Canadian Pakistani Times
Thursday
September 19, 2013
Volume 1, 77
Liberal Leader, Justin Trudeau’s Op-Ed on the Marois Plan Earlier this week, Premier Marois unveiled her government’s much anticipated plan to legislate values in Quebec. As I have said since the PQ first announced this plan back in the 2012 election campaign, I categorically oppose it.
institutions must be neutral and secular; church and state must be separate. But by what logic should we restrict the freedom of some Quebecers to express their religious
Like our fellow Canadians elsewhere, we Quebecers are open, positive people. We believe in defending one another’s freedoms, not in restricting them. I have great faith in the people of my home province. My message to Canadians from outside Quebec is a simple and important one: so should you. Resist the temptation to indulge in easy stereotypes and reactive characterizations of Quebec and Quebecers. The PQ government’s plan is divisive, negative and emotional. It is designed to be that way. Quebecers will reject it. I got into public life in part because I believed that politics can be done differently. It could be less petty and more transparent. Candour, especially during tense moments like this one, is risky but necessary. This summer, I met with Premier Marois and we discussed this issue openly and frankly. I said to her what I believe to be true: her plan does not accurately reflect Quebec. It would attack what we hold most dear: our right and our freedom as individuals to choose, and to express our beliefs within the context of universally recognized democratic laws and norms. There is no question that our government and our
beliefs? Simply because they are not shared by the majority? This is a dangerous road, not just for religious minorities within Quebec, but for all minorities, everywhere in Canada. The PQ’s plan divides the people of Quebec to solve a problem that does not exist. It creates two classes of citizens – those who hold religious beliefs and those who do not – under the pretext of secularizing a state that is already secular. These universal rights and freedoms were entrenched in
Army not to bow before terrorists terms, vows Kayani saying.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan's army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani vowed Monday that terrorists would not be allowed to take advantage of the military’s support to the political process. “While it is understandable to give peace a chance through a political process…no one should have any misgivings that we would let terrorists coerce us into accepting their terms,” a statement issued by the Inter Services Public R el at i o ns quoted Kayani as
Colonel Ahmad.
We enshrined them in both the Canadian and Quebec Charters precisely because they transcend -- and sometimes need to be shielded from -- the values of the government of the day. Quebecers and all Canadians have built a society that is the envy of the world because we have succeeded in making diversity an immeasurable asset. No Quebecer should be disqualified from a job in a public institution on the pretext that they pose a threat to state secularism. A Sikh or Jewish man, a Muslim woman or a woman who wants to wear a crucifix larger than the Parti Québécois dictates, should not have to choose between their religious belief and their economic well being. These symbols do not detract from our great pride as French Quebecers. They do not diminish our ability to live and flourish in French, nor do they prevent us from passing onto our children the extraordinary richness of our language and our culture. In the end, the PQ plan does not represent who we are. As René Lévesque himself said, we will be judged according to how we treat our minorities. The PQ government’s plan, if adopted, would see history render a very harsh verdict indeed. Quebecers and Canadians deserve better than this. I have confidence that Quebecers will demand better than this, and so should you.
India returns mangoes sent across LoC could not be carried on for some time because the traders on their side had gone on a strike.
Tauseef
“(The) Army has the ability and the will M a j - G e n to take the fight to the Sanaullah was the commander of the terrorists.” forces in Khyber The military Pakhtunkhwa’s chief’s statement militancy-hit follows four attacks on Malakand division. security forces by “The General Officer Pakistani Taliban has set towering militants in the past example of leading two days despite the from the front which is country’s political hallmark of leadership l e a d e r s h i p ’s in Pakistan Army,” unanimously deciding said Kayani according earlier last week to to the ISPR statement. hold peace talks with “We all salute his the militants. bravery.” At l east si x The Army chief security personnel vowed to spare no were killed in the four effort in bringing to separate attacks for justice the perpetrators which the Tehrik-iof these acts of T al i ban Paki st an terrorism. (TTP) claimed He reiterated the responsibility. Army’s resolve and One of the attacks, commitment in a roadside bomb in fighting the menace of Upper Dir near the terrorism “in Afghan border, killed accordance with the three army men will of the nation and including Maj-Gen at any cost.” Sanaullah Khan Niazi and Lieutenant
the Constitution because we believe they are at the core of our commitment to liberal, constitutional democracy.
MUZAFFARABAD: The intraKashmir trade through the two crossing points on the Line of Control (LoC) may meet a tragic fate as Indian officials have refused to accept items which they allege are not from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. On Aug 29, Indian authorities at their trade facilitation centre in Salamabad, on the other side of Chakothi, returned two trucks from AJK carrying mangoes, saying that the produce belonged to Pakistan, and not Azad Kashmir. The decision caused anger not only here but also among traders on the India-held side. They went on a strike on Sept 3, saying the standard operating procedure (SOP) had no mention of the origin of a product. The same day, Indian officials conveyed to their counterparts in AJK that trade
On Wednesday, the AJK Trade and Travel Authority (Tata), which deals with intraKashmir trade and travel, sent a written request to officials on the other side for a meeting at the Kaman Bridge on Monday to sort out the issue. On Monday, Tata Director General retired Brig Mohammad Ismail himself went to the crossing point at 10.30am, but no one turned up from the other side. In the afternoon, Ehsanul Haq, custodian of intra-Kashmir trade at the Salamabad centre, met Azad Kashmir’s Trade Facilitation Officer Basharat Iqbal and handed him a copy of a ‘notification’ from India’s Central Board of Excise and Customs, stating that the goods which had their origin in Pakistan, and not in AJK, could not be allowed to be traded across the LoC. Talking to Dawn, Brig Ismail said he was disappointed by the attitude of the Indian government as it was returning even those goods which both sides had
included in the list of 21 tradable items. He said everybody knew that the two parts of Kashmir were not producing most of those items in bulk and they were coming from India and Pakistan. “But while imposing restrictions on us, they want us to accept whatever they send from there,” he said. The DG said that since the trade was on a barter basis, it could hardly be carried forward with such an attitude by the Indian authorities. “Returning trucks laden with fresh fruit and vegetables simply means inflicting huge losses on traders from this side,” he said, adding that the AJK authorities had never returned a single truck from the other side. He said the events unfolding over the past few weeks suggested that the Indian government was looking for excuses to shut down this activity. “We want this trade to continue, but on the basis of equality and mutual understanding.” The trade across the Line of Control is conducted four days a week — from Tuesday to Friday.
