Canadian Pakistani Times
Thursday
may 9, 2013
Volume 1, 57
Imran says feels better, would not be able to cast vote. LAHORE: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan who was injured in a stage fall on Tuesday evening told newsmen today that although he was feeling better, he would not be able to cast his vote in his hometown of Mianwali as he had previously planned.
The campaign was scheduled to end on Thursday night prior to Saturday’s elections. Lying on his bed at the Shaukat Khanum Hospital, which he had built and named after his mother, Khan urged his supporters to ensure voting in big numbers. “11th May is the day of change,” he told reporters.
Khan had sustained head and back injuries Earlier in a video message to his after he fell from a lifter during a public supporters from his hospital, Khan had said meeting in Lahore. He received stitches on that he had done what he could in the last his head. several years. “Now it is your (people’s) turn to take PTI spokesman Shafqat Mehmood told media on Tuesday night that Khan would not charge and ensure the making of ‘naya’ be able to continue his political campaign for Pakistan,” he said. the elections on the advice of the doctors and added that it was not a political decision.
ONTARIO CAN HAVE A BETTER FUTURE – IF WE ACT TODAY
Ontario's New Budget Breakfast meeting to discuss the recently announced Ontario Budget 2013 three Mississauga MPP’s Dipika Damerla Mississauga – Crooksville, Bob Delaney Mississauga –
S t reet s vi l l e & Am ri t M an gat Mississauga –Brampton South and an expert were at hand to give an overall view of the provincial budget and answer any questions or concerns.
BRAMPTON – The solutions to Ontario’s problems aren’t hard to figure out, they’re just not easy to do. The only way to put our province on the right track is a new team with a new plan and the courage to put it into action, PC Leader Tim Hudak said today. “Too many people in Ontario are having trouble finding work and losing hope in our great pr...ovince,” Hudak told a Brampton community meeting. “Yet the Liberal government has
chosen to continue down a path t h e t e a m t h a t l e a d s i t . that will only dig a deeper hole for O n t a r i a n s . ” “We have a choice to make between continuing down the Hudak’s comments followed same path that has us struggling to Thursday’s release of a Liberal keep up, or taking a new path that budget that increases spending and surges ahead toward a strong, debt, and entrenches the damaging c onf i d ent an d pr o sp er ou s anti-jobs policies of the McGuinty O n t a r i o , ” H u d a k a d d e d . -Wynne government. Hudak said only the PCs have a Ontario can do better, Hudak plan to take bold action for stressed: “It’s time to change the growing our economy and direction of our province. And for stopping reckless overspending. that to happen, we need to change “Our plan includes ideas to
modernize our labour laws to compete for jobs, lower taxes, affordable energy and building a government that lives within its m e a n s . “If we make these decisions now we can bring back jobs and investment, give hope to small business owners, and ensure our children have a bright future right her e in Ontario,” Hudak c o n c l u d e d . “So let’s not wait any longer.
The half empty hall did not have very many keen participants eithe...r. When asked about why the change of hearts is been shown by Ontario liberal party on automobile insurance reduction now....! Were polices before faulty or not well thought of? We could not get a clear answer so very normal as this issue has been discussed before but we never ever could get a straight answer. Positive thing mentioned about the new budget is that no new tax. But the credit goes to all as all questions were entertained.
02
May 9, 2013
Brampton's new business Opening of INet Computers in Brampton on the corner of Steeles & Mavis (opposite no frills) chief guest was area
MP Kyle Seeback seen here in the photo along with other guests, community leaders & members of Punjabi Press Club
Rockets fired from Syria fall in Israel-occupied Golan JERUSALEM: Two rockets fired from Syrian territory exploded inside the Israelioccupied Golan Heights on Monday, without causing casualties or damage, an Israeli army spokeswoman said. The rockets exploded in a field near the ceasefire line in the southern Golan, she added. The rocket fire was “apparently connected to the situation inside Syria,”she added, suggesting Israel was not targeted but that it was a spillover of fighting between the Syrian regime and rebels. “The Israeli army combed the sector the rockets fell in and informed the UN forces deployed in the Golan,” the spokeswoman said. The rocket fire came as tensions between the two countries soared after Israeli air raids on targets in the Syrian capital on
of Canada. Brampton has a new business ready to cater high tech needs of local
Philippine volcano spews rocks, killing five climbers
Sunday. The Golan has been tense since the beginning of the conflict in Syria more than two years ago. However, there have been only minor flare-ups in the region to date, as Syrian shells have crashed in the occupied Golan and Israel has fired at the source in retaliation. Israel, which is technically at war with Syria, has occupied 1,200 square kilometres (460 square miles) of the Golan Heights, which it has annexed, since 1967. The international community never recognised Israel 's annexation of the territory. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has been stationed in the Golan since 1974 to oversee a ceasefire .
MANILA: One of the Philippines' most active volcanoes spewed huge rocks and ash early Tuesday after a 3-year calm, killing at least five climbers and trapping others near the crater, officials said. Rescue teams were sent to Mayon volcano in the central Philippines to look for four climbers and guides trapped after the mild eruption, Albay provincial Gov. Joey Salceda said. Clouds have cleared over the volcano, which was quiet later in the morning.
almost-perfect cone, when the volcano rumbled back to life early in the morning and rocks ''as big as a living room'' came raining down on them. He rushed back to the base camp to call for help. The head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Renato Solidum, said Tuesday's eruption was normal for the restive Mayon, about 340 kilometers (212 miles) southeast of Manila. It has erupted about 40 times during the last 400 years.
