Canadian Pakistani Times July 11 2013 by CanadianPakistaniTimes

Canadian Pakistani Times

Thursday

June 11, 2013

Volume 1, 66

Canada restores historical features of the Canadian Army HALIFAX – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced today the Government of Canada’s intent to restore Canadian Army rank insignia, names and badges to their traditional forms.

Defence announced the intention to restore the historical Army rank names for noncommissioned members.

Commander of the Canadian Army. "“Symbols and traditions establish links to soldiers’ heritage, and are important. It is

These restorations are the next step in the phased approach that began in August 2011, when the historical name of the Canadian Army was restored.

"“Our Government is committed to honouring the traditions and history of the Canadian Army,”" said Minister MacKay.

Stemming from this initial restoration, and in line with historical lineage, the Canadian Army’s secondary badge will be reinstated, and the Land Force Areas will be renamed under division names, with division patches introduced accordingly.

"“The restoration of these historical features will encourage the esprit de corps of our soldiers and reinforce a rich military tradition that will continue to develop as they serve their country. Wherever I travel in Canada, these changes continue to be cherished in the hearts of our veterans.”" The changes include the reintroduction of divisional nomenclature and patches for the current Land Force Areas; traditional rank insignia for officers; corps shoulder titles from the restoration of Royal titles to a number of Canadian Army corps in April 2013; and the Canadian Army’s secondary badge. Further, the Minister of National

insignia worn by Canadians who fought in the First and Second World Wars and Korea.” "

Additionally, following from the restoration of traditional titles to a number of Canadian Army corps, shoulder titles for members of these corps will be restored.

"“The restoration of these features is a significant step in the restoration of the Canadian Army’s traditions,”" said Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin,

very significant that our non-commissioned members have the prospect of being able to bear the same ranks as their forbearers, and our officers will proudly wear the same

Ramadan Statement by the Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament, Scarborough-Agincourt and Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism As Ramadan begins, I would like to offer warm regards to all Canadians who are observing this holy month. One of the most important rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the right to worship. The observance of Ramadan, one of the holiest times in the Muslim religious calendar, offers a time to reflect on one's good fortune, the plight of those less fortunate and the importance of religion in one's life. A multicultural society offers the opportunity to share one's culture and faith. Ramadan offers a unique opportunity for Muslim Canadians to share the tenets of their faith with their fellow Canadians. This sharing helps to bring understanding and acceptance of what makes each of us unique. It also helps to strengthen the ties which make us Canadian. The self-reflection, prayer and charity exhibited during Ramadan serve to remind each of us of our individual spirituality and the need for individual and collective sacrifice. Canada is a proud multicultural nation that embraces a wide variety of cultures and religious traditions. Canadians of innumerable heritages help to foster this identity and strengthen the fabric of our society. Members of the many Diasporas in Canada have made, and continue to make, significant contributions in a number of areas including business, the arts, medicine and public service.

The intent is also to restore historical rank names for non-commissioned members, the traditional and internationally recognized convention of army insignia of stars and crowns for officers, and gorget patches for colonels and general officers.

Keep Your Vaccinations Up to Date Ontario's Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Graham Pollett, is urging Ontarians and their families to ensure their vaccinations for measles are up to date. The summer season is a popular time for travel, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date should be a part of everyone's vacation planning especially if travelling with young children. In the last few weeks, cases of measles have been confirmed in Ontario, British Columbia and, more recently, Prince Edward Island. Most of these individuals are suspected to have contracted measles while travelling. The disease occurred in people who were not up-to-date with their vaccinations. Unvaccinated travelers are at risk when visiting countries or areas where measles continue to occur, or when travelling through an international airport where they can come into contact with persons from countries where measles is

prevalent. Measles is a serious airborne infectious disease that spreads very easily from person to person. It is passed from an infected person to others through coughing, sneezing and even talking. It can be spread by someone who does not appear ill. Measles affects all age groups and can be prevented by a vaccine. Two doses of a measlescontaining vaccine are required to be protected. Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. If you suspect that you or a member of your family has measles, contact a health care provider immediately. If you suspect that you have measles, make sure to call ahead and let the health care provider know you are coming for an appointment. This will allow them to take precautions in their office or clinic.

Working hours of the Consulate General of Pakistan, Toronto during the month of Ramadan will be as follows:

Canada continues to attract people from all over the world. We will continue to work together to build our nation and enhance our international reputation. As the Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism, I look forward to our ongoing work in building a stronger Canada. On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, please accept our kind wishes on the occasion of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!

