Miracle 619-March 22, 2024

THE

Bringing Harmoney To All e Communities...

Why Saudi Arabia’s new rules for Ramadan have angered Muslims? What are the restrictions?

Iences and open the Kingdom’s society, critics have claimed that the new limits aim to lessen the impact of Islam. e country is also gradually promoting musical events and inviting well-known Western performers.

In an e ort to attract foreign audiences and open the Kingdom’s society, critics

have claimed that the new limits aim to lessen the impact of Islam. e country is also gradually promoting musical events and inviting wellknown Western performers.

What is NOT allowed?

Israel’s war on Gaza: More newborns dying amid Israeli attacks

•

Displaced people sheltering at al-Shifa Hospital recount details of Israeli army’s storming and siege of the medical complex in Gaza City.

- A ban on donations for mosques

- Prohibition of a er-sunset i ar meals in mosques

- Prayers are required to be kept brief

- Children are not allowed to pray in mosques

- Worshippers must bring their identication documents

- Apart from the main mosques in Mec-gradu per

• e WHO says an increasing number of children in Gaza are on the brink of death due to acute hunger, with newborns “simply dying because of low birth weight”.

• Death toll from Israeli attack on Nuseirat refugee camp rises to 27. Another Israeli attack on an aid distribution team in Gaza City killed at least 23.

• At least 31,819 Palestinians have Cont. @ page 7

• Israel’s Foreign Minister condemns Canada’s move to ban future arms exports, warning that history will judge the “action harshly”.

been killed and 73,934 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. e revised death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attack stands at 1,139 with dozens taken captive.

Source: aljazeera.com/

What are the chances of a BC United-BC Conservative merger before the 2024 election?

Sciding who will form B.C.’s next government, the latest opinion poll suggests the NDP continues to hold a strong lead. e Angus Reid Institute sur-

vey, released Monday, found 43 per cent of respondents intend to vote NDP, while BC United and BC Conservatives remain tied for second, with the BC Greens in fourth. e same poll does o er a glimmer of hope for the opposition – 51 per cent of those surveyed say they think it’s time for a change in government.

Where that change lies and what it means is something very di erent, because only 22 per cent, respectively, choose either BC United or the BC Conservatives.

With Kevin Falcon’s BC United and John Rustad’s BC Conservatives seemingly in

US appeals court blocks Texas from arresting and deporting migrants

Strict law enabling authorities to arrest migrants put on hold hours a er Supreme Court allowed it to enter into force. A US federal appeals court issued an order that prevents Texas state authorities from detaining and deporting migrants and asylum seekers suspected of entering the United States illegally, hours a er the Supreme Court allowed the strict new immigration law to take e ect. e decision on Tuesday by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals came weeks a er a panel on the same court cleared the way for Texas to enforce the controversial law by putting a pause on a lower judge’s injunction, arguing that the federal government has authority over immigration matters, rather than individual states.Versial law by putting a pause on a lower judge’s injunction, arguing that the federal government has authority over immi-

gration matters, rather than individual states. By a 2-1 order, a panel of the appeals court li ed that pause ahead of arguments before the court on Wednesday. Earlier on Tuesday the Supreme Court li ed a pause on the measure that critics have dubbed the “show me your papers” law, voting six to three to allow the law, Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB4), to go immediately into e ect. S aljazera.com

Motion on Israel-Hamas war will have consequences for asylum seekers in Gaza, minister says

State of Canadian program, which Marc Miller calls a ‘failure,’ could get worse. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Wednesday the amended motion on the Israel-Hamas war the House of Commons passed Monday could make it harder for people seeking asylum in Canada to get out of Gaza. He said it could make the situation worse for a Canadian program that has already been, in his words, a “failure.”

Miller said he thinks the motion was fair and principled a er it was altered to re ect 14 amendments proposed by the Liberals.

2 soldiers martyred, 8 terrorists killed in attack on Gwadar Port Authority complex: ISPR

Two soldiers were martyred while eight terrorists were killed by the Pakistan Army a er it thwarted an attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Colony on Wednesday, according to the military’s media wing. A press release from the Inter Services Public Relations said that a group of eight terrorists attempted to enter the Port Authority Colony but were successfully thwarted by

security forces personnel. “Own troops employed for security responded immediately and e ectively engaged the terrorists, and in ensuing re exchange, all eight terrorists were sent to hell.

“A large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives was also recovered,” the ISPR added. It said that Sepoy Bahar Khan, 35, a resident of Dera Ghazi Khan district, and Sepoy Imran Ali, 28, a resident of Khairpur district, “fought gallantly, sacri ced their lives” and were martyred in the exchange of re.

“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace and stability of Balochistan, and such sacri ces of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said...

Source: dawn.com/

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever listens to a verse from the Book of Allah Almighty will have a multiplied reward. Whoever recites a verse will have a light on the Day of Resurrection.”Source: Musnad Aḥmad 8494

Listening and Reciting Qur’an: Which Is More Rewarded?

Muslims believe that the Qur’an, the Holy book of Islam, was revealed to Muhammad over a period of twenty-three years, starting with the initial revelation at Mount Hira. After the Prophet’s death, his successors compiled these divine revelations in a manuscript.

The total number of chapters, verses, words and characters.

Category

Chapters

Verses

Words

Non-Repeated Words

Letters Total 114 6236 157935 5277 668684

QUESTIONS:

Listening and Reciting Qur’an:

Which Is More Rewarded?

Is There a Difference in Reward between Listening and Reciting Qur’an?

ANSWERS

There are many verses and Prophetic hadiths that command us to recite the Qur’an. Allah Almighty says:

And recite the Qur’an with measured recitation. (Al-Muzzammil 74:4)

Abu Umama said that he heard Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) saying: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of

Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It.” (Muslim)

Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to listen to the Qur’an from his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him, “Recite the Qur’an to me.” `Abdullah said, “Shall I recite (the Qur’an) to you while it has been revealed upon you?” He said, “I like to hear it from others.” (Al-Bukhari)

Question

Which is better -- reading Quran or listening to it on tapes?

Praise be to Allah.

Answer:

Reading Quran and listening to it are both righteous deeds for which the Muslim will be rewarded.

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sometimes liked to listen to Quran from other people.

Al-Bukhaari (4582 and 5049) and Muslim (800) narrated from ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah upon him) said to me: “Recite the Quran to me.” I said: O Messenger of Allah, should I recite

to you when it was revealed to you? He said: “I like to hear it from someone else.”

So I recited al-Nisa’, and when I reached the verse, “How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad ) as a witness against these people?” [al-Nisa’ 4:41], I raised my head, or a man who was beside me nudged me and I raised my head, and I saw his tears flowing..

So what is best is to do that which is in his best interests and will have the best effect on him, whether it is reading or listening, because the purpose of reading is to ponder and understand the meanings and act upon what is indicated by the Book of Allah, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“(This is) a Book (the Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember” [Saad 38:29] “Verily, this Quran guides to that which is most just and right” [al-Isra’ 17:9] “Say: It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing” [Fussilat 41:44]. End quote from Fatawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baz, 11/364 And Allah knows best. Source:islamqa.info/en/answers/ Does reading the Quran directly from the Mus’haf have the same reward (ajr) as listening to an audio recording of

Quran recitation?