In 2010, thousands of residents moved to temporary shelters when the volcano ejected ash The four climbers who died were struck by huge rocks, guide Kenneth Jesalva told ABS- in an 8-kilometer (5-mile) zone surrounding the CBN TV network by cellphone from a camp near crater. the crater. Another man was critically injured Solidum said that no alert was raised for the from a group of eight that included five foreigners volcano following the latest eruption and no and three Filipino guides. One of those killed was evacuation was being planned. Climbers are not Filipino. The nationalities of the foreign climbers allowed when an alert is up, and the recent calm included a German and an Austrian.. No bodies may have encouraged this week's track. have been retrieved yet. Jesalva said he was in the group that spent the night on the picturesque mountain, known for its
Madonna sold an abstract painting by French artist Fernand Leger for $7.16 million to raise funds for girls’ education projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere.
03
May 9, 2013
Meet the new Brampton's Page3 group
A grand "Brampton Local" event hosted by Babia Kholi of Page3 which was enjoyed by all an all night event which provided quality entertainment to a very well mannered crowd. Our very own Gugni Gill was the guest of honor.
04
May 9, 2013
Linda Jeffrey Ontario Minister of municipal affairs says when she was a Brampton City Councillor she tried her best to bridge gaps amongst all Brampton communities - Nagar Kirtan 2013 Malton - Ontario - Canada.
Harper Government reinforces support for victims of crime OTTAWA, May 8, 2013 Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety; David S w eet, M e mb er of Parliament for AncasterDundas-FlamboroughWestdale, and Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu; announced the Government of Canada’s support for Bill C-479, An Act to Amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (Fairness for Victims).
ordeals they have to endure by extending the mandatory review periods.”
Bill C-479, the Fairness for Victims Act, introduced in the House of Commons by MP David Sweet, proposes to increase the period within which the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) must conduct detention reviews following a detention order and parole reviews following a denial of parole. It also provides additional support to victims.
The Bill proposes to: extend mandatory review periods for parole whereby if a violent offender is denied parole, the PBC would have to review the case within five years rather than the current two years; increase the period, to within five years, in which the PBC must review parole, following the cancellation or termination of parole; emphasize that the PBC must take into consideration the victim’s need and the need of the victim’s family to attend a hearing and witness the proceedings; require that the PBC consider any victim impact statement presented by victims; require the PBC to provide the victim, if requested, with information about the offender’s release on parole, statutory release or temporary absence; and provide victims with information about the offender’s correctional plan, including progress towards meeting its objectives.
“Supporting this legislation is in keeping with the Government’s plan for safe streets and communities, which focuses on tackling crime, victims’ rights, and fair and efficient justice system,” said Minister Toews. “I would like to commend my colleague for his strong commitment to putting the rights of victims ahead of those of the offender.” “I am proud to have introduced a Bill that will provide help to victims and their families,” said MP Sweet. “By modernizing the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, we are giving victims a greater voice in the parole process and respect for the
“Our Government has pledged to Canadians that we will work hard to address the needs of victims of crime and their families. I’m proud to say we have made significant progress,” said Senator Boisvenu. “This Bill continues to fulfill our commitment to protect and support victims of crime.”
From Benazir Bhutto to Imran Khan: A tale of poor risk perception Murtaza Haider Pakistanis have a poor risk perception. Many preventable deaths and injuries occur because of it. Imran Khan’s fall from a forklift truck, which could very well have been fatal, speaks volumes of the poor risk perception of the event planners. While campaigning late in the evening, Mr. Khan was being lifted to the stage from an unsecured forklift truck. Footage of the incident reveals that the plan was a recipe for a disaster waiting to happen. The makeshift platform on the forklift was not secured. When yet another well-meaning PTI worker tried to climb on the forklift, he inadvertently pushed Mr. Khan and others off the forklift to the ground. Risk perception and preparedness are key to avoiding unnecessary disastrous outcomes. Risk perception is a subjective judgement one makes about the probability of a negative or an adverse outcome. For instance, trying to have a better understanding of the odds of one falling off a makeshift platform on a forklift could be categorised as risk perception. Obviously, those who came up with the brilliant plan to use an unsecured forklift to hoist Mr. Khan to the top of yet another unsecured container did not think of the risks involved. Unfortunately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) organisers are not alone with poor risk perception. The tragic death of the former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007 was also a case of poor risk perception. Having been explicitly warned of the threats against her, Ms. Bhutto failed to remain seated in the secured vehicle as she was leaving after addressing a political rally. She died of trauma to her head after a bomb blast while she stood though the vehicle’s sunroof. Apparently her head hit the hard metal used to secure the vehicle against bomb blasts. Others seated within the car with her remain unscathed. It is safe to assume that had she remained seated within the secured vehicle, she would have escaped harm like the rest of the passengers. Every time I see people hanging from a moving bus or train, or a family with kids riding a motorcycle, I am reminded of two things. First, Pakistanis have poor risk perception. They seldom factor in the probability of negative outcomes, such as an infant falling off a moving motorcycle. At the same time, I am reminded of the fact that the lack of means may force many Pakistanis to assume risks that they could not avoid. If a family could afford a car or a ride on secure and reliable public transit, the children could be spared a hazardous ride on the motorcycle. But what to say of avoidable risks and risk preparedness. Take fire or emergency drills as an example. While I was a live-in director of a student residence at McGill University, we would regularly hold surprise fire drills. We would trigger the fire alarm in the middle of the night and evacuate the building as per set protocols. We would monitor the evacuation time for each floor and look for individual students who failed to