Monday to Thursday

0900 to 1500 hrs

Friday

0900 to 1300 hrs

July 11, 2013

Weekly Fortune: by Kiran Pandey Rai (kiranpandeyrai@gmail.com) 11Th JULY –26th JUNE ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ARIES (21 Mar- 20 Apr) You will have courage of facing any given circumstances very easily. Profit through your spouse. If anyone in serious relationship, he/she can expect strong love affairs followed by marriage. Good planetary position will make you spiritual or disciple of some guru. . You need to spend the time with a more sensitive and romantic member of the opposite sex. If you are in a steady relationship a sentimental time is indicated. During Some of you are planning to buy any vehicle and this week you will get it . Lucky Days : Thursday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TAURUS (21Apr- 21 May) Avoid your extravagant mood to entertain, as it may cause a hole in your pocket. Any financial decision should be taken with open eyes.. The change in your work or workplace can be seen but you will be able to adapt to it very easily. Marital life is little disturbed. you will have to be very careful with your words. Good news from your kids . Lucky Days : Friday ,Saturday and Sunday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GEMINI (22 May- 21 June) You will be more focused in yourself . Need to pay attention towards friends and your children too. Gain after struggle. If possible , postpone anything related to court or debt. Cool mind can do wonder . Interfering in the matter of anyone’s personal life is always bad, follow this and forget introspecting minute silly matter to keep your surrounding peaceful. Lucky Days : Saturday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CANCER (22 June- 22 July) You are likely to spend lavishly on luxuries. Relationship would improve a lot between you and your mother.. A period of recreation .At the same time there can be some health problem . For some this may be an opportunity to try hand in Export import business. Student can apply for foreign Visa . Even job seekers may get chance to move abroad. Workplace wont be very comfortable. Spiritual trip can be foreseen. Lucky Days : Thursday and Sunday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LEO (23 July- 22 Aug) Life seems full of comfort now. Time to step forward towards your aim. Financial position will improve. Friends can be a source of joy this week. Romance and marriage with your loved one can take a proper shape. Few of you can have some secret affair. Spirituality will go simultaneously with same pace. Lucky Days : Monday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VIRGO (23 Aug- 23 Sept) You can expect a promotion , if it was due. You can outsmart even expert during this week. Monetary benefits from your work is promised. You will feel easy to pay loan . Favorable period to date at the weekend. Relation with your family seems strenuous. Lucky Days : Sunday and Monday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LIBRA ( 24 Sept-23 Oct). Your adaptability and agility could be especially attractive to your sub-ordinates and may impress your superiors. Businessmen will do good this week. Regarding the personal life, you will feel drawn to your partner or mate and an interesting weekend is predicted. Take care of the health of your parents. You may be involved with someone . Lucky Days : Thursday, Friday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SCORPIO (24 Oct-22Nov) This week should be considered as Health week for you, as health care is the need of time for you. Some secret relation may develop . Check your words before it crushes any relations. At the end of the week situation will change and sooth out the aura. Try to control your expences. Lucky Days : Thursday and Friday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAGITTARIUS (23 Nov-2 1 Dec) Your performance at workplace will be rewarded which will boost up your confidence . A call at the end of the week may rejuvenate your mood . Good time will be spent with your partner. Just draw a boundary line between confidence and arrogance. Your kids need more attention. Lucky Days : Saturday and Sunday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAPRICORN (22 Dec-20 Jan) . Your concentration level will be enhanced and in this way your hard working attitude will revive after few months. Things will gradually come in your way. Your creativity will beat its peak. You will achieve your goal by sheer your effort. Health needs a proper check –up. Pleasant time for your parents. Lucky Days : Monday and Wednesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AQUARIUS (21 Jan-19 Feb) You will get a proper guidance from your elders which may benefit you. You need to spend time with a more sensitive and romantic member of the opposite sex. If you are in a steady relationship ,an emotional time is indicated. If this period is handled systematically, it will give you gains and rewards. Lucky Days : Saturday and Tuesday ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PISCES (20 Feb-20 Mar)

Never ending unrest in Iraq. BAGHDAD: A series of attacks killed at least 15 people in Iraq, officials said Monday, as insurgents aim to destabilize the country and undermine the government. The deadliest strike was in the town of Madain, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Baghdad, when a bomb exploded near a youth center killing six civilians and wounding three, police said. In the northern city of Mosul, a car bomb exploded in a commercial area, killing one civilian and wounding 5 others, a police officer said. Also in Mosul, two militant groups shot and killed a police officer and a civilian in two separate attacks. Mosul, some 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad, has been the scene of some of the deadliest unrest outside the capital in recent weeks. Late Sunday, gunmen stopped a family of a policeman while they were driving home from a wedding party in a remote area near the town of Musayyib, killing the policeman, his parents, wife and two young children, mayor Abdul-Karim Abdul-Jabar said Monday. A police officer confirmed the attack. Abdul-Jabar added that another 8-year child was wounded. Members of security forces and government officials and their families are the main targets for insurgent groups seeking to undermine government efforts to maintain security. Musayyib is located about 60 kilometers (40 miles) south of Baghdad. Three health officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information.

The attacks are part of a spike in violence in recent months that is raising Luxury is strongly indicating .Your workplace has become better place for you. Your inclination towards opposite gender will increase. worries Iraq is heading back toward Little health issue will blemish the situation around. Some changes at workplace. As Saturn is getting direct which is assuring change widespread sectarian bloodletting that in profession to most of the people . pushed the country to the brink of civil Lucky Days : Friday war in 2006 and 2007.

July 11, 2013

Blasts at one of Buddhism's holiest sites in India Sarbajeet Kumar said he was on his daily morning walk to the temple when the bombs exploded. “Suddenly I saw smoke and heard the sound of the blasts. I realised that something bad had happened and ran for shelter,” he told local reporters. Police said they were probing the explosions. Attacks on Buddhists are rare in India but there have been tensions in the wider region recently following clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Bodh Gaya complex, 110 kilometres (68 miles) south of the state capital Patna, is one of the earliest Buddhist temples still standing in India and was named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2002. It houses the holy bodhi tree as well as the giant Mahabodhi statue of Buddha, and multiple shrines marking the places where he is believed to have spent time after his enlightenment in 531 BC.

PATNA: Indian police reported multiple low-intensity blasts at the Bodh Gaya Buddhist temple complex on Sunday, saying two people had been wounded but the temple was safe. Buddhists from all over the world visit the site in eastern Bihar state as it is believed to house the tree under which the Buddha reached enlightenment.

“The holy bodhi tree is safe and there is no damage to it,” Bihar police chief Abhayanand told AFP.

defused near the temple's celebrated 80-feettall (24 metres) statue of the Buddha, Kumar told AFP.

Senior police official Ravinder Kumar said “six low-intensity serial blasts took place early this morning, including four in the temple premises and two outside”.

District police official N.H. Khan told AFP that “additional security forces were deployed” and added the two victims are believed to be Tibetan monks.

A seventh bomb was found and

Eyewitness and former local legislator

The complex attracts visitors from around the world during the peak tourist season from October to March. After his meditations beneath the tree, Buddha is said to have devoted the rest of his life to teaching and he founded an order of monks before dying aged 80.

Minister Moore Announces Major Partnership to Honour One of Canada’s Greatest Heroes: Terry Fox BURNABY, British Columbia, July 4, 2013 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced a partnership agreement between the friends of the Terry Fox Collection and the future Canadian Museum of History to honour the legacy of Terry Fox, one of Canada’s greatest heroes. Together they will develop an exhibition featuring the story and legacy of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope. The exhibition will open at the future Canadian Museum of History in 2015, in conjunction with the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. “Terry Fox is one of Canada’s greatest heroes and his story deserves to be known by all Canadians as an important part of our nation’s history,” said Minister Moore. “The Marathon of Hope inspired future generations worldwide, and Terry’s legacy continues to raise millions of dollars for cancer research year after year. During the first ever Canada History Week, I am honoured to announce a partnership that will give Canadians the opportunity to learn about Terry’s life and his outstanding achievements.”

