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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012 - $1

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Israel halts Palestinian tax transfer

Shots ﬁred in Ikea’s Richmond parking lot A number of gunshots were fired in the Ikea parking lot in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday afternoon, but no one was hit and no one is in custody, police say. The shots rang out about 4:30 p.m. PT in the ground level parking area underneath the large mezzanine-level store where hundreds of people were shopping. An area of the parking lot was cordoned off with police tape as investigators poured over the scene.

$43B federal payroll the focus of government budget report Canada’s budget watchdog will release Tuesday the first report in more than a decade on how the federal government spends $43 billion on pay, pension and benefits on federal workers. The federal payroll is the government’s biggest single operating cost and some would argue is probably one the least scrutinized and poorly managed. Some have estimated that the total compensation cost of the average public servant has reached more than $110,000 a year when pensions and all benefits are rolled in. Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page began the report more than a year ago and has examined the growth of the public service and the wage bill over the past 20 years. It counts the study among the major reports the office has undertaken. The government spends about $43 billion in total compensation for all federal workers, from the public service to the military, RCMP and ministerial staff. The total was about $23 billion a decade ago, before the public service went on an unprecedented growth spurt. The public service has see-sawed over the past 20 years between healthy raises during good times when surpluses rolled in, and wage freezes, cuts and layoffs during lean times. Salaries fell behind during the freeze of the 1990s, slowly catching up and then racing ahead of the private sector. The Conservatives have taken aim at mounting compensation in their spending cuts. The government is wiping 19,200 positions off payroll, reforming pensions so employees shoulder more of the costs, capping wage increases, freezing operating budgets to rein in salaries, and eliminating severance payments for public servants who voluntarily leave or retire. At the same time, the biggest run-up in the size of the public service and the wage bill came under the Conservatives’ watch, between 2006 and 2011. The last major study of its kind was ordered as

part of the Paul Martin government’s drive to clean up public management and improve transparency and accountability. The massive study was led by James Lahey, who also recommended a major overhaul to improve the management of compensation, including regular reports to Parliament. The report was kept secret as a cabinet confidence and wasn’t released until the Conservatives came to power but none of the major recommendations were implemented. His 2003 study found the average public servant in the core public service and separate agencies, such as the Canada Revenue Agency, earned about $53,300 in salary, and closer to $73,400 when all benefits were rolled in. Lahey long insisted the system would work better if all the pieces of compensation were managed together. Costs would be better controlled if collective bargaining was expanded beyond negotiating wages, pay and benefits were kept in line with those of the private sector and there was more scrutiny or transparency thrown on the process. “I do think there should be a holistic view of what kind of people do we want and how should we pay them, comparable to outside work, to achieve our goals,” said Lahey. Many argue that compensation has to be a critical piece of the government’s plan to renew the public service and goes hand-in-hand with broader reforms in recruitment, retention, succession planning, training and development. A recent study by the Institute for Research on Public Policy on federal pensions urged the government to rethink the public service pension plan, which is eating up about 20 per cent of the government’s total wage bill. The author Bob Baldwin said the plan is heading for the “tipping point” where public

Continued on pg 5

Israel has halted the transfer of tax and tariff money it collects for the Palestinian Authority (PA) in response to their successful bid for UN non-member observer state status. Yuval Steinitz, Israel’s finance minister, said on Sunday that the government would use the money it was to transfer to the Palestinians to pay down their debt to the Israel Electric Corporation and other Israeli bodies. “I have no intention of transferring the taxes due to the Palestinian Authority this month,” Steinitz said. “They will be used to pay the PA debts to the Israeli electricity company and other bodies.” Without the transfer, the PA will not have the money to pay government salaries. Al Jazeera’s Nicole Johnston, reporting from Ramallah, said 150,000 public service employees rely on the money. The move is the second such act by Israel. On Friday, it announced it would press ahead with plans to build thousands of settler homes on illegally occupied territory. Johnston said the new settlements would mean a 25km journey from Bethlehem to Ramallah would be more than quadrupled to 120km as Palestinians would be forced to circumvent the settlements. This move, said Johnston, would make it “very difficult for Palestinians to have any kind of a contiguous state” in the future. Ahead of the UN vote, Israel’s government had warned the Palestinians and the international community that it would react harshly to an upgraded status for the Palestine, accusing them of leapfrogging negotiations and disregarding peace accords. The Palestinians say the upgraded status does not contradict any effort for new talks, pointing out that negotiations have been on hold since late September 2010. Israel’s Haaretz newspaper said a total of $120m would be withheld from the Palestinians. Every month, Israel transfers tens of millions of dollars in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports. The tax revenues constitute a large percentage of the Palestinian budget and are governed by the 1994 Paris Protocols with the Palestinians. Israel has frozen payments to the PA before, usually during times of diplomatic tension. The UN victory for the Palestinians was a diplomatic setback for Israel, which was joined by only a handful of countries in voting against upgrading the Palestinians’ observer status at the UN to “non-member state”, like the Vatican, from “entity”. Source: Al-Jazeera

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

p a k i s t a n

US envoy to leave Afghanistan

The US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan is set to step down from his post in December, his spokeswoman said in statement. Laura Lucas told the AFP news agency on Wednesday

Marc Grossman, who has been in the job for two years, would return to private life. Grossman was appointed by Hillary Clinton, the outgoing secretary of state, after the sudden death of veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke in December 2010. “After almost two years in the position, and with Secretary Clinton’s agreement, he will return to private life,” the statement said.

Clinton thanked Grossman for building “a diplomatic surge” and an intense global focus which “have put in place a network of regional and international support for Afghanistan post 2014 and into the next decade,” the statement added.”His work also helped set the conditions for an Afghan peace process that will enable Afghans to talk with other Afghans in pursuit of a negotiated settlement to end decades of conflict.”Grossman, 61, is credited with the behindthe-scenes efforts that helped persuade Pakistan to reopen its border crossings with Afghanistan to NATO convoys earlier this year after a row over the killing of 24 Pakistani troops in a US air strike. His work over the past two years had also supported Obama’s “objectives to disrupt and defeat al-Qaeda and ensure that Afghanistan can no longer become a safe haven for terrorists”, according to the statement. Ambassador David Pearce, currently principal deputy special representative, will serve as the acting special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Grossman served at the US embassy in Pakistan from 1977 to 1979. He also assisted his predecessor, Holbrooke, in the Dayton peace talks that ended the Bosnian war. From 2001 to 2005, he served as undersecretary of state for political affairs - the top position for a career diplomat - when he worked to mend US relationships overseas during the Iraq war.

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Deaths in US drone strike in Pakistan

A US drone attack has killed at least three people in a compound in the restive Pakistani tribal region near

the Afghan border, officials said.. Sunday’s strike took place in Tabbi village, 5km north of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, which is known as a bastion of Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked fighters. “US drones fired four missiles on a militant compound, killing three rebels,” a senior security official told AFP news agency on condition of anonymity.Another security official confirmed the attack and casualties but said the identity of those killed in the strike was not immediately

known. Tabbi village, which is very close to the Afghan border, is said to be a hideout for fighters belonging to several groups including those from Hafiz Gul Bahadur and the Haqqani network. The al-Qaeda-linked Haqqani network, blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan, is one of the thorniest issues between Islamabad and Washington. Washington has long demanded that Pakistan take action against the Haqqanis, whom the United States accused of attacking the US embassy in Kabul in September last year. Pakistan has in turn demanded that Afghan and US forces do more to stop Pakistani Taliban crossing the border from Afghanistan to launch attacks on its forces. Attacks by unmanned US aircraft remain contentious. They are deeply unpopular in Pakistan, which says they violate its sovereignty and fan anti-US sentiment, but American officials are said to believe they are too important to give up. Casualty figures are difficult to obtain. A report commissioned by legal lobby group Reprieve in September estimated that between 474 to 881 civilians were among 2,562 to 3,325 people killed by drones in Pakistan between June 2004 and September 2012. Source: Agencies

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

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i n t e r n a t i o n a l

Volu me 12 Issue 324 Muharrum 16, 1434 AH / November 30, 2012

Israeli army raids West Bank NGO offices

Israeli soldiers have raided the offices of three civil society organizations in the heart of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Entering before dawn on Tuesday, troops wrenched open the doors of the Women’s Union, the Palestinian NGO Network and Addameer, an advocate for Palestinians in Israeli jails. The raids were the first of their kind in a Palestinian city since the West Bank government won an initiative at the United Nations General Assembly on November 29 which recognized a de facto Palestinian state. “This comes in the context of the UN’s decision,” Allam Jarrar of the Palestinian NGO

Network told reporters on Tuesday morning, “boycott Israel” leaflets strewn on the floor of the raided office. “This is a message by the Israelis to the Palestinians, saying that when they take decisions or form patriotic organizations to seek their freedom, the occupation will use aggression to try and stop us,” he said. On its website, Addameer said that the raid, in which computers were confiscated and office furniture and equipment were destroyed, is the first raid of the organization’s offices since Ramallah was invaded in 2002. “At this moment, we are not clear as to what has been confiscated, but in the

coming days we will know more about the level of destruction and damage,” the statement read. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. The West Bank has seen mounting clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters, leaving two Palestinians dead since the launch on November 14 of an eight-day Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. Nighttime arrests of Palestinians suspected by Israel of ‘illegal’ activity have awoken small towns throughout the West Bank in the last week, provoking exchanges of gunfire by troops and stones heaved at them by increasingly defiant locals.

Rival rallies held in Egypt over constitution Thousands of pro-government and opposition protesters have held rival rallies in Cairo for and against a controversial constitutional referendum proposed by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. Leftists, liberals and other opposition groups called for Tuesday’s marches to the presidential palace to protest against the hastily arranged referendum planned for Saturday. Some of the protesters had managed to breach the concrete barriers intended to keep them away from the presidential palace. The debate among the crowd seemed to be whether to vote “no” on the referendum or to boycott the vote entirely. The center-right Islamists who dominated the body that drew up the constitution, urged their followers to turn out “in millions” in a show of support for the president and his referendum. Critics of the draft constitution say it disregards the rights of women and ignores personal freedoms. The opposition, stubbornly calling for the referendum to be delayed, was still trying to decide late on Monday whether to boycott the vote or rally Egyptians to vote “no” to the draft. Egypt’s political crisis began on November 22 when Morsi issued a decree expanding his powers, granting himself immunity from judicial oversight or challenge. The decree, which he later withdrew, sparked mass demonstrations. The elite Republican Guard has yet to use force to keep protesters away from the palace, now ringed with tanks, barbed wire and concrete barricades, but a decree issued by Morsi late on Sunday gives the armed forces the power to arrest civilians during the referendum and until the announcement of the results. The head of the Egyptian military called for a “national dialogue” to be held on Wednesday in an attempt to resolve the constitutional crisis, a military source said. Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is calling for all sections of the people to convene a national dialogue at the Olympic Village tomorrow,” the military source told Reuters. The Egyptian president insists on holding the referendum on schedule, despite concerns over who will monitor the vote. Several groups of judges have said they will not oversee the referendum, as is customary for judges in Egypt. Meanwhile, Egypt’s judges on Tuesday said that most of them will not oversee vote on disputed constitution. Judges of the nation’s administrative courts announced on Monday they were conditionally lifting their boycott of the vote, but they said their supervision of the process was conditional on bringing an end to the siege of the Supreme Constitutional Court by Morsi’s supporters. Also on Tuesday, a vital $4.8bn International Monetary Fund loan to Egypt has delayed until next month, intensifying the political crisis gripping the country. Leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahy, one of the most prominent members of the National Salvation Front opposition coalition, said Morsi was driving a wedge between Egyptians and destroying prospects for consensus. “The road Mohamed Morsi is taking now does not create the possibility for national consensus,” Sabahy said. If the constitution was passed, he said: “Egypt will continue in this really charged state. It is certain that this constitution is driving us to more political polarization.” The National Salvation Front also includes Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohamed ElBaradei and former Arab League chief Amr Moussa. Morsi’s decision on Saturday to retract a decree awarding him wide powers failed to placate opponents who accused him of plunging Egypt deeper into crisis by refusing to postpone the vote on the constitution scheduled for December 15. “We are against this process from start to finish,” Hussein Abdel Ghani, spokesperson of the National Salvation Front, said. Source: Al-Jazeera

Fedreal : Continued from pg 1 servants are paying so much for pensions that they will end up living a higher standard of living when they retire than when they’re working. Baldwin said the public service plan is approaching this tipping point because benefits are so generous that the costs of providing them have skyrocketed. The contribution rates needed to pay for existing liabilities have increased 50 per cent since the 1990s and they are expected to continue to climb. But pensions are just one part of the rising compensation costs that Canadians are paying for federal programs and services. The government has a compensation policy that says it should neither lead nor lag the pay of those in the private sector to hire the talent it needs. Compensation includes salaries, overtime, pensions, health and dental plans, performance pay, classification and reclassification, vacation, leave, cash-outs and contributions to CPP and EI. For years, critics have argued the problem is that Treasury Board ministers typically don’t get a “big picture view” of how the wage bill is spent. They approve salaries and benefits as they are ratified but don’t see them as an overall compensation package. Source: Ottawa Citizen

Philippine typhoon toll passes 700 The death toll of Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines has exceeded 700 and hundreds of people are still missing, the government has said. Typhoon Bopha unleashed floods and landslides across the main southern island of Mindanao on December 4, obliterating entire communities. At least 714 people were killed, making the typhoon the deadliest natural disaster in the Philippines since a tropical storm killed more than 1,200 people last year

US recognizes Syrian opposition coalition President Barack Obama has said the US now considers Syria’s main opposition group the sole “legitimate representative” of the country’s people, deeming the move “a big step” in the international diplomatic efforts to end President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Obama said the newly formed Syrian National Coalition “is now inclusive enough” to be granted the elevated status. “Obviously, with that recognition comes responsibilities,” Obama said in an interview on Tuesday with American ABC News. “To make sure that they organize themselves effectively, that they are representative of all the parties, that they commit themselves to a political transition that respects women’s rights and minority rights.” The move, which was widely expected, could give new international legitimacy to the rebels fighting to overthrow Assad, but stops short of authorizing US arming of the opposition. Washington has so far only provided humanitarian, nonlethal aid to the rebels, officially declining to send arms, a position White House spokesman Jay Carney reiterated on Tuesday. Recognition of the council as the sole representative of Syria’s population brings the US in line with Britain, France, Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which took the same step shortly after the body was created at a meeting of opposition representatives in Qatar last month. European foreign ministers met the coalition’s leader, Ahmed Mouaz al-Khatib, in Brussels on Monday and said in a statement that the EU accepts the bloc as “legitimate representatives of the Syrian people”. The Friends of Syria

