is in good health and a good orbit at this point,” said NASA commentator George Diller about half an hour after the launch.

The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) hopes to learn more about the atmosphere and dust while circling the Moon.

Launch manager Doug Voss said the maiden mission for the five-stage rocket operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation was “nearly picture-perfect.”

“It's quite a great ending to what has been a fantastic mission, a very unique mission.”

When US astronauts last walked on the Moon four decades ago, they learned that dust could be a huge problem for sensitive spacecraft and equipment, said space expert John Logsdon.

“If we were ever to go there with people for long duration, the dust gets in everything. It's not smooth dust like a piece of sand on the beach. It's made of very, very small fragments,” said Logsdon, a NASA adviser and former director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University.

“All the Apollo crews complained about t he l unar dust get t i ng everywhere.”US astronauts first walked on the Moon in 1969, and the last explorers of the Apollo era visited in 1972.

The Moon's atmosphere is so thin that its molecules do not collide, in what is known as an exosphere. Exploring that exosphere will be a $280 million solar and lithium battery-powered spacecraft about the size of a small car - nearly eight feet (2.4 meters) tall and five feet wide. The journey to the Moon will take a full month.

When the spacecraft first enters the Moon's orbit on October 6, it will cruise at a height of about 155 miles (250 kilometers) for 40 days, and then move lower at 12.4 to 37.3 miles from the surface for the science portion of its mission.

It is carrying an Earth-to-Moon laser beam technology demonstration and three main tools, including a neutral mass spectrometer to measure chemical variations in the lunar atmosphere and other tools to analyze exosphere gasses and lunar dust grains.

“These measurements will help scientists address longstanding mysteries, including: was lunar dust, electrically charged by solar ultraviolet light, responsible for the pre-sunrise horizon glow that the Apollo astronauts saw?”NASA said.

Other instruments will seek out water molecules in the lunar atmosphere.

One hundred days into the science portion of the mission, LADEE will make a death plunge into the Moon's surface.

The spacecraft was made in a modular design that aims to “ease the manufacturing and assembly process” and “drastically reduce the cost of spacecraft development,” NASA said. This module could pave the way for unmanned probes to an asteroid or to Mars, as well as future Moon probes, though none are planned for now.

LADEE was conceived when NASA was planning to return humans to the Moon as part of the Constellation program, which President Barack Obama cancelled in 2010 for being over budget and redundant in its goals. NASA's next big human exploration project plans to send humans to Mars by the 2030s.

Recent NASA robotic missions include the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which returned troves of images detailing the Moon's cratered surface, and the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL), which revealed how being pummeled by asteroids resulted in the Moon's uneven patches of gravity.

A previous NASA satellite, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS), discovered water ice when it impacted in 2009, the space agency said.

Bangladesh Nobel laureate Yunus faces legal row over taxes takeover of Grameen.

Bhuiyan told reporters that the cabinet order came after it went through a report by the NBR which said that Yunus had taken tax exemptions of $2 million on earnings of $7 million between 2004 and 2011.

Bhuiyan said that the tax benefits were not in accordance with the law.

“As a public servant, he did not take prior permission to go abroad, so the NBR thinks the money he earned from abroad and the income tax facility he has taken were not according to the rules,” he told reporters.

“The cabinet decided to take necessary measures against the irregularities as per the country's law”, said Bhuiyan.

Yunus, who jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize with the bank in 2006 for economic and social development, was fired as head of the bank in 2011 for exceeding the mandatory retirement age of 60.

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s cabinet has ordered “legal action” against 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of avoiding taxes on income from awards, book royalties and foreign tours.

Yunus's office denied the allegations by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the country's tax authority, calling them “baseless”. It said the micro-credit pioneer has paid all taxes according to Bangladesh's laws.

The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has asked the tax administration, central bank and banking regulators to take the action in line with “existing laws”, cabinet secretary Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan announced Monday.