September 19, 2013
02
Weekly Fortune: by Kiran Pandey Rai (kiranpandeyrai@gmail.com) 19Th September – 25th September ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ARIES (21 Mar- 20 Apr) Time to keep an eye on your health as well as that of your mother’s health. But for the students, this period will be good to crack any competitive exams. If you are involve with any court case, decision will be in your favour. Your marital life seems little disturb but you will be able to escape without any bruises. Your loan application will be approved . Lucky Days : Tuesday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TAURUS (21Apr- 21 May) Your ideas and suggestions will be well appreciated everywhere. Students will perform amazingly good in this week. Sudden gain or loss can be expected , so be cautious. You may travel officially for short duration. Love in air can be witnessed but that love will be more like an aggressive than romantic love. Lucky Days : Saturday and Sunday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GEMINI (22 May- 21 June) Your status will be enhanced at your workplace. Your boss will support you. Health of your kid needs more attention. Your inclination towards occult sciences or research work will be more. Your logical approach towards every sphere of life can startled people around. Good news from your offspring can be expected. Lucky Day :Tuesday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CANCER (22 June- 22 July) You will feel uncomfortable at your home . Some unavoidable circumstances creating uneasiness around , eventually situation will be changed in a week or two. Even in office you will be puzzled during initial days of week but at the end everything will be stable. Mother’s health needs proper care. Lucky Days : Monday and Tuesday. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LEO (23 July- 22 Aug) You will have good time with your family. An offer from a foreign company may come to you or you will be benefitted by import-export business. Your communication skill will add a star in your appraisal .Romance is in the air. But you need to draw a line between lust and love. You will work for under-previlege. Lucky Days : Tuesday and Wednesday. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
VIRGO (23 Aug- 23 Sept) Your planning and execution will be awesome. Your hard work will pay you in term of money. Father’s health may create a problem. Some of you may take interest in religious discourse. Very good time for lawyers , they will win their cases. Always prefer your family over outsiders otherwise some dispute may disturb you. Secret love affairs can be seen on card. Lucky Days : Saturday and Sunday. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LIBRA ( 24 Sept-23 Oct). Your intelligence will be recognized among your peer. You can get a marriage proposal from someone who is known to you. You will spend money for some social cause. Control your other expenses. Travelling abroad can be seen in this week. Your everchanging mood may disturb your personal life.Tip of the week for you is to work on your anger. Lucky Days : Tuesday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SCORPIO (24 Oct-22Nov) If you had any dispute regarding inherited property ,then right time to hit the bar. You can plan for a religious journey. Good support of your father will be there. But relation with siblings will not be good. Financial gain can be foreseen. Avoid any court affairs or debt as unnecessarily this mental pressure can toll your health.Your interest in research or occult sciences will revive. Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAGITTARIUS (23 Nov-2 1 Dec) You will have unstable mind .You may establish an illegitimate relation which can tarnish your image. You will have financial gain but your indecisive approach can create a tough situation around. But you will be doing good at your workplace. Vehicular accidents can be expected during this week. Avoid drink and drive. Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CAPRICORN (22 Dec-20 Jan) . You will give your best at your work still you won’t find yourself content. Your mother is suffering with mental stress for the time being. Your spirituality will be at its peak. Marital life need special attention. Your father will have little health issue. Speech will play a vital role to overcome the situation. Overall a lukewarm week. Lucky Days : Monday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AQUARIUS (21 Jan-19 Feb) Support from father is more than expectation.Unorthodox approach about religion may bother your parents. Good professional gains or promotion can be expected.Luck will favour you from all aspects. Maintain a modest and humble relation with your spouse ,the ultimate peace will come from there only. Lucky Days : Wednesday and Thursday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PISCES (20 Feb-20 Mar) Some of you might persue in secret activities viz. occult sciences or research or any higher education.Accept the view of your spouse to keep your surrounding peaceful.Kids will create some fuss for you. Avoid anger and maintain proper health.Workplace is just an awesome place for you due to support of your collegues. Lucky Days : Friday and Saturday
New Director Appointed to Special Investigations Unit S CARBOROUGH C ROWN A TTORNEY TO L EAD O NTARIO ’ S P OLICE O VERSIGHT B ODY Ontario has appointed a new director to over see t he pr ovi nce's Speci al Investigations Unit (SIU). Tony Loparco, who currently heads the Scarborough Crown Attorney's Office, has more than 23 years of experience in the justice system. Mr. Loparco has prosecuted many serious cases on behalf of the province, including high-profile murder charges and gang-related cases. He has also played a key role in several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of youth in the criminal justice system. Mr. Loparco will take over as director on October 16, 2013, replacing outgoing SIU director Ian Scott whose five-year term makes him the longest-serving director since the SIU was established in 1990.
MPP Kwinter Asks Legislature to Reaffirm Ontario’s Commitment to Religious (Queen's Park) York Centre Liberal MPP, Monte Kwinter, has introduced a Motion in the Legislature calling on all MPPs to oppose the introduction of any legislation in Ontario that restricts or prohibit people's freedom of expression and religion in public places. The motion will be debated and voted upon by all MPPs in the Legislature in the afternoon of Thursday, September 19th. "I’m calling on all MPPs from all parties to stand up and reaffirm that the government of Ontario would oppose any legislation that would restrict or prohibit people’s freedom of expression and religion in public places," said Kwinter. "Ontarians are proud of the diversity of this province and they are equally proud of the freedoms of religious expression we all share. I am committed to an Ontario where all people are respected and our diversity is celebrated." Kwinter was joined at the press conference by a number of his colleagues in the Ontario Liberal Caucus.
03
September 19, 2013
57 children hospitalised in India after incorrect vaccination discharged, Sathpaty said. Doctors and officials were quoted by local media as saying the hepatitis B vaccine would not cause any long-term harm, but the mishap could deter parents from allowing their children to be vaccinated in future. Medical workers in India have worked hard to stamp out polio, a rare public health victory in a country where children are at risk of a range of deadly illnesses. Almost half of all children below the age of three are malnourished. The polio clinics were set up at two schools in Goghat village 80 kilometres northwest of the state capital Kolkata, said Apurba Ghosh, director of the state-run Institute of Child Health. Four health officials have been suspended and an investigation is under way into exactly how the mix-up occurred, Sathpaty said. “A few samples of hepatitis B mistakenly found their way into the container marked for polio vaccines,” he said. KOLKATA: Almost 60 children were taken to hospital in eastern India after they were mistakenly instructed to swallow a hepatitis B vaccine instead of polio drops, officials said Monday. The children started vomiting and sweating after they were orally given hepatitis B vaccine, which is normally
injected, at clinics in a village in West Bengal state on Sunday, the health officials said. Some 120 children in total swallowed the medication at the clinics, set up to administer polio vaccine drops as part of a campaign to eradicate the disease, before health workers discovered the mistake, said
Biswaranjan Sathpaty, director of West Bengal Health Services. “A total of 57 children started vomiting immediately after they were administered the wrong vaccine,” Sathpaty said. They were taken to a local hospital in Arambagh for treatment and have since been
“A nurse was assigned to collect the packet of vaccines from a local government office,” he said. “But she sent her husband to get the vaccines.”
September 19, 2013
04
SC vows not to relent on missing persons QUETTA: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry again expressed annoyance on Tuesday over non-recovery of missing persons and said the court would not compromise on this important issue and continue to take up the case till their production before the Supreme Court.
tell us the names of those who have them. The court will summon them.”The chief justice said FC chief Maj Gen Shahid appeared before the court and would sit there till the production of all missing
want to prove that you are very powerful.” The court should not be forced to issue a constitutional order in this regard, he said, adding: “Bring missing persons by using all your resources and satisfy their heirs who
He also expressed displeasure over nonappearance of the interior secretary despite a court order. He directed the secretary to appear before the court on Wednesday in connection with the missing persons’ case. A three-judge bench headed by the chief justice and comprising Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed had taken up a case relating to missing persons and Balochistan unrest at the Quetta registry of Supreme Court. Inspector General of Frontier Corps, Balochistan, Maj Gen Ejaz Shahid appeared before the court and remained there for about seven hours. The court regretted that despite the issuance of several orders, the FC and other security agencies had failed to recover the missing persons whose relatives and heirs had been coming to the court for two years in the hope of their production. “The FC is neither playing any role in restoring peace and law and order nor producing the missing persons,” the chief justice said, adding that police and Levies were better than the Frontier Corps. The chief justice came down hard on the additional attorney general (AAG) and asked him to produce all missing persons. “If these people are not with you,
and again,” the CJ said, adding that if missing people were involved in any crime they should tried in accordance with the law. When asked by the bench, Amanullah Tareen, Deputy Collector Customs, Balochistan, said he did not know how many vehicles crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan daily. The chief justice expressed annoyance over the reply and said that nobody could imagine how much injustice was being done to Balochistan. “Illegal business worth millions of rupees continues in Chaman causing huge losses to the national exchequer,” he regretted. The chief justice said illegal weapons and ammunition were being smuggled into the country and Quetta had turned into a ‘volcano’ which could burst anytime. He said nobody was ready to perform but wanted to save his service.He ordered the Federal Board of Revenue chairman to appear before the court on Wednesday in connection with a case relating to smuggling of illegal vehicles.
persons whose relatives and heirs were standing outside the court.
have been coming to the court for two years.”