follow the evacuation procedures. We would then follow -up with the students who may have taken the wrong path to exit the building or took too long to evacuate. At the same time, the local fire department monitors its response time to the University residence that is situated on the mountain, offering picturesque views of the beautiful Montreal. It is rather odd that a country that faces severe natural hazards, floods and earthquakes to name a couple, is least prepared to cope with them. This is a direct result of poor risk perception and planning. It was not always like this in Pakistan. I grew up in a Pakistan where such preparedness existed to some extent. The British indeed left Pakistan with the foundation for risk preparedness. Parts of Murree that were built by the British had proper provisions for fire hydrants. There is one fire hydrant still installed, most likely not functional, on the Lower Mall in Murree, reminding of the prudent planning British planning traditions. At the first Pakistan Urban Forum in Lahore in March 2011, I asked the participants if they had ever seen a fire hydrant in Pakistan. Not a single participant of the hundreds present in the audience replied in affirmative. As a child, I recall seeing the civil defense volunteers in Rawalpindi during the monsoon season. Before the heavy rains would set in, civil defense volunteers would prepare for flash floods. Their teams were equipped with rescue boats and other equipment. Alarms were tested in advance to ensure that in case of a flash flood, the vulnerable communities could be warned by sounding alarms. Years later, when flash floods inundated large parts of Rawalpindi, no such preparedness existed. People lost their life savings and belongings to flood waters that crept into their homes without warning. While some risks may be unavoidable, most are. The widespread use of Kohl (surma or kajal) in South Asia is one example of an avoidable risk whose risk perception is poor. Kohl often contains large amounts of lead. Women in South Asia, and not just in Pakistan, apply kohl as eye makeup. Many unsuspecting mothers apply it to their infants, exposing them to lead poisoning. Introducing any foreign object to one’s eyes should be considered risky, let alone lead. Pakistanis can avoid the excessive burden of disease, injury, and death by having better risk perception and preparedness. This will not happen if even the foreigneducated political leaders assume unnecessary risks and thus set poor examples.
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May 9, 2013
SPORTS
Pakistan's Aamir Atlas Khan brushed aside Kuwait's Abdullah Al Mezayan in three sets to become the first Pakistani in 14 years to win the Asian Squash Championship on Sunday at the Islamabad Sport Complex. Khan triumphed over Al Mezayan after an impressive performance with figures of
11-9, 11-3, 11-8. Speaking to Dawn.com, Khan said the victory was the result of his hard work and he was happy to have won a title for Pakistan. "I am very happy and I am sure that after this victory, squash in Pakistan will see better days," Khan said. The twenty-two
year old had earlier said that he was using the home advantage to his benefit. "I knew I had advantage of home glass court and crowd, and I took advantage of both," he said. Khan had beaten Asyraf Azan of Malaysia 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 in the semi-final on Saturday.
He added that his expectations before the start of the tournament were low because he had just recovered from an injury; however, his goal was to win the Asian title for which he worked hard. In the women's final, Hong Kong's Annie Au beat Malaysia's Low Wee Wern 5-11, 11 -8, 11-7, 11-1.
FICA slam ICC vote ouster of May expressed by FICA over the vote last week or on Tuesday's statement calling for an ethics committee investigation. Like football's ruling body, FIFA, the ICC has come under recent pressure to reform, with critics saying it is subservient to the BCCI and India and the allegedly flawed vote to select Sivaramakrishnan is just the latest example. “The actions, allegedly instigated by BCCI, are a timely and stark reminder of the very serious shortcomings in governance at (the) ICC highlighted more than a year ago by the Woolf report and about which (the) ICC has done nothing in the intervening period,” Smith said. Smith also said referring to the influence being merely “lobbying” in the voting process was misleading as “there should be a very clear distinction made between a candidate lobbying for a vote and an employer threatening an employee to change their vote.” On calling for a full and independent investigation of the vote, FICA president The Federation of International Cricketers' Association said it was ''formally'' calling on the ICC to instigate an ethics committee enquiry into former Adams was scathing in his criticism of India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan winning a place on the ICC's Cricket Committee. -Photo by AFP cricket's top body, saying “executives have stood aside while apparently watching their JOHANNESBURG: The International “The ICC's actions in this matter cast serious pressure on their captains to switch their own process corrupted by their own board Cricket Council was urged by the doubt, if not on their ability, certainly on votes from May to Sivaramakrishnan after members.” international players' body to investigate their willingness to adhere to proper May won an initial ballot and the BCCI then allegations of vote “fixing” on Tuesday governance,” FICA president Jimmy Adams became involved. “In the meantime, (the) ICC constantly tells after an Indian candidate was elected onto said. the world it has a 'zero tolerance' approach to one of the ICC's committees amid “FICA's official stance is that these corruption in cricket and constantly tries to accusations that voters were pressured Sivaramakrishnan beat out FICA chief allegations must warrant careful and impress the 'Spirit of Cricket' on into choosing him because of the influence executive Tim May in a poll the players' independent scrutiny, especially because we participants,” Adams said. of the powerful Indian cricket board. body says was flawed because some of the understand ICC specifically instructed the 10 test captains who voted were allegedly boards not to interfere in the voting process,” “How can the players of the world look to The Federation of International Cricketers' pressured to change their initial selections Smith said. (the) ICC for leadership in these Association said it was “formally” calling on and back Sivaramakrishnan, the preferred circumstances and how does the spirit of the ICC to instigate an ethics committee candidate of the Board of Control for Cricket The vote is seen as another example of cricket apply to the organization itself? enquiry into former India spinner Laxman in India. India's dominance of cricket's leadership and Board members didn't like how their captains Sivaramakrishnan winning a place on the decision-making bodies _ as well as other intended to vote, so they apparently ordered ICC's Cricket Committee, which was In a statement, FICA legal advisor Ian Smith international cricket boards _ because of its them to change that vote.” announced by cricket's governing body on referred to media reports that the national commercial might. The ICC has not yet Monday. boards of five ICC member countries applied commented either on the initial concerns
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May 9, 2013
MUMBAI: India's movie industry toasted its 100th birthday on Friday with the release of two films celebrating its humble origins in the silent era and the influence of glamorous modern-day Bollywood. “Bombay Talkies” comprises four short stories inspired by India's love of cinema and the impact of the movies, created by some of the country's leading filmmakers. “You usually celebrate birthdays and that's what we are doing today. Indian cinema turns 100 and we are acknowledging that,” said Zoya Akhtar, who directed the film along with Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee.