The exhibition will feature some of the key artifacts from Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, which he undertook in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research after losing his leg to cancer at age 18. The Marathon began in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on April 12, 1980, and ended 143 days later in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when his cancer returned. He had completed 5 373 kilometres of his journey. Terry passed away at the age of 22 on June 28, 1981. To date, more than $600 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry’s name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world. “We are thankful to the Minister and the Government of Canada for this partnership, which will ensure the preservation, restoration, and conservation of the Terry Fox Collection for future generations of Canadians. We are also extremely grateful to all at the Museum, as well as at Library and Archives Canada, for their dedication to the collection and

interest in Terry’s legacy and journey,” said Darrell Fox, Terry’s younger brother. “This remarkable and unique collection offers an inclusive, interactive, and moving way to share Terry’s story and cancer research legacy with Canadians from coast to coast and visitors to Canada from all walks of life,” said Rob Reid, spokesperson for the friends of the Terry Fox Collection. “Our sincere thanks to Terry’s family for their generosity in sharing the more than 200,000 items that comprise this private collection. We are equally indebted to Minister Moore and the Government of Canada for their commitment to ensuring this Collection, which includes thousands of items given to Terry during his journey, will be shared with current and future generations of Canadians as well as all who visit Canada. All who see the Collection will be inspired by Terry’s dream, run, and story.”

President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, which will soon become the Canadian Museum of History. “As Canada’s national museum of history, we look forward to sharing the story of one of Canada’s greatest heroes, and his incredible legacy, with Canadians across the country.” In addition to the exhibition to open at the Museum in April 2015, the partnership agreement includes the joint development of a travelling version of the exhibition for Canadians across the country. The partnership agreement also sets a foundation for the preservation of the Terry Fox Collection, including the digitization of key documents selected for the exhibitions. For the duration of the partnership, the friends of the Collection will make it available for research, preservation, and exhibition by the future Canadian Museum of History.

“The Museum of Civilization is very proud to be working with the friends of the Terry Fox Collection in developing this important exhibition about Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope,” said Mark O’Neill,

Gas Tax Fuels Transit Improvements congestion, strengthen the economy and Ontario Government Strengthens This year, the Ontario government made build a fair and prosperous society. its Gas Tax Program permanent to help Commitment to Public Transit municipalities improve public transit, ease traffic congestion and reduce air QUICK FACTS Ontario is providing $324 million in gas pollution.  Ontario shares two cents per litre of tax funding to 96 municipal transit provincial gas tax revenues with systems this year. municipalities to expand and improve The change was made as part of the 2013 their public transit systems. Budget to provide stability for The funding will help municipalities municipalities and help them plan.  With this year’s allocation, the Ontario expand and improve public transit government has committed more than infrastructure, increase accessibility, buy $2.6 billion in gas tax funding since 2004. more conventional and specialized transit Investing in public transit is part of the vehicles, add more routes and extend Ontario government's plan to help reduce July 8, 2013

hours of service.



One bus takes up to 40 vehicles off the road, and keeps 25 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere each year. In 2011, public transit ridership in Ontario increased by nearly 171 million passenger trips compared to 2003. This is the equivalent of removing approximately 143 million car trips off the province’s roads.

July 11, 2013

SPORTS Andy Murray wins Wimbledon title, ends 77-year agony LONDON: Andy Murray ended Britain's agonising 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men's singles champion on Sunday when he destroyed world number one Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in the blistering heat of the All England Club.

"My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he

watched by Victoria Beckham, Wayne Rooney as well as Hollywood stars Gerard Butler and Bradley Cooper, the first point of the match was a punishing 20 strokes.

The 26-year-old became the country's first male winner since Fred Perry in 1936, the year the Spanish Civil War started, Jesse Owens defied Hitler at the Berlin Olympics and Gone With The Wind was published.

And despite leads of 4-1 in the second set and 4-2 in the third, he was out-hit by Murray who finished with 36 winners to 31, with 21 unforced errors to the Serb's 40 and having carved out 17 break points.

Murray wasn't getting complacent -- he had won the the first set of the pair's last three meetings and still lost the match. Djokovic was obviously aware of the history, speeding into a 4-1 lead with two more marathon rallies of 30 and 32 shots. But Murray roared back to 4-4 in a final which, despite its punishing hitting, still felt flat.

It was Murray's second Grand Slam title to follow his breakthrough triumph at the US Open in 2012 which followed his Olympic gold medal as well as a heartbreaking, tearful loss to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final. However, Sunday's title showdown, between two men who have now contested three of the last four Grand Slam finals, rarely lived up to expectations. Both struggled in the stifling 40-degree heat and the top-seeded Serb, who had beaten Murray in the Australian Open final in January, looked jaded after his record four hour 43minute semi-final victory over Juan Martin del Potro.

and with only six unforced errors to the world number one's 17.

Djokovic, however, was becoming increasingly frustrated and in his fog of anxiety, Murray mugged him for a break to lead 6-5 and went two sets to the good at 7-5. Murray had only lost once when two sets up and that was in the Wimbledon third round in 2005 against David Nalbandian, his debut year when he was a rookie 18-yearold.

-Photo by AFP

was playing. He's fantastic, he's been patient and I thank him." Djokovic, who lost in straight sets at a Grand Slam for the first time since the semifinals at Wimbledon three years ago, praised Murray.

"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters," said Murray.

"It wasn't easy. Andy deserves the win, he played incredible tennis. Congratulations to him and his whole team and the country, I know what it means to you all," said the Serb.

"He did the same today and that is what made it tough. I understand how much everyone wanted to see British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it.