He said most families of the missing persons alleged that the FC was involved in their disappearance and in some cases there was strong evidence about its involvement.Addressing the additional attorney general, the CJ said: “You people
The chief justice turned down a request of the AAG who sought 10 more days for better results in the missing persons’ case. “The heirs of missing persons are very poor and they cannot visit Islamabad again
The court took notice that some police and other officials transferred to Balochistan from Punjab and Sindh were not joining their duty. The issue was raised by Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad in the court on Monday.
Malala, Snowden nominated for Europe's top rights award BRUSSELS: European lawmakers have nominated several candidates for the bloc's top human rights prize, including Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai and US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden. The European Parliament said in a statement late Monday they were among seven nominees for this year's Sakharov prize. The finalist for the prestigious 50,000 euro ($65,000) award will be chosen next month. The 16-year-old Malala, who survived a
Taliban assassination attempt last year on her way home from school, was jointly nominated by three caucuses, making her the likely front-runner. Snowden, who leaked a trove of documents on US surveillance agencies' spying programs, was nominated by the Greens, a smaller pro-environment group. The prize is considered the Europe's top rights award. Previous winners include Nobel Peace Prize laureates Aung San Suu Kyi and Nelson Mandela.
September 19, 2013
05
SPORTS
Setback for Pakistan hockey as team denied entry into CWG
LAHORE: After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2014 FIH World Cup, Pakistan hockey suffered another blow on Monday when the national team failed to get entry into next year’s Commonwealth Games. This after the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) could not send expression of interest to the Games organising committee, despite having been granted extension twice. Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Arif Hasan told Dawn that a letter from the organising committee of the Commonwealth Games was received on Monday in which they refused to grant further extension to the PHF to send the expression of interest for participation. “The POA gave every chance to the PHF to send their expression of interest but they were getting the instructions from the government which doesn’t play an effective role in such cases,” Arif said. Arif added that Pakistan would be sending a contingent for other sports as the country had a good chance to qualify in some team and individual disciplines. The PHF, which depends on the financial resources of the federal government, decided to follow its instructions and ignored the invitation through the Arif Hasan-led POA. The government , meanwhile, recognises another body of the national Olympic association led by Akram Sahi. Sahi’s body, though, has no affiliation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The two parallel bodies have been involved in a power struggle and the dispute is yet to be resolved. Failure to make it to Glasgow is another setback for hockey after the national team finished third in last month’s Asia Cup. Pakistan needed to win the Asia Cup in order to make next year’s World Cup which will be held in the Netherlands. Earlier on Monday, new PHF secretary Rana Mujahid had said that if Pakistan fail to participate in next year’s Commonwealth Games, the government should be held responsible.
Rana Mujahid was elected as secretary following the resignation of Asif Bajwa in the aftermath of Pakistan’s failure to qualify for the World Cup. “The PHF wants to take part in the Commonwealth Games and is following government instructions to get entry into the event therefore if we fail to participate, the government should be held responsible,” Rana Mujahid said at a press conference held here to announce Manzoorul-Hasan Senior as the new head coach of the national junior team. Rana Mujahid was previously incharge of the junior team affairs. “Every player has a desire to feature in mega events such as the Commonwealth Games and we also expect our team to win a medal,” he added. “The PHF has already written letters to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to take up the matter regarding the entry of national team in the Games and they have to solve the issues, including of war between the two groups for the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). “If the PSB asks us not to take part in the Commonwealth Games, we will follow it but again that will be the decision of the government.”
Recently, inter-provincial minister in his summary to the prime minister recommended ad hoc on the PHF. Rana Mujahid, though, said it was unnecessary as the PHF had already announced the election schedule which runs from Oct 25 to Nov 25 and Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid had already been appointed Election Commissioner. “When [previous secretary] Asif Bajwa has already resigned and with president Qasim Zia deciding not to contest the next elections, then there is no need for any ad hoc as change through a democratic system will be more constitutional,” he said. With Rana Mujahid being elected as PHF secretary, Manzoor has been tasked with the job of leading the junior team at the Sultan of Johor Cup which starts in Malaysia from Sept 23. Rana Mujahid announced that national team coach Tahir Zaman will also travel to Malaysia with the junior team as consultant. Manzoor informed that he himself had approached the PHF for the job.
Junior World Cup [which will take place in India from Dec 6],” Manzoor said. “Time isn’t on my side but I know what I have to do. Coaches like Danish Kaleem and Anjum Saeed have been working with this team for the last three years, so, I am hopeful that after meeting with them we will be able to prepare an effective strategy.” Reminiscing on his track record, he added: “I prepared that Pakistan team in three years — which had finished 11th in the 1986 World Cup 1986 — that played in the final of the 1990 World Cup.” Despite having been away from the game for almost a decade due to his posting in Saudia Arabia as PIA station manager, Manzoor said hockey hadn’t changed much in that span except for changes in the offside and the penalty-corner rule. “The pace of the game has changed but the basic rules are the same,” he said. “And I haven’t been out of touch with the game in the last ten years as I followed news of the hockey team through television and newspapers.”
“I took this responsibility as a challenge and I’ve set myself a target of forming a team capable of winning the FIH
Brampton A’s Sign Two NBL Canada Vets ORANGEVILLE, Ontario. – The Brampton A's continue to add to their exciting roster of talent by signing two NBL Canada Veterans this week in Cavell Johnson and Rick Bodiford.
developing his skills at the Athlete Institute (AI) in Orangeville as The
After a severe car accident, Bodiford missed all last year and is thrilled to make a
Cavell Johnson, a 6'9" power forward/ center played last season with the St. John Mill Rats and Rick Bodiford played in the league's inaugural season for the Quebec Kebs and the Oshawa Power as a 6'5" wingman.
Both Johnson and Bodiford will join Zabas, Tipping, and Singh at a Press Conference this Tuesday, September 17th at the Bramalea City Centre-Bay Court at 1:00 PM where they will be introduced to the community.
A's GM/Head Coach David Magley, loves the additions "Like our first three signees (Evaldas Zabas, Jameson Tipping, and Dipanjot Singh) Cavell and Rick are players not positions. Rick can play any of four positions and Cavell is very comfortable in either of the two post spots." Johnson played collegiate basketball at James Madison and the University of Maryland Baltimore County, was an All Conference performer in college and a 2nd team all league Defensive Player in the NBL for the Mill Rats last season, his first as a professional. He is looking forward to
talents to the NBL Canada and had a solid first year with both Quebec and Oshawa. "I tried out for the A's in an open camp in South Bend, IN. I was impressed with the organization and jumped at the opportunity to train at their facilities for over a month this summer. I am confident that I am in the best shape of my life and learning how to really play multiple positions. I want to be on a championship team and like the guys and staff.”
Brampton A’s are owned by AI, "simply put I want to play in the NBA or the highest possible level and this organization's commitment to player development is unique."
comeback in the NBL with the new expansion A’s. Following a successful university career at Division I Kennesaw State in the Atlantic Sun Conference and at Indiana University Southeast, he took his
The A's will be playing their inaugural season in Brampton's Powerade Centre. The season begins November 1st and the first home game will be on November 15th. Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased through Ticket Master or at www.bramtponas.ca .
