Miracle 522, July 3, 2020

Volume 20 Issue 522- Zul Qaedah 13,1441H, July 3, 2020

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5 Ḥalal – Kosher and

12 Delta

dad who drowned saving his 15 ‘Go straight home’: B.C. premier concerned 18 Woman from racist video in Coquitlam park

Muslim-Jewish 16 Canada News from July 2019 20 How safe is using a public Washroom?

COVID-19 reshapes Canada Day celebrations from big parties to online shows

Pakistan rejects allegation of exporting 4 Israeli annexation a ‘final nail in the Cof6 Canadians will be allowed to visit EU

3

IOK erupts in protest after Indian troops kill elderly man travelling with 3-year-old grandson At Pg 9

At Pg 6 &

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The child is pictured sitting on his grandfather’s chest.

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Coronavirus Cases:

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10,994,305

524,230

Coronavirus Cases:

Deaths:

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Deaths:

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104,772 2,940

8,642 177

68,347 2,603

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Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

e d i t o r i a l

153rd Canada Day celebrates in different way

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020 this year we celebrated anada’s 153rd birthday in very different and virtual way

C

On this Day the true north remains just as strong but might not feel quite as free with Canada Day celebrations being a little quieter and physically distant as people keep their guard up against COVID-19.

From coast to coast the usual festivities, parades and fireworks that accompany Canada Day have been cancelled in many communities this year because of COVID-19, but Canadians are still finding ways to mark the country’s birthday.

There were plenty of opportunities to show off our national pride throughout the country on Canada Day. As expected, Canadians are going to mark the anniversary with more excitement.

‘Canada Day’ being a federal statutory holiday, is celebrated throughout Canada with full fervour in recognition of the “July 1, 1867 enactment” of the British North Americas Act (BNA), also called “The Constitution Act, 1867.”

Historically speaking, the Canadian founders of confederation were the representatives of the British North America colonies who attended the

three major conferences on Canadian confederation.

Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada on that day. Not only was he the ‘father of confederation,’ but he also drafted two-thirds of the provisions of the BNA creating the ‘Dominion of Canada.’

As a result, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain.The four provinces were created from the former British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.

Currently, Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories.

This Canadian national holiday was enacted in 1879 under the name “Dominion Day.” In fact, the formation of the union of provinces under a new country is the basis of Canada’s July 1 celebration each year.

However, the ‘Dominion Day’ changed into ‘Canada Day’ on October 27, 1982.

The official lyrics “O Canada” were finalized in 1968 by a special joint committee of the Senate and House of Commons.

This day also marks the anniversary of the officially proclaimed “O Canada” as national anthem.

The Royal anthem plays ‘God Save The Queen’ at some festive locations celebrating Canada Day.

The celebrations will be all over Canada. Similarly, Surrey, BC has its own celebration features that include the world-class entertainment, great food, games and amusement rides, and indeed a spectacular fireworks finale.

But this year due to keep social distance limited gathering at public places or homes has been continued and made fun till late night.

Indeed, the event serves as a good bridge to facilitate Muslims to build ties with Canadians of other faiths.

Despite the insurmountable difficulty, a tolerance level among the members of multi-cultural society is a real blessing, as it has been playing a big role in promoting diversity in schools, work places, businesses and academic institutions. Of course, the credit goes to millions of motivated immigrants who kept building this nation to make Canada an attractive country to live peacefully.

Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians celebrate Canada Day in grand style in the nation’s capital flocking to Parliament Hill to join with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, but this year everone missed at Parliament

Hill, even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spent his time at outdoor with his family.

Of course, the Canadians are entitled to celebrate their legacy, pride and opportunities.

In nutshell: Certainly, Canada Day unites all Canadians regardless of creed, culture or ethnicity; it helps us understand the significance of the Canadian life. In other words, it brings us together, strengthens our communities, and helps us understand the significance of the Canadian life.

As Canadian history reflects the wonderful diverse cultural races, the importance of celebrating Canada Day means a lot to all Canadians.

For happy “Canada Day” celebrations, Canadians and the government must be on one page, and the media should play its role without bias to promote love and affection among all.

As the Liberal party of Canada is surviving to resume power, the respect and image of Canada among the international countries is finally normalising faster than previously thought. Credit goes to the Trudeau-government for being really pro-people without bias/discrimination.

Long Live Canada!

Waan laysa lil insaniilla ma’ sa’aa That man can have nothing but what he strives for.

P

RIME MINISTER Imran Khan’s remarks in parliament about Osama bin Laden a few days ago stirred a debate where the most efficient among his party loyalists found it impossible to defend him. The gaffe was just too big, cried out the detractors, who have found little reason to change the rather low view they have held of the PTI chief all along.

Even his biggest supporters in the press corps — who would be found inventing all kinds of explanations to counter the opposition’s assaults — could at best put it down to a slip of the tongue.

Which was rather disappointing, for this was an excellent opportunity for everyone to discuss how much respect we Pakistanis afforded to someone from among the famous company we enjoyed over decades.

Prime Minister Khan, inadvertently, called OBL a ‘shaheed’, to book the prime time slot on channels and social media forums for the next few days. It was only a bigger dilemma, the one that required trained Pakistani minds to think up scenarios of a government without Mr Khan and/or his PTI, which finally pushed the shaheeds into the background.

The survivors for once snatched the attention from the martyrs.

These are not exactly the times for so-called neutral observers to write paragraphs that can be interpreted as favourable to the ‘kaptaan’. The trend is to write about his failures, his unfulfilled promise and about yet one more betrayal of the people by a leader, lest these predictions about his fall come true. Likewise, in a given circle, it would be a very unpopular statement to make if it was to be said that the Pakistani prime

A popular epitaph

minister’s remarks about OBL might for once have represented the sentiment of a large number of his countrymen.

There are countless distressed souls wandering in this vast desert looking for the right ideology. Who is a ‘shaheed’ and who is not?

What would life be without its slips and the small clues these slips drop along the way? I would venture a bold guess and ‘claim’ that the hasty honorific just lavished on OBL sahib by our prime minister reflected the feeling of millions of Pakistanis who have as yet not been able to distinguish between one individual going down at the hands of foreign squads on Pakistani territory from another one taken out by another set of raiders from abroad. They lack the facility and clarity of, say, a Haqqani in choosing the right foreigners to align with at the right time.

There are countless distressed souls wandering in this vast desert looking for the right ideology.

Who is a shaheed and who is not?

The debate is endless, but those holding the gun seem to be winning this one too.

The opponents of the popular shaheed theory on the right of the political landscape are struggling to regain ground. The shaheeds of the left in Pakistan, exterminated as they might have been on the basis of borrowed, extremist foreign notions of religious purification or international conspiracy, do not command the kind of respect they once did.

For the first time in history, there are actually jokes about certain political leaders who are pronounced as ‘living’ and still ruling hearts.

As you observe the 43d anniversary of the coup against Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in two days’ time, you

could mark it with a solemn recognition of the fast accumulation of those martyred by foreign designs on the other side.

This is symptomatic of the Pakistani truth, the Pakistani confusion, if you like. There are huge empty spaces for new actors to occupy and this is where the PTI has come in and done its politics, at a distance from the old players.

Mr Imran Khan has revelled in this space created by the confusion about who is who. He was able to create an option, a seemingly safe one, that could guarantee his followers some violencefree time. That’s his territory. He mustn’t leave it egged on by any false notions about having found new ideals and new ground to stand on.

The opponents are trying to attack the prime minister. Mr Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is passionate in his pleas as he tries to separate and dissociate Prime Minister Khan’s shaheed from his illustrious mother who went down bravely, refusing to cave in to a new oppressive order. The PPP leader is aided by varied levels of enthusiasm by other opposition politicians, which has been a problem in the way of a joint, strong and sustained onslaught on the PTI government.

The opposition effort against the prime minister could actually have been much better coordinated. Its attacks have been sporadic, and quite often it seems that there’s a thought gap between the two biggest parties, the PML-N and PPP. This makes little sense. At this particular moment, for instance, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose efforts have the honourable prime minister mocking him, could well have liked some extra support from the PML-N stalwarts.

It’s a wonder of Pakistani politicians that despite a somewhat loose opposition, the discussion about the future of Mr Imran Khan continues to touch new intensity levels. His own government’s simple follies are ‘seen’ by so many that there is little need for any clever revelations of PTI misrule by the opposition here.

The press, the channels and social media are replete with questions — and in some rare cases answers — about the ability and eligibility of the Imran Khan brand of rule.

There are these discussions about the minus-one formula and about the necessity of having a political heir to Mr Khan.

Not just that, those with bigger intelligence and shorter tempers are once again out to sell their ideas about a technocrat government, a presidential system, and whatever they can think of in their moments of desperation. It’s a puzzle that is not going to yield to easy mathematics, but when you do your calculations and your dislodging and rearranging, keep in mind the countless Pakistanis who were cultivated in these vast political spaces by the current prime minister of Pakistan. You can’t simply hand them over their shaheeds and ask them to leave.

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Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

P A K I S TA N

Imran rubbishes talk of ‘minus one’ formula Pakistan rejects allegation of ‘exporting’ virus

ISLAMABAD: Dismissing increasingly loud opposition chatter about a ‘minus one’ formula, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday vowed to go after “mafias and cartels” and announced that his government was now embarking upon a plan of massive institutional reforms.“This is the only solution available to us to bring Pakistan out of trouble,” Mr Khan said during his second appearance in the National Assembly in five days.

“Reforms are inevitable now. There is no option,” declared the prime minister while addressing an opposition-less house amidst desk-thumping and sloganeering by the treasury members. The speech came soon after completion of the budget process with the passage of supplementary demands for

grants worth Rs544 billion in the absence of the opposition members, who had walked out of the house after having a verbal clash with the treasury members. “There can be no more tinkering with the system. Be ready for drastic changes. Whenever we will go for changes, the beneficiaries of a corrupt order will resist it,” the prime minister said in his 44-minute address. “The money that should have been spent on education, health, clean drinking water, hospitals and on welfare of the poor is being poured into loss-making (state) institutions.”

“The power sector is the biggest curse (for the country). We inherited huge loans in the

To be Continued at page 22

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf on Thursday categorically rejected the allegation that Pakistan has exported the novel coronavirus to different countries, including the United Kingdom, and said any attempt to single out Pakistan would not be allowed.

At a media briefing, he also advised people to behave sensibly and not to travel to Europe without getting Covid-19 test done as it would put the reputation of Pakistan at stake. They should also avoid travelling unnecessarily, he added.

Dr Yusuf said there were some instances in which people got themselves tested at unauthorised labs and were found to be negative.

However, they tested positive after reaching some countries. “I suggest people that they should get themselves tested at the labs authorised by the embassies of different countries because otherwise they can be deported. Recently, there was a hue and cry in the UK that 50 per cent of Covid-19 cases were carried by the people who went there from Pakistan. The fact of the matter is that only 30 passengers were confirmed to have tested positive in the UK and even it cannot be said with surety that they had carried virus from Pakistan because tests are not conducted at

airports of the UK,” he said.

PM’s aide advises people to have tests at labs authorised by embassies “Who knows if those persons had contracted virus at airports of the UK or while going to their house in cabs. I have talked to the British High Commissioner in Islamabad and he informed [me] that the allegation was levelled in media reports and there was nothing from the government side. Similarly, in some other countries only 10 to 12 cases have been detected in people who travelled from Pakistan,” he added.

The SAPM said the country itself conducted tests of every passenger who came to Pakistan till the middle of June, but did not blame any nation for positive cases. Moreover, he said no one appreciated Pakistan for testing every patient........ Source: dawn.com

ment officials failed to realise that pilots are required to sit an exam and renew their licence every six months and they do not necessarily require a degree to operate flights.

He emphasised that the licence and certification are issued to all pilots by the Civil Aviation Authority.

“I had warned the [government] on the floor of the parliament that if you don’t adopt a policy to control the pandemic, you will be isolated like Sweden and some other countries and your citizens won’t be allowed into other countries,” he said.

Source: dawn.com

Allegations by minister ‘whose own degree is fake’ resulted in PIA Europe ban: Bilawal

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday held the PTI government responsible for the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) being barred from operat-

ing flights to European countries, saying the government wants to sell off the national flag carrier’s assets based on “lies”.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he said PIA’s permit to fly to EU countries was suspended because Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan had accused its pilots of holding dubious licences “without any evidence”.“The minister whose own degree is fake ... levelled this type of allegation against our pilots without any evidence [leading to] them being banned across the world. No one has caused this type of damage to PIA in history as this government,” he said, referring to Khan. Bilawal said govern-

UK withdraws PIA permit to operate from Birmingham, London and Manchester airports

The revelation of pilots holding “dubious” licences continued to take its toll as the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority said it was withdrawing the Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) permit to operate from three of its airports and the United Arab Emirates sought to verify the credentials of its Pakistani pilots and engineers.

“PIA flights from Birmingham, London Heathrow and Manchester airports are suspended with immediate effect,” a spokesman for the UK authority told Reuters on Tuesday.

The three were major flying destinations for the airline.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is seeking to verify the credentials of the Pakistani pilots and engineers employed in its airlines after the government grounded 262 pilots for holding “dubious” qualifications.

The director general of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi requested the verification of the credentials of Pakistani pilots, aircraft main-

tenance engineers, and flight operations officers working in the Middle Eastern country in a June 29 letter reviewed by Reuters to Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General Hassan Nasir Jamy.

“We would like to request your good offices to verify the licensing credentials of the attached pilots list who are currently holding UAE’s pilots licences based on licences and qualifications issued by PCAA,” the letter said.

The aviation ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The announcements come on the heels of the European Union Air Safety Agency’s (EASA) decision to suspend PIA’s operations in the bloc for the next six months.

PIA operations suspended in EU states

Earlier on Tuesday, PIA said in a press release that EASA had suspended the airline’s authorisation to operate in the bloc for six months.

“EASA has temporarily suspended PIA’s authorisation to operate to the EU member states for a period of 6 months effective July 1, 2020, with the right to appeal against this decision,” a PIA statement said. It added that PIA would discontinue all its flights to European countries temporarily.

All passengers booked on its flights to European destinations will have the option to either extend their bookings to a later date or get a full refund....

Source: dawn.com

Govt urged not to allow sacrificial cattle markets within city KARACHI: No cattle market should be set He also called upon up within the city and the government must the government to ensure strict implementation of its standard look into the issue operating procedures (SOPs) during Eidul of rampant power Azha, demanded the Pakistan Medical As- outages across the sociation (PMA) and civil society activists city and ensure on Wednesday. routine electricity Speaking at a press conference held at the supplies in the onPMA House, they also demanded a complete going pandemic. lockdown in the city as per WHO recom- Concern over rising cases mendations to prevent spread of Covid-19, tions about the virus and insufficient hospital describing the smart lockdown approach as facilities had caused frustration and panic in ineffective. “We suggest strict implementa- society. “The social media is spreading false tion of SOPs during Eid or else the govern- information that patients shouldn’t be taken ment should get ready for another hard time to hospitals because doctors will declare the like we faced after Ramazan. The govern- patient Covid-19 positive and the family will ment must not allow holding of cattle mar- also be declared coronavirus affected.” kets for sacrificial animals within the city,” Source: dawn.com said Dr Qaiser Sajjad of PMA. Presenting a list of other demands on behalf of the PMA and civil society activists in attendance at the event, he said the government should bear treatment cost of all coronavirus patients at private hospitals in consultation with hospital managements. PMA demands complete lockdown, random coronavirus testing “No medicine/health related items should be sold without the prescription of a qualified (York Business Centre) Surrey. BC V3W 4E8 medical practitioner. The Drug C: 604.817.3022 Regulatory Authority of PakiO: 604.503.5025 stan and healthcare commisFax: 604.503.5045 sions of respective provinces should address the panic and http://www.salimnotary.com/ confusion currently prevailing http://cwics.ca/ in the country relating to the www.cwics.team management of coronavirus,” Emails:salim@salimnotary.com &:cwics.team@yahoo.ca Dr Sajjad noted.

Notary Public Immigration Consultant

Mohamed Salim Contractor Unit #219-7928, 128 St.

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Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020 In

ternational News

Israeli annexation a ‘final nail in the Hong Kong marks handover annivercoffin’ of Palestine sary under shadow of security law

Palestinians in Ramallah demonstrate against Israel’s plan to annex one-third of the West Bank and Jordan Valley.

Ramallah, West Bank - Despite a delay in the long-anticipated declaration of an Israeli plan to annex onethird of the already illegally occupied West Bank, including parts of the strategic Jordan Valley, Palestinians decried the plan with some holding protests in Ramallah and Gaza City.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said in a radio interview on Wednesday the announcement of the annexation plan was not imminent, despite the July 1 date set by the coalition government to start the fiercely opposed process. He instead told the interviewer to refer further questions about the matter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Still, about 150 Palestinian demonstrators gathered on Wednesday evening in the centre of Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, to denounce the plan. They said despite the postponed declaration, annexation was still on the table.

Carrying posters and waving Pales-

tinian flags, the crowds chanted antioccupation slogans such as “Down, down with the occupation”, and “We will resist until full liberation. We will not leave.”

Announced in January as US President Donald Trump’s “Middle East plan,” the proposal wants to establish a demilitarised Palestinian state on a patchwork of disjointed Palestinian territories.