for cinema and ingredients like drama, music, dance and entertainment. All of these ingredients are a huge part of our films and culture,” said co-producer Ashi Dua. Its release comes 100 years to the day
Mahabharata. It marked the birth of one of the world's most vibrant film industries, which produced almost 1,500 movies last year in various corners and languages of the country, with
Thanks to the efforts of 80-year-old Nair, nine silent films out of 1,700 made in India have been preserved, although no records remain of many others.
Hindi-language Bollywood leading the way.
“Almost 70 per cent of the films made before 1950 are lost, including some real gems like the first 'talkie',” Nair told AFP, referring to the first Indian film with sound, 1931's “Alam Ara” (The Light of the World). Also on Friday, Indian president Pranab Mukherjee will join stars and filmmakers at the annual National Film Awards in capital New Delhi, following a six-day festival showcasing the colourful history of Indian cinema.
While “Bombay Talkies” explores life in the present, the second film opening on Friday is the award-winning “Celluloid
Award-winners, already announced, include “Paan Singh Tomar”, a Hindi film starring Irrfan Khan about the Indian soldier
The acclaimed cast includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rani Mukherjee, with a cameo from acting legend Amitabh Bachchan. The film's theme song features Bollywood A-listers that include Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor. The movie will have a special gala screening at the Cannes film festival this month, where India is to be honoured as the “guest country” in its landmark year. “The four short stories are about passion
Man”, which pays tribute to the founder of the National Film Archive of India, P.K. Nair. The documentary, so far only shown at festivals, showcases Nair's lifetime dedication to preserving films that date back to the silent era, and it is peppered with clips from historic black-and-white productions.
since the opening in Bombay (now Mumbai) of “Raja (King) Harishchandra”, the first allIndian feature film, based on the tale of a virtuous king from the Hindu epic
Shamshad Begum – The original Nightingale: Singer Par Excellence By this time Shamshad Begum was already a much sought after and established singer in marriage and religious functions. Her uncle took her in burqa for an audition to Jenophone Record Company, Lahore. At that time she was thirteen years young and was auditioned by famous music director Master Ghulam Haider. She was instantly selected and got the job at Jenophone Record Company. At the age of fifteen in 1934 she got married to a barrister Ganpat Lal Batto. Shamshad Begum sang for many years with Jenophone Record Company, Lahore and recorded more than 200 songs mostly composed by Master Ghulam Haider, who was the most versatile and famous composer of undivided India. These songs were only broadcast on All India Radio, Lahore but not released on gramophone records. Shamshad Begum became known in the music circle in Lahore and was offered to sing for Punjabi films which were produced in Lahore. Her first Hindi/Urdu film was ‘Khazanchi’ which had nine songs. All songs were sung by Shamshad Begum and composed by Master Ghulam Haider. After the release of Khazanchi Shamshad became a well known singer throughout undivided India and became much sought after singer of the forties. Mehboob Khan, the Bombay based famous film producer/director was impressed by her distinctive voice and lured her to come to Bombay to sing for his next film ‘Taqdeer’ in which he was introducing Nargis (mother of Sanjay Dutt and wife of Sunil Dutt) as heroine. Contributed by Salim Shaikh Email: mhd7866@hotmail.com Shamshad Begum turned 95 years old on 14 April 2013. She died after a protracted illness on 24th April, 2013 in the suburb of Mumbai where she was living with her daughter Usha Ratra and son-in-law Col. (Rtd) Yog Ratra of Indian army. She was born in Bhatti Darwaza, Lahore in undivided India on 14th April 1919 in a very conservative Muslim family. th
Her talent in singing was first spotted by her teacher in primary school who noticed enchanting depth in her voice. Her teacher asked her to sing Naats, Nazams, and Hamd in classroom. At the age of ten she started singing traditional and folk based songs in marriages and other religious functions. She
enthralled everyone with her endearing style of singing by waiving her one hand in the air and displaying a free wheeling spirit of freedom. Luckily she had an uncle who was very supportive and used to encourage her singing. He requested her father to allow the little girl to go for audition at Jenophone Record Company, Mall Road, Lahore. The Jenophone Record Company was looking for fresh and young voices but her orthodox father was not musically inclined and refused the permission. However, after arguments he agreed on some conditions. He imposed some restrictions on her, first that she should wear a burqa and should not be photographed.
