Canadian Pakistani Times
Thursday
June 18, 2013
Volume 1, 67
PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO THE MINISTRY OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced changes to the federal Ministry that will continue to focus on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in all regions of the country. "Since our election in 2011 our Government has kept taxes low and put our finances on a sustainable path,” said the Prime Minister. "This ...fall, we will continue on with the work we have been doing on behalf of all Canadians.” "These changes to the Ministry feature both younger Members of Parliament ready for new opportunities, and steady hands that will continue to deliver strong leadership in key portfolios. In particular, I am proud to welcome four new strong and capable women to the Cabinet table," added the Prime Minister. "In addition to the economy, our Government will continue to keep our streets and communities safe, celebrate our history, and promote Canada’s interests on the world stage. This new Ministry will work hard on behalf of all Canadians," concluded Prime Minister Harper.
Province Makes Conservation Top Priority in Energy Planning Ontario is moving toward a new, innovative approach to energy planning by developing a new policy that will ensure the province invests in conservation measures before building new generation, whenever it is cost-effective to do so. To help design Ontario's energy path moving forward, the government released Conservation First: A Renewed Vision Conservation in Ontario.
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Energy
It will help guide discussion as the province seeks input from Aboriginal partners, members of the public, local utilities, municipalities, environmental groups, business associations, and other stakeholders to develop a new Conservation and Demand Management framework. Feedback from these discussions will also inform the review of the province's Long Term Energy Plan. The province has made great strides in conservation with programs that help reduce electricity demand and increase efficiency. Investments in conservation programs over the last eight years have allowed Ontario to avoid building new generation that would have cost more than $4 billion. Conservation programs have also helped Ontarians manage their home energy use and reduce their electricity bills. For example, the save energy programs encourage families and businesses to maximize savings by investing in energy efficient products and upgrades, and the Peaksaver PLUS program offers in-home displays that allow families to monitor their electricity use at home. Encouraging a culture of conservation is part of the government's plan to maintain a clean, modern and reliable electricity grid.
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July 18, 2013
Weekly Fortune: by Kiran Pandey Rai (kiranpandeyrai@gmail.com) 18Th JULY –24th JULY ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ARIES (21 Mar- 20 Apr) This week is little confusing week for you .You wont be able to decide whether you are happy or not. Take good care or suggestions from your family doctor specially Heart patients. You might find a marriage proposal knocking at your doorstep. Be alert at your workplace. Short journey can be expected this week. Lucky Days : Sunday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TAURUS (21Apr- 21 May) You might be planning to purchase a car or any luxurious asset since long and this week which probably you are going to fulfill your wish. Gain from some foreign consignment .Some of you would be more inclined towards occult sciences. Keep a minute check on your hygiene. Lucky Days : Saturday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GEMINI (22 May- 21 June) Your business venture will make profit altogether but there will be a fear of unknown enemy or business partner who can try to spoil the scene. Some illicit relation is seen on card. Arrogance can lead a disturbed marital life. Just introspect yourself and work on your flaws rather than suspecting your partner. Lucky Days : Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CANCER (22 June- 22 July) You will feel a bit uncertain and your wavering mind will confuse you in your decision- making. Your long awaited foreign trip or an opportunity to get a work in any foreign company, may be accomplished. Your sibling will extend their hand to help you mentally or financially. Health needs a proper check. Lucky Days : Thursday, Friday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LEO (23 July- 22 Aug) Work will be priority this week for you. You will be rewarded due to your efficiency. Quiet tolerant and happy time at personal front. Determined to achieve the goal of your life and co-operation from friends will be available easily. Some of you will find detach yourself from the worldly pleasure on the other hand youngsters are going to get crazier this week. Lucky Days : Monday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
VIRGO (23 Aug- 23 Sept) This is overall a moderate week. You will take extra responsibility with open arm. Promotion or increment can be expected. Sometimes silence works like gold, try to get that gold this week. Mother’s health can be cause of concern. Money will be spent out of proportion. Lucky Days : Thursday and Sunday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LIBRA ( 24 Sept-23 Oct). Special care of health is required this week. Argument at home may spoil the aura around. But your confidence and patience at some point will give you benefit. Better spend your time with your passion to keep yourself lighter. Better seek advice from your elders or preceptor. Lucky Days : Tuesday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SCORPIO (24 Oct-22Nov)
Minister Kenney issues statement on the month of Ramadan Ottawa, July 9, 2013 – The Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Mul ticu ltu ralis m, issued the following statement recognizing the start of the month of Ramadan, which officially begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted:
You can meet some influential people at a social gathering. Concepts for making money will flow thick and fast. Some of you may plan to do some charity work in any form and you will be able to do it by the grace of almighty. Planning to buy a vehicle was a long due for some of you, this wish also may fulfill.
“Today marks the start of Ramadan, the holy month during which the Qur’an is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
Lucky Days : Sunday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“This is a time of worship, reflection and contemplation for all Muslims.
SAGITTARIUS (23 Nov-2 1 Dec) In the beginning of week, your constant thinking towards sensuality may bother marital life. Better exploit your energy at workplace which will give you benefit. New ventures will open up for business. Keep refining rough ideas, and you will come up with workable schemes. Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CAPRICORN (22 Dec-20 Jan) . A bright week ahead can be seen through placatory position. Avoid making any commitment in advance. You will be appreciated by new friend of yours. You are having a kind of your fear inside due to inadequate achievement in comparison of your effort. But never to give up. Get ready for next round, which will be a sure success for you. Lucky Days : Tuesday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AQUARIUS (21 Jan-19 Feb) A very nice week personally can be predicted. Your effort will give you name and fame. Your knowledge will give you an extra edge at your workplace. Your colleagues may disclose few professional secrets. Overall a very good week. Lucky Days : Saturday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PISCES (20 Feb-20 Mar) Get a green flag for your previous project from your superiors, and then only start any new venture. You will investigate on getting more ways to increase income. You will find yourself at peak of your artistic mode. Your home will be proved the best place during this week. Lucky Days : Friday and thursday
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, as Muslims are also called upon to worship, pray, and read the Qur’an. “Ramadan is also a month for giving, sharing and spending time with friends and family. Its observance is intended to foster generosity and understanding. “During this month, Muslims often invite their neighbours, including nonMuslims, to participate in an Iftar dinner to break the fast. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about Islam and the contributions that Muslims have made to our country’s rich and diverse heritage. “As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes to all Canadian Muslims as they observe the month of Ramadan. “Ramadan Mubarak.”