This is history repeating itself. The annexation plan is another Nakba [catastrophe] and Naksa [day of setback].

While Israel’s alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz said last week that annexation should wait until the coronavirus crisis is over, Netanyahu might still go ahead with it.

But Israeli military and intelligence officials have warned the move could cause an uprising in the West Bank, which would be a grave security risk for Israel.

Furthermore, the plan has been met with condemnation by the Palestinian public, their leaders and the global community alike. Source: aljazeera.com

City’s riot police makes arrests as territory’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam says new legislation is ‘lawful, reasonable’.

Hong Kong officials marked the 23rd anniversary of the territory’s return to China on Wednesday hours after Beijing’s imposition of a new national security law that drew defiant protests and international condemnation. Chief Executive Carrie Lam joined her predecessors and other officials at the harbour’s edge for a flag-raising ceremony and a reception for specially-invited guests, as the territory’s annual pro-democracy march was banned for the first time.

In her speech, Lam praised the new law as “the most important development” in the relationship between Beijing and Hong Kong since the 1997 handover, saying it is “necessary and timely” move to restore stability. She defended the legislation, which came into force overnight after being rushed through China’s rubber-stamp parliament

Turkey’s Erdogan arrives in Qatar on first post-coronavirus trip

Over 160,000 coronavirus cases re- Turkish president to hold talks with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during ported every day in past week: WHO Sheikh day-long official visit.

US Congress backs sanctions over China’s Hong Kong security law

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in Qatar for a meeting with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

This is the Turkish president’s first overseas trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement by Turkey’s Communications Directorate on Thursday said the leaders of the two “brotherly and friendly” nations would exchange views on regional and international issues. Among the Turkish delegation accompanying the president in his daylong visit are Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin and National Intelligence Organisation head Hakan Fidan.

The US Congress has approved a bill penalising banks doing business with Chinese officials behind a tough new security law Beijing enacted in Hong Kong this week. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Thursday, a day after the House of Representatives also passed it without opposition, a rare example of overwhelming bipartisan support reflecting concern in Washington over the erosion of autonomy in the former British colony. “This is an urgent moment.

Our timing could not be more critical,” said Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a lead sponsor of the “Hong Kong Autonomy Act,” in a Senate speech urging support for the legislation.

“Through this bill, the US Senate makes

The United States has also ended Hong Kong’s special status under US law, halting defence exports and restricting the territory’s access to high-technology products. The US

The global coronavirus pandemic is accelerating, the World Health Organisation has said, pointing out that June saw more than half of all cases reported since the start of the pandemic.“For the past week, the number of the new cases has exceeded 160,000 on every single day,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing. “Sixty per cent of all cases so far have been reported just in the past month,” he said.Tedros reiterated that taking a “comprehensive approach” was the best way to rein in the virus.

Source: dawn.com

clear which side we are on” said Republican Senator Pat Toomey, who also introduced the measure.

The bill would impose sanctions on entities that help violate Hong Kong’s autonomy and financial institutions that do business with them.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, speaking in Beijing, warned the United States against signing or implementing the bill approved Thursday.

“Otherwise China will resolutely and forcefully resist,” he said.

China has already announced visa restrictions against the US “individuals who have behaved egregiously” on matters concerning Hong Kong.

as “constitutional, lawful, sensible and reasonable”. In a press briefing following the ceremony, Zhang Xiaoming, the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, said suspects arrested under the law would be tried in the mainland, adding that Hong Kong’s legal system could not be expected to implement the laws of the mainland.

Spreading “rumours” and “directing hatred” towards the Hong Kong police Among transgressions could be among transgressions potentially prosecuted and punished under the new law, he said. Amid threats of possible arrest, protesters gathered near the conference centre where the ceremony was held, carrying banners and shouting their opposition to the new law, which seeks to punish crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with punishments including life in prison.

Source: aljazeera.com

Ankara and Doha have enjoyed strong relations, particularly since the Gulf crisis erupted on June 5, 2017, when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt imposed a blockade on Qatar and severed diplomatic relations.

The blockading countries stopped many vital exports to Qatar, including basic food supplies. To avoid potential food shortages, Turkey sent cargo planes full of essential food items to Qatar within less than 48 hours of the start of the blockade.In 2016, when hundreds of people were killed in a failed coup in Turkey, the Qatari emir was the first world leader to call Erdogan and express support to his government.

The two countries have also strengthened military ties, with Turkey maintaining a military base in Qatar since 2015 - and the two sides’ armies carrying out joint military drills in recent years. Source: aljazeera.com

Department of State meanwhile said it will bar officials responsible for rights abuses in Hong Kong from entering the country.

Source: aljazeera.com

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Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

f a i t h Narrated `Aisha: A group of people said to the Prophet, “Some people bring us meat and we do not know whether they have mentioned Allah’s Name or not on slaughtering the animal.”

He said, “Mention Allah’s Name on it and eat.” Those people had embraced Islam recently. Sahih al-Bukhari 5507

Halal – Kosher and Muslim-Jewish Mutual Understanding

By Rabbi Allen S Maller Aug 27,

I

2018 slam shares with Judaism the unwavering assertion that only the One God is to be worshipped; no would-be deity is to be tolerated. Any spiritual being supposedly independent from God is an imaginary god, leading mankind away from true understanding. This one true Detarian heresies), or due to their distortions ity is to be cherished and His guidance/ and misunderstandings.’ commandments faithfully adhered to.

Medieval Muslim scholar Al-Biruni (973The Torah states: 1048 CE) is a remarkable exception. In Then God spoke these words [to the Chil- Biruni’s well known book on the Hindu dren of Israel through Moses]: I am the Lord religion (with its numerous statues of nuyour God … you shall have no other gods merous gods) he states, “This book is not a before me. … You shall not bow down to polemical one. I shall not produce the arguthem or worship them; for I the Lord your ments of our antagonists (just) in order to God am a jealous God, punishing ..those refute them… I shall place before the reader who reject me but showing steadfast love the theories of the Hindus exactly as they to … those who love me and keep my com- are.” mandments. [Bible, Exodus, 20:1-6] The second way is the modern academic The Quran is equally absolute on this point: way that treats all religions as equal, seeHe [alone] is God, the One, besides whom ing them, one and all, solely the result of there is no other God—[the Sole] Knower human perceptions, ideas and experiences. of the [realms of all the] unseen and the By this approach, no religion can be true, seen. … He [alone] is God. There is no God except to its believers, because all of them but Him… [Surah Al-Ḥashr, 59:22-23] are solely the creation of human beings.

Islam shares with Judaism the story of Mo- This was the firm belief of the well known ses and Aaron in Bani Israel’s ordeal with scholar of Islam [“Orientalist”] I first studthe Pharoah of Egypt. In one of the Quran’s ied with in 1960 at UCLA, namely, G. E. several recountings of these events (Surah Von Grunebaum.

Yûnûs, 10:75-93), Moses indicates the con- The third way is the least practiced way cept of obeying the guidance/command- because it requires that scholars of religion ments of God employing these terms: have both a firm commitment to their own Thus Moses said: O my people! If you have religious teaching and that they then use believed in God, then rely on Him [alone], their own religious commitments and exif, indeed, you are muslims, in willing sub- periences to help them understand the remission to Him [alone]. So they said: Upon ligious experiences and truths to be found God [alone] do we rely. Our Lord! Subject in other religious traditions. In the case of us not to a trial [of defeat] to [tempt] the Islam and Judaism the harmony between wrongdoing people [to exult in their unbe- the two is readily evident. lief]. Rather, deliver us by Your mercy from We follow the third option. This requires the disbelieving people. [Surah Yûnûs, the ability to grasp the harmony beyond tra10:84-86] ditional differences by seeing them in the At the end of this passage, Prophet Muham- larger context of Allah’s statement in the mad —born into a pagan [jahiliyyah] Arab Qur’an: culture, and not one brought up in Jewish “To each of you We prescribed a law and a learning— is told, method. Had Allah willed, He would have So if you, [O Muhammad,] are in doubt made you one nation [united in religion], about what We have sent down to you, ask but [Allah intended] to test you in what He those who have read [the Holy] Scripture has given you; so race to [compete by do[that came] before you. Most surely, the ing] good. To Allah you all return together, [essence of] truth has come to you from and He will [then] inform you concerning your Lord. So do not be of those who doubt that over which you used to differ.” (Surat [it]. [Surah Yûnûs, 10:94] Al-Mâ’idah, 5:48) The way of life revealed in Islam is in har- Muslims and Jews should be able to grasp mony with what was given to Moses and the philosophical harmony between their the Jewish prophets.

Scriptures despite their differences of deOne of the aspects of our lives that God has tail —in recognition of the fact that both the seen fit to regulate is our diet. Both Mus- Torah (Tawrah) and the Quran come from lims and Jews have been given dietary re- the same one source of religious inspirastrictions, which are stated within our holy tion [wâḥy], that Source being God, the one Books.

Creator of all.

The differences and the similarities be- A Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira reports: tween the laws of Ḥalal and Kashrut/Ko- Allah’s Apostle said, “The prophets are pasher teach us about Islam and Judaism as ternal brothers; their mothers are different, separate world religions. But they also help but their religion is one” (Bukhari) today’s Muslims and Jews understand and So all prophets of the One God have one orrespect each other as followers of prophets igin or ‘father,’ so to speak, Allah; but they sent by the same one God. have different mothers, mother tongues, There are three ways to compare different motherlands, etc. religions: There would be no need then for the prophOne way is the Medieval polemical style: ets —who came during different historical ‘My way is true and any differences be- periods— to try to make uniform or harmotween my way and other ways is due to the nize the ritual or legal practices they were other ways being wrong/false, deviant (sec-

teaching to their own communities because these are what make each national or tribal community a unique religious community.

In fact, the Quran emphasizes that those who worship the One God have always been functionally muslims, apart from the label “Jew,” “Christian,” or “Muslim.”

O People of the Scripture! Why do you argue [with us] about [your claim that] Abraham [was a Jew or a Christian], while the Torah [of Moses] and the Evangel [of Jesus] were not sent down until after him [Abraham]? …

Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian.

Rather, he was a [believer, purely] upright [in heart], a muslim, in willing submission to God [alone] … Indeed, the people most worthy of [tracing their faith back to] Abraham are surely those who follow him [in willing submission to God alone] … [Surah Âl ‘Irân, 3:65-68] Thus, Jews and Christians are functionally “muslim” when they, and their faithful community, all have the same wholehearted and exclusive commitment to the one God (monotheism); but members of the Islamic community are truly and fully Muslims (with a capital “M”) only if they are committed to submitting to God and if they practice the Muslim way, because that is what makes their own religious community unique. This is also true for Jews.

That is why I think of myself as a muslim Jew i.e. a faithful Jew submitting to the will of the one and only God, in keeping with the fact that I am a faithful Reform Jewish Rabbi.

As a believing Jew I am faithful to the covenant that the one God made with Abraham – the original ancestor of the Jews and himself functionally a ‘muslim’— and I also submit to the covenant and its commandments that God made with Abraham’s descendants, the people of Israel under Moses at Mount Sinai

[ called Tûr in the Quran).

As a Reform Rabbi I believe that Jewish spiritual leaders should be open to interpreting Jewish tradition flexibly, as social and historical circumstances change and develop. I also believe we should not make religion difficult for people to practice by accepting the increasing number of restrictions added to the commandments we received at Mount Sinai.

These are lessons that Prophet Muhammad taught 12 centuries before the rise of Reform Judaism in early 19th century Germany.

Most Jews today are no longer Orthodox Jews. But suppose that the Jews of Muhammad’s time had followed the lead of prophet Muhammad—who lived and taught among some of them. Then [the equivalent of] Reform Judaism would have started 1,400 years ago instead of less than two centuries ago. In actuality, “Reform Judaism” would not have been necessary. We would have, simply, “Judaism”!

I believe that Muhammad was a prophet, sent not only to the pagan Arabs of his time, but also to the Orthodox Jews of his day.

From my perspective as a Reform Jewish Rabbi, Muhammad was a prophet of what is equivalent to today’s Reform Judaism, although he was 1,200 years ahead of his time.

During the six centuries between the birth of Jesus and the arrival of Muhammad in Yathrib, the city of Jews (Medina), almost all Jews had become what we can equate with today’s Orthodox Jews.

Here is what had happened historically, causing Orthodox Rabbis to add restrictions above and beyond those given by God to Moses. After the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 CE, the percentage of Jews —living as a minority throughout the Middle East, and in countries around the Mediterranean Sea— steadily rose higher and higher. In reaction to the risk of Jews assimilating into the polytheistic majority, Orthodox Rabbis added many extra prohibitions to Jewish law as a protective measure so as to keep Jews separate from all idol-worshipping, poly-

To be Continued at page 7

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver

June 19- July 3, 2020 Shawwal 28 -Zul Qaedah 13 , 1441 H Isl. Dt. Day Date Fajar

13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tue 18 Wed 19 Thus 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thus 27 Fri

Sunr

DhuhrDhuhr Asar Shafi Zawal Asar

Maghrib

Isha

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

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&

In t

How the country’s top doc is spending Can- COVID-19 reshapes Canada Day celeada Day and how she thinks you should too brations from big parties to online shows

TORONTO -- As Canadians celebrate a toned-down Canada Day this year, the country’s top doctor is reminding everyone to continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines she’s observing while enjoying the holiday. While she’s spending some of the day at work, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam also hoped to celebrate Canada’s birthday by going outside for a run.

“The thing I love about Canada, when I arrived in Canada, was the great, amazing, and epic outdoors,” she told CTV News Channel on Wednesday. “I’m a runner so I’m going to try and do a little bit of exercise if I can and practise what I preach, really, to maintain all of that good public health advice.”

That “good public health advice” Tam is referring to includes gathering virtually, wearing a face mask whenever it’s difficult to maintain physical distance, frequent hand washing, meeting in social “bubbles,” and staying home when sick.

“Virtual is best, but certainly stay within your household or family bubble,” she said.

“Boat together in your bubble, commute within your bubble, barbecue within your bubble. It’s the safest.”

With more than 27,000 active cases of COV-

OTTAWA -- Large celebrations were replaced in many parts of the nation with backyard gatherings and digital events as Canadians marked a Canada Day unlike any other in the country’s 153-year history.

It has been almost four months since governments ordered businesses closed and urged Canadians to stay home to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus with restrictions only recently being eased.

Heading into Canada Day, the country had 104,204 reported cases of COVID-19, including 8,591 deaths and 67,954 recoveries, based on figures updated late Tuesday by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Millions have either lost their jobs or seen cuts to their earnings, while government spending has skyrocketed to provide emergency relief -- planned federal spending alone now tops $174 billion. Demand has also jumped for social services, such as food banks.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spent part of his morning with his family harvesting broccoli at a farm operated by the Ottawa Food Bank. The organization said demand has levelled out since an initial surge, but it now expects another large spike in need once recipients max out payments through the $80-billion Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Speaking afterward, Trudeau noted the difficult circumstances many people found themselves in this year, such as families separated from loved ones, including front-line

tact tracing, and how reliable each nation’s data is. The U.S. has not only the highest number of reported coronavirus infections of any nation, currently 2,590,582, but also the highest number of deaths, at 126,141, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University.

Earlier this week, it was reported that at least 16 U.S. states were halting plans to reopen, as reported COVID-19 infections surged across the country.

The European Union list is expected to be reviewed every two weeks, however, EU diplomats were eager to stress on Tuesday that it was “highly unlikely” the criteria for inclusion would be altered.

Source: ctvnews.ca

Dr. Tam said that in order for COVID-19 to “die out” in Canada, effective reproduction number (Rt) — the average number of people infected by each case—needs to remain below one, and Canada’s Rt rate has been less than one for eight weeks.

Tam also cautioned that outbreaks have recently been linked to social gatherings, particularly in closed settings with close contacts like funerals or other family gatherings. She is advising people to limit the number of close contacts people have and avoid enclosed and crowded spaces.

“You should ask yourself if you do test positive, consider that the fewer people that you have contact with, the quicker and easier it will be for public health to trace them all down and interrupt chains of transmission to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control,” she said.

Going forward she said the capacity for contact tracing and isolating new cases will need to continue to increase. Over time the testing rates and case detection have sped up, though Canada is still only testing on average of 38,000 people daily, when Tam has previously said the target is closer to 60,000.

Source: ctvnews.ca

want to stress going forward” Wardley said.

It was the third large-scale demonstration in Lethbridge since the death of George Floyd in the United States, which sparked protests around the globe.“Racism for sure is an issue in Canada, I don’t think we talk enough about it,” Wardley stated.

“I know for myself growing up I dealt with it, my sister dealt with it, there are so many people here in this community that have dealt with it, but haven’t had a voice or a way to express themselves for so many years.”

Source: ctvnews.ca

Canadians will be allowed to visit EU countries soon while Americans have to wait measures countries are taking, such as con-

‘Hotspots’ linger, more young people getting COVID-19: new modelling OTTAWA -- New national modelling on the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada shows that “hotspots” remain in Ontario and Quebec, and the percentage of younger people contracting the virus has increased in proportion to a decrease in older patients in the last month.

Federal health officials are projecting that as of July 12 the country could see between 103,940 and 108,130 cases, and between 8,545 and 8,865 deaths.

To-date there are 103,818 confirmed Canadian COVID-19 cases, of which 64 per cent have recovered, while there have been 8,566 deaths. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam and Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo provided a revised picture of the current epidemic in this country on Monday.

The latest federal figures indicate that the two main hotpots remain around Toronto and Montreal, as well as in pockets of Saskatchewan and southern Ontario, but that overall Canada’s experience with the novel coronavirus has been a case of regional epidemics, with some provinces and territories going weeks now without new cases.

The health officials said that the daily numbers of hospitalized and critical care cases are also steadily declining as recoveries increase. The modelling also shows that while there has been a steep decline in transmission among older age groups, there has been a relative increase in Canadians aged 20-39 contracting COVID-19 since late May. “As the epidemic has slowed the incident rate has steadily declined in all age groups.

But the decline has been relatively slow in younger age groups... Individuals under the age of 40 now account for a greater proportion of total cases in recent weeks,” Tam said.

health workers.

He pointed to a Canada Day one year into the Second World War when there was a message of hope and opportunity for the country in the face of a crisis.

“That was the reality our parents and grandparents were called to face. That was the challenge to which they rose and this is the country they built,” Trudeau said, standing alongside his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.

“On this Canada Day, it is our turn. We must now restart and rebuild a Canada for the 21st century.” That included ongoing efforts at reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde called on the country to work as one to close gaps that exist between Indigineous and non-Indigenous people.

“This is a collective challenge, one that I feel Canadians are embracing,” he said in recorded remarks. “I have faith that our best days as First Nations and as country are ahead of us.” Source: ctvnews.ca

ID-19 in the country, Tam also took the opportunity to remind Canadians the coronavirus hasn’t been eradicated yet.

“Right now, overall in Canada, we have passed the peak of this first wave and we’re well on our way down the other side of the curve, but the virus is still with us and so we cannot let our guard down,” she explained.

“There are hotspots around the country. It hasn’t left.” Tam said she expects to see more outbreaks as more businesses reopen and some Canadians return to the office in the coming weeks. “The key is to sort of jump on those cases and find those contacts really fast, do good testing, and keep those numbers down,” she said. “The best-case scenario is a series of these little bumps that we can actually manage to control across the country.”

As for how long Canadians will have to adhere to these guidelines, Tam said there’s no way to know for sure, but the only way to prevent further spread of the virus is for everyone to work together.

“I do want to wish everybody a happy and safe Canada Day, go out as safe as you can,” she said. “This is a marathon and not a sprint.” Source: ctvnews.ca The European Union has formally agreed to a set of recommendations that will allow travellers from outside the bloc to visit EU countries, months after it shut its external borders in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. As had been widely expected, the list of 14 countries does not include the United States, whose current infection rate does not meet the criteria set by the EU for it to be considered a “safe country.”

The criteria requires that confirmed COVID-19 cases in countries on the list are similar or below that of the EU’s per 100,000 citizens over the previous 14 days (starting from June 15). Countries must also have a “stable or decreasing trend of new cases over this period in comparison to the previous 14 days,” while the EU will consider what

Rally brings people from all backgrounds together to fight to end racism CALGARY -- A big crowd turned out Saturday, to march from the Multicultural Centre through the city’s downtown to Galt Gardens as part of the One Community, Together peace rally against racism.

Former University of Lethbridge Pronghorn men’s hockey player Evan Wardley organized the rally to coincide with Canadian Multiculturalism Day, with help from various places like the City of Lethbridge, where human resources specialist in diversity and inclusion Tymmarah Mackie assisted. The goal was to bring together people from different backgrounds to show that while racism remains a problem in Canada, the Lethbridge community is committed to stomping it out. Wardley, a black hockey player from Vulcan who’s played various levels of hockey in Lethbridge over the years, says it’s about seeing everybody as equal and treating them with respect.

“It’s about looking around and not judging someone just because of how they look or what they’re wearing. You’re accepting them for who they are, and that’s the message I

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f a i t h

Halal – Kosher and Muslim-Jewish Mutual Understanding Continued from page 5

theistic pagans. Thus, most Jews became increasingly strict in the observance of the laws of Kashrut (“Kosher” dietary restrictions).

Orthodox Rabbis, unfortunately, did not follow the principle that would become the example of Muhammad as narrated by his wife Aisha: “Whenever Allah’s Apostle was given the choice of one of two matters, he would choose the easier of the two, as long as it was not sinful to do so, but if it was sinful to do so, he would not approach it.”

Aisha also said: “Whenever Allah’s Apostle ordered the Muslims to do something, he used to order them to do deeds which were easy for them to do.” (Bukhari) Regarding adding to the commandments given by God, the Torah of Moses unmistakably prohibits tampering with what has been given: “So now, Israel,” [said Moses], “give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe… You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you. … You must diligently observe everything that I command you; do not add to it or take anything from it.” (Bible, Deuteronomy 4:1-2 and 12:32) Nevertheless, over the centuries Orthodox Rabbis added many restrictions to the laws of prohibited activities on the grounds that this was building a protective fence around the Torah’s laws.

Also, whenever Orthodox Rabbis were in doubt as to whether an animal had been slaughtered correctly according to Jewish law, or whether one could eat a newly discovered species of bird, Orthodox Rabbis ruled it ‘prohibited.’ They were not guided by what would subsequently become Muhammad’s principle, as narrated by Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas:

The Prophet said,

“The most sinful person among the Muslims is the one who asked about something which had not been prohibited, but which then became prohibited because of his asking.” (Bukhari) Thus, when we compare Jewish and Muslim laws about daily food consumption, we will find they are very similar to each other in basic principles, with the Orthodox Jewish specific restrictions being more numerous and extensive. Of the major world religions, Christianity is the only one that has no everyday dietary restrictions. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism all have a religious system of daily dietary prescriptions.

Governing our dietary intake, the general religious principle is that personal selfcontrol is best learned through overcoming the daily temptations we all have to face in satisfying our appetites and desires for food and drink. That said, there are specific restrictions for Muslims as well as for Jews.

Here is a summary of the similarities and differences between Ḥalal and Kosher. Ḥalal and Kosher: Ḥalal in Arabic means ‘permissible’ or ‘lawful.’ Kosher in Hebrew means ‘proper or fit to eat.’ Ḥalal is a general term for all that is permissible according to Islamic law. The term designates not only foods that are permissible according to Islamic law, but also all matters of daily life.

Kosher foods are those that conform to the regulations of Kashrut, the Orthodox Jewish dietary law. However, many Jews also use the term “un-kosher” to describe unfit social, moral and ethical behavior.

Preparing the meat of an animal through

slaughter has rules: In both Jewish and Muslim law slaughtering must be swift and at a single point on the throat; then, blood has to be completely drained. The basic principle as stated for Muslims is this: Forbidden to you is that which dies of itself, blood, pig flesh, that on which any other name than that of Allah has been invoked, the strangled (animal), that beaten to death, that killed by a fall, that killed by being smitten with the horn, and that which wild beasts have eaten, except what you slaughter, and what is sacrificed on stone (alters) set up (for idols)… (Surah Al-Mâ’idah, 5:3 and Surah Al-An’âm, 6:145) All of these Islamic prohibitions are similarly found in the Written Law of Moses and the Oral Law of the rabbinic tradition. Ḥalal slaughter requires a formulaic prayer /statement of intent (“In the Name of God”) before every slaughter, so as to conform to the prescriptions of God. Orthodox Jewish Kashrut requires a holy intention to slaughter according to God’s commandments; but does not require a specific audible prayer before each act of slaughter.

Eat of that over which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if ye are believers in His revelations. (Surah Al-An’âm, 6:118) For meat to be Ḥalal for a Muslim, the person doing the slaughtering must be a religious Muslim and for meat to be Kosher for a Jew, the animal must be slaughtered by a religious Jew. Although the rules for slaughter seem to be the same for both religions, they are not identical. The terms by which a Muslim’s slaughter is carried out apply also to Jewish slaughters, for the Qur’an explicitly states: The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.

(Surah Al-Mâ’idah, 5:5) Thus it is clear from Surah Al-Mâ’idah that eating meat from a Christian or Jewish butcher is lawful (Ḥalal ) for Muslims.

However for this properly slaughtered meat to be lawful, the Christian or Jewish butcher must be a practicing Christian or Jew. Now in the case of Orthodox Jews this is easy. As long as the Jew is a practicing Jew, and the meat is slaughtered in accordance with Jewish law (Torah Kashrut), then this meat and all other Kosher foods are lawful (Ḥalal ) to Muslims and can be eaten by them without reservation.

But in the case of Christian butchers, the main issue is that Muslims in the West are very unlikely to come across a practicing Christian who is following the teachings of Prophet Jesus, who said about the Divine commandments in the Torah of Prophet Moses: ”Whoever annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (Orthodox Jews), you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

(Matthew 5:19-20) Almost all Christians eat pork. It is impossible to find a Christian butcher that does not have pork in his or her shop. Most slaughter houses and meat processing plants also process pork. Many animal by-products in the West contain pork.

Therefore most Islamic scholars advise that Muslims should not buy meat from shops that also sell pork or pork by-products. Thus only Kosher foods, that require strict avoidance of any contact —direct or indirect— with pork products, are considered Ḥalal / kosher/ fit for Muslims.

Thus we can see that in the modern world, where millions of Muslims live as a minori-

ty within Christian lands, two developments have occurred.

Muslims can rely on Kosher food, but not on non-kosher food products, other than those Ḥalal.

Orthodox Jews still cannot use Ḥalal food, but the majority of Jews, who are no longer Orthodox, and who now have a diet that is much closer to Ḥalal than to strict Orthodox Kashrut, can and should use Ḥalal # # #

Source: aljumuah.com/halal-kosher Note: Rabbi Maller’s website is: <www.rabbimaller.com> Allen Maller is an ordained Reform Jewish Rabbi who retired in 2006 after 39 years as the Rabbi of Temple Akiba in Culver City, California, He has published over 150 articles about Islamic-Jewish connections — on both Islamic and Jewish web sites.

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B C

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B.C. families get additional $450 with boosted climate action tax credit

Starting this week, more than 80% of families and individuals in British Columbia will automatically receive an enhanced climate action tax credit.

“Many British Columbians are still worried about how they can cover costs such as transportation so they can return to work, pay for groceries and find day camps for their children,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “The enhanced climate action tax credit puts extra money in the pockets of British Columbians for their household expenses and to spend at local businesses.

This is a needed boost as we work together to restart the economy.”

Eligible individuals will receive up to $218, children will receive up to $64 in a one-time increase and a family of four will receive up to $564. That is a $174.50 boost for individuals, a $51.25 increase for children and a lift of $451.50 for a family of four – double the

annual amount eligible households would have received prior to B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan.

Prior to B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan, the scheduled July payment was up to $43.50 per adult and up to $12.75 per child. An eligible family of four was set to receive up to $112.50.

The enhanced credit is part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan that is helping make sure people and businesses have the support they need while B.C. works through its restart plan. The plan includes the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers that was recently expanded to include workers whose jobs were affected by COVID-19 between March 1 and March 15.

British Columbians will receive the climate action tax credit along with their federal GST/HST returns. Those who are eligible for the enhanced benefit will automatically

receive it if they have completed their B.C. 2019 income tax return.

CleanBC is the province’s pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus, and supports the commitment to the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Learn More: To learn more about the supports and services available for people, businesses and communities through the pandemic, visit:

http://gov.bc.ca/covid19 For additional information about the onetime increase to the climate action tax credit, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/income-taxes/personal/credits/climate-action Source: /news.gov.bc.ca/

Surrey celebrates first ever virtual Canada Day to celebrate national and civic pride Surrey Canada Day, presented by Coast Capital Savings, took place virtually this year to celebrate Canada’s 153rd birthday. Viewers enjoyed performances by over 25 performers including headlining acts Colin James, 54-40, Bif Naked and Alex Cuba. The fourhour virtual celebration surpassed 45,000 views on Facebook and YouTube Live.

“Surrey Canada Day has continued to be one of the most recognized representations of national pride in the Lower Mainland,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “Although this year’s celebrations were different, we were able to bring the community together virtually to celebrate our nation while still keeping everyone safe and healthy.”

Hosted by four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser, the free familyfriendly virtual event saw participation from the community, the City of Surrey’s Muse-

Last week Premier Horgan and Dr. Henry announced that B.C. is now moving carefully into Phase 3 of our Restart Plan. This is the result of a lot of hard work, dedication and patience by everyone as we have followed the advice of our Provincial Health Officer over the last several months. You can find out more about Phase 3 here.

As we restart and begin to rebuild our economy, we are making sure that people and businesses have the support they need. There are bound to be some challenges along the way, but we are committed to keeping people safe and healthy, and helping them get back to work.

MLAs returned to the Legislature last week – some virtually, and some, like myself, were there in person – to continue working on B.C.’s economic recovery. On Monday, our government announced that the pandemic supports

um, Heritage and Performing Arts Centres.

Additional programming included musical entertainment, special guest features, Indigenous and cultural acts, virtual tours, a Family Hour for kids and seniors, kid’s craft-making, dance lessons, a rodeo tribute, and personalized photos and videos shared from residents across Surrey and the Lower Mainland.

“This year’s City of Surrey Virtual Canada Day event reminded us all about the importance of community connection and coming together to celebrate our wonderfully diverse country,” said Maureen Young, Director, Community Leadership, Coast Capital Savings. “This is a particular time in history that demands us, individually and as a community, to reflect on who we are as Canadians and who we aspire to be. The City’s virtual event gave us the opportunity to do

just that while also celebrating our strong, resilient and beautiful nation.”

The broadcast payed tribute to those affected by COVID-19 and honoured local frontline health care workers and essential service providers. Additionally, Virtual Surrey Canada Day worked alongside corpo-

Phase 3 of our Restart Plan.

for children with special needs and youth aging out of care will continue throughout the summer until September 30. This will help families and youth through this time of transition.

On Wednesday, we extended the eligibility for the BC Emergency Benefit for Workers to now include people whose jobs were impacted by COVID-19 as early as March 1, an additional two weeks from the original date of March 15. More information about this benefit can be found here.

We know that even before the pandemic, the economy wasn’t working for everyone. Nobody wants to go back to that. As we rebuild B.C.’s economy, we are making sure that our “new normal” won’t leave anyone behind. We will make sure those who were hit hardest by the pandemic – including Indigenous people, new Canadians, women, young

people, and people earning less than $30/hour – get the support and opportunities they need. Everyone deserves the chance to learn, work, and build a secure future.

Surrey-Whalley Constituency Office 10574 King George Blvd., Surrey, B.C. V3T 2X3 P : (604) 586-2740 | F : (604) 586-2800 Email: bruce.ralston.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.bruceralstonmla.ca Facebook: /SWHMLAOffice Do you have any ideas that the provincial government should hear regarding B. C’s economic recovery? They are asking for feedback in their latest survey, you have until July 21st to share your ideas on B.C.’s economic recovery.

If you have any questions or need any assistance with provincial supports, please reach out.

rate sponsors to raise $10,000 for the Surrey Food Bank to support the City’s vulnerable population.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

By: Mary Rukavina Manager, Special Events & Filming

My office has fully reopened to the public and my staff are available to help you or answer yourquestions Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm.

Sincerely,

Bruce Ralston, MLA Surrey - Whalley

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K A S H M IR

IOK erupts in protest after Indian troops kill elderly man travelling with 3-year-old grandson Disclaimer: The photo below on the right contains sensitive

Kumar told reporters.

Hundreds assembled at content which some people may find disturbing. the man’s funeral near The child is pictured sitting on his grandfather’s chest. the main city of Srinagar shouting, “We want freedom”. Government forces have intensified counterinsurgency operations against Kashmiri fighters since a coronavirus lockdown was imposed in March.

Since January, at least 229 people have been killed during over 100 military operations across occupied Kashmir, including 32 civilHundreds of people in occupied Kashmir on his chest. “Locals said that he [Khan] ians, 54 government forces and 143 fighters, staged protests on Wednesday, accusing gov- was brought out of his car and shot dead by according to the Coalition of Civil Society ernment forces of killing an elderly man in the forces,” Farooq Ahmed, a nephew of the (JKCCS), a rights group. front of his minor grandson during a gun deceased man told AFP. “They told us that Condemnations pour in battle with Kashmiri fighters, which also left someone in uniform then put the child on Reacting to the incident, Amnesty India said his chest as he lay dead on the road and took that officials had violated the law by a trooper dead.

The Kashmiri fighters opened fire from a photographs,” Farooq Ahmed said. disclosing the identity of the minor. mosque attic in the northern town of Sopore, The photo of the child sat on the body of his “It is also a breach of the ‘best intersetting off a battle with security forces, para- dead grandfather was widely shared on so- ests of the child’ principle as required military police spokesperson Junaid Khan cial media. to be the basis of any action by autold AFP. The family of Bashir Ahmed Khan Paramilitary spokesman Khan said the alle- thorities under the Convention on the alleged that he was dragged out of his car gation was “baseless”. Police also denied the Rights of the Child, to which India is after the showdown and shot dead by para- claims, saying legal action would be taken a state party.” for “false reports and rumours”. military troopers.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood His three-year-old grandson, who was trav- “There was no retaliation from the security Qureshi said that the image of the elling with him, was later pictured sitting forces,” Inspector General of Police Vijay three-year-old sitting on his grandfa-

ther’s “lifeless, bullet-ridden body” exposed the real face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “fascist India”.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the killing.