Answered as per Shafi’i Fiqh by

Darul Iftaa Jordan

Answer:

All praise be to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. Reading the Glorious Quran and listening to its recitation with reflection are both considered among the best acts of worship. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Alla will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.” {At-Tirmidhi}. Also, ‘Abdullah bin Masoud narrated : “The Prophet (PBUH) said to me: (Recite to me). So I said:

To be Coninued at Page 7

AN IMF mission is here to hold discussions on the second and nal review of its short-term $3 billion rescue package that has helped Pakistan shore up its foreign exchange reserves and avert a sovereign default. e review will most likely be successfully completed, leading to a sta -level agreement that would facilitate the disbursement of a $1.2bn tranche in the coming weeks, a vital injection for Pakistan’s economy.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has already hinted at starting discussions with the lender about a bigger and longer successor bailout. “We would at least kick-start the process and get this going. Let us see how they respond,” he said last week in his rst formal media interaction a er assuming the charge of the nance ministry. “Further negotiations on the fresh programme will be taken forward on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in April in Washington.” A pattern of reliance on IMF bailouts, coupled with a lack of substantial reforms, has led to a scenario where Pakistan is on the brink and masses are reeling from economic pain While the government has not o cially stated the size or duration of the funding it plans to seek from the Fund, the lender has said it will formulate a mediumterm programme if Islamabad applies for one. “We look forward to engaging with the new government to complete the second review under the current stand-by arrangement and, should the government request, support the formulation of a new medium-term economic programme,” an IMF spokesperson told Reuters earlier this month.

If approved, the loan programme would be Pakistan’s 24th engagement with the global lender. e country has already earned the unenviable distinction of being the most frequent and the fourth larg-

Event Photos are at Page 4

On March 16, The Guildford Islamic Cultural Centre (GICC) volunteers hosted another fundraising Iftar at Bombay Banquet Hall, Surrey.

Event Photos are at Page 4

Oe pursuit of prosperity or a perpetual pain?

est customer of the IMF.

e question is: has Pakistan learnt any lessons from its previous 23 arrangements with the IMF? Apart from one, all the programmes were terminated midway due to tough conditions. Never has Pakistan met the goals of any package. is pattern of reliance on IMF bailouts, coupled with a lack of substantial structural, governance, nancial and economic reforms, has precipitated a scenario where Pakistan teeters on the edge of scal instability, with the masses groaning under huge economic pain.

Another IMF programme is most likely to increase this pain. Yet, most experts argue that Pakistan’s current situation leaves little room for alternative strategies, with other multilateral and bilateral creditors keenly watching the outcome of these negotiations.

‘Designed for stabilisation, not growth’

“It’s given that a sizable, extended IMF programme is imperative for Pakistan. We have to appreciate, however, that the IMF prescriptions are [always] designed for macroeconomic stabilisation, not for growth. erefore, there will be economic pain and anaemic growth in the medium term,” argues Zafar Masud, president and CEO of the Bank of Punjab. Many economic analysts believe that the IMF’s nancial support should be sought only to overcome crises like the short-term balance of payment troubles caused by exogenous or endogenous shocks and to create breathing space to implement policies that would restore economic stability and growth.

In Pakistan’s case, it has always been the opposite. Years of scal pro igacy and the ruler’s obsession with creating import-intensive, consumption-led growth without correcting deep-seated structural economic and governance aws

Br,Ammar Zaidi did the MC.More than 800 people participated in this new Centre Place fundraising. Br, Shaun King and Shaikh Ahmad Shehab from Toronto were the main motivational outsiders speak-

n March 15, the Islamic Association of Western Canada organized a fundraising dinner for Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah, which is in the final stage of construction. Mr. Arjumand Thair was the MC of this fundraising dinner. Many Surrey and Vancouver residents participated in this gathering at Taj Park Convention Centre in Surrey. After the recitation of the Quran, a few Naats e Rasool Maqbool were presented.

Event Photos are at Page 4

By: Wasif Ali, IR Canada

ICNA Relief Canada’s Vancouver chapter organized A Welcome Ramadan Fundraising for Gaza in the Riverside Signature Banquet Hall on Sunday, March 17 th . Program began with an inaugural talk by Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Sajid, ICNA’s president for the Western Canada Region. He expressed that Ramadan Iftaar dinner for Gaza relief served as a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of coming together to support those facing adversity.

take the country to the IMF every few years. Many have predicted that like previous IMF programmes, the stabilisation goals of the new package would also compel the government to take tough steps that would lead to higher in ation, more unemployment and currency devaluation, slowing down growth, at least in the short run. “Unfortunately, we have come at a crossroads where it is not a question of pain or no pain; it’s just when and how we decide [or are forced] to take it. ere are no easy paths but choices that are less distressing for the public. Nevertheless, our ultimate objective should be to achieve sustainable economic growth, which is the only proven route towards progress and poverty alleviation,” Mr Masud insists. Others, like former state minister for nance Aisha Ghaus Pasha, agree. “Our problems are enormous. We have been tweaking the economy here and there when under pressure to tackle these problems temporarily, but do not x its structural defects,” she says.

“ e IMF programmes do provide some valuable support by providing short-term space to stop further economic slide, but lasting solutions can only come out of homegrown economic strategies and deep reforms,” Ms Pasha observes.

‘Commitment to implementation’

e new IMF facility for Pakistan is not likely to be much di erent from the ones before. Nor the conditions are expected to be di erent. Hence, people like Mr Masud want the authorities to “devise a homegrown economic revival plan that must go beyond the IMF’s conventional [one-size- ts-all] recipe”. He adds, “It’s essential to address our chronic issues and achieve sustainable economic growth. A strong political will is a prerequisite to undertake politically unwanted, but inescapable corrective actions.” e new

nance minister has laid out his agenda almost on the same lines as he plans to focus on implementation of the much-needed reforms.

“No debates, no waste of time; just a steadfast commitment to implementation,” he was quoted to have said a er he was sworn in as the minister. Pakistan’s core problem, according to Mr Masud, is fragile scal position and short-term prole of domestic and external debt.

“ is is where the focus of real reforms is inevitable. Our dilemma is that our public debt is swelling, and so is our private wealth, which means that, e ectively, the rich are getting wealthier at the expense of the government, which is ostensibly borrowing to make the rich even richer,” Mr Masud argues. Whenever there is a will, there is a way, and it is never too late.”

Ms Pasha says Pakistan’s story of boom-and-bust cycles will not end and the country cannot be put on a path of sustainable growth without reforms, no matter how many IMF programmes we take.

Like others, he also advocates that the tax net needs to be enhanced and made equitable and judicious across sectors, with concrete e orts to migrate the informal economy towards digitisation and documentation. But Mr Masud says politicoeconomic wheels have to move in tandem — including federal and provincial governments, private sector, and monetary and scal policies — for the common objective.

‘Perception matters’

She believes the present government is well placed to carry out structural reforms beyond the IMF-mandated policies. “ is government is in an ideal position; it is elected for ve years and enjoys the full backing and support (from the powers that be) needed to take tough measures. If not now, when will they implement reforms?” she wonders. Courtesy By: Nasir Jamal

ers, with their enthusiastic speeches and with the help of Allah (swt) over $380, 000. has been raised. The Centre still need your help to reach their goal for this Ramadan which is $1M. A new centre will be a youth centre, a bigger prayer space, a community centre, an education centre and more. Be part of this Jannah project this Ramadan. to donate. visit at SurreyIslamicCenter.com. Every donation helps.

