Canadian Pakistani Times by CanadianPakistaniTimes

Canadian Pakistani Times GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES COMING INTO FORCE OF THE CITIZEN'S ARREST AND SELF -DEFENCE

Thursday

March14, 2013

Volume 1, 49

Pakistani Canadians Pray for Abbas Town Karachi Victims & Peace In Pakistan.

TORONTO – March 11, 2013 – Today, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, M.P. for Calgary Southeast and Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, announced that Bill C-26, the Citizen's Arrest and Self-defence Act, has come into force. "The Harper Government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. Canadians want to know that they are able to protect themselves against criminal acts and that the justice system is behind them, not against them," said Minister Nicholson. "Those who have been the victim of a crime should not be revictimized by the criminal justice system." "Our Government is proud to stand up for honest, hard-working Canadians against thieves and criminals," said Minister Kenney. "The so-called Lucky Moose Bill does this by reinforcing the right of business owners, like David Chen, to protect their property. Our Government will continue to stand up for law-abiding Canadians." Before today, the citizen's arrest laws were too restrictive and allowed a citizen's arrest to be made only if an individual was caught actively engaged in a criminal offence on or in relation to one's property. The new legislation expands the existing power to make a citizen's arrest. An owner, a person in lawful possession of property, or a person authorized by them is now allowed to arrest a person within a reasonable amount of time after having found a person committing a criminal offence either: on their property (e.g. the offence occurs in their yard); or in relation to their property (e.g. their property is stolen from a public parking lot).

A prayer service held today 8t h March 2013 for the victims of Abbas Town Karachi –Pakistan @ Consulate of Pakistan Toronto. Pakistanis came in reasonable numbers to pay their respects

even being a working day. A great step taken by the Pakistan mission in Toronto-Canada to bring all under one roof for a very worthy cause.

Universal Peace Federation (UPF) met in Toronto to

The new citizen's arrest authority only applies in circumstances when it is not feasible for a police officer to make the arrest. The police continue to be Canada's first and foremost criminal law enforcement body. This legislation also reforms the "self -defence" and "defence of property" provisions in the Criminal Code, which the police, prosecutors and the courts have acknowledged to be confusing and overly complex. These provisions have been simplified to more easily determine whether individuals who claim to have defended themselves, others, or their property, should be convicted of a criminal offence. This legislation is in keeping with the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which is one of four priorities identified by the Prime Minister. This Plan focuses on tackling crime, victims' rights, and fair and efficient justice. An online version of the Citizen's Arrest and Self-defence Act is available at www.parl.gc.ca. (http://goo.gl/eHCHe) Backgrounder: Citizen's Power of Arrest and Self-Defence and Defence of Property What You Need to Know About Making a Citizen's Arrest

This particular UPF world summit in Seoul Korea would be remembered as an exemplary event in the history of Universal Peace Federation (UPF). The reason is being

the participation of dignitaries from all walks of life including fourteen heads of different states, numerous former diplomats, politicians, p...eace makers, and human right

activists, religious and cultural leaders belonging to diverse regions, religions and culture from ninety one nations attended. The basic principles of foundation which guide

UPF leaders have produced fabulous results for the purpose of making peace among the diverse religious and cultural leaders of the world.

March 14, 2013

Hundreds of widows who have been abandoned by their families live in the shelter, or ashram, run by the NGO Sulabh International. In India, when a man dies, traditionally his widow is expected to renounce all earthly pleasures, such as we...aring colourful clothes or looking attractive, and she can face severe social discrimination. S u l a b h International, a nonprofit organisation has been working towards improving the conditions of 1,780-odd widows living in government shelters at Vrindavan by providing education, health care , vocational training and stipends. I s s u e s surrounding the treatment of women are receiving special attention on March 8, which marks International Women’s Day. Photos and Text Agencies PESHAWAR: Mr. James Fluker, Commercial Counselor at the US Embassy in Islamabad, held a session at the KP Chamber of Commerce and Industry to help local businesses understand how to be competitive in US markets. Mr. Fluker’s visit to Peshaw...ar was a part of a US initiative to help Pakistani executives take advantage of these opportunities to grow their business. “The United States is the largest and most open economy to trade and investment in the world,” said Mr. Fluker. “In fact, the United States government allows Pakistani businesses to export more than 3,500 items to the US without paying any duties on them, including jewelry, most manufactured items, and many types of carpets, agricultural products, minerals, and marble. It is clear to us that trade, investment, and private sector growth are key to the future of the US-Pakistan relationship.” The US Commercial Service is