Group, an international collective of countries meeting periodically, are set to meet in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh on Wednesday. The group does not include Russia and China, which have blocked unified international action on Syria at UN Security Council level. Obama’s announcement follows his administration’s blacklisting earlier on Tuesday of a Syrian rebel group, the al-Nusra front, saying it was trying to hijack the uprising on behalf of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Andrew Tabler, a Syria expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said it was “far from clear” what the US recognition of the coalition would give the opposition. “It’s designed to give them a political shot in the arm,” he said. “But the fact that this announcement comes after the US designated Jabat al-Nusra as a terrorist organization has indicated to many in the Syrian opposition that the United States is more concerned about combating terrorism than it is with supporting the Syrian opposition. “It’s been a controversial move, and we have to wait and see what the formal announcement is tomorrow in Marrakesh.” The Syrian conflict started in March last year as an uprising against the regime of Assad, whose family has ruled the country for four decades. It gradually turned into a civil war, with rebels taking up arms to fight back against a bloody crackdown by the government. According to opposition activists, at least 40,000 people have been killed. Source: Al-Jazeera

i n t e r n a t i o n a l

Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

EU accepts Nobel prize amid criticism

The European Union has accepted the Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo’s City Hall, despite criticism from past winners that the bloc is based on “military power”. A number of Europena leaders were in attendance, including Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, and Francois Hollande, the French president, who were seated beside each other. The prize was received jointly by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. The prize was awarded for the stability and democracy brought to the continent more than five decades after two world wars. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who won the prize in 1984 for his campaign against South African apartheid, said it was wrong to recognise the EU as it was an organisation based on “military force”. Tutu was joined by past winners Mairead Maguire of Northern Ireland and Adolfo Perez Esquivel from Argentina in their opposi-

tion to the EU receiving the award. Arguing the bloc contradicts the values associated with the prize because it relies on military force to ensure security, they demanded that the prize money of $1.2m not be paid this year. Others have criticised the decision because the bloc is mired in economic and financial crisis. Van Rompuy, president of the council that represents EU leaders, invoked his own family history to highlight how raw the memories of World War Two remain. “As a child born in Belgium just after the war, I heard the stories first hand,” he said in his acceptance speech. “In 1940, my father, then 17, had to dig his own grave. He got away; otherwise I would not be here today. “So what a bold bet it was for Europe’s founders to say, yes, we can break this endless cycle of violence, we can stop the logic of vengeance, we can build a brighter future.” On Sunday about 1,000 members of activist and human-rights groups marched through the Norwegian capital in protest, saying the EU was not a rightful beneficiary under the terms Alfred Nobel laid down in his 1895 will. “Alfred Nobel said that the prize should be given to those who worked for disarmament,” said Elsa-Britt Enger, 70, a representative of Grandmothers for Peace. “The EU doesn’t do that. It is one of the biggest weapons producers in the world.” The Nobel prize money will be given to projects that help children struggling in war zones, with the recipients to be announced next week. The EU has said it will match the prize money, so that a total of two million euros will be given to the selected aid projects Source: Al-Jazeera

North Korea claims success in long-range rocket launch North Korea defied international warnings and fired a long-range rocket Wednesday, the second launch under its new leader and a clear sign Pyongyang is pushing forward with its quest to develop the technology needed to deliver a nuclear warhead. Pyongyang’s state media quickly claimed that the country had successfully put a peaceful satellite into orbit with its long-range Unha-3 rocket -- the North’s stated goal of the launch. But South Korea and Japan said they couldn’t immediately confirm that. The launch was something of a surprise, as North Korea had indicated technical problems with the rocket and recently extended its launch window to Dec. 29. A rocket expert said North Korea’s rocket appeared to have improved on an April launch, which broke apart shortly after liftoff, but that it might be a day before U.S. officials could determine whether a North Korean satellite was circling the Earth. The United Nations, Washington, Seoul and others see the launch as a cover for a test of technology for missiles that could be used to strike the United States. South Korean Defence Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told a nationally televised news conference that a South Korean Aegis-equipped destroyer detected the launch at 9:51 a.m., local time, and the first stage fell into the Yellow Sea about a

minute later; the rocket then flew over a South Korean island near the border with North Korea a minute after that. The rocket was seen flying west of Okinawa at 9:58 a.m., and then disappeared from South Korean radars, Kim said. William Lewis, a spokesman for the U.S. North American Aerospace Defence Command, which tracks such launches, had no immediate information about the reported launch. Japan protested the launch and said one part of the rocket landed west of the Korean Peninsula and another part was expected to have landed east of the Philippines. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak planned an emergency national security council meeting Wednesday, and South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan warned that North Korea will face grave consequences. Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said officials would likely have to wait a day or so to see if the United States can track anything that might have been placed in orbit by North Korea. Success would be defined as “something that completes at least one orbit of the earth,” he said. But “clearly this is much more successful than their last attempt. It’s at least as good as they’ve ever done. They’ve proved the basic design of it.” Source: CTV News

Millions of dollars in uncollectible tolls expected: TI Corp The company that runs the Port Mann Bridge says it is expects to write off millions of dollars each year from vehicles that are uncollectible or unidentifiable. TI Corp officials told CTV in an email that it expects to make $120 million in revenue in the first year of tolling, but it also expects a three-to-four per cent annual loss which they say is better than the industry norm of three-to-five per cent. TReO does not currently have a way of collecting tolls from out-of-province or out-of-country drivers who do not want to pay to cross the bridge. B.C. drivers who have overdue tolls, however, could have the bills added to their driver’s license or insurance renewal fees if the amount owing is at least $25. “They have a hammer over us as B.C. residents,” said Jordan Bateman with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “If you run up a bill of 25 dollars, they won’t let you renew your car insurance, but there is nothing preventing companies from registering their vehicles in Alberta, and then using the bridge

for free.” TI Corp says $4.2 million worth of tolls probably won’t be collected in the first year. Revenue in the second year is forecasted at $180 million, but the expected loss jumps to another $7.2 million. TICorp says some of the lost revenue will also come from vehicles where the camera can’t view the license plate, or the driver does not have the proper plates or insurance. However, the company says it has made payment options easy for out-of-town-drivers, and that it expects they will pay. TReO says it is working with a Washington State company to provide contact information for U.S. drivers so that invoices can be mailed to them. However, there is no plan at this point to collect the toll. Officials say about five per cent of Port Mann Bridge users are out-of-province drivers, and U.S. drivers make up about one-fifth of that number. Neither TReO nor the Minister of Transportation Mary Polak was available for comment. Source: CTV News

Oregon mall shooting appeared to be lone, random rampage

A masked gunman who opened fire in a crowded Oregon mall in the middle of the holiday shopping season, killing two people and wounding a third before taking his own life, appears to have acted alone in a random rampage, police said on Wednesday. Investigators identified the man behind Tuesday’s shooting as Jacob Tyler Roberts, 22, who they said had no significant criminal history and acted without any obvious warning, though his Facebook page indicated an affinity for guns and alcohol. Roberts’ page on the social media site lists “shooting” as one of his interests but offers no clues that he may have been preparing for a shooting spree. “I’m the conductor of my choo choo train,” he wrote on the site. “I may be young but I have lived one crazy life so far. My friends are my family and I don’t think that will ever change.” Portland-area television station KGW published on its website a note of apology it attributed to Roberts’ mother, Tami Roberts, saying she had “no understanding or explanation” for his behaviour, adding that it was “so out of his character.” The weapon used in the shooting was an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, which the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said was stolen the day before from an acquaintance of the killer. Roberts was also believed to be carrying several fully loaded ammunition magazines when he walked into the Clackamas Town Center in the Portland suburb of Happy Valley and moved swiftly to a food court to start shooting, authorities said. Two people were killed - Steven Mathew Forsyth, 45, of suburban West Linn, a father of two who owned a business in the mall, and Cindy Ann Yuille, 54, of Portland. Kristina Shevchenko, 15, was wounded but managed to stagger away from the food court to the lower level of the mall, where she was found. She was in serious condition in an Oregon hospital. But the carnage likely was limited because the gun jammed, although the suspect managed to get it working again before he moved downstairs and shot himself, Sheriff Craig Roberts told a news conference. He also said the casualty count was curtailed because the estimated 10,000 shoppers in the mall “kept a level head” for the most part in swiftly leaving the building. Authorities said they remained baffled about what prompted the violence, the latest in a spate of U.S. gun rampages this year including a deadly July shooting at a midnight screening of a Batman film in Colorado that killed 12 people. Sergeant Adam Phillips, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said investigators were not aware of any signs that Roberts was preparing to act as he did. “Every indicator is that he acted solely alone in carrying out this heinous and tragic crime,” he said. Detectives contacted several members of the suspected gunman’s family as they began their investigation, but authorities gave little information about Roberts’ personal background, employment history or education. Source: Toronto Sun

e d i t o r i a l

Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

SABOTAGING A MULTIPURPOSE REMEDY

Unfortunately, many players of political arena in Pakistan carry the contagious germs of greed, dishonesty, bias and incompetence, hence are unable to play wise when it comes to safeguarding national interests. Such is the dirty politics that becomes an effective tool in the hands of anti-national “manipulative strategists” who love to keep corrupting the fate of developmental projects of the highest national value. Recent passage of four resolutions by the Sindh provincial assembly denouncing the latest LHC verdict on the stalled KB dam project is thought provoking. It’s also extremely disappointing that some political leaders are using tough tone uttering threats on the life of Pakistan, they say, “Choose between KB dam and Pakistan.” That’s nonsense, indeed. Most disturbing is the fact that some ‘visionless pigeons in the parliament’ ride the band-wagon to support the ill-designers; thus remain conveniently blindfolded only waiting for their turn to be eaten by the silent killer cat. Although, these pigeons are naive, there is criminal negligence on their part for endangering the whole country. Converting the non issue into political issue on the basis of assumptions or fabricated pretexts is perhaps part of the game plan. Nevertheless, this kind of attitude is an open invitation for potential disaster in totality. And, keeping the proposed project in Limbo isn’t in the best national interests; however, it may only satisfy the bloody plotters. The fact is Pakistan’s ‘lop-sided economy’ faces yet another severe blow to the proposed dam to keep it buried in filing cabinet indefinitely. And the irony is Pakistan doesn’t hesitate when blaming India for building dams. Sadly, the stakeholders (State/non State) are hell bent to resist the construction of KBD. Politicizing a purely technical/administrative

matter shows a clear lack of political will on the part of current/former rulers. Nevertheless, it’s crystal clear that avoidance of timely solution is not people friendly. Consequently, the relevant bodies responsible for the development and regulation of water resources in the country e.g. the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) continue to be distracted; hence a severe loss to the greater national interest. As reported by various print and electronic media, Kalabagh Dam project is designed to have a live storage capacity of 6.1 million acre feet (MAF), taking care of the capacity loss in reservoirs, it would also make substantial contribution to firming up the irrigation supplies for the projects. This has been originally agreed by the provinces under Water Apportionment Accord (WAA) of 1991. Adding a large amount of cheap hydropower to the National Grid through its 2400 MW (Ultimate 3600 MW) installed power is also included. Also, there would be storage capacity for surplus water in the flood season and it would facilitate the controlled utilization during the “low flow” season. This water would thus be used for agricultural crops from start to the end as needed. In other words, the irrigation oriented operation of the project will give the highest overall economic return. Furthermore, the dam would eliminate the problem of load shedding forever and will reduce the frequency and severity of flooding. According to NEPRA, current demand is 23,000 MWs while the supply remains at 14,000 MWs, therefore, more hydel and thermal power plants are needed to solve the crisis. As per WAPDA, the KB dam is designed to:

L E T T E R S

‘Sled Dogs’‘Inhumane Animal Slaughter’ By: Gulshan Aalani, Vancouver The tragic sled dog carnage described as ‘gruesome’ slaughter, because of the killing was done with cruelty and inhumane ways, which is punishable by the law of the land with maximum sentence of 5 yrs in Jail, as animal cruelty is a serious crime. Though, euthanasia is very common and permissible when necessary, but the special rules must be followed to put them away without causing pain and suffering. Thus, this rule should also be applied in slaughtering other animals for our consumption and not only for Dogs and Cats. Ironically, 14 centuries ago mankind was given the same criterion through the Divine law/ Sharia for slaughtering the animal in a very special specific ways without hurting; and in general killing animals by Gunshot, Arrows, or blows is forbidden by the Creator-GOD, who has established the ‘Law of forbidden Tree’ for daily life of halal/ legal, haraam/illegal, that includes forbidden consumption of Pig’s meat that has the disease in its stomach,

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proven by the Scientific research not long ago, which also proves that the Quran (continuation of the Bible) has more Scientific data than any other book as HE is the One creator of Science.. Consequently, true Muslims follow this Divine law for slaughtering animal in a special way known as ‘Halaal’/legal very seriously and wouldn’t touch any Meat that is not halaal, also avoiding the harmful ingredients in all the packaged food, cosmetics, and toys, as some carry the dangerous Chemicals harmful to the health.. This is the true knowledge and wisdom that comes from following the GOD’S commands, with the belief in true GOD, have HIS fear; as any acts that are ‘Haraam’/illegal considered ‘Sinful’ and are punishable by the Divine. The Scriptural religions have the Criteria for the ‘Daily Life’ actions and for the religious Rituals. Sadly, when the Divine law/Sharia is followed by true Muslims, they get branded as Islamists or extremists.

Anti-Islamic material on Web By: R.C Puri, Surrey Just a few days back, I was looking at the Facebook, when all of a sudden I came across some anti-Islamic material, which was highly

Founder : Nusrat Hussain Managing Editor: M. Naseer Pirzada Sub-Editors: Khadija, Misbah & Sabeeh Hon. Chief Editor & Urdu Editor Mohammad Rafiq Advertising : info@miraclenews.com Ph: 604-690-0400 Email: naseer@telus.net,

1- Generate large amounts of low cost hydro electric power near major load centers, and supply the existing grid for meeting the growing power demand of agriculture, industrial and domestic consumers. In addition, it will increase the energy output of the existing Tarbela scheme by permitting the conjunctive operation of the two reservoirs. 2- Provide additional storage on the Indus River, and thus reduce the exiting system shortfalls in irrigation requirements. 3- Provide additional regulation on the river Indus, and thus provide better system control and management for supplying assured, adequate and timely irrigation water for crops. 4- Compensate for the storage loss due to the silting up of exiting reservoirs till such time that their substitutes, (presently planned) are actually available. 5- Eliminate and control the flood peaks in the River Indus so as to minimize flood hazards downstream. 6- Increase Pakistan’s capability to manage its water distribution and power generation systems through the conjunctive operation of Tarbela and KBD reservoirs. “The former Chairman WAPDA Shams ul Mulk says that Kalabagh Dam would benefit every province and that opposition to it is orchestrated by hidden foreign hands. He also says that Kalabagh Dam is not only beneficial to Punjab alone but it will be more helpful in erasing poverty from Khyber Pakhtun Khawa as it would irrigate 800000 acres of cultivable land - located 100-150 feet above the Indus river level. He said this land could only be brought under cultivation if the river level is raised that is only possible if Kalabagh Dam is built.” Some reliable sources suggest: Pakistan’s economy has been facing an annual loss of Rs132 billion due to inordinate delay in execution of Kalabagh Dam (KBD) project.

As the existing dams have already lost 5.3 MAF due to sedimentation, and this loss would be 6.6 MAF by 2016. Therefore, KBD must be built by 2018 to compensate for the loss in storage capacity. Thus, stopping the proposed project would be a grave blunder against the people of Pakistan. *****The good news is the World Bank is willing to finance the KB dam. The LHC has simply ordered the Federal government to implement 1991 decision of Council of Common Interest (CCI). In fact, when all the four Chief Ministers agreed in September 1991 to construct the Kalabagh Dam, the CCI prepared documentation for the projects in May 1998. Moreover, the feasibility of the project was also agreed to by all four provinces in 2004, yet the Sindh assembly is only interested in re-igniting the settled issue of KBD project and has managed to divert the attention of general public away from the terrible law and order situation. But, there is no second opinion on the sincerity of the seasoned politicians and technocrats for national matters Truth is dams are needed for proper management of river waters to improve economic viability and preserve ecosystem. Completing the KBD Project without delay is in the best interest of the country, as it would ensure affordable electricity for agricultural, industrial and domestic sectors. A fair share of irrigation water to all provinces, effective flood control system and production of cheaper electricity are possible with an unbreakable unity among the people as just Pakistanis with no other label. Waan laysa lil insani illa ma’ sa’aa That man can have nothing but what he strives for.