Prof. Imam Syed Badiuddin Soharwardy clearly described the vision of Masjid Aulia Allah to everyone in the audience. Imam Muhammad Asim from UK was the main keynote speaker, He motivated the audience to donate to this under-construction project with the reference of the Quran and Hadiths. Mr. Asad Ghondal also strongly appealed to donate generously. Alhamdulillah more than $275K has been raised, including the $200K Qarze Hassna. The financial and construction situation of this project has been told, under construction at final stage Masjid is located is located at 127th Street and 100th Ave in Surrey.

Mr. Boonaa Mohammaed a social media influencer a guest speaker at the event. A variety of fundraising activities were organized throughout the evening, including auctions, raffles, and donation drives. Attendees showed immense generosity, contributing towards the noble cause with open hearts and wallets.

Mr. Taha Director of ICNA Relief’s Canada shared a presentation and highlighted the organization’s various relief activities. He emphasized that ICNA Relief Canada strives to uphold the principles of compassion, solidarity, and social justice within the Muslim community and

beyond. It has been shared that - in Palestine, over 18,205 individuals have been killed, and entire neighbourhoods have been levelled, resulting in over 1.3 million displaced people. ICNA’s Palestine Relief initiative is committed to sponsoring 1,000 orphans, supporting them to college, providing critical relief to 1,000 families with essential survival packs, offering scholarships to 10 college students for studies in Istanbul, facilitating a new beginning in Canada for 25 families, and installing 5 clean water plants to ensure access to safe drinking water. The event received

overwhelming support from the community, with individuals and businesses stepping forward to donate generously. Mr. Mutafa Sajid concluded this event with a thankyou note to the organizers, especially Mr. Abdullah Javed ICNA’s Vancouver chapter president, Mr. Abdul Gaffar Gaffari – the event coordinator and young volunteers Faaiz, Daniyal, - Auction Lead Farooq, Hassan, Furqan Memon – sister volunteers Ms. Misbah and others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth execution of the dinner and fundraising activities.

Founder

Editor

Sub-Editors:

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Emails: info@telus.net miraclenews@telus.net editor@telus.net

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‘My compass’: Ben Mulroney, son of late prime minister, reflects on his father’s legacy

Will not tolerate any terrorism from across border: PM Shehbaz

Canada and around the world.

Ben Mulroney says his father would be happy to see how Canadians have come together in the wake of his passing – and how his time in o ce, both personally and politically, made lives better for people in

“Dad would love a day like today,” Ben said of Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th prime minister, who died at age 84 on Feb. 29, and who will lie in state Tuesday and Wednesday on Parliament Hill. Ben Mulroney reected on his father’s legacy in an interview Tuesday with Vassy Kapelos, host of CTV News Channel’s Power Play. “I miss his laugh, I miss talking to him on the phone, I miss kissing him right on the forehead,” Ben said, taking a brief pause to gather himself before continuing. “He always had a kind word, he always had a kind word.” ..Source:ctvnews.ca

Wednes re

UN warns planet ‘on the brink’ after warmest decade on record

Global temperatures “smashed” heat records last year, as heatwaves stalked oceans and glaciers su ered record ice loss, the United Nations said on Tuesday — warning 2024 was likely to be even hotter.

e annual State of the Climate report by the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) con rmed preliminary data showing that 2023 was by far the hottest year ever recorded. And last year was part of “the warmest 10-year period on record”, the WMO weather and climate agency said, with even hotter temperatures expected going forward. “ ere is a high probability that 2024 will again break the record of 2023”, WMO climate monitoring chief Omar Baddour told reporters. Reacting to the report, UN chief Antonio Guterres said it showed “a planet on the brink”. “Earth’s issuing a distress call,” he said in a video ad-

dress, pointing out that “fossil fuel pollution is sending climate chaos o the charts”, and warning that “changes are speeding up”.

e WMO said that last year the average near-surface temperature was 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — dangerously close to the critical 1.5°C threshold that countries agreed to avoid passing in the 2015 Paris Climate Accords. RED ALERT!

Source:dawn.com/

Indian mob attacks foreign students over namaz

NEW DELHI: Students from di erent countries were assaulted on Gujarat University campus on Saturday evening, allegedly by a group that did not want them to o er namaz at the hostel, e Wire said on Sunday. It said some injured students have been admitted to SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad.

“Around 300 foreign students from Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and other coun-

tries study here at the Gujarat University,” Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik said, according to e Hindu. “In Block A, around 75 foreign students, who live there, were o ering prayers at their hostel yesterday around 10:30pm.

Stones hurled at 75 students in Gujarat University “Some 20-25 people entered the hostel premises and objected to the international students o ering namaz there, asking them to do so in a mosque. ey argued over the issue, assaulted them and hurled stones.” However, the police commissioner claimed, the situation was under control. An FIR was registered against 20-25 suspects and they would be arrested soon, the o cer said. According to Vibes of India, the violence was created by the mob yelling ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans. “Videos showing vandalism and stone pelting have gone viral on social media...Source:Dawnnews

Bangladesh, Pakistan and India bottom in air quality rankings in 2023, data

shows

Pakistan remained one of the world’s three smoggiest countries in 2023, as Bangladesh and India replaced Chad and Iran, with particulate matter about 15 times the level recommended by the World Health Organisation, data published on Tuesday showed. Average concentrations of PM2.5 — small airborne particles that damage the lungs — reached 79.9 micrograms per cubic metre in Bangladesh in 2023, and 73.7 micrograms in Pakistan. e WHO recommends no more than 5 micrograms. “On top of that are factors such as agricultural practices, industry and population density,” she added. “Unfortunately, it really does look like it will get worse before it gets better.” In 2022, Bangladesh was ranked as having the h-worst air quality, and India was eighth.About 20

Afghan frontier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday asserted that the goverment would not tolerate any crossborder terrorism.In the early hours of Monday, Pakistan struck Afganistan’s Khost and

Paktika provinces in “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations”, which, according to the Afghan interim government, killed eight people. e Foreign O ce had conrmed the strikes, saying they were aimed at the Ha z Gul Bahadur group, which recently targeted security forces in North Waziristan, martyring seven soldiers.