the trade promotion office of the US government. It connects US exporters with international buyers through a network of 100 offices in the United States, and in over 70 cities around the world, including offices in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. It also helps Pakistani buyers locate US products, services, and business partners; meet suppliers and partners faceto-face; and participate in trade shows that feature thousands of US companies. In June 2013, an official US government led delegation of Pakistani business executives will travel to the International Franchise Expo in New York City. “We are grateful to the US government for their financial and technical support in numerous development plans,” said Chamber President Dr. M. Yousaf Sarwar. “American support will play a vital role in reviving the business activities in the province and bringing

economic prosperity Pakhtunkhwa.”

Khyber

Two-way trade between Pakistan and the United States was more than $5 billion in 2012. Pakistan exports more products to the United States than to any other country in the world. In fact, American consumers purchased almost 20 per cent of Pakistan’s exports last year. The United States also consistently ranks among the top sources of foreign direct investment in Pakistan. This initiative was just one part of a comprehensive US economic growth assistance program which includes expanding irrigation by more than 200,000 acres near the Gomal Zam and Satpara dams; constructing more than 1,000 km of roads to connect communities and facilitate trade; modernising dairy farms in Punjab; and launching private equity investment funds to help small and medium businesses grow.See More

Women’s Day was on 8th March 2013 in Brampton -Ontario - Canada. MPP Linda Jeffrey of Brampton Springdale hosted an event which was attended by women from all diverse communities.

March 14, 2013

Alleged blasphemy: Mob wrecks Lahore neighbourhood. Angry demonstraters torch Christians' belongings during a protest over a blasphemy row in a Christian neighborhood in Badami Bagh area of Lahore - Pakistan on March 9, 2013. (Photo By Agencies)

Shivaratri festival: A Hindu Sadhu holy dressed as Hanuman, the monkey god, gestures at the Pashupatinath temple during Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu. Hindus mark the Maha Shivratri festival by offering special prayers and fasting. —Photo by AFP

CONSULATE GENERAL OF PAKISTAN TORONTO PRESS RELEASE

in Ontario and cordially invites them to attend the flag hoisting ceremony at the Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd.

Flag hoisting ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to mark 73rd Markham, ON L3R 9W3 (Hwy 7 and Warden). National Day of Pakistan. The Consulate General of Pakistan, Toronto congratulates the Pakistani community Toronto 7th March 2013: Canadian Pakistani Chamber of Commerce 1st Annual Gala @ Fairmount Royal York in Toronto City had a very decent turnout Mahreen Javed who is the Chairperson in her speech reminded all that Pakistan has a lot of busi...ness potential and Canada should

explore its options. Pakistan is very rich in minerals and the mining sector of Pakistan needs a lot of International help as well. MP’s from liberal & conservative parties as well as Ontario Ministers from

Queens Park also spoke on this occasion stressing the need of exploring more ways in assisting this mission. Notables of Pakistani business community also attended this event as well as the visiting mining delegation of Pakistan.

Events like these always create a better understanding of Pakistan in International circles and thus leave a very positive image. A job very well done Canadian Pakistani Chamber of Commerce – “Bravo”.

March 14, 2013

China is ‘the new West’ for many "Pakistani" students:

Laden, Al Qaeda and the Taliban, particularly in Britain and the United States. The British government says that overall, 20 per cent fewer student visas were issued in 2012, compared to the previous year. The US mission in Pakistan says it supports the world’s largest US government -funded exchange programme, sending over 1,000 Pakistanis on fully funded educational programmes to the United States every year. The independent Institute of International Education says 5,045 students from Pakistan studied in the United States in 2010-11, but that the number has declined steadily since 2001-02, the academic year of the 9/11 attacks.

tens of thousands of dollars US and British universities charge. What is more, some Pakistanis say their great northeastern neighbour makes them feel more welcome.