O P I N I O N S provocative in substance. In brief that material presents the dark side of the religion to that much extent that I found myself unable to look at it further. You may check it up yourself to arrive at the truth. If you find any substance behind my averment, kindly do publish this material as a letter to the Editor for creating awareness in the local Muslim community, so that the issue is taken up with the management of the Face Book, for resolution and its immediate removal from their web site, with the further assurance not to let such a nasty material appear again on its site. It hardly needs mention on my part that the material under objection creates a very damaging impact about Islam amongst the non-Muslim communities.

Raise welfare rates not dependence on charity! By: Bill Hopwood , Vancouver In 1982 the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society was established as a temporary social service. Now 30 years, later it has become a permanent institution to help feed many of the hungry people in BC. At this time of year many organizations and media networks run appeals asking the public to help those in poverty with donations of

money, food, and other presents. The people of BC do give generously at this time of year. However, no matter how generous the public is, charity cannot eradicate poverty. The season of giving will end in a month or so but the poverty continues all year round. In addition, forcing people to rely on charity can be humiliating. It is impossible to eat a healthy diet on welfare. People deserve Justice rather than Charity. After 30 years of Food Banks and nearly a decade of BC being one of the worst provinces in the Canada for poverty, isn’t it time to ask questions about why is there so much poverty. Rather than the media simply raising support for charity, shouldn’t there be a provincial dialogue on the harm that poverty does to the people of BC, the waste of human lives and billions of dollars in costs. BC needs the government to show 10% of the compassion of the public and take action to raise welfare and the other steps necessary to tackle poverty. Raise the Rates is encouraging all the media to launch a dialogue on ‘What would be needed to make Food Banks unnecessary in BC by January 12, 2018?’ IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not publish anonymous letters or the letters of the people who do not disclose their identity to ‘The Miracle.’ A writer can use a pen name or request ‘The Miracle’ to withhold his / her identity. Please include your daytime telephone number for the conﬁrmation of your letter. We regret the inconvenience.

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Attention: The opinions expressed herein contain positions and viewpoints that are not necessarily those of ‘The Miracle’. These are offered as a means for ‘The Miracle’ to stimulate dialogue and discussion in our continuing mission of ‘Bringing Harmony To All The Communities.’

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Contents Editorial & Letters Int. News Local Politics Faith Youth Health Sports Urdu

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Blaming God

Natural disasters are perhaps the most frightening phenomenon for human beings, because humans have no power to prevent them. Every time this happen, many people rise question: “Is this a punishment from God?” In this regard, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Director of the Islamic Society of Orange County and former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states: “Indeed Allah is All-Powerful (Al-’Aziz) and He is able to do all things (‘ala kull sha’in qadir). The Qur’an has mentioned this hundreds of times. It is also mentioned in the Qur’an that Allah is the Creator and He is the Best Creator. “...Glory be to Allah, the best Creator.” (AlMu’minun: 14) But then the question comes why do pain and sufferings exist in the world. We find sickness, old age and death. We see things that are ugly, people who are insane and foolish. There are storms, earthquakes, floods, draught and famine. We also see people commit sins, show disloyalty, unfaithfulness, greed and insincerity. We see people commit rapes, murders; they fight and make wars. We know all these and many more problems. There are evils caused by human beings and there are natural disasters. There are suffering for individuals and there are those that involve a large number of people. But we also know that this is not the whole story. Besides all these negative things, we also see beauty, health, prosperity, life, birth, wisdom, intelligence, growth and progress. We also see goodness among people, faith, sincerity, charity, love and the spirit of sacrifice. We also see a lot of virtue and piety. It is wrong to see one side of the coin and not to see the other side. Any philosophy that concentrates on one aspect of the creation and denies or ignores the other side is partially true and partial truths are no truth at all. It is also the fact that the element of good is more in the creation than the element of evil. We all see that there are more people who are healthy than those who are sick. There are more that eat well than those who starve. There are more that lead decent life than those who commit crimes. Goodness is the rule and evil is the exception. Virtue is the norm and sin is the aberration. Generally trees bear fruits, the flowers bloom, the winds move smoothly. But then the question is why does Allah allow these exceptions to the rules? Let us ask this question to understand Allah’s ways in His creation. The Qur’an tells us that good, evil and whatever happens in this world happens by Allah’s Will (mashi’at Allah). Only Allah knows fully

His Will. We finite beings cannot grasp fully His infinite Will and Wisdom. He runs His universe the way He deems fit. The Qur’an tells us that Allah is Wise and everything that Allah does is right, just, good and fair. We must submit and surrender to His Will. The Qur’an has not given us all the details about Allah’s Will, but it has enlightened us with the guidance that is useful and sufficient for us. There are several points that we should keep in our mind to understand this issue: 1. First of all, Allah did not make this world a permanent world. This is a temporary world and everything here has a time limit. When its times comes it will die, come to an end and finish. Neither the good things of this world are forever, nor the bad things eternal. We are here for a short time and we are being tested. Those who will pass this test will find an eternal world that is perfect and permanent. Those who will fail this test shall see the evil consequences of their sins and corruption. 2. Allah has placed a physical law and a moral law in this universe. Allah allows suffering to occur when one or more of these laws are broken. The physical law is based on cause and effect. Sickness comes if one does not take care of one’s health or is exposed to infections. A car accident occurs when one is not alert, or drives in a careless manner, or if the cars are not checked, roads and freeways are not made and kept in right shape, or the traffic laws are not right or not properly enforced. Study of causes and effects is very important to facilitate safeguards. Even here we should keep in mind that Allah often saves us and He does not let us suffer from every negligence. How many times it happens that we are not careful and still we reach safely to our destinations. The way people drive in some cities, it is a miracle that more accidents do not happen and more people do not suffer. Allah says: “(Allah) Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Qur’an. He has created man: He has taught him speech (and Intelligence). The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed; and the herbs and the trees both (alike) bow in adoration. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice), in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance. It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures.” (Ar-Rahman:1-10) The way we exceed the measures set by Allah and violate His laws of cause and effect is incredible. It is really the mercy of Allah that we are saved. Strictly speaking, the question should not be why does

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Ph.D. (Political Science) Ph.D. (Islamic Philosophy) World Renowned Advocate of Unity of Muslim Ummah (along with some distinguished local salaam reciters) ALL MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE INVITED TO BE BLESSED AS PER FOLLOING PROGRAM

Friday December 21, 2012 @ 7:30PM SHARP

Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre 8580 No. 5 Road, Richmond, B.C. Contact: Capt. M. S. Mahtab 604-355-1214

Allah allow suffering, but how much Allah protects us and saves us all the time in spite of our violations and negligence. The Qur’an says: “If Allah were to punish people according to what they deserve, He would not leave on the back of the (earth) a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires, verily Allah has in His sight all His servants.” (Fatir:45) But sometimes Allah does punish people because of their violations of His laws whether they are physical or moral. The Qur’an tells us that many nations and communities were destroyed because of their sinful lifestyles: “If they treat thy (mission) as false, so did the Peoples before them (with their Prophets), the People of Noah, and Ad and Thamud. Those of Abraham and Lut; and the Companions of the Madyan people; and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and (only) after that did I punish them: but how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)! How many populations have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing! They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and castles lofty and well-built?” (Al-Hajj: 42-45) 3. Suffering can also be a test and trial for some people. Allah allows some people to suffer in order to test their patience and steadfastness. Even Allah’s Prophets and Messengers were made to suffer. Prophet Ayyub (Job) is mentioned in the Qur’an as a Prophet who was very patient. Good people sometimes suffer but their sufferings heal others and bring goodness to their communities. People learn lessons from their good examples. Martyrs die for their faith, soldiers give their lives for their nations and this brings liberation and freedom for their people. 4. Allah sometimes allows some people to suffer to test others, how they react to them. When you see a person who is sick, poor and needy, then you are tested by Allah. Allah is there with that suffering person to test your charity and your faith. In a very moving Hadith Qudsi (Divine Hadith) the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Allah will say on the Day of Judgment, ‘O son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit Me.’ He will say, ‘O my Lord, how could I visit You, when you are the Lord of the Worlds.’ Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was sick and you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him, you

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: When Allah decreed the Creation He pledged Himself by writing in His book which is laid down with Him: My mercy prevails over my wrath. It was related by Muslim (also by alBukhari, an-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah). would have found Me there?’ Allah will say, ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.’ He shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I feed you and you are the Lord of the Worlds?’ And Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-andso was in need of food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that if you had fed him, you would have found that to have been for Me?’ ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for water and you did not give Me to drink.’ The man shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I give You water, when You are the Lord of the Worlds?’ Allah will say, ‘My servant so-and-so asked you for water and you did not give him to drink water. Did you not know that if you had given him to drink, you would have found that to have been for Me.’ (Muslim, Hadith no. 4661) Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, is also reported to have said something similar. (See Matthew 25: 35-45) So to summarize, we can say that sufferings occur to teach us that we must adhere to Allah’s natural and moral laws. It is sometimes to punish those who violate Allah’s natural or moral laws. It is to test our faith in Allah and to test our commitment to human values and charity. Whenever we encounter suffering we should ask ourselves, “Have we broken any law of Allah?” Let us study the cause of the problem and use the corrective methods. “Could it be a punishment?” Let us repent and ask forgiveness and reform our ways. “Could it be a test and trial for us?” Let us work hard to pass this test. Believers face the sufferings with prayers, repentance and good deeds. May Allah keep us on the right path, Amen! Allah Almighty knows best. Excerpted from “Blaming God” by Abo Muhammed Samir Faid, he is a Muslim expert volunteer on allexperts.com

From Dec 14-28, 2012 (Safar 1-15, 1434H) Safar JJuDec 1 14 2 15 3 16 4 17 5 18 6 19 7 20 8 21 9 22 10 23 11 24 12 25 13 26 14 27 15 28

Day Fajar Fri 6:29 Sat 6:29 Sun 6:30 Mon 6:30 Tue 6:31 Wed 6:32 Thu 6:33 Fri 6:33 Sat 6:33 Sun 6:34 Mon 6:34 Tue 6:34 Wed 6:35 Thu 6:35 Fri 6:35

Sunr 7:59 7:59 8:00 8:00 8:01 8:02 8:03 8:03 8:03 8:04 8:04 8:04 8:05 8:05 8:05

Zawal Dhuhr Asar Maghrib 12:07 12:12 2:29 4:19 12:08 12:13 2:29 4:19 12:08 12:13 2:30 4:19 12:09 12:14 2:30 4:19 12:09 12:14 2:30 4:20 12:09 12:14 2:30 4:20 12:10 12:15 2:30 4:20 12:10 12:15 2:31 4:21 12:16 12:11 2:31 4:21 12:11 12:16 2:32 4:22 12:12 12:17 2:32 4:22 12:12 12:17 2:33 4:23 12:13 12:18 2:33 4:23 12:13 12:18 2:34 4:24 12:14 12:19 2:35 4:25

Isha 5:49 5:49 5:49 5:49 5:50 5:50 5:50 5:51 5:51 5:52 5:52 5:53 5:53 5:54 5:55

For such Prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times: Quran ,n 4:103 Source: BCMA

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Interactive Discussion with the Muslim Community

On December 8, BCMA Burnaby chapter organized a forum at Masjid Al Salam. The panel discussion with renowned speakers Dr. Imam Ziyad, Dr. Redouane Al Fakir & Dr. Naiyer Habib were carried out on following Muslims community issues; • New Reverts • Inter Marriage • Marital Issues • Spousal Abuse • Youth Issues Mohammed Yasin was the master of ceremony and conducted it very well. First panel speaker was from the youth, Ms. Sana Siddiqui, who presented youth issues of our Muslim Community very well. Afterwards, Dr. Naiyer Habib was invited for his presentation. Dr. Habib spoke on “New Muslims/Revert or convert” He said after the initial period of conversion which is full of glamour of embracing and expressing jubilant happiness, the new Muslims are left alone in isolation community or individual not being aware of their fate. He said that common people are affected most, but people of high profile are affected less. Some of the high profile people play leading role in the community and profession. He pointed the frustration of new Muslims of not getting satisfactory answer to their questions.“The scholars should quote the Quran and Hadith while explaining the answers rather than only show their authority”. A convert was quoted asking us “Will you sacrifice a little to help us (New Muslims)? We “DONT” need your sympathy!!!! Rather we need your REAL HELP... How many of you are ready to marry the New Muslim sisters & brothers?” Habib pointed many problems that we are

not aware, faced by the new Muslims. He emphasised the need of individual, society and community to rescue and adopt them taking lessons from Quran and our Prophet (PBUH). The other topic that he discussed was Inter Marriages. He told the audience that it is getting common for people to choose marriage partner among people of different, race, religion, culture and even of different languages. This is not preventable. People enter into marriage, mixed or not, for love with no premarital education till they confront unexpected marriage problems. Divorce rate is getting higher and higher even in Muslim community specially among young couples within 2 years of marriage. Couples get isolated in due course. They start leading isolated life including their children and bear all the consequences of being isolated from family, community and society. No doubt there are exemplary exceptions. Islam permits Muslim men to marry only the people of the book. However this is violated by Muslim women and men marrying people of other faith against Islamic doctrine. This is not limited to Muslims but occurs in other faith groups as well. Should these couple be abandoned and live in isolation to suffer from this point of view or be owned with love and affection with the hope perhaps that they may accept the desired religion, culture or language as the case may be. All potentially marriageable people should have premarital education. There should be education of the community to realise the situation and make preparation to deal with it. He concluded, “Children raised with Islamic values at

home with full affectionate upbringing with no double standard are much less likely to enter into such situation. After Dr. Habib’s presentation, Mr. Yasin gave a brief introduction of the next speaker Dr. Redouane Al Fakir. Dr. Al Fakir is the head of the Muhammad Institute for Space Science, who dedicated to putting the Islamic world back at the forefront of scientific discovery, wants to build a space-launch facility in Canada. Dr. Fakir asked the audience that how do you get the kids to do what’s good for them to do? People brought forward main youth issues such as money, power, freedom and many others. He said our major problem is lack of discussion with them, shift of power in society, family walk, family dinner. Our scholars should arrange one to one counselling with them. One other tragedy of our youth is misuse of cell phone and internet day and night. So we should follow the concept of love with youth and spouses at all stages that was preached by our Holy Prophet. Mr. Yasin then called on the keynote speaker of this discussion, Imam Zijad Delic and highlighted his achievements. He also noted that Imam Zijad has participated in almost 99% of fundraisers for Masjid Al Salam in Burnaby. Imam Zijad started his speech with the New reverts and touched all topic of this discussion. About youth he said they have youthprograms, PPPT(Play, Pray, Pizza Time). He also mentioned that

unfortunately there are not many books by Canadian Muslim authors for the youth to read and learn from. On the topic of intermarriage , he said that we are responsible and countable, and we should deal with it. In Marital Issues many factors are involved like faith, culture, interaction, beauty, money etc. Before your marriage , you have to be prepared and learn about what is marriage, learn about each other, and spend time in this learning. After marriage, understanding and tolerance are the major factors. Unfortunately in our daily busy life if husband works from 3pm to mid night and then wife works 7am-4pm, they don’t have the time to discuss their and their children’s issues. So think of your family first. Imam Delic said the other important issue is spousal abuse in family. It happens on both sides. Over here, among the cases of abuses, 83% women are abused and 17% Men are abused. This ratio is rising in Muslim families. He said that we have many other issues in our Muslim society and we have to be careful of our youth problems. At the end Q &A session was held and the panel fielded many questions from the audience.