Yunus, who set up Grameen Bank in 1983 and made it a global success story in tackling poverty, was sacked from the microfinance bank in 2011.

His dismissal was widely seen as orchestrated by Hasina who was enraged

by Yunus’s brief entry into politics in 2007.

The latest order comes in the wake of a series of statements by Yunus, regarded as a national hero by many, calling for elections under a caretaker administration – a key demand of the country’s opposition.

In recent weeks, major political parties, including the main opposition, have rallied around Yunus after a government commission suggested a state

He challenged the move in court but lost. The court ruled that the bank was a government institution, not a private bank owned by its lenders, as Yunus and his lawyers have maintained.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a personal friend, heaped praise on Yunus during a visit to Dhaka in May last year and urged Hasina's government to maintain “an environment where civil society groups operate freely”.

September 12, 2013

09

Missing Nato containers: One-man-commission submits report to SC KARACHI: Former member of Customs, Ramzan Bhatti, on Wednesday submitted his fact finding report regarding smuggling of arms and ammunition as well as evasion of duty on different items at Karachi Port and Port Qasim.

The controversy over the disappearance of thousands of containers surfaced after an inquiry into the matter was ordered by the court on a claim made by Director General of

A Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, tasked the commission to ascertain:

Bhatti submitted his sealed report to the Supreme Court, Karachi Registry in compliance with the order passed on August 30 by the larger bench of the apex court in the case pertaining to law and order situation in Karachi.

Earlier on Tuesday, senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and former minister for ports and shipping Babar Ghauri filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking to become party in the case.

Sindh Rangers Maj-Gen Rizwan Akhtar that 19,000 containers had been stolen from the Karachi Port when Ghauri was the ports and shipping minister.

(a) As to whether arms or ammunition are brought or smuggled through the sea and what are the possible measures and ways to be adopted to stop it.

(b) Who can be held responsible for the smuggling of arms and ammunition in the country through ships, vessels as well as launches and what are the reasons for not preventing the smuggling of the same. (c) As to whether the Customs officials posted at the Ports of Bin Qasim and Karachi manage to recover hundred per cent customs duty and the revenue or there are certain mechanisms on the basis of which these duties are evaded, which cause loss to the public exchequer and ultimately such black money is used for illegal activities and promoting crimes in the country.

MQM's ex-MPA arrested; Karachi shuts down

Ontario Continues To Reduce Deficit September 10, 2013 Total Government Spending Falls For First Time In More Than A Decade Ontario's 2012-13 deficit is $9.2 billion, $5.6 billion lower than projected in the 2012 Budget, including a further reduction of $0.6 billion since the 2013 Budget. For the first time in more than a decade, total government reported spending, due in part to one-time savings, fell from the previous year. At $122.6 billion, spending was $3.8 billion less than planned and 0.1 per cent lower than in 2011-12.

With this significant achievement, the government continues its strong track record of improving on the deficit projections through a balanced approach of fiscal discipline, responsible management, and strategic investments.

This fall, the Minister of Finance will continue to engage with people and business on the Path to Jobs and Growth Tour.

Ontario remains committed to controlling its spending but will also continue to invest in initiatives to create jobs and grow the economy while protecting health care and education. This approach will help achieve the government's goal of returning to a balanced budget by 201718.

MPP Kwinter Asks Legislature to Reaffirm Ontario’s Commitment to Religious Freedom (Queen's Park) York Centre Liberal MPP, Monte Kwinter, has introduced a Motion in the Legislature calling on all MPPs to oppose the introduction of any legislation in Ontario that restricts or prohibit people's freedom of expression and religion in public places.

The motion will be debated and voted upon by all MPPs in the Legislature in the afternoon of Thursday, September 19th.

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain condemned the arrest of a former provincial legislator belonging to the party, Nadeem Hashmi, whereas a shutdown was observed in Karachi and in some areas of Hyderabad on Wednesday, DawnNews reported.