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July 18, 2013
Multi-billion rupee fugitive paid Rs 1,000 bribe to flee Pakistan….. Accountability Bureau (NAB), the inquiry into the matter as to how Tauqir Sadiq was able to escape from Pakistan was carried out by one of the senior-most directors-general (DGs) of the bureau. Sadiq, who is accused of being involved in the Rs82 billion Ogra embezzlement case, was brought back to Pakistan from UAE on Monday night. An accountability court in Islamabad has sent the former Ogra chief to a 14day physical remand. “During the interrogation, Tauqir Sadiq provided many details of his escape, including the fact that he paid Rs. 1000/- as bribe to an Afghan official at Kabul airport,” said the official. Sadiq had managed to leave the country although his name was on the exit control list. Former chief of the Oil and Gas Regularity Authority (Ogra), Tauqir Sadiq, is escorted by security personnel at an accountability court on July 9. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top accountability body on Friday revealed how a former oil and gas chief allegedly involved in a multi-billion rupee scam, had escaped the country to avoid arrest. Tauqir Sadiq, the former chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), had fled to the UAE in 2012 after the Supreme Court declared his appointment as Ogra chief illegal. According to the spokesperson of the National
A local newspaper had reported that the former Ogra chief had to bribe a border guard at Pakistan’s Torkham border with Afghanistan. The NAB official, however, clarified that, as per the bureau’s investigation, Sadiq bribed officials at Kabul airport, and “not at Torkham, as reported in the media.” During interrogation, Sadiq disclosed that he first travelled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from where he fled to Afghanistan before finally heading to the UAE, said NAB sources.
Sources in the bureau said Sadiq acquired a visa for Dubai in Rs 10,000, while he had to pay only Rs 1,000 to get his passport stamped to travel to Afghanistan. The sources added that Pakistani foreign office officials were in the process of communicating with their Afghan counterparts to verify Sadiq’s testimony. Meanwhile, dispelling the impression that Sadiq had revealed the names of some former ministers and officials aiding him in his flight, the NAB official said appropriate legal action would be taken when such disclosures are made. “When individuals responsible on helping him escape have been identified, action will be initiated by NAB in accordance with the law,” he said. Sadiq is accused of misusing authority, embezzling funds and causing Rs82 billion (approximately $850 million) losses to the national exchequer by converting operating income (regular income) into non-operating income in violation of an agreement signed with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, relocating several CNG stations, making illegal appointments, etc. Two former prime ministers — Yousuf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervez Ashraf — have also been accused of being involved in the ‘illegal’ appointment of Sadiq.
However, the NAB official said Sadiq did not name any individual for having assisted him in his escape.
Sikh business leaders join the White House celebrating Sikh Centennia…... billion dollars to our social security trust fund,” said Ari Matusiak, director of private sector engagement. Tyler Moran, deputy policy director on In July 1913, Bhagat Singh Thind came to immigration, further expanded on the social America, from his home in Amritsar, Punjab, realities of the Senate immigration bill as in pursuit of higher education while dreaming well. In the family area, green card holders of a better life for himself and his family. A century later, nearly 150 Sikh business leaders and CEOs of various companies gathered at the White House to celebrate this pioneer and more than a century of achievement by the American Sikh community. Organized by the White House Office of Public Engagement, with the cooperation of the Sikh Council on Religious Education (SCORE), the event marked the 100-year anniversary of Bhagat Singh Thind’s arrival in the US. Thind was the first turbaned Sikh to fight in the American armed forces and led a life-long campaign to gain citizenship for him and many others. “The goal of this event is to acknowledge the contributions this community has made to the country, celebrate 100 years of achievement, the immigrant success story in America and also to acknowledge the horrible tragedy of Oak Creek last year,” says Paul can now sponsor their members immediately, Monteiro, associate director of the White the overall number of visas increased and the House Office of Public Engagement. bill clears the backlog, which means all While recognizing the success of Sikh people who are waiting for a legal visa will immigrants, the White House hopes it can now have a quicker process, she says. further open dialogue between the Obama With three weeks away from first administration and Sikhs for years to come. anniversary of the tragedy that occurred at In his opening remarks, Monteiro Oak Creek, Wisconsin, speakers wanted to discussed how the current negative give thanks to the Obama administration for mainstream perception of immigrants is all the support they have given to the Sikh untrue when looking at the accomplishments community. of Sikhs in America. “At the end of the day, we are celebrating “By working with all of you, who show today our Sikh heritage and that identity is an that you’ve done nothing but contribute to identity this president truly does appreciate this country, create opportunity and economic and respect in a lot of important ways,” says mobility, it shows that folks, no matter what Amar Singh, a member of the White House their station, can achieve more and increase Commission on Asian American and Pacific their station in life through hard work and Islanders. responsible citizenship,” he said. For the first time in over 30 years, three To further punctuate this point, Dr. turbaned Sikhs were allowed to serve in the Rajwant Singh, chairman of SCORE, invited U.S. military under this administration and these “movers and shakers” of the Sikh just a month. community around the country together in “But the work is not over yet,” says Singh. one place, the nation’s capital. The event ended on a good note, as Sikh "This is perhaps the first time that such a entrepreneurs reflected on their positive collection of prominent Sikh business leaders experiences within American business. Sunny has gathered at one place. It shows that as a Singh, president and CEO of Edifics, community, we have generated wealth and described his immigration to the United jobs and proved our vitality," said Dr. Singh. States and the challenges he faced as a Yet realizing Sikh financial clout was not businessman, going from near bankrupt to the only reason for the event, as presentations financial success. from the White House Business Council and His motto when things were down: “We the Domestic Policy Council gave first-hand must persevere, we must show the tenacity, updates on policy initiatives, such as we will work hard and we will have to focus immigration reform bill that recently passed to weather the storm,” he said. in the Senate. “Those are the values this country For business, “there are three numbers that cherishes, encapsulates, appreciates and matter…immigration reform is projected to rewards. Those are the same values our Sikh 5.4% to GDP from now to 2033, it is religion espouses, appreciates and rewards.” projected to cut $850 billion dollars from the Rajinder “Violinder” Singh Momi and the federal deficit and it’s projected to add $350 University of Maryland Bhangra Team Sikhs asked to reach out to lawmakers on Immigration, and other issues vital to Obama White House.