Proposed Electricity Minister Ali Mihirig has Integrity Commission ruling overturned on appeal By: Sultan Badsha Tripoli: The Integrity Commission’s decision to disbar Ali Mohammed Mihirig as minister of electricity was overturned on Dec 10 by a court of appeal in Tripoli. The Commission announced that Muhairiq had failed to meet its extensive criteria on 13 November, along with Prime Minister Zeidan’s proposed ministers of interior (Ashour Shuwail), higher education (Abdulasalm Bashir Duabi) and National Congress relations (Fathi Al-Khoja). On 3 December, the appeals court also overturned the ruling against Ashour Shuwail, precipitating a counter-appeal by the Integrity Commission at the Supreme Court and an intense debate in the National Congress.Regarding the case of Mihirig, the appeals court noted that he did not hold any position in the former regime and left Libya in 1981, whereupon he joined the ranks of the anti-Qaddafi opposition. http://www.libyaherald.com

tion, founder and chairperson of Iqra Islamic School, director of the Islamic Information Center, member of ISNA Canada council and member of the Canadian Islamic Trust Foundation Br Sultan Badshah ( Acting Chairperson of Iqra School Board) spoke very highly of Dr. Ali’s leadership and contribution to entire

Dr. Ali Mihirig (Founder of Iqra School and Ex-President of BCMA) Appointed Minister Of Electricity and Energy Dr. Ali Mihirig who received B.A.SC from the University of Tripoli, M.A.SC and Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada was appointed as the Minister of Electricity and Energy. Dr Ali is registered professional engineer in British Columbia and Alberta. He is the founder and president of AM Power Systems Inc. specializing in energy and electrical power distribution with experience of projects around the world for over 25 years. Dr. Ali has served as the president of the BC Muslim Associa-

Muslim community in BC and Canada. Having worked with Dr Ali since 1994, Br Sultan firmly believes that the Ministry of Electricity and Energy in Libya will greatly benefit from his expertise and leadership required for this critical position. On behalf of the entire Muslim community, I wish him success in his new position.

BULLAY SHAH ACADEMY OF CANADA Pir Afzal Ahmed Naqashbandi S.R. Pirzada Syed Wali Hussain Shah Astana-e-Alia Shahenshah-e-Weelayt Hazrat Qiblah-Sheik-ul-Hadith Gujrat-Pakistan We invite brothers & sisters every last Saturday of the month for the Holy Darse Quran @ 6:00pm

Visit Us at:- Club House of Mandley Village Unit 33, 12110 75A Ave. Surrey. Tel/Fax: 604-592-9416 , Cell: 604-760-0096

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Martyrs of Karbala remembered at Masjid Anwar-e- Madina

On November 30, Masjid Anwar-e-Madina, organized a program in the memory of Martyrs of Karbala (Yaad -e-Shohada-eKarbala) in Surrey. Syed Afroze Dean was the master of ceremony. The program started

arrested Muslim but had given him the promise of protection too. Ubaydullāh replied, “You do not have the right to do so, rather I had sent you to bring him to me.” He ordered that Muslim bin Aqeel should be

Allahu Wajhu’s family history, in which he told that Hadrat Ali’s first wife was the most beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet, Hadrat Fatimah (R.A.). He had three sons

with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Mohammad Farooq. Some Naat-erasool Maqbools and Manajats were recited by the local Naat-Khawans such as Mr. Abdul Yaqoob , Hafiz Mohammad Yousef and others. While conducting the program, Syed Afroze explained many incidents according to the topic of the evening with references from Holy Quran and Sunnah in English. He said that Hzt Imam Hussain (r.a) was the beloved grandson of Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH). His greatness was not only significant because of his parents, Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima -Az -Zahara (RA). He was great because of his sacrifice. Syed Imroze Dean Saifi, the local Imam and speaker of Masjid Anwar e Madina, expressed his thoughts on the topic of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and presented his spiritual speech in Urdu language in the light of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Mainly he described the martyrdom of Muslim bin Aqeel bin Abi Talib (r.a). Muhammad bin Ash’as took Muslim bin Aqeel to the palace of Ubaydullāh bin Ziyād. Muhammad entered therein alone and told him that he had

taken to the roof of the palace and it was said to Bukayr bin Humrān Ahmari to behead him and take his revenge. Jazari says that Muslim (ra) told Muhammad bin Ash’as, “By Allāh! I would never have surrendered if you had not given me the promise of protec¬tion. Then defend me with your sword for your promise has been broken.” Then they took him on top of the palace when he was asking forgiveness from Allāh and praising and glorifying Him. Then they took him to the place overlooking the shoemakers and severed his blessed head which fell down. (May Allāh’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him). Then his body too was thrown down. When Bukayr came down, Ubaydullāh asked him, “What was Muslim bin Aqeel utter¬ing when you took him to the roof”?. He replied that, “Muslim was glorifying Allāh and seeking His forgiveness.” Tabari says that Muslim was taken on the roof of the palace and his neck was severed and body thrown down to the people. An order was issued that his corpse be taken to that place where garbage is thrown and to be hanged there. Syed Imroze also briefly described Ali karam

(Hasan, Husain and Muhsin), and two daughters (Zainab and Umm-i-Kulthum) with her. The youngest son, Muhsin died in childhood. After the death of Hadrat Fatimah Hzt Ali (R.A) married a number of wives: (b) Umm al-Banin bin Hizam from whom he got ‘Abbas, Ja’far, ‘Abdullah and Uthman. All of these except Abbas were martyred at Karbala. (c) Saila bint Mas’ud who gave birth to ‘Ubaidullah and Abu Bakr. They were martyred at Karbala. (d) Asma bint Umais who gave birth to Yahya and Muhammad Asghar. (e) Sahba bint Rabi’a who gave birth to Umar and Ruqayyah and three more. He said Hzt. Imam Hussain(R.A) gave this sacrifice and explained that it was to teach the lesson of Truth and act on the path of Dean

(religion) in front of Yazeed. Some scholars says that this battle was for the Power transfer, that is not true. He mentioned how the residents of Kufa invited Imam Hussain by sending thousands of messages, and even companions of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) who were alive at that time requested Imam Hussain (R.A) not to go there as they had treated Imam Hussain’s father, Ali (R.A) in almost the same way. After many requests from the residents of Kufa, Imam Hussain(R.A)sent his messenger Muslim Bin Aqeel to Koofa, and after assurance from almost 30 thousand believers, Imam left for Koofa. Only commemoration of this day is not sufficient. We have to act for good deeds in the lights of Imam Hussain (R.A) teachings. At the end Duaa made and then Daroodo-Salam was recited.

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Miracle Special: Malala Yousufzai--- the phenomenon

The exceptional international sympathy and kindess for Malala has got many wondering what makes this girl special and not others killed in war and terrorism attacks in Pakistan. What’s the motivation?Think about it and let us know.

Pakistani President Zardari meets Malala The President of Pakistan has visited a schoolgirl who is being treated in hospital in the UK after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman. President Asif Ali Zardari also met the family of Malala Yousafzai during a private visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Saturday. Malala was shot as she travelled home from school with two classmates in north-west Pakistan in October. The 15-year-old was targeted for “promoting secularism.” He also congratulated Ziauddin on fast recovery of his daughter and assured the government’s continued support to Malala and her friends Shazia and Kainaat. app

Thanked staff’ Malala, known as a campaigner for girls’ education, was shot in the Swat Valley on 9 October. Doctors said the bullet grazed the teenager’s brain when it struck her just above her left eye. She was flown to Birmingham to receive treatment unavailable in her own country.The president described Malala as a “remarkable girl and a credit to Pakistan”.A statement released by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, visited the hospital to receive an update on the recovery of Malala.The hospital said President Zardari, accompanied by his daughter Asifa Bhutto, met clinicians who have been treating Malala since her admission to the hospital on 15 October.”They were brought up to date on the 15-year-old’s medical progress and her future treatment plan by (the trust’s) medical director, Dr Dave Rosser,” the statement added.President Zardari and Asifa Bhutto then had a short five-minute private meeting with Malala, her father Ziauddin and her brothers Khushal Khan and Atal Khan. During the visit, the hospital added, the president had thanked staff for their outstanding care.Tens of thousands of people have since signed a petition calling for her to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Zardari pledges $10million in Malala’s name Pakistan’s President Asif Zardari pledged $10 million for girls’ education to UNESCO on Monday in the name of a Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban, saying sending girls to school was the best way to combat extrem-

ism. Malala Yousafazai, 15, is recovering in a British hospital from a Taliban attack in October which horrified the world and exposed the struggle many girls face in completing their education in Pakistan. She had angered extremists with a diary of Taliban abuses published by the BBC and for her campaign to get more girls to go to school. At a “Stand Up For Malala” advocacy event at the Paris headquarters of the United Nations’ cultural arm, Mr Zardari said he was “deeply moved” to have met the teenager at the hospital in Britain over the weekend. “I have no doubt that our resolve to provide education to all, in particular to the millions of schoolgirls, is the best strategy to defeat the forces of violence,” said Mr Zardari, who wore a button of Malala’s face on his lapel. He gave no further details about the education fund, nor say where the money would come fromBy Rob Crilly, Islamabad.

Pak to declare Malala ‘Daughter of Pakistan’ Islamabad, Dec. 11 (ANI): Pakistan’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution asking the government to declare 15-year-old education campaigner Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Taliban, as the ‘Daughter of Pakistan’. The resolution was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party’s Robina Saadat Qaimkhani, who said that Malala had become a role model for

child education across the world. “This House gives great importance and significance to the sacrifice made by Malala Yousufzai for the sake of education. This House, therefore, recommends that Malala Yousufzai should be declared as Daughter of Pakistan,” The News quoted Qaimkhani, as stating in the resolution. Qaimkhani said owing to her struggle for promotion of peace and girls’ education, Malala deserved applause and special recognition from the Parliament. Malala was shot in the head and neck by the Taliban while she was returning home from school in Swat Valley on October 9. She was shot as a ‘punishment’ for speaking up against the terror outfit and advocating girl’s right to education. Malala was flown to the UK for specialized treatment and is now said to be making good progress. (ANI)

Malala’s father appointed UN Education Adviser London, Dec. 10 (ANI): The father of 15-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls’ right to education, has been appointed as Special UN Adviser on Global Education. “Ziauddin Yousufzai, a former teacher and headmaster, will play a critical role in helping remove the discrimination and barriers that prevent girls going to school,” The News quoted UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown as saying in a statement. Brown said that Yousufzai has been appointed to assist the work of getting every child to school by the end of 2015. Brown will unveil on Monday a Malala Plan to get all girls to school by the end of 2015. He will ask supporters of girls’ education who meet in Paris on Monday at the ‘Stand up for Malala’ event, under the auspices of UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova and President Zardari of Pakistan - to join a day of action on July 12th, Malala’s birthday. “With today’s announcements we show that as a result of Malala’s courage and her inspiration the whole world is pushing for education for every girl. We will prepare countryby-country reports of the gaps in educational opportunity. We will hold a summit with offtrack countries in Washington on April 19th, which the UN secretary-general, the president of the World Bank and I will host,” he said. “If the Taliban sought to vanquish her voice once and for all, they failed. For today her voice and her insistent dream that children should go to school echoes all around the world, as girl after girl, each wanting all girls to have the right to go to school, identifies with Malala,” Brown added. “To help in this global endeavour, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala’s father, will become a Special Adviser to the UN Special Envoy for Global Education,” Brown further said. Malala was shot in the head and neck by the Taliban while she was returning home from school on October 9. She was eventually flown to a hospital in the UK for specialized treatment. She is now said to be in a stable condition. (ANI)

Malala bags 6th rank in Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers list Pakistani activist Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating female education, has been ranked sixth in the Top 100 Global Thinkers list. Malala, who was among four Pakistanis who made it to the list this year, was chosen ‘for standing up to the Taliban, and everything they represent’, reports The Express Tribune. The list was released by American magazine Foreign Policy, which honoured people who spoke for

freedom of speech, and for making themselves heard.(ANI) President in Paris to attend UNESCO moot on Malala

President Asif Ali Zardari arrived on December 9 afternoon to attend an important conference titled “Stand up for Malala-Stand up for girl’s right to education” which is jointly being organised by Pakistan and UNESCO, at the latter’s Paris headquarters. The president came to Paris from London,. President Zardari was received warmly at the Orley Air Port by Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Shafqat Saeed, French Ambassador to Pakistan Philippe Thiebaud and officials of the French government and UNESCO. The event will pay tribute to Malala Yousufazi, a 15-year-old girl who survived an assassination attempt for her determined efforts to defend girls’ education in Pakistan, after the Taliban outlawed schools for girls in her native Swat Valley. A special “Malala Fund” will be established on this occasion to raise funds for girls’ education throughout the world, and Pakistan will announce to provide seed money to establish this fund. The event coincides with International Human Rights Day and it will bring together representatives of governments, UN partners, international and bilateral organisations, foundations, donors, civil society, academics, religious leaders, eminent personalities and other stakeholders. French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Aryalt, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and former prime minister of UK Gordon Brown and many other leaders will also attend the conference. During his visit to Birmingham the president inquired about the health of Malala from the hospital administration. The president was informed that she was steadily progressing and had made great progress on way to full recovery. The president, accompanied by Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, remained with Malala for some time. This was the first ever meeting of Malala with anyone outside her immediate family. Malala was overjoyed and overwhelmed by the president’s special visit. Aseefa presented a shawl to Malala on the occasion.

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

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Solidarity with Gaza’ & Building Hope’

By: Gulshan Aalani To the righteous who feared Allah, “What is it that your Lord has revealed?” They will say, all that is good: “To those who do good, there is good in this world and the Home of the Hereafter is even better: Gardens of Eternity---beneath which Rivers flow: Thus, doth GOD reward the righteous: ---the Angels take their souls in a state of purity saying “peace be on you, enter ye the Garden (Heaven) because of the Good ye did in the world”. Quran 16 : 30,31, 32. Apart from the humanitarian work for Islamic Relief Canada including Gaza Emergency Medicine etc, Sister Fatima Benhatta with the help of BCMA and friends organized a fund raising dinner on 7th Dec. and raised about 24,000.00.

Among her invited guests were many different community groups of non-Muslims including Mr. John Adam the husband of Karen who shared her experience from flotilla Boat, and Sid Shniad from the Independent Jewish Voices. Among the righteous human rights activists and supporters of the down trodden people are Rabbi David Mivasair (Jewish Muslim group) and Mr. Donald Grayston SFU, one of the supporters/organizers of Demo ‘Commemorate Palestinians Killed in the Israeli Attack on Gaza’, Vancouver Art Gallery on Dec. 8, 2012. May Allah bless all those human rights activists and the helpers of needy people, who sees no color, culture or religion.