When Misbah Rashid taught Chinese 30 years ago, few signed up. Today her department has more than 200 Pakistani students, increasingly attracted by the prospect of an affordable educati...on and a job. For decades, a foreign education was the preserve of the richest who could afford the stratospheric expense of sending their progeny to Oxford or Harvard to mingle with an international Westernised elite. But Rashid’s pupils are mostly middle class. Ambitious and academic, they lack the means to afford an American or British education and so they sign up for Mandarin Chinese at the National University of Modern Languages in Islamabad. Some of them hope to get a job with a Chinese company in Pakistan. Others will go on to further studies in China, which offers around 500 scholarships a year and cheaper fees. A course in China costs a few thousand dollars a year, compared with the

“Nowadays as Pakistanis, you may not be as welcome in all other countries as we were a few years ago,” says 18-year-old Ali Rafi, who applied to study economics at Shangdon University after visiting last summer. “But when we went to China, there was one major difference in that we felt at home, the people relations were really, really good. We were always welcomed, honoured and everyone was really pleased when they learnt we were Pakistani.” Rafi studies at City School, one of the private schools in Islamabad that has started to offer Chinese lessons to children as young as 12, who sing in Mandarin under the watchful eye of their teacher, Zhang Haiwei. If everything goes well, the classes will be rolled out across the school’s other 200 branches in Pakistan. And other private schools are doing the same. Pakistanis complain about the difficulty of getting visas and of the suspicion their nationality can arouse among those who associate Pakistan with Osama bin

There is also considerable resentment of US policy, including the “covert” use of armed drones to carry out attacks in Pakistan on militants. On the other hand, Chinese investment, China’s reluctance to admonish Pakistan in public, its rivalry with India and status as an emerging global superpower give it considerable goodwill.

China’s growing presence in Pakistan The job market is another consideration. Pakistan’s main trading partner is still the European Union, but trade with China reached $12 billion last year, up 18 per cent from the previous year. China is also Pakistan’s main arms supplier. Beijing built two nuclear power plants in Pakistan and is contracted to construct two more reactors. There are an estimated 10,000 Chinese living in Pakistan. Last month, it also took control of Pakistan’s strategic port of Gwadar, which through an expanded Karakoram Highway could connect China to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world’s traded oil. Mushtak Ahmed, 19, has enrolled under Rashid precisely because of the

Chinese influx into Pakistan’s northern province of Gilgit-Baltistan, where China is widening the highway to its border. “Lots of Chinese people are coming to our area and they just speak Chinese and we cannot understand it… so there is a need for translators,” he said. According to Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing, around 8,000 Pakistani students are already studying in China and thousands more are preparing to join them. Former ambassador to Beijing and Washington Riaz Khokar said wealthy Pakistanis tend not to return after studying in the West, but China offers a technical education that will benefit the Pakistani economy. “The Chinese economic presence in Pakistan is growing so why should there be Chinese managers or Chinese at various levels? The idea was (that) we should train.” China has accused the separatist East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which wants an independent homeland in the western Muslim-majority region of Xinjiang, of training “terrorists” in Pakistan, although experts question how much of a threat they are. But the relationship has few of the tensions that Pakistan suffers with the United States, which repeatedly presses Pakistan to do more to clamp down on militants who launch attacks on American and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. “I have dealt with their intelligence, I have dealt with their army, I have dealt with everybody at the highest level. They have never told us ‘do this or we will kick you’ as the US does,” said Khokar. But if political relations are cosy, then Haiwei says ordinary Chinese professionals are more circumspect. “In Pakistan we have more than 6,000 Chinese students. However, we have maybe about 50 teachers. We don’t have enough teachers. Some people found it dangerous so they don’t want to work here,” he said.See More

SPORTS

Cricket legend and politician Imran Khan on Saturday laid down foundation stone for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, second in the country, in Peshawar. Atleast some postive news coming out of Pakistan.

March 14, 2013

HERAT: Afghanistan’s first international women’s film festival opened in the western city of Herat on the eve of International Women’s Day. The event, which runs from March 7 to March 9, features 30 films from 20 countries including Afghanistan, Iran, India, Canada, South Korea, China, and Bangladesh.

Liberals’ Drive Clean test continues to drive up costs for Ontarians PC Environment Critic calls on Liberal government to begin phasing out Drive Clean

BRAMPTON – The Liberals have refused to seriously address the costly technical flaws wit...h their new computerized emissions test and have instead opted to force Ontarians to foot the bill, PC Environment Critic and Kitchener -Conestoga MPP Michael Harris said today. The Auditor General specifically warned the Liberals last year to delay the implementation of their emissions test in order to ensure that all technical problems were resolved. “But in typical Liberal fashion, the government ignored the advice of the Auditor General and rushed ahead with their new emissions test – neglecting to do any due diligence whatsoever,” Harris said.