performed throughout the event, much to the delight of the audience. Sehejneet Kaur, college freshmen, sang in her melodious voice a Punjabi song, narrating the resilient spirit of Punjabis and Sikhs. “For me the conference was a very positive one. The group had great positive
energy and the take away was - how beautifully the community leaders are collaborating with the various agencies and government bodies to address the challenges, we as a community face. Collaboration to resolve issues, enable and empower the community. At the same time appreciate the immense goodness there, opportunity that we have here in the USA. Full embodiment of Chardhi Kala.” – Kaval Kaur, CFO at Alert Enterprise, a security company in San Francisco. Gurpreet ‘Sunny’ Singh, CEO, Edifecs Inc., a multi-million dollar company in Seattle, Washington, while speaking at the event, said, "American fully embraced me and gave me an opportunity to survive and thrive. Values of my faith, Sikhism and US founding principles, coincided to give me the strength to create an opportunity for myself." “The White House, in cooperation with the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, brought together so many Sikh American business leaders to celebrate the contributions of Sikh Americans over the last 100 years in the United States. Administration officials, including the Sikhs amongst them, and Sikh American citizens together frankly culled through the harsh lessons learned post 9/11 and the murders at Oak Creek; discussed the learning and initiatives needed by the Government and civil society to protect the civil liberties of all Americans including those who look in school and airport security lines; considered strategies needed to grow the contributions and standing of Sikh Americans in the United States; recognized the entrepreneurship, business acumen, and the collective financial clout of the Sikh American community; and felt profound pride to be an American
when Sikh kirtan resonated loud and clear in the White House.”said, Indira Kaur Ahluwalia, is the founder and President of Development & Training Services, Inc. (dTS), a management consulting firm which focuses on the role of women and other underrepresented populations in economic development and democracy building activities. Savneet Singh, CEO of Gold Bullion, a leading precious metals distribution platform based in Manhattan, said, "Being in America is one of the biggest advantages he had always felt and circumstances created opportunities for me to succeed and many of us. We must make sure that such opportunities and circumstances for others as well." Savneet is the founder and president of GBI, the first electronic platform that allows investors to buy, trade and store physical precious metals. Savneet was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list, Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business, in addition to the Empact 100 list of top 100 Entrepreneurs under 30. Charanjeet Singh Minhas, CEO of Tekstrom , an IT company in Delaware, said, "The group of Sikh business leaders who met in the White House yesterday to discuss, evolve and improve the path of progress, equality and prosperity were left in no doubt that America is for You, Sikhs, and All." All the business leaders were invited for a dinner at Willard Intercontinental, a historic and prestigious hotel, across from the White House in honor of this celebration. This dinner was hosted by the Sikh Human Development Foundation, an organization providing scholarships to needy but bright students in Punjab. Some of the prominent business leaders who were present: Tejinder Singh Bindra,NY, Lakhbir Singh,MD, Jasbir Singh, NC, Raminder Bindra, NJ, Harbinder Singh Sahni, NJ, Supreet Singh, IL, Billy Bath, CA, Harbir Bhatia, CA, Mayank Bawa, CA, Amitpal Singh, UT, Amarjit Singh, FL, Charanpreet Bagga, Darshan Singh Bagga, NY, Anita Gambhir, VA Baldeep Dua, NJ, Baljeet Bath, CA Balwinder ‘Dillon’ Dhillon, TX Bj Singh, CA, Bobby Saini,VA Bobby Singh, Charanbir S. Mahal, Charanpreet Bagga, Chattar Singh Saini, MD Darshan Singh Bagga, NY, Davinder Khanna, VA, Davinder Sawhney, Devinder Singh, MD Dickey Singh, CA Dr. Darshan Singh Sehbi, OH, Gagandeep Bhalla, Gunvir S. Baveja, VA Gurdarshan Singh Brar, TX, Gurmit Singh Bhatia, TX, Gurpreet Singh, Hardeep Singh Chadha & Ladi Chadha, MD, Jack Singh Jagwinder Singh Sikka, Jaswinder Singh Bindra Kanwal Taneja, Maninder Sethi, Mohinder Singh Taneja, NY, P. Singh Sandhu, VA Paramjeet Nagpaul, PA, Ranbir Singh Bhai, CA, Ravi Singh, MD and Sadhu Singh Rikhiraj, IL
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July 18, 2013
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July 18, 2013
SPORTS Bravo brothers, Narine help Windies level series against Pakistan PROVIDENCE: Darren and Dwayne Bravo provided the foundation for success as West Indies beat Pakistan by 37 runs on Tuesday to win the second one-day international in Guyana and tie the fivematch series. Darren Bravo proved the mainstay of a much improved batting performance for the home team with a top score of 54 with elder sibling Dwayne contributing a vital 43 not out to take West Indies to 232 for eight wickets from the opening 50 overs. Pakistan were then tied down by an efficient bowling performance, ending well short of the target at the Providence Stadium. Sunil Narine, who had not taken a wicket in West Indies' three previous one-day internationals, returned figures of 4-26 as Pakistan were bowled out for 195 in 47.5 overs. Darren Bravo and wicketkeeper Johnson Charles put together a patient 79-run second wicket stand to steady the innings after talisman Chris Gayle has been caught behind in the first over, seeing off a threatened repeat of the 98 all out West Indies scored in the first ODI on Sunday.