Besides Master Ghulam Haider, in Bombay soon Shamshad Begum started singing for other well-known and popular music directors of that time such as: Rafiq Ghazanvi, Amer Ali, Pandat Gobindram, Pandat Amarnath, Balu C. Irani, Rashid Atre, M.A. Mukhtar to name a few in the pre -independence era. After partition of Indian sub-continent Master Ghulam Haider migrated to Pakistan and around the same time yet another famous composer took her under his wings. He was Syed Naushad Ali who made a big difference to Shmshad Begum’s illustrious career. He used her unique voice which has youthful and buoyant spirit and swayed her way into the hearts of the music lovers. After she became favourite of Naushad, she
sang variety of songs in super hit films like Aan, Babul, Mela, Deedar, Anokhi Ada, Dard, Andaaz, Mother India, and Mughal-eAzam. In all these films which were made after partition of Indian sub-continent, Shamshad Begum showed full confidence and faith in herself and held her forte against the then upcoming, melodious, professionally, and classical trained Lata Mangeshkar in many number of duets with her. Besides Ghulam Haider and Naushad, yet another music director who gave Shamshad Begum a new identity in fast numbers and gave her renewed commercial success was O.P. Nayyar. As a young music lover and struggling music director, O.P. Nayyar was in love with Shamshad Begum’s voice. He used to say that her voice is bold and bright which has bell like clarity and river like fluidity. When O.P. Nayyar became successful and famous composer he made her his most favourite singer. She sang super hit, effervescent and beatoriented songs in films like Aar Paar, Mr. & Mrs. 55, CID, Naya Daur and many other films. All these songs starting from prepartition days to 1950-60’s golden era of Indian film industry had their own speciality and requirements necessitating Shmshad Begum to resort to unimaginable tonal articulation and modulation, outstanding vocal gimmicks and acrobatics. She never failed her composers who had full faith in her expressive prowess. Some time they put the mike at a distance in view of her bold and bright voice, but she always hit right note, gave the right expression and touched the right chord. She commands great respect and love amongst the musicologists, music lovers, and her admirers throughout the world. Her husband died very young in 1955 and ever since she has been living with her daughter Usha Ratra and son-in-law Col. (Rtd) Yog Ratra, in the suburb of Mumbai. In 2009 she was given the prestigious award of Padma Bhushan by the government of India for her outstanding services to music and entertainment. May she be rest in eternal peace, and may God grant her the highest place in Janat-ul-Firdaus for entertaining and putting smile on the faces of millions of people around the world.
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May 9, 2013
Beyonce, J.Lo to headline London charity concert for women
Beyonce, currently on a European tour, will play a 45-minute set during the concert. -Photo (File) AFP Lopez, R&B artist John Legend, British Beyonce said in a statement. indie sensation Ellie Goulding and rapper Organised by the Chime for Change Timbaland, with more performers still to Rock promoter Harvey Goldsmith, who campaign, founded by Italy fashion house be announced. helped put on the Live Aid and Live Earth Gucci, every ticket buyer will be able to charity concerts, will produce the concert choose which project their ticket will fund US actors James Franco, Blake Lively and which will also be broadcast in what organisers said was a world first Jada Pinkett Smith will be among the internationally. The “Sound of Change Live” concert on for such a venture. presenters. June 1 in London’s Twickenham sports stadium could fund at least 120 projects Beyonce, currently on a European tour, “Our goal is to have a great time together supporting girls and women in more than will play a 45-minute set. She will be while we unite and strengthen the voices 70 nations, if all the tickets are sold, joined in the venture by singer and dancer of girls and women around the world,” Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Florence & The Machine are teaming up for a four-hour charity concert in London next month to benefit women’s health and education projects around the world.
organisers said on Wednesday.
Helen Mirren gives noisy drummers a royal rebuke LONDON: queen, please.
Silence for the
A troupe of street drummers got a shock when Helen Mirren, dressed as Queen Elizabeth II, emerged from a London theater to berate them for disrupting her show. Mirren is starring in ”The Audience”, a drama about the weekly meetings between the queen and Britain’s prime ministers over her 60-year reign. Mirren told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that she used less-thanroyal language in the rant during the intermission of Saturday’s performance. ”I’m afraid there were a few ‘thespian’ words used,” Mirren was quoted as saying on Monday. ”They got a very stern royal ticking off but I have to say they were very Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen. —Photo (File) AFP sweet and they stopped immediately. I felt rotten, but on music festival being held later this queen cussing and swearing and distress. If she’d like to let her hair the other hand they were destroying making you stop your parade – down and attend the festival she’d month. our performance so something had be more than welcome.” ”Not much shocks you on the that’s a new one.” to be done.” gay scene,” parade organiser Mark Festival spokesman Mark The drummers were marching McKenzie told the Telegraph. ”But Williams said organisers ”are through London’s West End to seeing Helen Mirren dressed as the terribly upset if we caused her any promote As One in the Park, a gay
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May 9, 2013
Blast injures at least 20 in Karachi’s Mehmoodabad - DAWN.COM
KARACHI: At least 20 people, including two women and six children, were injured in an explosion in Karachi’s Mehmoodabad neighbourhood just after midnight on Thursday, DawnNews reported.