“Now, Ontarians are paying the price for the Liberals’ politically motivated move to introduce a test that’s less reliable and more prone to error.” The Liberals replaced the previous tailpipe test, which is a true measure of emissions, with a computerized test that scans the on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems in vehicles. “Now, every day countless vehicles fail this new test – not because of emissions-related problems – but because of a computer error. Rather than address these technical issues, the Liberals have told Ontarians to spend their valuable time and money driving on highways and around town in the hopes their vehicle’s on-board computer will correct itself for the next test,” Harris said.

“What’s truly unfortunate is that the Liberals gave no thought to the unwarranted financial hardship and stress these ‘false fails’ would have on drivers and car dealers, who are required to get an emissions test every time they sell a vehicle no matter how old it is,” Harris said. “I encourage Ontarians to voice their opposition to this government program by signing our online petition today at ScrapDriveClean.ca.” Up until the Liberals introduced their new and technically flawed Drive Clean test this year, 95% of vehicles met the program’s requirements. “Such a high pass rate indicates that improvements in technology and fuel efficiency standards have rendered the Drive Clean program redundant. That’s why the Auditor General questioned the

overall effectiveness of emissions testing in his report last year,” Harris said. “Instead of acknowledging advances in technology, the Liberal government forged ahead with their new emissions test in a cynical attempt to raise the failure rate and justify what has obviously become a useless program.” Now – less than two months after the introduction of this test – the failure rate has more than doubled. “It’s more clear than ever that, under the Liberals, Drive Clean has become nothing more than a government cash grab,” Harris said. “The government should stop making Ontarians jump through new hoops to get their cars e-tested and begin phasing out this program, which costs $30 million a year.”

March 14, 2013

Comedians Jim Carrey and Steve Carell brought a touch of magic ... AUSTIN: Comedians Jim Carrey and Steve magician duo. Carell brought a touch of magic to the They soon find their skills and opening day of the South by Southwest friendship tested in a constantly evolving Conferences & Festivals in Austin, Texas on world of magic and entertainment, as Friday, with the premiere of their new film audiences demand something new with the

relationship with magic. I think it’s fake,” Carell said on the red carpet. fascinating and yet it annoys me because I Inside the historic Paramount Theatre can’t figure it out,” Carrey said. in downtown Austin, audience members The funnyman was joined by co-stars laughed loudly throughout the film, and the Carell, who wore jeans, and Olivia Wilde, stars answered their questions afterward. Carell told the audience his character’s orangey glow was achieved through weekly spray-tanning. He said it wasn’t until the final days of shooting that he realized that only his face and chest showed in the film, meaning he had gotten repeatedly sprayed from head to toe for “no reason whatsoever.” The world premiere marked the opening of the film portion of South by Southwest, where creative types from all over the world converge in the Texas capital to swap ideas about film, music and technology. SXSW, which began as a music event in 1987, runs for 10 days. The Interactive portion runs March 8-12, and the Music portion runs March 12-17. Film events run until March 16. More than 60,000 people registered for SXSW conferences last year, and SXSW officials estimate the growth for 2013 to be in the 5-8 percent range.

“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.”...

arrival of edgy illusionist (Carrey).

Steve

Gray

who wore a striped navy and white dress and “Burt Wonderstone,” out in US signed autographs for fans. Carrey, decked out in a red jacket and theaters on March 15, tells the tale of Carell said he learned a bit of magic childhood friends Burt (Carell) and Anton silver shoes on Friday’s red carpet, said that for the tricks that were shown up close in the (Steve Buscemi) who bond over their love of despite playing a magician, he resented film. “Some of those things you just can’t magic, growing up to become a world-famous magic. “I’ve always had this weird

Habib Jalib was born as Habib Ahmad on 24 March 1928 in a village near Hoshiarpur, British India. He migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India and worked as a proofreader for Daily Imroze of Karachi. He was a progressive writer and soon started to grab the audience with his enthusiastic recitation of poetry. He wrote in plain language, adopted a simple style and addressed common people and issues. But the conviction behind his words, the music of his voice and his emotional energy coupled with the sensitivity of the socio- political context is what stirred the audience. Habib Jalib died on March 12, 1993 (1993-0312) aged 64 in Lahore – Pakistan.