"It makes the success even bigger as I am aware of the pressure he gets. There are always lots of expectations on him to win this tournament. It's a great achievement." Inside a baking Centre Court, and

Murray, who has played in the final of his last four majors, had break points in the first and third games, with the Scot finally pouncing on his seventh for a 2-1 lead. Djokovic levelled at 2-2 but Murray was the more aggressive, positive man and broke to love for a 4-3 edge firing almost four times as many winners than the topseeded Serb. Murray saved three break points for a 5 -3 lead but Djokovic was furious that umpire Mohamed Lahyani had called a ball out at 30 -40 while allowing play to continue with the Scot going to deuce. The British second seed took the opener 6-4 after 59 minutes with a love service game, having hit 17 winners to six

A break in the second game of the third set gave Murray a 2-0 lead before Djokovic suddenly raced away with the next four games for a 4-2 lead. But terrier Murray reclaimed the break in the seventh game and levelled in the eighth with a running, curled forehand off a Djokovic drop. It was almost over. Djokovic, in his 11th Grand Slam final and chasing a seventh major, was broken for 4-5 before the British star, with the crowd on their feet, wasted three match points. He finally achieved his place in history when Djokovic netted a backhand after three hours and nine minutes of action.

Pakistan cricket great Wasim Akram to marry Melbourne woman She told Akram: "If we are doing this the traditional way, then you have to ask my father." He called Ms Thompson's father, who gave his blessing. The pair met in Melbourne in 2011 and Akram said he was happy he had found love. "I never thought I would get married again, but I am lucky and very happy to find love again," he said. "It just goes to show that life can give you a second chance." Akram's first wife, Huma, died in 2009. They had two boys, now aged 15 and 12.

Pakistan cricket great Wasim Akram with his Melbourne fiancee Shaniera Thompson. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis Source: Herald Sun PAKISTAN cricket great Wasim Akram is engaged to marry Melbourne woman Shaniera Thompson. The famed left-arm bowler, 47, proposed on bended knee in their lounge room to Ms Thompson, 30. "It was the romantic moment of my life because it was so genuine," she said. A former public relations consultant from Brighton, Ms Thompson has converted to Islam, and will call

Pakistan home. Shaniera Thompson (left) and Denise Foster at the opening of Fashion Bar, Flinders Lane, in 2009. Picture: Chris Scott She said Akram was nervous about proposing in the traditional way. "He was really sweet about it. He asked me what my dream proposal would be and I said I'm not the type of woman that likes a big scene. I

would want it to be at home or somewhere private. Shaniera Thompson (left) at the Drewe Bellmaine Christmas Party, Riva, in 2006. Picture: Joe Mann "Then I came into the lounge room and he was on his knee and asked me if I'd marry him." But the joyful mood was soon broken by a worried look on Thompson's face.

July 11, 2013

Clooney, Bullock to open Venice Film Festival with 'Gravity'

LONDON: The world premiere of Mexican film director Alfonso Cuaron's "Gravity", starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, will open the 70th Venice International Film Festival next month. Festival organizers said the 3D thriller starring Bullock and Clooney as astronauts cast adrift in space after disaster strikes their shuttle will kick off the festival on August 28. The festival on the Venice Lido runs until September 7. Cuaron is no stranger to Venice, where he won two awards in 2001 with his film "Y tu mama tambien" -- best scenario and best young male talent for its two heroes Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna.

A son’s classical tribute to his legendary With the boys behind the mikes, the singers transformed an ordinary day into an extraordinary experience. Denis Chouvinard in the audience said he felt music like never before. He appreciated the singer’s transfer of knowledge to his sons on the stage. Shafqat Ali Khan performed devotional compositions of Bulleh Shah and Khawaja Ghulam Farid.

Shafqat Ali Khan performs at Kuch Khaas here. - Photo by Rizwan Gill

ISLAMABAD: It was the perfect harmony of rhythm and sounds which mesmerised the audience when Shafqat Ali Khan performed at Kuch Khaas on Saturday night. After letting the audience know how honoured he felt to be performing before them, the humble maestro launched into two hours of soulful classical music. The audience was drawn towards the style of Shafqat Ali Khan who played with the octaves, touching high notes. A contemplative meditation descended upon the audience and musicians alike.

classical vocalists of Pakistan. He and his father hail from the Sham Chaurasi Gharana style of classical singing and both have brought international recognition to this Gharana,” said one of the founding members of IPAC, Umair Jafar. The institute has been endeavouring to preserve and promote traditional art forms and cultural heritage of Pakistan. The performance was more than just a tribute to one of the finest classical musicians.

The performance was a tribute to Ustad Salamat Ali Khan arranged by Institute for Preservation of Art and Culture (IPAC).

Shafqat Ali Khan was accompanied by his two sons –Faizan Ali Khan, 14 and Nadir Ali Khan, 12 – and his nephew Arif Ali who is 15.

“We asked none other than Ustad Salamat’s son, Shafqat Ali Khan, to perform. Shafqat is one of the leading

It was like giving the boys on-job training, passing on the precious legacy of legendary singers.

The power and beauty of the improvisational music was deepened when Shafqat Ali Khan, strumming his Surmandal (multiple-stringed instrument), was joined by the essential rhythms of the tabla played by Kashif Ali Dani. The musicians interacted and complemented on the stage, challenging each other to repeat the increasingly complex rhythms, building up the climax and then settling into calmer and composed melodies. As talented as they come, Kashif Ali Dani masterfully brought out the voice and soul of his tablas. “It is a wonder how Shafqat Ali Khan has kept the tradition alive by bringing his sons on to the stage with him. The deep melodic structure of classical music is what makes it magical,” said famous singer from Islamabad Arieb Azhar. The performance had drawn audience of all ages.