September 19, 2013
06
“Zinda Bhaag” nominated for Oscar consideration
The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has selected “Zinda Bhaag” as the first Pakistani film in over fifty years to be submitted for Oscar consideration in the 'Foreign Language Film Award’ category at the 86th Academy Awards. The film has already bagged four awards in three categories at the Mosaic MISAFF festival held in August this year in Toronto. Apart from ZInda Bhaag, three other films were submitted to the committee for Oscar consideration including Chambeli, Josh and Lamha (Seedlings). The movie was selected by means of a ballot concluded by the Committee members. Films selected by each country's Academy selection committee are then submitted for screening, shortlisting and voting with the official Oscar nominees announced at a later date. “Zindaa Bhaag took a risk in telling a different kind of story and did it in a very innovative way.
It also stayed true to its content and approach and that I feel is a very welcome contribution to the revival of cinema in Pakistan", speaking of the nomination, Committee member Mehreen Jabbar said. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will choose the final nominees for all award categories including Best Foreign Language Film by 8th January 2014. The complete and final list of Oscar nominees will be announced on 16th January 2014 with a presentation show for the 86th Academy Awards scheduled to take place on 2nd March 2014. Around 71 films were submitted for Oscar consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category alone, at the 85th Academy Awards held in 2012. The number of internationally submitted films for this category is expected to be even greater this year. Well, only time will tell if Zinda Bhaag will make it - Although it’s exciting to see
Pakistani movies again strive for an identity after all these years we have seen a number of local releases and many more to look forward to this year. Speaking about the selection of Zinda Bhaag, Chairperson of the Committee Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy said, “Pakistan will finally have a film in contention this year at the Academy Awards and I feel proud that today we are taking a small step towards recognizing our own filmmakers. Zinda Bhaag is proof of the fact that sheer will, passion and talent can achieve incredible feats, and I would like to congratulate the team behind the film on a compelling and cinematic film”.
average Pakistani's finds themselves in on a daily basis and their desire to set free. Speaking of the nomination, Committee member Mohsin Hamid said, "Zinda Bhaag is funny, natural, hip, and casually audacious - A real step forward for contemporary Pakistani cinema and a pleasure to watch”. “Zinda bhaag is a great film about the price you pay for dreaming dreams, it is painful but true.” added Samina Pirzada who is also a committee member. Directed and written by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, produced by Mazhar Zaidi the film features Bollywood legend Naseeruddin Shah, Amna Ilyas and Khurram Patras in leading roles.
Zinda Bhaag is a comedy/thriller about three young men trying to escape the reality of their everyday lives through unconventional methods. The journey unfolds tales of circumstances that an
Qawwali performance celebrates Amir Khusro’s contributions ISLAMABAD: Capturing the beautiful traditions of Sufism, Farid Ayaz and his brother Abu Mohammad Qawwal immediately drew in their audience at Kuch Khaas on Sunday night. At the two-hour concert arranged by the Institute of Preservation of Arts and Culture (IPAC) to celebrate Amir Khusro’s contributions to the musical world, the two qawwals used their vocals and repetitive themes to spellbind their listeners.
“It is like a drug,” he said, leaning against a cushion in the lawns of Kuch Khaas. Qazi Muhammad Mohsin had invited both Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammad to perform for his guests at his residence on several occasions, and Sunday night’s performance was as special for him. “They take you into a different mood,” he said The music was not complicated to listen to. The two qawwals sang songs and understanding the lyrics was not an essential prerequisite in attaining the trance-like state which their qawwali offered.
Each of their performance lasted for fifteen to twenty minutes, as the two brothers reflected the voice and talent of their late father, the legendary Ustad Munshi Raziuddin.
The audience venerated Farid Ayaz Qawwal’s virtuosity, while for Abu Mohammad, the younger brother, there seemed to be a purpose behind the beautiful rhythmic patterns, melodies and harmonies.
The music was punctuated by energetic Omar Ali Khan, a fan of Amir Khusro’s “They are incredible singers, expertly The two performers sang about the glory bouts of virtuoso vocals, and the music was poetry who was present at the occassion, said enunciating complex lyrics with passionate and mystery of the Almighty, His inscrutable ways, and His grace and the beauty which both understood and intellectually the qawwalis had taken him to various cities precision,” said another member in the appreciated by the audience. of Pakistan wherever they were sung. audience. were manifested in the world.
September 19, 2013
07
The 5th Lahore International Children’s Film Festival opens in Lahore LAHORE: The Little Art opened the 5th Lahore International Children’s Films Festival 2013 on Monday 16th September at Alhmara, The Mall, organized in collaboration with the Government of Punjab and City District Government Lahore. The opening was attended by nearly 800 children from various schools of Lahore and was inaugurated by the Minister of Education and Youth Affairs Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan. “It gives me pleasure to share that The Little Art is holding 5th Lahore International Children's Film Festival, a unique and important event in Pakistan for children and youth", said Khan. He further added, "It is very crucial for Pakistani children and youth to experience cultures and learn from mediums like film, which is becoming a tool for education all over the world. I extend my wishes for the Festival, and hope that the initiative grows each year” he said." The Festival promotes education through entertainment and arts without any discrimination to audiences and exposes them to the world cultures by the best International educational films on a fulllength screen to open up their minds towards tolerance and new ideas. This year’s Festival will showcase 94 films from 27 countries including 13 films from Pakistan that are carefully selected and suitable people of all age groups especially children. These films have been selected from more than 400 entries from 35 countries. The Festival Director Shoaib Iqbal said; “It is a great pleasure for us that the Festival is entering in its 5th year now. It has also become an international competition to bring more quality films for children and youth to Pakistan. It took us almost a year to collect films from 27 countries around the world. We are happy that the selected films will be screened for thousands of young children in Lahore. I am also honored that the Festival is promoting Lahore on international scene, a great opportunity for us all to who take pride in the cultural and educational opportunities Lahore offers to children and youth. We look forward to have Government’s support in future to organize and expand creative learning opportunities for children and young people in Pakistan.”
The children and youth of Lahore would get a glimpse of the efforts of The Little Art by enjoying the record thirteen local films including films produced by university and school students such as National College of Arts, Beaconhosue National University, Aitcheson College and Lahore Grammar School. Children and youth from all walks of life are invited to attend the shows of these films. The Little Art, the organizer and producer of the 5th Lahore International Children’s Film Festival is a not-for profit organization, committed to bring innovation through arts education for children and young people in Pakistan. It works to raise the standards in education and improve children’s learning experiences. The following films were screened on the first day of the festival: Stoneflies Anne Walther
(Germany) Directed by
On a little island lives Ferdi a little boy stonefly with his parents. Stoneflies cannot fly, they are too heavy and their wings can not carry them. But Ferdis biggest wish is to fly. So he sets out to a journey to learn how to fly. On his way he meets several stones which he asks about the art of flying,
Dilip Kumar suffered silent heart attack, next 48 hours crucial
but none of them is really able to help him. When he had already given up all hope and accepts his fate, he meets a little girl- and his dream comes true... Dengue – The Silent Killer (Pakistan) Maaz Asher The film circumscribes the dengue epidemic which was at a high ebb during the year 2011. The precautions taken against dengue were quick to occur and are a credit to the awareness campaigns. Guddu ke Guddi (Pakistan) Directed by Madiha Jamil & Saleha Alvi A beautiful animation, a story of a young boy who loves kites on the sky of Lahore and try to catch one. He struggles for it and eventually get it but decides to give it away for the sake of another child. Regardless of what happens with the kite afterwards, is surely a surprise. Bubble (Pakistan) Directed by Mehak Fatima Story of Friendship a care between two stranger children, who share similar issues and understand each other. They learn to care about each other, as they become friends. Colored Pencils (Brazil) Alice Gomes Claudio, a poor 9 years old boy who lives alone with his mother, loves to draw. His father left some years ago and Claudio
nurtures the idea that drawing a colored portrait of his father will make him come home. But Claudio doesn't have any colored pencils. When he eventually obtains 3 magical colored pencils, his mother allows him to use only one color per day. Thereafter each color will have an influence on Claudio. Bitseller (Spain) Juanma Sanchez Cervantes What happens when a traditional writer has to change his old typewriter for a computer? The Centipede and the Toad (France) Anna Khmelevskaya In a faraway forest, the gracious, lissome Centipede is admired by all the other creatures. Except for an old Toad, haughty and jealous, who hates him. One day, he decides to get rid of the Centipede.