Featured speakers at this year’s SXSW include former Vice President Al Gore, actor Matthew McConaughey, retired basketball star Shaquille O’Neal and Dave Grohl, the former Nirvana drummer who founded the Foo Fighters. Headliner films include the world premiere of “Evil Dead,” starring Jane Levy and Shiloh Fernandez, while Green Day, Depeche Mode and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are among the musical performers slated.

March 14, 2013

Pakistan Hindu Council organised a mass marriage ceremony..

The Pakistan Hindu Council organised a mass marriage ceremony where a total of 22 couples from the Hindu community residing in Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sindh province took their wedding vows. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Photos and texts by Reuters

March 14, 2013

Supporting Brain Research in London New Ontario Government Investing in World-Leading Research at Western University province is investing in a new, collaborative research project on neurodegeneration, led by Dr. Michael Strong, Dean of Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. The project will have a strong social focus, with the goal of improving patient care across the province. The government's support is enabling the Ontario Brain Institute to expand its research into the areas of neurodegeneration (such as Alzheimer's disease) and depression, as well as continue its important work on cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. It will also allow the institute to leverage additional investments from various partners including industry, philanthropic, federal and international sources. Investing in innovation and improving health care are part of the new Ontario government's efforts to build a strong economy and a fair society for the benefit of all.

at some point in their lives. 

Ontario is home to one of North America’s leading concentrations of biomedical research and development, with universities and teaching hospitals investing $1.7 billion a year in health research

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In Ontario, the economic impact of brain and mental health disorders on the health care system is estimated to well above $39 billion annually.

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Quotes The Ontario Brain Institute’s collaborative, patient-focused approach to addressing brain disease and disorders is what makes it truly unique. Conditions like Alzheimer’s, stroke, depression and traumatic brain injury affect hundreds of thousands of Ontarians, so the institute’s work touches lives — family, friends, our own — and helps to bring better outcomes for patients."

Quick Facts 

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care The new Ontario government is investing in world-leading brain research at Western University to bring better health care and increased investments to London. As part of the recently announced five-year, $100 million commitment to the Ontario Brain Institute, the

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The Ontario Brain Institute is a virtual research institute dedicated to advancing brain research through scientific collaboration between institutions, translating research findings into improved patient care, and introducing new health care technologies into the marketplace. The institute was launched in November 2010 with the support of a $15-million provincial grant which helped leverage an additional $26 million in funding from other sources. One in three Canadians will be affected by a neurological or psychiatric disease, disorder or injury

Deb Matthews Minister of Health and Long-Term Care We’re very pleased that the government shares our commitment to research with a significant social impact. This investment will help to expand and attract more talent to Western University’s globally recognized neuroscience research." -Dr. Michael Strong -Dean, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University

Next stage of tunnel construction underway for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension VAUGHAN, ON, March 13, 2013 Today at the site of the future Highway 407 Station, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton; the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure; His Worship Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto; Bill Fisch, Chairman and CEO of The Regional Municipality of York; His Worship Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of the City of Vaughan and Karen Stintz, Toronto Transit Commission Chair together launched the next stage of tunnel construction for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE). This stage of construction will see two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) "Yorkie" and "Torkie" create twin tunnels linking the site of the future Highway 407 Station to the Steeles West Station site. "Our Government has made significant investments to reduce gridlock, cut commute times and make public transit more convenient for commuters," said Minister Raitt. "This is the kind of smart urban transportation that will improve air quality, create good local jobs and long-term economic growth in the GTA." "The new Ontario government is working with all its partners to build a stronger province that will create good jobs and strong, healthy communities through projects like the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension," said Premier Wynne. "We are making it easier

for people to get to work and home again, no matter where they live." "This subway extension - the first to cross our City's border - will provide transportation options for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters, reduce gridlock on our roads, improve travel times and create better productivity for businesses in the Toronto area," said Mayor Ford. "The Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension will provide an important transit connection into York Region and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and help create a seamless transit network across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area," said Chairman Fisch. "When completed, this subway line will help manage traffic congestion and ease commute times for all travellers."