In a statement issued from the MQM's London secretariat, Altaf claimed that the Sindh government was conducting one-sided action against the MQM office bearers and activists and asked the provincial government to explain the reasons and clauses of the law under which the former Member of Provincial Assembly was taken into custody by law enforcers. The MQM chief further said that he had always advised his party workers to remain calm and patient and appealed for the same today.

Altaf Hussain's statement concluded with the remarks that he had handed over the responsibilty, for the resolution of issues faced by party, its workers and citizens at large, to the members of the Rabita committee and the Tanzeemi (organising) sector, according to the MQM's official website.

The MQM chief said that those given the responsibility were completely independant in making their decisions and he hoped that they would make their deicions with complete honesty while remaining withing the parametres of party discipline, the statement added.

An emergency session of the MQM's Rabita (coordination) committee was also held at the party's London and Karachi headquarters to decide the further course of action to be taken over the arrest of party members. Nadeem Hashmi was arrested late on Tuesday over suspected

involvement in the murders of two policemen in Karachi's North Nazimabad area and was subsequently shifted to the Pirabad police station. Reports say Hashmi is accused of firing on a police mobile in Karachi’s Haideri area on Tuesday in which the two policemen were killed.

Federal Information MInister Pervez Rasheed said chief minister Sindh was supervising the operation in Karachi. He further said that all parties including the Pakistan Peopls Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) and the MQM were consulted over the Karachi issue and that all steps taken in the city were with the consensus of all parties.

Rasheed added that certain decisions were made which had to be implemented.

Earlier on Wednesday, Sindh Assembly's deputy opposition leader belonging to the MQM, Khwaja Izharul Hasan, along with several other party members reached the Pirabad police station to inquire about the details regarding the arrest of their colleague.

Hasan alleged that instead of targeting criminal elements, the operation was being conducted against the MQM and requested Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to take notice of the incident.

He further said that the party was being punished for demanding the handing over of Karachi's administration to the Army and that the MQM was not against conducting of targeted operation.

Izhar also claimed that the arrest of 'innocent' workers had raised questions

over the neutrality of the operation.

Karachi shutdown Tension engulfed the city as markets, businesses, shops and fuel stations shut down in several areas after the arrest of the former lawmaker was reported on tv news channels. Public transport and traffic remained sparse on roads.

Moreover, Karachi Transport Ittehad declared that buses would remain off the roads.

The All Private School Management Association (APSMA) announced a closure of all private schools in Karachi and students were returned to their homes.

Academic and administrative activities at the Sindh Madrasa-tul-Islam, Karachi University and Federal Urdu University stood suspended and all exams scheduled for the day were announced as postponed. The next date of examinations would be announced later. Meanwhile, two persons were killed in separate incidents of gun-related violence in Malir and Abul Hassan Ispahani road areas of the city. Moreover, a vehicle was torched near Nasir Jump area in Karachi's Korangi locality.

Another vehicle was set on fire near Rabia City in Gulistan-i-Jauhar area of Karachi whereas a truck was set alight near Two-Minute Chowrangi in Karachi's North Karachi area. Similarly the situation in Sindh's Hyderabad city also tenured tense as markets, shops and schools partially closed down in the city.

Rangers personnel patrolled the streets of Hyderabad and engaged in checking of vehicles and pedestrians in the city.

“I’m calling on all MPPs from all parties to stand up and reaffirm that the government of Ontario would oppose any legislation that would restrict or prohibit people’s freedom of expression and religion in public places,” said Kwinter. “Ontarians are proud of the diversity of this province and they are equally proud of the freedoms of religious expression we all share. I am committed to an Ontario where all people are respected and our diversity is celebrated.”

Kwinter was joined at the press conference by a number of his colleagues in the Ontario Liberal Caucus.

Increasing Financial Accountability and September 9, 2013 Ontario First Province to Introduce Legislation to Establish a Financial Accountability Officer The Ontario government will introduce legislation to establish a Financial Accountability Officer, an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly. Ontario is the first province in Canada to introduce this oversight measure.