The tally over 200 was always going to be difficult for Pakistan to chase down as the early bounce on the wicket disappeared and it got markedly slower as the day wore on.
Opener Nasir Jamshed offered four chances in his innings before departing on 54 and a 50 for Umar Akmal came too late to provoke a dramatic finish.
Dwayne Bravo, captaining West Indies, partnered with the heavy hitting Kieron Pollard for a 70-run sixth wicket stand to pick up the scoring rate as Pakistan threatened to restrict the West Indies.
Pakistan, who did not hit a scoring shot off their first five overs, needed one of their big hitters to come off but saw wickets tumble regularly without any of their batsman able to settle at the crease.
Shahid Afridi, the swashbuckling hero of Sunday's win, made just five runs and with his wicket the fate of the tourists was sealed. The remaining three ODIs will be played at Gros Islet in St Lucia on Friday, Sunday and Wednesday next week.
Pakistan: Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Misbah-ulHaq*, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal†, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Asad Ali, Mohammad Irfan West Indies: CH Gayle, J Charles†, DM Bravo, MN Samuels, LMP Simmons, DJ Bravo*, KA Pollard, DJG Sammy, KAJ Roach, SP Narine, JO Holder
Afridi's brilliance must not mask Pakistan's batting failure Pakistan was rescued yesterday by one man’s dazzling performance. The mercurial Shahid Afridi scored 76 and claimed seven wickets to pummel the West Indies in a comeback performance of epic proportions. He walked in the middle when the Pakistan's score was a sorry 47-5, and combined with captain Misbah-ul-Haq for a record-breaking sixth wicket partnership of 120 runs.
aggressive batsman, in Pakistan colors he seems unsure of his range. He seems overawed by the circumstances facing him and prefers to simply survive the initial spell from any bowler, however inexperienced he
hoping to emulate their compatriots of yesteryear. The team of the 90s planned their batting in such a way that wickets were preserved for the initial 30-odd overs while the later batsmen propelled the team in the
That is the only way they can learn to play a swing bowler and not look like lame ducks while doing so.
Starting his innings in typically aggressive fashion, he took the fight to the West Indian bowlers, who never looked to threaten the flamboyant all-rounder, before repeating the act with the ball. At the end of the day, Pakistan completed a stunning come-from-behind 126-run win.**
These are measures that must be taken at the developmental level, however. Pulling Pakistan out of this rut of low selfconfidence is the job of the team management including the captain and senior players.
Afridi's brilliance in Guyana, however, should not mask what was once again a pitiful effort with the bat by Pakistan. Out of the six batsmen before Afridi, only two made it to double figures. The first being the skipper, who by now, is used to facing the brand new ball and the other Umar Akmal. Ahmed Shehzad, also making a comeback, played a gentle out swinging delivery from a bowler playing only his fourth ODI onto his off stump, unsure whether to play or leave. The heavily experienced Mohammad Hafeez was bowled while offering no shot, perhaps out of fear of getting out in the slips. Asad Shafiq too played a poor shot to edge one to makeshift wicketkeeper Johnson Charles who pulled off a stunner whereas, Nasir Jamshed was unlucky to be on the receiving end of a harsh umpiring decision. The Pakistan batting lineup, brittle as ever, has suffered from similar lapses for quite a while now. Maybe taking a leaf out of the captain’s book, they have failingly tried to play slower than their natural abilities would allow. It could be the constant fear of failure or the lack of faith shown by selectors in the young squad that has encouraged otherwise flamboyant batsmen to play in a much more reserved manner than they would prefer. Take Shehzad for example. Naturally a very
With home pitches being placid and offering very little swing to the fast bowlers, it can be disconcerting for a young batsman to face a bowler who can make the ball swing both ways- as was the case with the West Indian bowler Jason Holder yesterday. To that, the only solution one can propose is for the board to facilitate for the batsmen the opportunity to play county cricket.
A change in captaincy in favor of the more extravagant Afridi would be too disconcerting for a young side that has just settled down.
may be. His dismissal proved just that point - his instincts pushed him to offer a shot, his caution advised him to sway his bat away and the confusion cost him his off stump. A batsman must never play anything but his natural game. In the last 42 completed innings by Pakistan within the past two years, the overall strike rate has touched 100 merely two times. The batting has not fared well even with a lower benchmark, going over 80 only fourteen times. Compare this with India, whose success in the past two years has been phenomenal. India’s strike rate has crossed 100 nine times in their past 49 innings, with 34 innings being scored at a strike rate of above 80. The comparison goes to show the method both teams have adopted and the results are there for all to see. Perhaps this current Pakistan lot is
last 10-15 overs. However, if that is what the Pakistani think-tank has proposed, it is an outdated strategy. In the current day and age of teams frequently posting 270-plus totals as a result of two balls per innings and the luxury of powerplays, the Pakistani team should look to play aggressively throughout the innings, much like their Indian rivals. A worrying statistic that proves the lethargy of the Pakistan middle-order is the run-rate of scoring by the first six batsmen. In the past two years, the top six have scored at a collective run-rate of higher than five, only ten times. In the same time period, England’s top six have scored at a rate higher than five, twenty times. Pakistan’s predicament may have been brought about by a natural fear of the swinging ball.
What the management can do, however, is to alter the batting line-up. The aggressive Umar Akmal could be pushed to a number three batting position in place of an out-ofform Mohammad Hafeez. It is a position Akmal has frequently, and openly, requested. The management could also reassure the young batsmen of their spot in the team, at least for a certain amount of time. This would allow the likes of Shehzad to play their instinctive game, without fearing the axe that is constantly looming over their heads. A more reassuring, handson approach from Misbah could also be the key. A captain that is in touch with his young stars can only be of benefit to them. Pakistan must, by now, learn that changes are to be made. Not to the team, but to their approach to the game. The team must grow out of this reclusive mode and play with the flair that has been the hallmark of successive Pakistani teams. After all, as the saying goes: fortune favors the brave. Just ask Afridi.