Palestine’s New Status: A History Rerun or a New Palestinian Strategy By: Ramzy Baroud Palestinians celebrated the UN resolution of Palestinian’s status upgrade.. Palestine has become a “non-member state” at the United Nations as of Thursday November 29, 2012.The draft of the UN resolution beckoning what many perceive as a historic moment passed with an overwhelming majority of General Assembly members: 138 votes in favor, 9 against and 41 abstentions. It was accompanied by a passionate speech delivered by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. But decades earlier, a more impressive and animated Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat sought international solidarity as well. The occasion then was also termed ‘historic’. Empowered by Arab support at the Rabat Arab League summit in October 1974, which bestowed on the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the ever-opaque title “the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people”, Arafat was invited to speak at the UN General Assembly. Despite the fervor that accompanied the newly found global solidarity, Arafat’s language singled a departure from what was perceived by Western powers

as radical and unrealistic political and territorial ambitions. In his speech on November 13, Arafat spoke of the growing PLO’s legitimacy that compelled his actions: “The PLO has earned its legitimacy because of the sacrifice inherent in its pioneering role and also because of its dedicated leadership of the struggle. It has also been granted this legitimacy by the Palestinian masses .. The PLO has also gained its legitimacy by representing every faction, union or group as well as every Palestinian talent, either in the National Council or in people’s institutions..” The list went on, and, despite some reservations, each had a reasonable degree of merit. The same however can hardly be said of Abbas’ Palestinian Authority (PA), which exists as a result of an ambiguous ‘peace process’ nearly 20-years ago. It has all but completely destroyed the PLO’s once functioning institutions, redefined the Palestinian national project of liberation around a more ‘pragmatic’

- read self-serving - discourse that is largely tailored around self-preservation, absence of financial accountability and a system of political tribalism. Abbas is no Yasser Arafat. But equality important, the Arafat of 1974 was a slightly different version of an earlier Arafat who was the leader of the revolutionary Fatah party. In 1974, Arafat made a statehood proposal that itself represented a departure from Fatah’s own previous commitment to a ‘democratic state on all Palestine’. Arafat’s revised demands contained the willingness to settle for “establishing an independent national state on all liberated Palestinian territory”. While the difference between both visions may be attributed to a reinterpretation of the Palestinian liberation strategy, history showed that it was much more. Since that date and despite much saber-rattling by the US and Israel against Arafat’s ‘terrorism’ and such, the PLO under Arafat’s Fatah leadership underwent a decade-long scrutiny process, where the US placed austere demands in exchange for an American ‘engagement’ of the Palestinian leadership. This itself was the precondition that yielded Oslo and its abysmal consequences. Arafat was careful to always sugar-coat any of his concessions with a parallel decision that was promoted to Palestinians as a national triumph of some sort. Back then there was no Hamas to stage a major challenge to the PLO’s policies, and Leftist groups within the PLO structure were either politically marginalized by Fatah or had no substantial presences among the Palestinian masses. The field was virtually empty of any real opposition, and Arafat’s credibility was rarely questioned. Even some of his opponents found him sincere, despite their protests against his style and distressing concessions. The rise of the PLO’s acceptability in international arenas was demonstrated in its admission to the United Nations as a “non-state entity” with an observer status on Nov 22, 1974. The Israeli war and subsequent invasion of Lebanon in 1982 had the declared goal of destroying the PLO and was in fact aimed at stifling the growing legitimacy of the PLO regionally and internationally. Without an actual power base, in this case, Lebanon, Israeli leaders calculated that the PLO would either fully collapse or politically capitulate. Weakened, but not obliterated, the postLebanon war PLO was a different entity than the one which existed prior to 1982. Armed resistance was no longer on the table, at least not in any practical terms. Such change suited some Arab countries just fine. A few years later, Arafat and Fatah were assessing the new reality from headquarters in Tunisia. The political landscape in Palestine was vastly changing. A popular uprising (Intifada) erupted in 1987 and quite spontaneously a

local leadership was being formed throughout the occupied territories. New names of Palestinian intellectuals were emerging. They were community leaders and freedom fighters that mostly organized around a new discourse that was created out of local universities, Israeli

prisons and Palestinian streets. It was then that the legend of the Intifada was born with characters such as children with slingshots, mothers battling soldiers, and a massive reservoir of a new type of Palestinian fighter along with fresh language and discourse. Equally important, new movements were appearing from outside the traditional PLO confines. One such movement is Hamas, which has grown in numbers and political relevance in ways once thought impossible. That reality proved alarming to the US, Israel and of course, the traditional PLO leadership. There were enough vested interests to reach a ‘compromise’. This naturally meant more concessions by the Palestinian leadership in exchange for some symbolic recompense by the Americans. The latter happily floated Israel’s trial balloons so that the Israeli leadership didn’t appear weak or compromising. Two major events defined that stage of politics in 1988: On Nov 15, the PLO’s National Council (PNC) proclaimed a Palestinian state in exile from Algiers and merely two weeks later, US Ambassador to Tunisia Robert H. Pelletreau Jr., was designated as the sole American liaison whose mission was to establish contacts with the PLO. Despite the US’ declared objection of Arafat’s move, the

US was in fact pleased to see that the symbolic declaration was accompanied by major political concessions. The PNC stipulated the establishment of an independent state on Palestinian ‘national soil’ and called for the institution of “arrangements for security and peace of all states in the region” through a ne-

gotiated settlements at an international peace conference on the basis of UN resolution 242 and 338 and Palestinian national rights. Palestinian walking near the mural painted on the entrance to the village of Dar Salah, west of Bethlehem to the late Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas, where marks the 8th anniversary the death of Arafat. Although Arafat was repeatedly confronted by even more American demands - that truly never ceased until his alleged murder by poison in Ramallah in 2004 - the deceleration was the real preamble of the Oslo accords some few years later. Since then, Palestinians have gained little aside from symbolic victories starting in 1988 when the UNGA “acknowledged” the Algiers proclamation. It then voted to replace the reference to the “Palestine Liberation Organization” with that of “Palestine”. And since then, it has been one symbolic victory after another, exemplified in an officially acknowledged Palestinian flag, postage stamps, a national anthem and the like. On the ground, the reality was starkly and disturbingly different: fledgling illegal Jewish settlements became fortified cities and a relatively small settler population now morphed to number over half a million settlers; Jerusalem is completely besieged by settlements, and cut off from the rest of the occupied territories; the Palestinian Authority established in 1994 to guide Palestinians towards independence became a permanent status of a Palestinian leadership that existed as far as Israel’s would permit it to exist; polarization caused by the corruption of the PA and its security coordination with Israel lead to civil strife that divided the Palestinian national project between factional and selfserving agendas. The support that ‘Palestine’ has received at the United Nations must be heartening, to say the least, for most Palestinians. The overwhelming support, especially by Palestine’s traditional supporters (most of humanity with few exceptions) indicates that the US hegemony, arm twisting and Israeli-US propaganda was of little use after all. However, that should not be misidentified as a real change of course in the behavior of the Palestinian Authority which still lacks legal, political and especially moral legitimacy among Palestinians who are seeking tangible drive towards freedom, not mere symbolic victories. If Abbas thinks that obtaining a new wording for Palestine status at the UN would provide a needed political theater to justify another 20 years of utter failures, then time is surely to prove him wrong. If the new status, however, is used as a platform for a radically different strategy that would revitalize a haggard political discourse with the sole aim of unifying the ranks of all Palestinians around a new proud national project, then, there is something worth discussing. Indeed, it is not the new status that truly matters, but rather how it is interpreted and employed. While history is not exactly promising, the future will have the last word. Ramzy Baroud (www.ramzybaroud.net) is an internationally-syndicated columnist and the editor of PalestineChronicle.com.

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Annual Shohada-e-Karbala Conference organised by ISCC

On December 8, Islamic Supreme Council of Canada -BC Chapter organized a program in the memory of Martyrs of Karbala at its annual conference in Pakistan House, Surrey. Mr. Haider Khan was the master of ceremony. The program started with the recitation of the Holy Quran after Ishaa Prayer . In the first session, Maulana Abdul Latif Naumani gave a dynamic speech in Urdu. After the recitation of few verses of Holy Quran and narrated of Haidths, he spoke about the Prophet Mohammad (saw) grandsons’ sacrifices Hzt. Imam Hassan (R.A) and Hzt. Imam Hussain (R.A) with other companions who sacrificed their life in the path of Dean e Islam. Maulana Naumani also said that no prayer is complete unless everyone recites the Darood in Qaidah so every Sunni Musli m has a lot of respect and love with Al-e Bait

like other sects do. Mr. Khan then invited the regular Monthly Dars e Quran guest speaker from Calgary, Prof Syed Badiudin Soharwardy. Syed Soharwardy explained many incidents according to the topic of the evening with references from Holy Quran and Sunnah in English and Urdu. A true believer is always ready to give sacrifice in any circumstances.The Martyrdom of Karbala was not an ordinary incident, it will remind every Muslim till the day of judgement. We should learn from this sacrifice the message of love and truth, but unfortunately what are we doing nowadays with each other? Allah (swt) keeps us on the right path of Islam Ameen. In second session , thekeynote guest speaker was Syed Muzamil Hussain Shah from

London. He recited some verses of the Holy Quran and the Hadiths and emphasized that the month of Muharram is very important. Syed Shah requested that you act on the path of Imam Hussain (R.A) teachings practically and not just verbally. This is the date of the

unbelievable sacrifice offered by the members of the family of Holy Prophet (Ahl-e-baat -e-Athaar) (RA). The major part of Syed Shah contributed on fundraising for the Jamia Mosque Aulia Allah in Surrey. He succeeded to raise twenty(20) thousand dollars to help this project. Mr. Shams Jillani also joined the conference panel table. At the end Duaa was made and then Darood-o-Salam was recited followed by dinner.

Jamia Mosque Aulia Allah Surrey Open House

By: Imran Tipu, B.Sc. Civil Eng In our series of articles for roofing and renovation solutions, the current article is regarding the construction of a mosque. It gives opportunity to interested people to come and see how an old building structure can be renovated, do some structural changes and give modern look to the old building structure. Introduction Jamia Mosque Aulia Allah is situated at 12658, 100 Ave, Surrey, BC. It’s not a entirely new construction but mostly a renovation of an existing building structure. The original dwelling space remains the same, but some structural changes have been made to convert residential dwelling structure into congregational halls.

Tour of the Mosque Upper Main Hall

The original building structure was comprised of two levels. The upper level is converted in to main mosque area for regular prayers. It is adjacent to two sundecks covered with Patio roofs and beautiful railing is installed on them. The main entrance is accessed through two levels of stairs about 14 feet from the ground connected to one of the sundeck of about 180 square feet of area where shoe rack will be installed. The upper main hall is about 1700 square feet area and has a prayer capacity of about 225 people. That capacity can be increased by using second covered sundeck to about 275 people. The upper main hall is having ample windows and along its perimeter for sufficient cross

ventilation, where as two roof sky lights are good source of natural light. The day light ceiling lights and base board electric heaters have also been installed. Two convection heaters are also installed to give random heating in the cold winter season. Concealed built in walls audio video wires have also been installed and connected to the wall and roof mounted speakers and recording devices. The walls are finished exceptionally good with baseboard moulding, windows panel moulding and the crown moulding installed at the corner of walls and ceiling, when we remove the partition walls of rooms then the load bearing points of the roof have been reinforced with the installation of heavy beams over the wall posts and the load is transmitted from upper level to the ground level by providing king posts with cripples at the ground level walls on appropriate points. The beams are then boxed with MDF board of different thickness to have better look. Ground Level Secondary Hall This hall is reserved for women and kids prayers. It has a capacity of 150 people. This hall will be proved a LED monitor so that all the speeches and bayans of religious scholars can be seen live at the secondary hall.

Wudu (Abulution) and Washrooms On the ground level two washrooms have been made, one for male and one for female and each of which have three wudu posts and two toilets. Heaters are also provided in the washrooms. Later on the standing shower will also be provided for

the itekaaf people in Ramadan.

Parking Facility The total lot size is around 22,000 square feet out of which approximately 3000 sq feet is covered area and the rest is back yard and front yard, the back yard is completely fenced. The total of 56 parking spaces will be available once the parking is complete. Imaam s Residence Beside the ground level secondary hall there is two bedroom basement suite for Imaam and his family. This basement is also having one additional room that will be used as mosque office. All utilities are also available at the premises.

Mosque Security The entire covered premises of the mosque are secured through alarm against any emergency such as fire theft and break-in. One of the patio roof covered sundeck on upper level detached by a patio door from main upper level hall will be remained accessible from Fajr Prayer to mid night so that anyone who miss’s the group prayer can perform individual prayer or if group of people comes in after hours they can perform their own group prayer (salah).

Location The next door to the mosque is a church named south side community church and the church has its parking at the back and front and there is a small private road between this church and the mosque that ends where the back yard ends for both the properties. The other side of the mosque has common boundary with Robson Park;

therefore mosque is surrounded from both sides by non residential community. The bus stop for 316 routes is just 20 steps from the mosque that runs from surrey central to the Scott road. For more information about these article series and/or all our previous articles, please visit: www.rtmroofingandrenovations.com

Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

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Muslim Business Council (MBC)celebrates 5th Anniversary at Kabob Palace

The Muslim Business Council, a new elite organization serving Business, Professionals and Students is 5 years old. The founding team under Feroz Dean has established an organization of which the Muslim community will, Inshahallah, one day be proud. The 5th AGM was held on December 2 , at the Kabob Palace Surrey with 25 members and guests in attendance. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mahmood Awan, a long-time political activist, hardworking member of the community and the recent recipient of the Rhodes Jubilee Award from the Federal Government. Mr. Feroz Dean, founder and the first elected chairman from the time of inauguration has now completed his two year term. As defined by the constitution, he will never be able to hold that position again. The constitution was designed this way in order to avoid abuse and give others an opportunity to grow and show leadership. It gives an opportunity for those aspiring to lead, to come on board and train for future leadership roles. The Muslim Business Council is open to both men and women of Muslim and other faiths to come together as equal members and make a difference. The 5th Annual General Meeting showcased highlights of its programs in its annual report; it addressed the Five Cornerstones of its aims and objectives, the

many social activities and its participation in connecting with political representatives to promote the voices of Islam. A number of suggestions were made by members and guests to improve the Council and provide direction for the incoming executive. Mr. Massood Joomratty was a guest speaker who spoke on how the council could make a difference both internally and externally. As a practicing lawyer specializing in Immigration, conveyance and ICBC cases, Masood has agreed to serve on the council, Alhamdolillah. The Election Committee comprising Hafiz ud Dean, Shiraz Khan and Firaz Taki looked after a smooth transition. Those who will now serve the council are: M. Yasin, Chairman, Alanna Dean, Bob Ibrahim, Daud Ismail, Dr. Naiyer Habib Feroz Dean , Massood Joomratty, Sepideh Sarrafpour , Sherina Khan , Subita Chand and Tass Ali. The Council for the next two years will be in good hands with Mohammad Yasin at the helm. As a cofounder, Br. Yasin brings

a world of experience to the Council with his business and religious background he will make a huge difference. We all wish Mohammad Yasin and his team of elected directors the best of success in the coming

years. A new Leader and executive with perhaps a new direction and new ideas will emerge for the next two years, Inshahallah. A number of new faces on the council and a mix of both brothers and sisters are dedicating their time and effort to make a difference for our business and professional community. In turn, your active support of their endeavours and your suggestions of improvement will make the council stronger.

