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Volume 13 Issue 352 Safar 24, 1435 AH / December 27, 2013 - $1

Photograph by: Naseer Pirzada

The Lower Mainland was dusted with five to 10 centimetres of snow overnight Thursday and Friday morning. View in Surrey Surrey.

CAR BOMB AT POLICE HQ IN EGYPT CITY KILLS 9

A powerful car bomb tore through a police headquarters in the Egyptian city of Mansoura early Tuesday, killing at least nine people, mostly policemen, officials said.

Egyptian security sources said the explosion in the city, north of Cairo, was massive and a part of the building had caved in.

They said the bombing killed at least nine people and wounded another 110. sidewalks turned into skating rinks.

“The majority of the casualties are from the police. The exploToronto Mayor Rob Ford is calling it one of the worst sion was caused by a car bomb,” Omar al-Shawatsi, the goverstorms in the city’s history. nor of Daqahleya, of which Mansoura is the capital, told state The storm has stranded passengers at airports from To- media.

Continued on pg 8 ronto to St. John’s, Newfoundland, just days before Christmas. The storm is drawing comparisons to the deadly ice storm that hit Eastern Canada in January 1998 when more than two dozen people died and about 3 million people were without power.

Power could be out until next weekend in Toronto, while travel plans in the Maritimes are snarled Less than 200,000 Toronto customers Leader of the without power. Some could be in the dark Liberal Party talks until the weekend Although officials cited progress with out- with Miracle Media ages in some areas of the country, hundreds of thousands of people in Central and East- about Muslim Issues ern Canada may spend Christmas in the dark as emergency crews struggle to restore pow- See Details er.

ICE STORM SNARLS TRAVEL ACROSS EASTERN CANADA

A storm system is bringing freezing rain across much of Eastern Canada, cutting power to hundreds of thousands of people and wreaking havoc on holiday plans at one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Utility companies said power outages hit more than 400,000 customers in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick as crews struggled to restore service. Roads and

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A D V E R T I S E R

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

P A K I S T A N

New chapter in Pak-Turk trade to open: Erdogan

Turkish Prime Minister Recap Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that a new chapter of trade between Pakistan and Turkey would be opened from now and onwards while Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan wanted to bolster trade with Turkey. Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan also vowed to strengthen the bilateral trade, cultural, political and economic relations.

They said that both the sides should work for joint ventures and investment in diversified sectors of economy, including energy, transport, communication, infrastructure, textile, automobile, agriculture, industry, food processing, dairy development, information technology, oil and gas etc in each other’s countries. Both the premiers expressed these views at a function organised by the Pak-Turk Business Forum at a local hotel. Punjab Governor Muhammad Sarwar, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Turkish Minister of Economy Zafer Caglayan and Turkish Minister for Transport were prominent among other ministers, parliamentarians, business tycoons from both Pakistan and Turkey. On the occasion, both the sides also inked three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Punjab Industrial Department and Turkey Cooperation Agency; Pakistan Railways and Turkish Logistics Organisation; Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and Turkish Standard Institution.

In his address, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani nation for according them a very warm welcome. He said that he felt Lahore as his second home, adding that Pakistanis and Turkish people were enjoying historic brotherly relations and “I am proud of this relationship.” He also paid rich tributes to present political and democratic government led by Nawaz Sharif, who headed Pak-Turk relations to a new era. “We have made commitment to further enhance the bilateral trade and economic relations during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent visit to Istanbul and our current visit is also part of that,” he said. Erdogan told the participants that he had brought along representatives of 39 Turkish companies as well as huge trade delegation and

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they came to Pakistan to explore investment opportunities here. He mentioned that current trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey hovered around $83 million, which did not manifest the actual trade potential existed between the two countries. Nawaz said the PML-N government’s top priority was economic prosperity for the people. He said the government’s investment policy provided 100 percent equity ownership, full repatriation of capital, tax breaks, customs duty concessions on the import of plant, machinery and raw materials.

He said the government had chalked out a two-pronged strategy to overcome energy crisis: optimise the available resource base through use of technology in power distribution, controlling line losses and energy conservation; and diversify the energy mix by shifting to hydel and coal based technologies. From large projects of over 5000MW to small and medium sized projects, the opportunities for investment were wide-ranging, he said and invited Turkish businessmen to explore the opportunities in energy sector ranging from wind, thermal and hydel power generation.

He said that the government of Pakistan would ensure full protection and support to Turk businessmen’s investment.

The prime minister hosted a dinner reception in honour of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his delegation at Hazoori Bagh, Lahore Fort.

Abdul Rauf (President)

w w w. j u n a i d i q b a l. c a

Imran to lead ‘Jihad against inflation’

At a not-so-impressive show against price-hike, PTI chief Imran Khan on Sunday announced to a wage a ‘jihad against inflation and slavery to America’. Citing reasons behind the surging inflation, he warned it was just a tip of the iceberg as worse was yet to come.

Imran said his party will soon bring forth a 9-point agenda against inflation, besides announcing plan to take the ‘tsunami against inflation’ to Umer Kot (Sindh) on January 6 and Rawalpindi on 24 Jan of next year.