question was parked at the No group has claimed bombing site for last three days, responsibility of the bombing so far. However, the outlawed Tehriksources added. i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has Most of the injured were vowed to target the secular shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate political parties of the country, DIG Police Karachi South Medical Centre. Dr Seemien naming PPP, ANP and MQM. Dr Amir Sheikh told a private TV Jamali told the media that around Initial reports suggest the channel that the bombing was 20 injured people including two Around 100 people have ongoing ele ctione e ring in carried out through an Improvised women and six children were been killed in the Pakistani Mehmoodabad No.6 near Sitara Explosive Device (IED) which brought to the hospital. Taliban attacks on election Bakery was the apparent target of was planted in a red colour car. campaign of the said parties along Police and Rangers forces with few others across the country the unknown miscreants. Meanwhile, owner of the cordoned off the area as an initial since April 11. The blast spread fear among suspected car has been taken into probe of the incident was local residents which was so loud police custody from the city’s underway. The historic May 11 polls that it was heard from far Gulistan-e-Johar locality. will witness the first ever Initial findings of the bomb distances. Nearby shops and democratic transition of power in Sources told Dawn.com that disposal squad suggest that around vehicles were also damaged in the Pakistan. the car owner is a clearing and two to three kilos of explosives incident. forwarding agent. The car in was used in the IED. KARACHI: At least 20 people, including two women and six children, were injured in an e x p l o s i o n i n K a r a c h i ’s Mehmoodabad neighbourhood just after midnight on Thursday, DawnNews reported.
Exact nature of the blast is yet to be ascertained. However, a completely destroyed suspected motorcycle was found from the site.
Spring Fish Stocking is Underway Ontario Fishery
Supports
Firing at PML-N rally in Lahore
Recreational
Across Ontario, millions of fish from provincial fish culture stations are being loaded onto trucks, boats and aircraft for stocking into public waters to help support a recreational fishery valued at more than $2.4 billion per year. Ontario operates nine fish culture stations in the province. Each year, these facilities produce and stock approximately 8.5 million fish into more than 1,200 lakes and rivers, including the Great Lakes. Fish stocking creates more angling opportunities, rehabilitates degraded fish populations and helps restore biodiversity. Fish are also indicators of environmental change and fish populations provide early warning signals about potential problems in the environment. Protecting and enhancing local biodiversity is part of the Ontario government's plan to enhance quality of life for families and ensure a strong, green economy for future generations.
Quick Facts Ontario invests approximately $5.5
million a year in fish culture and stocking activities. Each year, about 1.3 million anglers
spend an average of 16 days fishing in Ontario. The province manages 24 per cent of
Canada's fresh water, including 40 per cent of the Great Lakes and countless rivers and streams. Species
stocked include Atlantic salmon, aurora trout, brook trout, brown trout, splake, lake trout, lake whitefish, rainbow trout, walleye, muskellunge and Chinook salmon.
There are approximately 250,000 inland lakes in Ontario.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) politician Rana Mashood. -PPI File Photo
LAHORE: Firing has taken place at an election rally of former Punjab Assembly deputy speaker and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Rana Mashood, DawnNews reported. Mashood was however not hurt from the firing incident in Lahore’s Gulshan Ravi.
Initial reports say that one party worker has been injured. The former deputy speaker has had an attempt made on his life in February 2012, when unknown gunmen opened fire on his car as he was returning to Lahore from Multan.
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May 9, 2013
Open for Business: Refocused NRC will Benefit Canadian Industries The Government of Canada launches refocused National Research (May 7, 2013, Ottawa, ON) – The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has transformed into an industry-focused research and technology organization. The refocused NRC will work with Canadian industries to bridge technology gaps, helping build a more innovative Canadian economy. “NRC plays a pivotal role at the heart of Canada’s innovation system,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). “The refocused NRC will provide Canadian industries with access to strategic research and development, technical services and specialized scientific infrastructure they need to succeed.” “The Government’s top priority is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians,” said the Honourable Claude Carignan, Deputy Leader of the Government at the Senate. “By refocusing the NRC into a research and technology organization, our Government is ensuring that Canadian firms have the instruments and tools they need to become even more successful on the global stage.” The refocused NRC will support Canadian industries by investing in large-scale research projects that are directed by and for Canadian business. It will also develop international networks to ensure timely access to primary research and will open the doors to world class scientific infrastructure, technical expertise and people. “We are very excited about this change. Our organization is now easier for business to understand and access,” said John R. McDougall, President of the National Research Council. “We are committed to being a strong partner for innovation, and focused on achieving the concrete outcomes that will contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Canada. We will measure our success by the success of our clients.” Research and technology organizations are mission-oriented providers of innovation services to firms and governments, dedicated to building economic competitiveness and, in doing so, improving quality of life. The refocused NRC will strengthen Canadian industry by encouraging more business investment to develop innovative products and services.
ANP withdraws Sindh candidates in PPP favour DAWN.COM and Asif Mahmood
However, all the party candidates, contesting from Karachi and Hyderabad, will partake in the May 11 polls as before, said a press release.
KARACHI: An ally in the outgoing coalition government led by the Pakistan People’s P a r t y ( P P P ) We d n e s d a y announced to withdraw all its electoral candidates in the Sindh province except Karachi and Hyderabad cities in favour of the latter.
However, all the party candidates, contesting from Karachi and Hyderabad, will partake in the May 11 general elections with zeal and fervour, it added.
transition of power in Pakistan.