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Food bank users call for justice, not charity

By: Bill Hopwood Vancouver, Unseeded Coast Salish Territory

About 80 low income people converged on the CBC on it annual food bank day to say that they want governments to end the need for food banks by raising welfare rates. Organized by Raise the Rates, the group set up its tent on the CBC Plaza and ran ‘Poor People’s Radio’ for an hour. The show was hosted by Lorna Bird and Paul Taylor and gave people living in poverty an opportunity to speak out. Richard said, “I get discouraged when I go to the food bank; it is downgrading and causes a loss of dignity. Right now we need food banks because of poverty, but it has to change and welfare needs to be raised.” “Having to wait in long lines is hard with arthritis and the food is not always healthy. Feeling like I have to grovel to get food is degrading, and makes me feel isolated” explained Marilyn. Irene pointed out that, “Rent and food prices go up, but welfare rates haven’t gone up for

years, we are always struggling.” “A lot of food I get is out-of date and no good for my allergies. My rent is $450 a month so I have nothing left to buy food. I didn’t choose poverty; I had a serious work accident so can’t work,” Rocky stated. Peter said, “Government is shirking their responsibility by forcing people to rely on charity to survive. Food is a right and people should have enough money to buy good and healthy food.” Stacey described her situation. “I’m a widow raising 2 children on welfare, after rent we have only $416 for clothes, food and everything else, so I’m forced to go to food banks. Standing in line with little kids waiting for food is hard and then some of it is no use – a lot of it is outdated.” Poor People’s Radio also had entertainment with songs from the Solidarity Notes choir. Raise the Rates had written to the CBC offering them the opportunity to interview people who live in poverty and

Report Confirms Conservative F-35 Process Completely Corrupted OTTAWA– Liberal Leader Bob Rae made the following statement today in reaction to the release of KPMG’s report on the F-35: “Once again, we see that this government’s claims about the cost of the F-35 and its industrial benefits to Canada are completely false. From their assertion that Canada had a separate contract protecting us from cost overruns and guaranteeing industrial benefits, to the fact that they kept two separate sets of books – one for internal use and another to be disclosed to the public – it is clear that the entire F-35 process has been corrupted. It was clearly rigged to lead us to this plane despite no evidence that the F-35 was the right plane at the right price for Canada’s needs. The Conservatives have said they are ‘pushing the re-set button,’ but does this mean they are pushing a re-set on information to Parliament that was described as inadequate by both the Parliamentary Budget Officer and the Auditor General? Does it mean they are pushing the re-set on attacks on critics of the process? Have they pushed the re-set button on the people making the decision? Is the re-set just

a backfill? The government might like to pretend that nothing happened prior to the Auditor General’s report, but that is simply not the case. Canadians were misled. Parliament was misled. That is what makes this such a fiasco. The only solution now is to abandon this sole-sourced, misleading process, go back to first principles, and hold an open and competitive bid to find the replacement for our aging fleet of CF-18s. Had this been done in the first place as Liberals proposed, Canadians could have saved hundreds of millions of dollars and our military would have had the equipment they require to do their job years sooner.”

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depend on Food Banks. Instead the CBC ignored the poor people outside and their security guards tried to harass them, while inside the feel-good programs continued. This time of year there are many charities collecting food, presents and money to give to ‘those less fortunate’. However in all this fund raising, the experiences and voices of those people forced into poverty by government policies are hardly ever heard. Why are the poor ignored? The CBC Food Bank day will raise around $500,000 for the year. This is a large sum for people to donate. Yet it is less than $5 a year, or a dime a week, for every child in poverty in BC. Food Banks were set up in 1982 as a ‘temporary’ measure. Surely, after 30 years, it is time to ask ‘Why have Food Banks been here so long?’ and ‘Why is there so much need and poverty in BC?’. Food Banks temporarily treat hunger, which is a symptom, the cause is poverty and Raise the Rates wants treatment for the

causes of poverty. “We need food banks because people are starving, because people can’t live on welfare”, said Jean Swanson of Raise the Rates, “but people should not have to rely on charity for a basic human right like food.” She explained that charity could not possibly provide enough to meet the needs of 178,000 people on welfare who are living way below the poverty line. “In addition, charity comes with humiliation and shame. And charity helps make it seem like our economic system is working ok when really people are starving.” Bill Hopwood, Raise the Rates, pointed out that “Poverty cost BC $billions every year and causes enormous unnecessary suffering. Raising welfare rates would save money, give people justice and make BC a better place. We wish the politicians would show one tenth the heart of the people of BC.”

Surrey Board of Trade gives Surrey Food Bank $1764 and 945 lbs of food The Surrey Board of Trade members, at its annual Christmas Seasonal Sizzle Business Reception on December 5th, gave the Surrey Food Bank $1764.00 and 945 pounds of food. Over 400 business people attended this annual Christmas event, and donated either cash or food. “Thank you to all the businesses that attended this annual Christmas event for the business community. The Surrey Food Bank’s line ups are increasing each year unfortunately. Businesses have a role to give back to the community and help those in need”, said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.

City to Ban Smoking at Surrey Hospitals The City of Surrey wants to ban smoking at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre. Council approved a bylaw amendment at last night’s meeting which would prohibit smoking on these properties, including open areas and parking lots that are more than 7.5 metres away from a building. “Second-hand smoke can be very dangerous and the risks are exacerbated when hospital patients are exposed to the toxins,” says Mayor Dianne Watts. “The City of Surrey is committed to implementing stringent anti-smoking regulations and this is an important step towards improving the health and comfort of our residents.” Currently, the Surrey Public Health Smoking Protection By-law prohibits smoking in the following places: • in a building, subject to certain exemptions; • in a vehicle for hire; • on public transit; • in an enclosed or partially enclosed shelter where people wait for a vehicle–for-hire or public transit; • in a vehicle when any other occupant of

the vehicle is under 19 years of age; • within 7.5 metres of any opening to any building; • in an area where food or alcoholic drinks are served; and • within 7.5 metres of the perimeter of an area where food or alcoholic drinks are served “We’ve received concerns about the harmful effects of people smoking at our hospitals, and we’ve been working with Fraser Health to ensure we create a safe, welcoming and healthy environment at these facilities,” says Councillor Mary Martin, Chair of the Community Health Programs Committee. The Fraser Health Authority supports the proposed amendments, but has indicated that it may need to allow some patients to smoke, and will create a designated smoking area at the facilities. The City will now forward the proposed amendment by-law to the Medical Health Officer for approval, prior to it being brought forward to Council for adoption. The report will also be provided to the Provincial Minister of Health.

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

NDP leader Thomas Mulcair has lunch with MP Jinny Sims and the community

On Nov 30, MP Jinny Sims office invited Thomas Mulcair on lunch at Ashiana Restaurant in Surrey. Ms. Sims invited many community members from each community to meet her guest. MP Jasbir Sandhu, MLA Harry Bains, MLA Sue Hammel, MLA Jagrup Brar and MLA Guy Gentner were also present to meet NDP Leader. A packed room of business and community leaders from the South Asian community gathered to hear him speak and ask questions. Jinny said I was happy to host Thomas Mulcair for a lunch in Surrey. Thomas Mulcair New Democratic Party’s Opposition House Leader quoted, “The NDP will work to give a better break to the next generation because right now we’ve seen the middle class in Canada, for the first time in history, doing less well than the generation before” Response to statistic that the wealthiest 20 per cent of Canadians over the past 35 years have seen their income grow while the rest have seen their income decrease: “That’s statistics Canada that tells us that. That’s the first time that’s happened. It’s not normal. Every generation hopes to leave more for the next generation. If this continues, we’ll be the first generation to leave less.

But that’s the message Stephen Harper wants you to have - that we have to settle for less.” Response to criticizing ads: “It’s going to sound like an irony, but generally speaking when the other party’s only approach is to criticize what you’re doing, it’s because you’re doing pretty well,” “We stand up to them every day in the House of Commons. They’re not used to having someone push back when they try to bully. When someone like James Moore tries to shout at me, believe me, he finishes second.” “Don’t let anybody tell you the NDP doesn’t want more prosperity, we just want prosperity for everyone, that’s the big difference between us,” Mulcair said. “There are a lot of powerful interests in society that try to influence governments, but the only powerful interest the NDP will ever be answerable to is the public interest.” “They’ve added $150 billion to the debt since they arrived,” he said. “When they came to power seven years ago, there was a $26 billion trade surplus in Canada. Right now, there’s a $50 billion trade deficit in Canada.” “I find that in a country as rich as Canada it’s simply unacceptable to have hundreds of thousands of seniors living below the poverty line. We can’t allow that. The full amount

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that it would take to bring every senior in this country above that line is $700 million. When you look at where that can be spent otherwise in the government you realize in the overall scheme of things it’s not hard to find that money, if you make that a priority.” “We’re going to face Stephen Harper with an optimistic vision for Canada,” he said. “Most Canadians share our vision, share our goals.” “And we’ve got to bring in as many people as possible, because we do think that Stephen Harper is dismantling large parts of the Canada that we know and that we used to be so proud of.” “Here in British Columbia, the orange wave starts this May when Adrian Dix forms an NDP government here in B.C.,” Mulcair said.

Mortgage Watch By Kazim Jafary The professional bodies within the Canadian mortgage industry like MBABC and CAAMP operate with the primary goal of promoting professional excellence within the industry. MBABC – Mortgage Brokers Association of British Columbia is the provincial and CAAMP – Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals is the national one. These associations work tirelessly to increase the level of professionalism and promote ethical and professional conduct by providing education and platforms of interaction like conferences. Apart from working towards these core objectives, CAAMP also provides important industry stats and updates on a regular basis. In this article, I would like to share some results from a recent consumer survey titled ‘Annual State of the Residential Mortgage Market in Canada’ released in Nov 2012. It might not be of interest for everyone, but assuming there are certain readers who like statistics, some of the highlights from the survey are presented below. • Fixed rate mortgages have become the most popular and account for 79% of new mortgages. Variable and adjustable rate mortgages have a 10% share; 11% are combination mortgages. • Mortgage borrowers voluntarily increased their regular payments by a combined amount of $3.5 billion per year. • There are currently about 9.7 million homeowners in Canada and 5.95 million have mortgages. • An estimated 3.75 million homeowners are mortgage-free although they may have other forms of debt. • The average mortgage interest rate for homeowners’ mortgages is 3.55%, lower than the average of 3.94% found a year ago. • Mortgage rate discounting remains widespread in Canada. During 2012 to the present, the average actual rate for 5-year (fixed rate mortgages) has been 1.85 percentage points lower than typical ‘posted’ rates. • For all homeowners, equity is equal to 70% of the total value of housing. • About 6% of homeowners (around 600,000) took equity out of their homes in the past year. The average amount is estimated at $49,000. • From August to October, the rate of housing sales was 7.8% lower than in the year prior to the most recent mortgage rule changes. Reduced activity at entry levels (first time homebuyers) means that move-up activity will also be gradually impacted, because potential move-up buyers will find it more difficult to sell their

current homes. However, the most salient result from the survey in my opinion that needs to be highlighted with bold letters is that among borrowers, who took out a new mortgage during 2012, 47% obtained the mortgage from a Canadian bank while an equal 47% obtained it from a mortgage broker. Other categories of mortgage professionals accounted for 6% of new mortgages. I would like to devote rest of the article to the reasons behind this important fact that almost half of the borrowers decided to obtain their mortgage with the help of a broker. Let’s understand why it is beneficial to work with a broker especially when you are getting a mortgage for the first time. A lot can be said in this regard, but here are 10 strong points to support the idea of using the services of a mortgage broker against going solo. • A professional mortgage broker provides you with impartial consultation on all your financial options. As he is not tied to any one lender so he can offer many choices and help you successfully finance your home to your complete financial satisfaction. • Working with a broker is always time saving as it amounts to one-stop shopping. Instead of wasting time in pursuing banks, better spend it in house-hunting! In the meantime, broker does the legwork and deals with multiple lenders to find the best possible mortgage for you. • One of the many skills a good mortgage broker has is negotiation and he uses it in your favor. It is his job to negotiate mortgages every day on behalf of homebuyers. So instead of trying and testing yourself on negotiation, it makes sense to count on his expertise and let him deal with lenders. • With extensive knowledge of the market and outreach, he brings more options to choose from. Usually a good mortgage broker has access to a network of major banks across Canada, and beyond that he can approach credit unions, monoline lenders, nonconforming lenders, and he can even arrange a private mortgage. So you can very well imagine that working with a professional means even the toughest deal would get funded. • A professional mortgage broker educates you about interest rates and terms and how different features and privileges of a mortgage might make it a perfect fit for you. Even if you’ve already been preapproved for a mortgage by your bank or another financial institution, you’re not obliged to stop shopping. Talking to a broker and giving him a chance to investigate on your behalf to see if there is an alternative to better suit your needs goes in your best interest. • A broker who works with an established countrywide mortgage firm usually has access to special deals and add-ons which might not be advertised publically but by getting his services you automatically get access to these money saving specials.

Continued on pg 26

Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

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Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Domestic Violence & Information Office shares with Community Partners

By Farida Bano Ali ( Dir. Social Services, BCMA Board of Women Council, Chair-MCFD- Muslim Advisory Committee) The Conference on Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in the Muslim Community hosted by the BC Muslim Association and coordinated by Sister Farida Bano.