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July 18, 2013
Goodbye our Beloved Bollywood villain Pran Shaib
MUMBAI: Veteran Indian actor Pran, who played villains and character roles in more than 400 movies, was cremated on Saturday in the western city of Mumbai following his death at the age of 93. of celluloid roles.
Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.
“He worked with doyens of film industry among which he was an icon.”Family, fans, friends and Bollywood celebrities attended his funeral in Mumbai.
“Truly the end of a magnificent and glorious era. He was a gentleman superstar,” tweeted leading Bollywood director Karan Johar.
Pran's roles had an enormous impact on Indian audiences and parents stopped naming their children 'Pran' (life) at the height of his fame because of his role as a “Bollywood baddie”.
In his private life, Pran was renowned as a gentleman - far removed from the dark characters he played on screen.
Born into a wealthy family in New Delhi, Pran grew up in Lahore where he pursued a course in photography before landing his first film role.
Pran Sikand, dubbed the “godfather of Indian villains” and best known by his first name, was one of Bollywood's most beloved actors for nearly six decades. Pran, who died late Friday after a bout of ill health, ruled the industry with his
baritone voice and his ability to bring charm to his villainy.
After British rule over the subcontinent ended with its split into mainly Hindu India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Pran moved to the entertainment capital of Mumbai and worked his way into more film roles.
In a condolence message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “Pran entertained several generations of Indians with his riveting performances in hundreds
Pran appeared in over 400 films and played the villain opposite all the top cinema heroes of his era - from Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor to
The actor is survived by his wife Shukla, daughter Pinky, sons Arvind and Sunil as well as grandchildren.
"Main houn Afridi" to release on Eid Pakistan's film industry has been on the skids for years, unable to compete with India's Bollywood, but filmmakers hope the phenomenal popularity of one of the country's best-loved cricketers will translate into takings at the box office.
It's all about wealthy versus poor, who both try to make a name in cricket but the passion of the poor wins the day,” Saeed told AFP. The star-studded cast includes Bollywood actor Javed Sheikh, Nadeem Baig, Shafqat Cheema, Saeed and Mahnoor Baloch.
Producer Humayun Saeed, a top actor in Pakistan, initially persuaded Afridi to take the lead role, but the 33-year-old said it violated the traditions of his tribe on the Afghan border.
India has had successes in recent years with films based on sports-related plot lines, like Iqbal, based on the real-life story of India's World Cup winning paceman Munaf Patel.
“They offered me the role but my elders didn't let me act as it is against our traditions but I happily give permission to use my name as this film will give a positive message,” Afridi told AFP. Saeed said the film, which cost around $1 million to make, will be released in Pakistan for the Muslim festival Eid, as well as in the Gulf and in India. “It's an underdog story which centres on the game of cricket.
Afridi, who enthrals crowds the world over by hitting big sixes, has so far played 27 Tests, 354 one-days and 59 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan in a career with fairytale beginnings. A Pakistani film inspired by the fairytale career of cricket star Shahid Afridi goes on release next month, a heart-warming tale of raw talent that producers believe will be a smash hit.
When he was just 16-years-old, Afridi was sent to Kenya as a replacement to play for Pakistan's team.
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His better known films include English, August, Split Wide Open, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Before the Rains, Kaalpurush and The Japanese Wife. The Time magazine called him ‘the superstar of Indian art house cinema’ while Maxim (Italy), ‘the Sean Penn of Oriental cinema’.
July 18, 2013
Interview: A dose of Bose
So I spoke to a few friends of mine who were doing social work and they suggested that I work with Muslims so I began to work with this beautiful NGO called Akshara.
Being an advertising professional-cumrugby player-cum-speaker-writer-directoractor-cum-social activist doesn’t fluster Bose at all who comes across as a focused and candid person and has an intriguing sense of reasoning. But his increasing social concerns now leave him juggling cinema and sport.
“They were working with 80 or 90 Muslim women, encouraging them to study and go to college and I would spend time talking to them and challenging social orthodoxies in a very gentle, inclusive way by bringing the men from their families into the picture.
“I spend about 300 days of the year with The Foundation (his own NGO), and other NGO work. I keep the remaining days for cinema. Much to the disapproval of people of my organization, I am forever doing other things in other places for other people. This division of my days means that basically you do just two things a day for most days of your life. We all do two things a day and don’t realise it.” Just about any day he could be at the Zubin Mehta Music Foundation spending time in slums with young children who are learning to play the violin or flying to Kashmir on his education mission or the Andaman and Nicobar Islands doing posttsunami relief work, or hobnobbing with the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Annie Lennox, Scarlett Johansson and Gael Garcia Bernal as part of his Oxfam Global ambassadorship where he focuses on communal harmony, gender equality or working extensively with over 80 Muslim, Dalit and Hindu girls as part of an initiative created by Akshara, a Bombay-based NGO. Bose is on the board of the Citizens for Justice and Peace which was the response
of a group of citizens from Mumbai to the Gujarat genocide which back in 2006 had inspired Bose towards social work. “I had never seen this kind of communal violence.
We wanted them to understand that it was only to their benefit if their women would evolve, and learn and earn money.” With Akshara, I’m also working on a plan to reach out to secondary victims of rape and violence. When a woman is assaulted, there is not only the woman who needs all kinds of support; there is also an ashamed father, an angry husband and an embarrassed brother who need support and counselling.”
“My social activism has nothing to do with my cinema. Films that I do have more to do with artistic challenges. I just played a horrible Al-Qaeda villain in a film called Vishwaroopam where I play this mean, horrible, merciless killer called Omar with a beard and the whole shebang with a glass eye you think that has something to do with my social work? ”chuckles Rahul Bose, one of Bollywood’s most respected actors. “I started social work because my heart wanted to and I’ll stop it when my heart wants me to, which is probably as likely as a volcanic fire in the North Pole.”