If the legislation is passed, the Financial Accountability Officer would provide independent analysis to all MPPs about the state of the province's finances, including the Ontario Budget, as well as trends in the provincial and national economies.

In addition, at the request of a legislative committee or an MPP, other types of research could be provided by the officer, including the financial cost or benefit to the province of any public bill.

The Financial Accountability Officer could also be asked to review and estimate the financial cost or benefit to the province of any proposal that relates to a matter over which the Legislature has jurisdiction, such as the establishment of a new program.

Increasing financial openness is part of the government's plan to work collaboratively, attract investment, create jobs and help people in their everyday lives.

September 12, 2013

10 Ontario Gains 43,600 Jobs in August Ontario’s Economy Expands and Creates Jobs Ontario's economy continued to gain strength as the provincial government continued its focus on job creation and economic growth.

In August, the province gained 43,600 jobs, the second largest gain made in a month since 2009. Youth employment rose by 13,300 jobs.

Employment in Ontario has increased by 477,300 net jobs from a low in June 2009, with full-time employment up 442,200.

This means Ontario has recovered all the jobs lost during the recession and continues to outpace the United States and all of the Great Lakes States in job creation since June 2009.

Ontario is focused on creating the right climate to attract investment and build a strong, innovative economy that provides jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all.

Malala vows to step up fight for children’s education THE HAGUE: Pakistani teen Malala Yousafzai, shot in the head last year by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' education, vowed Friday to intensify her struggle for “a world where everyone can go to school.”

Speaking at a ceremony in The Hague, where she was awarded the 2013 International Children's Peace Prize, Malala said last October's attack on her had made her more determined than ever to continue her campaign. “I was just one target for their violence,” Malala said in her acceptance speech, referring to her near-fatal shooting when a Taliban gunman's bullet grazed her brain.

“There are many others for whom we must continue... so that children all over the world can have a right to go to school,” she said to thunderous

applause. Malala, 16, received her prize from the 2011 Nobel Peace laureate, Yemeni journalist and activist Tawakkol Karman, who told a humbled Malala “you are my hero.”

“You cried: 'No one can stop me or any girl from learning',” Karman told Malala, speaking in Arabic in an address praising the Pakistani teen's achievement. “The bullet aimed at your head at that moment was a milestone in the history of your country,” Karman said at the ceremony at the historic Knight's Hall near the Dutch parliament. After she was shot, Malala was given lifesaving treatment in Britain where she now lives. Her brave fight for survival and her speech at the United Nations in July have made her a leading contender for this year's Nobel Peace

Prize. But the response to her in Pakistan has been mixed, with many hailing her as a national heroine while others have criticised her for promoting a “Western” agenda.

The International Children's Peace Prize, an initiative of the Dutch-based KidsRights Foundation, was launched in 2005 and set off by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev when he chaired the Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome. It carries a cash value of 100,000 euros ($133,000) that is invested in projects relating to the winner's cause. Last year's winner was 13-year-old Cris “Kesz” Valdez for his work with Filipino street children while he himself was destitute.

Nisar says Karachi ‘operation’ to start in two days KARACHI: The federal cabinet empowered Rangers on Wednesday to lead a targeted operation in the next "one to two days" with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies in hundreds of lists for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.

meeting that the Rangers force would be given special prosecution powers to aid them in acting against miscreants.

A second committee would be formed comprising federal minister Zahid Hamid, Farogh Naseem of the Muttahida Qaumi

and the media will also be formed to monitor the overall operation. “Members of this committee will be honest members of the civil society and notable representatives of the media who will identify if any wrongful arrests are made,” said Nisar.

Explaining the decision to equip Rangers with the power of prosecution and investigation, the minister said Rangers had complained that people arrested for alleged involvement in crimes were freed after some time.

A committee led by the provincial chief minister would “manage, administer and control” the operation, he said, however he emphasised on calling it a targeted action or "exercise" rather than an operation.