The subway expansion will bring the line into York Region. The TYSSE project will improve transit service by supporting a reliable multi-modal transportation network that is integrated with other transit systems within the GTA. This initiative will promote economic growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping take cars off the road, and reduce travel times for commuters. The TYSSE is expected to be completed by fall 2016 and will generate thousands of jobs from construction. The Government of Canada has committed up to $697 million to the project, $622 million through its Building Canada Fund. The remaining $75 million has already been transferred to the project under the Public Transit Capital Trust 2006.

The TBMs will bore a little more than one kilometre of twin subway tunnels at a rate of approximately 15 metres a day, southeast from this launch location to an extraction site. "Holey," "Moley," "Yorkie" and "Torkie" are the official names of the four TBMs that are being used to build the tunnels for the TYSSE.

The Province of Ontariohas provided $870 million towards the TYSSE project through the Move Ontario Trust. The City of Torontois contributing $526 million to the project and The Regional Municipality of York is contributing $352 million.

The TYSSE project is an 8.6-kilometre extension of the Toronto Transit Commission's (TTC) Yonge-University -Spadina subway line from its present terminus at Downsview Station to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre at Highway 7. It will have six new subway stations, including one at YorkUniversity and three new commuter parking lots.

SOURCE: Transport Canada

The TTC is the project manager for the extension.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada congratulating Chris Ottawa, Ontario

currently orbiting the planet.

13 March 2013

“His pursuit of excellence in his field and his achievements in space are a tremendous source of national pride and can most aptly be described as stellar.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement congratulating Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who will assume command of the International Space Station later today: “Ever since this country was founded, Canadians have been pushing the boundaries of exploration and discovery, contributing in substantial ways to collective global knowledge. “Today, on behalf of all my fellow citizens, I would like to congratulate our very own space pioneer, Chris Hadfield, who is continuing in that fine tradition of pushing the limits by being named the first Canadian to take command of the International Space Station,

“Today we join the chorus of national and international recognition for this achievement – including best wishes from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – and we wish Commander Hadfield and his crew godspeed and safe return on their remarkable mission and adventure in space.”

March 14, 2013

11 LILONGWE: Malawian police arrested four former cabinet ministers on Monday on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika in April last year, police said. The four, who included the late Mutharika’s younger brother, Peter, were found by an official inquiry to have tried to prevent then vice-president Joyce Banda from taking power, as stipulat...ed in the constitution. “In total, four former ministers have been arrested for questioning in connection with the investigations into the death of the

President as revealed in the inquiry report,” police spokeswoman Rhoda Majolo said.

circumstances surrounding the incident after conflicting reports about when he died.

Banda took charge of the impoverished southern African nation after the unexpected death of Mutharika, who spent his last years in office cracking down on opponents and battling with diplomats.

Its findings, revealed last week, showed Mutharika died of a heart attack on his way to hospital in Lilongwe on April 5, and not on April 7 in South Africa, as originally claimed by the government and Mutharika’s family.

The United States and other key western donors suspended aid in 2011 after police shot and killed at least 20 protesters demonstrating against Mutharika’s rule. Banda, who had also fallen out of favour with Mutharika by the time of his death, set up an inquiry into the

The report also revealed that Peter Mutharika, who was then foreign minister, and former finance minister Goodall Gondwe attempted to convince the army to take over and stop Banda from ascending to powers.

Vegetable Storing Tips: Put onions in pantyhose, and tie knots between onions. Onions stored in pantyhose will last as long as 8 months. It is the same with all governments of Pakistan the whole system needs to be overhauledit is the same with all governments of Pakistan the whole system needs to be overhauledit is the same with all governments of Pakistan the whole system needs to be overhauled.

Thank leaders for denouncing hateful vandalism of Guelph Mosque (Ottawa–Monday, March 11, 2013) The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR.CAN) today calls on supporters to write letters of appreciation to leaders who have unequivocally condemned a recent anti-Muslim incident that took place at a Guelph mosque last week. The Muslim Society of Guelph’s mosque was targeted for the third time since the summer when hateful words were sprayed all over the building on March 6, 2013. The building also serves as an elementary school.