With Oxfam India, Bose is working in seven states of India on the Dalit issue, women issues and Muslim rights. “When I joined this very august bunch of global ambassadors, it was not for the glamour but because I believe these are the most crucial rights that will free the soul of India in the future. Oxfam India is doing some solid and deeply gratifying work, for instance, the empowerment of women farmers in India.”
Rebel who inspired the world He was no rebel without a cause. His words continue to inspire till today. His songs, though written at a time when impoverishment and corruption reigned strong, have stood the test of time.
their soul. And embarking where Marley once lived and wrote songs must give goosebumps to anyone, let alone an Indian journalist travelling to the Caribbean for cricket. In Jamaica, Marley is remembered in many ways — Reggae legend, Rastafarian, unifying force, preacher of 'One Love' and friend of the poor. But as the nation remembered him on International Reggae Day, the rebel inside Marley tops other memory. "My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever." — Bob Marley His immortal words, 'get up, stand up: stand up for your rights', still inspires those trying to battle life's endless struggles. Born a 'half -caste' to a British father and Jamaican mother, Marley once ignored an assassination threat for the sake of ticketholding fans. Tells you just why he's such an inspiration. A visit to the Bob Marley museum on 56 Hope Road is a pilgrimage. A $20 guided tour through the two-storied house that lasts an hour, including a small documentary, casts light on his journey and the awards he won. The guides on the tour suddenly break into a song and ask visitors to sing along.
Bob Marley prophesised freedom of thought.
And those who truly know his words found
But his music wasn't just about songs. "Bob was on a mission to spread his message.
And music was the best medium through which he could do it," Colin Leslie, the accountant of Marley's Tuff Gong international studios, told HT. "Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that's all." — Bob marley As a manager of his first company, Leslie had seen Marley from the days he had just started attaining fame. "He was meticulous and a perfectionist when it came to his music. His percussionists would be tired after long rehearsals but Bob wouldn't give up till he perfected the tune," said Leslie, 61. There goes a story of a mango tree in Marley's house under which he used to smoke ganja and play on his bongo. It incensed his neighbours but Marley decided to poke fun at them by composing 'I wanna disturb my neighbours'. The greatest urban legend however is the story of how Marley might have got a lesion due to an injury in a football game in 1977 that ultimately led to cancer and his death. Having amputated his toe could have saved him but he refused, citing religious beliefs. Leslie however feels that his sudden death only propelled Marley's fame. "I hear there are temples in Nepal where Bob is
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Jones Supports Ontario PC Plan to Fight Hunger with Local Food Queen’s Park – Today, the PC Caucus announced they are putting forward an amendment to the Local Food Act which would add a tax credit for farmers who donate their products to their local food bank. “Ontario has stagnated with little economic growth and high unemployment across the province,” said Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones. “While the PC Caucus’ priority is to provide a path to grow our economy and create jobs, we also recognize today’s reality that many Ontarians struggle to put food on their tables and need to look to their local food bank for assistance. This amendment is a simple thing we can
do that will make a big difference to those families.” Modeled on Sarnia Lambton MPP Bob Bailey’s private members bill “Fighting Hunger with Local Food Act,” the amendment would grant a non-refundable tax credit worth 25% of the wholesale value to farmers who choose to donate their excess agricultural products to local food banks. The bill would also permit unused tax credits to be carried forward up to five years. Each year, while food banks struggle to provide for those in need, Ontario farmers dispose of or plough back into their fields, more than 25 million pounds of fresh,
nutritious food. This food is healthy, tasty and fresh, but is not chosen for sale by grocers because of cosmetic reasons such as size, shape or colour. Many farmers cannot afford the additional costs incurred to collect, process, and deliver their unsold produce to local food banks despite a clear desire in the industry to do so. In April 2011, the Region of Peel passed a resolution (Resolution No. 2011-249) calling for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support Bailey’s Fighting Hunger with Local Food. Jones pointed out that currently the Local Food Act does nothing to increase the consumption of local food outside of
government buildings. The PC Caucus has already announced an amendment to increase food literacy by requiring food education as a mandatory component of instruction for pupils in every grade. “The PC Caucus believes that Ontario deserves a comprehensive Food Act that addresses the challenges that our food system and farmers are facing,” said Jones. “That’s why we are putting forward amendments such as this tax credit which will help our farmers and ensure that people using Ontario’s food banks will have more access to fresh, high quality Ontario food.”
Brampton 13th July 2013: MP Kyle Seeback, Ontario PC Party leader Tim Hudak along with provincial PC caucus hopefuls today in downtown Brampton. What a nice sunny day to
British law makers pass same sex marriage bill. LONDON: British lawmakers on Tuesday passed a much awaited bill legalising same-sex marriage in England and Wales, paving the way for the first gay weddings in 2014. MPs in the House of Commons decided not to oppose a number of minor amendments to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill proposed by the House of Lords, the upper parliamentary chamber. The legislation is now expected to receive official assent from Queen Elizabeth II later this week after MPs agreed to changes such as ensuring protections for transgender couples.
Better Public Transit for Mississauga Ontario Government Continues to Improve Transit MISSISSAUGA--Ontario’s Gas Tax Program is easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution in Mississauga by getting more people out of their cars and onto public transit. Mississauga will receive $15,778,256 from the new Ontario government in support of improvements to Mississauga’s transit
system. Investing in public transit is part of the provincial government’s plan to help reduce congestion, strengthen the economy and create a fair and prosperous society. QUOTES “Making the dedicated Gas Tax Program
permanent is good news for Mississauga as it will provide a sustainable and predictable source of provincial funding for public transit. Mississauga will be in a better position to make decisions on service improvements such as additional buses, expanded routes and improved security.”
better public transit and connect neighbourhoods across the city. Province’s record investments in public transit strengthen Ontario’s economy by helping people get to work, school, and shopping, while reducing gridlock and protecting the environment.”