The president of ANP’s Sindh chapter, Senator Shahi Syed said that a conspiracy is being hatched to halt progress of all liberal forces The ANP, along with PPP and of the country. Alliance of all Muttahida Qaumi Movement enlightened forces of Pakistan is (MQM), had been threatened by the call of the hour, he added. the outlawed Pakistani Taliban for One National Assembly having secular views. contestant and eight candidates for the Sindh’s provincial assembly are The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban The ANP leader further said the withdrawn from the election race, Pakistan (TTP) has vowed to target party will continue its journey said a press release issued by the the said parties in the run up to along with the PPP towards historic May 11 polls, which will strengthening of democracy, Awami National Party (ANP). mark the first ever democratic eradication of extremism and
restoration of peace in Sindh. Moreover, Syed urged all the withdrawn party candidates to extend an all-out support towards the success of PPP contenders in the general elections. “Restoration of peace has always been one of our top priorities….we have played our role for the rights of Sindh in the past and will continue to do so in he future,” said the ANP senator.
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May 9, 2013
Nagar Kirtan (Khalsa Day 2013) Malton -Ontario - Canada
Bangladesh opposition enforces nationwide shutdown It accused the government of tolerating blogs ridiculing the country’s dominant religion and has called for a harsher law against blasphemy. The government rejected the demand, saying current laws were sufficient and reaffirming the nation’s secular character. Many in Bangladesh suspect Shafi’s group is a Jamaat proxy, pointing to its roots in the country’s thousands of Islamic schools, reported financing by Jamaat and backing by Saudi Arabia.
Islamic activists block a road in Dhaka, Bangladesh during a protest to demand that the government enact an antiblasphemy law. The government in this Muslim-majority nation has rejected the groups’ demands, saying Bangladesh is governed by secular liberal laws.—Photo by AP DHAKA, Bangladesh: Thousands of security officers patrolled the streets of Bangladesh’s capital Wednesday trying to prevent violence during a general strike called by 18 opposition parties. The strike was ostensibly organized to demand changes in electoral law and to protest the deaths of 29 people, many of them Islamic hardliners, on Monday during street demonstrations calling for new antiblasphemy laws. But many Bangladeshis see the protests as continuing gamesmanship between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her archrival former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia ahead of elections next year.
“These politicians have gone mad,” said Dildar Ahmed, a 50-year-old taxi driver. “They are fighting to gain power over our dead bodies.” Rioting has swept Bangladesh since late February when a war crimes tribunal convicted Delwar Hossain Sayedee, a top leader of the small opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami, of committing atrocities during Bangladesh’s 1971 war for independence against Pakistan. Clashes between police and Sayedee’s supporters killed more than 70 people. War crimes trials of other opposition leaders are pending. The opposition has accused Hasina of using the tribunals to try to weaken her opponents
ahead of the elections, which she denies. Jamaat-e-Islami is a key Zia ally that was a coalition partner in her government from 2001 to 2006. The opposition also is demanding the restoration of a constitutional provision that mandated elections be held under a neutral caretaker administration. The system was abolished two years ago after the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. Fearing arrest by the war crimes tribunals, Jamaat leaders have gone into hiding. But a new group emerged in its place. Hefazat-e-Islam, led by a respected octogenarian Islamic thinker Shah Ahmed Shafi, says it is a non-political organization fighting those who want to undermine Islam.
“The blasphemy law is not the real issue here. This group of fighting for Jamaat to protect the war crimes suspect.” said Anwarul Azim, head of a university in southeastern Chittagong, where Shafi has his headquarters in an Islamic school. Analysts also see the latest street fights as prelude to the show of power ahead of next year’s general election. “In the final analysis, the game is all for power,” said Hassan Shahriar, a political columnist. “Zia is supporting the hardliners not out of love for them, but for their support in the next elections.” Jamaat and the Islamic groups command nearly three per cent of the vote. Last week, Hasina offered to hold talks with Zia to try to end the unrest. “Strikes and deaths on the streets are not a solution,” she said, “Talking to each other is the best way to settle political differences.” Zia has turned down the offer, saying the government must first agree to appoint a caretaker administration to oversee the election.
May 9, 2013
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France reports first case of new SARS-like virus
Worldwide, there have been 30 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus, including 18 deaths, according to WHO data. -Photo by Reuters
in France and would hold a news further details. conference later in the day. Worldwide, there have been 30 laboratory “The person has been placed in isolation -confirmed cases of the virus, including in an intensive care ward,” the ministry 18 deaths, since it came to scientists’ attention in September, according to said in a statement. WHO data. The ministry said it had opened an The Geneva-based World Health investigation into what it said was the Organization (WHO) said it had been The coronavirus is from the same viral first and only confirmed case of the virus informed of the French case but had no family as the common cold and triggered PARIS: France has identified its first case of a new strain of coronavirus emerging from the Middle East in a person recently returned from the United Arab Emirates, the health ministry said on Wednesday.
the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that swept the world from Asia in late 2003, killing 775 people. There is no evidence yet of sustained human-to-human spread of the new virus, but there are concerns about clusters of cases reported by the WHO in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Britain.