'Got Talent' TV show comes to Afghanistan KABUL: “Afghanistan's Got Talent” is coming to television screens in the wartorn country after the internationallypopular reality show struck a deal with a national channel based in Kabul. Local versions of Western entertainment programmes such as “American Idol”and “The Voice” have been big hits in conservative Afghanistan since the fall of the 1996-2001 Taliban regime that banned music and cinema. “It is a new show that has been successful in other countries around the world,” Fahim Hashimy, president of the 1TV channel, told AFP on Monday. “It will provide opportunities for Afghans to showcase their talents, and we need such programmes to bring talented Afghans on screen.” ”Afghan Star” - the local adaptation of “American Idol” - is one of the most popular shows on television, drawing massive family audiences to eight prime-time seasons since 2005. “Afghanistan's Got Talent”, a local franchise of the show created by British pop producer Simon Cowell, will be screened on 1TV from October, with a winning member of the public crowned in November. “It will be exciting to see the Afghans' creativity through the auditions and beyond,” Hashimy said, adding the “Got Talent” format has been adapted 55 times and sold to 180 countries. Audition details and the names of the host and judges of the show have yet to be revealed. The Taliban have been fighting an insurgency against the Western-backed government in Afghanistan for more than a decade. Previous winners of the British version of the show have included a dog trick act, a shadow theatre group, a gymnastic troupe and street dancers, as well as singers.

July 11, 2013

Farhan made me cry: Milkha Singh

Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar has been given the seal of approval for his performance as India's legendary sprinter Milkha Singh in " Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" by the man himself. "Farhan has played the part so well, he is almost a duplicate copy of Milkha Singh from every angle. He made me cry," said the 77-year-old runner. "India is falling behind today in the field of athletics. That is the reason I wanted this story told so that the coming generation can know about Milkha Singh and all the hard work and sweat that goes into athletics. My hope now is that the gold medal that slipped from my grip in the Rome Olympics, can be won by them in my lifetime," Milkha said at the gala screening of the film in central London on Friday evening. He was joined on the red carpet by the film's lead actors- Akhtar and Sonam Kapoor, as well as director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and writer Prasoon Joshi. "I think every generation needs reference points

and Milkha Singh's life is a great reference point for young people. His life can be a blueprint at some level ? that it can never get tougher than this," said Akhtar, who trained for months to embody the character of the toned athlete on screen. "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", which releases worldwide on July 12, traces the story of the sprinter's life through the vagaries of the Partition of India in 1947, during which his family was brutally killed, to a life of petty crime and his redemption as an Army officer. "This is not about his gold medal. It is about a lost childhood and the sheer need to live life to the fullest. We all know about the legend but the film explores how he may have lost an important race but won in life," said Mehra. "There is a lot of noise in South Asia around cricket and movies and everything else seems to get drowned. That is what makes this film more unique, un-Bollywood and more World cinema. We don't have answers but just thoughts we can share with the audience," he added. — TOI

Uttarakhand disaster: Bollywood shoots receive a blow Mehta, who has coordinated the shoots of several Bollywood films in the state.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has banned an Indian film about the love affair of a MuslimHindu couple on the grounds that it could offend viewers in the conservative Islamic republic, officials said Friday.

and a law and order situation could arise in response," he said.

"Raanjhanaa" was scheduled for release in June, but Pakistan's Film Censor Board refused to clear it for cinema showings.

While a huge array of Western and Bollywood films can be bought over the counter on pirated DVD in Pakistan, the censor board routinely bans productions deemed too sensitive for cinemas.

"The censor board did not clear this movie because of its controversial story," Arshad Ali, a senior government official and chairman of the board, told AFP. " T h e b o a r d recommended that the movie's storyline could offend the majority Muslim population in the country

According to press reports the film is the love story of a Hindu man and a Muslim woman.

Pakistani movie di st r i but or s bo yc ot t ed Hollywood film "Zero Dark Thirty" about the hunt for Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US troops in Pakistan on May 2, 2011 to the country's humiliating. In

2012,

Pakistan

banned Agent Vinod, India's answer to James Bond in which an Indian secret agent thwarts Pakistani spies from detonating a nuclear bomb in Delhi.

“The shoot was expected to last for three months in Uttarakhand. I wonder what will happen now. I am also concerned about other small and big films that were to be shot in the state.”

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence from British rule in 1947. In 2010, censors also refused permission for Indian film "Tere bin Laden", which poked fun at bin Laden. The board claimed it would incite suicide attacks. Pakistan's own film industry declined in recent years, finding itself unable to compete with the huge popularity of Bollywood productions. (AFP)

In this photograph taken on July 2, 2013, a young Indian child sits on boulders in Sonprayag on July 2, 2013, in a flood affected area of the northern Indian state of Uttrakhand. Authorities on July 9, 2013, have raised to 5,500 the estimated number of people who perished in devastating floods that swept the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand last month. — AFP Photo

The recent rain-induced disaster in Uttarakhand is set to strike a blow to the state’s popularity as a film shooting destination. In the past Bollywood films such as Student of the Year, Koi Mil Gaya, Kisna, Bunty Aur Babli and Aisha have been shot there. Before the calamity struck, a big-budget Bollywood film

starring A-listers Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor was to be shot in Rudrapryag — one of the worst-hit districts now — in November. That prospect seems bleak now. “We had already conducted at least five rounds of location recce as well as stunts and lighting trials for the Hrithik Roshan film,” says Uttarakhandbased line producer Sanjeev

Mehta adds that the fate of many a film hangs in the balance as the massive scale of devastation has raised security concerns. According to sources, noted filmmakers Subhash Ghai and Ram Gopal Verma were planning to shoot in the Valley of Flowers and Gangotri regions in Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts respectively this year, which are likely to be called off now. “The blow may lessen with time if the state government restores road connectivity and snapped facilities,” said Pankaj Sharma, an Uttarakhand-based coordinator for films and television serials. — HT

July 11, 2013

Bomb kills Zardari’s security chief, two others in Karachi

Paramilitary soldiers escort a damaged vehicle at the site of a bomb blast in Karachi on July 10, 2013. —AFP Photo KARACHI: A suspected suicide explosion targeting President Asif Ali Zardari's chief security officer killed at least three people in Karachi on Wednesday, police said. Eleven others were injured in the powerful explosion which rocked the busy New Town neighbourhood in the heart of Karachi, less than a kilometre from the Quaid's mausoleum. “Three people, including the president’s chief security officer, Bilal Sheikh, were killed in the bombing,” said Superintendent Police Usman Bajwa. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari said that "Bilal had rendered many sacrifices for the PPP and that he was not just a bodyguard but more like a son." President Zardari also appealed to party workers to offer fateha for Bilal.