— Dipika Damerla, MPP for Mississauga East-Cooksville
— Bob Delaney, MPP MississaugaStreetsville
“Gas tax funding helps Mississauga deliver a
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Ontario Economy Continues to Grow New Government’s Plan for Jobs and Growth is Working Ontario's Economic Accounts for the first quarter of 2013 were released today, showing that the province's economy continues to r e c o v e r f r o m t h e recession. Ontario's economy grew at a 1.0 per cent annualized rate in the first quarter, up from a 0.6 per cent rate in Q4 of 2012. Real GDP has increased 8.3 per cent since the end of the recession and is now 2.7 per cent above its pre-recession level. Hous eh ol d s pe ndi n g and increased business inventories were the main contributors to real GDP growth in the first quarter.
The award winning so called fair “Indian Media” in India and all over the world is trying its best to stay “mute” on the recent allegations labelled by an Indian CBI official who has accused Indian government of planning these attacks on the Indian Parliament and in Mumbai (India) which have been linked to Pakistan by the very same government. But on the other hand when any sort of negative news comes out of any other country they the fair "Press" are the first ones in jumping to quick conclusions.
Providing the right climate to attract investment, create jobs and grow the economy is part of the Ontario government's plan to build a prosperous and fair province for everyone.
Packed boat capsizes near remote Australian island
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, 08 July 2013 – The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) has retained an experienced communications consultant, Sarbjit Kaur, for Marketing | Development as the gallery continues to grow in Canada’s 6th largest city. Ms. Kaur, a long-time resident of Mississauga, has more than 10 years of experience in journalism, government, public relations, corporate communications, marketing and advocacy. She worked as an editor and writer before building a stellar career in the public sector where she served in senior communications and marketing roles in the office of the Minister and the Ontario Public Service, in four provincial ministries.
SYDNEY: A boat carrying about 150 asylum seekers capsized in monstrous Indian Ocean waves, triggering a frantic rescue effort by Australian crews who saved nearly every passenger from the churning water, officials said Wednesday.
A second navy ship was sent to the scene and rescuers attempted to board the boat. But towering, fourmetre waves coupled with the vessel's high sides made climbing on board impossible, said David Johnston, Commander of Australia's Border Protection Command.
Four people died after the boat rolled over Tuesday in choppy seas 125 kilometres north of Christmas Island, Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare told reporters.The Australian island is 500 kilometres south of Jakarta, Indonesia.
Rescuers decided the safest option would be to escort the boat to Christmas Island, where Australia operates a detention camp for asylum seekers.
The survivors, from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, were taken to Christmas Island, along with three Indonesian crew members.A navy ship was sent to assist the vessel after it was spotted by an aircraft patrol on Monday, Clare said. When the navy ship arrived, the boat appeared to be in good condition. By Tuesday, however, several on board had called maritime authorities asking for help, saying the engines had stopped working.
Several hours into the journey, however, the boat started leaning and some passengers began jumping into the water. Shortly after, the boat rolled and capsized, Clare said. Officials don't know what caused the boat to flip. Rescuers dropped life rafts into the water and hopped into small boats to reach the scores of men, women and children struggling against the choppy waves.Officials managed to pluck 144 people to safety, and recovered the bodies of two women and two men before calling off the search Tuesday night.
There were around 19 infants and children on board, Johnston said. ''It is a dreadful feeling in the stomach when we hear that a vessel has capsized, or that it is in some difficulty,'' Johnston said. ''Recovering 144 people in the conditions they had yesterday was extraordinary work.'' Customs officials estimated the boat had 150 passengers and said they were interviewing survivors to determine the exact number. They aren't searching for more people. Christmas Island is a popular destination for asylum seekers who crowd into rickety boats at Indonesian ports and pay people smugglers to ferry them to Australian shores.Hundreds have died while attempting the journey in recent years. Last week, another boat carrying asylum seekers sank off Christmas Island. Officials recovered the body of a baby boy and were unable to find eight passengers who vanished in the water.
Pakistan Post to launch online financial services Islamabad, Jul 16 - Syed Ghulam Panjtan Rizvi, Director General Pakistan Post stated that, all the financial services of Pakistan Post would be launched online through Centralized Software Solution (CSS). He said that pension benefit
certificates and “Behbood” certificates of the National Savings will also be sold through the post offices and an agreement is being executed with National Savings Directorate for sale of National Saving Certificates at Postal Counters. Mr. Rizvi said that new call centers have also been opened for facilitation of the customers in Multan, Rawalpindi and Peshawar.
“Computer cell actively engaged in expansion of computerization of postal services” he added. He said that BISP, Military Pension Payment System and Saving Bank would be shortly implemented in Centralized Software Solution platform.
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‘I Am Your Papa’: Moammar Khadafy Sex Slave Reveals Nightmare Of Rape, Fear And Captivity One weekday morning in April 2004, a Libyan girl named Soraya was accorded one of her nation’s highest honors: Col. Moammar Khadafy was visiting her school, and Soraya alone had been chosen to present him with a bouquet. “You can’t imagine the excitement,” she recalled. “To see Khadafy in person . . . His face had been known to me since I was born.” Soraya was ushered into a makeshift dressing room, where she changed into traditional garb for the Libyan woman: red pants and tunic, small hat. “My heart was beating a hundred miles a minute,” Soraya said. She was 15 years old, a good Muslim girl who had never had a sip of alcohol, a drag from a cigarette or kissed a boy. “It all happened very fast. I held out the bouquet, then took his free hand in mine and kissed it as I bowed down . . . I felt like I was on a cloud.” Then he patted her head. In that one moment, Khadafy had indeed marked Soraya as special. And soon she would disappear completely. What happened to Soraya is recounted in Annick Cojean’s staggering new book, “Gaddafi’s Harem: The Story of a Young Woman and the Abuses of Power in Libya” (Grove Press). In the aftermath of the 2011 revolution and killing of Khadafy by a rebel militia, Soraya spent days recounting her ordeal to French journalist Cojean. “I will never forget what it felt like to watch her relive certain crucial moments of her life,” Cojean writes, “the horror of which hasn’t left her.” The day after Soraya’s presentation to Khadafy, three members of his famed all -female militia came looking for her. That pat on the head, it turned out, was Khadafy’s secret sign: I want this one. His soldiers found her at her mother’s beauty salon, a high-end establishment patronized by many of the Khadafy women; the dictator’s wife, Safia, had previously hired Soraya’s mother to do her hair and makeup at the palace. Soraya’s father was a member of Libya’s foreign information service. So when Khadafy’s guards showed up and said the dictator wished to see Soraya for an hour or two, her mother reluctantly agreed. In reality, she had no choice. Soraya was ushered into an SUV and driven at high speeds — with two other vehicles tailing — to a remote outpost. When she arrived, Soraya saw another girl — one of her classmates — but did not feel relief. She was told to enter a large tent, where she found Khadafy himself sitting on a lounge chair, watching TV and absentmindedly flicking through channels. He did not greet or acknowledge Soraya in any way, instead commanding his female guards to “get her ready” and then walking out. Briskly, Soraya was measured for clothes, given a blood test, shaved down
and given a G-string — something so alien to her, she had no idea what to do with it. The guards then gave her a white slip and told her that after she greeted Khadafy — or “Papa Moammar,” as they called him — she could go home.