Earlier during the cabinet session, the prime minister had also stressed on calling it a “concerted campaign” against lawlessness and terrorism in the city rather than an operation.

Sharif expressed concern at the deteriorating law and order situation, although he ruled out a possibility of deploying military troops in the metropolis.

The Sindh police came under intense criticism during the session for the ‘political recruitments’ in its ranks.

The prime minister said that the common man had lost faith in the police force.

Announcing the details of the plan, Nisar told reporters that targeted action would be taken against criminals involved in the “four heinous crimes of target-killing, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism”.

Rangers would lead the operation while police and the federal and provincial intelligence agencies would support them, he said.

He said the prime minister had held detailed meetings with top government officials and heads of law enforcement authorities, and it was decided at the cabinet

In reply to a question, the minister said Rangers had been deployed in Sindh since 1996 on the request of the provincial government.

Not only Rangers but other federal agencies also would be working under the command of the Sindh chief minister.

This is one of a few important decisions taken at a special session of the federal cabinet after extensive consultation for two days by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with all stakeholders, including Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, leaders of different political parties, representatives of business community and media persons at the Governor’s House.

After a briefing by directors general of ISI, IB, Rangers and IG Police to the prime minister on the law and order situation in Karachi, followed by the cabinet meeting, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali told newsmen that some of the cabinet decisions were not being made public because of their sensitivity, but they would be reflected through their implementation.

on national issues”.

Answering another question, Chaudhry Nisar said the government wanted to evolve a system brick by brick instead of taking cosmetic measures to hoodwink the masses.

Karachi was not only the capital of Sindh but also the most important city of Pakistan and all decisions were taken by the cabinet in light of the decisions of the Supreme Court, he observed.

Chaudhry Nisar said the government might seek guidance from the apex court about cabinet decisions, including about militant wings of certain political parties, which were not being made public.

Movement, and the prosecutor general to look at the legal aspect. Nisar said the committee would propose legal recommendations for the law of evidence and other provisions to give grant investigation and prosecution powers to the paramilitary force in Karachi.

“We have spoken to Rangers officials and have been informed of deficiencies in the system. Measures would soon be taken to fill these gaps,” he said.

Nisar said at least one police station in every district of the city would be assigned as a focal police station where Rangers would be made part of investigations into the ‘four heinous crimes.

A smaller operational committee, headed by DG Rangers Sindh Maj-Gen Rizwan Akhtar and comprising the Inspector General of Sindh Police and representatives of intelligence agencies, would meet almost daily to monitor the operational activities.

“We are going through a unique experience here by getting united despite having different political affiliations.

Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah thanked the prime minister and his cabinet for extending cooperation to the provincial government to improve the law and order situation in Karachi.

We are proceeding with commonality of interest,” the interior minister said while referring to the consensus developed among all stakeholders.

The prime minister held meetings with different sections of people with the same spirit, he added.

He recalled that the prime minister had reiterated on Tuesday that “we are here only to find a way out of Karachi violence”.

He said all parties which met the premier had agreed that there was no need for the army’s deployment in the city.

“The prime minister has made it clear that politicising the Karachi issue is a sin to him.”

“All of us agreed that let Rangers and police work effectively and deliver,” he added.

Chaudhry Nisar clarified that the centre had put the provincial government in the driver’s seat for improving law and order in Karachi because it had the mandate of people.

Maintaining that the intervention by the federal government had not hurt provincial autonomy, the chief minister said all the measures decided by the federal cabinet were “result-oriented” and apolitical in nature.

“We respect the mandate of PPP, MQM and all other parties represented here.”

The interior minister said the first meeting of the committee would be called as soon as he returns to Islamabad.

If any of the stakeholders in Sindh was sidelined, there would be political infighting which would ultimately distract the government from its path, he said.

The interior minister said orders had been issued to revamp the provincial police force which has come under intense criticism for poor performance.

He said most of the crimes were being committed because of unregistered Sims as cellular phone companies were not following the rules while selling them.