Tuesday remained relatively calmer as guns on both sides of the boundary remained silent, barring the Angoor Adda border.

retalia

Earlier this year, Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes in Iran a er the latter launched attacks in Pakistan targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Balochistan’s Panjgur.. Source: Dawnnews

Biden and Trump notch wins in Tuesday’s primaries. Other races will offer hints on national politics

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their party’s primaries in Illinois on Tuesday, notching more delegates as they continue their march to a rematch in this November’s presidential election. Biden, a Democrat, and Trump, a Republican, also easily won primaries Tuesday in Ohio. Trump also won Florida’s Republican primary. ere was no contest for Biden to win in Florida as Democrats there cancelled their primary and opted to award all 224 of

their delegates to him, a move that has precedence for an incumbent president. Trump and Biden are also expected to easily win primaries Tuesday in Arizona and Kansas, banking more support a er becoming their parties’ presumptive nominees last week. Other races outside of the presidency could provide insight into the national political mood. In Ohio’s Republican Senate primary, Trump-backed businessman Bernie Moreno defeated two challengers, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Matt Dolan, whose family owns the Cleveland Guardians baseball team. Chicago voters will decide whether to assess a one-time real estate tax to pay for new homeless services. And voters in California will move toward deciding a replacement for former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who resigned his seat a er being pushed out of Republican leadership... Source:ctvnews.ca

Blinken begins latest Middle East tour, set to meet Arab leaders in Cairo

per cent of premature deaths in Bangladesh

are attributed to air pollution, and related healthcare costs amount to 4pc-5pc of the country’s GDP, said Md Firoz Khan, an air pollution expert at Dhaka’s North South University. Indian pollution also increased last year, with PM2.5 levels about 11 times higher than the WHO standard. India’s New Delhi was the worst-performing capital city, at 92.7 micrograms...Source: Dawnnews

Pales

Ara

US secretary of state is expected to discuss a truce deal, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, among other topics. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun a tour of the Middle East by holding talks in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, hoping to secure a cease re in Israel’s war on Gaza. Blinken is set to meet Arab foreign ministers and a senior Palestinian o cial in Cairo on ursday, according to an Egyptian foreign ministry note, as he pushes for a truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where hunger is spreading amid growing warnings of a looming famine. e note did not give details on the subject of the meeting, but Egyptian security sources cited by the Reuters news agency said Arab nations would present plans for a political solution to the Israel-Palestine con ict. Such plans had been put on hold as mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States sought to secure a deal for a cease re in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. A er arriving in Saudi Arabia, Blinken met Prince Faisal bin Farhan,

the Saudi foreign minister, and was expected

to hold talks with ruling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

e two top diplomats “discussed the urgent need to protect all civilians in Gaza and immediately increase humanitarian assistance to those in need”, the US State Department said in a statement. Blinken is on his sixth trip to the Middle East since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7. He has said he would pursue conversations on arrangements for the governance, security and redevelopment of post-con ict Gaza, and for lasting regional peace during his tour.

Source:Dawnnews

FIJI: Ministry warns employers against OHS breaches

e National Disaster Management o ce and the Ministry of Education will decide the resumption of schools once divisional commissioners submit data on the weather situation. NDMO Director Vasiti Soko said they were still making assessments with the Ministry of Education. “ e Emergency Executive Committee had its second meeting and we focused on key areas such as the restoration of critical services and at this moment we are assessing the situation in regards to the resumption of school and on essential civil service,” she said. “We are still

collecting

10 Ramadan Activities for Teens and Tweens

One of the most common questions that I get come Ramadan is ‘what can my teenager or 9-12 year old do in Ramadan?’ is post is also for you if you have a child who isn’t taking interest in the activities that you have prepared and you’re wondering why they are so bored. I have an almost 17 year old son now and two 10 and 12 year old daughters… here’s my experience and advice.

Your teen or tween is not a little child anymore.

ey won’t be interested in arts and cra s or all the fancy-shmancy cute ideas. Once my eldest was 9 years old, he started rolling his eyes at me whenever I o ered printable activities. He wouldn’t help me decorate or create any fuss about Ramadan either. He didn’t want to do any activity with the girls… but when it came to distributing I aar, helping in the kitchen or setting the table, I could de nitely rely on him. In fact, the past few years – quite a few times, he got our ‘minions’ together to make the i aar himself because mom and dad didn’t seem too excited for an elaborate spread. He was the rst to get out of the house to go to the mosque. SubhanAllah! What craze to pray in the rst suf. He was competing against his grandpa next door. We live close to a Masjid so for Maghreb, Isha’a and even late night Qiyam al Layl, he’d be the rst one out of the house.

Teenage girls behave very di erent from boys

Totally opposite to my son were my daughters. ey would start getting excited about Ramadan by putting up a countdown frame in the living room. ey’d want to do cra s before Ramadan and pull out all the Ramadan books just the way I had been doing all those years when they were small.

And then in Ramadan, they’d be up before Suhoor helping me in the kitchen and couldn’t wait to get started with cutting, chopping or setting the table at I aar time. We don’t go to the mosques here in Saudi for the Taraweeh. It is only the boys who go so the girls pray at home and complete the Quran ourselves.

Ramadan is all about prayer and Quran I remember myself at my children’s age. My parents always focussed on Ramadan being more about our religious duties and family ties. It was the same with me and my siblings… we were all in the kitchen at I aar and Suhoor time. e competition was all about Quran and Salah.

Who was leading in reading the Quran, what juz were the others on… when we moved to India, it was competition with the cousins too. Sending the neighbors our I aari or even driving around distributing it. Coming back to the question of what activities teens and tweens can do in Ramadan, I believe this is what we should emphasize.

Coninued from Page 3

Jurisprudence)

Your teenager is an adult

In Islam there is no teenage phase. For years, my husband and I had been discussing this topic until I read the book Child Companions of the Prophet by Darrussalam Publications. (It is an excellent book if you haven’t read it. You can give it to your 12 year old too.)

You are a child till a certain age and then… you are directly considered as an adult. at’s when you start fasting and praying regularly. It is recommended for children to start training to pray Salah from the age of 7 years. ey can fast from when ‘they are of age’ – generally that means when they cross puberty.

Little children, like babies, toddlers and preschoolers up to the age of 7/8 years need to be taught about Ramadan. I understand that as expats and immigrants, with not much interaction with family or even our own community, the responsibility falls on us to pass on our culture and traditions. We are forced to create the ‘joy’ of Ramadan for our little children.

is is the time when all those fun activities and cra ideas for Ramadan come in handy. But as your child grows up, he/she will not be interested in such activities. If we pursue on, it just frustrates them to be treated as babies … and we end up looking bad. As children grow up, it’s our job to start training them to be righteous Muslims. And the only way we can encourage this is by following the Quran and Sunnah ourselves. Ramadan isn’t about decorations and parties… the décor came about in later times… don’t we see a lot of emphasis on this these days?

Ramadan activities for Teens and Tweens

So… what activities can teenagers and and older children do in Ramadan? Here’s a few ideas for you.

1. Chores and helping around your home. Contrary to popular belief that children hate chores, I am here to tell you kids actually love it. ey feel grown up and productive. It boosts their self esteem. In positive parenting language, giving children chores is the best way to ll their attention

O Messenger of Allah, I recite to you, and it (the Quran) was sent down to you?! He said: (Yes). So I recited Surah al-Nisaa until I came to this ayah: (How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people.) Whereupon he (the Prophet) said: (That’s enough for now). Then I turned to him, and there were tears in his eyes.” (Related by Bukhari) In differentiating acts of worship, there is no recourse but to depend upon evidence, for if no evidence is found which prefers one act of worship to another, then we must be silent about the matter, and direct every worshiper of Allah to what Allah opens to him by it, for whoever finds his enthusiasm in recitation occupies himself with it most,

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ca and Medina, volume levels must be kept low, and prayers cannot be broadcast. No prolonging the prayers

- If cameras are used in the mosque, they should not be used to take pictures of the imam or worshippers during prayers.

- No nancial donations should be collected for projects to feed people who are

and power buckets. Of course, the nagging is what turns them o . So go ahead and invite your child to help you with things around the home. Give them responsibilities of their own and then trust them to carry it out. Click here to see a list of age appropriate things children can help with in Ramadan.