The president added that Bilal had accompanied Benazir Bhutto when she was attacked in Karachi on Oct 18, 2007. Bilal Sheikh was an active worker of the Pakistan People’s Party, the ruling party in Sindh province. A spokesman for the Bilawal House, President Zardari's private residence in Karachi, had earlier confirmed Sheikh’s death. Sheikh's driver was also killed in the explosion. Bajwa said the attack appeared to be a suicide bombing. “Bilal Sheikh’s vehicle was the target of the attack,” he said. Officials said the wounded included six police officers and one FIA personnel. The injured were shifted to a local hospital where a state of emergency was imposed. Bilal Sheikh was said to be a trusted

aide of President Asif Ali Zardari, had previously been in charge of Zardari's private residence in Karachi, and was also responsible for the security in Karachi of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the president’s son and PPP co-chairman. Sheikh had also been in charge of security for Zardari's wife, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto when she returned to Karachi from exile on October 18, 2007, two months before her assassination. The explosion came on the eve of the holy Muslim month of Ramazan, due to be observed in Pakistan from Thursday. Bajwa said Sheikh and his driver had gone to buy food for Ramazan, the fasting month, when his vehicle was targeted. "He had never taken this route before, and he always had security with him," he said.

Sheikh had survived two previous attempts on his life. No militant group has claimed responsibility of the attack as yet, but the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan have previously targeted the Pakistan People's Party for it's "secular views". President Zardari and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif “strongly condemned” the attack, state media said. In a statement, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also condemned the attack, blaming an "anti-democratic and extremist mindset" to be behind the bombing. "We will not be intimidated by such cowardly acts and such acts will not deter our resolve to fight terrorism," he said.

July 11, 2013

Children of war

It was the scorching heat of dog days when someone knocked at my door. I opened the door to a child of about eight, asking if I would buy anything from him. He was a cute little boy with brown hair and green eyes. His skin was tanned and his clothes displayed a lack of the pampering that each child deserves. The intense heat of the afternoon sun was making me restless and I couldn't help asking the kid why he didn’t go to school instead of selling things in the blazing heat? The child was puzzled for a second as if surprised by the hint of concern shown by another and then came a reply that saddened me to the depths of my soul. He told me his family had been hit by a drone in which his parents, along with a brother and a sister died, leaving him to an uncle and the harsh realities of this world all on his own. His uncle then moved to Bannu from Miranshah, in the hopes of avoiding the same fate as his brother. My eyes welled up and I’m pretty sure it wasn't because of the hot waft. A million questions flooded my mind about the fate of this child, asking me why were we so helpless about such incidents. Why do we have to succumb to such attacks? How many more are going to die as “collateral damage”? What is to become of this child and others like him? I offered him some money knowing that it was only a temporary relief in the long and bumpy road ahead of him. The child departed, leaving my mind tormented with questions. I thought of Malala, the little girl from Swat shot because she raised her voice against militants stopping girls from going to schools. There is a Malala in every home in these areas infested by militancy, craving for progress, yearning for education but their dreams are shattered by these militants. These financially deprived victims of extremism are further victimised by the bombs dropped on them from the sky. I can’t even imagine having both the earth and the sky turn against me. So the question is, where are these innocent people supposed to go? Do the US and Human Rights organisations have a plan for them? Or have they been completely forgotten? Is it justified to make so many innocent people in one region face such agony to ensure the safety (as they bel i eve) of anot her ?

Statistics state that at least four thousand lives have been claimed by drone attacks, in which the militants are a tiny fraction and approximately 90 per cent of them are civilians. It’s no news that a single blast in the west triggers a chain of investigations that usually end up in a few drone attacks in under developed countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Has the definition of humanity and the value of human life changed in favor of the developed nations and against the innocent people killed in our region? It’s because of these unjustified, non-specific attacks that hundreds of young children are left homeless. The fact that their loss is because of the US and its allies, leads to their exploitation of these children by militant groups who then prepare them for their revenge in the form of suicide attacks, promising them a reunion with their lost ones in the afterlife. This is supported by the fact that there are rarely any middle to old aged suicide bombers seen. In this way, drone attacks are escalating the issues they are meant to solve. The people of the tribal areas are the people whose stories of hospitality, as well as bravery are told even today. The rest of the world does not know these people as they have not adopted the modern ways of communication and social networking, which has lead to their portrayal as extremists by the media. It’s in the nature of these tribals that matters are solved with mutual discussion in the presence of elders and leaders. But it’s also in their nature that the use of force will only lead to a more forceful reaction. They can never be suppressed by force and will fight till their last drop of blood. To resolve the issues that the US has with the people they drone, they need to study and understand them. These attacks are against the sovereignty of our country under the article 2(4) of the UN Charter. As the new government has taken charge in Pakistan, its time to reconsider our policies regarding our tribal areas. The government should work towards improving the lifestyle of these people, educating them and providing them with the protection that is the right of every citizen. Reference: www.defence.pk

NED ALUMNI CANADA ORGANISED A MEMORABLE PICNIC ON JUNE 30th 2013

Like every year,NED Alumni Canada organised a family

Pakistan NEDAIN Ali Haider who has represented

NED University Dr. Muneer for attending this event.

picnic at famous the Erindal park of Mississauga. More

Pakistan in international competitions also joined the

Sahir Zameer and Aman Sidiqui were also thanked for the

than 200 participants attended this event which is a record

hotly contested cricket match.

photography and general help. Idrees Khan also

breaking number.

The tug of war was another popular contest which

The Ex-Vice Chancellor of NED University of

was organised by Nassir Mohyuddin and Islam Nabi. A

Technology graced the occasion with his wife and son. He

large number of participants tested their strength in this

stayed in this event from beginning to the end and

competition. Around 2pm. food was served.

remained the center of attention of all NEDIANs.