“We have ordered and authorised the IGP to revamp the police… and not only identify weaknesses but also elements in its ranks which are in cahoots with terrorists and criminals.

Chaudhry Nisar said the IGP would identify a police station under whose jurisdiction heinous crimes were being committed before launching the action by Rangers.

These individuals should not only be terminated from duty but also arrested,” he said.

An “outer monitoring committee” comprising of members of the civil society

UNITED WE STAND: He said the action being initiated now would be a new experience because operations were launched in the past when one party ruled at the centre and another in the province.

It would be a message that “we are united

“All political parties, as well as the prime minister, have a one-point agenda – law and order.”

Governor Ishratul Ibad asked the media to help law enforcement agencies in restoring law and order in the city because all measures were being taken without political considerations.

He said the PPP, MQM, PML-N had their own priorities, but as far as Karachi was concerned all parties had a one-point agenda: restoration of peace and tranquility in the city and rest of the province.

—With reporting by Asif Mahmood

September 12, 2013

11

Zardari to get guard of honour tomorrow He will return to Islamabad the following day to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new president.

During his last few days in the presidency, Mr Zardari received a number of farewell receptions and met a number of people, including diplomats, politicians and senior civil and military officials who congratulated him on completing his term.

In a rare show of political maturity, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hosted a farewell for Mr Zardari at Prime Minister’s House on Thursday and Mr Zardari reciprocated the gesture by assuring the PML-N government of his party’s full support during the next five years.

Another farewell reception was hosted by the opposition in the parliament building on Wednesday.

The last PPP government had given a guard of honour to former President Gen Pervez Musharraf in 2008 and it was severely criticised for this.

He has the distinction of addressing the joint sitting of the parliament six times.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari will leave the presidency on Sunday on completion of his tenure and will attend the oath-taking ceremony of President-elect Mamnoon Hussain on Monday as a citizen.

“The president will come out of the presidency on Sunday evening and will be escorted to the saluting dais outside the building where he will be given a guard of honour,” according to presidency’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar.

Mr Zardari is the first elected president to complete his five-year term.

After the guard of honour, he will go straight to the airport to fly to Lahore where he will chair a meeting of leaders and workers of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at the party secretariat the same day.

According to sources in the PPP, leaders and workers will gather in Lahore from all over the country to receive Mr Zardari.

President’s spokesman said that during his five-year term President Zardari faced many ups and downs and faced severe criticism from media and opposition on various issues, including Surrey Palace, money laundering scam, Hussain Haqqani memo, holding dual office, removal of two chairmen of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and US raid in Abbottabad in which Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was killed.

Arrest warrants issued for ‘One Pound Fish’ man The court ordered to produce Nazir before it on September 29.

Nazir reached number 29 in the British pop charts for “One Pound Fish,” which he originally composed to encourage shoppers at the market in east London where he worked to part with a pound (around $1.60) for a fish.

The song became a YouTube hit after someone filmed him singing it at the market and Warner Music signed him up for a record deal in the hope of getting the coveted Christmas number one spot in the charts.

LAHORE: A local banking court Friday issued bailable arrest warrants for Shahid Nazir, the One Pound Fish famed, on a criminal complaint filed by a leasing company.

Banking Court-Lahore IV, Judge Khalid Nawaz issued the order on a criminal complaint filed by Orix Leasing Company in a recovery suit of Rs6.6 million against the one hit wonder.

On his return to Pakistan in December, hundreds of people showed up at Lahore airport to shower him with rose petals, and he has since adapted “One Pound Fish” to promote phone services in TV and radio adverts.

According to details, Nazir being owner

of Rajpoot Goods Transport acquired a loan of Rs6.6 million from the leasing company for purchasing trailers in 2007.

The leasing company had to file a recovery suit after Nazir failed to reimburse the loan payments. However, he later made a deal with the company and agreed to pay Rs1.34 million through 11 cheques of Rs94,000 each.

