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Volume 11 Issue 280 Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 AH / March 25, 2011 - $1

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Battles rage for control of Libyan towns

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney meets with local Pakistani Community On March 13, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney held a meeting with the Pakistani Community in BC. Local MP Nina Grewal and Surrey School Board Trustee Ijaz Chattha are seen here with the Minister.

Details on page 28

Photo by: M.N.Pirzada

Opposition set to vote down budget, election likely The official starter's gun hasn't yet been fired, but all of Canada's political parties are lined up for a May election. The Conservatives have indicated there will be no amendments to Tuesday's budget, after all three opposition parties said they would not support the budget as it stands, setting the stage for a May 2 or May 9 election.

The defeat of the government will probably occur this week, either over the budget or in a non-confidence motion the Liberals plan to introduce Friday over the Tories' recent ethical troubles. The NDP was the only party considered to be in play to support the government's budget, but leader Jack Layton quickly ended any speculation Tuesday when he said he would not support it as it stands. The budget contained a small number of olive branches to Layton, but he said Prime Minister Stephen Harper missed an opportunity with the budget. "We set out where we wanted this budget to go and Mr. Harper chose not to go there," Layton told CTV News. "He chose not to give us a budget that gets the job done." The NDP had set out five conditions for their support of the budget: pension reform, cutting the

sales tax on home heating, relief for low-income seniors, raising the number of family doctors, specifically in rural areas, and boosting the EcoEnergy Retrofit program. But Layton said he was "very disappointed" because there was no cut to the sales tax on home heating, and nothing for Canadians without a family doctor in the budget. However, he did say there "is always hope" for amendments to the proposed budget. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff was the first opposition leader out of the gate, saying he was against the budget. "The priorities of this government are not the priorities of ordinary Canadians," he said. "This is a government that doesn't seem to be listening to what Canadians are telling us. And there doesn't seem to be a credible deficit-reduction plan." Bloc Quebecois Gilles Duceppe said his party can't accept the treatment of Quebec in the budget. "We played our cards for the interest of Quebec and that's what we're doing here and so we can't accept this treatment," he said in French. "I don't have confidence in that government." Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said the opposition hadn't spent enough time with the budget before deciding they weren't going to support it. "They haven't read it clearly, that's disappointing . . . they owe it to their own voters to read the document and decide what they're going to do," he told CTV's Power Play. Regardless of how the government is defeated, the Conservatives are expected to campaign largely on their budget. "If the budget is defeated it will be a major issue throughout the course of the campaign. They are going to have to explain why they voted against things that they advocated for," Flaherty said of the opposition. The finance minister also warned that an election could undermine the economic recovery.

"Parliament faces a choice. It is a choice between stability and uncertainty," he said Source: CTV News

Libya has witnessed more intense fighting as forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, the country's embattled but defiant leader, continue to attack rebel positions across the North African state. Undaunted by air strikes launched by coalition warplanes aimed at enforcing a no-fly zone, pro-Gaddafi forces have pressed ahead with their assaults on the towns of Misurata, Ajdabiya and Zintan in the past 24 hours.

Pro-democracy fighters ranged against him are finding the going tough. Mostly outgunned and with little command structure, they have been left to run sporadic raids against Gaddafi's troops, before falling back to their original lines. But despite the little headway made by them, a rebel commander described the men as "real heroes".

"They are brave to the point of being suicidal," Mohamed Hariri told Al Jazeera. Amid the continued fighting, Gaddafi insisted he was "ready for battle, be it long or short". "We will win this battle," he said in an address during a public appearance at his Bab Al-Aziziyah compound in Tripoli that was the target on Sunday of a coalition missile strike, Libyan state television reported. He also railed against the coalition forces, saying: "This assault ... is by a bunch of fascists who will end up in the dustbin of history." Overnight, anti-aircraft fire erupted over the Libyan capital, Tripoli for the fourth successive night. "We've been hearing big noises," Al Jazeera's Anita McNaught, reporting from Tripoli, said. "We haven't seen any smoke on the horizon. People are firing guns in defiance.

We're in the loyalist heartland here where people are utterly defiant of the international effort to force Gaddafi to surrender, as they would see it.

"The anti-aircraft fire has not been as intense [as Monday night when two naval installations outside the city were hit]. Perhaps they feel in the immediate neighborhood that most of the significant targets have already been hit." The AFP news agency reported that at least two blasts were heard at a distance before the capital's air defenses opened fire.

In the previous night's operations, the coalition air campaign suffered its first loss with the crash of a US fighter jet in the rebel-held east. Both crew ejected safely. The no-fly zone is intended to protect civilians from attack by forces loyal to Gaddafi.

The United States announced on Tuesday that it is shifting its focus to widen the no-fly zone across the north African country. Forces loyal to Gaddafi have been shelling Misurata for days, pressing their siege of the embattled western city. Four children were killed in the shelling on Tuesday and at least 40 people were killed on Monday, a resident said.

Fighting for the towns of Ajdabiya and Zintan has been raging for days as well. Al Jazeera's Tony

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

Raymond Davis Case- Where are Faizan’s, Faheem’s familes?

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned the capital city police officer, Aslam Tareen, in a petition seeking recovery of the families of the Qurtaba Chowk deceased Faheem Shamshad and

Faizan Haider.

Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain issued the order while hearing a petition filedby Advocate Malik Munsif Awan, formerly one of the counsel for the families, eported by Express Tribune.

Awan filed a habeas corpus petition before the LHC seeking recovery of the families saying that the families of both the deceased had been missing since March 15. He said he apprehended that they had been kidnapped and were being kept in illegal detention.

In his petition, Awan named the interior minister, the home secretary and the inspector general of Punjab Police as respondents. He said according to the media reports, the families had had received Rs200 million as blood-money, which, he added, had put the lives of the family members in danger. He said neither the provincial nor the federal government had acknowledged responsibility about the families’ whereabouts. He asked

the court to summon the respondents and direct them to produce the ‘abducted’ families before the court. Later, another petition was filed against the state for not charging Davis under the Anti Terrorism Act and for spying against the state. The petitioner, Advocate Rana Ilmuddin Ghazi, said that Davis’ release had left people in shock. He said that Davis was known to have been involved in anti- state activities. He held the inspector general of police, the officials of the Prosecution Department additional district and sessions judge Yousaf Aujla and the Punjab law minister responsible for failing to fulfill their duty and facilitating Davis’s release.

He said that the Law Ministry had paid the diyat on behalf of the US citizen. He said the LHC had put Davis’ name on the Exit Control List, but it was later removed without LHC’s permission. He asked the court to hold the respondent responsible for failing to carry out a transparent and fair trial. He also asked the court to summon record of Davis’ judicial and police file and fix culpability of all government functionaries who had not fulfilled their responsibilities. CCPO, SHO issued notice An additional district and sessions judge on Monday issued a notice to Lahore chief city police officer (CCPO) and SHO to file their reply in a petition seeking registration of FIR against jail authorities for allegedly keeping Faizan andFaheem’s counsel in illegal detention.

Judge Rao Abdul Jabbar issued the notice during hearing of a petition filed by Advocate Asad Manzoor Butt. Advocate Butt, one of the counsel for Faizan and Faheem’s families, told thecourt that the ASP and the SP of the Kot Lakhpat Jail had illegally detained him and his colleague Advocate Nauman Attique in jail for four hours while they were on their way to the court room for the hearing of the murder case against US citizen replies by March 24.

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National Zardari addresses Parliament amid protest, boycott President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday addressed the joint session of the parliament's fourth consecutive year amid protest and boycott of the opposition parties, Geo News reported. The President addressed the joint session under article 56 of the constitution.Chief Ministers and governors of all the provinces except Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif besides military chiefs of three armed forces attended the joint session.

Jamate-e-Islami, JUI, PML-N, PML-Q and Muslim League (Like Minided) boycotted the address of the President. They also recorded their protest. President Asif Ali Zardari, in his address vowed to uphold supremacy of the Constitution and the Parliament and not to permit anyone usurp powers of the Parliament.

Referring to the restoration of Constitution, he said it showed that if all political parties rise above politicking, they can deliver.

"Let us strive to keep our egos aside. Let political forces stop challenging each other, merely for political point-scoring. It only weakens democracy in the long run," the President said. He said it was the task of the leadership to unite; not divide. "We believe in reconciliation, and not confrontation."President Asif Zardari commended Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani for pursuing the policy of reconciliation and consensus, given by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

"We have achieved consensus on constitutional reforms," the President said and called for building consensus on resolving issues like energy shortage, circular debt, taxation reforms, restructuring of public sector entities and documentation of the economy. President Zardari interspersed with applause, congratulated the members of Parliament, and all the political parties, both in the government and in the opposition, for the unanimous pas-

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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Teachers’ strike looms over salary demands The possibility of a teachers’ strike is already in the air, without a single proposal yet exchanged across the bargaining table.

Although the master contract covering 41,000 teachers does not expire until the end of June, the B.C. Teachers Federation has signalled clear demands for a significant wage increase from a government committed to offering no pay hike at all.

Noting the rocky history of past teacher bargaining, Education Minister George Abbott admitted on Tuesday that a strike is “certainly a possibility.” “There have been three occasions when [teachers] withdrew services and where an imposed solution was brought about [by] the legislature,” Mr. Abbott told reporters in Victoria after speaking at the annual BCTF convention.

“We hope there won’t be a disruption, but there may be.” Mr. Abbott indicated a willingness to discuss other issues such as teaching resources and improving the edu-

cation system. He was adamant, however, that the government will not budge from its proclaimed wage mandate of zero and zero over two years – a formula applied to all public-sector employees in negotiations this year. “That doesn’t mean we can’t talk about improving the learning environment or teacher satisfaction, but net zero is the order of the day,” Mr. Abbott declared.

The BCTF says its members need a good pay increase to catch up with teachers in provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, where salaries are much higher. Mr. Iker said teachers are hopeful the government will change its mind.

“Otherwise our salaries will fall even further behind. To retain teachers, the province needs to pay them what they deserve.” B.C. teachers, once ranked third in pay across the country, have slipped to eighth, according to the BCTF, a claim disputed by Mr. Abbott. Mr. Abbott was the

first Education Minister to address a BCTF convention since the Liberals formed the government in 2001. Premier Christy Clark had a particularly frosty relationship with the teachers’ organization during her three years as education minister. Mr. Iker said Mr. Abbott asked for the opportunity to speak “and we felt it was important to have him say a few words.” The minister told teachers there will be “lots of things that will divide us in the weeks and months ahead … no question.” But he also talked about the common goal of improving B.C.’s education system and received loud applause at the end of his speech when he pledged: “My door as the Minister of Education will always be open to [BCTF president Susan Lambert] and it will always be open to you.” Negotiators for the BCTF and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association launched talks on March 1. Their next bargaining session is

set for March 31. Besides the looming confrontation over wages, the parties are also apart even on what to talk about. The BCTF wants far more issues discussed at the local level, while most school boards are opposed to an expansion of local bargaining. Mr. Iker said the BCTF has not yet decided on its precise wage demands, but the goal is to ensure that pay does not fall further behind that of teachers in other provinces. “We also want to discuss class size and class composition. This is going to be a challenging round of negotiations, but we are confident.” The teachers’ current agreement, a five-year contract that provided a 16-per-cent wage increase, was the first contract reached voluntarily by the parties since province-wide bargaining began in the mid-1990s.

Source: Globe and Mail

U.S. troops shown posing over Afghan corpses The U.S. Army has apologized for graphic photos showing U.S. troops posing over dead Afghan civilians that were published this week by German news organization Der Spiegel. One of the three photos, which the army was keeping under wraps for a war crimes probe, shows a soldier smiling as he posed with a bloodied and partially clothed body. The photos were among several seized by Army investigators looking into the deaths of three unarmed Afghans last year. Five soldiers based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, south of Seattle, have been charged with murder and conspiracy in the case.

Hans-Ulrich Stoldt, spokesman for Der Spiegel, declined to tell The Associated Press Monday how the magazine had obtained the photographs, citing the need to protect its sources. One of the published photographs shows a key figure in the investigation, Cpl. Jeremy Morlock of Wasilla, Alaska, grinning as he lifts the head of a corpse by the hair. Der Spiegel identified the body as that of Gul Mudin, whom Morlock was charged with killing on Jan. 15, 2010, in Kandahar Province. Another photo shows Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Holmes, of Boise, Idaho, holding the head of the same corpse. His lawyer, Daniel Conway, said Sunday that Holmes was ordered "to be in the photo, so he got in the photo. That doesn't make him a murderer." The photo was taken while the platoon leader, Lt. Roman Ligsay, was present, Conway said. Ligsay has asserted his right against self-incrimination in refusing to testify in the legal proceedings against his troops. A third photo depicts two apparently dead men propped against a small pillar. Der Spiegel said the photo was seized from a member of the platoon, but did not involve the deaths being investigated as war crimes. Soldiers have told investigators that such photos of dead bodies were passed around like trading cards on thumb drives and other digital storage devices. The killings at issue occurred during patrols in January, February and May 2010. After the first death, one member of the platoon, Spc. Adam Winfield, sent Facebook messages to his parents, telling them his colleagues had slaughtered one civilian, were planning to kill more and warned him to keep quiet about it. His father notified a staff sergeant at Lewis-McChord, but no action was taken until May, when a witness in a drug investigation in the unit separately reported the deaths. Winfield is accused of participating in the final killing. Morlock has given extensive statements claiming the murder plot was led by Staff Sgt. Calvin Gibbs.

Gibbs maintains the killings were legitimate. Morlock's court martial was scheduled for Wednesday. He has agreed to plead guilty to murder, conspiracy and other charges and to testify against his co-defendants in exchange for a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison. Meanwhile, military judge Lt. Col. Kwasi Hawks ruled late last week that Winfield can present evidence at his court martial that he tried to blow the whistle on the violence.

Prosecutors had tried to bar evidence that he sent the messages to his family.

Winfield has given a videotaped statement saying he took part in the final killing because he was afraid other soldiers might kill him if he didn't.

However, the judge sided with prosecutors on whether to suppress Winfield's videotaped statement as coerced. In addition to the five soldiers charged in the deaths, seven soldiers in the platoon were charged with lesser crimes, including assaulting the witness in the drug investigation, drug use, firing on unarmed farmers and stabbing a corpse.

Source: CBC News

Ivorians flee Abidjan violence in their thousands Thousands of Ivorians fleeing violence in the commercial capital Abidjan gathered in its main bus station on Sunday, crowding onto buses carrying suitcases full of belongings they had salvaged to head to the countryside.

Day after Israel kills 8 in Gaza, Bus stop bomb kills one in Jerusalem A bomb has struck a crowded bus stop in West Jerusalem, killing at least one person and wounding 30 in what authorities said was the first major attack in the city in several years. Scores of ambulances converged on the area near the central bus station in the Jewish neighbourhood, as rescuers removed bloodied people from the area on stretchers on Wednesday. Al Jazeera's Nisreen El-Shamayleh, reporting from Jerusalem, said that one person, a 60-year-old woman, died following the explosion. "There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Israeli police blamed armed Palestinian groups," our correspondent said. Micky Rosenfeld, the foreign press spokesman for the Israel Police, told Al Jazeera that a device in a bag that was left in a phone booth near the bus station exploded when the bus passed. "This was not a suicide attack," Rosenfeld said. Yitzhak Aharonovich, Israel's public security minister, told Channel 2 TV that the bomb was about one to two kilograms and was planted in a small bag on the sidewalk. He said security services were on alert for additional attacks. The attack occurred near the main entrance to Jerusalem, next to the city's central bus station, an area that is crowded with travelers and passers-by at all hours of the day. The blast reverberated throughout Jerusalem and blew out the windows of two crowded buses. Aharon Franco, Jerusalem's police chief, said there were no firm leads but authorities were investigating a possible link to a small bombing earlier this month that wounded a garbage collector as he removed the device from a trash can. Meir Hagid, one of the bus drivers, said he heard a loud explosion as he drove by the site. "I heard the explosion in the bus stop," he said. He halted his vehicle and people got off. Samuel Conik, 20, said he ran to the scene when he heard the explosion and saw fire coming out of a phone booth. Nearby was a badly burned man with bloody legs and his skin peeling off, he said. Police, accompanied by sniffer dogs, broke into cars near the site to search for evidence and possible additional explosives. Bombings have been rare in Jerusalem in the past several years. Palestinians carried out dozens of bombings in the city at the height of an uprising that began in 2000. At least eight Palestinians, including children, were killed in Israeli mortar attacks and airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The Israeli military said it was responding to rocket attacks from Gaza. It also confirmed it had fired mortar rounds towards the eastern outskirts of Gaza City on Tuesday, shortly after four rockets hit Israel. In the Gaza Strip, the Islamic Jihad militant group, which has carried out dozens of attacks, said it was not responsible for the blast in Jerusalem. But Khader Habib, a spokesman, said the group "applauds all efforts to respond to the crimes committed daily against our people". Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, condemned the attack in Jerusalem. In a statement on the website of WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, Abbas also reiterated his condemnation to the Israeli operation in Gaza on Tuesday. Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is leaving to Moscow tonight at after a delay of few hours because of the blast in Jerusalem. He was in security meetings in the last hours. Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, called the incident a "horrific terrorist attack". "I extend sympathy to the families of those who have been injured. But I think, I don't think I would characterise the situation there as deteriorating," Gates said during a visit to Cairo.

Source: Al-Jazeera

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Deaths as Syrian forces 'storm mosque' Security forces have attempted to storm a mosque in the southern Syrian city of Daraa, reportedly killing at least six people. The government, however, blamed the

violence on an "armed gang", according to the staterun SANA news agency. Residents said heavy gunfire was heard near the Omari mosque in the early hours of Wednesday in the city, which has been the scene of anti-government protests since Friday. "It seems that security forces may be trying to storm the complex. It is not clear because electricity has been cut off. Tear gas is also being used," one resident told the Reuters news agency. Protesters calling for political freedoms and an end to corruption had said earlier that they were going to remain in the mosque until their demands were met. Mohammed Al Abdallah, an exiled Syrian rights activist living in the US, said he had been communicating with people in Daraa who told him that a doctor was among those killed.

"Security forces opened fire, they used bombs and live ammunition," he told reporters. "There are many injuries, including women and children." He said electricity had been cut off before the attack and that security forces were preventing ambulances from entering the centre of Daraa, where the mosque is located. A reporter in Damascus, said the incident was a "very serious development" that could trigger protests, and the prospect of further violence. She also said the use

of violence against protesters indicated the government had abandoned its earlier offer of dialogue. "With the killing of these six people overnight, it seems that the government is opting for the choice of using force to crack down on the protesters not dialogue as it had indicated," she said. She reported that there was a heavy security presence in Daraa, with the army, antiterror police and riot police all deployed in the city.

Journalists are not being allowed to visit the city, and several of those who attempted to do so last night had their equipment confiscated by authorities.

Checkpoints have been set up by security forces at all entries to the city. Syria's state-run television station reported that an "armed gang" attacked an ambulance at the Omari mosque, killing four people. The victims were a doctor, a paramedic, a policeman and the ambulance driver, according to SANA. "The security forces who were near the area intervened, hitting some and arresting others," the report said, without elaborating. The violence came a day after the United Nations' human rights chief called for a probe into a weekend crackdown, when several protesters were killed in Daraa. Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on Syrian authorities to carry out a transparent probe into the crackdown and to halt the excessive use of force.

Colville said that the use of excessive force was a "clear violation of international law" and that perpetrators could be prosecuted. Demonstrations have been held in a number of Syrian cities in recent days despite the country's emergency law, which bans protests and has been in place since 1963. Wednesday's incident brings to 12 the number of people reportedly killed by security forces since the start of the demonstrations on March 18, including an 11-year-old boy who died after inhaling tear gas on Monday. A Syrian official told the AFP news agency that the governor of Daraa had been sacked following the killings. The official, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, said Faisal Kalthoum was fired from his position on Tuesday.

Source: Al-Jazeera

Radiation in Tokyo tap water raises concerns Radiation levels in Tokyo tap water more than twice what is considered safe for infants added to food safety woes Wednesday as rising smoke prompted a new evacuation of workers trying to stabilize Japan's radiation-leaking nuclear plant. Radiation has seeped into vegetables, raw milk, the water supply and even seawater in areas surrounding the plant since a magnitude-9 quake and killer tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daiichi power plant nearly two weeks ago. Broccoli was added to a list of tainted vegetables Wednesday, and U.S. officials announced a block on Japanese dairy and other produce from the region. Tap water in downtown Tokyo measured 210 Becquerel per liter of iodine-131 -- more than twice the recommended limit of 100 Becquerel per liter for infants, officials from the Tokyo Water Bureau said. Infants are extremely vulnerable to radioactive iodine, which can cause thyroid cancer, experts say. However, officials urged calm, saying drinking small amounts of tap water was fine for babies, and that the current level did not pose an immediate health risk to children or adults. "We advise against using the tap water for drinking and for making infant formula for babies under 1 year old," said Shin taro Ishihara, Tokyo's governor. The unsettling new development affecting Japan's largest city, home to some 13 million in the city centre and 39 million residents in the great Tokyo area, came as nuclear officials struggled to stabilize all six reactor units at the damaged power plant to the northeast. In a new setback, black smoke billowed from Unit 3, prompting a new evacuation of the complex Wednesday afternoon, Tokyo Electric Power Co. officials said. "We don't

know the reason" for the smoke, Hidehiko Nishiyama of the Nuclear Safety Agency said. The quake and tsunami that struck off the east coast March 11 knocked out the plant's crucial cooling systems.

Explosions and fires have erupted in four of the plant's six reactors, leaking radioactive steam into the air.

Progress in cooling down the overheated facility has been intermittent, disrupted by rises in radiation, elevated pressure in reactors and overheated storage pools. The plant operator had restored circuitry to bring power to all six reactor units and turned on lights at Unit 3 late Tuesday for the first time since the disaster -- a significant step toward restarting the cooling system. It had hoped to restore power to cooling pumps at the unit within days, but experts had warned the work included the risk of sparking fires as electricity is restored through equipment potentially damaged in the tsunami.

Source: CTV News

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Yemen's president warns of civil war

Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen's president, has offered to step down from his post by the end of the year as protests against his rule continue in defiance of a deadly crackdown by security forces.

Saleh pledged a "constitutional" transfer of power, and added that he would not hand over power to the military. Addressing military leaders, he warned against "coups" said the country faced a civil war if he was forced from office. Several senior officers have backed protesters in recent days. The offer comes with Saleh under renewed scrutiny following the declaration on Friday of a nationwide state of emergency after a violent crackdown on anti-government protests killed at least 41 people, and left scores more wounded, in the capital Sanaa. But a coalition of Yemeni opposition groups rejected Saleh's offer. "The opposition rejects the offer as the coming hours will be decisive," said Mohammed al-Sabry, a spokesman for the main umbrella opposition group. A similar proposal by Saleh was the subject of discussions between him and opposition groups earlier this month.

Saleh has already promised not to run for another term when his current term expires in 2013. But he has a history of breaking similar promises: In 2005, he vowed not to run for another term in office, only to run and win another term in 2006.

Speaking to a group of army officers on Tuesday, Saleh warned against "coups," clearly a message to senior military officers who have defected over the past 24 hours. Major-General Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar, the head of the north-western military zone and the first armored division, announced his support for the protesters following a brutal crackdown. Other high-ranking officers that have defected include Brigadiers Hameed Al Koshebi, head of brigade 310 in the Omran area; Mohammed Ali Mohsen, who heads the eastern division; and Nasser Eljahori, head of brigade 121. General Ali Abdullaha Aliewa, an adviser to the Yemeni supreme leader of the army, also deserted the president. Saleh warned on Tuesday that any further defections would have consequences. The developments led to tanks being deployed on Monday in the streets of Sanaa, the capital, creating a potentially explosive situation and prompting the defense minister to declare that the army still backed the president. The current crisis has also prompted the Arab League to condemn "crimes against civilians" in Yemen and urge the government to deal with the people's demands in a "peaceful manner". The Arab League "strongly condemns the crimes committed against civilians, and calls for concerted efforts to safeguard national unity and the right to free expression, "representatives meeting in Cairo, said in a statement. They also called for "dialogue and democratic methods to deal with the demands of the Yemeni people in a peaceful manner" Saleh's support in diplomatic circles also appeared to be vanishing, with Robert Gates, the US defense secretary, expressing concern on Tuesday. Yemen is considered a key ally by Washington which has backed Saleh's campaign against al-Qaeda militants in the country. "We are obviously concerned about the instability in Yemen," Gates said on Tuesday, warning that instability could lead to a "diversion of attention" from the fight against al-Qaeda. Meanwhile AbdelWahhab Tawaf, Yemen's ambassador to Syria, said he was stepping down and joining colleagues who have quit in protest.

Huda al-Baan, Yemen's human rights minister, also resigned from the government and the ruling party in protest over Friday’s attack. Meanwhile, the country's most powerful tribal confederation Hashed, which includes Saleh's tribe, issued a statement asking the president to respond to the people's demands and leave peacefully. But the US and Saudi Arabia Saleh's closest allies - have appeared nervous about his stepping aside after being in power since 1978 and there currently being no clear successor.

Source: Al-Jazeera

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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OCEAN OF UNRESOLVED ISSUES HAUNTS PAKISTAN Although, Pakistan became a reality with full sovereign status on 14th August, 1947, its creation would have been impossible without efforts of the most outstanding leaders including Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Maulana Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

They gave intellectual and political direction to Muslims in India during the British imperial dominance (1858-1947).

Quite obviously, Mr. Jinnah never meant dependence, when he gave such a gift of independence to his nation, yet – unfortunately, the newly born State became orphaned just after a year. How sad!

Indeed, ‘sovereignty’ belongs to the “proud States” under the leadership of selfless men of utmost integrity. However, some hidden hands while pursuing their selfish agenda to satisfy their vested interests - never let any of the capable leaders do the job of providing sufficient economic stability and political security to the country and its people. Administrative failures and corruption at all levels is an indirect result of criminal attitude of the cruel hidden hands.

With Liaqat Ali khan’s assassination, an unending “era of dependence” began.

Charismatic leaders are seldom born; yet are eliminated and replaced by the favourite puppets. Selfish and dishonest leaders make the job of economic misexploitation of natural resources/reserves easier for the unethical and unlawful beneficiaries. In other words, such leaders knowingly or unknowingly become easy tools in the hands of anti state elements behind the scene.

Celebrating 23rd March as ‘Pakistan day’

means not much under the misdirected leadership.

Any incompetent regime with a beggar’s bowl normally tends to remain addicted to rely on borrowing heavily. New loans are needed every now and then in order to run the poorly managed country. There is a sure chance of misappropriation of such funds.

The government has been busy putting the heaviest debt load over the shoulders of the future generation and also is busy printing new notes each month to pay salaries and other bills; hence, hyperinflating the economy. An ongoing crippling of the state institutions along with the deteriorated national sovereignty is thought provoking.

Alarmingly, Pakistan Political Paralysis (PPP) has taken over almost all tiers of the State functionaries.

General opinion suggests there is a constant life threat to Pakistan, yet the worried Pakistanis have no clue as to what to do; hence no course of action as yet.

Almost whole of the official machinery also appears so badly paralysed which is ‘way beyond an easy repair.’ Surprisingly, the regime remains in a denial mode; and is badly stuck in a dead end street.

Question mark: Is it the “ill will” of the Rulers, a lack of their integrity, inefficiency, incompetence or are they the professional puppets and yoyos - being remote controlled against the national interests?

In fact, so far the political/military regimes have been devoid of the needed sincerity in looking after the national interests. The regimes have been motivated by extending and justifying their grip on power. The

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Don’t claim to be A Sovereign country (Pakistan) By: Intikhab Ahmed A sovereign country is where, rule of Law and Inter national rules are its abided, A country where its borders are protected from foreign aggression, a country has an obligation to protect her citizens from internal turmoil, peoples also protected from drone attacks. An unconditional pledge on so called war on terror, have crippled the sovereignty of a country called Pakistan.

An American contractor, named Raymond Davis accused of Killing 2 innocent Pakistani nationals in a broad day light, was working on a secret CIA mission in Pakistan, to gain access to the unemployed youths , hire them, to plot & execute attacks on places of worships , peaces

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council( Jirga’s), wedding parties in different provinces and cities of Pakistan. At present don’t how many CIA contractors like him are still working in Pakistan.

Raymond Davis was charged for killing two innocent motorcyclists in Lahore Pakistan. As he opened fire and killed 2 men, when police arrested him, right after his arrest, his first response to the police was, he is working for a contractor operating on a work permit & he is not a diplomat.

The US government took a stand on her citizen, declared him as a diplomat working with US embassy in Islamabad. In his initial statement Raymond Davis’s confirmed that he is working for a company contracting with US consulate in Lahore, Pakistan.

President Obama, sectary of state Hilary Clinton, Senator John Kerri, publicly declared Davis as diplomat. Obama sent Senator John Kerri to Pakistan, to influence present leadership in Pakistan, for safe release of an American killer, sure enough, Founder : Nusrat Hussain

Miracle Media Group Inc. ©

Contact Info Mailing and Office Address

9160-136A Street Surrey bc. v3v 7z8 canada Fax: 604-582-7809 Phone: 604-690-0400

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Managing Editor: M. Naseer Pirzada Sub-Editors: Misbah & Sabeeh Hon. Chief Editor & Urdu Editor Mohammad Rafiq Advertising Ph: 604-690-0400 Email: naseer@telus.net

plagued country suffers from the VIP culture, nepotism, nil transparency, poor governance, rampant corruption, abuse of power and resources, looting national exchequer and misappropriated IMF loans, and the list – of course, goes on and on with no end in sight.

Furthermore, the present flawed election procedure is full of deception and corruption, which hinders electing a legislature on the basis of merit. Among other things, present system is to blame, as it enables inefficient and incompetent powerful people to become parliamentarians to make defective laws and pass bills to scare the vulnerable masses and the political opponents. Isn’t that pathetic?

No doubt, there are excellent laws too, but in the last 64 years “the needed will” to enforce the laws is not generated yet.

Addressing corruption issues poses a few challenges. Punitive action can be a real deterrent. Nevertheless, the judiciary at the apex level is performing really well, yet the executive seems confused, hesitant or defiant in implementing the court orders.

Additionally, Policing activity is marred by its own problematic scenarios. Most of the times, the police conducts an invasive search without reasonable and probable grounds. Sometimes, the officers intend to teach the accused a lesson in humility, which is technically and legally wrong indeed.

While hunting for criminals, citizens’ rights to a "reasonable" search should never be violated by the police.

The other major threat is the blowing wind of “doctored terrorism” which has successfully crossed into Pakistan where

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Davis’ was not a diplomat, and he was not immune by diplomatic immunity. Whereas American leadership in white house was trying to tell the world, that the government of Pakistan is not honoring, Geneva Convention fake document were prepared by both governments for Raymond Davis , so by any mean he should be eligible for diplomatic immunity.

After all efforts were failed, then Islamic Shiria Law came into effect; Blood money was paid to the victims’ families. That’s how an American got safe and sound release. The very next day, after release of Raymond Davis, an American drone attack killed over 44 and injured scores of members of a Pease council in North Waziristan, The peoples of the land wanted to have control of mineral resources of their own homeland. Yanks’ and Pakistan government don’t want the peoples of land to prosper and develop. When the innocent peoples are killed likes those attacks, the extremism will not be rooted out from Pakistan.

Editorial Board : Mr.Shums Jillani, Mr Aslam Hayat, Mr. Shams Siddiqui & M.A.L. Naumani Graphic Design: Design Teams Copyright ® 2001 Miracle Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved Printed in Canada

Website:

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

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

Email:

the Army is on full alert, but the menace has seeped through all the arteries deep into the country.

Gorilla style warfare in suicide jackets is almost impossible to control. No two meals are available. The hunger has made the country men vulnerable. They are paid cash to do anything so without knowing the mastermind they really are manipulated to carryout suicide attacks. Some are caught red handed but of no use, as they never are able to pin point the real culprits behind.

Enough is enough: Pakistan deserves the earliest return of its looted wealth – pardoning of which was unethically legitimized and waived off under the black law-NRO. Actually, it is a conspiracy against the innocent poor people of Pakistan - a country - rich with minerals and natural reserves. Since the people are not willing any more to tolerate suffering in silence, it is about time for the government to fix all ailments as soon as possible. The ruling elite needs to ‘self purify’ as the only way out of the present “chronic dependency cycle.”

In order to restore the damaged writ of state, the general public deserves to be fully satisfied sooner the better. Otherwise, the lava is on standby mode – which soon would certainly burst beyond control, as it did in the Mid-East.

www.miraclenews.com

Since, war on terror have started, Pakistan governments have handed over many Pakistanis, even foreign diplomats to US , without any evidence they were put into Jails ,they were not properly treated & later executed.

Dr. Afia Siddiqui is worst example of justice in USA; An Innocent lady was picked up in Pakistan, tried on fake charges of opening fire on American soldiers in Afghanistan. The American soldiers at witness stand could not confirm her identity and her actions, the soldiers could not confirm, well she was sitting or standing when she opened fire on Americans, the criminal justice system of USA, sentenced her 86 years in prison for the crime she never committed. Where are women’s right champions in the West? American Justice System should ashamed on herself.

Cotents Editorial & Letters Int. News Local Articles Interview Faith Politics Lifestyle Sports Classified /Cont.

Urdu

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The Dignity of Islam's Social Etiquette

By: Ahmed al Batili Cordially making room for newcomers in a gathering is a rule of refined conduct taught and encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.

enlarge your circle" (Bukhari and Muslim).

Another version cited by Ahmad, says: "...but rather make space, and Allah will make space for you."

When room is made for someone, it should be accepted, and the person should sit down next to those who made it, and thank them. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: "When people take their places and sit, and a man invites a [Muslim] brother of his and makes room for him, let the latter take it. It is a generous gesture offered to him, so let him sit there" (Tabari).

Making room for newcomers in a gathering is a rule of refined conduct promoted by the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and is characteristic of Islam. It is a sign of affability and mutual affection of all Muslims. It is both a courtesy and a good deed. When someone arrives late to a learning session, the people already there should make room, so that the latecomer may sit down , listen, and benefit from the discussion, rather than have him or her turn back with the excuse that no place is available or that the place is too tight, thus denying one the opportunity of learning. One hadeeth states that while Allah's Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, was sitting, three people approached. One of them found an opening in the circle and joined it. Another sat behind other people. The third turned back and left. Allah's Messenger said: "Shall I give you an account of these three? The first took refuge with Allah. As for the second, he felt shy and sat behind the people.

The third turned away, so Allah turned away from him."

We should not separate people from each other, for Allah's Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: "It is not lawful for any man to separate two people without their permission" (Abu Dawud and Tirmithi). Such separation may inconvenience them, for they may have special affection toward each other or may have been discussing a private matter. So separating them, by sitting between them, may disturb them.

The Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sal-

Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says: "O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Make room [for one another]' in gatherings, then make room; Allah will make room for you. And when you are told: 'Arise!' then arise. Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees. And Allah is acquainted with what you do" [58:11].

This verse of the Qur'an holds divine instructions and rules of social conduct directed at avoiding discord, spreading care and friendliness among people, and maximizing the benefit of circles of knowledge when we are in them. These rules address assemblies, social gatherings, groups, and study circles. The first rule commands making space for newcomers when sitting in an assembly, allowing them to sit down, feel welcome and part of the assembly.

This brings peace and strengthens ties.

The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, was so beloved by his Companions (Sahabah) that naturally, they sought to sit as close to him as possible, and if that meant they had to compete for a better place close to him, they did. This verse was, therefore, revealed, to address social manners and etiquette. Qatadah, of the great Successor (Tabi'ee) generation that came after the Companions, said commenting on this verse that "it was revealed concerning assemblies of learning and discussion, for when they saw someone approaching, the Companions used to be reluctant to concede a space for him in their assemblies with Allah's Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam-and thus Allah's instruction to make space for each other."

Several of the sayings of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, speak to the merits of making space at assemblies. One of these quoted by Ibn Umar says: "Let no person get up only to have another to sit in his place, but rather make room and

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Condolences to countless casualties!

By: Mahmood Awan , Richmond I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to everyone who has been affected by the disastrous earthquake and tsunami which hit the northeastern coast of Japan on Friday afternoon.

While there have been countless casualties; in no other country could the government and the

people have worked together in such an accurate and coordinated way in the face of such tragedy. The Japanese people have shown their cultural ability to remain calm in the face of adversity.

The Japanese have reminded us once again its national spirit of helping one another, of propriety, and of gentleness and consideration for one’s fellow human being.

We do not publish anonymous letters or the let- I hope the ones livings are ters of the people who do not disclose their identi- safe, I hope the injured ty to ‘The Miracle.’ A writer can use a pen name heal quickly, I hope the or request ‘The Miracle’ to withhold his / her missing are found, and I identity. Please include your daytime telephone hope the ones who have number for the confirmation of your letter. We passed away are at peace. regret the inconvenience.

important note:

lam, also said: "No one among you should cause a man to stand and then sit in his place" (Bukhari). A person who sits in a place first is more entitled to it. The best practice is for a person joining a group to sit next to the last person in it. Jabir Ibn Samurah said: "When we joined the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, we used to sit where the end was, "meaning at the end of the group in order not to inconvenience anyone and make them get up" (Abu Dawud).

Another important rule of conduct at assemblies is to take the initiative when entering by greeting the people already there. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: "Do not admit a person who does not begin with a greeting" (AbuYa'la).

There are many ahadeeth on the subject of making the salutation of others a common practice. In one of these, the Prophet states: "O People! Spread greetings. Offer food. Keep in touch with your blood relatives. And pray while people are asleep.

And you will be admitted into Paradise in peace" (Tirmithi).

When leaving a group, it is proper for a Muslim to commend the people there with salutations of peace, for the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: "If one of you joins an assembly, let him greet (the People there). And if he gets up while others are still sitting, let him greet (them). For the former (greeting) is not more of an obligation than the latter" (Ahmed and Abu Dawud).

When Muslims visit one another, they should not stay overly long. Once they have achieved what they came for, they should depart, in order not to inconvenience the host. That is why Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says: "And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise," which means that when one is asked to get up and leave, one should do so. Abdurrahman ibn Zaid said: "People used to gather at the house of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and when they wanted to leave, each desired to be the last to leave him, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. That made things hard for

Volume 3, Book 43, Number 624: Narrated Anas: Allah's Apostle said, "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one.

People asked, "O Allah's Apostle!

It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?"

The Prophet said, "By preventing him from oppressing others."

Allah's Messenger. Therefore, they were ordered to leave."

It is proper for Muslims when sitting with others that they should be both modest and attentive in the way they sit. They should not keep turning their heads in all directions without cause, lest they arouse suspicion and wariness. Nor should they keep clearing their throats for no reason. If someone sneezes and then praises Allah (saying alhamdulillah), the people around should respond with a prayer for Allah's mercy for him. When yawning, the mouth should be covered and further yawning resisted as much as possible. One should not sit with one's back to other people.

Moreover, in a group of three, it is not right for two to talk intimately and privately, leaving the third out.

Finally, let the assembly conclude with the supplication mentioned in a hadeeth of the Prophet , sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, narrated by Abu Hurairah which says: "When a person sits in an assembly, having engaged in much idle talk, and then says, before getting up: 'Glory and praise be to you my lord. There is no God other than You. I pray for your pardon and repent to you'-Allah forgives for him what he has done [meaning the idle talk] in that assembly" (Tirmithi).

This article was first published in Al Jumuah Magazine, a monthly Muslim lifestyle publication, which addresses the religious concerns of Muslim families across the world.

From March 25 -April 8, 2011 (Rabi ul Thani- 20-Jamadi ul Awaal 4, 1432H) R.Ul-II

March8 20 25 21 26 22 27 23 28 24 29 25 30 26 31 27 April 1 28 2 29 3 *30 4 Jm-ul-I-1 5 2 6 3 7 4 8 29292212

Day Fri Sat *Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

Fajar Sunrise Zawa1 Dhuhr 7:02 01:18 01:25 5:23 7:00 01:18 *01:25 5:21 *6:58 01:18 01:25 *5:18 6:56 01:17 01:24 5:16 6:54 01:17 01:24 5:14 6:52 01:17 01:24 5:11 6:50 01:16 01:23 5:09 6:47 01:16 01:23 5:07 6:45 01:16 01:23 5:04 6:43 01:16 01:23 5:02 6:41 01:15 01:22 5:00 6:39 01:15 01:22 4:57 6:37 01:15 01:22 4:55 6:35 01:14 01:21 4:53 6:33 01:14 01:21 4:50

Asr Maghrib 5:38 7:38 5:39 7:40 5:40 7:41 5:41 7:43 5:43 7:44 5:44 7:46 5:45 7:47 5:46 7:49 5:47 7:50 5:48 7:52 5:49 7:53 5:50 7:55 5:51 7:56 5:53 7:58 5:54 7:59

Isha 9:09 9:10 9:12 9:14 9:15 9:17 9:19 9:21 9:22 9:24 9:26 9:28 9:29 9:31 9:33

Source: Masjid Al Noor

AQEEM USS SALAAT(Establish Prayer)

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The practice of Circumcision is a characteristic of the Fitra.

Abu Huraira – Sahih Bukhari 7.72.779

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Miracle responses to Yours Views and suggestions Miracle management would like to thank all our readers who sent their messages at the 10TH anniversary of Miracle Media Group Inc. Quite a few excellent suggestions were made and questions were asked.

In this issue, we would like to address the issues and suggestions made by our valuable readers and advertisers. We are happy that our well-wishers want us to be always progressing towards highest level.

------------------------It seems the news print business is getting tougher by the day with a new paper popping up every other month, though not all are professionals, with poor designs and poor coverage of local events. Some news papers merely look like a print out off the internet news. With all this in mind, I would recommend that at least one to two pagers be dedicated to each major local immigrant community, such as Fiji Page, India Page, Bangladesh Page, Arab Page, Palestine Page, etc.

By Qamar Azad Bombay Collections Your attention at this matter is somewhat valid. At this time, the Miracle has already dedicated 2 pages for news from immigrant communities. Special independence issues and content have been published in the past on the Independence Days of Fiji (Oct 10th), Pakistan and India on August 14th and 15th, Saudi Arabia on Sep 23rd, Bangladesh on Dec 16 etc. In future, we will try to dedicate more space for these countries insh’Allah.

------------------------Only one thing is not good which Mr. Pirzada is always behind the invoices after published our ads in Miracle. He has to improve his recovery style; if he does not change then ultimate we advertisers have to be changed our routine and send Miracle ads cheque on time by mail or by visa. Second the Miracle advertisements rates are little bit higher then other new and Punjabi community papers. At the end good luck all the Miracle team and our management wish for its much better quality.

By Ishtiaq Malik, Pak Can Motors Thanks for your criticism of the Managing Editor but in ten years, I have learnt that collection of money from others is one of the world’s toughest jobs especially for ethnic Media, either print or electronic. It is sad as this payment rightfully belong to this business providing a community service. Alhamdulillah, some advertisers are very cooperative and even make advance payments. On the other extreme, some advertisers run massive advertising campaigns and profit from them. Yet they keep delaying the invoice, and one day we find out that the business has closed its doors and there is no way to recover the outstanding invoices.

Your second comment about the advertising rates can also be explained. There are many reasons; the Miracle is a bi-lingual newspaper and we are now running information and advertisement in four languages in current editions. The expenditure for running a bi-lingual newspaper for such a small business community is higher and requires much effort.

Newborn papers cannot be compared

with those who are serving the community since past ten years and have established a reputation in the market and mainstream media.

------------------------We thank you for your valid concerns, and hope that our advertisers will act on your suggestion.

The Miracle being a community newspaper should always keep in mind not to publish any culturally and religiously sensitive material which can hurt the feelings and sentiments of the people. It should serve as a communication link to the community aiming at reporting the facts and playing a positive role in community building and not acting as a police investing entity. The Miracle should give attention to the youth issues and for this purpose one page each in English and Urdu sections should be dedicated.

By Muhammad Afzal Malik In regards to addressing youth issues, we try to publish youth-oriented information and articles at least once a month in our English section. There is lack of interest and shortage of space in Urdu section for youth audience. However, we publish some jokes and short stories in Urdu from time to time. Your suggestions have been forwarded to Mr. Rafiq, chief editor of Urdu Section who will look further into this issue ------------------------An increase of one page (less one Urdu page) of educational Islamic articles, Women's page and Children's corner would be a good addition, which would encourage the grown up Children to read and gain some knowledge and wisdom

By Gulshan Aallani

Miracle has always had a page dedicated for faith-based articles in its first 5 pages relevant to Islamic history and the teachings of Islam. We have run women’s page in past but it was felt that the entire community and families, instead of women alone, should be addressed in this newspaper with a diverse readership. At this time, Lifestyle section features articles about women and families. It is true that younger children are not catered well in our newspaper and Inshallah we will try to improve this in future.

------------------------I hope the Miracle media can maintain the level of importance it has, by verifying the articles prior to publishing and providing the highest quality of journalism. I believe it is also the responsibility of readers to promote community newspapers as well.

By Chauhdary Ijaz A. Chatha, Surrey School Trustee The editors try their level best to print articles and news according to importance of that subject in that article or news. We value your suggestion and will increase our vigilance, keeping in mind that the Miracle tries to unite the community and instead of creating divides.

------------------------Also, we request Miracle to mentor more young writers with original articles. I understand miracle’s financial feature but

look forward to the day when Miracle will provide free space for public service announcements. I hope your management will someday decide to spare one full page for public service announcements.

By Waqar Jan, PICS We always encourage new and young people, at school and college/university level to contribute to the newspaper but unfortunately, do not receive a lot of material, perhaps due to lack of time for such activities. We have always accommodated youth contributions like articles and student profiles. As for the PSAs, Miracle has very limited space due to its unique Urdu feature of 8 pages, but we have already started a classified section, which is increasingly expanding with community announcements. However, the advertising charges from such associations are minimal which in my humble my opinion, can be absorbed by the organization’s budget which has a huge room for hospitality such as fundraising dinners etc. The benefit of such advertisements pay for themselves as the media coverage following the event brings more awareness amongst public.

------------------------I would like to mention that the way people treat the hard work of the Miracle and throw in the dustbins, please avoid publishing the pictures of the Holy Kabba and Masjide Nabvi in front page so at least it will be possible to prevent the dishonour of these holy places by these people. People ignore and do not show the due respect for them.

By Alam Ara, Miracle Writer We have already stopped keeping the Miracle copies at Skytrain Stations and few other spots where we received complaints that Miracle was on floor and being disposed in garbage cans instead of recycling bin. The Miracle is currently trying to convince Advertisers that they will not force print media to put the images of Holy Kabah and Masjid e Nabvi in theirs religious programs ads to reduce the potential for disrespect. We will be stopping the printing of these holy images gradually.

------------------------The number of readers and writers has been increased; however, no new writers have been added in the list to bring new thought and ideas. In addition new writ-

ers always bring new experiences and ideas which provide valuable knowledge to the readers. The contradictory points based on politics and religions are usually not included in the Miracle, however it should be avoided as much as possible. They increase confusion and differences. But it does not mean that truth will not be exposed. Also, avoid as much as possible to include Quranic Verses (normally you do not include), write them in Roman or include their translation

By Maulana A.L Naumani We always welcome new writers for English and Urdu section. We have experienced regular writers who are continuously contributing to our Urdu section but we have a lack of regular writers in English section. As for your suggestion about the contradictory points based on politics and religion, no doubt these are very sensitive issues. Many people have sent their controversial views on politics and on different faiths, which were not published. However, this led them to start false propaganda against Miracle to forward their own political agendas. At the Miracle, we strive to bring real news which can make a positive and constructive different in the community and which complies with the ethics of journalism.

------------------------Printing can be improved especially pictures are sometimes faded, or not as clear as should be. The reason I am saying because once I brought a paper with beautiful printing and clear pictures that made my day! Deep politics should be avoided in order not to create tension among the community. How about you do some activities to be divided in twelve months to bring awareness at the same brining the community together once every month.

How about writing a short story in Urdu about Canadian history which will be valuable information for those who are completely unaware of the history and geography of the country they live. This will also help for those who are going to appear for Citizenship test By Kamal Rashid We have made concerns about the printing quality known to our publishers and have also been working on improving our own work. We hope you will see further improvement in near future Insha’Allah. We have made note of your other valuable suggestions and you will soon see the results.

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ASMF celebrated National Milad Un Nabi (SAW) On 19th March, Ahle Sunnah Muslim Forum, Canada organized a National Milad Un Nabi(SAW) at Surrey Arts Centre. A large number of community members came to celebrate the birth of their beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Mr. Salim Khan General Secretary of World Islamic Mission was the main organizer and Mr. Irshad Mohammad was the master of ceremony. He conducted the program successfully. The Fleetwood Islamic Center, Minhaj ul Quran, Islamic Supreme Council of Canada, Zawaiyah Foundation, Bullay Shah Academy and World Islamic Mission were the co-sponsors of this program.

The program started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Islamic Education and Research, Gateway Islamic Center and Association of Islamic Charitable Projects were the participants in the program. They presented beautiful Nasheeds and a beautiful Kids presentation which was liked by everyone. Mr. Ismail Rajpoot also presented a beautiful Naat.

There were three prominent speakers invited from outside Canada.First speaker was Dr. Ali Ghazzawi Imam Association of Islamic Charitable Projects (USA), the second was Maulana Anis Noorani Siddiqui from Karachi (Pakistan), and the chief guest speaker Shaykh Muhammad Yahya Ninowy, Imam and Khatib from Atlanta, USA. All speakers focused their speeches on the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) in the light of Quran and Sunnah in English and Urdu languages. They spoke about how perfect the personality of our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was and the birth of our beloved Prophet and explained that he brought the light for everyone in the dark ages.

Shaykh Imam Fode Drame summarized the Prophet life history and thanked all the guest speakers. At the end, Darood u Salam and Duaa were recited.

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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63K Raises for Masjid Al Salaam Commercial Kitchen On March 19, the BCMA, with the help of local communities, raised 63 thousand dollars for a Commercial Kitchen at Masjid Al Salaam in Burnaby. A number of brothers and sisters joined this fundraising dinner including many senior members of the BCMA. The program started with the recitation of holy Quran.

Br. Mohammad Yasin conducted this program, starting from fundraising to the end of laying brick layers for foundation.

Br. Daud Ali, the chairman of Masjid Al Salaam, thanked every guest and he especially acknowledged the services of Mr. and Mrs. Salim Buksh.

He also appreciated the efforts of around 100 women of Burnaby branch as well as many women from other BCMA chapters. He mentioned that more than 1000 guests included people of other others faith have visited the Islamic Centre from 2010 to March 19, 2011.

Mr. Bob Rehman presented the construction report of this Masjid. He informed everyone that Alhamdulillah Qarz e Hassana has been paid back, and the BCMA is now working on Safety and Security of these facilities. An approval has already been attained from Burnaby City Hall for this commercial kitchen project. These facilities will save more money for this Masjid and this is 100 % the

results of efforts of Women chapters to whom everyone is very thankful.

Mr. Daud Ismail also took part in fundraising with Br. Yasin. He encouraged the guests to open their hearts and dig deep for achieving the goal of 50 thousands. By the end, the sisters gave a cheque of 30 thousand dollars and additional 33K were raised. Hence, they were successful in raising 66K, alhamdulillah more than their goal of 50 K. Br. Sikandar Khan president of BCMA also appreciated all

senior members of Burnaby branch and the current board of directors along with others members and the hardworking women chapter, without whose struggle and dedication, it would have been impossible to achieve this target and have big commercial kitchen facilities. At the end of the event, Qari Abdul Wahab, Head Imam of Surrey Masjid, put foundation layers of this commercial kitchen.

Audio and Pictures of this event were provided courtesy of Al Ameen Post.

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IQRA ISLAMIC SCHOOL Iqra Ranked Top 5%

* According to Fraser Institute, Iqra Ranked 41 out of 875

Now accepting Grade 8 and 9 applications for September 2011 For registration, please call

604-583-7530 IQRA Islamic School 14590 - 116A Ave, Surrey BC V3R 2V1 Email: info@iqraschool.com Web: www.iqraschool.com

IQRA ISLAMIC SCHOOL Iqra Ranked Top 5%

Now accepting applications for waiting list for September 2011 For registration, please call 604-583-7530

or visit our website:

www.iqraschool.com/Admission.aspx IQRA Islamic School 14590 - 116A Ave, Surrey BC V3R 2V1 Email: info@iqraschool.com Web: www.iqraschool.com

* According to Fraser Institute, Iqra Ranked 41 out of 875

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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100K Raised for Abbotsford Islamic Centre at Crystal@ York On March 12, the BCMA raised $100K in cash, cheque and pledges for Abbotsford Islamic Centre in an emotional fundraising dinner at the Crystal Banquet Hall in Surrey. A number of brothers and sisters from Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley joined this fundraising dinner.

The Abbotsford Islamic Centre serves the Muslim communities of the Fraser Valley, including, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and its surrounding area. It consists of almost 5000 sq ft area in two floors at .28 acres land. In this center the daily Salat, Friday and Eidain prayers arrangements are available and it also having Quran classes, Dars e Quran and Islamic Teachings according to Quran and Sunnah for brothers and sisters separately.

Mr. Samiullah from Abbotsford was the master of ceremony of this program. This spiritual fundraising dinner started by

Abdullah Alsaig’s recitation of Quran. Other speakers of this event were Br. Musa Ismail, Br. Sikandar Khan, Maulana Abdul Rehman and the Imam of Surrey Masjid Mufti Asim Nazir. Each speaker emphasized the importance of having an Islamic center in the community and its effect for generations to come. They also mentioned that donations made to this project will result in blessings of Allah (SWT) for years to come.

Children taking classes at Abbotsford Islamic Centre made a beautiful presenta-

tion. These classes were started by the local sisters as volunteers.

The fundraiser drive was driven by Imam of Abbotsford Islamic Centre, Maulana Abdul Rehman who in a very short time, successfully raised around one hundred for this noble cause and house of Allah.

Please donate generously for this Islamic

Centre of Abbotsford, and you can also visit this center and see the progress of BCMA network of Masajids in British Columbia. We should all be thankful to Allah for his aid to the small Muslim community. The work has just started. We remind the community members that this is not the end, it is just a beginning.

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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Surrey school trustees want meeting with Clark By: Ijaz Chatha-Surrey School Trustee In the last meeting the board has passed a motion to meet with Premiere Christy Clark, Education Minister George Abbot and Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

Overcrowding in surrey schools is a huge problem!

These Schools are built for only a certain number of students. In some schools there is about 300-400 additional student enrolment than the actual capacity. The Surrey school district has an increase of almost 1200 students in enrolment every year and approximately 800 immigrants are moving to Surrey every

month.

The Provincial government knows about the challenges of overcrowding in our schools. Other than the funding for seismic upgrades or full day Kindergarten, there has been no capital funding for new schools since 2005. “It takes 3 to 5 years to build a school even if the funding was approved today; however, there is no sign of capital funding in the near future.” Chatha said as a trustee, he is constantly faced with the harsh reality of insufficient funding.

The Board is currently considering extended school hours at Earl Marriott Secondary School and Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School to deal with the overcrowding.

Extending school hours and portable classrooms are bandaid solutions to fixing the shortage of schools. The ultimate Solution is to build more schools. “Any decision trustees make to address the lack of school construction will impact students one way or the other. " said Chatha.

How long can we rely on band aid solutions to accommodate growing enrolment in our schools? The board has been placing portables throughout the district, resulting in overcrowded washrooms, libraries, hallways, driveways, sports fields, and in some cases the addition of the portables is getting to the point where playground areas are shrinking. “School trustees have been communicating to the Education Minister about overcrowding at Surrey schools ever since I was elected as a trustee; but there has been no progress so far.” said Chatha.

He said: “Students, parents, and teachers seem to be facing the same stress as the trustees on the board of Education. I will continue to bring this issue forward until we see some results!”

For further information, please contact: Mr. Chattah: 778-883-0161

Workshop held for Muslim Culture Awareness for Social Workers and Staff of the BC MCFD By: David Ali Close to a hundred participants attended the fourth workshop, designed to create awareness and provide a better understanding of Islam and the diverse cultural backgrounds of Muslims, which was held on March 15th at the Masjid Al Salaam and Education Centre in Burnaby.

This workshop is designed for Social Workers and frontline staff of MCFD, for better understanding of Muslim

children and youth who are apprehended by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

The workshop started with the MC David Ali, Public relations- Muslim Advisory Committee, welcoming everyone to the educational workshop. The first speaker was Farida Bano Ali, the Chairperson of the Muslim Advisory Committee, spoke on the betterment of building bridges between the MCFD and the Muslim Community. She is coordinating Muslim Foster Home seminars at various Mosques in the Lower Mainland. Imams Oves and Anees Wahab presented the basic tenets of Islam, the role of women in Islam eg. Family life, marriage and hijab. They also talked on human rights, misunderstood terminologies

and the role of mosque in Muslim lives and the festivals.

Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan endorsed the efforts of the Muslim Advisory Committee.

Nasima Nastoh, founder of the Anti Bullying Coalition, spoke about how she tragically lost her son who was a victim of bullying. Race, religion, and gender issues can often play a part in bullying further amplifying the importance of creating awareness and spreading understanding about religious and cultural diversity in our communities.

Sam Rizvi, the coordinator of Muslim Advisory Committee, who moderated the workshop, thanked all the participants, speakers, and presenters Oves and Anees Wahab. A very special thanks from the MCFD Muslim Advisory Committee goes to the hardworking volunteers and the wonderful catering team headed by Sister Sadrul Buksh of the Burnaby Women’s Branch. In addition, a special acknowledgement should be given to the Burnaby Branch for facilitating this series of workshops.

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IQRA ISLAMIC SCHOOL Iqra Ranked Top 5%

* According to Fraser Institute, Iqra Ranked 41 out of 875

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR KINDERGARTEN 2011/2012 Due to the high demand from our community, we are planning to open a third kindergarten class.

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IQRA Islamic School, 14590 – 116A Ave, Surrey, BC, V3R 2V1 E-mail: info@iqraschool.com www.iqraschool.com

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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IQRA SCHOOL SPECIAL

IQRA Islamic School Students in Action Term 2 that started on January 2, 2011 has been a very busy term for all Iqra Islamic Students. Students were occupied with a lot of learning as well as many

activities, fieldtrips, community service and competitions We would like to take you in short tour inside our

school to witness how much fun and education we had during the months of January and February.

Grade 6 Visits the Surrey Food Bank

Students listening to the information session that was very interesting and educational at the same time

Students handing out food to the clients of the Surrey Food Bank

On Thursday, January 27, the Grade 6 students went to the Surrey Food Bank.

This fieldtrip came as a practicum for community service activities that they learn about and are encouraged to carry out in their HCE program. The trip was very interesting and an eye opener for our students. It allowed them to experience and realizes one of our dire community needs.

The trip started with an information session that allowed grade 6 to see and

understand the challenges that families have to meet their basic needs. Also, the number of people who depend on the Food Bank and the diversity of their backgrounds shock them.

The students had the chance to help in all the stations. They helped in signing the visitors in, signing their tickets, handing out the food and packaging the hampers.

All in all, the trip was informative, exciting and educational and everyone enjoyed it very much.

Students listening to the information session that was very interesting and educational at the same tim

Esteem Team Members Visit IQRA IQRA welcomed Margaret Langford from the Esteem Team on Wednesday, February 23. Margaret spoke to our students about thinking about short and long term goals and how these goals took her all the way to the Canadian National Championships and to four summer Olympic Games. Her sport of whitewater slalom kayaking provided us with a good visual of how her sporting equipment were a part of her Olympic dream that started with a summer program at the age of 15. Margaret’s story-telling ability and enthusiasm inspired us all to look within ourselves and at our environments to know that anything is truly possible.

Margret Langford holding up the Kayak to show its interior to the students

Margret Langford asking questions and the students were very much enthusiastic to answer.

SPELLING BEE Postmedia Canspell In January the students arrive back to Iqra Islamic School with a busy school calendar. Last week, sixtysix students were on our gymnasium stage from Grades 1 – 8 representing their individual classes for our annual CanSpell Spelling Bee. Each of these The top 3 students in the intermediate level, students had earned a place Farah Omar Gr 7, Sameerah by competing in individual HelalGr4, Omyer Megarief Gr.8 class written spelling bees.

Fara was able to secure her first place win. This is Fara’s second win in our school’s spelling bee. Her first win was two years ago when as a Grade 5 student she out spelled all other students. In the coming weeks, Fara will be studying new and different words to try and qualify for the regional spelling bee by completing another written spelling test. Congratulations to all our spellers and the dedicated family members who helped prepare the spellers for their special moment on our stage.

Iqra Students Have a Blast on Mount Seymour It has been raining continuously in Vancouver lately and therefore our students had a lot indoor days. To give our students a long recess to make up for the lost ones and to have some fun on the snow, grade 5 to 8 teachers arranged a tubing trip for their the students.

The students travelled all the way to Mount Seymour where we rented the loft for their comfort. They settled in the loft and ate their snacks and there they were ready to tube. They got to get 2 hours of tubing. They joyfully slid down the mountain yelling, “This is awesome!” They were so happy they did not want to stop. Unfortunately, their tubing time came to an end. They returned to the loft to eat their lunch, pray Zuhr and then head back to school.

Some of their comments were “It was the best ever”, “Can we go back again this year” and “We have never had such fun”.

We would also like to thank the parent volunteers who came and helped us make that day a memorable day in our students’ life.

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Flag Hoisting at 71st Republic Day of Pakistan at Residence of Consul General of Pakistan The 71st republic Day of Pakistan was celebrated on 23rd March in a simple and graceful ceremony at the residence of Consul General of Pakistan, Vancouver. The day’s events included a flag hoisting ceremony.

Ms. Batool Kazim Vice Consul was the master of ceremony. Ceremony started by the recitation of Quran by Maulana A. Lateef Naumani.

Ms. Batool read messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Consul General of Pakistan in Vancouver Mr. Shuja Alam first congratulated all the Pakistani community for the great victory of Pakistani Cricket Team in quarter final with West Indies on 23rd March. Mr. Alam thanked expatriate Pakistanis for always stepping forward in helping their countrymen in the time of natural disasters and other tragedies. He specially thanked Pakistani community for their contributions by sending foreign remittances. About Pakistan he acknowledged the facts and figures of current situation in Pakistan. He said that he strongly believes that this time the people of Pakistan will refine and appear with dignity and pride at the map of world. He appealed the local Pakistani community to reunite and be part of the solution in assisting Pakistan. He also reminded the community many achievements of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan and he named the Nobel prize holder, Nuclear power hero, victories in many sports and in many other fields. He said that still there are a lot of opportunities for investment in Pakistan. He also assured his commitments to continue providing services to Pakistanis.

Once again he thanked everyone who joined with him and his Team at the 71st Republic Day of Pakistan and the Flag hoisting ceremony. At the end the delicious lunch was served at the Consul general residence’s lawn.

Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on Pakistan Day OTTAWA - Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement today to mark Pakistan Day: “On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I extend my warmest wishes to all Canadians for a very happy Pakistan Day.

“By acknowledging the passing of the Lahore resolution of 1940, we mark the day when Pakistan took its first steps towards achieving its independence, which led to the culminating moment when the first constitution of Pakistan was passed in 1956.

PAKISTAN CANADA ASSOCIATION proudly celebrates

PAKISTAN'S REPUBLIC DAY along with the entire community at PAKISTAN HOUSE 12058 88TH AVE SURREY, B.C on SATURDAY MARCH 26, 2011 FLAG WILL BE RAISED AT 7:00 PM AND DINNER WILL BE SERVED SHORTLY AFTER. I humbly request your presence along with your families Farrukh Alam, President PAKISTAN CANADA ASSOCIATION

"Here in Canada this day has long been established as a celebration of the fundamental part Canadians of Pakistani descent have played, and con-

tinue to play, in the cultural and economic development of this country.

"It also gives us an opportunity to reflect upon the cultural diversity that forms part of our shared experience, the strength of our communities and the hopes we all have to build a better Canada together.

"Please accept my best wishes for a joyous and festive Pakistan Day.”

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March 23rd: Pakistan Day "The people of Pakistan celebrate the 23rd of March, every year, with great zeal and enthusiasm, to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic Pakistan Resolution on this day at Lahore in 1940."

On 23rd March, thousands of Muslims from all over the sub-continent gathered in Lahore. They had one dream, one vision and one mission, i.e to have a separate homeland for Muslims of the sub-continent. On that day, under the able leadership of Jinnah and others, the struggle for Pakistan started with full force and it ended with the creation of Pakistan.23rd March was the day when the struggles were streamlined. There were no individual benefits; everyone was thinking on a broader prospect, everyone was thinking for the Muslims of the sub-continent and for Pakistan. From March 22 to March 24, 1940, the All India Muslim League held its annual session at Minto Park, Lahore. This session proved to be historical.

On the first day of the session, Quaid-iAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah narrated the events of the last few months. In an extempore speech he presented his own solution of the Muslim problem. He said that the problem of India was not of an inter-communal nature, but manifestly an international one and must be treated as such. To him the differences between Hindus and the Muslims were so great and so sharp that their union under one central government was full of serious risks. They belonged to two separate and distinct nations and therefore the only chance open was to allow them to have separate states.

In the words of Quaid-i-Azam: "Hindus and the Muslims belong to two different religions, philosophies, social customs and literature. They neither inter-marry nor inter-dine and, indeed, they belong to two different civilizations that are based mainly

on conflicting ideas and conceptions. Their concepts on life and of life are different. It is quite clear that Hindus and Muslims derive their inspiration from different sources of history. They have different epics, different heroes and different episodes. Very often the hero of one is a foe of the other, and likewise, their victories and defeats overlap. To yoke together two such nations under a single state, one as a numerical minority and the other as a majority, must lead to growing discontent and final destruction of any fabric that

may be so built up for the government of such a state".

He further said, "Mussalmans are a nation according to any definition of nation. We wish our people to develop to the fullest spiritual, cultural, economic, social and political life in a way that we think best and in consonance with our own ideals and according to the genius of our people".

On the basis of the above mentioned ideas of the Quaid, A. K. Fazl-ul-Haq, the then Chief Minister of Bengal, moved the historical resolution which has since come to be known as Lahore Resolution or Pakistan Resolution.

The Resolution repudiated the concept of United India and recommended the creation of an independent Muslim state consisting of Punjab, N. W. F. P., Sindh and Baluchistan in the northwest, and Bengal and Assam in the northeast.

The Resolution was seconded by Maulana Zafar Ali Khan from Punjab, Sardar Aurangzeb from the N. W. F. P., Sir Abdullah Haroon from Sindh, and Qazi Esa from Baluchistan, along with many others.

The Resolution was passed on March 24. It laid down only the principles, with the details left to be worked out at a future date. It was made a part of the All India Muslim League's constitution in 1941. It was on the basis of this resolution that in 1946 the Muslim League decided to go for one state for the Muslims, instead of two.

Having passed the Pakistan Resolution, the Muslims of India changed their ultimate goal. Instead of seeking alliance with the Hindu community, they set out on a path whose destination was a separate homeland for the Muslims of India--with a great name of Pakistan.

Perspective The background of Pakistan Resolution is that in 1937, provincial autonomy was introduced in the Sub-continent under the Government of India Act, 1935. The elections of 1937 provided the Congress with a majority in six provinces, where Congress governments were formed. This led to the political, social, economic and cultural suppression of the Muslims in the Congress ruled provinces.

The Congress contemptuously rejected the Muslim League's offer of forming coalition ministries. The Muslims were subjected not only to physical attacks but injustice and discriminatory treatment as regards civil liberties, economic measures and employment and educational opportunities.

The Congress Ministries introduced the Wardha scheme of education, the object of which was to deMuslimise the Muslim youth and children.

According to British historian Reginald Copland. "It was not only the Working Committee's control of the Congress Ministries that showed that a’ Congress Raj' had been established. It was betrayed by the conduct and bearing of Congressmen. ..Many of them behaved as if they were a ruling caste, as if they owned the country ." Mr. Ian Stephens, former editor of the newspaper' Statesman ' and an eyewitness to the working of the Congress Ministries, says: "The effect of

this simultaneously on many Muslim minds was of a lightning flash. What had before been but guessed at now leapt forth in horridly clear outline. The Congress, a Hindi-dominated body, was bent on the eventual absorption; Western-style majority rule? In an undivided sub- continent, could only mean the smaller community being swallowed by the larger."

However, the Muslim demand was violently opposed both by the British and the Hindus; and the Congress attitude towards the Muslims led to the hardening of the Muslims belief that only a separate homeland -Pakistan -can guarantee their freedom. This demand was put in black and white on 23rd March, 1940.

In 1945, Quaid-e-Azam proclaimed that only Muslim League represented the Muslims, and proved it to the hilt during 1946 polls, winning 100 per cent seats at the Centre, and 80 per cent in the provinces. Nothing could have been more conclusive to shatter the Congress claim of being a national body. If the British had read the writing on the wall in this verdict, Pakistan could have come into existence two years earlier without bloodshed.

With his charismatic personal Quaid-eAzam turned the dream of a separate homeland into reality on 14th of August 1947. Ins of severe opposition, establishment of Pakistan, in such a short span of seven year surely an extra-ordinary achievement, which has no m in history.

On the eve of his departure Karachi from Delhi on August, 1947, Quaid-e-Azam a

message to Hindustan, implored "The past must be buried and let us start afresh as two independent sovereign States of Hindustan and Pakistan. I wish Hindustan

prosperity and peace."

Even in his post-partition statements, the Quaid-e-Azam envisaged a relationship of peaceful co-existence with India. But, the eruption of war in Kashmir in 1947 created acrimony between India and Pakistan, which became more acute with the passage of time. While Pakistan has throughout been supporting a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, the Indian obstinacy led to three wars and scores of clashes, peace initiative took him to Agra. Kashmir problem is resolved to bedeviling the relations between Even after the failure of Agra the satisfaction of the parties to both the neighboring countries.

In short, the commemoration of 23rd March is an expression of the whole nation's resolute determination to preserve her independence and the Day's celebrations are a reflection of this.

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

OPENING SOON: OUR 3rd LOCATION!

MIR A LE

(Inshallah)

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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Looking into future with Clouded Eyes

By Sqn. Ldr. (R) Nusrat Hussain Matters of morality, ethics and justice were introduced to the mankind through prophets and philosophers. Prophets were guided by the Divine, while philosophers attained this higher degree of humanity through their power of thought, intellect and reason. There are four concepts of ideal moral life: One is that of Buddha and Jesus that advocates the feminine virtue and considers all men to be equally precious. It promotes resistance to evil by returning good only and identifies virtue with love. Philosophy of Buddah and Jesus favours an unlimited democracy in politics.

Another is the concept of Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian philosopher of 16th century and Friedrich Nietzche, a German philosopher of 18th century that advocates the masculine merit and identifies virtue with power. It accepts the inequality in men, relishes the risks of combat and conquest to rule. Their philosophy announces that might is right and that justice is the invention of strong to neutralize the weak.

The concept supports a hereditary aristocratic and somewhat dictatorial political set up.

The third concept of morality emerged from the philosophy of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle that denies the universal applicability of either the feminine or the masculine morality. It advocates that only well informed and mature mind can judge, when love should rule and when power. It proclaims virtue with intelligence and sponsors a varying mixture of aristocracy and democracy in politics.

The fourth or the Islamic concept of morality surfaces in complete submission to the Almighty One Supreme Creator and follow of the interpretation of Divine words through men of character known as ‘Muttaqi.’ Arabic word ‘Muttaqi’ comes from the word ‘Taqwa’ that signifies the fear and love of ‘Creator.’ According to the writer of Proverbs in the Old Testament it is the beginning of Wisdom; restraint, or guarding ones tongue, hand and heart from evil. Hence righteousness, piety and good conduct—all these ideas are implied.

The philosophy of Machiavelli and Neiztche, if put under a microscopic analyses with the philosophy of extremists and our so called modern world then one would observe that results attained through the blessings of United Nations and by the barbaric actions of extremists are similar, if not the same. They have resulted in the delivery of dead bodies of innocent human beings; not in retail, but in wholesale. If extremists slated the head of a single guiltless human being then the missile launched from an aircraft carrier ripped through the bodies and belongings of an entire innocent family. The objective in both the cases is seen with clouded eyes of an ordinary neutral observer.

UN approved attack on Libya has once again raised questions about the legitimacy and rational behind the aggression. Similar events are occurring simultaneously in the same region of Middle East and double standards adopted through the UN are leaving behind a mystified message.

Modern world is in complete agreement for the Saudi forces to help the rulers of

Bahrain. But, an opposite measure has been determined in dealing with the ruler of Libya.

By adopting such double standards under the veil of smartness and intelligence, we are leaving behind an exceptionally distorted principle of morality and justice for our

children and the children of their children.

Material interests need to be separated in providing the ultimate standards of justice.

Someone, somewhere, someday will get up and scrutinize our actions with clear eyes.

AFA-LA-TATAFAKKAROON ‘WHY DO YOU NOT THINK’

"QALAM" Book Released by SALSOC On March 13 the board of directors of the South Asian Literary Society of Canada (SALSOC) organized a ceremony of "QALAM" an anthology of Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi writers of Canada in Pakistan House Surrey.

The "QALAM "was presented to Consul General of Pakistan Shuja Alam

by S.P. Dwivedi president of SALSOC. Mr. Shuja Alam said in his remarks,"that he felt proud to attend this literary gathering and learned a lot about the writers. This book was totally composed and published in Surrey under the banner of Mehvar Publishers supervised by Mohammad Rafiq.

A number of Pakistani and Indian community members were attended this literary gathering. Vice consul of Indian Consulate General was also delivered his views at this occasion. Mr. Afzal Malik Vice president of SALSOC conducted this meeting nicely , he invited many prominent members at stage for theirs comments at this "QALAM" at the end he thanked all the guests of this beautiful evening.

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

Nusrat Hussain 604-505-4866 Happy Pakistan Republic Day

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For further information contact: Nusrat Hussain 604-505-4866

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Immigration Minister Jason Kenney meets with Pakistani Canadian Community By: Ijaz Chatha On March 13, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney held a meeting with the Pakistani Community here in BC. Directors of Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association and some prominent community members participated in that meeting. General Secretary of PCCA Naveed Waraich was the chair of the Meeting. The program started with recitation of the Holy Quran

by Mr. Naseer Pirzada followed by the welcome remarks by the president of PCCA Nasar Ullah Khan. Minister Jason Kenney gave his short speech, in which, his focus was to give information about his recent visit to Pakistan and he also recognized and congratulated Mr. Ijaz Chatha, on his success of being the first ever Pakistani elected to Public office in B.C. He also acknowledged the contributions of Pakistani-Canadians towards the betterment and growth of Canada’s economy.

The community was able to come up with many thoughtful questions, some of the highlighted questions such as the recent issue of parental sponsorship which has been said to be 13 years plus to process, concerns of shifting of the Canadian Embassy from Islamabad to England, possibility of textile trade between the two Countries talk about the Canadian fire arms embargo rolled back which has not been considered in the past 12 years. A question regarding the Foreign Credential Referral Services Overseas was also brought to the attention of the Minister, which has been introduced in many Countries, and is still not available in Pakistan. Therefore it was requested to introduce these information sessions in Pakistan as well. A question was raised for the recognition of degrees or other diplomas of immigrants. Minister Kenney was also asked if the government could continue the funding for the Crime Prevention

program which has been implemented by the Safe School department of the Surrey School District. There was a continued discussion on relevant matters of the community here in B.C. Minister Kenney gave a lot of thought to these issues and concerns; and was able to give some hope in reviewing the matters. This meeting was arranged on a very short notice and was based on a very small scale; but it may lead

to a larger scaled meeting in the near future. We appreciate our community’s involvement and continue to arrange such meetings with different groups and individuals. We encourage you to contact PCCA if you like to participate on our community discussion sessions which we are holding monthly and next are coming up by the end of this month.

Thalassemia patient Naima Gull becomes first Lady pilot of Army Aviation

It is like dream comes true of a 12-year old grade-4 student Naima Gul, resident of Mingora, Swat when she became the first lady pilot of the Pakistan Army Aviation when her wish was granted by Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani here Wednesday. Fulfilling her desire for which she wrote a letter in which dream girl Naima Gul expressed her wish to the Chief of the Army Staff and his prompt reply with an approval of inducting the child, suffering from blood Thalassemia, as a first aviation lady pilot of 9 squadron in Pakistan’s Army history.

“I don’t know about how long I live but today is the dream day for me, the soldier of a day soft spoken Niama Gul said with great confidence. “I will live for my country and will die for it,” she added.“In whatever capacity my beloved country needs my services I’m ready to perform despite suffering from a killer disease,” Naima Gul said. “I’m lucky to have prompt reply from the Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani who not only fulfilled my dreams but also gave courage to me and others like me to fight

against this deadly disease,” she added. “I want to help out the patient suffering from this deadly disease through establishing “Naima Gul Foundation.” “I will not be there but through the foundation I want to help out free medication like provision of disprol injection, costing Rs. 180 per as Naima herself taking it one a day for five days a week.

With my induction as the first lady pilot of Pakistan Army Aviation will certainly give me a chance to create awareness to the thousands of mothers and fathers who didn’t know how to face these challenges, Naima further added.

The ceremony in this connection was started with the recitation from the Holy Quran, before her medical check-up when she arrived in the morning at Aviation Base, followed by welcome addressing by Lt. Col. Riazat, Commander Aviation Base. After Naima Gul speech, Lt. Gen. Asif Yasin Malik awarded her enrollment letter, flying badge and aviation jacket.

Naima was taken to lay floral-wreath on the Shuhada Monument along with Lt. Gen Asif Yasin Malik and other high military officials.

Her instructor Major Zahid took her to the simulator room a famous saying inscribed on the wall “he who learns but does not thinks is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” After that she came to operational room, and was briefed about map marking to help her evacuate an injured man after her first flight of 5 nautical (9.6km). A demonstration of her first flight on a lama

chopper, evacuation of an injured person and shifted him to the hospital besides Naima had full round of the base where she was briefed about operational system of the squadron. She also met with the engineers.

In his speech Corps Commander Lt Gen Yasin Malik, Commander 11 Corps said that today we gathered here for a unique aim for fulfilling the cherished dream of a Thalassemia patient, Naima Gul, daughter of great Swat valley, for her induction into Army Aviation. The wish of Naima Gul has clearly reflected the respect, recognition and high reverence of people of Swat towards Pakistan’s army. In recent past, Swat that was famous for its matchless beauty, but it remained in clutches of terrorists and the lively people of Swat had faced cruelty and brutality.

The Corps Commander said our brave and valiant soldiers had rendered matchless sacrifices for making Swat valley a cradle of peace after task of restoring peace was assigned to Pakistan army. He said that this momentous success was possible due to extended support of people of Swat. The role of Pakistan Army was not only limited to establish durable peace in Swat but also to play major role in construction and development of the destroyed infrastructure in affected areas.

The worst floods had increased our challenges manifolds but due to grace of Allah Almighty and hard work and professionalism of army, we lived up to the expectations of people of Swat. He said women role are not only increasing in Pakistan but also in army where they are working shoulder to shoulder with different departments and are proving

their metal of capabilities with great success.

“One behalf of Chief of Army Staff, 11 Corps, Army Aviation especially 9 Squadron, I congratulate Niama Gul and his family,” he added. The induction of Niama Gul in Army Aviation has not only made a new history but also added a new colour to army aviation of becoming first women pilot. Indeed, the role of Army Aviation in Swat was not only important but was highly commendable for which all deserve appreciation.

Naima Gul’s father Zabat Ullah Sohail, her mother Shabana Anjum, her younger sister Roqia Manal were also there and saw Naima while flying the Lama chopper. “I’m a proud man today, as my daughter got the honor of becoming the first lady pilot in Pakistan Army, an army whose jawans gave matchless sacrifices to have peace for the people of Swat and in the rest of Pakistan,” Zabat Ullah told APP. Her mother while commenting on this occasion also thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Corps Commander Peshawar and other officials for paying heat to her daughter’s sweet dream. She lauded Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani for giving prompt reply to a little girl living in Matta Kore, a village of Swat. “If he cares a little girl then imagine how he cares of the whole nation of being the Chief of the Army Staff,” Niama mother said while tears rolling down her cheeks. “We are proud parents,” she added. Now with her enrollment as honorary aviation pilot for a day, her treatment would also be free along with her education. “We are happy that Army would carry out all medication and education expenses of Naima,” her father said.

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Issue 280 - Rabi ul Thani 20, 1432 / March 25, 2011 THE

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Clinical Pakistan storm into semi-final Pakistan is two games away from repeating the heroics of Imran Khan's 1992 team after a crushing 10-wicket victory against West Indies in the first quarter-final in Dhaka.

Mohammad Hafeez starred with bat and ball, beginning West Indies' decline with two early wickets then ending it with a brisk 61, while Shahid Afridi is proving an inspirational force and led from the front again with four more scalps as the spinners produced a ruthless display to dismantle West Indies for 112. Between the three of them, Pakistan's slow bowlers had figures of 27.3-5-64-8 and gave another example of how there is a threat from every part of the attack. At no point did Afridi need to fill overs, especially when the weakest link of the bowlers - Hafeez managed to take 2 for 16 in his full allocation. Hafeez then dominated an unbroken opening stand with Kamran Akmal which wiped off the target with barely an alarm and 29 overs to spare. The match represented a contest for as long as Chris Gayle was in the middle - the sum total of 2.5 overs. His departure sucked the life and belief from West Indies line-up with the rest remaining rooted to the crease, managing just seven fours and a solitary Shivnarine Chanderpaul six as he nudged his way to a hollow, unbeaten 44. Hafeez, handed the new ball after Abdur Rehman

Libya : Continued from pg 1 Birtley, reporting from an area close to Ajdabiya, said there had been clashes outside the city. "There's been heavy fighting and heavy shelling going on ... the rebels told me there have been heavy casualties and there are a number of corpses between here and the town [of Ajdabiya] that they have been unable to reach," he said. Meanwhile, around 106km south of Tripoli, Libyan pro-democracy fighters forced government troops to withdraw from the outskirts of Zintan, breaking a siege of the town. A resident of Zintan told the Reuters news agency that at least 10 people were killed in the bombardment by Gaddafi's forces. "Gaddafi's forces bombarded Zintan this morning and killed 10 to 15 people," Abdulrahman said. "After the bombardment they retreated from the eastern area of Zintan. But they have not withdrawn from the northern area. There is still a huge number of soldiers there, backed with 50 to 60 tanks and several vehicles."

Source: Al-Jazeera

Zardari : Continued from pg 1 sage of the 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments.

He said that returning power from dictators to the people was at the core of promises made with them and that "rarely in history has a leader abdicated power by his own free will."

The President started his address with a strong condemnation, on behalf of the people of Pakistan and on his own, for the deliberate desecration of the Holy Quran by a fanatic in Florida.

"We condemn this act in the strongest possible words. It is a serious setback, to the efforts at

was left out, caused a host of problems for the left handers, mainly with his straighter deliveries, rather than any turn. The major damage came in his third over as he skidded one past Smith's inside edge, and three balls later, a similar delivery removed Darren Bravo as he thrust his pad down the line. The next six overs brought just six runs as Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chanderpaul were rendered scoreless by the combination of Hafeez and Gul. The shackles were momentarily broken when Sarwan collected two boundaries off Wahab Riaz - the second a flowing cover drive - but they were the rare exception. Hafeez was allowed to bowl eight overs for 12 runs though he was barely turning the ball and spinners continued to cause problems when Afridi had two close shouts for lbw in his first over. He used up a review with the first one but should have broken through in his second over when Gul didn't accept a chance at long-off when Sarwan, on 14, tried to go over the top. Runs came at a painful rate, but at least the fourth-wicket pair was trying to set a platform.

However, with the pressure building and Pakistan racing through the overs Sarwan felt he had to try some shots, but couldn't clear cover as he cut a delivery which bounced more than expected. Not for the first time, Afridi

promoting harmony among civilized communities throughout the world."

President Zardari called upon the House to adopt a resolution urging the United Nations to address this issue for the sake of harmony and peace in the world.

Zardari strongly reacting to the acts of terrorism in the country, expressed the resolve "to fight the militants to the finish". "We cannot permit the use of our soil for terrorist activities against any other country. We will not," he said and expressed the resolve for a modern and moderate Pakistan – the Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

"We will not back down," the President said and pointed "we have no other option except to win ... Win we will. And soon InshaAllah."

The President also paid tribute to all martyrs, who had laid down their lives in fighting the militancy and the extremism.

The President also recounted the problems the country was facing, which he said, if not addressed through collective wisdom now, would be inherited by the future generations.

He called for building a national consensus on these issues and to collectively take "tough decisions". "I invite all political parties for a national dialogue; sooner rather than later," the President said and read out a quote from the last book of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, just days before her assassination: "It is time for new ideas. It is time for creativity; it is time for bold commitment.

There has been enough pain. It is time for reconciliation."

stood with arms aloft and it was just the start for the Pakistan captain. From legspin to offspin it was then the turn of Saeed Ajmal to make more lower-order batsmen look foolish. Darren Sammy, who will struggle to justify his place in the team after this tournament, was turned square by a perfect doosra and the same delivery also removed Devendra Bishoo although this time the batsman helped with an inside edge. The victory means their first journey to India since 2007 to face either the co-hosts or defending champions in Mohali.

Source: Cricinfo

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