elite foreigners who succumbed. Whether by force or free will is a mystery. “It always surprised me to see the visiting women head towards his room,” Soraya said, “immaculately dressed, designer purse in hand, and then come out
Soraya was escorted to his room by a female guard named Mabrouka, who shoved Soraya inside and quickly closed the door behind her. And there was Papa Moammar, in bed, naked. “Turn around, you whore!” he said. Soraya froze. He grabbed her, yanking her hair to force eye contact. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “I am your Papa — that’s what you’ll call me, isn’t it? But I am your brother as well, and soon I’ll be your lover. I’ll be all of that to you. Because you’re going to stay here and be with me forever.” “I didn’t understand a thing, nothing at all,” Soraya said. “It was all too perplexing. What was I doing here? What did they want from me?” Though Khadafy had, in fact, just told her — Soraya was his captive now, and she would be there to service him whenever he wanted — she couldn’t quite believe it. To many Libyans, Khadafy was a feminist, his famed “Amazonian Guard” proof of the respect he held for women, trusting them with his own security. No other Mideast leader would think of such a thing. He was the author of “The Green Book,” in which he advocated for women’s equality. He took great pride in scolding the West on their shortcomings in this area. “Moammar Khadafy is the one who opened opportunities for us to advance,” one female member of his vice squad told The Associated Press in 2011. “That’s why we cling to him; that’s why we love him. He gave us complete freedom as a woman to enter the police force, work as engineers, pilots, judges, lawyers. Anything.” Then there were the willing — those
with their lipstick smudged and their hair undone.” Soraya was most shocked, however, to see a jaunty Tony Blair exit Khadafy’s tent, clueless as to the atrocities under his nose. “Hi, girls!” he exclaimed. Those “girls,” like most everyone in the dictator’s orbit — man or woman, young or old, adviser, general, son-in-law — were his personal slaves. For whatever reason, Khadafy left a petrified Soraya alone that first night. His female aides attended to her, alternately soothing and threatening Soraya. On her third night, she was brought to Khadafy again, and he raped Soraya so viciously that she bled for 36 hours. (After the revolution, Khadafy’s chef told The Times of India that many of the dictator’s sex slaves suffered such brutal internal injuries that “they went immediately from his bedroom to the hospital.”) From the moment she arrived, Khadafy asked for Soraya constantly, and she could barely contain her revulsion at his grotesquerie. He ate garlic cloves for breakfast, chain-smoked and guzzled Johnnie Walker Black, did cocaine — and made Soraya do the same. He was drunk or high all the time. He raped her right after he had raped a slave infected with hepatitis. He urinated on her. She was once summoned to Khadafy’s room only to find him raping one young man while another was forced to dress like a woman and dance; Khadafy finished, then flung them out and raped Soraya. “He was repulsive,” she said. “And he was the president of my country.” She was shocked at the hypocrisy.
This great Muslim dictator who never prayed, who drank and smoked and raped every human in sight, who traveled with plane-loads of sex slaves and ignored every sacrifice demanded during the holy month of Ramadan: fasting, prayer, celibacy — he’d have none of it. During this time, he’d continue to have sex — as long as he didn’t ejaculate, he said, it didn’t count. “It’s Ramadan, Khadafy-style,” one of his girls explained. His only true belief was in black magic, and the only woman who could tell Khadafy what to do was Mabrouka, the woman who had brought Soraya to him that first night. The dictator believed Mabrouka had special powers, a blackmagic queen with access to a netherworld that protected him. “He didn’t wear any talisman,” Soraya said, “but he put mysterious, always oily ointments on his body, recited incomprehensible formulas and kept his little red towel close at hand.” He only ever called Soraya “whore,” and beat her so savagely that she was deformed. “Because they had been pushed, crushed and bitten,” she said, “my breasts were drooping and very painful . . . [I] had the chest of an old lady.” Soraya lost all track of time and had almost no knowledge of the outside world. The mantra among the harem: “We eat, we sleep, we f–k.” This was part of the process. Once Khadafy’s sex slaves had been physically and psychologically broken — too fearful to risk making a break for it — they’d then be allowed small doses of freedom: access to a cellphone, brief calls or visits home. Many of those who did escape — mainly to Turkey — were eventually recaptured and killed. Khadafy’s prisoners knew it. “The few hours outside the compound gave me such a boost that I never asked any questions,” Soraya said. “I wasn’t even thinking of escaping anymore. I was a long-forgotten girl without any sort of future.” In the wake of the revolution, numerous Libyan men and women also shared their stories with author Cojean: abductions, rapes, torture, murder. Four months before his death, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Khadafy yet could find no victims willing to testify to rape. Much of Libya’s populace remains in denial. Today, Soraya lives in Tripoli, alone and in anonymity. She has no friends and sits in her apartment, smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, looking out the window and wondering whether the world will ever acknowledge what happened to her and to so many others. “I didn’t dream it!” she tells the author. “You believe me, don’t you?”