The Honorable Minister Mary McNeil of MCFD appreciated and acknowledged the need to recognize the Muslim communities’ needs. The Minister advised Sr. Farida to contact Cory Heavener, the Director of the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence to liaise between the Muslim community and The Provincial Office of Domestic Violence( PODV). British Columbia established the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence early this year in March 2012. The main purpose of this office is to coor-

dinate and strengthen services for children and families affected by domestic violence. The office is part of the Ministry of Children and Family Development and works in collaboration with other Provincial Ministries, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery and coordination of domestic violence services in communities across the province. With the efforts of Sr. Farida Bano, as the chair of MCFD- Muslim Advisory Committee, which was formed in 2007. This committee works actively with the Ministry of Children and Families. The purpose of the committee is to raise awareness around sensitive cultural, religious, racial and linguistic issues and identify support structures for families and Muslim foster children. The Provincial office has since been working closely with the Muslim Advisory Committee and Sr. Farida Bano to identify issues pertinent to the Muslim community. On November 6, the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence engaged in consultations with various organizations and community advocates. Sister Farida Bano and Sister Shahnaz Rahman attended on behalf of the Muslim Advisory Committee and actively participated in consultations around emerging issues, community response and strategic solutions to the issues. It was very assuring to note that the Mus-

More than 100 graves of Ahmedi community shattered Lahore: Some unknown persons attacked the Ahmadiyya Graveyard in Model Town on Monday, desecrated more than 120 graves of Ahmedi community and tortured the watchman and caretakers. Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan is un-

der attack for last several years in Pakistan and in this latest incident, 15 to 20 masked men, some of them equipped with arms, attacked the graveyard and shattered the tombstones of more than 120 graves. According to police, eyewitnesses, watchman and locals of the area, around 1:30 am (after midnight) the attackers entered the graveyard through seven feet high wall and tied the watchman. In the meanwhile the watchman called his security incharge upon which the attackers snatched his phone and tortured him. “I saw around 15 bearded men wearing masks, carrying weapons and excavation tools including hammers. I at once dialled the number of the security incharge, on which they tied me up with a cloth,” the watchman told Daily Times. When the security incharge received the call from the watchman, he rushed to the graveyard gate with a policeman. The

incharge entered the graveyard and asked the policeman to stay outside to control the situation. However, when the policeman saw the critical situation, he started aerial firing and called 15 to inform the police station. Meanwhile in the graveyard the bearded men, after tying the watchman, caretakers and their family members and threatening them to leave the country on pain of dire consequences. They said that they belonged to the Tehreeki-Taliban Pakistan and a banned outfit and if they will not leave the country they would be killed. They also showed their anger over Islamic verses and Kalima on the tombstones of graves and started shattering the tombstones with hammers. According to the watchman the attackers were wearing black masks and were speaking Punjabi and Urdu and their ‘leader’ had long hair, a beard and traces of Pashto in his accent. After more than half an hour the perpetrators ran off in a hurry when the policeman standing outside the graveyard opened aerial firing. The attackers also took cell phones, wallets and money with them. An application has been filed in Liaqatabad police station in which Jamaat-i-Ahmaddiya Pakistan is the complainant. However the FIR was not filed till the filing of this report. When Daily Times contacted the Liaqatabad police station the Muharrar refused to provide any information about the issue and said that only the SHO could provide information. Later, despite several

lim community is held in very high regard in BC. At this meeting, Mary Ellen TurpelLaford the Representative for Children and Youth Office ,provided a summary of the report on the tragic death of 3 children. The title of the report is “honoring Kaiilynne, Max and Gordon “. These children lost their lives at the hands of their father who had serious mental health issues. Despite his mental health issues, the father had access to the children. At the conference, Sr. Farida pointed out the rise in domestic violence and child abuse in the Burnaby area where there is a large concentration of refugees and new immigrants. This was also confirmed by the Social Workers. According to their records that there has been a 30% rise in domestic violence and child Abuse incidents in Burnaby. It has been challenging to deal with many cases of Special Needs and Autistic children. Key recommendations at the forum included resources for families around Mental Illness , Special Needs and Autism, and specialized services for Refugee families and New immigrants. There is a critical need for training for Social Workers and other frontline staff regarding cultural factors for consideration in Mental health issues. Prevention strategy Plan presented by us * Public education and awareness of issues through Community leaders and organizations e.g Religious leaders, Imams, local Counselors, ethnic newspapers ,media and Social Workers.

* Religious Institutions could also liaise with public and community agencies. * Implement programs that empower women and girls and promote Positive parenting skills. * Provide family counseling , premarital counseling for couples and workshops that focus on spirituality and healthy relationships. * Cultural Awareness - building bridges and communicating with different cultures encourages unbiased and non- judgemental perspectives that are vital to resolving social issues. * Education and dialogue on Anger and Aggressive behaviour - vital to addressing Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in our community. Five workshops on Muslim Culture and Diversity Islam 101 were presented by Brs. Anees and Awes Wahab to over 500 Social Workers, frontline staff and the Executives of MCFD. A brochure has been prepared in collaboration with MCFD executives, and Muslim Advisory Committee. The Workshop highlighted the needs of Muslim Foster children and their families.

attempts, the SHO Liaqatabad Police Station Muhammad Idrees was not available to comment on the issue. According to the spokesperson of Jamati-Ahmadiyya Pakistan Salim ud Din, the behaviour of the police remained unfriendly in the whole incident who even arrived two hours after the incident and did their routine investigation. He further said that the role of the police remained suspect due to their behaviour towards the community. He also confirmed that the police had not filed the FIR of the incident. He said that government has failed to provide basic rights to the community as it has been continuously targeted for the last

several years. He added that police took no action after similar incidents a few months ago in the eastern city of Faisalabad and the central town of Lodhran. He added that the event is a part of the series of attacks on Ahmedi graveyards as two months ago at Jaranwala area of Faisalabad the same incident occurred in which the attackers took the tombstones with them. In May 2010, nearly 100 people were killed in Lahore after militants stormed two Ahmedi places of worship launching gun and grenade attacks. Gunmen later raided the hospital where victims were being treated, killing four people in a shootout. Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk

Newborn and Children Circumcision (Khatna) Dr. Kim-Sing is a practicing Pediatrician in Burnaby with over 20 years of experience. The Circumcision is performed under local anesthetic and virtually complication free. For appointment and inquiry Contact Dr. Malcolm Kim-Sing, MB, FRCP

604-433-5750 108-3825 Sunset Street, Burnaby, B.C V5G 1T4

health

Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

How Mom Can Stop Germs of Flu and Cold

As your babies get older -- and grow out of that maddening I-must-put-everything-inmy-mouth phase -- you can start teaching them habits that will protect them from

germs like cold and flu viruses. How soon? The sooner the better. “Good hygiene habits are much easier to introduce when your kids are young,” says Laura A. Jana, MD, a pediatrician in Omaha, Neb. and co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn and Food Fights. “Bad habits are hard to break.” Adopting healthy habits for kids can have concrete benefits. Dodging just one or two of those day care cold viruses could save you a lot of misery. And healthy habits can help protect your child from swine flu this fall and winter. Even if the benefits aren’t immediate, teaching healthy habits will pay off. “If they start learning proper hygiene when they’re young, they may not get sick as much when they’re older,” says Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, a pediatrician and author of Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents’ Top 101 Questions About Babies and Toddlers. So what sort of healthy habits for kids are realistic? Can a preschooler really learn ways to get protection from cold and flu viruses? Here’s what the experts have to say.

It’s also important to do hand washing well. Always use warm water and soap. The CDC recommends that people wash their hands for the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice -- about 15 to 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based gel will work too. Just make sure that your kids really scrub their hands for about 20 seconds. They’re done when the gel has completely evaporated. Of course, some kids will resist hand washing. What can you do? Here are a few tips. Make them do dishes. Lots of toddlers and preschool age kids love playing in the sink. So instead of getting into a struggle about hand washing, just stand them on a chair by the sink, give them the soap and a dish to wash. If they keep at it for a few minutes, they’ll probably get their hands pretty clean. Choose the right soap. A bar of white soap can seem pretty dull. But if you can find a soap that catches their attention -- with a fruity smell, or maybe a cartoon character on the bottle -- you might have better luck with hand washing. To add to the mystique, you could make the soap especially for your child’s use. Keep it on a high shelf and take it down only when she needs it.

Healthy Habits for Kids: Other Tips Hand washing is the most important, but there other healthy habits for kids that can reduce the spread of germs. Cough into

Healthy Habits for Kids: Getting in a Routine When teaching healthy habits, focus on what’s important. You probably don’t need to lecture toddlers on the germ theory of disease. Concepts like contagion are probably too hard to grasp for little kids. “You really can’t teach a preschooler to stay away from a friend who’s coughing.So instead of explaining, the key is to practice and ritualize some good behaviors. If you make them systematic, the odds are much better that you kids will stick with them -and stay a little healthier as a result. “If you make good habits part of a routine, it all becomes much easier,” says Jana. “Your kids will do them without thinking.”

Healthy Habits for Kids: Hand Washing When it comes to healthy habits for kids, hand washing is the most important one. To make it work, it’s got to be built into their daily routines. “Parents should make hand washing a ritual, like brushing their teeth,” says Jana. You don’t have to do it so obsessively that their hands get chapped. But you should always have your kids wash their hands: When they arrive at day care or preschool, before they eat, after changes or after using the potty or toilet, after a play date As soon as they come in the house -whether it’s from school or from playing in the yard The key is consistency. Get them to do it every time. If you do, your kids might start hand washing automatically. They might even start reminding you if you forget.

the arm. Many of us were told as kids to cover our mouths with our hands when we coughed or sneezed. The problem with that old advice is that it results in a handful of germs -- which are then spread on everything a kid touches. Experts now recommend that kids -- and adults -- cough and sneeze into the crook of their arms. That way, the germs are less likely to wind up coating every surface in the room. Use tissues. It won’t always work, but you can try.”Some preschool kids are capable of blowing their noses,” says Altmann. “Whether the tissue ends up in the trash can or on the floor is another story, of course.” Teach by example. As any parent knows, trying to get a toddler to do something can be maddening. Asking, or demanding, or begging your kid to adopt healthy habits might seem hopeless. But one good strategy to instill healthy habits in kids is to get your kids to mimic you. Model good behavior. Make a show of hand washing when you get home from work -- and do it for the full 20 seconds. Always cough and sneeze into your own arm. Your kids will probably notice, and over time it could really have the desired effect. And if you’re really conscientious about modeling healthy habits, you could get an added bonus: you might get sick less too.

Should I eat less fruit? We’re always being told by the Department of Health to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. But it’s not clear where the evidence for this comes from and a large study by the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (Epic) two years ago of the dietary intake of more than 400,000 people found only a weak link between eating fruit and vegetables and a reduction in overall cancer risk. There’s no evidence it reduces breast or prostate cancer. Even so, how could anyone argue against eating more fruit and vegetables? Well, it depends what fruit you’re eating. A review article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal warns that a chemical in grapefruits can interact lethally with certain medicines. Even apple juice, the staple of many breakfast tables, may reduce our absorption of some drugs. Parents also often think fruit juice is a healthy alternative to fizzy drinks but juices contain sugar and calories too – as much as a glass of Coke (160 calories) – so should be drunk in moderation. Grapefruit has also been linked to an increase in breast cancer. A study in the British Journal of Cancer (BJC) of 500,000 post-menopausal women found that eating a quarter of the fruit a day increased the risk by 30%. The Solution There is one good reason for not eating grapefruits – they taste sour. But they are unlikely to increase your risk of breast cancer: further research in the BJC showed no increase of breast cancer in pre- or postmenopausal women who tuck into grapefruits or drink juice. Grapefruit contains a type of chemical called furanocoumarin (also found in seville oranges and limes but not valencia or other sweet oranges), which, by inhibiting the enzyme CYP3A4, stops the breakdown of some prescription drugs. So the concentrations of these drugs rise and can have serious side-effects, including kidney damage, heart block (where no electrical impulses pass through the heart and it can stop beating), and deep vein thrombosis (which occurred when an oral contraceptive was taken by a woman who also ate grapefruit three days in a row). Patient information leaflets should tell you what foods to avoid with which drugs. If in doubt, ask your doctor. So you don’t need to eat less fruit, and may still need to eat more. Another paper from the Epic study found a 22% reduction in deaths from heart attacks in people who ate eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day compared to those who ate three or fewer. The way the study is designed, however, means that it can only suggest a link – it can’t prove one. How to choose a healthier cheese More salt in cheese than seawater,”

screeched one tabloid. Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) today publishes research into the salt content of almost 800 supermarket varieties of cheese. The vast majority - 98% - of British households apparently buy the stuff, and it turns out that after bread and bacon, dairy products are the third biggest contributors of salt to the national diet. (Milk naturally contains modest levels of sodium, but much of the

salt we eat in dairy is added by cheese manufacturers.) Most people know that cheese is pretty salty stuff, but many might be surprised to know that a 30g portion of many kinds of cheddar contains more salt than a 30g bag of crisps. Equally of note is the remarkable disparity in salt levels between individual types of cheese. A Co-op gorgonzola was almost six times saltier than its counterpart at Sainsbury’s. Morrisons Smooth & Tangy Farmhouse Cheddar contains 0.63g of salt per 30g portion, while Waitrose Reduced Fat Light Mild Cheese – a cheddar variant – was almost 30% less salty. Salt is vital to mature and flavour hard cheeses such as parmesan and soft-rind ones such as camembert. It stops bacteria from growing inside cheese and gives the food its savoury finish. Good cheese is highly nutritious, full of calcium, vitamins and minerals. A rather miffed-sounding director of the Dairy Council told the BBC that the survey is “mixing up the effect of cheese on health with the effect of salt on health … Salt is not added for taste or flavour but for safety and technical reasons.” However, the survey should be of use to people who enjoy cheese but are nervous about their salt intake. And parents might benefit from knowing that different varieties of cheese can have dramatically different salt levels. “We found that two slices of one cheese and two slices of certain breads contained over 2g of salt between them,” says Katharine Jenner, a public health nutritionist and campaign director at Cash. “That’s the maximum you can feed a three-year-old in a day. But if you choose the lowest-salt bread and cheese, you can halve that. We’re not saying ‘Don’t give your child a cheese sandwich’, but we recommend people stay away from cheeses where the manufacturers have purposefully added unnecessary salt.”

Mortgage : Continued from pg 16 • It goes without saying that getting the services of a seasoned broker means you will also get professional care. His job isn’t complete until your closing date goes smoothly. He makes every effort to ensure that your mortgage transaction takes place on time and to your satisfaction. • By dealing with a variety of clients, he knows how to communicate effectively in layman’s terms. When it comes to rates, amortization, mortgage features and the housing market, he speaks to you in plain language. He can explain the various terms and conditions so you can choose confidently. • Most of the times you get a mortgage broker’s professional services for free. Roughly you can say in more than 90% typical residential mortgages, there’s absolutely no charge for his services. A broker gets compensated by the lender in the form of finder’s fee, so you don’t have to pay. • Last but not the least, a committed mortgage consultant always provides ongoing support. Even once your mortgage commitment is signed, subjects are removed and paperwork is complete, he will be there if you require any advice on closing details or even future financial needs. Questions & Comments: kazim@kazimjafary.com

y o u t h

Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

MYC’ BOYS HOCKEY PLAYOFFS – 2012

By:Ali Husain, Youth Co-Coordinator Congratulations THE HONOURS CUP was finally captured by the 1st place winning team “Western Gunners” Hamza Sidhu, Osama Sidhu, Sajid Desai and Nazim Patel on November 24 at the MYC. Team “Surrey Jets” came in 2nd place – well done. Tournaments were held in January, March, May, July, and September 2012. Teams earned points in each tournament. The teams that accumulated the most points throughout the year automatically advanced to the playoffs. The rest of teams competed for a position in the playoffs. The highest point teams played against the lowest point teams. They had the best of 3 games (in each round) quarter finals, semi finals and finals. Throughout the tournaments, 1st and 2nd place winners were awarded MYC’s med-

als and awards were given to the MVPs, best goalie and best sportsmanship.

Telecos hooking up hospitals, cars In Barcelona’s Hospital Del Mar, Telefonica is doing more than connecting phone lines - it is also developing a lucrative new business keeping patients’ hearts in good shape.

A heart-monitoring program put in place by Telefonica is just one kind of machine-tomachine (M2M) technology that telecom operators are racing to develop for sectors including healthcare, automotive, transportation and energy. Carriers such as Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, AT&T, Verizon, China Mobile, and France Telecom are betting that M2M will be a significant source of growth as the number of connected devices climbs to 12 billion or more by 2020. In cars, for example, mobile technology can be used to automatically call emergency services after a road accident. In offices, France Telecom uses it to tell companies when their coffee machines need re-stocking, while energy companies are equipping homes with ‘smart meters’ to track consumption and permit differential pricing. The potential prize is billions of dollars in new business for telecom groups, many of which are otherwise faced with declining sales, and the promise of big cost savings for their customers. Yet turning the ‘Internet of Things’ into a real business will not be easy for big telcos, since the market is far more complicated than their traditional sales of mobile and Internet contracts to consumers and companies.