2. Reading the Quran with meaning: Ramadan is the month when the Quran was revealed to us. What better activity than to introduce them to learning to love the Quran. It is a fantastic time of the year to encourage children to build their relationship with the Quran – may it be just reciting or memorizing or even Quran journaling.

Every year in the summer months, we enrolled our son to the Madrasa for memorization and tajweed. It has de nitely made a world of di erence to how he reads and interacts with the Quran.

is year, we are Quran Journalling. He is also in charge of helping his sisters with practicing their tajweed.

3. Practice charity – talk about money. I feel like Ramadan is the best time to talk about money. You can encourage your child to help with charity organizations and even start their own something to help others in the society.

4. Praying their Salah with Sunnah and nawa l .

I should put this at the top of the list actually. Ramadan time is best spent in prayers and ibadah. Help your child keep on track of their daily prayers and then include the sunnah and extra prayers too. You can give them a prayer chart to track their progress.

5. Reading more religion based non- ction books.

Introduce them to books like:

In the shade of the Quran – by Syed Qutub (It’s a translation and meaning of the 30th Juz) or When the Moon Split by Shafee Ur Rahman Mubarakpuri (It’s the biography of the prophet), 40 Hadith Nawawee e Encyclopedia of Everyday Prayer (So they know everything about Salah!) Fiqh us Sunnah by Sayyid Sabiq (so they know a little more about Fiqh – Islamic

and whoever finds his enthusiasm in listening and paying attention to what he hears occupies himself with that most .If we believed that reading (quira’a) was preferable; recitation (tilawah) includes listening to reading itself, and includes more than that, and that is reading while moving the tongue in pronouncing the words of Allah, and looking at the mus’haf , and for these

What I am saying is to o er AUTHENTIC and CLASSIC Islamic books that will help them learn about their religion.

6. Learn about Fitra and Zakah

Most muslims like to give their Zakah in Ramadan. If you are aware of the process, there is a lot of math in there!

Involve your children in making lists of people deserving and needing Zakah. Talk to them about stories of these people – it helps them to see reality and human su ering. My story is that my family moved my four siblings and me to India a er 10th grade. We lived in a big house in an extended family. My parents lived here in Saudi. Every year at Ramadan time, the older children (since we stayed in India) were invited to ask if we knew anyone who needed help. We were asked to look for people in our society who needed nancial help.

It wasn’t just about money, it was how we could help other families such that they become self su cient. Consider this as a way of social service within the family. We were being trained to volunteer and serve. Now that my children are older, we have this same tradition in our home.

7. Ramadan drives for boys and girls. Charity is one thing that people focus on in Ramadan as a way to multiply their good deeds. If you do food drives, you can involve the children in this. A er all, there is so much help needed in it – from helping at home in making the food to the packing to creating tags for packets or boxes to shopping for the needs to of course, delivering it! ere’s lots of work to be done.

8. Taraweeh and qayam ul Layl is an activity in itself.

Staying up late standing in prayer takes lots of energy.

9. Cooking – not just helping mothers . Children enjoy cooking at this age and it should be encouraged, don’t you think? If they can’t cook you can invite them to cutting and chopping fruits or setting the tables.

10. Islamic gatherings and online classes. In Ramadan, if you attend halaqas or Islamic gatherings or even conduct them at home, involve your child to prepare and speak on a topic. If not in person, try arranging for them to conduct such activities online. Of course, with so much technology these days, I am sure you know that children are creating videos of random un-Islamic challenges. Why not encourage them to have Islamic challenges that builds upon their skills instead. ey can create videos, powerpoint presentations or even just bring their friends or cousins online to join them.

I hope all these ideas encourage you to see that there are Ramadan activities for teens and tweens that they can actually enjoy.

Source: jeddahmom.com/

reasons reading is preferable. Whatever the case may be, the Muslim should vary his efforts between reading and listening while paying attention, and abide by what his heart believes to be closer to humble submissiveness ,reflection and understanding of the verses of the Quran. And Allah knows best. Source: islamqa.org/shafii/

rules for Ramadan have angered Muslims? What are the restrictions?

fasting.

- If food is provided for people who are fasting, it should be done in designated areas and cleaned up a erwards.

- No temporary rooms or tents should be

set up for i ar, as per the new rules.

- No i ar inside mosques

- No itikaf without ID

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/

‘Unambiguously good’: Inflation slows in February as price growth unexpectedly eases

OTTAWA - Canada’s in ation gures came in so er than expected for a second consecutive month, suggesting to economists that the Bank of Canada will have ample grounds to begin cut interest rates in the coming months. Statistics Canada released its consumer price index report(opens in a new tab) Tuesday, which shows the annual in ation rate fell to 2.8 per cent amid sharp declines in cellular and internet services, as well as slower grocery price growth.

Economists were widely expecting Canada’s in ation rate to have risen above January’s 2.9 per cent, in part due to higher gasoline prices. is is an unambiguously good report from the Bank of Canada’s perspective. It essentially shows that high interest rates are working to tame in ation, which is what they’re looking for to start cutting interest rates,” said Katherine Judge, a director at senior economist and CIBC Capital Markets, in an interview.

e federal agency says prices for wireless

services were down 26.5 per cent and internet prices fell 13.2 per cent from a year ago.

OTTAWA - Canada’s in ation gures came in so er than expected for a second consecutive month, suggesting to economists that the Bank of Canada will have ample grounds to begin cut interest rates in the coming months.

Statistics Canada released its consumer price index report(opens in a new tab) Tuesday, which shows the annual in ation rate fell to 2.8 per cent amid sharp declines in cellular and internet services, as well as slower grocery price growth.

Economists were widely expecting Canada’s in ation rate to have risen above January’s 2.9 per cent, in part due to higher gasoline prices. ‘ e elephant in the in ationary room’: Economists react to CPI data e latest on in ation in Canada “ is is an unambiguously good report from the Bank of Canada’s perspective. It essentially shows that high interest rates are work-

Environment minister weighs in on EV billing practices and pricing e federal government has said expanding the electric vehicle charging

network is key to meeting the country’s climate goals, but an investigation by CBC’s Marketplace has exposed a wide range in pricing as well as inconsistencies in performance and reliability at public charging stations.

inconsisten reli charg

Marketplace tested the pricing and reliability at some of Canada’s most popular charging providers, travelling to Ivy, Flo, ChargePoint and Petro-Canada charging stations located across Ontario. In an apples-to-apples kilowatt-per-

ing to tame in ation, which is what they’re looking for to start cutting interest rates,” said Katherine Judge, a director at senior economist and CIBC Capital Markets, in an interview. e federal agency says prices for wireless services were down 26.5 per cent and internet prices fell 13.2 per cent from a year ago. Prices for food purchased at stores in February were up 2.4 per cent from a year ago, marking the rst time prices grocery prices rose more slowly than overall in ation since October 2021.