Ishtiaq Khan, Nassir Mohyudin, Nazli Khan, Azfar

Families started coming from 11 am and they were

Shakeel, Ghulam Malik, Jawed Iqbal, Najeeb Khan,

welcomed by Ifrahim Khan, Uzma Syedah, Malik

waseem Khan, and Uzma Syeddah ensured that all

Ghulam Hussain, Hussain Haider and his wife. After the

participants young and old are served to their satisfaction.

process

Zuhar prayers were offered which was arranged by

registration

guests

were

served

with

refreshments.

Ghulam Malik. At the end of day tea was served.

announced future programs of NEDAC which included annual family get-together which includes dinner and musical evening. Tickets for this event can be purchased from all, NEDAC Board Members. For more informations the Social Secretary NEDAC Nassir Mohiyuddin may be contacted at 647 204 7377. Early bird tickets at discounted rates are available upto Aug 31st. Two tickets to Karachi at half the price are offered courtesy PIA which will be separately awarded to the two holders of the raffle tickets.

Various games were organised for children in which

The Presidend of ,NED AlumniCanada Idrees Khan

a large number of kids participated and enjoyed. A cricket

thanked all Nedians, their families, NEDAC Board

NEDAC members and families thanked the board

match was organised by the famous cricket player of his

Members and picnic committee for making this event a

members for organising such an entertaining program.

time NEDIAN Irfan Arab. Another famous athlete of

success. He specially thanked The Ex-Vice Chancellor of

This successful picnic ended at 5pm in the evening.

US considering speeding up Afghan pullout report

WASH INGT ON: T he United States is seriously considering speeding up the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan because of frustration with President Hamid Karzai, the New York Times reported. And a so called 'zero option' -- having no US troops in Afghanistan after 2014 -- is also on the cards, the daily said late Monday, quoting US and European officials. US President Barack Obama is committed to ending the US military involvement in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, and his administration has been

negotiating with Kabul about leaving behind a "residual force."

said, quoting American and Afghan officials familiar with the exchange.

But Obama's relationship with Karzai has been deteriorating and suffered a big and new blow last month with an effort by the United States to open peace talks with the Taliban in Qatar.

They said Karzai accused the United States of trying to negotiate a separate peace with both the Taliban and Pakistan. Karzai felt this would leave his country exposed to its enemies. No decision has been made on the pace of the US pullout or how many US troops to leave behind, the report said. Officials say the goal is still to reach a long term security deal.

Karzai opposed the talks, and halted negotiations with the Americans on a long-term security deal needed to keep US forces in Afghanistan after 2014, the Times said. To defuse tensions, the two presidents spoke by videoconference June 27 but it went badly, the paper

But negotiating stances are hardening, the Times quoted officials as saying. "There has always been a zero option, but it was

not seen as the main option," said one senior Western official in Kabul. "It is now becoming one of them, and if you listen to some people in Washington, it is maybe now being seen as a realistic path." The official added however that he hoped the Afghans were beginning to realize that the zero option is a distinct possibility. Currently, half of the 68,000 US troops in Afghanistan are set to exit by February, and the newly -trained Afghan army and police are increasingly taking the lead in the security battle.

July 11, 2013

Take Special Care with Summer Sun July 4, 2013 O NTARIANS E NCOURAGED

P RACTISE S UN S AFETY T HIS S UMMER

Now that summer is in full swing and with high temperatures expected this weekend, Dr. Graham Pollett, Ontario's Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, is encouraging people to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun to help prevent painful sunburn that can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Ontarians are also being reminded to take special care to prevent heat-related illness. There are a number of things that people can do to protect themselves and their families from the sun and extreme heat including: Using sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapplying at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating a lot -- even on cloudy days since the sun can penetrate light cloud cover. Helping to protect those most vulnerable to extreme heat and burns, especially infants under one year of age and the elderly. Limiting sun exposure around mid-day when the sun is at its strongest. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and clothing with light fabrics to shade the skin. Staying in air conditioned rooms - either at home, a friend's place or public places such as malls, libraries and specially designated facilities in the community. Drinking a lot of cool water even before you feel thirsty. Exercising in the early morning or late evening when the sun's rays are less intense.

Linda Jeffrey, MPP for Brampton-Springdale hosts a roundtable of Youth Jobs Strategy Consultations which took place in Brampton Peel last week.

HONG KONG (AP) -- The former lover and fortune teller of quirky billionaire Nina Wang was sentenced Friday to 12 years in prison after a Hong Kong court found him guilty of forging a will to claim her multibillion-dollar estate. High Court Justice Andrew Macrae said Peter Chan's attempt to pass himself off as the beneficiary of Nina Wang's fortune, estimated by prosecutors at 83 billion Hong Kong dollars ($10.7 billion), was "shameless, wicked and born of unparalleled greed." Wang, once Asia's richest woman, died in 2007 at age 69 after battling cancer. Hong Kong police charged Chan after a 2011 court ruling that a will purportedly leaving Wang's Chinachem Group to him was forged. The legal battles over the will have enthralled the Chinese territory with their seamy mix of sex, big money and fraud

HK billionaire's lover gets 12 years for fake will allegations. Hong Kongers were riveted by juicy revelations of Chan's affair with Wang, who was two decades older than him. She was nicknamed "Little Sweetie" for her girlish outfits and pigtail hairdo.

Chan, a 53-year-old father of three, was convicted Thursday of forgery and using a false instrument. The judge sentenced him to 12 years on each count, to be served concurrently. Chan is a former feng shui master who changed his name from Tony after converting recently to Christianity. In an attempt to prove that Wang and Chan's relationship was genuine, Chan's defense team showed videos in court last month of the pair kissing and caressing, according to media reports. The judge said Chan was not content with the HK$3 billion ($387 million) that Wang had given to him while she was alive and decided to claim her

business empire and estate as well.

"I have no doubt you are nothing more than a clever and no doubt beguiling charlatan," Macrae said in sentencing Chan, who rocked back and forth with a pained expression while his wife wept quietly in the public gallery. Macrae said Chan's forgery was especially egregious because had he succeeded, it would have prevented the estate from going as intended to a charitable foundation Wang and her late husband founded and cost it millions in legal fees. "Instead of benefiting mankind as Nina Wang wanted, the only one to benefit would have been you," the judge said. In the earlier court ruling, a judge upheld another will bestowing the fortune on Wang's Chinachem Charitable Foundation.