CC: Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne https://correspondence.premier.gov.on.ca/en/ feedback/default.aspx 4. Send a letter of appreciation to Bob Moore, Principal of Guelph Community Christian School info@guelphccs.ca *Please copy CAIR-CAN on any correspondence at info@caircan.ca SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS:

Guelph’s Mayor, Karen Farbridge, immediately wrote to the president of the 1. Thank you for speaking out and expressing your condemnation of acts of hate Guelph Muslim Society to express her support. “These actions do not represent who against Guelph’s Muslim community. Islamophobia and other forms of hatred must we are as a nation or as a community. Please pass on my unconditional condemnation be confronted. of these acts to the members of your mosque, “she wrote in her letter. 2. I hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly. Those words of solidarity were echoed by various other politicians and faith 3. I appreciate the support that has been given from other faith communities who leaders including Ontario Education Minister Liz Sandals who represents Guelph at have spoken out against these acts and I am encouraged to hear from our fellow Queen’s Park.“I was absolutely shocked to learn about the hateful, racist vandalism Canadians that such incidents do not reflect the sentiments of the good people of which occurred at a Muslim Worship Centre in Guelph. This cowardly act, born of Guelph. ignorance and hatred must be condemned and not tolerated by the citizens of Guelph, 4. I believe in multiculturalism and I am pleased to see elected officials defending its ideals which have shaped our country’s welcoming character. “she wrote. Guelph’s Member of Parliament Frank Valeriote wrote in part: “An attack like SAMPLE LETTER this on one group within our community is an attack against our entire community and we cannot and must not stand for it. Know that I stand with you in your efforts to Dear ________, overcome this moment of adversity.” Thank you for speaking out and expressing your condemnation of acts of hate The principal of the Guelph Community Christian School also sent well wishes against Guelph’s Muslim community.Islamophobia and other forms of hatred must to the community, writing that “[w]whoever is doing that is the one who should go be confronted. home because their actions are not true to the ideals on which Canadian society is founded.” I hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly. ACTION REQUESTED 1. Send a letter of appreciation to Mayor Karen Farbridge mayor@guelph.ca 2. Send a letter of appreciation to MP Frank Valeriote frank.valeriote.c1@parl.gc.ca CC: Prime Minister’s Office pm@pm.gc.ca 3. Send a letter of appreciation to MPP Liz Sandals lsandals.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

I am encouraged to hear from our fellow Canadians that such incidents do not reflect the sentiments of the good people of Guelph. I believe in multiculturalism and I am pleased to see elected officials defending its ideals which have shaped our country’s welcoming character. Sincerely, You’re Name City, Province

WASHINGTON: Pakistan risks sparking US sanctions if it pursues its plans with Iran to build a $7.5 billion gas pipeline linking the two nations, a senior US official said in a renewed warning Monday. “We have serious concerns, if this project actually goes forward, that the Iran Sanctions Act would be triggered,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. “We’ve been straight up with the Pakistanis about these concerns.” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched the construction of a much-delayed section of the gas pipeline with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari at a ceremony on the border of the two neighbours. But Nuland added: “We’ve heard this pipeline announced about 10 or 15 times before in the past. So we have to see what actually happens.”

Islambad - Pakistan: During early this week's hearing of the suo motu notice on Saturday’s arson attack on a Christian neighbourhood in Lahore, the Supreme Court expressed its dissatisfaction over a report submitted by the Punjab Police incomplete, local media reported.

March 14, 2013

The United States had been seeking alternative plans, saying the move with Iran would take it “in the wrong direction right at a time that we’re trying to work with Pakistan on better, more reliable ways to meet its energy needs.” Nuland said the US was “supporting large-scale energy projects in Pakistan that will add some 900 megawatts to the power grid by the end of 2013.” Those projects included renovating the power plants at Tarbela, the Mangla Dam, as well as modernising others plants and building new dams at Satpara and Gomal Zam, she added. Iranian state television showed footage of Ahmadinejad and Zardari shaking hands and offering prayers after unveiling a plaque to mark Pakistan’s involvement. “The completion of the pipeline is in the interests of peace, security and progress of the two countries … it will also consolidate the economic, political and security ties of the two nations,” the two

capable of performing his duties.