However, that’s little relief to Canadians who continue to pay signi cantly higher prices for food than they did a few years ago. e federal agency says grocery prices increased 21.6 per cent between February 2021 and February 2024. Meanwhile, housing costs continue to put upward pressure on in ation, with mortgage interest costs up 26.3 per cent and rent up 8.2 per cent annually. Still, the report Tuesday is encouraging for the Bank of Canada, which is looking for

hour comparison, Marketplace documented the price for a 20-minute charge on a Volvo Polestar 2 and found consumers may be paying twice as much depending on where they ll up. At one station, the charge was $10.09, while a competitor charged $5.20. In a separate test looking at reliability, Marketplace took a Nissan Leaf to three di erent locations from each of the four charging companies. e team encountered some sort of challenge at seven of

more evidence that in ation is sustainably

headed back to the country’s two per cent target before it moves to lower interest rates. February marks the second straight month that in ation fell within the Bank of Canada’s one to three per cent target range.

e central bank’s preferred core measures of in ation, which strip out volatility in prices, also fell last month.

“ e core measures are the ones that are really important from the Bank of Canada’s perspective, because they exclude things that aren’t a good signal of underlying demand,” Judge said. Source: ctvnews.ca

the 12 stations.

e seven included one Ivy station, three ChargePoint and three Petro-Canada locations. e challenges included needing multiple attempts in order to start or end a charging session as well as problems completing payment through an app or credit card reader. At two of the locations (ChargePoint and PetroCanada), the team could not charge at all. No charging hiccups occurred at the Flo locations visited. Source: cbc.ca/

Motion on Israel-Hamas war will have consequences for asylum seekers in Gaza, minister says

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e nal motion eliminated a standalone call to recognize Palestinian statehood and instead saw MPs voice support for a peace process and a two-state solution, in keeping

with existing Canadian policy. Government’s endorsement of amended Palestinian statehood motion wins praise, draws outrage. NDP motion on Palestinian statehood passes a er major amendments But Miller says the motion has upset Israel’s

What are the chances of a

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a dead heat, pundits say vote splitting on the right of centre is a real issue. Political scientist Hamish Telford says failing a major collapse by the NDP, October’s election could be an NDP romp.

“What one of the opposition parties has to hope for is a catastrophic collapse for the other centre-right party,” said Telford, a professor at the University of the Fraser Valley. It once again raises the issue of a merger between the two par-

government and will have consequences.

Israel’s foreign minister said Tuesday that measures outlined in the motion, including the suspension of arms exports to Israel, would undermine his country’s ability to defend itself — and that history would

ties, something 32 per cent of those canvassed in a Research Co. poll supported as recently as January, as did more than half of those who voted for the party now called BC United. “About a third of British Columbians .. would welcome

judge Canada harshly. Miller told reporters Wednesday morning that the government always knew the program to o er asylum to extended family members of Canadians who are in the Gaza Strip could fail.

Source: cbc.ca/

the idea of a uni ed centre-right party encompassing the BC United and BC Conservatives, and the group who wants this most is the BC Liberal voter from 2020,” said Mario Canseco, president of Research Co. Source: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/

Potential fraudsters’ may be collecting money for fake charity, Kelowna RCMP warn

Mounties in Kelowna are warning members of the public of “potential fraudsters” they say are collecting money for a charity that may not exist. In a news release Tuesday, Kelowna RCMP said it was noti ed on Sunday of two women in a parking lot near Carrington and Butt roads who seemed to be acting suspiciously. Police said the two women approached a witness holding two clipboards and claiming to be deaf. ey then asked the witness for money for a charity.

BC United-BC Conservative merger before the 2024 election? -

“Suspicious of the two, the witness declined and would later observe the two communicating between each other seemingly without disability before observing them asking other bystanders again for money, but with communication di culty,” Kelowna RCMP’s statement said. e next day, Mounties said, four suspects were spotted in di erent malls in the Vernon area. Police said those four people were also “posing as persons with disabilities and collecting money for an alleged

charity.” As well, the four suspects allegedly distracted mall employees to steal ve Apple iPhones from a store. ” ese four individuals are believed to be the same suspects who have committed identical o ences in the Lake Louise and Ban , Alberta areas on March 8,” Mounties said. In their warning to the public, police shared photos of the four suspects. Images of the two women were captured on March 17 in Kelowna, while photos of two male suspects

were taken on March 18. It’s believed the suspects are still in the greater Okanagan area or heading towards Alberta.

“Should you observe these individuals in your community and you believe they are committing an o ence including fraudulently asking for charity donations, please contact your local police o ce immediately and make note of any associated vehicles,” Kelowna RCMP said.

Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

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PAKISTAN/LOCAL

23rd March – Our beloved Pakistan Resolution Day

By Ayesha Salim

Pakistan (Islamic republic of Pakistan) is greatest Islamic Country in this world. Pakistan was founded by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 14th August 1947. Pakistan has brief history like the main concept of Pakistan was kept by Allama Muhammad Iqbal in 29th December 1930, e name Pakistan was declared in 28th January 1933 by Chaudhary Rehmat Ali, Pakistan Resolution was

passed in 23rd March 1940. Pakistan was established as Islamic Republic in 23rd March 1956. In this article we will discuss the Lahore resolution which also known as the Pakistan Resolution 1940. Lahore Resolution which is famous as the Resolution of Pakistan was passed in 23rd March 1940 in the Minto Park which now-a- days is known as Iqbal Park of Lahore. e Lahore Resolution day is also known as Republic day.It is a national holiday in Pakistan to admire the Lahore Resolution day {23 March 1940} and the adoption of the rst constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the territory of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 making Pakistan the world’s rst Islamic republic . e people of Pakistan celebrate 23rd March every year

to remember the Lahore resolution day . e Lahore Resolution day parade by the armed forces is a common celebration for the event. e day is celebrated in the memory to commemorate the event when the Muslim League dra ed the political resolution at the Minar-e-Pakistan,that called for establishing an independent federation comprising provinces with Muslim majority located in northwestern and north-eastern region of British controlled territories in India on 23rd March 1940. Main celebrations are held in Islamabad– the capital of Pakistan .On 23rd March the President of Pakistan is usually the Chief Guest of the event .News channels cover the whole event live. e holiday include a full military and civilian parade in the capital,

Islamabad regarding the celebration. e event is held early morning. e celebration are well managed by armed force.“Pakistan not only means freedom and independence but the Muslim Ideology which has to be preserved, which has come to us as a precious gi and treasure and which, we hope other will share with us” - Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Source: nation.com.pk

Palestinian flags fly at last in PSL 2024 final

Aer being snatched away from several fans at the entry gates and in the stands, Palestinian ags were nally waved in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the symbol of protest against Israel’s atrocities in Gaza was carried freely at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Monday

night. e ags were carried by the players of Islamabad United — who won their third PSL title a er beating Multan Sultans by two wickets in the nal — in their victory lap right a er the match, as the crowds rose to laud them. e gesture comes a er several incidents in which fans were disallowed from taking Palestinian ags and banners with messages of solidarity with Gazans into the stadiums. A woman was intimidated by security o cials in Lahore to let go of such banners during the early days of the ninth season of the PSL. Meanwhile, in Karachi, two videos went viral of police

personnel snatching Palestinian ags from supporters who were displaying them in the stands.