The Festival program, detailed show timing and summarized story of the showcasing films along with the introductions are available now on the Festival website at; ; www.lahorechildrenfilm.com
Billboard names Pink woman of the year
had suffered from a silent heart attack, this type is characterised by a lack of recognisable symptoms like accute chest pains," said the source. The source added that since his admission in the ICU, the 90-year old was able to consume food and he is currently not on an intravenous drip or the ventilator. Dilip Kumar was admitted to Lilavati hospital on Sunday after complaining of chest pains and now TOI has learnt that the thespian did suffer from a silent heart attack, which caused the scare.
"He is able to talk a little and he ate too but the next two days are critical for him," added the source.
A source from Lilavati hospital told this newspaper that the actor who is currently in the Intensive Care Unit will be under watch for the next 48 hours, which are critical to his health.
Meanwhile, the hospital's spokesperson released a statement saying, "Mr Dilip Kumar suffered a myocardial infarction yesterday.
"Cardiologist Mushtaq Mullah was summoned to his Bandra home on Sunday at 7.30 pm after the actor complained of uneasiness and vomited after having a cup of tea. After an ECG, it was found that he
At present his condition is stable. In view of his advanced age and post bypass status, he needs monitoring in the ICU."
Currently, the 91-year old veteran is under the supervision of Dr Nitin Gokhale, who is attached to Lilavati Hospital.
All treatment as per protocol was instituted.
Billboard announced Monday that the pop singer will receive the honor at its annual Women In Music event Dec. 10 in New York City. Pink's sixth album, "The Truth About Love," has sold 1.7 million albums since it was released last year. It launched three Top 10 hits, including the No. 1 jam "Just Give Me a Reason." Past recipients of Billboard's woman of the year award include Beyonce, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. Pink is currently on her international "The Truth About Love Tour."
September 19, 2013
08
Cinema goes digital The once vibrant cinema halls of Pakistan had all but fallen silent. Places that used to be centres of family entertainment became shopping malls and multi-storied apartment blocks. The few that were left had to weather the storms of change and most recently, religious fervour that targeted the remnants of a different Pakistan, in their bid to prove their piety. The result was severe: the number of cinemas (more than 600 just a few years ago) was reduced to less than 100. However, this hasn’t stopped the struggle for better entertainment. In recent years, investment in new cinema halls, bolstered by the lift of the ban on Indian films and equipped with modern technology, has brought new screens to neighbourhoods across Pakistan. To get a better insight into the investments in cinemas, as well as the technology that is being deployed to improve the movie experience in the country, we got in touch with Aadil Mandviwalla, CEO of Mandviwalla Entertainment. Over the years the group has provided some of the best cinema experiences to patrons and with the introduction of 3D technology, it continues to do so; this despite the loss of its flagship enterprise, Nishat Cinema last year. Spider: How does the average Pakistani cinema-going experience compare with going to the movies abroad? Aadil: The technology deployed in Pakistan is pretty much the same that is being used around the world. However, that technology is in the testing phase and there is still room for improvement. Digital projectors around the world have bugs and errors being reported on a daily basis. Nishat was using a 35mm projector which was used in all the other cinemas. Now, with the introduction of 3D cinema experience, we have deployed digital technology which has been a success at our Atrium and other Cineplex. When we created the feasibility for the 3D cinema experience, we knew that there was a niche market for it. People, who had experienced it in Dubai, US and Europe, came back talking in awe about its capability. This helped in creating a curiosity amongst the cinema going masses here. Even those who were hesitant in going to the cinemas became curious to enjoy the experience. This encouraged us to bring the technology to Pakistan and as has now been proven, it was the right move.
When we introduced 3D and the digital technology in Karachi, we had a tremendous response. It went both ways. Some people get headaches with 3D and some love it. It all comes down to watching movies with extreme clarity. When you watch a 35mm film, it's like watching a Master on VHS, Whereas Digital is like Blu Ray. Spider: Is it economically feasible to invest in new technology in cinemas? Aadil: It absolutely is, it not only gives a greater experience of viewing a movie to the public, it also cuts down on costs of running a Cinema. Times have changed from how cinemas were operated. We no longer need two or three operators handling one projector, or a sound tower or even lights. With the technology that is there today we can operate as many projectors, lights, sound towers as we want, from just one control room. Import of movies is now easier and faster with digital hard drives coming in rather than 35mm reels. Ticketing systems have improved a lot. There is no need to fill out a ticket and tear it off a notepad. Content also matters. We’ve started to get an inflow of Pakistani movies. The content we are getting at our cinemas has improved tremendously over the past year. The quality of films is pretty much the same as what we see from Bollywood and
Hollywood. Spider: So what do you see will be the next step in movie watching? Aadil: People over here look for the better screen, sound and comfortable seating. However, Pakistan does not have that yet. We have gold class cinemas but with smaller screens; we have bigger screens but without Recliners or Lazy-Boy like seats. Cinemas in Pakistan will only survive in this day and age if they are up to par. Another thing that Pakistan is lacking right now is IMAX. This will soon be introduced in Lahore by another company. However, the biggest drawback with IMAX has been that studios haven’t really released movies catering to that experience, which inhibits the number of movies that you get to see there. This translates into expensive tickets. Also, it is something which works best only if you have 10-15 screens running alongside it. Spider: Who do you work with to ensure that your cinemas have the latest projectors, sound, etc.? Can you tell us about what kind of equipment you're using? We take time out and go abroad every year searching and learning about the new technology that is coming out for cinemas. We also send our employees for training
courses abroad so if there is any technical problem within our cinemas we have someone on duty and within the company who can solve the problem. We are equipped with DCI-Compliant Digital projectors by Kinoton and our sound system being used is Dolby Digital Surround Sound. We had initially started with Barco DP2K 23B. But we have upgraded this year and gone to Kinoton's LX II - 4k Projector in Cinema D. In Cinemas A and B we had 35mm Projectors by Kinoton which are now upgraded to 2k Digital projectors by Kinoton and also support 3D content. Spider: Why did you upgrade your projectors when your cinema was already doing so well with the old ones, and what are the features of the new projectors? Aadil: It does not matter how well you are doing, what matters is what you are doing for those who go out of their way to come to your cinema to watch a movie. Upgrading was not required, it was something we wanted to do for everyone who comes and enjoys watching movies at Atrium. The people of Karachi have chosen us for a reason and have been very supportive, so we need to also keep trying new facilitations and up-gradation and give them the best we can offer.
Pakistan Steel production cycle comes to a halt ISLAMABAD: The production cycle at the Pakistan Steel Mills — the country’s largest industrial complex — appears to have come to a halt, mainly because of non-availability of raw material and severe financial crunch.