presidents said in a joint statement. Pakistan has pursued the pipeline scheme as a way of alleviating severe energy shortages that have sparked demonstrations and battered a weak government. At the same time, it badly needs the billions of dollars it receives in US aid. “The Pakistani government wants to show it is willing to take foreign policy decisions that defy the US, particularly when such crucial issues as energy security are at stake,” said Anthony Skinner, a director of British-based Maplecroft risks consultancy. “ T h e pipeline not only caters to Pakistan’s energy needs, but also lodges brownie points with the many critics of the US amongst the electorate,” he told Reuters. Iran has completed 900 km (560 miles) of pipeline on its side of the border and Iranian contractors will also construct the pipeline in Pakistan, Iran’s national broadcasting network IRIB reported. measures had not been employed when

“Having a pipeline running through the region makes it particularly vulnerable to bombings and disruption,” said Skinner. “Washington could bolster its support for local elements, causing significant disruption to pipeline infrastructure,” he added. The report fails to address the cause of the arson, the chief justice said, adding that neither does it mention what action was taken against those responsible for the attack on the Christian neighbourhood.

A church and several shops were also torched by the mob. Police put the number of burnt houses at 125. Around 25 were arrested.

He further asked as to why the neighbourhood had been evacuated, adding that no reason had been given for the measure. The bench also questioned whether the attack was in fact a propertyrelated matter.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed was hearing a petition against an amendment to the election rules decreed by Gen Pervez Musharraf in 2002 that effectively declared ‘non-Muslim’ a candidate who, if his faith was challenged, refused to sign a declaration regarding his belief that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the last of the prophets.

The project faces security challenges posed by ethnic Baloch militants who have demanded greater control over Balochistan’s natural resources and by Iranian Sunni insurgents also based in Pakistan who are fighting for greater rights in Iran.

There was no casualty as members of the Christian community, including women and children, had left the neighbourhood on Friday night after police advised them to do so.

Chief Justice Iftikhar also expressed his displeasure over the delayed registration of the First Information Report (FIR) in the wake of the arson.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court made known on Monday its intention to take a decision, in the light of constitutional provisions and principles laid down in the 1993 Zaheeruddin case verdict, on a complaint that the election procedures discriminate against the Ahmadi community.

The two sides hope the pipeline will be completed in time to start delivery of 21.5 million cubic metres (760,000 million cubic feet) of gas per day to Pakistan by December 2014.

Badami Bagh arson On March 9, a mob enraged over alleged blasphemy set on fire a number of houses belonging to Christians in Badami Bagh on Saturday.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry the police seemed more engaged in providing protecting to criminals.

Reprimanding IG Punjab, the chief justice remarked as to why the police chief of the province was not trying to get to the facts of the matter and whether he was

Tehran has agreed to lend Islamabad $500 million, or a third of the estimated $1.5 billion cost of the 750-km (470-mile) Pakistani section of the pipeline, Fars news agency reported.

The blasphemy suspect was identified as 26-year-old Sawan Masih. Police took him into custody in the small hours of Saturday. Later a magistrate sent him on judicial remand. See More The bench moreover inquired why security

there were reports of trouble in the area.

Petitioner Kanwar Idrees said a separate required an in-depth study for which it also ‘masjid’ or reciting Azan. electoral list for Ahmadis was an insult meant summoned Attorney General Irfan Qadir on Advocate Munir Paracha and the to exclude them from the mainstream. the next date of hearing. Election Commission’s Additional Director Gen ( r et d ) Mushar r af had It suggested deciding the case in the General (Legal) Abdur Rehman emphasised promulgated the Chief Executive Order 15 of light of Article 260(3) of the Constitution the need for legislation to amend the list but 2002, inserting Articles 7B and 7C into the which included the Qadiani or Lahori group in said inclusion of names in the supplementary electorate rolls did not affect their right to vote Conduct of General Elections Order, 2002. the definition of non-Muslims. for general seats. Article 7B asks to keep unchanged the The court will also consider Section status of Ahmadis but Article 7C suggests 298C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) which The chief justice said the Second deletion of the name from the joint electoral was added to the law book under the Amendment to the Constitution had been rolls of a person who refuses to sign the Prohibition and Punishment Ordinance of introduced by the late prime minister Zulfikar 1984, in addition to the principles laid down in Ali Bhutto, declaring Ahmadis as nondeclaration. Muslim, and the court could not undo the the Zaheeruddin case verdict. The name then should be added to a constitutional command. supplementary list of voters in the same The 1993 Supreme Court judgment had barred people belonging to the Ahmadi electoral area as non-Muslim, the law says. community from calling their worship place The court said the issue was very sensitive and