Imad stars in last-ball thriller as United clinch third title

KARACHI: At the National Bank Stadium here on a Monday night, Karachi nally showed up. e house was full at the venue, which was criticised for low turnout all season, when it mattered the most. And the HBL Pakistan Super League nal did not disappoint. e crowds witnessed a thriller, which ended with Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan li ing the side’s third PSL trophy and Multan Sultans players

ruing as many lost nals, this time by two wickets. It had all come down to Imad Wasim’s nerves — he was caught on camera soothing them smoking a cigarette in the dressing room earlier, a er having registered the rst-ever ve-wicket haul in a PSL nale.Imad arrived at the crease a er Martin Guptill was run out a er scoring a halfcentury and putting up 47 with Azam Khan following United’s shaky start which had seen them go three down for 55 runs by the ninth over in their pursuit of 160 runs...Source: Dawnnews.com

Five Profound Lessons to Embrace from the Holy Month of Ramadan.

By: Asma Ayyaz

The arrival of Ramadan heralds a time of profound spiritual re ection and renewal for all of us and our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world. Beyond its rituals of fasting and prayer, Ramadan o ers a wealth of timeless lessons that resonate deeply with believers, guiding them on a path of personal growth, empathy, and devotion. Here are ve transformative lessons we can embrace from the holy month of Ramadan:

1. Self-Discipline and Self-Control: Ramadan epitomizes the virtues of selfdiscipline and self-control. rough fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims willingly abstain from food, drink, and other physical desires, demon-

strating a profound commitment to spiritual puri cation and obedience to Allah. is practice fosters resilience, patience, and restraint, empowering individuals to overcome worldly temptations and cultivate inner strength. By exercising self-discipline during Ramadan, Muslims learn to govern their impulses and lead lives guided by conscious choice rather than mere instinct.

2. Empathy and Compassion: Ramadan fosters a deep sense of empathy and compassion for the less fortunate. As Muslims experience hunger and thirst during fasting, they gain rsthand insight into the struggles endured by those who are deprived of basic necessities. is heightened awareness of social justice inspires acts of charity, kindness, and generosity towards those in need. rough sharing meals, o ering assistance, and giving to charity, Muslims embody the teachings of empathy and compassion exempli-

ed by the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan reminds us of our shared humanity and the imperative to alleviate the su ering of others.

3. Spiritual Re ection and Renewal: Ramadan serves as a time of spiritual re ection and renewal, o ering believers an opportunity to deepen their connection with Allah and rejuvenate their faith. rough increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and engagement in acts of worship, Muslims seek spiritual enlightenment and guidance. e introspective nature of Ramadan encourages us to assess our conduct, seek forgiveness for past transgressions, and strive for self-improvement. By purifying the heart and soul, Ramadan enables believers to embark on a journey of spiritual growthand transformation.

4. Gratitude and Appreciation: Ramadan instills a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings bestowed by Allah. As Mus-

lims fast during daylight hours, they become acutely aware of the abundance of sustenance and provisions in their lives. is heightened awareness inspires gratitude for the gi of health, family, and faith, prompting believers to express thanks for Allah's mercy and benevolence. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, Ramadan teaches us to cherish the blessings we o en take for granted and to recognize them as manifestations of divine grace.

5. Community and Unity: Ramadan fosters a strong sense of community and unity among Muslims worldwide. e shared experience of fasting, prayer, and breaking the fast (i ar) brings families, friends, and neighbors together, strengthening bonds of kinship and solidarity. is sense of communal belonging transcends cultural, linguistic,and geographical boundaries, fostering a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood

within the ummah (Muslim community). rough collective worship and shared traditions,Ramadan serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals. In conclusion, the holy month of Ramadan o ers invaluable lessons that resonate with believers of all ages and backgrounds. From cultivating self-discipline and empathy to fostering spiritual re ection and gratitude, Ramadan empowers Muslims to lead lives guided by faith, compassion, and righteousness. As we immerse ourselves in the blessings of Ramadan, let us embrace these transformative lessons with open hearts and minds, striving to embody the teachings of Islam in our daily lives and to spread goodness and kindness in the world.

Quote:Ramadan is not just about fasting; it is about feeding the soul, purifying the heart, and nourishing the spirit.

Email: asmashums@gmail.com

The Dawoodi Bohras of Vancouver Celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls

e Dawoodi Bohras of Vancouver Celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in Partnership with Simon Fraser University, Faculty of ScienceEvent Inspired STEM Education in Community Girls

By Jumana Mascati

In recognition of e International Day of Women and Girls in Science, more than 20 children from the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community of Vancouver participated in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) event hosted by Simon Fraser University (SFU), Faculty of Science, Community Outreach Program in Burnaby.

e ‘Science in Action’ event featured a two-hour interactive session on chemistry, biochemistry, and physics conducted on the university campus. Activities included making elephant toothpaste, and experimenting with liquid nitrogen, as well as copper and magnesium.

e International Day of Women and Girls in

Science is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics elds.

SFU presenter James Zhou stated: “We try to reach out to students of many backgrounds for hands-on activities, starting withinquiry-based learning, to probe them, and engage them, essentially taking large concepts and simplifying them into smaller components, helping them to learn”.

Cynthia Henson, SFU Faculty of Science, Man-

ager, Outreach and Engagement, also stated: “We look forward to questions from children as that allows us to learn more and gain interesting insights from school groups and cultural groups.” e students ranged in age from 4 ½ - 18 years old and included 11 girls.

Insiya Khambati, a young girl attending the event from the Vancouver Dawoodi Bohra community said, “I really enjoyed being part of today’s demonstrations. My favorite part was changing colors with dry ice and watching the reactions it created.”

“Providing science, technology, trades, engineer-

ing, and mathematics (STEM) role models and experiences to youth is important for showcasing the world of opportunities that exist in STEM!,” said Dr. Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko, Founder and President of the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS).

Tam Pham, Youth Engagement Director at the Society of Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) stated that "On such an important day for SCWIST, we are thankful and excited for Dawoodi Bohras Commitment to celebrating this day with their youths.

US Ambassador Blome reassures continued support of Pakistan in fighting terrorism

United States Ambassador Donald Blome on Monday reassured President Asif Ali Zardari that the US continued to stand with Pakistan in the ght against terrorism amidst a recent rise in militancy in the country. Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan a er the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its cease re with the government in November 2022.

A statement from Acting US Mission Spokesperson omas Montgomery said the two met today to discuss a broad range of issues important to their bilateral relationship, including US support for continued economic reforms, human rights and regional security.

LAHORE: A er mostly staying away from public view since the Feb 8 general elec-

An Islamabad accountability court on Tuesday acquitted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s sons — Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz — in three corruption references related to the Panama Papers. In 2018, Nawaz’s sons were declared proclaimed o enders a er they failed to join the investigation in Aveneld Apartment, Al-Azizia and Flagship Investment references led by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Earlier this month, Hussain and Hassan, through their counsel Qazi Misbahul Has-

By: Khalid Zaka, Surrey, BC

The Times of India reported, “ e ow of water from Ravi River to Pakistan has been completely halted with the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage.”

Shahpur Kandi Barrage is situated on the border of Punjab, Jammu, and Kashmir. It is also perceived that the “Jammu and Kashmir region will now bene t from the 1150 cusecs of water that was previously allocated to Pakistan. e water will be used for irrigation purposes, bene ting over 32,000 hectares of land in the Kathua and Samba districts”. e complete stopping of River Ravi water has severe consequences for Lahore’s groundwater aquifer.

Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, faces a pressing challenge rooted in the intricate framework of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) – the rapid and fearful depletion of groundwater resources. is historic Treaty regulates water distribution from the Indus River and its tributaries, signi cantly in uencing Lahore’s reliance on groundwater for domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs. In 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan, and the World Bank aided it as a co-signatory. Under the Treaty’s provisions, the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) are allocated to Pakistan, while the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) are designated for India’s use. Additionally, the agreement permits speci c uses by each country on the rivers allocated to

It added that during the meeting, the US envoy conveyed his condolences for the loss of life in Saturday’s terrorist attack at a security post in Mir Ali in North Waziristan which claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers. Blome also highlighted the importance of the two countries’ shared interests and the many opportunities to advance their shared goals, including through high-level dialogues and the Green Alliance framework. Meanwhile, a statement from

the President Secretariat Press Wing on the meeting said Zardari stressed that Pakistan had enjoyed a long-standing and broadbased relationship with the USA spanning over seven decades, which needed to be further strengthened.

e president underlined the need to enhance trade and investment relations with the US, besides exploring collaborative opportunities in diverse sectors.

He said that American enterprises should be encouraged to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange as well as bring innovative business ideas to the country’s economy.

Zardari said that the government’s top pri-

Questions raised as MNA Nawaz chairs Punjab govt meetings

tions, PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif made a conspicuous appearance on Monday by chairing three administrative meetings of the Punjab government. e move has raised many eyebrows since Mr Sharif holds no o cial position in either the provincial or federal government and is ocially only a National Assembly member. An o cial handout issued a er the meeting said the PML-N supremo issued directions to ministers and o cials regarding di er-

ent infrastructure projects, including the underground train and metro bus, farmers’ plight, electric bikes for students and Ramazan relief package. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab chief minister, sat beside her father during the meetings at the Chief Minister’s O ce. PML-N supremo heads three moots about relief package infrastructure projects Mr Sharif ordered ocials to take measures to help small farmers and shield them from expensive electric-

Nawaz’s sons acquitted in all three Panama Papers references

san, decided to surrender before the court to face the trial proceedings and sought suspension of the warrants issued against them. A er an accountability court suspended their warrants till March 14, both returned to Pakistan on March 12, ending their six-year-long self-imposed exile in London. Last week, the court reopened the references against Hussain and Hassan a er suspending their perpetual arrest warrants and granting them bail against surety bonds

of Rs50,000 each. Accountability judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the verdict today that was reserved earlier in the day, accepting the acquittal pleas. Qazi Misbah appeared as the counsel for Hussain and Hassan while their pleader Rana Mohammad Irfan was also present. e NAB, represented by its prosecutor Azhar Maqbool, did not oppose the acquittal pleas. Hussain and Hassan Nawaz le the country in 2018 a er they were named in the corruption cases.

ority was to put the economy on the right track and overcome economic and security challenges. He highlighted that climate change was a global issue and Pakistan was among the countries most vulnerable to its adverse impacts... Source: dawn.com/

ity tari s by providing solar panels to run tube-wells. Planning and Development Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bokhari, Food Minister Bilal Yasin, the chief secretary and nance and agriculture secretaries also attended the meeting. In another meeting, Mr Sharif praised his daughter’s government for successfully launching the Ramazan relief programme. e meeting decided to set up civic administration centres in three cities and grant them police powers to control price hikes...Source: dawn.com/

ey were declared proclaimed o enders for not joining the investigation and court proceedings, and subsequently, their arrest warrants were issued... Source: dawn.com/

Depleting Groundwater In The Lahore Area Pakistan

the other. In the following section, an e ort is made to identify potential factors contributing to groundwater depletion in the Lahore area.

POPULATION GROWTH

In 1961, the population of Lahore was 1,320,000. Lahore’s 2024 population is now estimated at 14,407,074. Population increase is an essential factor; however, it needs to be explored which segments of society use the dominant portion of water: are they the inhabitants of posh gated societies of Lahore or the ordinary Lahoris? What are the practicable sustainable solutions to halt the wastage of a precious natural resource, “Water.”

URBANIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

e fast-growing urbanization and infrastructure expansion in and around Lahore signi cantly impacted the groundwater recharge, increasing groundwater mining at an alarming rate. Urbanization and infrastructure cause barriers to surface runo and reduce the soil’s water absorption capacity. Many people perceive that urbanization is a critical factor in the depletion of groundwater in the Lahore area. True but what causes the fast urbanization. Some thinks that the fast urbanization is related to the model of development initiated during the colonial period in the sub-continent.

Historically, the rural regions were self-sufcient (as in precolonial India), and production was in a closed cycle as all inputs were local and outputs were consumed locally. People had a strong bond with each other and nature. A er colonizing India, colonial power brought fundamental changes in the agriculture sector of precolonial India. It brought a shi from cultivation for home consumption to cultivation for the market. Cash transactions became the basis of exchange and largely replaced the barter system. A er partition in 1947, the policies set

in the colonial period were not changed. A second major change was implemented in Pakistan under the green revolution technology. Because of the green revolution, farmers had to spend huge amounts of money to buy genetically modi ed seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, and they had to pay heavily to buy water to satisfy these seeds’ water requirements. e indigenous seeds did not require vast amount of water as they adapted to the ecological system. Because of the massive imbalance in the cost of the above-listed agriculture inputs and the low price of the produce, the farmers are being forced to leave their native villages to migrate to the urban centers.

AGRICULTURE DEPENDENCE ON GROUNDWATER

Agriculture’s dependence on groundwater for irrigation highlights the importance of adopting e cient practices. It has been reported that there is an increase in groundwater use through the tubewells. e historical data shows that in 1965, the no of tubewells in Pakistan was approximately 25,000 whereas, in 2002, the number of tubewells are approximately 627,000. e studies indicate that more than 60 percent of farmers in Punjab use groundwater as a supplemental source to augment canal water supplies. It manifests severe implications for the people of Pakistan and not only Punjab, but the entire country could face critical food shortages as Punjab alone delivers more than 90% of the total agricultural production in the country. An important point that needs to be understood is that the precolonial crop seeds were historically and ecologically well-adjusted with the soil, water, and rainfall patterns. e policy of commercial agriculture implemented during the colonial period and the advent of new crop seeds require more water consumption. Potentially, the colonial power required more

production to meet their geopolitical requirements and ignored the ecological and environmental concerns.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change has badly impacted Pakistan, resulting in a notable decrease in precipitation patterns eventually decreasing groundwater recharge. e other primary factors contributing to groundwater depletion in Lahore and surrounding areas are human activities, land-use changes, and groundwater over-exploitation.

It is reported that a clear environmental shi (global warming) took place at the start of the Industrial Revolution in Europe. Considering the history of industrialization, countries like Pakistan are the victims of climate change instead of degrading the environment.

CONSEQUENCES OF GROUNDWATER DEPLETION

Groundwater depletion in the Lahore aquifer, or any other region, can signi cantly a ect the environment and the local population. e consequences of groundwater depletion may include severe threats to the country’s socio-economy of the country, reduction in freshwater availability resulting in shortage for municipal, agricultural, and industrial water supplies, impacts on agriculture and industrial functioning, deterioration of water quality, threats to ecological habitat, land subsidence, increase in energy cost, and dependency on external water resources.

Mohammed Iqbal Cheema Founder of Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association(PCCA)

“I am pleased to extend warmest greetings on Ramadan and this March 23, 2024 to our vibrant community on behalf of my entire family.”

Astaghfirullah

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