Army unveils security plan for polls in Fata and KPK -Zahir Shah Sherazi
DG ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said 96,000 law enforcement agencies personnel, including 22000 army soldiers, have been deployed to ensure peaceful elections. He added that it was also the law enforcement agencies priority to help and ensure voters transportation to polling stations under strict security vigilance to ensure the peaceful and fair elections. “It has been made clear to all the stakeholders to ensure implementation and success of the security plan,” General Bajwa said. He also adding that the deployment of troops at polling stations is according to the sensitivity of polling booths that has been designated by the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies. He remarked that the army is here and everywhere to assist the security plan and we want a well coordinated security tear works and ensure safe elections “Its our plan to put in place the security cordon ahead of polling,” he said responding to a question about immediate security plans.
DG ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa. -Photo provided by Zahir Shah Sherazi PESHAWAR: More than 96,000 law enforcement agencies personnel, including 22000 army soldiers, have been deployed across Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Fata to ensure peaceful elections.
He said that COAS special visit to Peshawar was aimed at reviewing security for the general elections and the army chief was apprised of the detailed security plan for the polls.
This deployment has been made keeping in view the law and order situation in the area.
He said that 52000 police personnel and other law enforcement agencies personnel will also be on guard duties to provide security during the polling process.
“The meeting has been attended by all the planners and executors.
He added that the transportation of ballot papers in KPK had started on May 5 and has been completed successfully.
“The army chief has stressed upon the holding of peaceful elections and has also stressed upon the need to keep the security plan well coordinated,” General Bajwa remarked.
Director General Inter Service Public Relations Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa briefed the media about the high level meeting on security for elections chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani in Peshawar.
Bajwa also said that apart from four districts and agencies, ballot papers have been transported by road under the army’s protection and would also be under protective cover until they reach polling stations.
He added that the FR and the suburban Peshawar is being combed and miscreants are being hunted down About militant threats to candidates, voters and election staff, he said coordination centers have been set up where all such information would be communicated and timely action would be taken against the elements involved. He said that the quick response force had already identified their points and their response would be prompt, effective and in time. “The number, deployment and distribution of the force has been made according to needs and requirements,” he added.
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May 9, 2013
Afghan minister vows punishment for girls feigning illness
—File Photo. KABUL: Afghanistan’s education minister has threatened to punish schoolgirls who claim to suffer from alleged “poisonings” that many officials believe are actually temporary psychological illnesses. Scores of girls’ schools over recent years have seen mysterious mass faintings, nausea and similar symptoms that are often blamed by police and the local media on poisoning by Taliban insurgents or toxic gas leaks. But no laboratory evidence of poison or other toxins has ever been found at schools and no deaths have occurred, with the girls
often released from hospital after only a few director,” he added. hours. The education department said the In the latest case, 200 girls were reported government was determined to crack down on to have been “poisoned” at a school in Kabul the causes of outbreaks of psychological on May 1, causing an outbreak of screaming, illnesses among young girls. stomach aches and vomiting. “When one student faints, it spreads “From now on, if I find anyone saying around and everyone might think it’s ‘I’m poisoned’ and the poisoning is not poisoning,” Mohammad Kabir Haqmal, proved by the hospital, I will punish the spokesman for the ministry, told AFP. student,” Education Minister Ghulam Farooq Wardak told a press conference on Tuesday. “If tests prove it is mass hysteria or any other natural cause, of course no one will be “I will punish the teacher, I will punish punished. What the minister said was that we the head teacher and I will punish the school will pursue those who disrupt the classes.”
Wazhma Frouqh, a female education activist, criticised the minister’s stance and said that previous cases of “poisonings” had dissuaded families from sending their daughters to school. “The minister should not have said that he will punish schoolgirls,” she told AFP. “His job is to find out what has happened and protect schools.” Girls were banned from going to school under the Taliban, but numbers have risen since the extremist regime was ousted in 2001 and the government says 40 per cent of pupils are now female.
92 of 166 Guantanamo detainees on hunger strike: official
– File Photo by AFP. WASHINGTON: More prisoners have joined a hunger strike to protest their indefinite detention at the US-run Guantanamo military prison, with 92 out of 166 detainees refusing food, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Lawyers for the detainees say the official numbers are still too low.
Among them, 17 are on feeding tubes and two are hospitalised but do not have “lifethreatening conditions,” Lieutenant Colonel Samuel House said in a statement.
“At first, GTMO denied that there was a hunger strike. Since then, its count has risen from 0 to 92. Soon they’ll hit the mark despite themselves,” he told AFP.
The rapidly growing movement began on February 6, lawyers for the detainees said. Prison authorities began releasing figures on the strike on March 15, saying 14 inmates were participating.
House also confirmed to AFP that two prisoners had attempted suicide on or around April 13, when some 60 detainees were transferred from communal cells into individual ones after guards fired non-lethal
David Remes, a lawyer who represents 15 prisoners, said some 130 prisoners have been on strike since February.
shots to quell prisoner unrest. House said only “10 to 15 are still in communal” cells, indicating that many detainees refuse to comply with prison rules. “Some of them are continuing to throw feces, urine and blood at the guards,” he said. The spokesman said “as soon as the detainees show a proper compliance with the rules, then we will move them back into communal.” “It’s all up to the detainees,” he added.
He said the separation also allowed the guards, accompanied by doctors, to ask inmates “on an individual basis: do you want to be a hunger striker?” far from the influence of the leaders in the cell blocks. The hunger strikers are protesting their incarceration without charge or trial at Guantanamo in the 11 years since the prison went into use for terror suspects detained in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The hunger strikes began February 6, when inmates claimed prison officials searched their Qurans for contraband. Officials have denied any mishandling of Islam’s holy book.