To succeed, they have to develop an understanding of a range of industries, their specific needs and regulatory constraints. They also have to outfox a phalanx of new competitors such as start-ups in Silicon Valley, app developers, and corporate giants like IBM, General Electric and Philips. Analysts’ forecasts vary widely on the size of the M2M market and how much of it telcos can win, since the biggest opportunity comes not from putting a mobile SIM card in devices but from providing the software and services to make them work. Machina Research predicts revenue of 714 billion euros ($933 billion) by 2020 for M2M overall. Informa Telecoms & Media’s Jamie Moss says the market is growing slowly and will reach 217 million connections and $9.3 billion for telcos by end 2014. They earned $5.7 billion from M2M this year, dwarfed by the roughly $1.14 trillion from mobile services in the same period. “I am very convinced that M2M will be a profit driver,” said Matthew Key, who heads Telefonica’s digital unit, which aims to earn 500-800 million euros in annual M2M revenue by 2015. “But we need to sell more than just basic connectivity by adding know-how and a complete service, and build the business locally step by step.” NEW TERRITORY The opportunity and the challenges for telcos in M2M are on display at the Hospital Del March Every morning, patients recovering from heart attacks use equipment installed in their homes by Telefonica to weigh themselves, take their blood pressure and answer a few questions on their symptoms via a touch screen. The information is transmitted to nurses at the seaside hospital’s cardiac unit who follow up by phone if they have any concerns. The program has had a positive effect on mortality rates, reduced hospital visits and

MYC’S GIRLS SOCCER PLAYOFFS – 2012 By: Sr. Salma Husain MYC’s Youth Girls’ Sports Coordinator Congratulations “THE STARS CUP” was finally captured by the 1st place winning team, “Fantastic Four” Alia Ishmail, Nazia Hassan, Saarah Rahiman and Ammarah Hussain on , December 1, at the Muslim Youth Centre. Team “Golden Tigers”Leah Toufic, Shalina Nueraili, Hanaan Kathrada and Zeenat Khan came in 2nd - well done. Tournaments were also held in March, May, September and November of 2012. Teams earned points in each tournament. They had the best of 3 games, quarter finals, semi-finals and finals. Throughout the tournaments, 1st and 2nd place winners were awarded with MYC’s medals. Plaques were given to the MVPs, Best Goalie and Best Sportsmanship.

for their participation and support. It was an honour and privilege to organize and supervise this event. We applauded the youths who participated in these competitive and high energy games. Congratulations once again to the winning team. Their names will be engraved on the CUP and displayed at The Muslim Youth Centre. We hope to see everyone next year 2013 Inshaa Allah (God willing).

In the playoffs, the MYC’s Honour Cup Trophy was awarded to the winning team. All participants were awarded plaques, medals, certificates and a MYC souvenir for playing their very best at all times. ...Indeed it was very exciting, entertaining and enthralling to watch. We thanked the MYC’s volunteers who gave their precious time to help out and facilitate the tournaments throughout the year and playoffs. We commend everyone

saved 9,000 euros per cardiac patient since it began two years ago, according to doctors. Nurse Ana Linas said the system was so simple to use that an illiterate elderly woman was among the patients able to use it. Yet the hospital, which experienced some video connectivity problems that were quickly resolved by Telefonica, has no plans to expand the project because of the costs involved. “You have to hire trained people so that it all works. Although costs fall a lot later on, the initial investment is high in staff and equipment,” said doctor Cristina Enjuanes. With budgets under pressure and doctors often reluctant, getting the investment needed to roll out telehealth schemes can be an uphill struggle. Telefonica wants to roll out the heart-monitoring program elsewhere in Spain and is also investing heavily in projects in Britain with the National Health Service. “I cannot tell you when it will ramp up. What I can feel is that we are getting closer to it ... We will know soon the speed at which demand will move, and whether there is finally an opportunity to create a totally new (business) category,” said Jose Perdomo, head of Telefonica’s e-Health division. Telefonica has had more success rolling out e-health in Latin American markets such as Brazil and Chile, where more medical care is provided via the private sector than in Europe. CARS AND HOMES The M2M gold rush has sent some telcos on the acquisition trail to get technology and expertise. AT&T bought U.S. start-up Xanboo and has used its technology to develop security services for the home, as well as tools for homeowners to control their heating, lighting and appliances from a mobile phone. Verizon paid $612 million in June for Hughes Telematics and plans to build on

the company’s expertise in M2M software for tracking truck fleets, as well as crash detection, emergency calling, and maintenance needs for cars. Hughes has a worldwide contract with Volkswagen and a U.S. contract with Mercedes. John Stratton, Verizon’s vice-president for enterprise, said the Hughes deal would allow it to gain know-how in the software needed to boost the profitability of M2M contracts beyond the few dollars earned from the connection itself. “If we only transport the bits of data in M2M projects, that has relatively modest value, less than 10 percent of the market opportunity overall,” he said in an interview. “The next big piece is the solutions on top, which is what motivated us to buy Hughes.” Korea Telecom’s experience launching a taxi fleet management service powered by M2M technology demonstrates the point. Initially it earned about $5 a month per taxi for tracking taxi locations with mobile technology. It boosted that to $50 per month and signed five-year instead of two-year contracts by selling a software platform and call center as a package with the taxi tracking. Telefonica invested 2 million euros in a Spanish start-up called addFleet that makes a free taxi-calling app for consumers, and a paid version for taxi owners to track cars. “There is no global market for taxi cabs, so you need to go local first,” said Telefonica Digital chief Key. Martin Garner, an analyst at consultancy CCS Insight, said telecom operators would have to adapt if they are to succeed in making M2M a mass technology, adding that for now the market was growing slower than they would have hoped. “We do think there is a big world in M2M for the telcos,” said Garner. “But they have to go and take it: it will not come to them.” (Reuters)

sports

Volume 12 Issue 325 Safar 1, 1434 AH / December 14, 2012

Asif claims IBSF World Snooker Championship title

Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif defeated England’s Gary Wilson in the final to win the IBSF World Snooker Championship on Sunday in Sofia, Bulgaria. Asif, who was unbeaten in the tournament, defeated Wilson 10-8. In a best of nineteen frames match, Asif was leading through most of the final and was 6-3 up at the break. Pakistan’s number one cueist started off well reaching 3-1 but later made mistakes which Wilson took advantage of to win the fifth and the sixth frames to level the scores at 3-3. Wilson made a comeback after the break, levelling the scores at 8-8. At this point

in the match, Asif demonstrated brilliant one to win it. Before him, Mohammad Yousuf cue control to win the seventeenth and won it in 1994 while, in 2003, Saleh Mohameighteenth frame to clinch the title. President of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association, Alamgir Sheikh, termed the victory a turning point for snooker in Pakistan. “Asif worked very hard to win this and it is a very big victory, a turning point for the sport in Pakistan. I hope the government takes notice and supports these boys,” Sheikh said while speaking to Dawn.com. Asif was the third Pakistani to reach the final of the world event and the second

mad was defeated by Pankaj Advani of India.

Manny Pacquiao won’t retire yet, says ‘we will rise again’ Eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has returned to the Philippines Wednesday morning after his devastating loss to Mexican boxing idol Juan Manuel Marquez last Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Facing the local media upon his arrival at the airport, Pacquiao thanked his fans and the public for offering prayers and support for his safety after he was rushed to a hospital in Nevada for possible brain damage following his stunning knockout by Marquez in the final seconds of the sixth round. Pacquiao admitted he became a bit emotional in one of the earlier interviews by a local television network because he learned that many of his countrymen wept upon seeing him almost lifeless with his face facing down on the canvas a few seconds before the end of the sixth round. “The low morale, the sadness, I accept that.

This is my job … But the reaction of the Filipinos, the many who cried, especially my family, it really hurts me,” he told GMA News. During the interview at the airport arrival lounge, Pacquiao assured the public he is alright and there is nothing to worry as doctors who examined him found no damage to his brain. His lovely wife Jinkee said her husband will still undergo a series of tests in a local hospital to be sure that he is indeed free of any damage to his health. In his arrival statement, Pacquiao said he is returning to the ring possibly in April next year against any opponent to be named by his promoter Bob Arum, who did not object to a proposal for a possible fifth encounter with the Mexican counterpuncher. Some of members of Pacquiao’s family including a number of close friends urged the fighting congressman to retire now while he is still in top shape. Evi-

Shahid Afridi cut from ODI squad Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan allrounder, has been dropped from the one-day squad for the tour of India in December, one of six changes made to the team that lost 1-2 to Australia in the UAE in August and September. Afridi retained his spot in Pakistan’s Twenty20 squad, which also had six changes made to the outfit that went to Sri Lanka for the World Twenty20. Apart from Afridi, the players cut from the ODI squad that went to the UAE were: left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, fast bowlers Aizaz Cheema and Sohail Tanvir, and allrounder Shoaib Malik. Asad Shafiq was also left out because of injury. They were replaced by Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, and Zulfiqar Babar. Younis and Gul were making comebacks after being axed for the series against Australia. Fast bowler Riaz was returning to the squad after last playing in the Asia Cup in March, while batsman Sohail and left-arm spinner Babar received their maiden call-ups to the one-day squad. “Dropping Afridi was a difficult decision,” Pakistan’s chief selector Iqbal Qasim said at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “He is no doubt a great player and has the ability to win a game, but the decision has been taken in the interest of the team. We did retain him in the T20 squad and if he performs well he can win back his ODI place in the future. Meanwhile, we are looking for a youngster as Afridi’s replacement and I am sure we will find the right man soon from the domestic circuit.” Pakistan lost the World Twenty20 semi-final to Sri Lanka and from that squad allrounders Abdul Razzaq and Yasir Arafat, and opening batsman Imran Nazir were left out. Shafiq and left-arm spinner Raza Hasan were injured. Fast bowler Junaid Khan , who was a surprising omission from the World T20 campaign, returned to the squad, and Ahmed Shehzad, Babar, Asad Ali , seven-foot tall Mohammad Irfan and Umar

Amin were the other inclusions. Irfan had been selected in 2010 for an ODI series against England, but conceded 37 and 40 in first two matches and was dropped for the rest of the series. He has been on the domestic circuit since then and in this season’s President’s Trophy, he took 27 wickets in eight matches. He also took 11 wickets in the Faysal Bank T-20. He has been preferred ahead of Under-19 fast bowler Ehsan Adil, who was the second highest wicket-taker in the President’s Trophy after Babar, with 53 wickets. Adil also took 10 wickets in four domestic T20 matches. “Irfan is a surprise package,” Qasim said, while explaining why Irfan was preferred over other notable performers. “Nobody is discouraged, I know we have Ehsan Adil and Imran Khan on the bench waiting for the call but they will be considered soon. They are our future prospects. Irfan currently is in good form and he has the height advantage and could be our surprise package. I am sure he will live up to our expectations and will perform very well.” “India’s performance against England hasn’t been good and their chips are down. Compared to our side, they have always relied heavily on their batsman and we were more effective with the ball. So, we have selected a balanced mix with the consensus of both the captains and the coach. We have always beaten them when we are consistent with the batting, with bowling as an advantage, so I hope these teams will have good results on the tour.” Pakistan are scheduled to play two Twenty20 internationals and three ODIs in India from December 25 to January 6. The players

dently, Pacquiao isn’t ready to retire at this time. He told his well-wishers not to worry because in any competition, “sometimes you win, sometimes you lose” and that is the way it is in the sport. “Don’t worry, we will rise again,” Pacquiao, who is celebrating his 34th birthday on December 17, told his fans and reporters gathered at the airport. “I will fight again,” he said. The fight is not yet over,” I will not retire yet,” he added. Meanwhile, two of Pacquiao’s closest friends and advisers said, the Filioino ring icon should take a rest for at least six months before taking on another major fight. Boxing promoters Rex (Wakee) Salud and Aljoe Jaro, who were Pacquiao on the same flight to Manila said, “retirement is far from his mind, he’ll continue to fight, but he needs time to recover.” “It was a shocking loss,” said Salud, a long-time Pacquiao confidante who has access to accompany the fighter inside the ring whenever he fights before the first bell and after the last, Philstar.com writes. “I don’t think it’s advisable for Manny to fight on April 20 as scheduled by (Bob) Arum. He

should take a long rest, at least six months, and stay away from boxing. A lucky punch did it so it’s not like Manny was badly battered. Manny was going for a knockout when Marquez landed. While many of Marquez’ fans are celebrating Pacquiao’s loss to their boxing idol, Pacquiao’s potential foe Floyd Mayweather has shown compassion to the Filipino ring star, saying he wishes Pacquiao nothing but the best. “Marquez is a true champion. Manny Pacquiao is a true champion. Both of them went out there and put on a good performance, and that’s a good thing for the sport of boxing,” Mayweather said. “I wish Pacquiao nothing but the best. I wish he can bounce back and he can recoup from this…. You have to really, really dedicate yourself to your craft. I think he’s got so many different things on the outside that he worries about, you know. But it was a good thing that he was able to come into the sport, you know, piggyback off my name, and get a bunch of endorsement deals and make a good living.”,

NHL labour talks produce little to talk about Day 1 of the second round of mediation accomplished little as the NHL lockout stretches to the end of its third month. The league and NHL Players’ Association met in separate groups with mediators at the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service’s sub-regional office in Iselin, N.J., on Wednesday. But the only news to come out of the sessions was: a) the league’s offer from last week is, at least for now, off the table; and b) they could be meeting again this week, as the mediation process continues. Unlike last week’s talks, which pushed negotiations forward until they hit another stalemate late in the proceedings, no franchise owners were in attendance Wednesday. The NHL, however, told players through the mediators it was willing only to go as far as offering what had already been discussed. “Basically, they left it up to us to decide whether to accept their last proposal,” Brendan Morrison, a free agent who most-recently played for the Chiacago Blackhawks, told reporters in attendance at what was supposed to be a secret location. “It wasn’t much of a decision.” “Really, there’s nothing new to report,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. The main sticking points between the two sides remain the same: The league wants a longterm collective agreement (eight to 10 years), limitations on long-term deals (five years for free agents, seven for players under contract), and no “transition mechanisms,” such as compliance buyouts that wouldn’t count against the cap. The players have countered with a six-to-eight-year collective agreement and eight-year contract limits. The discussion of transitioning from a $70-million (U.S.) salary cap down to the $60-million range, which would come due to the players’ share of revenues shrinking to 50 per cent, hasn’t

progressed further than the NHL insisting it doesn’t want any money spent outside of the cap. While there was no progress made in talks, some small further details emerged about what was proposed last week on some of the other outstanding issues. The NHLPA, for example, agreed to a formula that would potentially punish teams with players on existing contracts with seven or more years remaining. The proposal would mean if players on those long-term deals retired early, their teams would be faced with a “cap-benefit recapture” that would put a penalty on their cap equal to the savings they received over the life of the deal. That stands as just one example of the incremental gains made between the two sides last week, something that prompted widespread optimism in the hockey world that there will still be an abbreviated 48-game season, beginning in early January. Players in attendance at Wednesday’s mediation sessions, however, pointed out they were surprised the standoff had lasted as long as it has. “I never thought the issues were as big as they were back in ’04-05,” Morrison said, comparing this lockout to the one that cancelled a full season eight years ago. “Apparently, I was wrong.” “To think that we’re that close but so far away is extremely frustrating,” Blackhawks forward Jamal Mayers added. The 13 players in attendance at Wednesday’s meetings were: Craig Adams, Adrian Aucoin, Brad Boyes, Chris Campoli, Mathieu Darche, Shane Doan, Ron Hainsey, Andy McDonald, Steve Montador, Douglas Murray, Daniel Winnik, Morrison and Mayers. Commissioner Gary Bettman, Daly and the league’s legal team were on hand for the NHL. Source: Globe and Mail

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