In a tweet, he said: “Widespread human rights abuses by fascist Modi govt constitute an acid test for the international community.”

Source: dawn.com

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10

Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

C U RRE N T

AFFAIR S

Canada extends ban on foreign travellers to July 31

OTTAWA -- The Canadian government has extended the current ban on most international travellers until July 31.

The federal government first shut the border to non-Canadian citizens, with limited exceptions, to limit the spread of COVID-19 in mid-March. The extension on the foreign travel ban was made through a federal order recommended by Health Minister Patty Hajdu, dated June 29.

The ban allows permanent Canadian residents, the immediate family members of Canadian citizens, as well as diplomats and air crews, to come into Canada, though anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 will still not be allowed to enter Canada.

“The introduction or spread of the disease would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada, the entry of persons into Canada who have recently been in a foreign country may introduce or contribute to the spread of the disease in Canada,

and no reasonable alternatives to prevent the introduction or spread of the disease are available,” reads the government’s reasoning for the ongoing ban, in part.

This ban exempts the United States, which entered into a separate agreement with Canada shortly after the halt on all other foreign travel. The U.S. travel restrictions have been renewed until July 21 at least, meaning that all discretionary travel remains prohibited.

“To protect Canadians and to ease the potential burden non-essential travellers could place on our health care system and its frontline workers, the CBSA has implemented travel restrictions across all ports of entry in all modes of transportation… All travel of an optional or discretionary nature, including tourism and recreation, is covered by these measures,” said Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson Rebecca Purdy in an email.

This decision to extend the ban comes af-

OTTAWA -- The coming into effect of the new North American Free Trade Agreement and the cross-border collaboration in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 were the focus of statements of well-wishes from U.S. officials on Canada Day. “As countries around the world face the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to see our partnership with Canada in action. We have engaged in joint efforts to protect Canadians and Americans, and witnessed the dedication and service of frontline workers on both sides of the border,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement.

The Canada-U.S. border has been closed to non-essential travel since mid-March and is set to stay that way until July 21 at least, as a number of states are now seeing massive spikes in new COVID-19 cases, while the epidemic in Canada has slowed considerably, outside of a few ongoing “hotspots.”

In a separate statement, U.S. Charge d’Affaires Richard Mills—who represents the U.S. Embassy on behalf of incoming ambassador Aldona Wos—leaned on the importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship in facing the global pandemic.

“Officials in both countries have been in constant contact to manage the threat on

ter the European Union agreed to a set of recommendations that will allow travellers from other nations, including Canada, to visit EU countries. The United States did not make the list of safe countries.

Last week Global Affairs Canada issued a reminder to Canadians that despite some countries partially reopening their borders, the national advice remains to avoid all nonessential travel outside of the country.

The mandatory 14-day self-isolation for any

non-essential worker entering Canada remains in effect, as do all other aspects of the Quarantine Act. To help Canadians stuck abroad, the government offered travellers an emergency loan of up to $5,000 to get home, and after chartering flights to repatriate stranded Canadians the department says the “final few” flights will be scheduled in the coming weeks, with no further trips planned.

Source: .ctvnews.ca

U.S. officials tout new NAFTA, COVID-19 teamwork in Canada Day messages

both sides of the border as well as help combat the virus globally,” Mills said.

During his Canada Day address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also made note of the vastly different circumstances under which this national holiday is being celebrated.

“This year is unlike any other,” Trudeau said.

NOTING NEW NAFTA Both statements also touched on the landmark occasion of the new trilateral trade pact CUSMA or USMCA, depending on which side of the border you are on, coming into effect.

As of July 1 the renegotiated NAFTA is now to rework the trilateral trade agreement bein effect, three years after talks first began tween Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Source: .ctvnews.ca

Bolton implores Canada to ‘bear with’ U.S. on Meng extradition

a country like Canada now, imagine how it will treat Canada when its influence around the world has expanded,” Bolton said.

As The Associated Press has reported, Bolton’s book details his time in the White House, and includes several allegations including a claim that Trump asked China for help winning the upcoming presidential election.

Bolton also writes that Trump made matters worse by implying that Meng’s extradition OTTAWA -- John Bolton, the former na- could be used as a bargaining chip in trade tional security adviser to U.S. President negotiations.

Donald Trump is imploring Canada to “bear with” the United States when it comes to the ‘BIG MISTAKE’ TO RELEASE MENG extradition proceedings of Huawei executive Asked if the Trump administration was usMeng Wanzhou. Bolton says, despite the on- ing Canada by asking the Trudeau governgoing and “clearly” political detention of Ca- ment to act on the U.S. extradition order and nadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, arrest Meng in Canada in order for Trump there shouldn’t be a “prisoner swap” some to have leverage with China, Bolton said Trump was the only one in the administraare suggesting.

“I know Canada’s being abused now. Its tion to think of Meng’s arrest as a political citizens are being held without any reason tool in China trade talks. what[so]ever by the Chinese authorities, and “It would be a big mistake to trade a crimiI know there’s a debate about this in Canada. nal prosecution against Huawei and its chief All I can say is, bear with us on this. It’s im- financial officer for some kind of trade deal portant we stick together,” said Bolton told with China, which honestly, I don’t think ChiEvan Solomon in a radio interview about his na is going to abide by anyway,” Bolton said. newly released book memoir about working For U.S. politicians the trade-based arguin Trump’s White House: The Room Where ment against dropping the extradition proIt Happened. “If this is the way China treats ceedings is different than the current conversation unfolding in Canada, where 19

high-profile former diplomats, politicians and academics have all called on Canada to consider halting the extradition process in order to get “the two Michaels” released.

Kovrig and Spavor were arrested separately in the days following Meng’s arrest. Both men had been held in China without charges from December 2018 until June 19 when they were formally charged with espionage.

When asked about a swap, the prime minister strongly shot down the idea saying, if countries around the world including China saw that “arbitrarily arresting random Canadians” would be leverage to “get what they want out of Canada,” that would put Canadians abroad at risk.

Asked whether he thought the arrests of Kovrig and Spavor was retaliatory, Bolton said: “I think it clearly was for political reasons.”

“I don’t think it should be a prisoner swap,” Bolton said.

“Huawei is an arm of the Chinese State... It’s heavily subsidized and guided by decisions of the Chinese government, and it’s part of the of the Chinese effort to affect telecommunications and information technology systems all over the world,” Bolton said.

TRUMP ‘TOLERATED’ TRUDEAU Among the revelations in the book was that, according to Bolton Trump doesn’t like Trudeau and that he “tolerated” him. Asked why he thought Trump allegedly is not a fan

of the prime minister, Bolton cited the early tensions of the NAFTA renegotiations.

“Part of the problem with the way Trump approaches foreign policy, in my view, is that he has difficulty distinguishing between the national interest of the countries involved, let’s say the U.S. and Canada on the one hand versus the personal relationship between the leaders of the two countries on the other,” Bolton said.

He said, in his view, Trump’s personal feelings towards Trudeau “made it a lot harder to get things done.”

One particularly acrimonious interaction was at the 2018 G7 summit Canada hosted in Charlevoix, Que. It was after that meeting that Trump pulled out of the joint communique before he and his administration officials took aim at Trudeau, calling him “meek and mild” and “very dishonest and weak.”

“Trump felt that he had been backed into a corner in the G7 communique… When he saw Prime Minister Trudeau giving a closing press conference, he thought that he was unfairly treated, that led him to withdraw the U.S. from the communique… But that was an example where that personal reaction to what was being said led to a consequence that made the subsequent NATO Summit, for example, even more difficult than it would have been anyway,” Bolton said.

Source: .ctvnews.ca

11

Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

P o l i t i cs

Conservative leadership race enters final push

By:Rachel Gilmore Last Updated Monday, June 22, 2020 OTTAWA -- The four Conservative leadership candidates are kicking off the final stretch of COVID-19-style campaigning, with just two months to go before all ballots are cast. After going head-to-head in two debates on June 17 and 18 the leadership hopefuls will continue to try to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

Erin O’Toole, Peter MacKay, Leslyn Lewis, and Derek Sloan battled it out in French on June 17, doing their best to deliver their platform pitches despite not one being fully bilingual. On June 18, Toronto played host to

the first and only English-language debate.

Co-chairs of the Conservative Party leadership election organizing committee Dan Nowlan and Lisa Raitt were chosen to moderate. Under the original leadership race timeline, the party was set to hold its debates in April, but those were cancelled when the entire race was put on pause due to the pandemic. Given the public health concerns at play, there was no live audience, and physical distancing measures were in place.

Another pandemic-prompted workaround, the voting process will be conducted through mail-in ballots, which party members need to send back to the party by August 21.

The race resumed on April 29 “with adjustments to accommodate current circumstances,” a month after it was initially suspended, with LEOC saying at the time that it wouldn’t be possible to meet all deadlines necessary in time for the originally-planned June 27 announcement of a winner.

While all ballots need to be submitted by August 21, it’s yet to be determined how quickly they will be scrutinized and a winner declared. The date and format of how the party will announce its new leader once the results are tallied will also depend on the health guidelines and government orders in place at the time. Source: ctvnews.ca

Meet the 2020 Conservative leadership candidates

There are four verified candidates that will be vote in August. To reach this phase, each con- additional $100,000 as a compliance fee, and on the ballot for the Conservative leadership tender had to raise $200,000, put forward an gather 3,000 signatures from members.

Derek Sloan

A rookie Ontario Conservative MP elected for the first time in 2019. Prior to entering politics he worked as a lawyer and small business owner. One of the two social conservatives in the race, Sloan has vowed to “take a stand for Canada against radical progressivism.”

Erin O’Toole

A three-time MP from Ontario and former Tory minister. Prior to entering politics, O’Toole was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and worked as a lawyer. O’Toole placed third in the 2017 leadership race and has described himself as the “true blue” candidate.

Leslyn Lewis

An Ontario lawyer who was an unsuccessful 2015 federal election candidate, after being put into the race at the last moment. One of the two social conservatives in the race, Lewis says she is running because she is seeing “opportunities for future generations falling away.

Peter MacKay

A former federal cabinet minister from Nova Scotia and the last leader of the Progressive Conservatives pre-merger with the Canadian Alliance in 2003. MacKay did not run in 2015, and took a job with a law firm. He says he is running “to keep the Conservative movement united.”

BC Liberals hear concerns of strata residents as NDP fails to offer relief for insurance crisis

VICTORIA (June 29, 2020) – BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson and MLA Todd Stone, Critic for Municipal Affairs & Housing, held a virtual town hall today with over 100 condo and townhome owners frustrated by soaring strata insurance costs and lack of concrete action by

the NDP to help stop the crisis.

“We heard directly from over a hundred people who won’t be able to hold out much longer if the NDP don’t do something immediately to stop the strata insurance crisis,” said Wilkinson. “Strata residents need to see solutions that will keep money in their pockets and a roof over their heads, not further consultations or changes that will take years to make a difference. People need to see real action from this government, now.”

Wilkinson and Stone were joined on the townhall this afternoon by more than 100 strata residents who shared their concerns and experiences, including a strata com-

plex in Pentiction that saw an 800 per cent increase in their insurance premiums, a BC Housing subsidized housing society who saw a 1000 per cent increase to their premiums, and a seniors housing development that was told their deductible had increase by $100,000 overnight.

“When the NDP introduced their longoverdue strata legislation last week, we had hoped that it meant that British Columbians facing financial hardship as a result of the strata insurance crisis would finally see some relief but unfortunately the bill ignores their major concerns,” added Stone. “As premium rates skyrocket and condos and townhomes

OTTAWA -- Federal and provincial governments have agreed to extend a commercial rent-relief program to help cover July costs for eligible small businesses.

The move comes with a few changes to the subsidy, as the COVID19-related aid faces questions about whether it is delivering as expected.

The amended program had doled out $152 million in forgivable loans to landlords that had agreed to give rent breaks to more than 20,000 tenants as of June 21. It carries a budget of over $2.97 billion, based on the latest federal spending estimates on pandemic-related aid.

The Canadian Federation of Inde-

pendent Business said the rent help should run through to September at least, and that the program needs other changes to ease access.

The business group continues to hear stories of small-business tenants aren’t being helped because their landlords have not applied. Landlords have to seek support from the program and agree to cut their tenants’ rents in exchange.

CFIB’s Alberta director Annie Dormuth said an extension to the fall would help companies still recovering from COVID-19 closures and trying to find their footing as public health restrictions are slowly rolled back. Take up of the rent-relief pro-

gram was slow at first, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly press landlords to apply for forgivable loans through the program. Finance Minister Bill Morneau sounded more upbeat late last month when he said applications were rising thanks to provinces’ banning evictions during the ongoing pandemic.

Landlords that can’t kick tenants out have more reason to seek financial assistance. Still, over the last three weeks, business consultant Jenifer Bartman has seen emails from companies announcing closures, including some deciding to not renew their leases because it no longer makes financial sense to do so.“We’re going

become more unaffordable, it’s obvious that much more needs to be done urgently to tackle this crisis headon, especially while people all across B.C. are facing economic uncertainty as a result of COVID-19.”

July added to COVID-19 commercial rent-relief program

to see more of that. We’re going to see more wind-ups and people might say, ‘Oh well, small business doesn’t matter much,’ but it could be 10 jobs, it could be 20 jobs, it starts to snowball ... and that’s permanent.” She said part of the problem in the rent-relief program may be that asking landlords to shave down rents doesn’t address that they too have loans to pay off. Source: ctvnews.ca

12

Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

L o c a l

Delta dad who drowned saving his daughter from waterfall on Father’s Day remembered as helpful family man

BY MARCELLA BERNARDO

KELOWNA (NEWS 1130) — A Delta dad who died after rescuing his 13-year-old daughter from a waterfall near Kelowna on Father’s Day is being remembered as someone who loved his family, was helpful, and always smiling.

Kashif Sheikh, 46, joined Nationwide Realty Corp. in Surrey as a realtor in January.

He also worked at Vancouver International Airport in a security role, said Ray Arneja, managing broker for Nationwide.

“The first thing he told me, I am joining your brokerage because I really want to do realestate full-time so I can spend more time with my family,” Arneja said.

Sheikh was part of a mentorship-sponsored program at Nationwide, which he was scheduled to complete by August.

“He was always smiling, no matter, always

smiling, always, always relaxed,” said Arneja, who learned of Sheik’s death late Sunday in a text message. “He was so eager to help everyone, not just his clients, even fellow realtors. He wanted to share all the knowledge he had,” Arneja added. “I have never seen him with a frown on his face.”

Emergency crews rushed to the Mill Creek waterfall at Old Vernon and Spencer roads after receiving a 911 call about a drowning incident around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

“Police have learned the victim had been in the waterfall with his family when he entered the water to help his daughter, who had slipped in,” Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said.

“She was able to get to shore, but he was not.”

Noseworthy added bystanders pulled the man from the water and began CPR efforts, which paramedics took over when they ar-

The last moment Picture at the Spot rived. “Despite the best efforts of everyone involved,” she added, “the 46-year-old man could not be resuscitated and he passed away.”

Noseworthy only confirmed the man was from the Lower Mainland.

RCMP victim services are providing support to the witnesses and the victim’s family.

The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigat-

ing to determine how, where, when, and by what means he came to his death.

Due to the privacy of the deceased, neither organization will be releasing or confirming identity.

He has been identified throughout social media as Sheikh.

Source.citynews1130.com

On behalf of Kashif ’s family, we would like to thank each and every person for their generosity and continued support during this extremely difficult time.

Kashif ’s funeral was a few days ago, and there were SO many people that wanted to attend, but due to COVID-19 there was a limit of attendees. We all would like to send our sincere gratitude for everyone that came.

It is a dark tunnel that we are slowly walking through, but soon there will be light at the

end of it. Time will heal all, please continue to support these innocent four children in their time of need and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. *Also* To clear up any confusion, this GoFundMe and the other one (created by Kashif ’s wife’s family in the US, not knowing there was already this one existing) are both valid, and all proceeds will go to Kashif ’s wife and children.

To Support Kashif ’s Family $118,663 raised of $200,000 goal

Inna Lilla -he -Wa Inna Elahi-e- Rajeoon 1: Mr. Kashif Mahmood Sheikh (46 years) passed way at Kelowona on June 19th.(details are above).

2: Ms. Shahana Haqqi (Urdu Journal Publisher) mother Mrs. Farhana Haqqi passed away in Karachi on June 26.

Please pray the maghfarah of the deceased and patience for the grieving family.

We pray to Al mighty Allah(SWT) for their mercy, to forgive all theirs sins and reward them with the best place in paradise (Ameen)... Miracle Media

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14 M IDDLE EA S T Saudi Arabia: UN Aramco attacks report ‘leaves no doubt’ over Iran’s hostile intentions Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Tuesday a UN report confirming Iranian involvement in attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in September 2019. A foreign ministry statement said the findings of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ report “leaves no doubt for the international community about Iran’s hostile intentions towards the Kingdom in particular, the Arab region and the wider world in general.” The report was also welcomed by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN. One of the first steps in the fight against Iranian expansion in the region is recognizing the problem, Abdullah Al-Mouallimi said.

Iran has created a web of support in the region through the years and it requires international cooperation to stop its activities, Al-Mouallimi added.

Guterres presented his report to a virtual gathering of the Security Council on Tuesday, implicating the Iranian regime in attacks last year on oil installations in Abqaiq and Khurais in the east of the Kingdom.

The ministry’s statement also echoed calls made during the virtual meeting by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for an extension of an arms embargo on Iran.

Source: It said the report’s findings also highlighted Iran’s continuous aggressive approach to destabilizing the region’s secu-

rity, and the regime’s logistical, military and financial support for armed terrorist militias in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon — something it did with “no regard for international laws and treaties or the principles of good-neighborliness.” Foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the security council meeting was a “reminder for the international community to take a firm stance against the Iranian regime’s aggression and terror.” The details and facts laid out in the UN report “reinforce our support for a continued ban on arming the Iranian regime, and confronting its developing nuclear and ballistic programs,” he said on Twitter.

The ministry added that the Kingdom would

not allow transgression of its borders and threats to its national security — or threats to the safety of international waterways — posed by the “hostile behavior of Iran.”

Source: .arabnews.co

Middle East at ‘critical threshold’ of coronavirus crisis: WHO More than 80 percent of all deaths in the region were in five countries: Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The Middle East faces a “critical threshold” amid a relaxation of coronavirus measures following a surge in cases in the region, the World Health Organization warned on Wednesday.

The global health body confirmed there

were more than one million cases of the COVID-19 disease across the 22 countries that the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region covers, stretching from Morocco to Pakistan.“We are at a critical threshold in our region,” the WHO’s Middle East head Ahmed al-Mandhari said in an online press conference.More than 80 percent of all deaths in the region were reported in five

countries: Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to the WHO. Al-Mandhari said it was a “concerning milestone”. ”The number of cases reported in June alone is higher than the total number of cases reported during the four months following the first reported case in the Region on 29 January,” he said.

Source: .arabnews.co

Palestinian civil society rejects EU’s conditional funding

EU’s anti-terror clause in its grant proposals is political and ‘criminalises’ Palestinian resistance, civil groups say.

Palestinian civil society organisations have formed a national campaign that rejects the European Union’s conditional funding based its “anti-terror clause”.

The stipulation, which was included in EU grant proposals late last year, identifies at least seven Palestinian political parties as

“terrorist groups”, and calls for Palestinian civil society organisations to vet individuals to ensure they are not affiliated with such parties. However, these organisations have described these conditions as “criminalising” the Palestinian national struggle against the Israeli occupation.

“The EU’s imposition of the clause and restrictive measures constitutes the criminalisation of the Palestinian liberation struggle and its freedom fighters based on Western

criteria and standards,” said Lubnah Shomali, the spokeswoman for the anti-EU conditional funding campaign.

“It does not take into consideration the legal status of Palestine under international law as a country and a people facing oppression and a foreign colonial domination.”

The response comes as Israel is expected to commence plans to annex areas in the West Bank and Jordan Valley on Wednesday.

Source: aljazeera.com

UNSC members.

Iran has said the preservation of its nuclear accord with world powers depends on the scheduled end in October of a UN arms embargo as the United States seeks to extend it.

“The timetable for the removal of arms restrictions embodied in Resolution 2231 is an inseparable part of the hard-won compromise,” Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session, referring to the resolution that blessed the 2015 deal signed to curb the Islamic Republic’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

As the US tries to rally support to extend UN “Any attempt to change or amend the agreed arms embargo on Iran it faces scepticism from timetable is thus tantamount to undermin-

ing Resolution 2231 in its entirety,” he said.

His comments were made after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the UN body to extend the embargo on Iran. Washington has circulated a draft resolution to the 15-member council that would indefinitely extend the embargo but Russia and China have already signalled their opposition to such a move.

“If Iran isn’t a threat to peace and security I do not know what it is,” Pompeo said, warning that the embargo’s expiration would risk the stability of the Middle East.

“Iran will hold a sword of Damocles over the economic stability of the Middle East, endangering nations like Russia and China

that rely on stable energy prices,” he added, referencing two opponents of prolonging the embargo. Pompeo described Iran as “the world’s most heinous terrorist regime,” and urged the UNSC to reject “extortion diplomacy.” If the US is unsuccessful in extending the arms embargo, it has threatened to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran under the nuclear deal, from which Washington unilaterally withdrew in 2018.

Zarif countered calling President Donald Trump’s administration “an outlaw bully” that is waging “economic terrorism” on his country to satisfy domestic constituencies and “personal aggrandizement.”......

Source: aljazeera.com

very unusual, it is a difficult moment in every country to find the resources necessary to relieve the suffering of the Syrian people,” UN aid chief Mark Lowcock said after the conference by some 60 governments and non-official agencies.

Pledges came from countries including Germany, which offered 1.58 billion euros ($1.78bn), in what Berlin said was the single biggest country donation, and Qatar, which promised $100m.

“We have today expressed solidarity with the Syrian people, not only with words, but with concrete pledges of support that will make a difference for millions of people,” EU Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarcic said. The money pledged will be used to finance food, medical aid and schooling for the millions of Syrians displaced or forced into exile - many of whom are living with food insecurity.

However, aid group Oxfam said the sum was “simply not enough”.

“It is shocking that the international community has failed to recognise the urgency

of the situation,” Marta Lorenzo, Oxfam’s Middle East and North Africa regional director, said in a statement. Now in its tenth year, the war in Syria has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions, sparking a major refugee exodus. Recently, the humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by soaring food prices and the coronavirus crisis.

The UN, which last year raised $7bn, said this year it needs $3.8bn for aid inside Syria.

Some 11 million people require help and protection in Syria, with more than 9.3 million of them lacking adequate food.

Another $6bn is sought to help the 6.6 million Syrians who have fled, in what is the world’s biggest refugee crisis.

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said the cost to his country for hosting more than one million Syrian refugees has exceeded $40bn since the conflict began in March 2011 and he warned that the situation is getting worse amid an economic crisis.

Diab called on the UN, the EU and friendly nations to “shield Lebanon from the negative

repercussions” of sanctions, such as those imposed on Syria by US President Donald Trump’s administration in mid-June.

‘Multiple crises’ UN officials will still press for more pledges throughout the year, and have time as the money is split between 2020 and 2021.

UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Imran Riza, speaking from Qamishli in northern Syria, underscored the problems faced by Syrians affected by the long-running conflict.

“We are on the cusp of all these multiple crises,” Riza said.

“You see kids that are clearly now getting malnourished. You are seeing levels of malnutrition that we have never seen in the last nine years and this gets worse and worse if you don’t take action right now.”

Adding to Syrians’ hardship, an economic slump and COVID-19 lockdown have pushed food prices more than 200 percent higher in less than a year, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: aljazeera.com

Iran’s Zarif says ending arms ban ‘inseparable’ from nuclear deal

International donors pledge $7.7bn in humanitarian aid for Syria

Pledges at conference hosted by UN and EU were higher than expected but aid groups warn promised sum is not enough.

International donors have pledged $7.7bn in humanitarian aid for war-ravaged Syria at a virtual conference hosted by the United Nations and the European Union.

While less than the almost $10bn sought

by UN agencies, the funding promises on Tuesday were higher than expected, given the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic and shortfalls in other aid appeals, notably for Yemen earlier this month.

“We recognise that the circumstances are

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Canada

Day

2020

‘This year is unlike any other’: Trudeau delivers Canada day address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is marking Canada Day by calling on Canadians to take part in virtual celebrations while reflecting on the country’s success in tiding COVID-19.“The last few months have been difficult for all Canadians, but throughout this pandemic, we have been there for one another,” Trudeau said in a statement on Wednesday (July 1).

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and the Prime Minister release video celebrating the national “We are neighbours helping neighbours, holiday small businesses being there for their

communities and their staff, Armed Forces answering the call to help protect our most vulnerable, and doctors and nurses keeping our families healthy.

Because that’s what it means to be Canadian.”

The national holiday has taken a different tone this year as the pandemic disallows for large gatherings while 2020 has quickly become one of reckoning for systemic racism both in Canada and across the 49th parallel.

In Vancouver, an anti-Canada Day march is set to start Wednesday afternoon outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The event is being hosted by Idle No More, an Indigenous-led group, and intend to “gather to honour all of the

lives lost to the Canadian State.”

According to the Facebook event, roughly 600 people say they plan to attend.

In his statement, Trudeau said that “Canada’s success is because of its people,” particularly those who strive to make the country a place of peace, equality and compansion.

“People who know that, only together, we can build a better country, where every senior has a safe place to live, and where we say no to racism, injustice, and hate,” he continued.

“A country where we understand that our work to ensure everyone has an equal and fair chance at success is never finished.” .Source: trailtimes.ca

‘Go straight home’: B.C. premier concerned Americans abusing border exemption

VANCOUVER -- Reports that U.S. residents are vacationing in British Columbia as their country’s COVID-19 crisis spirals out of control are concerning, Premier John Horgan said Thursday.

Horgan said he’s heard stories from MLAs and community leaders from across B.C. about Americans who appear to be abusing the current border crossing exemption designed to let Alaska residents enter Canada if they’re trying to get home.

“Health-care workers have put themselves at risk to protect all of us and we do not want to throw that away for queue jumpers, for people

who want to say they’re going somewhere and do something else,” Horgan said. “If you want to get to Alaska, we do not want to impede, but you should go directly.””

Some of the concerns have come from Metro Vancouver, where people have reported seeing Washington state licence plates at popular tourist attractions, including the Grouse Grind.

Horgan said he’s heard similar reports from his own riding on the west coast of Vancouver Island as well.

“I was speaking with the local chief of the Pacheedaht (First Nation), and he tells me there was a licence plate from Texas and a licence plate from California at the Port Renfrew general store,” Horgan said. “If you’re heading to Alaska, you don’t go through Port Renfrew.”

To some B.C. residents, the concerns are particularly pressing given the failure of U.S. officials in combating the pandemic.

On Wednesday, months into the country’s

response, the U.S. set a new record for confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 50,203 infections in a single day.

Millions of Americans have caught the virus since the start of the pandemic, and more than 128,000 of them have died.

Horgan said he believes Alaska residents should be allowed entry to return to the state, but stressed that they should avoid sight-seeing and detours during the journey.

“If you’re going home you should go straight home, you shouldn’t be stopping along the way to enjoy the sights and sounds of British Columbia,” the premier added.

“Do not pass Go, go directly to Alaska.”

Asked about the concerns on Thursday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry stressed that the reports should not be blown out of proportion.

She said that after speaking with the Canada Border Services Agency, she feels confident that “the majority of people with U.S. licence plates who are in B.C. are Canadians” who were living in America and returned home to Canada during the pandemic.

“We have seen individual reports of people who are using that ‘Alaska loophome,’ if you

will, but I understand as well that they are very small in number,” Henry said.

“Have some compassion, and be calm … recognizing that we might not understand everybody’s situation.”

But given how easily outbreaks can spread, and the situation right next door in Washington state – which has seen about 11 times more COVID-19 cases than B.C. – the apparent rule-breaking was a big enough issue for Horgan to raise it with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

The premier said he’s hopeful Freeland will take B.C. residents’ concerns up with U.S. State Department officials.

He’s also counting on the federal government to keep the border closed for non-essential travel until the risks of reopening are addressed. The current restrictions are set to stay in place until July 21 at the earliest.

“Our borders need to remain closed until the United States demonstrates that they have a handle on this pandemic,” Horgan said. “It’s so critically important to British Columbia.

We have worked very, very hard to get here.”

Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

Salma Lakhani named lieutenant-governor of Alberta, first Muslim in Canadian history to hold role OTTAWA — The Liberal government has named Salma Lakhani as next lieutenantgovernor of Alberta, making her the first-ever Muslim to hold the ceremonial position in Canadian history.

Lakhani has lived in Edmonton for more than 40 years, after her family was expelled from her native Uganda in 1972. The Ismaili Muslim has long served as a community advocate focused on issues including education, health care, immigration and human rights, and has “dedicated her life to helping people in need and those who face obstacles to success in our society,” according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office. Lakhani will be the 19th person to

assume the position since Alberta was established in 1905. She will succeed Lois Mitchell, who was appointed by former Governor General David Johnston in 2015.

“Ms. Lakhani is devoted to supporting people in her community, from new immigrants and young people, to women and families,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a written statement. “As Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, I know she will serve the people of her province and our country well, and continue to be a source of inspiration for all Canadians.”

In recent decades, she has supported various non-profit and human rights organizations, including the Aga Khan Foundation Cana-

da, Kids Kottage, the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, and Sorrentino’s Compassion House.

She has also served as a board director for the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights for a decade.

Lakhani won the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her work in the community. She also assumed a mentorship role under NorQuest College’s Youth in Transition program, which helps non English-speaking students enter post-secondary studies.

She received an honours degree in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Manchester. ”Source: calgaryherald.com

Canada Day 2020 goes virtual across B.C. Canada Day across B.C. will look different this year due to COVID-19.

Vancouver is usually home to one of Canada’s largest celebrations at Jack Poole Plaza but this year that event is joining the federal government’s national celebration online.

The PNE is hosting a drive-thru celebration and parade. The parade will be a reverse parade this year, where families are encouraged to wear red and white and decorate their cars to drive along the parade route, instead of crowding along the route and watching various floats and marchers go by. Source: globalnews.ca

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53rd

Canada

Day

If you are Prepare for the citizenship ceremony then:

us your email address or letter mail if we don’t have your email address.

You need to stay in the room for the entire ceremony. If you’re bringing a young child, also bring a guest who can take them out of the room if they get restless and need to leave the ceremony room. If you can’t arrange child care, let us know and we’ll reschedule your ceremony date.

Language of your ceremony Your notice tells you if your ceremony will be mostly in English, mostly in French, or bilingual. If you want to attend a bilingual Taking the Oath of Citizenship at a citizen- ceremony, contact the office that sent you ship ceremony is your final step to become the notice. a Canadian citizen. Citizenship ceremonies What to bring? take place across the country and at all times When you come to the ceremony, bring: your ceremony notice a signed copy of the of the year.

Permission Release and Consent form (inWho has to take the oath?

Adults and children aged 14 or over must cluded with the notice) permanent resident go to the citizenship ceremony and take the card if you have one (even if it’s expired) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence oath.

Parents will get certificates of citizenship for (IMM5292 or IMM5688) their children under age 14. Children under Record of Landing (IMM 1000) if you beage 14 don’t have to go, but are welcome to. came a permanent resident before June 28, 2002 Get your citizenship ceremony date 2 pieces of personal identification (ID) About 1 to 2 weeks before the ceremony, one piece of ID must have your photograph we’ll send you a notice with the date, time and signature, for example: driver’s licence, and location. The ceremony will usually take health card or permanent resident card place within 3 months after your test. foreign ID documents must be governmentIf you’re not available on the day of your issued, Canadian ones don’t need to be govceremony, send us a message to explain why ernment-issued and get a new date. If you don’t give an exif they’re not in English or French, you must planation or your explanation isn’t reasonaprovide a translation with an affidavit from ble, we may stop processing your application the translator and not grant you citizenship. minors are not required to show identificaYou can either:email or write to the office tion with a signature all your passports and that sent you the notice (within 30 days of travel documents, current and expired, that the appointment) oruse the online web form you listed on the application form optional: Generally, once we receive your message, a holy book, of your choice, if you want to we’ll schedule your ceremony on a different use one to swear the Oath of Citizenship day. We’ll let you know by email if you gave

What happens at the ceremony

During your ceremony, you will: take the Oath of Citizenship get your citizenship certificate sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form sing the national anthem, O Canada A citizenship judge or official will preside over the ceremony and lead the Oath of Citizenship. Many people will take the oath with you. The ceremony official will say the oath in English and in French. As a group, you’ll repeat the words to the oath after the official.

You must repeat the oath in at least one of the official languages, but we encourage you to say them in both. You’ll also be invited to sing the bilingual version of the national anthem.

You can swear or affirm the oath. Swearing is for people who want to refer to their religious beliefs and affirming is for people who don’t want to refer to religious text. If you want to swear the oath on your holy book, bring it with you.

Once you take the Oath of Citizenship, you’ll be a Canadian citizen. We’ll give you your citizenship certificate as proof that you’re a Canadian citizen. It will show the date that you became a citizen. Keep it in a safe place.

Prepare to say the oath and sing the anthem We’ll give you the words to the oath and the anthem at the ceremony, but you can practice to prepare for the ceremony.

Oath of Citizenship

You can: read the Oath of Citizenship watch the video(on line) National anthem: O Canada In all provinces and territories, except Quebec, we use the bilingual, English

O Canada! Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all of us command.

Car ton bras sait porter l’épée, Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée

Des plus brillants exploits.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Listen to a bilingual, English first recording performed by our choir and musicians: After the ceremony: Apply for a passport, changing your address and other services Apply for a passport As a new citizen, you can apply for a Canadian passport.

A valid Canadian passport is the only travel document that proves you have the right to enter Canada.

Your citizenship certificate is not a travel document.

You must wait at least 2 business days after your ceremony before you can apply for a passport.

Changing your address After you become a Canadian citizen, you don’t need to tell us if you change your address.

Apply for a citizenship certificate

Find a citizenship ceremony in your area www.canada.ca/en/immigration

Canada’s news from July 2019- update the virtues of tolerance and human rights, died just weeks after discovering an aggressive form of liver cancer. He had just turned 69.

Sept. 18 TheLiberals launched into

B.C., and as far north as Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, marches were held in at least 85 Canadian cities and towns, as part of the international climate movement.

October 8

July 1, 2019 Marnie McBean was named chef de mission of Canada’s Olympic team for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. The Toronto rower is a three-time Olympic gold medallist.

July 29 – Canada’s chief electoral

officer said voting day should not be moved. Election day could be no later than Oct. 21 under federal law, which this year fell on the Jewish holiday known as Shemini Atzeret, meaning Orthodox Jews are not permitted to work, vote or campaign.

August 2 Calgary MP Deepak Obhrai, the

scarf-sporting, fun-loving elder statesman of the Conservative caucus and a beloved character on Parliament Hill who championed

damage control mode after a photo was published by Time magazine showing party leader Justin Trudeau in “brownface” makeup at a 2001 costume party. The picture was taken at an “Arabian Nights” party at a B.C. private school. Another two photos and then a video soon emerged showing Trudeau also in “blackface.” Trudeau apologized for what he called a terrible mistake and said he was angry with himself for being so dumb.

Sept27 – Thousands of Canadians

hit the streets to demand “widespread, systemic change” to halt the scary impact of a warming planet.

From St. John’s, N.L. to Tofino,

Canadian born scientist James Peebles was one of three people to win the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics for their contributions to the understanding of the evolution of the universe and Earth’s place within it. Peebles was born in St. Boniface, Man. Nov 4 – Elizabeth May stepped

down as the leader of the federal Green party after 13 years in the job. She appointed deputy leader Jo-Ann Roberts as her interim successor. A leadership convention is to be held in Prince Edward Island in October 2020.

Dec 4 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau went into damage-control mode after candid comments

he made about U.S. President Donald Trump were captured on video and quickly broadcast around the world. It happened at a Buckingham Palace reception on the sidelines of the NATO Summit near London. Trump subsequently called Trudeau “two-faced,” but otherwise appeared to take the comments in stride, and followed up by calling Trudeau “a nice guy.”

January 8

57 Canadians, and approximately 80 others ultimately travelling to Canada, are killed after Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by Iran shortly after takeoff from Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport.

February 21 Ontario teachers holds a one-day province wide strike March 6 Canada’s first COVID-19 death is recorded in North Vancouver.

April 18 – April 19 – A series of shootings and arson attacks takes place in various Nova Scotia locations, with 23 people killed May 30 – Protests across Canada

begin in solidarity with Americans protesting the death of George Floyd, and against police issues and racism in Canada.

June 7: Thousands fill downtown Toronto streets to protest anti-Black racismhad won the NBA championship.

June 30, 2020: Canada has had

more than 103,000 total cases of COVID-19, with more than 28,000 cases still active. Here’s what else you need to know to start your day www. google.com

17 Area

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153rd

Canada

Day

Canada: Facts GOVERNMENT

Total: 9,984,670 sq km (Second largest country in the world)

Land: 9,093,507 sq km, Water: 891,163 sq km Natural resources: Iron ore, nickel, zinc,

copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower

PEOPLE:

Population: 37,740,7019- (30/6/2020)

Canada’s population over 37 million mark

Life expectancy at birth: 81.29 years Languages: English (official) 58.8%,

GDP (Gross domestic product):1.9 trillion USD (2018)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish

Jazakum Allah khair Mohammad. Naseer Pirzada (Editor in-Chief)

Unemployment rate:13.70 % in May 2020

French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6%

Religions: Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)

Prime Minister: Justin Trudeau (Liberal’s)

A

s Muslim Canadians, we not only have to the responsibility of being faithful and loyal to Canada but also represent our distinct religious identity in a positive manner.

I am very proud that I am a Muslim and Pakistani Canadian, and it is my duty to promote not only the Canadian values but also uphold our religious morals.

I request all Muslim Canadians that be proud of your unique identity, and live here with peace and dignity as ambassadors.

Government type: a parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a Commonwealth realm Administrative divisions: 10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, New foundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory* Capital: Ottawa

ECONOMY

Net migration rate: Immigration drives

153rd Happy Canada Day to everyone!

Long Live Canada!

Main Industries:

Transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas.

Profile of Muslims In Canada

By:Abdul Malik Mujahid

POPULATION

M

uslims in Canada today number more than 750,000 According to the 2001 census the Canadian population consisted of 579, 600 Muslims, representing 2% of the Canadian population If Muslim maintained the same growth rate as the last decade since the census, today Muslims in Canada number 753,480. (From 2001 to 2003, according to statistics from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, an estimated 132,600 Muslims immigrated to Canada. That?s a rise of 23 percent) Ontario contains 61% of the entire Muslim population 5% of all Toronto population is Muslims, making Toronto the highest concentration of Muslims in any city in the US or Canada There are 21 Federal ridings with 7% to 14% Muslim population which can emerge as a major electoral force There are 21 Federal ridings with 7% to 14% Muslim population which can emerge as a major electoral force Considering that most Canadians still favor immigration and considering immigrants becoming politically significant, it is likely that open immigration will continue Since the September 11 terrorist attacks many Muslims have begun to look to Canada as an alternative to the United States, where they fear bias and harassment This is especially true with international students who have come to Canada in much larger numbers since 9/11 while 35% less have chosen to go to the US

maining 28% is made up of many other ethnicities such African, Chinese, etc.

Half of Muslims in Canada speak a non-official language at home. Compared to 0.32% that speaks both official languages at home.4 Cultural diversity may hamper intra-Muslim communication Unity may become easier on the non-threatMUSLIMS ARE YOUNGER Muslims represent the youngest generation ening models of networking and confederain Canada with a median age of 28.1 years. tions Compared to the Jewish and Roman Cath- MARITAL STATUS olic populations whose median age is 41.5 32% of Muslims in Canada have never been and 37.8 years old, respectively. The median married, age for the total Canadian population is 37 59% are legally married and living together, years old. 3 2.9% are separated but still legally married, LESS THAN 10% MUSLIMS ARE 3.5% are divorced, and 2.9% are widowed. Also, there are 7, 540 BORN CANADIANS 411,520 of the total Muslim population is 15 Muslim couples that live as common law years and older. Among these, 91% are 1st partners. generation Canadians, 7.7% are 2nd gen- There are also 21,145 Muslims in Canada eration Canadians, and approximately 0.9% who are single parents.

13 Muslims among the population. The first Canadian Mosque was constructed in Edmonton in 1938, when there were only about 700 Muslims in the country. The famous translator of the Quran, Abdullah Yusuf Ali inaugurated the masjid during his tour of Canada while he was working on his translation The years after World War II saw a swift increase in the Muslim population, in the 1981 census the population was still below a hundred thousand

of Muslims are 3rd generation and over.

Roughly 68% of Muslims in Canada have Canadian Citizenship.

Typical immigrant agenda will remain dominant along with the culture and politics of the old country Special consideration will be needed to find room for the second generation

MUSLIMS ARE HIGHLY EDUCATED

Canadian Muslims have excelled in acquiring a Master?s degree with slightly over 6% when compared with the three largest religious sects such as: Roman Catholics where only 2% hold a Master?s degree, 3.5% of individuals who stated they have no religion and the third largest religious sect in DIVERSITY WITHIN The Muslim population consists of diverse Canada being the United Church has 2.4% of it?s population holding a Master?s degree, visible minorities, where however; 8.8% of the Jewish population in 37% is of South Asian decent, A BIT OF HISTORY Canada hold a Master?s degree 21% of Arab decent, The first recorded Islamic presence in 14% is of West Indian decent, and the re- 30% Muslims (123,725) Muslims were atCanada was the 1871 census which found

tending school in 2001.

6,310 Muslims have a PhD degree -- There are 1.5% of the Canadian Muslim population that have earned doctorates comparatively, 0.3% of Roman Catholics and 2% of Jewish population in Canada have earned doctorates.

Probably more Muslim PhDs in Canada than many Muslim countries.

3.5% (14,520) of the Canadian Muslim have their major field of study in Humanities and related fields 5.3% (21,640) have majored in social sciences and related fields

JOB MARKET: HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT

Muslims have the second highest unemployment rates in Canada with 14.4% of the population being unemployed, as compared to 7.4% national unemployment rate The largest profession found in the Canadian Muslim population is sales and services at 27%; the second largest occupational field comprised of Muslims in Canada is the business, finance, and administrative occupations which is 16% of the population. 7 Is it because of the wrong skill set for the market?

Is it due to discrimination?

How does it compare with other new immigrant data? Further Research regarding Muslims in Canada Income data Religiosity surveys Muslim interaction with other faith Source: .soundvision.com

Canada adds 302 coronavirus cases on Thursday as Nunavut reports presumptive case

By Kerri Breen Global News

Canada’s daily coronavirus death toll rose by more than two dozen on Thursday, while 302 new cases were diagnosed across the country.

Though the number of cases and deaths is

declining, Thursday’s data brings the national death toll to 8,642. More than 104,000 people have tested positive for the virus, and though more than 63,000 have recovered.

The number of tests administered across the country stood at over 2.9 million, with Ontario leading the country in overall tests completed.

Ontario added the highest number of cases on Thursday at 153, plus an additional 149 cases from Wednesday that were not previously announced due to the Canada Day holiday. Eight people have died since figures were last released, for a total of 2,680.

The province also announced the rollout of its coronavirus contact tracing app would be delayed though no new launch date was provided. Quebec, the hardest-hit province in the country, added 69 new cases for a total of 55,593. An additional 14 deaths were announced, bringing the province’s total to

5,541. Quebec, Alberta, which was also reporting a two-day total, added one death along with 94 cases.

An additional three deaths occurred in B.C. since the province’s last update on Tuesday.

The province has also added 24 new COVID-19 cases, including 15 that were not previously announced due to the holiday.

Nova Scotia, which is poised to enter a travel “bubble” with the other Atlantic provinces on Friday, counted one new case.

Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and P.E.I, along with Yukon and the Northwest Territories, added no additional cases on Thursday.

Nunavut, which remains the only province or territory where the virus has not been formally diagnosed, announced its first presumptive case of the virus.

Nunavut’s chief public health officer said in a statement that an individual at the Mary

River Mine, who had travelled to the territory for work, is in isolation and “doing well.”

A case announced in the territory in April was later determined to be a false positive.

Meanwhile, the U.S. added more than 50,000 coronavirus cases, the highest daily total since the pandemic began.

Around the world, 10.9 million people have tested positive for the coronavirus, and nearly 520,000 have succumbed to COVID-19, according to a tally kept by researchers at Johns Hopkins University.

— With files from Global News and the Canadian Press: Source: globalnews.ca/news

Canadian cases: July 2, 2020

CONFORMED:104,753 (Today: +302) DEATHS: 8,642 (Today: +23) RECOVERED : 68,347 (Today: +420)

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Local

Woman from racist video in Coquitlam park comes forward VANCOUVER -- A woman caught on camera making racist remarks to a pair of women of colour in Coquitlam’s Minnekhada Regional Park has come forward to apologize and offer her version of what happened on Sunday evening.

“They said some things that triggered me and it made me angry and I said some things that I shouldn’t have,” said Andrea Tylczak, who is white.The video starts in the middle of a dispute between Tylczak and two other women over proper etiquette in the park when it comes to picking berries. The two women had broken branches off a bush so they could snack on the berries while walking.

Tylczak saw them with the branches and told them they should have just picked the berries and left the branches intact.

“Eat all the berries you want, just don’t take

the bush with you,” she says shortly after the video begins.

Things escalated quickly from there with Elika Gholizadeh and her friend asking the woman to mind her own business.

“You know that is the f--king rudest thing you’ve said to me! Go back where you came from if you want to use language like that,” Tylczak says in the video.

In an interview with CTV News, Tylczak agreed her comment was racist but she insists it’s not what she intended to say and that in the heat of the moment her words came out wrong. She says she meant to tell the women to go home.

“It was not about any underlying bias,” Tylczak said. “The whole thing was a bad mistake and I deeply, deeply regret it. That’s what I would like to say to them, and I would like to say to anyone who saw the video, that

I deeply regret it. It does not reflect my beliefs in any way.” All three women in the two-minute video are Canadian but, in an ironic twist, Tylczak is the only immigrant involved in the situation. She is originally from the Seattle area and moved to Vancouver about 25 years ago.

Gholizadeh says she and her friend, who are both of Persian descent, decided to share the video to demonstrate that Canada is not immune from acts of racism.

“People shouldn’t be able to just treat people that way and talk to people that way for something like the colour of their skin,” she said.

For her part, Tylczak says she immediately regretted saying what she did so she waited in the parking lot, hoping to apologize to the other two women, but she did not see them again. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

Rally Against Police Murder Surrey MOVED to Saturday due to Rain

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Rally and March Against Police murder and abuse on Saturday July 4th at 1 pm at the Central City Mall where the Independent Investigation Office of BC is located, to protest the lack of police responsibly and accountability of the murder and abuse by the police. Organisers West Coat Cop Watch and Coalition Against Bigotry - Pacific demand a public inquiry into how police murders and handled. We want to remember Chantel Moore, Ejaz Choudry Kyaw Din, Tony Du, Navarone Woods and many others, mostly Indigenous, Black and People of Colour who have been murdered murdered by the RCMP in Coquitlam last year in his home similar to they way Ejaz or abused by the police.

Choundry was murdered last week in OnKyaw Din, who also struggled with his tario. The Din family held a rally outside the IIO office and Surrey City Centre in February mental health like Ejaz Choudry was also

demanding answers from the IIO. They don’t even know the name of the police officer who killed their brother. Tony Du, a Vietnamese, Chinese man also struggling with his Mental health was murdered by the Vancouver Po-

lice. The police officer who shot Du did not get charged with murder. Navarone Woods, a Gitxsan indigenous man murdered by the Skytrain Police at a Safeway in Surrey. The Coroner’s Jury and also asked for better mental health support during police incidents.

We ask people to wear masks and keep 2 meters distance. We will march to the RCMP E Division Headquarters and then end with a potluck physical distance picnic in Green Timbers Urban Forest.

We acknowledge that this event is being organised on the occupied, traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples – specifically the Musquem, Squamish, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Stolo, Musqueam, Katzie and Qayqayt Nations.

For more information, contact Imtiaz Popat at 604 396-2072

Cuthand: Racism in Canada needs to stop

By:Doug Cuthand

Saskatoon StarPhoenix Indigenous people, along with other people of colour in Canada, are like children in a dysfunctional home. We feel somehow responsible and we want to do something about it, but as long as the parents continue to drink, fight, gamble and carry on there is nothing we can do.

Sometimes we just sit back and watch the white majority tie themselves in knots as they try to explain racism and how and why it doesn’t apply to them. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh had the temerity to call a spade a spade when he called Bloc MP Alain Therrien a racist. It got him kicked out of the House of Commons. Singh refused to apologize and Therrien wasn’t even asked to.

Earlier this week the RCMP was under attack for a string of shootings and gratuitous violence from Nunavut to New Brunswick.

When she was asked if there was systemic

racism in the RCMP, Commissioner Brenda Lucki stated that she was “struggling” with the definition of systemic racism and how that applies to the institution of the national police force. “You know, it’s a question I haven’t been struggling with but I have been struggling with the definition of systemic racism and when I think of unconscious bias, there is unconscious bias in the RCMP, most definitely,” she said. “I think there’s times when our members don’t act according to our core values, including racism, and when that happens, we need to hold those members to account.”

These are the two approaches that Canadian institutions use when addressing racism; first they throw the perpetrators under the bus, stating it’s just a small minority that are racist; or second, they flatten the curve and state that every institution contains some racial bias but it’s “unconscious bias” and it’s not our fault.

The reaction from the mainstream political organizations was predictable. AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde called for an overhaul of the RCMP with an emphasis on community-based policing. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron called for an independent oversight committee to investigate complaints against the RCMP. But it took Saskatoon Senator Lillian Dyck to step up and call for Lucki to either resign or be removed from her post. “Commissioner Brenda Lucki’s statements in the last few days reveal that she does not possess the necessary knowledge or skills to remain as the RCMP Commissioner. She should step down or be removed immediately. This will

benefit all Canadians, including the members of the RCMP.” Two days after her original comments, Commissioner Lucki walked them back. She stated that systemic racism is part of every institution including the RCMP, and historically as well as today, the force has “not always treated racialized and Indigenous people fairly.”

Senator Dyck said Commissioner Lucki was hired to eradicate racism and that her comments were not enough. She recalled when Lucki testified to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in 2018.

“It is very clear to me that the RCMP could have done better, and I promise to you we will do better,” Lucki said then. “You are entitled to nothing less than our best work in your communities. I believe it’s never too late to do the right thing, and I want this apology to be just one more step in the RCMP’s com-

mitment to reconciliation.” “She was hired to help get rid of problems in the RCMP, like systemic racism, that are one of the root causes of the problem of missing and murdered Indigenous women — if she didn’t have those qualifications, she shouldn’t be in the job,” Senator Dyck stated.

Senator Dyck told me that she is fed up with the racism she has had to deal with throughout her life. Jagmeet Singh has pointed out how he was treated growing up and he has felt the sting of racism. Their actions are a reflection of the prevailing attitude that there is no place for racism in Canada and it’s time for change.

When it comes to racism in Canada, we are both victims and spectators. We take racism on the chin, but it we cannot change society’s mind. That’s a job for the white majority. Meanwhile, our patience is wearing thin.

Source: thestarphoenix.com

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womeN

The Key to a Happier Life

Life Transition & Acceptance

By: Shabnam Khan, Family Counsellor

S

ometimes you’re an observer of other people’s lives and you may think you’ll never experience what they’re living through, whether it is a positive or negative situation. You may think, “That will never happen to me.”

Part of real beauty of life is that it’s unpredictable. Nothing is permanent, everything changes, and of course, a lot of things can happen that will transform who you are and have an impact on your life. We need to cultivate the ability to truly accept whatever comes and embrace it. We need to develop the habit of looking at whatever happens through a positive mindset, instead of a negative and defeatist one.

Of course, life will bring many challenges and it’s not easy to embrace them when we’re suffering and wishing those things would have never happened. But if we start cultivating acceptance in our lives right now, we’ll likely to cope with future crisis in a different way and view them from a different perspective.

We will accept instead or resisting.

The reality is we might want things to be different in the future, but in the present moment we need to accept things as they are. That’s way you can make your life flow smoothly instead of roughly. As you go along, you will discover that you will be happier and more peaceful when you accept what had happened, instead of constantly fighting to change things.

There are two ways out of a problem, accept what’s happening, see the positive, and choose a peaceful state of mind or fight against it. Be miserable and struggle against the universe. Learning to accept things as

they present themselves is a helpful tool in different aspects of life.

Whether it’s any loss, a missed opportunity, or a sudden change in your plans, being able to accept things as they come (when they are out of our control) will help you maintain inner peace and happiness.

Acceptance is the key to convert momentary happiness to enduring happiness. It helps you move from feeling happy to actually being happy.

Practicing acceptance prepares you to live in this changing world, where you never know what’s going to happen next. Acceptance is like protecting yourself with your own shield.

It’s helpful to learn how to identify when it’s time to persist and when it’s time to accept.

One thing that makes acceptance much easier is to list all the possible explanations for why you’re experiencing something. Finding the purpose behind every challenge will help you embrace it, instead of fighting it.

Choose not to judge what happens to you.

Instead, believe that everything happens for a reason and that better things will always follow. That’s the beginning of true acceptance.

The important thing is not to understand why something happened. Our understanding can wait, but our obedience cannot. When something unpredictable happens, instead of complaining and over-thinking it, we need to choose to live with it.

It’s hard to practice acceptance when you deeply wish things aren’t the way they are.

But the truth is, sometimes we can’t change our reality, even though we try. Instead of staring at the closed door in front of us or getting tired and bruised while we try to break it down, let’s turn around and see how many other windows we could open.

Acceptance is a choice - a hard one most definitely but at the end, it’s a choice that only we can make at any given situation of our life! info: shabnam@skcounselling.ca

By: Asma Shums,

H

appy and content people seem like a different species; they generally deal with setbacks positively and go through their day effortlessly. Everyone has problems and a little voice inside their mind that questions and criticizes your every action, thought, and intent. Self-confidence is the key element to live a happy and fulfilling life. Having self-confidence allows you to have less fear and anxiety, higher motivation, resilience, improved relations to name a few.

The biggest blessing of having self-confidence is the strong connection and sense developed with your true authentic self. It roots you in who you really are; accepting your weaknesses without damaging your self-worth. Your actions line with your principles and you can be the person who shows up, stands up, and speaks up for yourself.

So do you have to fake it till you make it?

In some ways, yes. The more steps you take to reach your goals and use motivation to act on things that make you nervous or anxious, the closer you are to being self-confident.

How do I become Self-Confident?

There a million ways to develop a strong

sense of self. It requires active participation in how you’re feeling, diving and resolving into the uncomfortable part of your emotional health, and actively working on being the person you wish to be.

Channel Your Heroes

Have you met a person who simply radiates self-confidence? Picture them when you are in a difficult moment. Channel their behavior and think of what they would do in the situation and feel your demeanor change.

Focus on What You Want

Everyone experiences anxiety, but if you resonate with the feeling of being too anxious to speak your mind or find it debilitating you from working towards a goal it is time to work on your confidence. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong or how you are going to make a mistake, focus on what you would love to see happen and reaching your goals.

Any action is an achievement versus inaction.

Rehearse Rehearse Rehearse

Confidence is like a muscle, it needs to be exercised. If a speech or upcoming conversation is your goal, rehearse and practice it so you can face it confidently. Self-doubt is often the comfortable option instead of facing our fears and growing. There is no shame in practicing on areas you are nervous about no matter the nature or magnitude. As Vincent Van Gogh aptly said, “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot pant,’ then by all means paint” info at: asmashums@gmail.com

I named my easer Confidence because it gets smaller after every mistake I make!

15 tips for brothers talking about women in Islam

By: Abdul Malik Mujahid

W

hether it’s Muslim scholars, Imams, brothers at the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA), or the average Jameel on the street, Muslim men also have to deal with the stereotypes and misperceptions about women in Islam.

Muslims are asked about women in Islam almost as much as terrorism.

Sadly, a number of brothers make the problem worse without realizing it. This is rarely, if ever, done intentionally. Here are some suggested tips for brothers when talking about the issue of women in Islam.

1. Let the sisters speak

No matter how well-spoken, eloquent or intelligent a brother is, the bottom line is this: he is not a woman.

When a Muslim woman speaks she demolishes stereotype after stereotype for our community. I remember when some sisters attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver in 2008; people were simply lost to see how articulate they were. They could not believe that Muslim women were lawyers and managers with MBAs. Similarly among the feedback we’ve received from listeners to RadioIslam were many who were pleasantly surprised to hear Muslim women hosting the shows so well.

No matter how much you, as a Muslim man, tell a non-Muslim woman how wonderful hijab is, it will be harder for her to accept this--because you have never worn Hijab and you are not a woman.

Make an effort to have sisters be the spokes- 4. Don’t respond to unperson to speak and to answer questions spoken accusations pertaining to Islam in general-- not just A number of times, Muslims about women in Islam. automatically start an apolo2. Be careful of mixing up the ideal getic tirade defending the status of women in Islam before with the reality One non-Muslim writer once remarked how a person has even said a word. when talking to Muslims about Islam com- Let the other person initiate pared to the West, Muslims take the ideal of questions, then answer calmly Islam and compare it to the reality of the West. and confidently. You may be reThe fact of the matter is there are very ugly sponding to an accusation that realities when it comes to the treatment of was never even in the person’s women in many parts of the world, includ- mind in the first place. ing the Muslim world. For example wom- 5. Ask WHY en are not allowed to drive in Saudi cities. Do this before launching an apologetic tiMuslims must also recognize the reality of rade against any accusation. For instance, domestic violence in the community, even a man in Spain once approached a scholar, though Islamic ideals would never condone saying he felt Islam was a man’s religion. Besuch ugly behavior. fore rebutting him, the scholar asked him 3. Don’t sacrifice speaking out why he thought this way. The man replied against injustice in the name of that whenever he looked at mosques, he saw only men. protecting Islam’s “image” By knowing why, you can develop your an“Tackle the issue and the image will take care swer accordingly, and tackle the issue headof itself,” advises Sr. Kathy Bullock. Don’t fall on in an honest and direct way. into the tendency to ignore pressing issues for the sake of protecting Islam’s reputation. 6. Agree with people as much as In other words, if someone brings up the is- possible sue of honor killings in Jordan, acknowledge Start off agreeing with a person. It will comthe reality but make it clear that this is a sin pletely turn the tables on the discussion, as and a crime in Islam and as a Muslim you many people begin discussions on women condemn it. This in itself is enough. Trying in Islam assuming Muslims are completely to justify or make excuses for it or covering against the notion of women’s rights. it up is not going to score image points for 7. If you don’t know something Islam.

SAY SO

If a person tells you they’re from a country you’ve never heard of where Muslim women are treated in a horrible fashion, what can you say about it?

‘I have never heard of that, and I don’t know,’ are simple enough answers. Don’t start apologizing, or denying that it happens. Tell the truth.

8. Don’t be condescending

In Islam, looking down on a fellow human being is a sin, whether the person is a male or a female. Don’t think you know all there is to know about women in Islam, and don’t speak in this manner either. Allah does not love arrogance, and only Allah has full knowledge of all things.

9. Don’t interrupt

This is a problem in a number of cultures, men interrupting women and men when they speak. Not only is this rude behavior, it takes away from your message. People are

To be Continued at page 21

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health

How safe is using a public restroom during a pandemic? Expert weighs

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s provinces across Canada begin to reopen their economies, more facilities and businesses are opening their doors again, leaving questions around how people can stay safe from the virus while using public restrooms. Accessibility to public washrooms has been a long-standing issue for people who are homeless or living with disabilities. But the urgent need for a place to go when nature calls has become even more clear with the onset of pandemic closures that gave even fewer options once places like restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses shut down. So as more Canadians start to venture out of their homes and spend more time in public places, should people be more worried about using a public washroom given the current global health crisis?

The short answer is no. The risk of becoming infected with the novel coronavirus from using a public restroom is really no higher than with any other virus or bacteria, which is fairly low, says Claire Cupples, an emeritus professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. “On a scale of one to 10, I’d put washrooms at maybe a three or four,” she said during a phone interview with CTVNews.ca on Tuesday from Salt Spring Is-

land in B.C. In fact, Cupples said previous research she conducted on washroom cleanliness showed that high-contact surfaces like door handles and toilet seats proved to carry fewer germs than a restaurant tray or seat, and even her own toothbrush. Other research conducted out over the years has offered similar findings.

But that’s not to suggest concerns over cleanliness in public washrooms are being taken lightly. ONroute Service Centres, a Canadian company that operates 23 rest area locations for drivers along the 400 and 401 series highways in Ontario, was deemed an essential service and has been delivering most of its regular offerings, but with the addition of some enhanced safety measures to deal with COVID-19, according to the company’s CEO, Melanie Teed-Murch.

Speaking to CTVNews.ca by phone from Guelph, Ont., Teed-Murch said changes include limiting the number of people allowed inside at one time and requiring all employees to wear masks and gloves. Workers also have to undergo temperature checks at the beginning of each shift and answer a number of screening questions in line with federal and provincial health guidelines. According to Teed-Murch, the ONroute facilities were already adhering to high sanitation stand-

ards before the pandemic, noting facilities were being cleaned on the hour. “Now, we’re sanitizing all surfaces every 20 minutes using anti-microbial cleaners,” she said. Other changes include adding stanchions to direct people in and out of washrooms, and demarcation lines on the floor to help people keep a safe distance.

Incorporating physical distancing requirements and increasing the frequency of cleanings are good ways to help limit the risk of picking up any germs in a public washroom. But Cupples points to other things that could go even further to help keep people safe. “Using every other sink, that makes more sense,” she said. “Masks are going to help a lot, at least for preventing transmission,” Cupples added. It may not always be possible, but she also suggests avoiding crowded washroom facilities.

Washroom tips But Cupples thinks the most important tool to protect yourself from catching any virus is plain and proper hand-washing. While the jury still seems to be out on whether drying your hands with a paper towel is more sanitary than using a hand dryer, Cupples encourages the use of a paper towel, even your own sleeve, to turn taps off and open doors once you’re done.Cupples also believes hav-

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sort of immune response that will give protection, and not the wrong sort,” Gilbert said.

The project has started Phase III of the human trials to assess how the vaccine works in a large number of people over the age of 18, and how well the vaccine works to prevent people from becoming infected and unwell with COVID-19. The race is on to develop a working COVID-19 vaccine, with fears that the pandemic could re-intensify towards the end of the year, in the northern hemisphere’s winter season.

Kate Bingham, chair of the UK Government Vaccine Taskforce, said that, excluding the

Oxford vaccine programme, she hoped there would be a breakthrough by early 2021.

Gilbert said she hoped that her Oxford vaccine would make progress earlier, but was not more specific as she said the timeline for when the vaccine might be ready depends on the results of the trial.

John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University, said that Britain should prepare for not having a COVID-19 vaccine for the winter and encourage people to get their flu vaccinations to avoid “pandemoon assumptions that have turned out not to nium” in hospitals.

“This whole epidemic has relied too heavily be true,” he said. “So my strong advice is to be prepared for the worst.”Source: reuters.com

ing to touch a door on your way out of a public washroom is another potential flaw in the user experience. “Washrooms need to be redesigned so we don’t need contact getting in and out. The last thing you want to do after you wash your hands is open a door,” she said. Making doors and stalls easier to get in and out of, installing automatic taps, soap dispensers and toilet flushers are other good thingsfor businesses to consider in helping minimize the spread of germs in a public washroom, she said. If the fear of catching COVID-19 has heightened people’s overall awareness of their hygiene habits, Cupples says that can only be a good thing. “One of the key things to think about in general, is to be conscious of where you put your hands.

It’s so easy to do one thing carefully, and the next thing sloppily,” she added.

Source: ctvnews.ca

Oxford COVID-19 vaccine developers encouraged by immune response but cautious on timeframe

LONDON (Reuters) leading scientist behind the University of Oxford’s potential COVID-19 vaccine said on Wednesday the team has seen the right sort of immune response in trials but declined to give a firm timeframe for when it could be ready.

Speaking at a parliamentary hearing, Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the university, said 8,000 volunteers had been enrolled for the Phase III of its trial into the vaccine, AZD1222, which was licensed to AstraZeneca.

“We’re very happy that we’re seeing the right

3 flights to Vancouver International Airport possibly exposed to COVID-19 VANCOUVER -- Health officials are warning passengers on three flights that recently landed at Vancouver International Airport YVR to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control is not sharing which seats on the planes were affected. As a result, everyone who was on the flights is asked to self-isolate for two weeks from the day they landed in Vancouver.

These are the affected flights: Air Canada flight 217 from Saskatoon on June 16.

Air Canada flight 557 from Los Angeles on June 18.

Flair Airlines flight 8102 from Toronto on June 21.

Travellers on the flights won’t be contacted directly, as health officials stopped that practice back in March.

All airline passengers are encouraged to check the BCCDC website regularly for two weeks after they arrive back in B.C. to ensure their flight has not been exposed to the virus.

Source: ctvnews.ca

3 deaths from COVID-19 in B.C. since Tuesday, all community outbreaks declared over

VANCOUVER -- Health officials in British Columbia have announced three more deaths from COVID-19 in the province since Tuesday, bringing the provincial death toll from the coronavirus pandemic to 177.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix also announced 24 new test-positive cases of the virus in B.C. since Tuesday. Fifteen of those cases were confirmed on Tuesday and nine on Wednesday, the officials said.

Thursday’s update included two days’ worth of new positive tests for the virus because officials did not provide an update on Canada Day. There are currently 160 active cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia. Of those, 17 people who have the virus are in hospital, with two of them in critical care.

Since the pandemic begin, a total of 2,940 people have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Henry and Dix said Thursday that no additional outbreaks of the virus had occurred over the last 48 hours. There are currently five ongoing outbreaks in health-care facilities, but the last remaining “community outbreak” - at New World Technologies in Abbotsford - has been declared over. A total of 2,603 people who previously test-

ed positive for the virus in B.C. are now considered fully recovered.

Henry dedicated a significant portion of her remarks Thursday to what she called “travel manners”: the rules British Columbians and people visiting the province are expected to follow to prevent transmission of COVID-19 while travelling in B.C. “We all have to do our part to protect our communities here,” the provincial health officer said. “Any traveller from outside British Columbia needs to understand that we have established very clear rules for safe social interactions here in British Columbia and we expect everybody who comes here to adhere to those rules as well.”

Those rules include keeping your personal “bubble” of close contacts small, maintaining safe physical distances from those outside your bubble at all times, wearing a face mask if it’s impossible to keep those distances, and self-isolating immediately if you’re feeling even slightly unwell.

Henry said anyone in B.C. - including visitors who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can call 811 and arrange to be tested anywhere in the province.

Additionally, anyone arriving in B.C. from abroad is still required to self-isolate for 14 days, and to

have a self-isolation plan approved by the province upon their arrival, Henry said.

The focus on travel comes on the same day B.C. Premier John Horgan expressed concern about reports of Americans claiming they are travelling to Alaska as a way of circumventing isolation requirements, then vacationing in British Columbia instead of driving directly to Alaska.

Henry said she’s also concerned about this phenomenon, but she urged B.C. residents not to jump to conclusions about people based on the licence plates on their vehicles.

“The majority of people with U.S. licence plates who are in B.C. are Canadians who have returned home over the period of the last few months,” she said. “We have seen individual reports of people who are using that Alaska loophole, if you will, but I understand, as well, that they are very small in number and that they are subject to the federal quarantine order and there is very strict direction on what they should be doing.”

Americans who are not following that “strict direction” could face enforcement from the RCMP or local police departments, Henry said, adding that British Columbians looking to explain the expectations the province has for travellers

should do so in a friendly, non-confrontational way.“Have some compassion, be calm about it, recognizing that we may not understand everybody’s situation,” Henry said. “To those people … who are coming through our province, recognize that we have a vested interest in making sure that you follow our travel manners as well.”

The vast majority of B.C.’s COVID-19 infections have been in the Lower Mainland, with 989 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and 1,553 in the Fraser Health region.

Elsewhere in the province, there have been 201 cases confirmed in Interior Health, 132 in Island Health and 65 in Northern Health.

Henry was asked Thursday about the new case in the Island Health region, where only one other new infection has been reported in the last seven weeks.

The provincial health officer said the new case on Vancouver Island was the result of travel, rather than community transmission. She did not say where the person who tested positive had travelled, but did say the individual had had only a small number of close contacts and had not caused any public exposures to the virus. ”Source: reuters.com

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YO U TH / l i f e s t y l e

30 Ideas for Summer Fun (that Respect Physical Distancing)

By: Zahirah Lynn Eppard t’s that time of the year again. Parents are desperately looking for activities to keep children busy. You can focus on exciting activities but remember, it is also a good idea to work on special areas of development that can enhance our children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. This might include opportunities for community service, activities to sharpen skills and enhance creativity, improving our bodies physically, strengthening family ties, and increasing attention to worship. Since there are still areas of the country where movement is limited, parents will have to think about safety and think outside of the box.

Here are some ideas that can round out the lineup. Any and all can be molded or shaped for every age group. And the best possible course is working on these areas together as a family.

our Justice for All website for the latest action alerts.)

Activities to sharpen skills

Learn a new language.

Watch a how-to video each week.

Listen to a TEDEd talk (this is one of our favorites - The Chemistry of Baking Cookies).

Read a book and publish a review online.

Check out an engineering video at Joseph’s Machines.

Enhance creativity

Explore your hand at creative writing.

Read a book of poetry.

Create your own superhero and draw a comic strip.

Try your hand at painting.

Find a pattern and make your own masks.

Improve your body physically

Start a daily exercise regime.

Take a bike ride around your neighborhood.

Head out into the sun for some Vitamin D Opportunities for Community Service (but be careful not to overdo it).

Make a donation at a food bank.

Watch your water intake daily.

Offer to go to the grocery store for a neigh- Cut out sugary treats and replace them with bor. fruits and nuts.

Clean up around your local masjid.

Organize a Go-Fund-Me page for someone Strengthen your family ties Plan a family BBQ and ask everyone to bring in need.

Be an advocate for social justice (check out something to share.

Take turns making dinner (and try new

things).

Dig out old photos and reminisce about times past.

Pick a “family game night” and take turns choosing what to play.

Tackle a jigsaw puzzle and set a deadline to finish it!

Increase attention to worship

Make a habit of reciting the morning Adkhar (prayers).

Pledge to make Fajr prayer on time daily.

Set a goal to learn a new Surah each week.

Listen to a recitation of your favorite reciter of the Quran.

Perfect your Salat by improving your pronunciation and by learning the meaning.

And finally, as this last suggestion touches all of these areas above, check out Adam’s

World Club and Colors of Islam Club online classes. Our hosts use music, arts, storytelling, and humor to engage children in an exploration of their world through a very special Islamic lens.

Adam’s World Club classes are designed for children 4 to 7 years and are held weekdays from 4 to 4:30pm EDT. Please register for them here.

Colors of Islam Club classes are geared for children 8 to 12 years and held on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 1pm EDT. Please register for them here.

Hope you have an exciting and productive summer together. Be safe!

Zahirah Lynn Eppard is Sound Vision’s Director of Religious Education Source: soundvision.com/article

3 reasons kids should be invited to Muslim weddings

By Samana Siddiqui

You’ve no doubt received your share of wedding invitations over the years, including those that invite only couples, not children.

There are no doubt good reasons to exclude kids from weddings.

Some of these include cutting wedding costs, since halls and caterers often charge per guest for such a large event; the potential for embarrassment and disaster, with misbehaving kids dangling from drapes, playing tag between tables, and having tantrums during the official Nikah ceremony.

Yet, despite these seemingly logical explanations for those “Mr. and Mrs. Only” invitations, there are even better reasons for Muslim families to include children in wedding celebrations. Here are three big ones.

1. Reinforcement of Islamic values

A priest at a church altar; the permission given to “kiss the bride”, followed by a party featuring wine and mixed-sex dancing – these are all considered the standard wedding

Muslims to do as well), their heads are more often than not bent over a cellphone while their mouths are supposedly conversing with you.

Weddings, like other formal occasions, offer parents a real-life opportunity to reinforce manners in a setting outside of the immediate circle of family and friends. Parents can and should, for example, confiscate the cellphone on when the family is attending a wedding. They should also talk about manners like paying attention to the person talking to them and showing an interest in what is being said, for example.

It might actually be a good idea to enroll young people in an etiquette class in the weeks prior to the wedding to practice. This will not only reap social rewards, but possibly, monetary ones as well, if they are able 2. To reinforce manners Connected to point number one above is to impress a potential employer in the longthe loss of basic manners. Including kids in term with their respect for others. weddings is a great way to reinforce good 3. Weddings are about family manners often lacking in young people to- No doubt, it is often embarrassing dealing day, regardless of their religious or ethnic with kids and their antics during a formal background. occasion like a wedding, whether it’s an unFor instance, countless parents, employ- expected meltdown in the middle of dinner ers, grandparents, and other relatives have or a potty accident. But that is what family complained about the way many youth see life is about, a paradoxical combination of nothing wrong with sending or receiving elegance and embarrassment, smiling and text messages in mid-conversation with oth- sadness, laughter and rage. ers. Instead of giving their full attention to Moreover, these incidents can be handled the person who is talking to them (which deftly without resulting in the full-scale exwas actually what the Prophet instructed clusion of kids. The parent(s) of a child hav-

script in our culture. Whether it’s on television shows, in movies or books, the assumption is that most people get married this way.

When it comes to Muslims, while we may differ on many levels culturally in how we celebrate marriage, we also have key similarities: the presence of the Imam to conduct the wedding ceremony; the presentation of Prophet Muhammad’s, peace and blessings be upon him, marriage sermon; collective Dua for the couple; the various levels of Islamic etiquette and conduct practiced within families and between men and women.

When we exclude kids from weddings, we deny them the opportunity to witness an Islamic marriage ceremony, something they will most likely never see in the popular culture they consume daily.

ing a meltdown can immediately leave the room to calm their offspring down; a potty accident can be handled with class by parents packing extra fancy clothes for those “just in case” moments and offering to pay for any damages to hall equipment. There are ways around these problems, provided parents are willing to do their part (and many of them already do), and hosts are able to be a little bit tolerant and forgiving.

We do a disservice to our children and the next generation of Muslims when we exclude them from weddings, a stage we pray they will eventually pass through in the future. Although their presence can be annoying and embarrassing at times, this is a small price to pay for the reinforcement of Islamic values and manners, and for them to witness how this critical life juncture is conducted among Muslims.

If you’re planning a wedding this year, I’d suggest choosing less expensive halls, dresses, and other paraphernalia, and expanding the guest list to include children. You may not have the fanciest or most elegant wedding of your social circle. But the blessings you’ll get when those little hands are raised in Dua for the newlywed couple and your family, as well as the teachable moment you offer young Muslims who may have rarely, if ever, witnessed, an Islamic marriage ceremony, will be the true payoff in the end.

Source: soundvision.com/article

15 tips for brothers talking about women in Islam

lectures as opposed to the passive style nor- words mally used. If you’re giving a talk, be ready You can speak beautifully about women in less likely to listen to you if you come across to have interjections from Muslim sisters. Islam on behalf of the Muslim Students’ Asas a rude and boorish individual. Don’t do Welcome these, don’t shun them. sociation (MSA). But if throughout the year, this to others, especially sisters. sisters have been denied access to the prayer 12. Choose your words very 10. Don’t assume all Muslim sisters carefully room, or the right to participate in decisionare the same If you’re doing a presentation on women’s making in the MSA, then think of how silly Just because your mom has never had a issues in Islam or responding to a basic your talk is. Make sure your personal and problem with hijab does not mean that other question, make sure to choose your words organizational behavior falls in line with Muslim sisters have the same experience. extremely carefully. Know the exact diction- your words.

Muslim sisters are as different as brothers, as ary meaning, as well as the meaning in eve- 14. Don’t stereotype all Western are their experiences with issues like hijab. ryday usage. Words are extremely powerful, women 11. Become more attuned to the and they leave an imprint on the hearts and “Table dancers” or “cheerleaders” is how one minds of people. You want that imprint to be Muslim sister described the way Muslims “new Muslim woman” tend to stereotype all Western women. Let’s Muslim sisters today are not the same as positive, so be careful. those of yesterday. Many Muslims sisters 13. Actions speak louder than not forget: we hate it when Muslim women are stereotyped as oppressed, so we should know more, and they prefer more interactive

Continued from page 19

not be doing the same to others.

And lest we forget, a growing number of Western women are becoming our Muslim sisters, and very practicing ones at that.

15. Seek women’s perspective on issues

You know mom, who loves you so much and makes your dinner? She’s a woman. Your sister in school? She’s a woman. If you’re blessed to be surrounded by practicing Muslim sisters in your home, take advantage of this by seeking their views on issues: Islamophobia, domestic violence, community participation, and media stereotypes. There’s nothing like hearing the truth presented from those who truly live it.

Source: soundvision.com/article

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Zul Qaedah 13,1441H July 3, 2020

P a k i s t a n / S P ORT S

For whom the bell tolls

Continued from page 3

power sector obtained during the last 10 years,” Mr Khan said, also listing the Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and Pakistan Railways among other loss-making institutions.

Unlike his previous speech in the National Assembly during which he had mostly spoken about the performance of his 22-month-old government, this time the prime minister also dwelt upon the future plans of his government.

Refuting reports about differences within the ruling party and its allies, the prime minister said the opposition was talking about “minus one formula” only to save its corruption.

“They (the opposition) don’t know that even if minus one happens, the others will not spare them,” the prime minister said without any reference, thus fueling the speculations already going on in political circles about a possible change in the set-up.

Referring to the opposition leaders’ statements against the government’s plan to privatise the PSM, the prime minister said the people who had ruined the Steel Mills, PIA and the power sector by making political appointments were now lambasting the government for making workers jobless.

“We will not be bothered by strikes and protests. These institutions can no longer be run in the same manner as before,” Mr Khan reaffirmed.

The premier said the government had already paid Rs34bn as salaries to nearly 9,000 employees of the “closed” Steel Mills.

He said the PSM had earned a profit of Rs8bn during the rule of retired Gen Pervez Musharraf in 2008, but the next government had left it under a crushing debt burden.

“Either we must get ready for reforms or for facing a dire situation in the days ahead,” he said. “Mafias” were running these institutions and if the government succeeded in carrying out reforms, the nation would see better days,

Mr Khan said on a cheerful note.

“It is the worst of times, but if we want to change it into the best of times we have to plan for the future,” the premier said, taking inspiration from the 19th century English novelist Charles Dickens.

Mr Khan said a number of mafias and cartels were operating in the country. When the government started an inquiry into the sugar scam, “we came to know that a handful of people” were making windfall profits.

“Despite receiving a subsidy of Rs29bn, the entire sugar industry pays only Rs9bn in taxes,” the prime minister said.

The consumer was being forced to purchase costly sugar because of “the regulators’ collusion with sugar cartels”.

“These big monopolies, cartels, mafias would never have been able to run without government patronage,” he said. Mr Khan accused former president Asif Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of operating sugar mills only to “whiten their black money”.

“It is my mission to bring all these cartels and mafias under the law.”

The premier revealed that “some elements”, whom he did not name, had asked him to suppress the report about PIA pilots possessing dubious licences. But doing so would endanger lives and “the blood will be on my hands,” he added.

Political situation Turning to the political scene, the prime minister said the night before passage of the budget, tongues were wagging about the future of his government.

“Had you watched TV that night, you would have thought it was our last day.”

Referring to his reported speech at a dinner he had hosted for his party’s legislators and allies ahead of the budget passage, Mr Khan clarified he had never stated that “Meri Kursi Mazboot Hai” (my chair is strong).

“I live in my house and bear all my expenses, except for security. I do so because I don’t want

to have worries after leaving the office and so that I do not have to compromise on ideology and principles,” he said. “No one can topple our government as long as we stand on our principles.”

He advised young parliamentarians to not be scared of “leaving the chair,” saying no one remains in power for ever.

Mr Khan took a dig at Khawaja Asif, parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, calling him “the acting opposition leader”.

He wondered how a man serving as defence and foreign minister could receive a salary of Rs1.5 million from the UAE. “Who pays your Rs1.5m salary. You must have given (them) something in return,” he said, without elaborating.

Imran Khan said the opposition seemed to be in a hurry as it knew that “we are getting something from Dubai”. “They call a convicted person their leader,” he said in an allusion to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif ’s conviction in the Panama case.

“You did not let me deliver a speech on the first day and now you claim that the government has failed,” the prime minister said, recalling the opposition’s noisy protest in the National Assembly soon after his election as leader of the house in 2018.

The prime minister was of the view that Pervez Musharraf ’s government “wasn’t as bad”, but said his decision to issue the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) was wrong.

“The present opposition wants me to enter into a similar deal with them.”

PML-N derided Mr Khan ridiculed the PML-N for “changing faces” in keeping with changing times. “Sometimes it presents itself as a religious party and sometimes as a liberal party. They even claim to be Jihadis when it suits them.”

The prime minister said they always “try to alarm the West by saying that Pakistan will be taken over by extremists if they lose power”.

“They are liberals but only in one way: they are liberally corrupt,” Imran Khan observed.

Tributes

The prime minister began his speech by paying tributes to doctors, nurses and paramedics who were looking after coronavirus patients.

Due to the pandemic, he said, the entire service sector was affected. The people of northern areas relied on summer tourism for their livelihood, but now they were struggling to make both ends meet. He said the government was making plans to help such people ride out these hard times.

He praised his finance team for presenting what he called a difficult budget.

Hours after Mr Khan’s address, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhmmad Khan through a Tweet warned that the whole system would be wrapped up if minus one formula was implemented.

“Those talking about minus Imran Khan, listen if Imran is minus, democracy will also minus (from the country),” the minister tweeted.

Later, during a TV talk show, the minister said the PM had given the statement in reaction to the opposition leaders’ claim that minus one formula was being implemented. He challenged the opposition to bring a “no confidence” motion against the prime minister.

Earlier, the PM held separate meetings with ruling PTI MNAs, including more than 20 women MNAs, and assured them the government would complete its five-year term.

By: Syed Irfan Raza: Source: Dawn.com

6 cricketers cleared to tour England after second negative virus test Hafeez, Shadab and four others leave for England on Friday LAHORE: The remaining six crick-

Six Pakistan cricketers, including former captain Mohammad Hafeez, have been cleared to join rest of the team in England after returning a second negative result in Covid-19 tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Tuesday.

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz also tested negative for the second time in three days and will join rest of the team in Worcestershire.

“The PCB will now start making their travel arrangements and the departure details will be shared in due course,” the PCB added.

Four other players — Kashif Bhatti, Haris Rauf, Haider Ali and Imran Khan — tested positive for the second time earlier this week.

The first batch of Pakistan players underwent Covid-19 testing on their arrival in

Manchester on Sunday before moving to Worcestershire for a 14-day isolation period. akistan are scheduled to play three tests and three Twenty20 internationals behind closed doors in August-September. The exact dates and venues have not been announced yet.

Players in UK test negative for coronavirus All 20 players and 11 management personnel in the Pakistan touring party have tested negative for coronavirus since arriving in Britain, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Tuesday.

The ECB added that England’s latest round of tests, for their training group and management conducted on Monday had also yielded a complete set of negative results.

England players and staff have now had three Covid-19 tests.

eters, who could not leave for England with the rest of the Pakistan squad on Sunday, while they awaited the results of their second Covid-19 tests, are all set to depart for Worcester on Friday to join the national team there.

Pakistan on their England tour are scheduled to play three Tests and as many T20 Internationals. The series tentatively starts from Aug 5 with the first Test.

The six players who will leave Lahore for Manchester on a PIA flight include Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz.

This will be PIA’s last flight for Manchester from Lahore as England has suspended PIA flights for six months recently after the government of Pakistan grounded a significant number of pilots, due to doubts about their professional degrees. Meanwhile, the Pakistan team management in Worcester issued a training programme for the national squad, while remaining in quarantine for a 14-day period that started on June 30, after the Covid-19 tests of all 32 members of the squad — 20 players and 12 officials — conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board came negative.

However, the Pakistan team is allowed to train during the period of quarantine.

Their training starts on Thursday with two

3-hour sessions — first in the morning and the second in afternoon. The same schedule will be followed on Friday.

After a break on Saturday, a two-day intrasquad match will be played on Sunday and Monday. The training continues till July 12 after which the squad will travel to Derby on July 13.

Though the two cricket boards could not announce the itinerary of the Test and T20I series, tentatively, the first Test is scheduled to start on Aug 5 and the last T20 for Sept 1.

It is learnt that the ECB is currently engaged with different government departments to get clearance for the matches to be held at different venues. As soon as the ECB gets the clearance, it will announce the final itinerary.

Special permission from the different government departments is essential under the Covid-19 situation, which has severely hit the UK. Source: Dawn.com

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Coronavirus Cases:

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Deaths:

4,551

Recovered:

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Pakistan Last updated: July 3, 2020, @07:35 GMT