The cheques nonetheless were found bogus and the company subsequently filed the criminal complaint for legal action against the singer.

On the last hearing, the court had issued notices to Nazir for appearance which he refused to receive and also failed to appear before the court today.

By taking a strict notice of the matter, the court has issued bailable arrest warrants for Shahid Nazir and ordered to produce him on September 29.

Eyes Weakness and Disease, Protection and cure excess water and place one pad over each juice, is effective in all ailments moisture is evaporated completely. Once eye. If you wear contact lenses, they must connected with eyes and optic nerves. It is cool, use it for massaging the head. be removed beforehand. good for weak eyes, ulceration of the cornea, cataracts, conjunctivitis and opthalmia or sluggishness of the pupil.

Eyes Having Dark Circles Around

Eyesight Weakness

 Mix seeds of cardamom along with 1 tablespoon honey. Eat every day.

Boil 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves along with ½ cup moong dal and 10 small onions and eat regularly.

Them

 Take one teaspoon tomato juice, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric Powder equal quantities of liquorice and powder & and a little gram flour. Make a cumin. Take ¼ teaspoon every day along paste & apply. Leave for 10 minutes and with 1 teaspoon honey for a month. wash.  Drink tomato juice with a few mint Eye Strain Due To Computer, leaves, little lemon juice and salt.

TV Watching Cataract Eyes Burning Soak cotton wool in cucumber or potato Boil ½ teaspoon fennel seeds in a cup of The herb is useful in the treatment of  Mash 1 ripe banana along with a little juice and apply around the eyes. You will water till it is reduced to half. Cool. Use cataract. In such case, 6 grams of curd and water; take twice a day. find a change in 2-3 weeks. as eye drops. Caution: Beware of ‘Aniseed’ should be taken daily in the  Mix equal quantities of fenugreek contamination. morning and evening. The other way of seed powder along Shikakai powder for taking this herb is to powder an equal washing hair: Wash Frequently. weight of aniseed and coriander seeds and  Grind an onion with 1 teaspoon each Eyes – TIRED to mix it with an equal weight of black pepper and poppy seeds soaked in Lavender oil offers gentle relief for tired unrefined sugar. About 12 gram doses of ½ cup milk. Apply this paste on the head. and strained eyes. Add a drop of lavender this mixture is to be taken in the morning Allow it to dry for 15 – 20 minutes. Wash and evening. oil to 500 ml (2 ½ cups) of water and in warm water. shake the solution well. Dip two cotton EYE Disorders Mix the juice of bottle gourd and sesame wool pads in the liquid, squeeze out the Raw parsley juice, mixed with carrot oil in the ratio of 4:1, and heat till the

Eyes Aching

September 12, 2013

12

Talks with Turkey on PTA next week ISLAMABAD: Ahead of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Turkey, top officials of Pakistan and Turkey will assemble in Ankara to break the deadlock over a bila-teral trade agreement despite a lapse of around 10 years.

However, no concrete understanding had been reached over these items to be

Pakistan is, however, asking for placement of those products on the

Both the sides have the potential to explore possibilities of investment opportunities in the fields of defence industry, food processing and packing, automotive industry and auto parts, household appliances, construction material, textiles, leather machinery and finished products, sports goods and surgical instruments.

A high-level technical delegation will leave early next week for Turkey to start crucial talks scheduled for Sept 11-12 to sort out differences on tradable items lists and other modalities of the treaty.

This meeting will be followed by a visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who will be accompanied by a business delegation in the middle of the current month.

The date for the premier’s visit is yet to be finalised, an official in the commerce ministry said. Both the sides had launched talks on the preferential trade agreement in 2004, but could not develop consensus over modalities and lists of items for trading between the two nations despite having good political relations.

So far four rounds of technical level meetings have been held on the PTA without any substantial progress. An official in the commerce ministry told Dawn that the two countries have already exchanged lists of tradable items.

The Turkish businessmen may also be invited for investment in Pakistan export processing zones and agriculture export processing zones.

considered for duty reduction.

Experts say Turkey wants to offer only those items on the concessional list under the proposed PTA which were already at lower rates or were exempted from duty and taxes.

It is also reluctant to offer real cut in duty of those items which are of interest to Pakistan, especially the textile and clothing products.

HUDAK APPOINTS TWO KEY PLAYERS QUEEN’S PARK – Toronto’s former deputy mayor, Doug Holyday, was today assigned

by Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak to wreak havoc on the spendthrift ways of the McGuinty-Wynne Liberals.

On his second official day in the Ontario Legislature following his by-election breakthrough in EtobicokeLakeshore on Aug. 1, Holyday was named the party’s government accountability critic, a vital post aimed at safeguarding Ontario taxpayers from further Liberal abuse.

“It’s a big role, and he’s the perfect guy for the job” said Hudak.

“Doug will be responsible for making sure every penny the Liberals spend is spent wisely – not just on ‘Toronto issues,’ which obviously i ncl u de s su bw a ys a n d gridlock, ’ but province-wide.

“He will be our point man ensuring Management Board is accountable and, with 30

tariff areas, there is potential for elimination of non-tariff barriers for each other, reciprocal participation in trade fairs and exhibitions and organising trade delegation programmes.

concessional list which attract more than 15pc duty at the import stage.

According to experts, Turkey has nominal things in the basket to offer for duty reduction because of Ankara customs union agreement with European Union on the manufacturing products.

Turkey is also reluctant to offer maximum on agriculture products because of protection to local producers.In the non-

Both sides can also explore the possibility of setting up a regular shipping line between Karachi and Istanbul.

Pakistan could seek market access for rice, vegetables, some processed food and fisheries to Turkey.

Pakistan can also seek market access for skilled and un-skilled labour, or commercial presence of Pakistani service providers in the Turkish market.

Malala painting unveiled at London's National Portrait Gallery

years of municipal experience putting taxpayer dollars first, he knows what strategies will work and which ones won`t.

PREMIER NAMES NEW P ARLIAMENTARY A SSISTANTS TO J OIN H ER T EAM

“T hi s makes Doug Holyday a very key player in our continuing focus on bringing prosperity back to Ontario.”

Stepping into the key role of finance critic, as also announced today by Hudak, is Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, the popular former mayor of North Bay who successfully l a u nch ed a gr as sr oo t s campaign to reverse the United States’ Buy American campaign.

As Ontarians know, Fedeli also played an instrumental part in uncovering the truth, and the incredible $1-billion waste in taxpayers’ dollars, brought on by partisan politics of the Liberals and their audacious cancelling of the gas-fired electrical plants.

Three Ontario MPPs Take on New Roles

As the Legislature resumed, three Ontario MPPs are taking on new duties to help Premier Kathleen Wynne and her team build a better Ontario. Three MPPs will take on new portfolios as parliamentary assistants:

 LONDON: The first painted portrait of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' education, goes on show at the National Portrait Gallery in London on Wednesday.

The one-metre height picture by Jonathan Yeo, one of Britain's leading portrait painters, shows the 16-year-old doing her homework. It will be on display until January, when it will be sold to raise money for Malala's campaign for the right to girls to go to school, the gallery said.

Yeo painted Malala in Britain where she has settled since the attack in her home town in Swat in October, and he said it had been a “privilege”. “Given how much she has already been through and all that she represents to the world, it took a while to adjust to the fact that she is still a very fragile teenager,” he said.

“Hopefully the painting reflects the slight paradox of representing someone with enormous power and wisdom yet vulnerability and youth at the same time.”

Joe Dickson becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration  Mitzie Hunter is appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services  John Fraser becomes Parliamentary Assistant to both t he Mini st er of Nat ur al Resources as well as the Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

The three will work with ministers on key government priorities, with a particular focus on fostering economic growth, helping create good jobs and helping people in their everyday lives.