The protest rally, scheduled to start from Nasir Bagh, started from Istanbul Chowk in front of NCA and culminated at GPO Chowk instead of Faisal Chowk - outside Punjab Assembly - probably due to thinner than expected participation. Party leaders and organisers did not give any concrete reason for this change in plan.

JI chief Syed Munawar Hassan and Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed also addressed the rally but PTI head was the main star of the show who said that rampant corruption, too few people paying taxes, government over expenditure, excess printing of the cur-

rency notes, the elite safeguarding their wealth abroad and tax breaks for the rich were the major causes for rising inflation.

But Imran had nothing new to present except the announcement that they would bring a bill in the parliament to convert all the governor houses into public parks or hotels to generate revenue. “There are 1,700 servants in the governor house. Who is paying for all this expenditure? You are.”

Imran said that money of big fish lying in foreign banks should be brought back and asked people not to vote for those who maintain their assets outside the country. PTI chief said that May 11 electoral match was fixed.

He claimed that government printed notes worth Rs 850 billion in just four months which was one of main reasons of inflation. He urged Nawaz government to bring GST to its pre-election ratio and tax 3 million affluent people which would yield Rs300 billion.

He said that government was charging extra eight rupees per unit of electricity to compensate for theft loss but not curbing pilferage. “They say K-P steals electricity. If they give us complete control over electricity, we’ll show them how to eliminate theft.”

Imran asked PM Nawaz to support PTI’s ongoing drive against Nato supply line to end drone attacks which he said were a major cause of law and order situation in the country. “There is a very simple reason for blocking NATO supplies. We don’t want to fight a war with America. We just want to convey our message (stop drones) very clearly and emphatically.”

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4 I N T E R N A T I O N A L US hits bin Laden son-in- US accuses Islamic activists law with new charges of giving millions to Al Qaeda Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

US prosecutors on Monday linked Osama bin Laden´s son-in-law to the 2001 shoe bomber plot and added two extra charges against the Kuwaiti, who faces life behind bars if convicted.

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, 47, whose trial in New York is scheduled to begin on February 3, was initially charged on one count of conspiracy to kill Americans after his arrest last February.

But a superceding indictment Friday added charges of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and providing material support and resources to terrorists.

Abu Ghaith on Monday entered a not guilty plea to all charges. In a court hearing, prosecutors alleged he was complicit in the December 2001 shoe bomber plot to bring

down an airline.

British, self-confessed Al-Qaeda recruit Richard Reid is serving a life sentence in the United States for trying to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami using bombs hidden in his shoes.

Abu Ghaith was detained by US agents in Jordan at the end of February and flown to New York.

He is best-known for his incendiary statements alongside bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.

In a speech cited by US government prosecutors, Abu Ghaith defended the attacks and warned Americans the “storms shall not stop, especially the airplanes storm.

Source: thenews.com.pk

Brotherhood prisoners launch hunger strike in Egypt

More than 450 imprisoned Muslim Brotherhood members launched a hunger strike Monday over their “inhuman treatment” after being jailed following the military’s overthrow of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, the group said.

A Twitter account operated by the Brotherhood, which has largely been driven underground by a massive crackdown, said prisoners have been “banned from family visits, legal counselling, medical care and (live in) overcrowded and unhygienic cells.”

Egyptian security forces have arrested thousands of pro-Morsi, including virtually the entire top leadership of Morsi´s Mus-

lim Brotherhood, since he was deposed on July 3. The 85-year-old political and social movement prevailed in a series of polls following the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in 2011, and Morsi became the country’s first freely elected leader after winning elections last year.

But his turbulent year-long rule was deeply polarising, and the military forced him from power after massive protests in which demonstrators accused him of betraying the 2011 “revolution.”

The Brotherhood said several senior figures were taking part in the strike, including the wealthy financier and onetime presidential hopeful Khairat al-Shater, senior official Essam al-Erian, former legislator Mohamed Beltagi and Essam al-Haddad, an advisor to Morsi during his presidency.

It did not say whether Morsi himself or the Brotherhood’s Supreme Guide Mohammed Badie were also taking part in the hunger strike.

Earlier this month Human Rights Watch said Egypt’s military-installed authorities had detained five Morsi aides for nearly five months without disclosing their whereabouts, saying it amounted to an “enforced disappearance.” (AFP)

The United States and its allies will have ways to reimpose sanctions on Iran if the Islamic Republic is caught making bombs after striking a deal to freeze its nuclear

programme, national security adviser Susan Rice has said. In an interview on the CBS news programme “60 Minutes” on Sunday, Rice rejected the idea that, once relaxed, the economic sanctions on Tehran would be hard to reinstate. Any United Nations Security Council resolution that enshrines a final nuclear deal with Iran - not the interim six-month deal signed in Geneva in November - could have triggers to automatically reimpose sanctions on Iran if they violate the deal, she said. “We will not construct a deal or accept a deal in which we can-

US wants Iran deal to have sanctions triggers

Continued on pg 5

When Qatar’s royal family was looking for advice on charitable giving, it turned to a well-regarded professor named Abd al-Rahman al-Nu’aymi. The 59-year-old educator had a stellar résumé that included extensive fundraising experience and years of work with international human rights groups. But one apparent accomplishment was omitted from the list: According to U.S. officials, Nu’aymi also was working secretly as a financier for al-Qaeda, funnelling millions of dollars to the terrorist group’s affiliates in Syria and Iraq even as he led campaigns in Europe for greater freedoms for Muslims, said a report published in Washington Post.

Nu’aymi was one of two men identified by Treasury Department officials last week as major financial backers of al-Qaeda and its regional chapters across the Middle East.

Although U.S. officials routinely announce steps to disrupt terrorist financing networks, the individuals named in the latest case are far from ordinary: Both men have served as advisers to government-backed foundations in Qatar and have held highprofile positions with international human rights groups. The second man, a Yemeni, drew part of his salary from U.N. funds underwritten by U.S. taxpayers. Their alleged dual roles — promoting humanitarian causes and civil rights while simultaneously supporting extremist groups — reflect a growing challenge faced by counter-terrorism officials attempting to monitor the torrents of cash flowing to Islamist rebel groups in Syria, current and former U.S. officials say.

“Individuals with one foot in the legitimate world and another in the realm of terrorist financing provide al-Qaeda with a cloak of legitimacy,” said Juan Zarate, a former Treasury official and author of “Treasury’s Wars,” a book that describes U.S. efforts to penetrate terrorist financial networks.

Zarate said such cases greatly complicate the “financial diplomacy” involved in attempting to disrupt terrorist support networks, especially private funding from wealthy Persian Gulf donors seeking to help Syria’s rebels.

Despite attempts by gulf states to crack down on jihadist financial networks, former and current U.S. officials have described a surge in private support for Islamist extremists in Syria, particularly in Qatar and Kuwait.

The Obama administration has repeatedly urged both countries to rein in private donations to jihadists, while acknowledging that new tactics, including the widespread use of Twitter and social media, make fundraising more difficult to track.

“It is essential for countries to take proactive steps to disrupt terrorist financing, especially where al-Qaeda and its affiliates are concerned,” David S. Cohen, the Treasury Department’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in announcing financial constrictions against Nu’aymi and the Yemeni national, Abd alWahhab alHumayqani.

Cohen said the Obama administration would continue to work with the Persian Gulf region’s capitals to “ensure that charitable donations are not used to support violence.”

The administration’s action last week named both men as “specially designated global terrorists,” a determination that allows U.S. officials to freeze their financial assets and bar American citizens and companies from doing business with them.

Treasury Department documents said both

men used their charity work to conceal efforts to raise millions of dollars for al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups from Syria to the Horn of Africa.

The naming of the two officials raised eyebrows in Qatar and Yemen, where supporters viewed the allegations as politically motivated. Both men have been prominent critics of U.S. counter--terrorism policies, particularly the use of drone strikes against terrorism suspects.

Nu’aymi, a Qatar University professor and former president of the Qatar Football Association, was a founding member of a prominent charity — the Sheikh Eid bin Mohammad al-Thani Charitable Foundation — named for a member of the country’s ruling family.

In recent years, Nu’aymi had gained renown as an international activist, serving as president of Alkarama, a Geneva-based human rights organization that works closely with the United Nations and major international activist groups to advocate for Muslims’ civil rights.

Alkarama lobbies on behalf of Islamist detainees around the world, and it accuses Western and Arab governments of suppressing the rights of political groups that promote Islamic rule for the Middle East.

Some of the group’s former clients are linked to Islamist militias seeking to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Humayqani is an Alkarama founding member and one time adviser to Qatar on charitable giving, according to his résumé. He is a founding member of Yemen’s conservative Rashad Union party and has served on the country’s National Dialogue Conference, a group established in the wake of the Arab Spring uprising to advise the government on political and economic reforms.

As a council member, he has sometimes received a daily stipend from a Yemeni fund underwritten by U.N. financial contributions.

Nu’aymi, in a response posted on Twitter last week, said the U.S. allegations were a retaliation for his criticism of American policies, including drone strikes in Yemen and U.S. support for the recent overthrow of Egypt’s democratically elected government. He said the U.S. claims about his fundraising work were “far from the truth.”

Humayqani was travelling and could not be reached for comment. A statement released by his Rashad Union party condemned what it called “false accusations” by the United States and urged Yemen’s government to rally to his defense.

The allegations against Nu’aymi come at a time of increasing U.S. concern about the role of Qatari individuals and charities in supporting extreme elements within Syria’s rebel alliance.

One charity, Madid Ahl al-Sham, was cited

by Jabhat al-Nusra in August as one of the preferred conduits for donations intended for the group, which has pledged loyalty to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

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

7 kids among hundreds killed in Aleppo raids More than 300 people have been killed in a week of air raids on the northern Syrian city of Aleppo and nearby towns by President Bashar Assad’s forces, a monitoring group said on Monday. Many of the casualties, who included scores of women and children, were killed by so-called barrel bombs dropped from helicopters, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syrian authorities say they are battling rebels who have controlled parts of Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city, and most of the surrounding countryside for the past 18 months. But human rights group have condemned the use of the improvised bombs — oil drums or cylinders which are packed with explosives and metal fragments, often rolled out of the aircraft cargo bay — as an indiscriminate form of bombardment. Rami Abdulrahman, director of

the British-based pro-opposition Observatory, said 87 children and 30 women were among the 301 people killed in the Aleppo air raids since Dec. 15. Assad’s forces have clawed back territory to the southeast of the city in recent weeks and have reasserted control over several Damascus suburbs in the build-up to planned peace talks next month aimed ending Syria’s almost three-year-old conflict. The army is thought unlikely to be able to recapture major parts of Aleppo before the talks in Switzerland start on Jan. 22, but Abdulrahman said the air raids might be aimed instead at turning the remaining residents against the rebel fighters by showing that the insurgents could not protect civilians. The Observatory says that more than 125,000 people have been killed in Syria’s civil war, which has also forced 2 million

people to seek refuge abroad and driven more than a third of the country’s 23 million people from their homes. Human Rights Watch said in a report at the weekend that barrel bomb attacks in Aleppo had hit residential and shopping areas, describing the air raids as illegal. “The Syrian air force is either criminally incompetent, doesn’t care whether it kills scores of civilians, or deliberately targets civilian areas,” HRW senior emergency researcher Ole Solvang said in the report. Rebels also appeared to have violated international law by indiscriminately launching rockets and mortar bombs at civilian areas in the government-controlled part of Aleppo, HRW said. It said on Dec. 4 they fired at least 10 surface-to-surface rockets into residential areas, killing at least 19 civilians.

Source: Reuters

the elections despite mounting diplomatic pressure. Three rounds of UN-brokered last-minute talks between the government and opposition have failed to resolve the dispute, plunging the nation into its worst political crisis in decades. Separately, the European Union (EU) announced Friday it was suspending plans to send observers for the elections due to the vote boycotts by the opposition parties. The EU said it “regrets that the main political forces in Bangladesh have been unable to create the necessary conditions for transparent, inclusive and credible elections, despite many efforts, including most recently under UN auspices”. “The High Representative has decided to halt for now the preparations for the deployment of an Election Observation Mission (in Bangladesh),” the statement added. The EU announcement dented further the credibility of the elections in which the number of uncontested constituencies has hit a record. Violence over the planned elections has left more than 100 people dead since November.

A series of strikes and nationwide transport blockades have crippled the economy, affecting millions of poor farmers and the urban middle class in the impoverished

South Asian nation.

The Election Commission said the troops were being deployed in addition to security forces that include paramilitary border guards, who this week launched a crackdown on protesters after weeks of violence.

Officials said Thursday at least 118 protesters were detained in joint operations by the police, the elite Rapid Action Battalion and the border guards amid a series of transport blockades by the opposition. Those detained are mainly from the BNP and its Islamist ally, the Jamaat-e-Islami party. The BNP has refused to field candidates for the January election, saying the vote under Hasina will be rigged — an accusation the premier strongly rejects. Jamaat, the largest Islamist party which has been barred from contesting the polls, is also furious with the government after one of its leaders was

executed last week for crimes during the 1971 independence war. Protests over the polls and the war crime trials have left at least 264 people dead since January, making this year the bloodiest in Bangladesh’s history. The opposition, which launched a 72-hour nationwide blockade Tuesday, has announced a new four-day blockade starting Saturday in their bid to topple Hasina and derail the January vote.

Source: AFP

Bangladesh to deploy military to stem poll violence Bangladesh said Friday it will deploy thousands of troops next week in an effort to contain deadly political violence ahead of controversial general elections slated for January 5. Heavily armed troops have already fanned out in major trouble spots across the country but “official deployment” will start Dec 26, the Election Commission said. “The army troops will be deployed between December 26 and January 9 across the country,” Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad told reporters. He did not say how many troops will be deployed but local media put the number at around 50,000. The move comes amid mounting tension in the country with the opposition and a key ruling party ally boycotting the parliamentary polls. The government insists the vote will go ahead as planned. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have been staging protests since late October to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down so that a neutral caretaker government can oversee the election. Hasina refuses to accept the arrangement, which was in place during previous national polls, and on Thursday ruled out any possibility of rescheduling

UN’s Ban wants to reinforce mission in South Sudan United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Monday he would urge the Security Council to reinforce the UN mission in South Sudan, as violence in the world’s youngest nation mounts. Hoping to beef up the mission’s capacity to protect civilians, the UN secretary general called for “additional troops, police and logistical assets,” although he did not specify numbers. The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is currently capped at 7,000 soldiers and 900 police, and includes more than 2,000 civilians, both locals and foreigners. The Security Council must approve any increase in the numbers.

Nearly 45,000 civilians are under UN pro-

tection at bases in the country, notably in the capital Juba and the cities of Bor and Bentiu, Ban said. “I am determined to ensure that UNMISS has the means to carry out its central task of protecting civilians,” Ban said, describing the situation as “one of mounting urgency.”Ban suggested reinforcements could come from other UN peacekeeping missions. He also indicated he had been in contact with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and other regional leaders as the violence has escalated. “I have consistently called on President Salva Kiir and opposition political leaders to come to the table and find a political way out of this crisis,” Ban said. “The world is

IRAN: Continued from pg 4 not verify exactly what they are doing,” Rice said. “And if they’re caught, we will ensure that the pressure is reimposed on them.” A mechanism for such “automatic triggers” has not been finalised, Rice said.

Any deal beyond the current arrangement is still months away. “We haven’t designed that resolution yet. But this is something that’s quite doable,” Rice said. The United Statesdoes not want Iran to be “in a posi-

watching all sides in South Sudan. Attacks on civilians and the UN peacekeepers deployed to protect them must cease immediately.” The UN’s humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Toby Lanzer, said Monday that humanitarian agencies were facing a “massive increase in need.” He called on donors “to make resources available” so that UN agencies and NGOs can bring in personnel and supplies after more than a week of intense fighting. “We are looking at a massive increase in need and I am engaging all parties to ensure that civilians are protected and that aid workers are able to access people who need our help,” Lanzer said. “The situation is par-

ticularly bad in Jonglei and Unity states, where fighting has displaced thousands of civilians,” said Lanzer, just back from the UN base in Bor, where 17,000 civilians have taken refuge. In Juba, the United Nations and aid agencies are helping 20,000 refugees in two camps and have distributed food to 7,000 refugees seeking shelter at a UN base in Bentiu.

Rebel forces under former vice president Riek Machar have taken control of Bor and Bentiu and the remaining South Sudanese army loyal to Kiir is readying an assault. Source: DAWN

tion to race towards a bomb undetected.

“Rice said it was still unclear if Iran was hurting enough from existing sanctions on its oil exports and other industries to give up its nuclear ambitions in a “verifiable way.” “We don’t know. But the other half of the answer is we have every interest in testing that proposition,” she said. Un-

der November’s interim agreement, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program for six months in exchange for limited relief from sanctions. The Obama administration has clashed with Congress over the sanctions issue; many lawmakers want to impose tougher sanctions on Iran.

Source: Al-Jazeera

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

E D I T O R I A L

Plight of the Islamic World During 2013

Another year has almost ended, yet the ‘unfriendly status quo’ continues to irritate the Muslim world, whereas, the Islamic countries are perceived as the worst nations on the planet. Serious crises, worst form of terrorism, and the general unrest is the ongoing fate of these States.

Nevertheless, the foreign meddling by the vested interests is usually blamed for all ills.

The problem adds further as the mutilated history of the Islamic World is allowed to spread maliciously based on the ulterior motives.

The fact is the Islamic world has been continuously experiencing loss of life of innocents including children and the elderly. An irreparable damage done to the movable and immovable property runs into billions of dollars because of the ongoing terrorism.

Terrorism: As the word terrorism is not properly defined, we need to be clear about the concept of terrorism in order to fully understand the menace: This barbaric attitude is applied through a ‘systematic use of violence,’ intimidation and threats aimed at coercing to achieve some goal, especially the political ones. In other words, it’s a state of fear and submission.

All terroristic methods of governing or of resisting a government fall under this category. True, some are freedom fighters, but they have been re-categorized as terrorists.

This is also a fact that some terrorist

groups are proxy warriors employed only to weaken the writ of the targeted country. The rebels are freedom fighters and are terrorists too depending on which side they are on. So it’s a complicated phenomenon, and unfortunately, the so called Muslims (fake ones) are hired to do the dirty job in the Muslim lands through insurgency, militancy and terrorism. But the media is bound to speak for the benefit of its pay master; that paves the way for the stakeholders. In nutshell, terrorism is said to be in existence when National or International laws are disrespected.

Some examples of the unpleasant scenarios are as follows: Bangladesh: Sadly, a Bangladeshi citizen ( an Islamic scholar of prestige possessing high caliber) has been put to sleep in a rush; the victim had been booked for his pro-Pakistan role dating back to the 1971 Indian sponsored insurgency aimed at clipping the eastern wing of the country.

After 42 years, the government suddenly wakes up to eliminate the opposition leader on the basis of fabricated charges through Kangaroo court. Indeed, this is unlawful judicial terrorism which is nothing but a politically motivated judicial murder just ahead of controversial Jan 5, 2014 general elections. Now, the Bangladeshi officials are busy arresting the protesters/activists from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its

key ally Jamat-e-Islami in five districts, where police had been clashing with protesters. The BNP keeps refusing to field candidates for the January election, fearing the poll under Hasina will be rigged. Jamate-islami, the country’s largest party is barred from contesting the polls.

Thus, the opposition is muscling up to topple Hasina.

Egypt: After a prolonged endeavor, Egypt embraced a legitimate democracy briefly and the democratically elected President Morsi was replaced by the illegitimate government with illegitimate constitution.

More than 6800 innocents have been mercilessly killed in the last 5 months alone.

Afghanistan: After more than a decade, the country is bracing for the expected consequences once the 2014 withdrawal of foreign troops actually takes place.

Pakistan: Recently, the General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the States using drone strikes as a counter-terrorism measure to comply with international law; the UN acted on a range of issues relating specifically to the violation of human rights. The use of remotely piloted planes (DRONES) against the suspected terrorists contained in a comprehensive 28-paragraph resolution: titled “Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism” has now been regulated. It’s worth mentioning here that the por-

tion about drone strikes was included as a result of intensive efforts made by the Pakistani delegation.

On the other hand: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the formation of an anti-terrorist task force to combat militancy. The Punjab government intends to employ 400 instructors from Turkey and Pakistan army to train 2000 new recruits.

Helicopters and advanced weapons will be provided to the proposed anti- terrorism force.

Another positive development is the European Union has allowed Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+ package) to Pakistan. The scheme is likely to give a major boost to Pakistan’s exports to Europe, especially the textile and apparel exports. The ‘All Pakistan Textile Mills Association’ (APTMA) expects the GSP Plus status would double the country’s textile exports to US$ 26 billion from the current US$ 13 billion over a four-year period.

Syria and Iran: President Obama was so eager to send his cruise missiles into Syria without having approval from the UN and the Congress. Now, there is no immediate threat of war, also Syria agreed to give up its chemical weapons. However, the furious opposition forces are disappointed because they have been counting on the US air cover to advance their rebellion. Quite apparently, the Syrian rebels are supported by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, while Russia, China and Iran back

Letters & Opinions Battle Between God, Man And Jinn

By: Gulshan Aalani Is it the battle between GOD, Man and Jinn or is it the battle against GOD by none other than the deluded Man and Jinn?

According to all the Holy Scriptures since the Biblical time, it’s always been the battle against One Creator GOD, who in fact created the Angels and Jinn race even before the creation of first man Adam (AS) and his wife Hawa/ Eve (RA).

Majority of mankind is unknown of the ‘Divine’ facts of creation, especially the creation of Jinn.

Some identify them as aliens, Ghosts, demons, evil spirits, number of contemporary Scientists however, believe that the ‘Jinn’ are the microorganisms discovered everyday by modern science and some may describe them as unseen force of extra terrestrial beings or power. It is much discussed issue especially on the ‘Conspiracy’ TV Show, but amazingly the final closing Revelation the Quran has solved the mystery.

“There hath come to you from GOD a (new) Light and a perspicuous Book”. Quran: 5: 17.

The truth of creation the theory of evolution and the power of unseen can only be solved by the ‘Word’ of Divine power. Mankind would be lost without the divine ‘Light and Guidance’. Fortunately, Allah al Khaliq-Creator has solved the mysterious puzzle for mankind through the Divine Scripture the

Quran that has revealed the truth and secrets of the creation of man, jinn, Demons, devil’s existence, and the mischief of Dajjal (antiChrist), all explained in full by the final Prophet Messenger Muhammad (SAWS).

“WE created man from sounding clay, from Mud Molded into shape and the Jinn Race, WE had created before from the fire of a scorching wind”: “Yet they make the Jinn equals with GOD, though GOD did create the Jinns”. Quran15:- 26, 27 / 51:56/- 6:100.

Unfortunately, the same man and jinn showing adversary, deny and reject their Creator GOD by trafficking with him in worship and religious matters and turning the legislated religions upside down, such are described as ‘Rebellious transgressors’.

Though some good jinn do believe in Quran, praise it and warn people against the worship of Jinn and human gods. Q: 72:1, 2/ 46:29-31/ 34:20-22. In the time of Prophet Solomon (AS) the good Jinn worked for him.

“And to Solomon WE made the wind obedient---and there were Jinns worked in front of him by the leave of GOD---“. Q: 34:1214, 22.

An Ifrit (powerful Jinn) of Jinn promised King Solomon that it would only take him a shorter time (with the speed of a light) to bring the throne of Sheba to Jerusalem. (Q. 27:39).

Thus, some (bad) Jinns had the

power to go to the lowest Heaven in order to eavesdrop on the habitats of the Heavens and so would be able to find out what was detected: the number of guards (including meteors and comets) were increased, blazing down fire on those eavesdropping Jinn.

67:5.

Evidence is also found of the intriguing actions that some bad Jinn go through in order to mislead mankind against the true GOD, destroy the true ‘Scriptural Religions’ and open up non-scriptural counterfeit religions, discard divine commandments, wipe out the ethics, moral values, eat, drink and perform Harram-Illegal actions.

Although, some of the Jinn are obscured from the human sight but has mind controlling ability to possess human minds, have absolute power over the ungodly ones and manages to divert innocent human-beings to worship man and Jinn, which is anti-GOD. Apparently, they are living with us in this world, have invaded our dwellings and minds. They do not reside where the clean godly people recite the name of CreatorGOD and are in the presence of Angels who are created from ‘Light’: unlike the Jinn created from Fire (marijin minnar Q: 15:27/55:15); who prefers to reside in the place contaminated with religious impurities, where worship of Creator is replaced by objects, human gods-Jinn, prayers

and prostrations made to them, their Books, Pir’s and Sheikh’s Dargahs or where illegal transactions, shameful deeds and immoral actions take place, where obviously would be no presence of Angels who are pure, dislike dirt, obscenity, nakedness, porn etc and whenever the Jinn encounter the presence of Angels they run away.

One of the most dangerous Jinn (who wasn’t a fallen angel) called Iblis became a cursed one (Lucifer) after disobeying GOD’S command, has vowed to misguide and mislead mankind to the opposite path of Creator.

Evidently GOD has granted him respite, with the phenomenal power and ability but temporary for certain limited time and has declared that no man or Jinn can succeed against HIS power and HE cannot be defeated.

(Q-55:33).

Consequently, the violation of the very first commandment of ‘worship One GOD’ is a major unforgivable Sin, as the Creator has no partner in creation and HE doesn’t need to take the human form to control HIS business, and has not permitted any man or Jinn to be the middle man to deliver the worshiper’s message to HIM, as HE has a free direct contact line open 24 hrs.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Letters to the editor do not reflect the opinion of the Miracle media group. 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.

Syria.

Furthermore, lifting of economic sanctions on Iran has encouraged Iran to give up developing nuclear weapons. Though the interim deal between Iran and P5+1 looks a little fragile at the moment, yet the Muslim countries have to forget about any sectarian differences in order to stand united on single page. Surely, a collective voice is the best path for promoting the world peace.

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.”

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

F A I T H Ibn Abbas: The Prophet (sw) delivered a sermon and said, “…Lo! Some men from my followers will be brought and taken towards the left side, whereupon I will say, ‘O Lord, (these are) my companions!’ It will be said, ‘You do not know what new things they introduced (into the religion) after you.’ I will then say as the righteous pious slave, Jesus, said, ‘I was a witness over them while I dwelt among them when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and You are the Witness to all things.’ (5: 117) Then it will be said, ‘(O Muhammad) these people never stopped to apostate since you left them.” (Bukhari, Kitabul Tafsir, Hadith 4259)

Happiness comes from remembering God

Happiness is not only intense joy, it also involves contentment. This part of the article examines the role of happiness in Islam.

Islam is the religion that is more than a religion; it is the religion that is a complete way of life. Nothing is too small or too big to be covered by the teachings of Islam. Rejoice and be happy, remain positive and be at peace. This is what Islam teaches us, through the Qur’an and the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him).

Every single one of God’s commandments aims to bring happiness to the individual.

This applies in all aspects of life, worship, economics, and society.

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).” (Qur’an 16:97) As most of us have come to realize, happiness is that ethereal quality that encompasses contentment and peacefulness; it is the soft joy that causes our lips, faces and hearts to smile. It is determined by faith in God and obedience to Him. Thus happiness embodies the peace, security and submission that is Islam. The injunctions and regulations of Islam reinforce the happiness that comes from knowing God and they help to guarantee humankind’s happiness during life in this world. However, Islam also emphasizes that the life of this world is nothing more than a means of attaining the Hereafter. By following the guidelines of Islam it is possible to be happy while awaiting our eternal happiness.

Sometimes, in order to achieve happiness, people attempt to follow complicated paths; they fail to see the easier path that is Islam.

Happiness can be found in the solace that comes from being upon the truth. It can be achieved by sincere worship, hastening to do virtuous, noble and beautiful deeds, and

by performing acts of kindness or giving charity. These things all have the potential to make us happy, every day, under any circumstances. Even giving the smallest charity, in order to please God, can bring a smile to your face and a feeling of joy to your heart.

“And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking God’s pleasure while they are sure and certain that God will reward them (for their spending in His Cause), is the likeness of a garden on a height; heavy rain falls on it and it doubles its yield of harvest. And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it.” (Qur’an 2:265) Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with

Egypt: Continued from pg 1

a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.”

The nature of the human condition means that amongst the happiness there may be great sorrow and within the pain and despair there may be great joy. A believer will accept God’s decree for him and lead a happy life free from total despair or unbearable pain.

Islam has the answer to all the problems that afflict humankind, and knowing this leads to happiness, because it allows us to look beyond the need for self-gratification and the need to acquire possessions. Following the teachings of Islam and striving to please God is a constant reminder that this life is but a transient pause on the wa y to life everlasting.

“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an

nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” (Qur’an 20: 124) God says in the Qur’an, “Verily! I am Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me.” (20:14).

The key to happiness is knowing and worshipping God. When one worships and remembers the Creator as He should be worshipped and remembered, happiness can be observed all around us, at any given moment and even on the darkest night. It is there in the smile of a child, in the touch of a comforting hand, in the rain on parched earth, or in the smell of spring. These things can make our hearts truly happy because they are manifestations of God’s mercy and love. Happiness can be found in worship.

To find true happiness we must seek to know God, especially through His names and attributes. Seeking beneficial knowledge brings happiness. The angels flutter their wings and keep records of those who seek knowledge; the mere thought of this brings a smile of happiness to the face of a believer. Our righteous predecessors understood the inherent happiness and joy to be found in striving to be close to God. Perfect happiness will only be available to us if we spend life everlasting in Paradise.

It is only there that we will find total peace, tranquillity and security. It is only there that we will be free of the fear, anxiety and pain that are part of the human condition. However, the guidelines provided by Islam allow us, imperfect humans, to seek happiness in this world. The key to being happy in this world and the next is seeking the pleasure of God, and worshipping Him, without associating partners with Him. And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!” (Qur’an 2:201) Source: Arabnews

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver Dec 27 -Jan 10, 2014 Safar 24- 8 Rabiul Awaal,1435H

The impact of the explosion was felt around 20 kilometres (12 miles) away and shattered windows of nearby buildings, the security sources said.

The head of the security for Daqahleya, Sami El-Mihi, was wounded in the blast and two of his aides were killed, security sources said.

Islamist militants have stepped up attacks on Egyptian security forces since the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi by the army on July 3.

More than 100 members of the security forces have been killed across the country since Morsi’s ouster. Source: AFP

Date Day Fajar Sunr Zawal Dhuhr Fri 6:09 8:05 12:18 12:23 Sfr.24 Dec. 27 Sat 25 28 6:09 8:05 12:19 12:24 26 29 Sun 6:10 8:05 12:19 12:24 27 30 Mon 6:10 8:05 12:20 12:25 28 31 Tue 6:10 8:03 12:20 12:25 29 Jan 1 Wed 6:10 8:05 12:21 12:26 2 Thu 6:10 8:05 12:21 12:26 R-I, 1 Fri 6:10 8:05 12:22 12:27 3 2 Sat 6:10 8:05 12:22 12:27 4 3 5 Sun 6:10 8:05 12:22 12:27 4 6 Mon 6:10 8:05 12:23 12:28 5 7 Tue 6:10 8:04 12:23 12:28 6 8 Wed 6:09 8:04 12:24 12:29 7 9 Thu 6:09 8:03 12:24 12:29 8 Fri 6:09 8:03 12:25 12:30 10 9

Asar

Maghrib

Isha

14:35 14:36 14:37 14:38 14:38 14:40 14:41 14:42 14:43 14:44 14:45 14:47 14:48 14:49 14:50

16:28 16:29 16:30 16:31 16:31 16:33 16:34 16:35 16:36 16:37 16:39 16:40 16:41 16:42 16:44

17:58 17:59 17:59 18:00 18:00 18:02 18:03 18:04 18:05 18:06 18:07 18:08 18:09 18:10 18:11

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

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

A D V E R T I S E R

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10

Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

F A I T H

JESUS(A.S) IN ISLAM

By: Sadullah Khan “Behold! the angels said: “O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter, he is of those nearest to Allah”; [Qur’an 3:45]

Belief in Prophets (May Allah’s Peace be upon all of them) Islam emphasizes the universality of the institution of prophethood. According to the Qur’an, there is not a single nation in the world to which a prophet has not appeared sometime in history: “There is not a people but a warner has gone among them” [Q35:24]. And again: “For every nation there is a messenger” [Q10:47] The Qur’an mentions about 25 of the Biblical Prophets by name [Q4:163] and we are further told that there have been prophets besides those mentioned in the Qur’an: “And We sent messengers We have mentioned to thee before, and messengers We have not mentioned to thee” [Q4:164] .

It is an Islamic article of Faith to believe ... in all Prophets; from Adam through Abraham, Moses, Jesus to Muhammad (peace be upon them) [Q2:184] all Prophets were models of excellence who were commissioned to guide humankind [Q2:213] the mission of Prophets was to establish justice for all [Q57:25] that Prophets were the embodiments of Righteousness; “And Zachariah, John, Jesus and Elijah; all of these were of the most Righteous.”

[Q6:85] It is an accepted fact in Islam that the struggle and legacy of the prophets (peace be upon them) serve as universal guides, excellent examples and as sources of hope and inspiration.

Status of Maryam/Mary Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a prominent figure in Islam and the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an. The Qur’an upholds Mary as one of the four perfect examples of womanhood [Q66:12] . Mary is mentioned more times and more biographical information about her is contained in the Qur’an than in the entire New Testament.

The birth of Jesus Christ is described in twice in the Qur’an - chapter 3 and chapter 19. Reading from the beginning of his birth, we come across the story of Mary, and the esteemed position which she occupies in the House of Islam, before the actual annunciation of the birth of Jesus is made.

The Qur’anic account of Mary includes

the pregnancy of her mother, Mary’s birth and the annunciations of the coming birth of Jesus: “Remember how she preserved her chastity, into whom We breathed a life from Us, and made her and her son a token for humankind” [Q21:91]. The Qur’an teaches that Mary is to be revered because she completely submitted herself to God’s will, even though it meant that her own family would accuse her of unchastity when it was discovered that she was pregnant [Q19:16-21] .

The mother of Jesus (peace be upon them) is accorded highest respect and considered as among the most noble in the estimation of Allah. [Q3:33] Behold! the angels said: O Mary! Allah has chosen you and purified you, chosen you above the women of all nations.” [Q3:42] The entire chapter 19 titled Maryam/Mary in the Qur’an and another (chapter 3) is titled Al-’Imran after the family of Mary.

Jesus /’Isa referred to 9 times in the Qur’an as ‘Isa and 16 times as ‘Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary) Mary is considered chaste, virtuous, receiver of God’s spirit, a testimony to the veracity of God’s message and piously obedient [Q66:11]

Uniqueness of Jesus (pbuh) Virgin birth -The Qur’an gives an account of the birth of Jesus in chapter 3. Mary is described as being a virgin, chosen by God, and considered with great honor. “Behold! the angels said: O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary.”

[Q3:45] . