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Volume 13 Issue 330 Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 AH / February 22, 2013 - $1

SENATOR SAYS 4,700 KILLED IN US DRONE STRIKES

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A US senator has said an estimated 4,700 people, including some civilians, have been killed in the contentious bombing raids of America’s secretive drone war, local media reported Wednesday. It was the first time a lawmaker or any government representative had referred to a total number of fatalities in the drone strikes, which have been condemned by rights groups as extrajudicial assassinations. But Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of the drone raids, openly cited a number that exceeds some independent estimates of the death toll. “We’ve killed 4,700,” Graham was quoted as saying by the Easley Patch, a local website covering the small town of Easley in South Carolina. “Sometimes you hit innocent people, and I hate that, but we’re at war, and we’ve taken out some very

senior members of Al-Qaeda,” Graham told the Easley Rotary Club.

Graham’s office did not dispute his reported remarks but suggested that he had not divulged any official, classified government figure. A spokesman told AFP that the senator “quoted the figure that has been publicly reported and disseminated on cable news.” His remark was unprecedented, as US officials have sometimes hinted at estimates of civilian casualties but never referred to a total body count. “Now this is the first time a US official has put a total number on it,” said Micah Zenko, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. If there was an official death toll estimate, it would be classified as secret, he added, raising the prospect that Graham could have broken secrecy laws. Several organizations

have tried to calculate how many militants and civilians may have been killed in drone strikes since 2004 but have arrived at a wide range of numbers. The figure cited

by Graham matches the high end of a tally by the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism. It says the number killed in drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia is between 3,072 and 4,756. In hearings this month on the nominee to lead the CIA, John Brennan, Senator Di-

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B.C. LIBERALS TO START PITCHING

BUDGET BEFORE ELECTION

B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong begins a sales job today, pitching voters on a budget that contains few goodies to sway undecideds and some mine fields sure to irk its staunchest supporters. The B.C. government’s pre-election budget will raise income taxes on the wealthy and on corporations and will hike Medical Service Plan premiums for everyone.

Doctors have been put on notice to expect their fees for some services to be cut and eliminated for others. Still, de Jong and the Liberals are banking the tough measures needed to deliver their promise of balancing the books before the May vote will reestablish the party’s budgeting credentials

and prompt voters to choose them for a fourth term. De Jong says tough decisions shouldn’t be put off for tomorrow, because, for politicians, tomorrow often doesn’t come.

However, the fiscal plan represents a major shift for the party that has stood by its principle of not raising taxes for nearly 12 years, during which time the Liberals have tabled deficit budgets and cut spending to avoid hiking person or corporate taxes. B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Cummins says the budget may as well have been tabled by the NDP. “When you look at the business tax increases, when you look at some of these spending cuts

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that we’re seeing, you can say this would be you know sort of a soft NDP budget.” But de Jong scoffs at that suggestion.

“It’s an interesting comment … because it’s balanced and balanced budgets are not something the NDP are particularly familiar with,” he said. “It’s interesting because it’s tough to compare because so far Mr. Dix and the NDP refuse to share their plans.” Opposition finance critic Bruce Ralston says he’s pleased the government has headed in the NDP direction.He supports the tax increases on high income earners and corporations announced in the budget, but admits it leaves

Continued on pg 6

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Pakistan, orders operation after deadly bombing

Pakistan on Tuesday ordered an operation in the southwestern city of Quetta following a weekend bombing targetting minority Shias that killed 89 people there, and replaced the top police officer in the surrounding Baluchistan province.

It’s unclear whether the actions will appease thousands of Shias protesting for a third day in Quetta, the provincial capital. The protesters have refused to bury the bombing victims until the army takes control of the city and launches a targetted operation against sectarian militants attacking them.

Violence has been especially bad in Baluchistan province, which has the highest concentration of Shias in the country. A double bombing at a billiards hall in January in Quetta killed 86 people.

The bomb that ripped through a produce market on Saturday, killing 89 people, was hidden in a water tank that was pulled into the market by a tractor. The group

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi has claimed responsibility for the attack, as well as the one against the billiards hall in January.

The prime minister’s order did not specify whether Lashkar-eJhangvi would be the target of the upcoming operation. Shia leaders in Quetta have also demanded the army go after another banned sectarian group, Sipah-e-Sahaba, which has also targeted Shias.

The order simply stated that the prime minister has ordered a “targetted operation aimed at eliminating those responsible for playing with lives of innocent civilians and restoring peace and security in Quetta.”

Pakistan has launched numerous military operations against militants in recent years, but the focus has been on the Pakistani Taleban, who have been waging a bloody insurgency against the state that has killed thousands of people.

Last year was the bloodiest in his-

tory for Pakistan’s Shias, according to Human Rights Watch. Over 400 were killed in targeted attacks across the country, at least 125 of whom were died in Baluchistan.

victims into the street at the time and refused to bury them unless the government took steps to protect them.

After four days, Islamabad de-

With two massive bombings targeting Shias in as many months this year already, 2013 looks like it could be even worse.

The government promised to take action against sectarian militants following protests in January against the billiards hall bombing.

Shias brought the bodies of the

cided to dissolve the provincial government and put a federallyappointed governor in charge.

The government said paramilitary forces would receive police powers and launch an operation against the militants behind the billiards hall attack. But officials refused to put the army in control

of the city, as the current protesters are once again demanding.

This time around the government decided to replace Baluchistan’s top police officer and replace him with an official from central Punjab province, said Fayaz Sumbal, deputy police chief in Quetta.

Sumbal has also been ordered to replace the chief of police operations in Quetta, he said.

The government is also sending a group of lawmakers to Quetta to assess the situation and meet with Shia leaders to hear their demands, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.

Around 15,000 Shias once again took to the streets to protest on Tuesday near the site of the recent attack. Others stayed beside the bodies of the bombing victims inside a nearby mosque. So me chanted “God is great.” Others held placards that said “Stop killing Shias.”

Source: the AP

ECP ready for holding elections: Secretary

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s Secretary, Ishtiaque Ahmad Khan Wednesday said that the ECP was ready for the holding of general elections-2013, Geo News reported.

ECP secretary said that there were some legal snags in the

scrutiny of nomination papers and added that law making was parliament’s job, not ours.

Briefing the media here, Ishtiaque Ahmad Khan said that the implementation of Articles 62, 63 of the constitution would be ensured. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor

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Source: the news

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Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

A D V E R T I S E R

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Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

UN warns of ‘humanitarian tragedy’ in Syria

UN agencies have warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in Syria, as an estimated four million people there are in need of assistance.

UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said the rebel-held north of Syria remains largely out of reach to aid operations, even though they have been stepped up elsewhere in the country torn by civil war.

“We are watching a humanitarian tragedy unfold before our eyes,” Amos told a news briefing on Tuesday. “We must do all we can to reassure the people that we care and that we will not let them down.”The Syrian government still refuses UN convoys entry from Turkey into northern Syria, as most border crossings are controlled by the rebel Free Syrian Army, she said.

Four million Syrians were deemed in need of aid late last year, but the situation has deteriorated since due to shelling, inflation, and shortages of food and medicine, Amos said.

Typhoid outbreak Meanwhile, the World Health Or-

ganisation (WHO) said typhoid has broken out in an oppositionheld region due to people drinking contaminated water from the Euphrates River. An estimated 2,500 people in northeastern Deir az-Zor province have been infected with the contagious disease, which causes diarrhoea and can be fatal, the UN agency said on Tuesday.

“There is not enough fuel or electricity to run the pumps so people drink water from the Euphrates which is contaminated, probably with sewage,” the WHO representative in Syria, Elisabeth Hoff, told Reuters news agency. The WHO had no confirmed reports of deaths so far from typhoid.

Typhoid fever is an infection of the intestinal tract and bloodstream caused by salmonella bacteria. People become infected after consuming food or beverages handled by an infected person or by drinking contaminated water.

Symptoms can be treated with antibiotics or vaccines but some strains can kill, Hoff said.

Hepatitis A, another water-borne disease which can cause epidemics, is also spreading in areas such as Aleppo and Idlib as well as in crowded shelters for displaced people in Damascus.

“This is typical when you see water and sanitation systems totally break down. Between 50 and 70 people

share toilets in many shelters in Damascus,” Hoff said.

Refugee crisis Leishmaniasis, a tropical disease transmitted by sand-flies that causes skin ulcers resembling leprosy, is spreading in Syria and there are now 14,000 cases in Hassakah province in the northeast, according to the WHO. “It is a very high number and spreading with the movement of people. Internally displaced from Aleppo have brought it to Tartous,” Hoff said.

About four million people in Syria need assistance, including two million people who are internally displaced, the UN said. More than 850,000 are now living as refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and North Africa, and about 3,000 people are fleeing the country every day.

The UN says that about 70,000 people have been killed since the uprising began in March, 2011..

The UN hosted a Syria Humanitarian Forum in Geneva on Tuesday, attended by senior aid officials from UN agencies, the European Union and other humanitarian groups.

The Syrian government has approved the deployment of three further international aid groups, UN spokesman Jens Laerke told a news briefing on Tuesday. Eight international non-governmental organisations have been allowed to operate to date. Source: Agencies

City blames B.C. government for fire regulation gap

Officials in Burnaby, B.C., say a CBC News investigation has building on Smith Street near provincial regulations are prevent- also found that tenants’ advocates Canada Way sent more than 100 tenants scrambling onto the street.

Thanks to quick work by firefighters, no one was seriously injured, but as many as a dozen pets were killed and all tenant possessions went up in smoke. The cause has not been determined.

No sprinklers The building had no sprinklers and some now-homeless tenants claim the complex was poorly maintained and had electrical issues.

“You had to flick the switch 10 ing them from forcing landlords to say there’s no excuse for the city times to get the light on,” said tenmake safety upgrades in buildings shirking its fire safety responsibil- ant Zelda Vosper. like the one that burned down in ities. A three-alarm fire that broke There was a fatal fire in the buildthe city on Sunday and forced 100 out just after 12 a.m. PT Sunday ing three years ago and tenants people out of their homes. But destroyed the aging Greenacres want to know why the City of

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Saudi women take seats in Shura Council for first time Thirty Saudi women took seats in Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, for the first time in the ultra-conservative kingdom’s history, as they were sworn in before King Abdullah on Tuesday at his palace in Riyadh. The women took their seats in the same room with their 130 male colleagues and were sworn in collectively, state television said.

“The development we are working at must be gradual,” King Abdullah said in a brief statement broadcast on state television. He recommended that the council show “realism” in its discussions and allow “reason to prevail in issues it has to deal” with.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Tuesday swore in the country’s first female members of the Shoura Council, along with their male counterparts, and urged them to carry out the job with responsibility. “I am happy to meet you at the opening of the sixth Shoura session in which women are taking part for the first time.

May Allah bless you all with good vision and counseling capability,” the king told the Shoura members. King Abdullah said the Shoura should

Burnaby didn’t crack down before the latest fire.

“I actually thought there was a sprinkler system in place and there really wasn’t,” said tenant Lora Szostak, who also said the fire alarm didn’t seem to work properly.

“Our fire alarm, you could hardly hear it. At first it was, like, dingding and it was really slow.”

Acting Burnaby Mayor Sav Dhaliwal said both his city and many other municipalities simply don’t have the power to force landlords to improve fire safety.

Older buildings only have to conform to fire safety standards dating back to when they were built — the early 1960s in the case of Greenacres. Sprinkler systems

take its decisions after thorough discussions without any haste. “We are seeking gradual development without any (outside) pressure,” he added.

On January 11, the king ap-

pointed the women, which include university graduates, human rights activists and two princesses, to the body. also known as the Saudi Consultative Council.

His decree marked a breakthrough in the kingdom that imposes stringent restrictions on women, who are banned from driving and denied the right to travel without the consent of a male guardian The monarch took the decisions following consultations with religious leaders in Saudi Arabia, which applies a strict version of Islamic sharia law.

Kong Abdullah has been carefully treading towards change, introducing municipal elections for the first time in 2005.

In 2011, he granted women the right to vote and run as candidates in the next local election, set for 2015, saying “we refuse to marginalise women’s role in Saudi society.”

weren’t required in the building then and they weren’t now.

Municipalities need ‘more powers’ Dhaliwal said that until the province gives more powers to municipalities, they can’t impose tougher standards of maintenance.

“If there was a minimum standard, then all municipalities would at least be able to enforce those standards.”

But Tom Durning, of the Tenant Resource Advisory Centre, said that Burnaby is not taking sufficient responsibility.

“The city should be the first responder to any unsafe conditions any of their citizens face,” said Durning. “The city’s got to be there.” Source: The CBC News

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Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

G20 leaders agree to avoid currency war Financial officials meeting in Moscow agree not to manipulate their currencies to benefit their economies The Group of 20 nations have declared there would be no “currency war” and deferred plans to set new debt-cutting targets in an indication of concern about the fragile state of the world economy.Japan’s policies, which have driven down the yen, escaped criticism in a statement agreed on in Moscow on Saturday by financial policymakers from the G20, which groups developed and emerging markets and accounts for 90 percent of the world economy. After late night talks, finance ministers and central bankers agreed on wording closer than expected to a joint statement issued last Tuesday by the Group of Seven rich nations backing market-determined exchange rates.

A draft communique seen by delegates on Friday had steered clear of the G7’s call for fiscal and monetary policy not to be targeted at exchange rates but the later version included a G20 com-

mitment to refrain from competitive devaluations and stated monetary policy would be directed at price stability and growth. “The language has been strengthened since our discussions last night,” Jim Flaherty, Canadian finance minister, said. “It’s stronger than it was, but it was quite clear last night that everyone around the table wants to avoid any sort of currency disputes. Japan not singled out The communique did not single out Japan for aggressive monetary and fiscal policies that have seen the yen drop 20 percent. The statement reflected a substantial, but not complete, endorsement of Tuesday’s statement by the G7 nations - the United States, Japan, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy. “We all agreed on the fact that we refuse to enter any currency war,” Pierre Moscovici, French finance minister, said. The text also contained a commitment to credible mediumterm fiscal strategy, but stopped short of setting specific goals.

The G7 has long been the power-

house of financial diplomacy. But tension between the US and Japan has risen over an attempt by Shinzo Abe, Japan’s new prime minister, to end two decades of deflation. The G7 issued a joint statement on Tuesday reaffirming “our longstanding commitment to market determined exchange rates”.

Yet the show of unity was quickly undermined by off-the-record briefings critical of Japan. A debtcutting pact struck in Toronto in 2010 will expire this year if leaders fail to agree to extend it at a G20 summit of leaders in St Petersburg in September. “Advanced economies will develop credible medium-term fiscal strategies ... by the St Petersburg summit,” the communique said. The US says is on track to meet its Toronto pledge but argues that the pace of future fiscal consolidation must not snuff out demand. Germany and others are pressing for another round of binding debt-cutting goals. Backing in the communique for the use of domestic monetary policy

Cameron meets India PM amid defence-deal row

British Prime Minister David Cameron has met with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, as part of a three-day visit aimed at doubling trade between the two nations to $36bn. Tuesday’s meeting took place amid a corruption row over a $750m defence deal in India involving Agusta Westland, a British-Italian helicopter maker.

India is considering cancelling the deal after Italian police arrested Giuseppe Orsi, the former head of the parent company Finmeccanica, for allegedly paying bribes to Indian politicians to win the contract.

Address the helicopter deal, Caneron said: “Let me make absolutely [clear] that in Britain we have introduced anti-bribery legislation that is probably the strongest anywhere in the world.”Singh said his government has “very serious concerns regarding allegations about unethical means used” to secure the 2010 deal. “I have sought full assistance from the UK in this case,” said Singh.”Prime Minister David Cameron has assured me of the cooperation of his government in the investigations.”Cameron is India in an attempt to persuade politicians and business leaders to boost ties with the former colonial power.During his meeting with Sing, Cameron lobbied the prime minister to open up its economy to foreign investment to allow retailers, such as Britain’s Tesco, to open outlets there amid frustration that many of the sectors in which

UK business excels remain partly or fully closed to foreign investors. Cameron’s delegation, which includes representatives of more than 100 companies, cultural and educational bodies, is the biggest taken abroad by a British prime minister and includes four ministers and nine politicians. At a time when Britain’s government is struggling to grow its economy, officials see India, projected to become the world’s third largest economy by 2050, as a key strategic partner in what Cameron has called a “global race”. For now, Britain’s economy is the sixth largest in the world and India’s the 10th.India is forecast to spend $1 trillion in the next five years on infrastructure and Britain is hoping its firms may win some of those contracts. Cameron on Monday said he wanted his country’s companies to help India develop new cities and districts along a 1,000 km corridor between Mumbai and Bangalore, generating investment projects worth up to $25bn.The government also plans to build 24 new industrial cities along a 1,500km railway line between New Delhi and Mumbai with Japanese funding, but the project has progressed slowly. Cameron also announced that his country will issue same day visas to Indian businessmen willing to invest in the UK. Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

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to support economic recovery reflected the US Federal Reserve’s commitment to monetary stimulus through quantitative easing, or QE, to promote recovery and jobs. QE entails large-scale bond buying - $85bn a month in the Fed’s case that helps economic growth but creates money, much of which has leaked into emerging markets, threatening to destabilise them. That was offset in the communique by a commitment to minimise “negative spillovers” of the resulting financial flows that emerging markets fear may pump up asset bubbles and ruin their export competitiveness.

Russia, this year’s chair of the G20, said the group had failed to reach agreement on medium-term budget deficit levels and also expressed concern about ultraloose policies that it and other big

emerging economies say could store up trouble for later. Anton Siluanov, Russian finance minister, said a rebalancing of global

growth required more than an adjustment of exchange rates.

Stephen Barber, a political economist from the London South Bank University, told Al Jazeera that “unlike shares you cannot devalue all currencies in the world, all at the same time.”

“So, what the G20 is interested in, notably those representatives from the eurozone, is more stability at a time when growth is very fragile.”

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

BC BUDGET : Continued from pg 1 little room for an NDP government to use the tax increases to fund new programs now that they’re Liberal policies. “I’m pleased the B.C. Liberals, despite their strong attacks on those ideas, have adopted them, but it does certainly change the revenue picture as we go forward.”Meanwhile, educators are giving the provincial government a failing grade.

The province has cut funding for advanced education by about $4 million. “Although the minister said higher education spending is at an all-time high in B.C. … student enrollment is also at an all-time high and it’s growing faster than the money is growing which is why, on a per student basis, we’re down 20 per cent by the end of this budget plan,” said Robert Clift, the executive director of the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of B.C. K-12 funding has remained flat. The B.C. Teachers’ Federation says per-student funding in the province is now below every other province in the country except PEI. Mary Ellen Turpel-

Lafond, B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth, is also critical of the budget.

She says it offers nothing to vulnerable children and families, calling the government’s budget increase for daycare “a pittance” and its plan to improve education with fewer resources “laughable.” “For the children and families that we know already have deep needs, there’s actually really nothing there,” she said. “So when we look at issues like child and youth mental health … there’s no relief.

There’s no relief on the type of homes we’re putting in children in care. No therapeutic residential services money. It’s not a friendly budget for vulnerable persons and those in demand-driven services, like the Ministry for Children and Families.” Turpel-Lafond says it’s hard to believe the government’s claim that it puts family first when looking at the budget.

Source: CBC news

CIA : Continued from pg 1 anne Feinstein said she understood that the number of civilians killed was in the “single digits.” Despite criticism from lawmakers and rights advocates who have questioned the secrecy and the legality of the drone attacks, Graham defended Obama’s reliance on the unmanned, robotic aircraft.

“It’s a weapon that needs to be used,” Graham said. “It’s a tactical weapon. A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is now armed.” Drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere are covert attacks overseen

by the CIA, while bombing runs by drones in Afghanistan fall under the US military’s authority and are not cloaked in secrecy.

The Obama administration has insisted the “targeted killings” are “a last resort” against those plotting to attack the United States but who cannot be captured. Opponents, however, say drone strikes amount to extrajudicial assassinations that sow resentment among local populations and lack oversight

by Congress or courts.

Source: The News

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Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

E D I T O R I A L

Role of Muslim Media in Canada

Among other things, it’s usually noticed that some stakeholders conveniently use the media to promote a negative image of ‘Islam and the Muslims.’ This means that the media actually does have the power to tailor public opinion as needed to satisfy the vested interests.

“The media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses.” (Malcolm X) However, the unfriendly attitude of main stream media towards the Muslim population of Canada is thought provoking.

Despite the fact that terrorism has no religion, the fingers are usually pointed towards the Islamic community. The problem is whenever some unfortunate act of terrorism occurs; the religion of ISLAM quickly becomes the “focus.” And most of the time, the media hype turns out to be nonsense. Obviously, the blame goes to the involved media for promoting hatred against the Muslims.

In the past, besides name calling, the labels like Islamic terrorism and Islamic bomb have led to cause the sickening condition of “Islamophobia” among the non Muslim communities.

Maybe, the anti-Islam propagandists have temporarily succeeded in isolating the targeted Muslim community, but the truth can’t be buried so easily.

Furthermore, the substandard opinion articles or breaking news involving the Muslims do attract a large number of derogatory remarks from the racists under the “comment sections” of popular newspapers of Canada. The (anti Muslim) abnormal behaviour irritates the community.

Consequently, the painful senti-

mental gap between the peaceful Canadian Muslims and the other Canadians keeps widening.

Despite all this, the media has certain principles of ethics to follow in order to remain competitive in the market through maintaining credibility. In fact, a successful journalism has to be conscientious because presenting the distorted facts is a complete “no.” Most importantly, competition among the media businesses is in a desperate need of giving the truthful information by being objective and balanced in reporting.

As the Muslims are legally entitled to proceed in an organised manner to protect their faith, the Muslim media too is equally entitled to publish literature to give the true picture to the general public.

Certainly, biased journalism does nothing but poison the raw minds against Muslims. Unfortunately in some cases, the non Muslim media appears to be anti Muslim when giving misjudgment without in-depth knowledge about the practicality of Islam. An inadequate presence of Muslim media adds to fuel further desperation for the Muslims.

Because, the presence of mischievous elements in the media threatens the formation of logical public opinion. And, some insufficiently qualified media individuals pose a threat when representing the Muslims for a number of reasons - including ignorance, discrimination, poor knowledge of Islam, or their total inability of interpreting Islamic teachings in the proper context.

Whether it is radio, television, newspaper or internet, the media has the capacity of connecting and bridging communities.

Beyond doubt, internet is gold mine of accessibility enriching the minds positively or fueling

negatively – all depending on what you really look for through face book, twitter, blogs, emails, and the list goes on and on. Bottom line is Muslim media should strive harder and harder to achieve the goal of nation building based on truth but avoiding the evil input.

On the contrary, when the media is biased and focused only on commercialization, it becomes irritating for intelligent audience.

Ironically, most of the people become addicted to watching TV without realizing that time is money which they are wasting unnecessarily. The worried Muslims are really concerned about their obligation towards the society they live in. This would let the deprived people move forward to live among non Muslims with equality.

Several communities of different ethnicities have their own media to safeguard their interests. Similarly, the Muslims are looking for a decent way out of the ongoing frustrating situation. They are becoming active more than ever and getting closer to helping the main stream media.

Fortunately, the Muslim media of today has genuine encouragement to become more and more assertive with an improved degree of confidence. In other words they are more involved and getting closer to be competitive even in the commercially focused media market.

Better late than never, the Muslims are comfortable to troubleshoot the negative status quo through their own electronic and print media. They are catching up gradually and hopefully would be able to free the Canadian audience of Islamophobia.

In addition to the print media, a daily Muslim presence in the broadcast media and the internet would correct the anti Islam

feelings among the non Muslim Canadians. Once Muslim media is in full force on daily basis, the Muslim youth would definitely be encouraged to benefit, preserve and strengthen their Islamic identity.

Thankfully, several media people of integrity understand the essence of journalism. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) publishes “Islamic Horizons,” Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) publishes “The Message” and there are many other publications by different mosques. There are Monthly, Bi Weekly or Weekly News Papers and several other publications by Muslim Students’ Associations.

Quite a few Islamic Centres in British Columbia including the BC Muslim Association, Noor Masjid do publish their News letters on regular basis for the benefit of local residents.

Since, the mainstream media has been unable to address the issues of different communities equally; therefore, a daily basis English Medium Muslim TV, radio including all other publications would only enable all communities to understand what Islam really is!

The Muslim community of Canada is fully entitled to enjoy equality & justice when it comes to their unattended or mishandled issues.

On the other hand, the Canadian non-Muslim community deserves to find out more to reestablish their view point of the great religion of Islam.

Removal of liars from the main stream media will encourage establishing a true level playing field.

Muslim media with integrity & full Islamic knowledge is better positioned to publish/broadcast for the benefit of all Canadians.

Nevertheless, presenting true

Letters & Opinions Killers In Pakistan

By: Intikhab Ahmed Killings of Hazara community innocent peoples, including women and children in Quetta, is a waken call for authorities. Killing of our own peoples is not a civil war, Its terrorism, with whole heartedly, I should condemn it. For the past 35 five years Afghanistan and Pakistan are burning within.

Afghanistan is an open battle ground, but Pakistan has been pushed into proxy war, day by day Pakistan is dragged deeper into international proxy war. External enemies are using both countries as a battle field. Above drone at-

tacks are killing innocent civilians and on the ground, cowered enemies are using, suicide bombers and targeted killer are causing an atmosphere of anarchy in Pakistan.

I could see, situation in Baluchistan has more than one dimensions, handing over of Gwadar port to the Chinese control and Iran Pakistan gas pipe line agreement.

Some countries in the region and some of the international players don’t want this region to be conflict free economic zone. American doesn’t want, Pakistan to go ahead with the construction of the pipeline between, Pakistan and

Iran. When the pipeline will be built, and the region will be stabilized, then India will be willing to buy Gas from Iran, Why not India is stepping up to the plate at these crucial times, & support the project. Pakistan is taking the bullet, and India is watching the game.

Foreign enemies are using domestic terrorists; band organisations and foreign security firms such as Black water, to kill innocent peoples, with this increasing worsening situation, external enemies are threatening government of Pakistan, to stay away from these mega projects. The reason is very clear, undeclared

image of Islam as a religion of peace, tolerance and justice remains a challenge for Muslim media indeed.

Last of all, utilizing Muslim friendly apparatus, pro-Islamic media advocates may go ahead with repairing the tarnished image of Islam. Regularly airing of the constructive interfaith dialogues can be further fruitful.

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

Meralce Media Group Inc.

Contact Info Mailing and Office Address 9160-136A Street Surrey BC. V3V 7Z8 Canada Fax: 604-582-7809 Founder: Nusrat Hussain Managing Editor: M. Naseer Pirzada Sub- Editors: Khadija, Misbah & Sabeeh Hon. Chief Editor & Urdu Editor Mohammad Rafiq Advertising: info@miraclenews.com Ph: 604-690-0400 Email: naseer@telus.net Editorial Board: Mr, Shums Jillani, Mr aslam Hayat, Mr.Azhar Syed, Mr. Shams Siddiqui, M.A.L. Naumani, Mr Tariq Mian Graphic Design: Design Team Copyright: 2001 Miracle Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Printed in Canada Attention: The opinions express herein contain positions and viewpoints that are not necessary 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.”

CONTENTS enemies are using act of terrorism to refrain government of Pakistan to get trade and energy resources for development of the region.

It’s a complete failure of security agencies, To fight internal terrorism may be its right time to inject Army, like previously it has been done in Sawat, and South Waziristan.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not publish anonymous letters or the letters of the people who do not disclose their identity to ‘The Miracle.’ A writer can use a pen name or request ‘The Miracle’ to withhold his / her identity. Please include your daytime telephone number for the confirmation of your letter. We regret the inconvenience.

Editorial & Letr Int. News Local Politics Faith Artcles Home and Garden Life Style Health Sports Urdu

7 5,6 13,15,17 14 8 18,23 22 28 29 33 34-47

Phone 604-690-0400 Email miraclenews@telus.net, info@miraclenews.com Website www.miraclenews.com

8

Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

E D I T O R I A L Narrated ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Samura: The Prophet said, “O ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Samura! Do not seek to be a ruler, because if you are given authority for it, then you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking for it, then you will be helped in it (by Allah): and whenever you take an oath to do something and later you find that something else is better than the first, then do the better one and make expiation for your oath.”

Love the Prophet?

By: Aisha Aijaz Love is a beautiful emotion. It encompasses all the most beautiful things in the world. Every relation and connection gets stronger and more durable when there is an element of affiliation and love added to it.

Beginning from our first love as a child for our mother to choosing someone to spend our whole life with, love is what makes life worth living. And, like all precious things in the world, this priceless treasure demands guarantees to keep it flourishing.

When you love someone, they are always on your mind and become the driving force of your direction in life. You love to follow them, obey them, do whatever you can to please them and try your best to avoid whatever displeases them. You share with them your problems and consult them for their best advice. Their name soothes you and their company is the most precious time of your day. Never do their messages and mails go unread or ignored. The world sees you change when this beautiful feeling overpowers you, whether this love be for a human, a mission, a career or simply a car or a gadget. Love changes your priorities and the color of this feeling is evident on your face and in your feelings, words, and actions.

We all love the Prophet Muhammad , the personality whose greatness is acknowledged by Muslim and non-Muslim thinkers and scholars-a warm friend and a guide for his companions, a devoted and loving husband to his wives, a shady tree for his daughters, a leader of the Ummah (community), an exemplary politician and a reformist who transformed the most uncultured Bedouin into the most disciplined force of people known to history.

His message, which begins with the oneness of Allah , gives answers for all the problems we face today. But how many of us have actually explored the message he brought? Do we really know the message?

The Qur’anic code of life sent to us though our beloved Messenger of Allah still remains untouched, only to be ‘recited’ when we are in trouble or a calamity afflicts us, or it becomes a part of the deluxe package that goes with the bride. How many of us consult his way in our practical lives whether

Follow Him.

it’s a matter of celebration or woe?

We never see the Prophet telling a lie, deceiving a human or even an animal, breaking a pact or a promise. He forgives and prays for the humiliating tribal chiefs of Taif and the people who throw stones at him. He rejects social inequality and all sorts of racial supremacy and lays down in

thought that they might get a share in inheritance (because of the stress Allah has put on their rights). He cries for Allah’s forgiveness for us and stresses us to remain united and not be divided due to language, castes or sects.

Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute

his final sermon, the basic charter of human rights, An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.

“An Arab has no superiority over a nonArab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.”

He sets best examples of justice and warns that the previous nations were destroyed because R. ul I they only punished their weak 27 and poor for crimes. He teaches 28 us to be on our best behavior and to have ‘akhlaaq’ (manners) with 29 our neighbors (Muslim or Non30 Muslims) so much so that he once

one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Non- Muslim minorities are at peace under his rule. Justice is served irrespective of faith, status or personal affiliation. He lifts the status of a woman from the one who was buried alive at birth to a guarantee to get

best rewards, may it be through serving and obeying one’s mother, taking care of a wife or raising a daughter with love. He brings a message that puts rewards in charity and spending from what we love most, giving an orphan a home and helping a widow to survive.

No one has the right to question anybody’s sincerity of ‘love for the Prophet ‘ but we all need some serious self-evaluation.

When we claim to be his followers, it automatically makes us his ambassadors and representatives in whatever roles and responsibilities we take. Do we consult the Prophet in different matters of our lives?

Let’s follow the Prophet to prove that we love him. Let’s celebrate him every day.

Let’s light up our hearts with the beacon of this message like we light up the streets on his birthday. Let’s engrave those beautiful stories of his life, which we memorize and narrate, on our actions. Let’s check if our deeds are compatible with our claims of love towards him. In following him, lies the secret of Allah’s love, mercy and forgiveness for us. ‘’Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Al-Qur’an 3:31) Source: SuhaibWebb.com - Aisha Aijzaz oples is not a civil war, Its terrorism, with whole heartedly, I should condemn it. For the past 35 five years Afghanistan and Pakistan are burning within. Afghanistan is an open battle ground, but Pakistan has been pushed into proxy war, day by day Pakistan is dragged deeper into international proxy war. External enemies are using both countries as a battle field. Above drone attacks are

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver

R.II-1 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11

Feb 22-March 8, 2013 (Rabi ul Awal 27-Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434H) Date Feb-22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Mar-1 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Day

Fajar

Sunr

Zawal

Dhuhr

Asar

Maghrib

Isha

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

5:39 5:37 5:35 5:33 5:31 5:29 5:27 5:25 5:23 5:21 5:20 5:18 5:16 5:13 5:11

7:09 7:07 7:05 7:03 7:01 6:59 6:57 6:55 6:53 6:51 6:50 6:48 6:46 6:43 6:41

12:26 12:26 12:26 12:25 12:25 12:25 12:25 12:25 12:24 12:24 12:24 12:24 12:24 12:24 12:23

12:31 12:31 12:31 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:29 12:29 12:29 12:29 12:29 12:29 12:28

3:45 3:46 3:47 3:49 3:50 3:51 3:52 3:53 3:54 3:55 3:56 3:57 3:58 3:59 3:59

5:47 5:49 5:50 5:52 5:54 5:55 5:56 5:58 6:00 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:06 6:07 6:08

7:17 7:19 7:20 7:22 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:28 7:30 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:36 7:37 7:38

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

9 Miracle’s new Milestone: Full Color edition!

Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

S P E C I A L

Once again Alhamdulillah, it is a great occasion in the Miracle Media Group Inc.’s history as it has completed twelve years -a long journey that began on Feb 23rd, 2001. I want to thank the supporters and well wishers of ‘The Miracle’ for providing continuous support through advertisements of their businesses, sharing their thoughts in writing with our readers, especially Mr. Shams Jilani, Mr. Aslam Hayat, Mr. Azhar Syed, Maulana Abdul Lateef Naumani, Mr. Shams Siddiqui, Mr. Afzal Malik, Mr. Imran Tipu, Mr. Kazim Jafary, Mr. Ayub Hamid (Toronto), Mr. Tariq Mian (Toronto), Mrs. Shamim Karim, Mrs. Alam Ara, Shabnam Khan, Ms. Nada Adam and many others. The Miracle team feels proud to have established and continued our tradition of special editions ranging from 56-64 pages on occasions such as Elections, Independence Day of Pakistan, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul Adha.

The newspaper aims to provide a broad overview of the world through articles and images. Over the years, we have covered over two thousand events from all communities in efforts to keep up with our slogan, “Bringing Harmony to all the communities”. We are also proud that when Non-Muslims read Miracle Newspaper, they learn more about Islam as well as the local and international Muslim community. Feb 23, 2001 was a remarkable day for the BC Muslim community when Mr. Nusrat Hussain launched the first Muslim Newspaper on biweekly basis. His family’s and his day and night struggle gave a voice to the community. Although I was new to BC, I

had been previously involved in community events and sent reports to Mr. Nusrat Hussain for the Miracle but June 24th 2002 was a miraculous day in my life when Allah SWT chosen me to join this ship as a Managing Director through some indications shown in a dream. In 2002, Miracle Media Group Inc. was formed. From 2001 to 2006, lot of ups and downs came in the life of Miracle, many of which hurt the business financially. The Miracle got attention at national and international level during some of these crises. Despite full-time dedication of Mr. Nusrat and myself, this paper was not enough to provide the bread and butter for our families. At that time, Mr. Nusrat Hussain, founder of Miracle, handed me over the responsibility to run this show alone. Thanks Mr. Hussain! I have been since trying to nourish your baby, The Miracle, to this day, Feb 23, 2013. How successful my entire team and I have been in achieving this tasks? Well, the Miracle’s readers are the best judges.

After twelve years community service in journalism, we felt Miracle should take one step ahead from our fellows in the field, so we decided, to give each advertisement special attention rather than printing consecutive 4-8 pages color ads and risk that readers will flip through all the ads without stopping. We have now divided each page in such a way so that the ads and articles are spread evenly on pages so our advertisers benefit from more exposure and our readers stay informed by reading articles and seeing what

the businesses are offering at the same time. The last major change in Miracle format decision came in 2010 when all small ads shifted on Page 3, from front page and our advertisers cooperated at that time. At the Miracle’s 12th Anniversary, we have decided that the Miracle will publish all its pages in color till our sincere support of advertisers. I hope everyone will appreciate this new format. Feel free to comment on this colorful issue as your concerns and suggestions are highly appreciated for improving our quality in future.

At the end I will not be honest if I do not appreciate the efforts of Hon. Chief and Urdu editor Mr. Mohammad Rafiq, Khadija, Misbah, Sabeeh, Shahrukh, and the remarkable day and night efforts of our graphic designer. Keep up the good work not only for the Miracle, but for all the community.

I thank everyone who took the time and sent their messages at Miracle’s12th Anniversary, including , politicians, Counsel General of Pakistan, advertisers and well-wishing individuals from the community. May Allah (SWT) accept your prayers for our success and may He help us in serving the community. Recently massive target killing in Quetta, Pakistan we deeply condolence of all those effected families and pray from Allah (swt) to give peace in Pakistan. (Ameen) Jazaakumu Allahu Khairan.

M. Naseer Pirzada (Managing Editor)

Special Messages for 12th Anniversary Mr. Shuja Alam Consul General of Pakistan, Vancouver

On behalf of all my colleagues at the Consulate General, I congratulate Miracle Media Group on completing its 12 years in British Columbia.

It has been a long and successful journey for Miracle Media Group. Along the way Miracle has made tremendous achievements and has effectively become a medium for Pakistani community to express their views and exploit their creative skills. Extensive and objective coverage of local and international events and a varied selection of quality content have made Miracle one of the most widely read local publications. It is also pertinent to commend the extra effort Miracle Media Group makes to arrange different cultural programmes throughout the year to engage our community members.

Our best wishes to the Miracle Media Group for its continued success in the coming years.

Jinny Sims, MP Newton-North Delta Congratulations to M. Naseer Pirzada and the Miracle Newspaper for twelve years of publishing. The Miracle provides a valuable source of news and information for the Muslim community in Surrey and the rest of BC. I appreciate the hard work you do to connect to community issues and provide a voice for Muslim news in BC. It has always good to see staff from The Miracle at community events throughout the

years.

Congratulations on twelve years of publishing your newspaper, and I wish you the best in next twelve years.

Harry Bains, MLA Surrey-Newton Congratulations on the achievement of the Miracle News Groups thirteenth year in business.

Thank you for the outstanding job the Miracle has done covering a wide variety of topics at local, national and international levels.

Many people depend on The Miracle Newspaper to keep themselves informed as to what is happening in the community. For new immigrants, your newspaper is a vital source of information that is essential for them to establish themselves in Canada as well as letting them know what is happening in other parts of the world.

I wish you continued success and all the best in the coming years.

Again, congratulations on your 12th anniversary.

Jagrup Brar, MLA Surrey-Fleetwood Dear Management & Staff at The Miracle Newspaper I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the 12th Anniversary of The Miracle Newspaper!

The Miracle Newspaper provides great coverage of events, artwork and also provides excellent content of English and Urdu sections. I am very pleased with your newspapers’ focus featuring issues and interests of raising cultural and

community awareness – this is a most welcome addition to the publishing scene here in British Columbia.

I believe that our entire community is enriched by your positive contributions.

I wish both the Staff and Subscribers of The Miracle all the best.

Bruce Ralston, MLA Surrey-Whalley As you begin your 13rh year of providing the community with comprehensive and in depth media coverage, I would like to offer my congratulations to you and your staff for 12 years of excellence in journalism. Best wishes for your continued success.

David Ali VP Media, Public Relations and Communications BC Muslim Association The Executives , The Branch and the Chapters of the BC Muslim Association wishes Mubarak! & Congratulations! for accomplishing this 12th Year Milestone in British Columbia Journalism. This feat and dedication of Miracle has been reaching every Muslim household and some ardent well wishers.

This achievement will always be a shining feather in the Miracle’s Management Team.

Miracle is an Ethnic paper which in English and Urdu covers biweekly political, religious, community issues and news around the world. A page dedicated to Women’s issues is a welcome feature.

We wish Miracle a success in its future years of Journalism.

Farida Bano Ali Chair MCFD The Ministry of Children and Family Development The Ministry of Children and Family Development(MCFD)Muslim Advisory Committee members are sending their heartfelt congratulations and appreciations to Miracle for achieving its 12th year of exemplary Journalism at best. Our goal is to extend our helping hand to these people through Miracle, which the paper had helped us in the past. Our message is given to the Muslim community through the ethnic papers, either seminars, workshops on social issues such as Domestic Violence or Child Abuse, reaches to many community members.

We wish the Management team

all the success in future and expect a more dynamic achievements.

Mahmood Awan and family, Richmond Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the 12th Anniversary of the Miracle Newspaper. After a rough beginning, the Miracle newspaper has made admirable progress and has improved greatly under the new publisher and staff. I would like to express my gratitude for the high quality of service provided to the community as my family and I have always taken great enjoyment in reading the Miracle newspaper. It has done its utmost to be impartial in reporting the news as well as being both informative and humorous at the same time.Congratulations to you and your staff on a very successful year and continued success.

10

Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

S P E C I A L

Special Messages for 12th Anniversary Janine Solanki Co-chair of MAWO On the 12th anniversary of The Miracle, Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO) would like to extend our congratulations for this momentous achievement. For the last 12 years, The Miracle’s message has been one of peace, friendship and unity among all human beings. Indeed, The Miracle’s tireless work in Greater Vancouver and British Columbia of bringing people together has gone beyond the Muslim community to all peace-loving people who work for a better world. We look forward to many more years of working with The Miracle in spreading the word about peace and social justice activities to the Muslim community in British Columbia.

M. Sultan Badshah Acting Chairperson, Iqra Islamic School, Surrey On behalf of the Iqra School c o m m u n i t y, I am delighted to know that your biweekly newspaper “The Miracle”, has completed its 12th year with the blessing of Allah (swt).

Kindly accept our heartiest congratulation on this achievement.

The quality of the journalism is very high, by any standard, and the Miracle is brave enough to let competing ideas flourish on its pages. It is through such freedom of debate that we learn more about our society and ourselves.

We wish “The Miracle” continued success and growing influence with its unbiased, independent and professional reporting.

We would also like to congratulate your team of editors, writers and journalists as their sheer hard work, perseverance and determination has helped the newspaper reach this milestone.

Balwinder S. Chahal

Secretary Old Age Benefits Forum On behalf of all members of Old Age Benefit Forum from all over Canada I will like to wish Miracle News Paper Happy 12th anniversary. You and your Team may continue to progress In times to come. I will like to convey special thanks to you and to your paper for the great support and contribution to the cause of seniors. Hope you may continue to play that role in future Best wishes from all members of Old Age Benefit Forum Nada Adams Master Coach Vip Results Coaching.com Vancouver It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Miracle Media Group Inc. on their 12th Anniversary in publication catering to both the English and Urdu speaking population in the Lower Mainland. That level of success is not achieved without its trials, tribulations and tremendous persistence – Congratulations!!

I would like to especially acknowledge and thank the Editor, Br. Naseer Pirzada for giving me the opportunity to regularly contribute in the newspaper. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to speak on the subject of health and wellness that is especially dear to my heart.

My wishes: • I would love to see more feedback and interaction from the readership of the newspaper.

• Perhaps starting an “Advice Column” for all ages including teens with life issues that directly affect our personal and family

Contact Now: 604-690-0400 Email : info@miraclenews.com

lives.

• To see more new writers given the opportunity to be heard on a variety of subjects.

• To have my articles translated into Urdu for those readers who only understand Urdu.

•To consider adding Arabic articles and perhaps Farsi too, to increase and grow readership.

I look forward to meeting the successful editorial team, contributing writers and readers in celebration at the 12th Annual Miracle Writers Award event!

Naveed Waraich Surrey My comments to your email as a reader that there is always room to improve in any section and so for you are doing it so well that you only need a little to improve. I like your paper now as it is giving us the balanced stories and it has something for all age groups.

per opulently on the grand and auspicious Red Letter Day in the glorious history of 12 years, post the birth and evolution of the Miracle newspaper, the pride of the local Muslim Ummah. That was, indeed, a matter of great significance for the local Islamic community that the sunlight spreading the radiance of the maiden appearance of the spokesman of the community shined bright on the blue sky with all its complacency on this chronological day in the year 2001 A.D. The paper was then edited by Br. Nusrat Hussain, a celebrated journalist, who was affluently imbued with parexcellent writing skills in prose and poetry. It is a matter of inordinate admiration for you that you are skillfully and confronting all the obstacles that came into your way you are nurturing the plant that was sown deep into the earth 12 years ago by watering its roots with your extensive and unrelenting labour. Hence, you, your family members and the rest if the team, including your contributory men of pen, definitely deserve the maximum commendations, not only from me and my wife, but your entire community that you are forcefully advection for during the last 12 years, by creating awareness amongst people by raising all the issue pertinent to them. You are also worthy of ovation for fostering the wonderful equilibrium in between the local Muslim Ummah and non-Muslim fraternities around, which is the prime objective of a journalist in the true sense of the term.

R.C. PURI Surrey I do hereby take for self and on behalf my better-half a humble opportunity to applaud you, your family members and the entire workaholic team of this newspa-

Gulshan Alani Vancouver Heartiest Congratulations!

SubhanAllah, it is really a Miracle that the Miracle Newspaper is already 12 years old.

Ironically, the older it gets it gets

Dr. Naiyer Habib Abbotsford I like to congratulate Miracle and its staff specially Naseer Pirzada at its 12 th anniversary for serving the Muslim community with news, articles and discussion in timely manner at much needed time. It covered the news of the Muslim world and the national as well as international news.I wish Miracle an ongoing and progressive success.

better and better and enjoyable to read.

The most deserved heartiest congratulations to the Managing Editor, his family and the team for their hard work proving the best of effort is made to serve the Multicultural communities with English and Urdu languages, building bridges without any prejudices, displaying best of the Media journalistic etiquette.

That reflects in every page of ‘Miracle’ with the various most interesting educational subjects suitable for young and old, consists of National and International News, Politics, Religion, History, Health, Counselor’s guidance, reports on local events and conferences, letters and opinion section giving opportunity to the public to voice their opinion.

No doubt ‘Miracle’ is one of the best Muslim Newspapers. Allahamdullillah.

However, with the above knowledgeable subjects, and overall improvement of Graphic, and colorful front page, it has won the Hearts and minds of the intellectuals who are interested in obtaining knowledge of 4 corners of this world, and enjoy reading it, which will increase in beauty by your future plan of making all the pages colorful.

Hopefully, the Parents would encourage their grown up children to read such clean Newspapers to obtain the general knowledge in the comfort of their homes in free time.

Reading clean Newspapers is like feeding food to the Brain that keeps the hearts, minds and souls active, alert and motivated, and one of the best ways to connect with all the nations regardless of their color, culture or religion.

What more do we need as we have ‘all in one’ in Miracle. Long live the ‘Miracle’ with Allah’s Blessings.

Banner Size is 10” X 2”

11

Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

S P E C I A L

The Miracle’s journey of twelve years (Feb 2001 – Feb 2013) The Miracle’s journey in the last twelve years has been filled with many milestones. Some of them marked exciting and uplifting moments while a few may be arbitrarily remembered as disappointments. Nevertheless, each moment provided us with an opportunity to learn and improve, and only solidified our belief in this newspaper’s role in the community. While we faced many challenges in public and private, we have chosen a selected few events that raised our confidence in ourselves and in our community and hence, set the course of direction for the newspaper’s future.

This may be a trip down the memory lane for a lot of our readers and advertisers who have been with the newspaper from Day 1 and supported us

12

Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

S P E C I A L

The Miracle’s journey of twelve years (Feb 2001 – Feb 2013) quake in Pakistan, Miracle arranges a forum in its office to meet doctors and community members and discuss the current situation of Pakistan. The Miracle also presents appreciation plaques to members of Indian Media who fundraised for the relief efforts.

Dec 31, 2006: Miracle Founder and Chief Editor Mr. Nusrat says goodbye the Miracle Media and hands over Miracle to the Managing Editor Mr. Mohammad Naseer Pirzada. The Urdu Editor, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq is asked to take the responsibilities as the honourable chief

July –Aug 2010: The Miracle joins in fundraising efforts for flood relief in Pakistan through radio thons and newspaper.

July 20, 2011: Miracle met with BC Premier Christie Clark who marked

Sep, 2010: The Miracle publishes its largest Eid edition of 64 pages at the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Jan 20, 2011: Miracle Managing Editor and Hon. Chief & Urdu her Vote in the HST referendum as ” YES” on a copy of Miracle.

Oct 2008: A special Election Edition of the Miracle is published to raise awareness about federal elections and voting.

August 14, 2009: The Miracle appreciates its writers and advisors in an awards ceremony at first Pakistani Festival in Holland Park, Surrey.

Editor met with former President of Pakistan General Pervaiz Mushraf in downtown Vancouver March 1, 2011: Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts recognized Miracle

Oct 31, 2010: Miracle Media Inc. organizes first ever tribute to Legendary Pakistani Singer Mehdi Hassan as a talent hunt competition. Pakistani Consul General, Moinul-Haq distributes the awards in Pakistan House, Surrey.

Feb 23, 2010: At its 9th Anniversary, Miracle launches the new format of its

July 21, 2011 : The Miracle joins in fundraising efforts for flood relief in Pakistan .

July 23, 2011: Miracle met with BC NDP leader Adrian Dix who marked his Vote in the HST referendum as ” No” on a copy of Miracle.

Nov 26, 2011: Miracle`s 3rd Memorization of Quran Competition was

held at Afghan Chopan Restaurant. ‘s 10 years publication in a public event.

Dec 30, 2011: The Miracle published its 300th Edition.

April 16, 2011: Muslim Community July 2012 Miracle was one of the team mem-

Forum for Federal Election 2011 was held and moderated by Miracle Media and coordinated by Pakistan Canada Association in Pakistan House, Surrey.

editor of the Miracle, which he graciously accepts.

Mar 17, 2007: The Miracle arranges the first Tilawat, Hamd and Naat Rasool Maqbool competition for kids and adults in Pakistan House, Surrey.

2007: The Miracle launches series of special editions including Canada Day Edition, Eid-ul-Fitr Edition, Pakistan-India Independence Day Edition and Eid-ulAdha Edition in the year. These editions would become regular in the future years.

June 18, 2011: Miracle paid Tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a

Feb 23, 2010: At its 9th Anniversary, Miracle launches the new format of its the second Hamd o Naat Rasool Maqbool competition for all age groups in Afghan Chopan Restaurant, Surrey. Prizes are distributed among the winners of competition and appreciation awards are also given to Miracle sponsors.

January 2010: The Miracle joins in fundraising efforts for Haiti Earthquake relief.

bers who represented Pakistan in Fusion Festival at Holland Park Surrey August 2012 Miracle presented “Pakistan Movement through Camera Eye” and “Heroes of Pakistan Movement from

music legend of Pakistan with a singing competition at. Pakistan House.

1906-1948” to educate the visitors about Pakistan History at their unique booth in Pakistan Festival 2012 held in Holland Park Surrey.

July 15, 2011: Miracle participated in Multicultural Celebrations of 5th Fusion Festival in Holland Park .

We look forward to building many more pleasant memories in the years to come, Insha’Allah.

13

Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

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14

Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

L O C A L

Milad un Nabi (saw) Celebrations at Masjid Anwar e Medina

On Feb 8, Eid Milad-UnNabi(saw) was celebrated with great respect and honor in Masjid Anwar-e-Madina Surrey. Mr. Afroze Dean was the master of ceremony and conducted the program successfully. The program started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Afterwards, there was a Naat-e-rasool Maqbool (saw) session, starting with local Naat Khawans and guest Naat Khwans included Mr. Ch. Abdul Hameed from Edmonton .

Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Anwar e Madina Maulana Saiyad Imroze Dean delivered a dynamic speech in Urdu, in which he narrated the seerat un Nabi and the birth of Mohammad(PBUH).

He told the Prophet Mohammad (saw)birth predication in Qureish tribe was already announced by an astronomer of that time. Syed Imroze recited the Sura Ad Duha Ayat 5.``Wala Sawfa Yau teeka Rabbuka fatardaa” “And verily, your Lord will give you (all i.e. good) so that you shall be well-pleased”. He also given recitation of Darood benefits in your daily life with the source of Hzt. Talah(ra).

Mr. Ch. A. Hameed then shared Sheikh Sahabzadha Shareef’s biography and requested him to come and deliver his speech at this spiritual Eid Milad un

Nabi(saw) forum.

The guest speaker, Sheikh Sahabzadha Shareef Ahmed (Michigan, USA), delivered a dynamic speech on beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referencing the Quran and Sunnah in both English and Urdu language with the help of Iqbal and Ghalib poetry.

He explained the level of love of our beloved prophet Mohammed (saw) and Allah (swt). He recited sura Al Baqra verse142. “The fools among the people will say, “What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah [prayer direction (towards Jerusalem)] to which they were used to face in prayer.” Say, (O Muhammad) “To Allah belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a Straight Way.” And said how the beloved sights looked up towards His God and Allah(swt) said in Sura 93 ayat 5. “And verily, your Lord will give you (all i.e. good) so that you shall be well-pleased.” Sheikh Sahabzadha spoke for more than an hour in which he covered the many topics i.e name of Mohammad(saw) in Torah at the time of Moses(AS) , respect of Halima Sadiah by Mohammad(pbuh), Sura AsSaff , Aayat 6 “And (remember) when ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: “O

Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you confirming the Taurat [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed .

But when he (Ahmed i.e. Muhammad) came to them with clear proofs, they said: “This is plain magic.”

Sheikh also said that our Mohammad (pbuh) always cared and worried for his ummah and made Duaa for his followers.

And today what are we and our kids are returning through our actions? We have almost forgotten the teachings of Quran and our Prophet’s (saw) actions. Everyone should make duaa for forgiveness and guidance from Allah (swt).

He also told about his experience of delivering lectures in USA Churches and Islamic centres at their demand where he On February17th Milad un Nabi program was explained the Islamic held by Minhaj-ul-Quran at newton community center. There was a large crowd and M.C teachings.

Mr. Afroze Dean then was Kaleem. The program started with tilawat thanked all the guests of Quran. There was some beautiful naats recitand community mem- ed by Izaaz Hussein, Riaz Kalsy, Salis Rasool bers who joined this and Chacha Shareef. Maulana Naumani then gave a wonderful speech. Maulana’s student, spiritual gathering.

At the end, Darood o Iliaaz Shareef Qadri also gave a great wonderSalam and Duaa were ful speech. Program ended at 8:35 with darood recited and dinner was and salam. Lastly Peer Afzal gave a beautiful served to all the attend- dua and delicious food cooked by Faruq was served. ees.

Minhaj-ul-Quran celebrates Milad

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Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

8th Int. Eid-Milad-un Nabi(saw) celebrated in Bell Centre

Muslims of Lower Mainland gathered in the Bell Performance Arts Centre Surrey on February 10th to celebrate 8th International Eid Milad-un-Nabi(Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) organized by Islamic Association of Western Canada. Many scholars and associations were also invited in this event along with the Muslim community. Mr. Haider Ali Khan was the master of ceremony of this event. First, he requested Qari Syed Fasihuddin Soharwardy for the recitation of Holy Quran in his golden spiritual voice. Mr. Khan invited local Naat Khawans including Syed Zainul Abedeen Soharwardhy, Mr. Imran Tipu, Mr. Owais Khan along with the two beautiful ‘Madhi” presentation of The Association of Islamic Charitable Projects(AICP) youth group. They performed very well through their audio and visual presentations. The stage was also beautifully decorated by the organisers through digital presentation.

Professor Badiuddin Soharwardy, a wellrespected, learned and prominent Muslim Canadian scholar then delivered a powerful speech on Seeret-un-Nabi of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) in the light of Quran. He discussed on many topics in such as the Prophet as “Bashar”. In Quran Allah tells Muslims not to raise their voice upon Prophet Mohammad (saw) voice. This is the prescribed respect of Prophet in Quran. Our Prophet(saw) always prayed for guidance to the Right Path. ‘O Allah, forgive them because they know not who am I.” He is Allah’s gift of mercy and kindness for us and the mankind. People who accepted his message became the best of Companions.

Syed Soharwardy also enlightened the audience about many more current topics. He told that Allhumdulilla Islamic Supreme Council of Canada is now going to open its seventh Masjid which will be in Surrey. He briefly described the necessity of Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah at 12658 -100th Ave in Surrey, BC and said that this Mosque will be open for every sect, he/ she can pray anytime here as per his belief in Islam. He also recited Sura Yunus Ayat 62 “No doubt! Verily, the Auliya’ of Al-

lah [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve .” Syed asked everyone to strive to become the friends of Allah and obey His teachings in your practical life. Today, the Masjid committee needs to raise funds for its repair, finishing and monthly maintenance expenses.

He asked everyone to keep continuing their generous support until it is totally paid off and this project will never finish without this support.

After this speech, Maulana Abdul Lateef Naumani delivered a dynamic bayan in Urdu in which he focused on the biography of Prophet Mohammad(saw) before the birth to the death.

He said that all Muslims should try to understand the respect of Mohammad(pbuh) and should be true followers by practicing what the Prophet preached to us. We should always remember the life patterns of Companions of Prophet(pbuh) and how they practised what was preached by the Prophet and scarified their lives for its sake.

The Next speaker was Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi of Naqsbandi Centre of Vancouver.

His main focus was real love with Allah(swt), and said that everyone should accept Allah by heart as a supreme power of creation. When you face towards Mecca for your prayer five times a day, you should recognise HIS Muqam Ihsan of Muqam Iman.

After Shaykh’s speech, Mufti Safiullah Al Azhari (Edmonton) delivered a spiritual speech in Urdu, in which he focused on few topics related to the life of Prophet Mohammad (saw). He narrated few Haidths and explained about intents (Niya), sincerity (Ikhlas), Taqwa(belief), justice, forgiveness and tolerance.

Br. M. Yosuf from AICP (New Westminster Islamic Centre) also addressed the audience at this Milad conference and spoke about love and respect of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) in

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our daily life.

The last and keynote speaker was Dr. Munir El-Kassem (London, Ontario) introduced by Syed Badiuddin. Dr. Munir started his speech with two questions asked from him by the police department. First “ Why is there an impression of Muslims that they don’t smile or make eye contact in public, is it true”? And second question was from high law enforcement officer that “Muslims are rude at the time of investigation or stop cooperating and start questioning us, why they don’t show respect and understanding attitude”?

Dr. El Kassem stressed that we should all think about that, are these in line with our Prophet Mohammad(saw) who taught us about smile being a charity from you to others and his behaviour (dealings or attitude)with others. Each word and action of the Mohammad(pbuh) is a representation of the Holy Quran .

In this current global environment where many non Muslims have misconception about Islam and Muslims, we need unity and to be more strong and also prove that most of us are peaceful and law abiding people.

Dr. Munir had also came specially for Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah fundraising, and he succeeded to raise over 55 thousand dollars.

Following the speech, Mr. Khan introduced world renowned Naat Khawan and chief guest of the evening Qari Syed Fasihuddin Soharwardy. He had come from Pakistan for this event, and recited beautiful naats, leaving a long-lasting effect on the hearts and minds of the audience. The audience fully enjoyed this spiritual gathering. After the Durood-oSalam Mehfil Syed Badiuddin made Duaa for the Muslim Ummah. He thanked all the guests and introduced all the organizers of this big event who made tremendous effort to make this event successful with the help of many volunteers and also appreciated the supporters.

A special thanks was given to Pakwan House and Chicken World who help in food preparation and chicken donation in the Bell Centre for all the guests.

Mehfil-e-Naat at Riaz Ahmed Khan, Ch. Talib Hussain & Syed Riaz uddin residences

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Rabi ul Thani 11, 1434 February 22, 2013

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From the pen of the Founding Chief Editor of The Miracle (Sqn. Ldr. (R) Nusrat Hussain) The Miracle Continues Touching the Peaks

It appears like yesterday- The Miracle copies were distributed as the first Muslim newspaper for the residents of British Columbia on 21st February 2001. The initial hard work cannot be denied, but to take it into the 13th year of publication is an achievement that the entire Miracle Team should be rightly proud of. Therefore; at the outset, Mr. Naseer Pirzada, Mrs. Khadija Pirzada, Mr. Arslan Sultan , Mrs. Misbah Arslan, and Mr. Mohammed Rafique not only need to be congratulated, but also to be acknowledged for their hard work, consistency and patience. I would personally like to thank you all ladies and gentlemen of the Miracle

Team. The entire Muslim community of British Columbia should be proud of ‘the Miracle’ as it became a pilot for the other Muslim publications to emerge on the horizon of BC. A timely acknowledgement is in order for the services of ‘Al-Ameen’ and ‘Canada Times’ that also continue to serve the community.

Media plays a significant role in the fast changing environment of modern times. It informs, entertains and campaigns in a manner that affects the thought process of the people.

Who said, ‘Watch your thoughts they become words; watch your words they become actions, watch your actions they become habits, watch your habits they become character.’ Every revolution started from a thought and changed the character of an entire society. Media can help in the promotion of positive thought process.

It is imperative that the media must enjoy the freedom to perform without personal preferences and dislikes. People should be able to

communicate and discuss their issues using the civilized word power.

The Miracle’s slogan and policy of ‘Bringing harmony to all the communities,’ richly contributed towards the positive interaction between the different communities operating within and outside the sphere of religion. The Muslim community of British Columbia has been recognized as a vibrant political force by all the national and provincial political parties of Canada. With the prevailing distribution of political loyalties it wouldn’t be unfair to state that a united Muslim vote Bank can either way tilt the result of any election in the Province.

Many authors have been introduced who regularly serve the community through their thought provoking articles in the Miracle.

Muslim businesses have flourished by advertising in the paper. All the different Muslim organizations regularly disseminate their events and programs through the paper. Introduction

of the ‘Marriage Bureau’ through the paper has helped many to find the right spouse. The Miracle plays an instrumental role of introducing the young talent through different Qirat, Naat Khawani, Quiz and musical programs.

Above mentioned are some of the few services accomplished by the Miracle. In my opinion; the most important contribution of the Miracle remains to be- the realization of the presence of a vibrant Muslim community by all the other and the mainstream communities of British Columbia.

William Bernbach said, ‘All of us who professionally use the mass media are the shapers of society. We can vulgarize that society. We can brutalize it. Or we can help lift it onto a higher level.’

I would like to conclude with best wishes for the entire Miracle team, the advertisers, the writers and most important: all the Miracle readers. God bless you all.

Yasir Naqvi becomes Canada’s first minister of Pakistani descent He was sown in as minister for labour in the Ontario cabinet of Kathleen Wynne who recently succeeded veteran politician Dalton McGuinty. Mr McGuinty resigned last year as Premier (chief minister) and head of Liberal Party in the province.

First elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in October 2007 from a diverse, urban riding of Ottawa, Mr Naqvi served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Community Safety and Revenue, until he was appointed the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education.

As an MPP (member provincial parliament), Mr Naqvi introduced four private member’s bills — the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, the Independent Board of Public Health Act, the Escaping Domestic Violence Act and the College and University Student Associations Act. The Ottawa Citizen, one of the leading newspapers of Canada named him as one of its “People to Watch in 2010”. Ottawa Life magazine also included him in its Tenth Annual “Top 50 People in the Capital” list for 2010.

Mr Naqvi was born and brought up in Pakistan. He migrated to Canada with his family in 1988 at the age of 15. His father Anwar Abbas Naqvi decided to leave Pakistan after he was imprisoned for participating in the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD).

Mr Naqvi’s elder brother Ali Naqvi, an immigration lawyer, is an active member of Canada’s left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP).

Mr. Naqvi was born in 1973 in Pakistan but moved to Niagara Falls in 1988 with his family. His parents owned the Arkona Motel, on Lundy’s Lane, for a time.

Naqvi graduated from Westlane high school, before going on to pursue post-secondary education at McMaster University and the University of Ottawa Law School.

He was called to the bar in 2001 and elected MPP for Ottawa Centre in 2007. He was re-elected in 2011.

Naqvi has been a rising star within Liberal ranks during the past several years. He is currently president of the Liberal

Party of Ontario, which is rebuilding after the decision of Premier Dalton McGuinty to step down.

“His is a very interesting story,” Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor said congratulating Naqvi cabinet swore in ceremony.

“When you hear him talk, he’s so passionate about Canada and the opportunities here. It’s quite amazing what he has accomplished at such a young age. Yasir will do well (as a minister.)”

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley kept his post as Environment Minister in the new government.

Source: cbc.ca

The Mangoes…

Huge Suhrwardy Brothers Hit in Canada By: Rakesh M The TV series “Mangoes” from the Suhrwardy Brothers couldn’t be more of a hit in Canada, USA, UK and South Asia. The series is highly remarkable on many levels and for several reasons, no least of which is because it highlights for Western audiences the mostly unrecognized state of development of South Asian film-makers and TV series production talent.

In this case, this great series of episodes comes from the two creative minds of the Suhrwardy brothers, Adeel and Khurram Suhrwardy. They have a very long list of achievements in a wide variety of cross-cultural and multi-platform media including TV, film, commercials and advertising, community involvement and issues of immigrant integration.

Another reason this series is so successful and so enjoyable is because it talks about issues that every Canadian is very familiar with. Canada has a very large and also well-integrated South Asian population. South Asians have similarly found Canada to be a very fertile home for the many

talents they bring to their new home but nevertheless they still encounter and have to deal with the same problems as young people everywhere.

One of the highlights of the series is the branding and presentation, Suhrwardy’s have tapped into the audience through Television broadcast with online simulcast, perhaps one of the first of its kind distribution. Backed by an effective marketing strategy, the makers have set a bench mark in successfully building a brand from scratch, introducing the product to a new underserved audience and making it an audience driven project, of course all seamlessly.

The social media strategy with

engaging content generated a positive buss in traditional as well as new media, if the Facebook page is the barometer to success, MANGOEs with over 115,000 engaged fans is perhaps one of the most successful and effective social media strategy for a TV series in Canada and beyond. Mangoes also plugs into the younger generation’s love of music by presenting well-known Canadian singer Kristie Yung giving tribute to one of the legends of Pakistani and South Asian pop music, Alamgir.

Mangoes is ‘set’ in the bustling, multicultural metropolis of Toronto, everything about it is totally world-class but maybe that’s

only appropriate considering the overall theme…..e.g. young people all share certain dreams, emotions and challenges but there’s no challenge too big for them as long as they don’t give up.

Congratulations to Suhrwardy Brothers and their fans for creating a brand that is MANGOES. www.Facebook.com/MangoesTV

www.MangoesTV.com