Wang inherited developer Chinachem after her husband was kidnapped in 1990. He was never found despite a $33 million ransom his family paid. She built the company into a huge property developer, with office towers and apartment complexes throughout Hong Kong. The pair met in 1992 when Wang sought out a feng shui master to find her husband. Chan was already married and had a patchy resume as a waiter, bartender, machinery salesman and market researcher, making him an unlikely match for Wang. The judge also ordered Chan to repay the estimated HK$2 million ($258,000) cost of a preliminary hearing that he said was a waste of time and money. Chan's lawyer declined to say whether he would appeal.

July 11, 2013

Ontario "yours to discover" hopefully this summer. Elora is a small town in Ontario, Canada, north of Kitchener – Waterloo and just west of Fergus. This quaint little town is as picturesque as it comes in Southern Ontario. Elora is located on the Grand River and was formerly home to the furniture manufacturing business. Nearby features include: • Elora Quarry Conservation Area • Elora Gorge Conservation Area

In Balochistan, an ancient forest battles for survival Kakar, who also points out that the forest is a global asset. For those like the elderly Qayyum, the juniper tree is already an asset. In Pashto, the juniper tree is called “Obashta” – meaning a species which sucks water. To Qayyum, the cutting of the “Obashta” isn’t just a case of environmental negligence – it’s unholy. “Religiously, we are told, cutting trees is forbidden,” explains the man who has spent his entire life protecting the ancient forest. Accompanying the care for the trees is reverence. “I do not remember a tree that grew up before me,” Qayyum says, referring to the forest’s age. The self-proclaimed caretaker isn’t the only one who feels so strongly about the forest. In a small town called Kharwari Baba near Ziarat, people migrate to Harnai in the winter when the temperature drops. “We prefer migration instead of cutting the trees,” the caretaker says.

In Balochistan’s Ziarat Valley, under the shade of ancient juniper trees, 70-year-old Haji Abdul Qayyum has constructed a mudwalled shop. “The juniper is my life; I have lived below its shadow throughout my life,” says the elderly man. But Qayyum doesn’t know how much longer that shadow will last. Ziarat’s juniper forest is the second largest of its kind in the world, but is now battling to maintain that reputation. People living in the area continue to cut the trees unchecked – in the presence of the concerned (or rather, unconcerned) authorities.

Home to other kinds of natural beauty and bounty, the lush green valley is also famous for top quality fruit orchards, including apples, cherries and grapes. The valley itself is nestled between mountain peaks, springs and karezes (a historical underground irrigation system). Considered one of the chilliest areas in Balochistan during winter, locals cut down ancient juniper trees for firewood. Most of the valley’s surrounding areas are yet to be provided with natural gas. It isn’t just the locals seeking firewood who contribute to the depletion of the forest. Well-known environmentalist Faiz Muhammad Kakar explains that the timber

mafia is also involved in deforestation and the smuggling of the ancient trees to other parts of the country. “The Ziarat juniper forest strives for its survival,” Kakar emphasises. Ziarat’s forest covers an area of approximately 700,000 acres of which 230,000 acres belong to the state. Juniper berries are used for flavour, and their oil has several uses. Medical herbs like Ephedra, Artemisia and mint are also produced. Fragrant lavender covers almost the entire landscape from July to October. The trees grow half an inch every year – and amazingly, some of the trees in this forest are as old as 7,000 years, according to

Recently, Unesco’s International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) has declared Ziarat’s juniper forest as a biosphere reserve. Despite the claims of the forestry department; the timber mafia, and locals looking for firewood, continue to cut the ancient trees openly. The forest contributes to Ziarat as a popular tourism spot in Pakistan – but the future of the green expanse seems to be in peril, without any concentrated efforts being made for its preservation. Prompt and practical measures need to be adopted by the government and NGOs to protect the ancient species.

July 11, 2013

Pakistan’s stock market closes at all-time high

Record activity was witnessed at the local bourse on Wednesday as volumes reached close to a four-year high of Rs18 billion.•—Photo by AFP KARACHI: Pakistani stocks continued their upward trend, breaking through their all time high record on Wednesday. The market gained 263.72 points on the back of heavy trading witnessed in the banking and oil and gas sectors. The benchmark 100 index of the Karachi Stock Exchange gained 1.16 per cent, closing at a record 22984.94 points. Record activity was witnessed on the local bourse as volumes reached close to a fouryear high of Rs18 billion. Large cap stocks supported overall activity as foreign inflows increased, evident from the fact that top three stocks made 35 percent of the volume. Riding on the back of continued

optimism in the market, the oil and gas sector saw heavy gains as investors expected gas prices going up in the future. This, coupled with the government plan to resolve the circular debt issue, bolstered investor optimism in the power sector as well. An analyst at Optimus Securities claimed continued foreign investment in the market led to the rise yet again. “Overall liquidity in the market aided the optimism of foreign investors,” he said. The pro-business administration of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has recently concluded various large investment deals with neighbouring China as well as a loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund, calming investors worried about the

crippling economy, the analyst said.

million.

The biggest gainers of the day were in the oil and gas sector as the stock prices of PSO, Attock Refinery and Pak Petroleum went up by 5 per cent, 5 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively due to aggressive institutional buying.

Out of a total of 391 stocks up for trade, the losers, 180 of them, exceeded the 156 gainers. The total traded volume dipped to 338m, lower than Tuesday’s level of 351m.

Commercial banks consolidated their earlier gains as National Bank rose to a price of 50.47 up by 3.7 per cent while Muslim Commercial Bank also rose by Rs 1.51. The construction and materials sector shed prices after having risen in the past week, with Fauji Cement and Maple leaf cement both slightly losing on earlier gains after having traded a volume of over 10

The rupee ended weaker at 100.01/100.06 against the dollar, compared to Tuesday's close of 99.98/100.03. Overnight rates in the money market remained flat at 9 per cent.