The cold rolling mill’s production was 1,200 tons against the monthly capacity of about 17,000 tons. Total sales in the last 15 days amounted to a negligible Rs440 million.
According to a PSM executive, two major production units of coke oven byproduct plant (COBP) and blast furnace are facing acute raw material shortage and second battery has been shifted to heat cycle due to shortage of coal feedstock. Non-availability of coke to charge the blast furnace will adversely affect productivity of hot metal required to feed the steel-making unit which caters to the rolling mills to make value-added products. “This is going to further damage the condition of batteries and their production parameters.” He said the first COBP battery had already been on heating since November 2010 without production, incurring millions of rupees per month. In the first half of this month, the production of coke oven battery stood at just 5,000 tons against its capacity of 80,000 tons per month. Total coal stock now stands at 800 tons against the minimum requirement of 300,000 tons of ready stock under standard operating procedures. As a consequence, the production of blast furnace stood at 6,000 tons against its monthly capacity of 100,000 tons, due to coke shortage. Raw steel production stood at about 4,500 tons against the monthly capacity of 91,000 tons. There is no production of hot strip mill. The billet mill has been closed for the past four years and the billet caster has been out of order for more than three and a half years.
Officials said the backbone of steel industry was on the verge of collapse and yet it had not been able to attract attention of the new government under whose rule it had already suffered an additional loss of Rs7 billion. Over the past five years, the PSM has suffered a total loss of about Rs200bn. “The PSM reached this state due to unchecked corruption, inefficiency, over -employment and government’s lukewarm attitude towards its revival,” a summary of the industries ministry says. Yet no action has been taken to stop the rot.
“As of today, we neither have any raw material inventory nor saleable stock. Practically, the PSM stands closed even though its major batteries are kept on heating to avoid a technical closure – a stage when the mills cannot be revived,” the official said. He said the government during its first 100 days had neither inducted a professional management nor changed the board of directors in a transparent manner to take steps to revive the mills that catered to the country’s steel industry.
Last month, the ministry sought the government’s intervention, suggesting four options regarding revival, liquidation, privatisation and closure. he ministry believes an upfront injection of Rs28.5bn could revive the mills, while its closure would need Rs57bn to clear its liabilities. The summary was rejected by the cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee. On Sept 8, the ECC agreed to sanction Rs2.9bn to pay three-month salary of employees but the amount had not yet reached the PSM, an official said. As things stand now, the PSM’s equity is negative to the extent of Rs200bn (Rs90bn liabilities and Rs110bn cumulative losses), including over Rs45bn bank loans, gratuity, provident fund and outstanding dues of the Sui Southern Gas Company.
September 19, 2013
09
Abbott sworn in as Australia's new PM
Patients suffer as doctors go on strike in Peshawar PESHAWAR: Doctors at the three teaching hospitals in Peshawar observed complete strike on Tuesday, causing hardships to thousands of patients who came from far-off areas of the province to seek treatment. Addressing a press conference here, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Shaukat Yousafzai termed the strike illegal and politically motivated. He said that the government had already announced service structure for the doctors and there was no logic behind observing the strike. “We have already announced free treatment for the emergency patients and recruited 500 doctors and 300 nurses to cope with the shortage of staff,” he said. The government, he said, was committed to streamlining the affairs of health department to facilitate patients. The government has also released Rs60 million to ensure unhindered diagnosis and treatment of dengue patients, he said and added that they had so far recorded 12 deaths from dengue. He said that 276 patients were being treated at different hospitals for suspected dengue virus.
CANBERRA: Tony Abbott was sworn in as Australia's new prime minister on Wednesday and immediately ordered the scrapping of the nation's carbon tax and the halting of asylum -seeker boats.
“It's so important that we send a message to the peoplesmugglers that, from today, their business model is coming to an end,” Abbott said.
The 55-year-old conservative pledged to knuckle down immediately after the ceremony at Government House in Canberra where his Liberal/National government officially brought six years of Labour rule to a close.
The military tow-back is part of Operation Sovereign Borders, which is widely expected to be led by Deputy Chief of Army Angus Campbell, a former special forces commander, reporting directly to new Immigration Minister Scott Morrison.
“Today is not just a ceremonial day, it's an action day. The Australian people expect us to get straight down to business and that's exactly what this government will do,” Abbott said in a statement.
It includes a proposal to embed Australian police in Indonesia, buy up fishing boats to keep them out of peoplesmugglers' hands, and pay locals for intelligence — plans that have received a cool reception in Jakarta.
In presenting his frontbench team to Governor-General Quentin Bryce, he added: “We will be a problem-solving government based on values not ideology.
Australia has struggled to manage the stream of asylumseekers arriving on rickety, overloaded fishing boats with hundreds dying on the risky journey in recent years.
“We hope to be judged by what we have done, rather than by what we have said we would do.”
Counting of postal votes is still under way after the election, but the conservatives are on track to win 90 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives to Labour's 55.
Abbott was elected on September 7 on a pledge to quickly scrap taxes on corporate pollution and mining profits imposed under Labour, as well as introducing a costly paid parental leave scheme and a vow to build new roads across the vast nation. Top of his to-do list is axing the unpopular carbon tax, which charges the country's biggest polluters for their emissions at a fixed price. His government instead favours a “direct action” plan that includes an emissions reduction fund to pay companies to increase their energy efficiency, and money for schemes to replenish soil carbon and plant 20 million trees. Abbott, who once said that evidence blaming mankind for climate change was “absolute crap”, said he would immediately instruct officials “to prepare the carbon tax repeal legislation”. 'A message to the people-smugglers' Another central plank of his election campaign was stopping asylum-seeker boats. His policy of using the navy to tow them back to Indonesia — their typical point of transit — was to come into effect Wednesday, and could prove to be an early test of his mettle.
It gives Abbott a clear majority, although the makeup of the upper house of parliament is not yet apparent, with the likelihood that six to seven minor party candidates could secure seats to hold the balance of power — complicating the new government's legislative push. The new prime minister and his key ministers were sworn in by Bryce 11 days after Abbott's overwhelming victory over Kevin Rudd, who tweeted: “With Mr Abbott's swearing in today I cease formally to be prime minister. Thank you Oz for the opportunity to serve.” While Abbott has kept a low profile since the polls, he has already come under flak for naming just one woman in his 19-person front-bench — Julie Bishop as foreign minister. The previous Labour government had six women in cabinet. He has also attracted criticism, including from his own party, for streamlining his ministry, with key portfolios such as water, climate change, science and aged care wrapped into other portfolios. Other ministers sworn in included Joe Hockey as treasurer, George Brandis as attorney-general, and Nationals leader Warren Truss as deputy prime minister.
He claimed that the doctors were resorting to strikes without placing their demands before the government. He said that strikes affected poor and critically ill or injured patients who were rushed to the hospitals by their relatives. Locking hospitals and ignoring treatment of patients by doctors is a violation of rules, he said. The minister said that a new health policy to be announced in a couple of days would resolve all problems faced by health workers. Mr Yousafzai claimed that the government was making all-out efforts to improve patient care in the province. “The government is committed to resolving the problems of doctors, paramedics and nurses to ensure better health facilities at the government hospitals,” he said. Meanwhile, the Provincial Doctor Association (PDA) has vowed to continue the strike till resolution of their demands. PDA chairman Dr Shah Sawar told a press conference on Tuesday that they couldn’t be deceived through empty announcements and they would press the government to accept their demands. He said that the government had failed to provide security to doctors and they lived in rented rooms outside hospitals because of shortage of accommodation facilities. The doctors didn’t attend OPD, operation theatres and stayed away from wards at the Lady Reading Hospital, Hayatabad Medical Complex and Khyber Teaching Hospital. Majority of the patients suffered as thousands of them returned home or went to private clinics. Dr Sawar said that the provincial government was not serious to solve their problems. He alleged that the health minister had been trying to avoid a meeting with doctors despite their requests.
Villagers bar girls from going to ‘co-ed’ schools GUJRAT: Just when the Punjab government launched its enrolment campaign in schools, parents in four major villages of the district have stopped their daughters from going to schools against the government’s decision of merging primary schools of boys and girls. Girl students of classes 4 and 5 have been forbidden by their parents from attending schools following a unanimous decision by the village council (panchayat) to resist co-education even at the primary level. In Union Council Machiwal’s Chokar Khurd village, the government had merged boys and girls primary schools. Students of nursery to class three in these schools had been merged into the girls primary school building, while boys and girls of classes 4
and 5 had been merged into the boys school. Following the merger decision, a meeting of village elders was called where it was decided that parents would not send their daughters studying in classes 4 and 5 to a co-education school. The decision was announced in mosques of the village and all parents had been abiding by the decision for last two weeks. A resident of the village whose daughter was a class 4 student told Dawn no girls were attending school and the matter had been reported to the district administration. He said an overwhelming majority of the villagers was religious and they did not accept co-education system in schools even at junior level.
He said concerns of the villagers had been conveyed to the officials concerned of the education department and until the decision by the government was revoked, parents would not send their daughters to school. He said the villagers were not against girls getting education but coeducation was not acceptable to them. The same issue had been reported to the district administration from villages in Tanda, Kakrali and Sara-i-Alamgir where parents were not sending their daughters studying in classes 4 and 5 to schools due to the merger. Gujrat District Coordination Officer Asif Bilal Lodhi confirmed the reports and said he had already informed the competent authority of the province through a letter and
was waiting for a response. He said if the district administration came up with a local arrangement by resuming the previous system of separate schools for boys and girls it would be a violation of the government policy. The DCO said the merger had also been done in the tribal belt of Punjab in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, so people should understand the government’s constraints that led to such a decision. When asked if barring girls could have a negative impact on the government’s ongoing drive to enrol children into schools, the DCO said the campaign had so far been successful and according to set targets in the district.
September 19, 2013
10
Districts being created in Sindh on public demand: law minister
KARACHI: Provincial Law Minister Dr Sikandar Mandhro has said that new districts in Sindh are being created on public demand and keeping the difficulties of the people in view. Talking to the media at the Sindh Assembly
on Tuesday, he said that consultation on new districts would be made with other political parties.
However, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has opposed the creation of new districts in Sindh.
He said there is no political intention in making new districts but it is being done in the best interest of the people.
MQM leader Syed Sardar Ahmed while commenting on the issue said that it is not the right time for creating new districts especially
Hacker group found in China, linked to big cyberattacks: Symantec
in Karachi. "Division of existing districts on political basis is not in the interest of Karachiites," Sardar said.
Obama says he wants to test Iran president's interest in dialogue
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that Iran's new President Hassan Rouhani appears to want to open a dialogue with the United States and that he is willing to test whether this is the case. Boston - Computer security experts have discovered a group of highly sophisticated computer hackers operating for hire, a US computer security firm said on Tuesday, and it linked the group to some of the bestknown cyber-espionage attacks out of China in recent years. Symantec Corp said the hacker group, which it dubbed "Hidden Lynx," was among the most technically advanced of several dozen groups believed to be running cyber espionage operations out of China. Unlike a previous report by another company, Symantec did not allege Chinese government involvement in the cyberattacks. Symantec's 28-page report said its researchers believe the Hidden Lynx group may have been involved with the 2009 Operation Aurora attacks, the most well-known cyber espionage campaign uncovered to date against US companies. In Operation Aurora, hackers attacked Google Inc and dozens of other companies including Adobe Systems Inc. Google disclosed the attacks in January 2010, in which hackers tried to read Gmail communications of human
rights activists and also attempted to access and change source code at targeted companies. Symantec researcher Liam O'Murchu said his firm was unable to determine which individuals were behind Hidden Lynx or if it was linked to the Chinese government. A separate study, released in February from the US computer security firm Mandiant, said a secretive unit of the Chinese military was engaged in cyber espionage on American companies. Beij ing vehemently denied the accusations in that document, which contained photos of the building that Mandiant alleged was the unit's headquarters.
attacks at three Bit9 clients. It also connects Hidden Lynx to a major campaign dubbed Voho, which was discovered last year by the security firm RSA, which is owned by EMC Corp. Voho targeted hundreds of organizations including financial firms, technology and healthcare companies, defense contractors and government agencies. Symantec described the Hidden Lynx group as a "professional organization" staffed by between 50 and 100 people with a variety of skills needed to breach networks and exfiltrate data. The arsenal of tools included Trojan Naid and Trojan Moudoor, which the gang use to siphon data from infected computers.
Obama's comment in an interview with Spanishlanguage network Telemundo was the latest indication the president would like to jump from the crisis over Syria's chemical weapons to a new search for a diplomatic deal to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. Last weekend, Obama revealed he and Rouhani had exchanged letters about the US-Iran standoff. Both leaders will be at the UN General Assembly in New York next week, although White House officials say they are no current plans for them to meet. “There is an opportunity here for diplomacy,” Obama told Telemundo. “And I hope the Iranians take advantage of it.” Obama ran for president in 2008 in part by vowing to open a dialogue with Iran. But there has been no breakthrough and sanctions by Washington and the United Nations to weaken Iran's economy have gradually been increased to try to pressure Tehran to give up a nuclear program that it denies is aimed at building a weapon.
Symantec believes the group is based in China, O'Murchu said, because much of the infrastructure used to run the attacks is based there and because the malicious software was written using Chinese tools and with Chinese code.
Symantec, which sells software and services to protect corporate and consumer computer systems from cyber attacks like the ones mentioned in the report, said Naid was also used by hackers in Operation Aurora.
“There are indication that Rouhani, the new president, is somebody who is looking to open dialogue with the West and with the United States, in a way that we haven't seen in the past. And so we should test it,” Obama said.
The Symantec report also provides new details about who is behind several recent attacks, including a breach at cyber security firm Bit9 and follow-on
The Hidden Lynx hackers "were either responsible for the Aurora attack or were working in conjunction with the Aurora attackers," O'Murchu said.
Since the surprise election in June of Rouhani, a centrist cleric, officials from both countries have made increasing hints that they are open to direct talks to seek an end to the decade-long nuclear dispute.
September 19, 2013
11
HARPER GOVERNMENT CONCLUDES INVESTMENT AGREEMENT WITH SERBIA (Mississauga ON) Joined by Wladyslaw Lizon MP (Mississauga East-Cooksville) the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today announced the conclusion of negotiations on a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA) between Canada and Serbia.
The announcement was made at Gulan Die Casting Ltd., in Mississauga, Ontario, were Minister Fast and MP Lizon were joined by members of the Serbian-Canadian business community.
“I am pleased to announce today that Canada has concluded a key investment treaty with Serbia,” said Minister Fast. “This new agreement between our two countries will help ensure the business environment is more secure for Canadian companies looking for opportunities in Serbia. It is also further proof that the most ambitious trade expansion plan in our nation’s history continues to produce results for our workers, businesses and exporters.”
A FIPA is a treaty designed to promote and protect Canadian investment abroad and foreign investment in Canada through reciprocal legally binding provisions. By ensuring greater protection against discriminatory and arbitrary practices and by enhancing the predictability of a market’s policy framework, a FIPA gives businesses greater confidence in investing.
“Protecting Canadian investors and bringing foreign investment to Canada are key parts of the government’s plan for jobs, growth and prosperity,” added MP Lizon. “I’m proud of our work to grow opportunities to strengthen the people-to-people ties that mean so much to us in both Canada and Serbia.”
Once in force, the Canada-Serbia FIPA will facilitate the flow of investment, thereby contributing to job creation and economic growth in both countries. The agreement will come into force once both parties complete their domestic ratification processes. Areas of potential growth for Canadian investment in Serbia include the extractive and resource industries and the energy and power generation, transportation infrastructure and agri-food sectors.
Serbia is an important commercial partner for Canada in southeast Europe, with actual or planned Canadian investments estimated to be worth almost $2 billion. Canada and Serbia also recently signed a double taxation agreement that will enter into force in January 2014, social security and air transport agreements, and a strategic economic cooperation arrangement. The two countries enjoy strong people-to-people relationships, with more than 80,300 Canadians self-identifying as being of Serbian origin.
Vale Canada Limited Fined $1,050,000 After Two Workers Fatally Injured September 17, 2013
SUDBURY, ON - Vale Canada Limited Vale Canada Limitée ("Vale"), a Toronto-based company which owns and operates an underground mine in the City of Greater Sudbury called the Stobie Mine was fined $1,050,000 after two workers were fatally injured.
On the night shift of June 8, 2011 two workers were working at an ore pass on the 3000 foot level of Stobie Mine. They were in the process of transferring muck (broken rock and ore) from above the 3000 foot level to below that level through a transfer gate. The workers were operating the gate using a remote control pendant. Although there was a protected area for workers at that location, in order to view the movement of muck and use the remote pendant, the two workers had to position themselves such that they were in front of and fully exposed to the transfer gate. There was a sudden and uncontrolled release of muck, sand, and water. This run of muck erupted through the transfer gate, burying one worker and hitting the other. Both workers died from massive crush injuries, multiple blunt force trauma, suffered in the run of muck. A Ministry of Labour investigation found that there had been a hang-up of wet muck in the ore pass. The wet muck was a result of Vale not dealing with water issues in the mine. Vale Canada Limited Vale Canada Limitée pleaded guilty to three counts:
Failing to prevent the movement of material through an ore pass while hazardous conditions (the hang-up) existed Failing to maintain the drain holes at the 2400 level of the Stobie Mine, leading to the accumulation of water, creating wet muck which then hung up Failing to ensure that water, slimes and other wet material was not dumped into the ore pass at the 2600 foot level of the mine.
Vale was fined $350,000 for each count for a total fine of $1,050,000. This is the highest ever total fine levied by a Court in Ontario for contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. As well, the Coroners Act, a statute administered by the Office of the Chief Coroner, makes a coroner's inquest mandatory for all mining fatalities. The fine was imposed by Justice Randall Lalande. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
MPP CHUDLEIGH ATTACKS QUEBEC’S CHARTER OF VALUES proposal to ban religious freedom of expression from the public service. Mr. Chudleigh did so during a routine afternoon member’s statement, however the nature of his statement was anything but routine. Instead of using the allotted time to deliver a traditional prepared message, Chudleigh delivered a rhyming poem which spoke to the heart of the issue. Queen’s Park - Yesterday, Ted Chudleigh, Ontario PC MPP for Halton and Critic for Tourism, Culture & Sport rose to comment on the Government of Quebec’s recent
"I think this issue is of great concern to the people of Ontario and Canada," said Chudleigh. Premier Marois’ attack on individual rights and freedoms goes against everything we value as Canadians."
The poem was entitled "An Ode to Freedom and Diversity" and eloquently highlighted the dangerous position in which the proposed Charter of Quebec Values puts Canadian values and freedom. "I don’t think governments should be making the choice for people whether or not they wish to display their faith publically. Citizens should have the right to wear whatever they please, so long as it does not infringe upon the rights of another person," remarked Chudleigh. Chudleigh’s poem received a standing ovation from all three political parties in the legislature, something that rarely happens in
a minority parliament. Members from all sides of the House crossed the isle to show their appreciation to Chudleigh for bringing this issue to the forefront in such a unique way. "I was honoured to have such strong support from the entire legislature. It truly felt as though we were united on the issue," said Chudleigh.
September 19, 2013
12
Pakistan, Turkey agree to intensify cooperation in various fields
ANKARA: Pakistan and Turkey Tuesday agreed to intensify cooperation in diverse fields, including trade, energy, infrastructure development, security, education, culture and science and technology as well as enhanced efforts for peace in the region.
bilateral and regional interest.
understanding (MoUs) today.
Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed very special relations bonded with fraternal ties rooted in history, culture and religion.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan here after co-chairing the 3rd High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meeting, termed the meeting “very productive” and said that “there was unanimity of views” between the two sides on various issues of
He said his visit to Turkey after assuming the office of prime minister on the invitation of Prime Minister Erdogan, speaks volume about the importance which Pakistan gives to Turkey as well as its strategic role in the region. Sharif said the two countries had signed a number of a gr e e me n t s a n d m e mo r a n d a o f
The two sides also agreed to enhance the number of flights between the two countries, said the premier and expressed his confidence that they would be able to carry forward the momentum generated by the HLCC meeting. On the strategic front, he expressed the hope that Pakistan and Turkey would redouble their efforts for ensuring peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister Sharif said he was
looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Erdogan for the 4th HLCC meeting to be held in Pakistan. He assured Prime Minister Erdogan that he would not find Pakistan lagging behind in the implementation of “what we have agreed today.” Prime Minister Sharif also referred to his talks with Prime Minister Erdogan as well as his meeting with President Abdullah Gul, who conferred on him Turkey's prestigious “Jamhurriat Nishan” (Medal of Democracy).
Three women shot dead in "honour killing" The “honour killings" happened in “It is a case of honour killings and was Jawaki village in the Darra Adam Khel settled under tribal customs where the district, between the cities of Peshawar and Pakistani criminal code is not applicable,” Kohat. the official said on condition of anonymity. A 22-year-old woman from Karachi who married a Jawaki shopkeeper about two years ago was accused of fleeing her husband's house and marrying another man in the northwestern Swat valley with the help of her aunt and cousin, a local administration official said.
PESHAWAR: Relatives shot dead three Pakistan after one of them left her husband, women in a lawless tribal area of northwest officials said Monday.
“According to the information gathered from local sources, the girl was not happy with her husband.”Local intelligence officials confirmed the killings.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says 943 women and girls were murdered in 2011 after being accused of The local tribal council or jirga tarnishing their families' honour. intervened in the matter and decided on Sunday that the women should be killed. The statistics highlight the violence suffered by many women in conservative Relatives shot the three dead at their Muslim Pakistan, where they are frequently house late Sunday night and buried them on treated as second-class citizens. Monday morning, he added.
Growing More Local Food Opportunities O NTARIO G OVERNMENT N EW L OCAL F OOD F UND
L AUNCHES investment from the province to create jobs and support innovative local food projects over the next three years. At a visit to Foodshare Toronto today, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that This fund is also part of the government's applications are now open for a new Local broader local food strategy to increase Food Fund. awareness and demand for foods grown and made in Ontario. The fund is part of a $30 million dollar
availability and distribution of local food Supporting local food is part of the Ontario government's plan to grow the economy, Market and promote local food Strengthen regional and local food create jobs and help people with their networks by increasing partnerships everyday lives. along the supply chain Use new and innovative equipment and processes to boost the supply, quality,
It will support projects that: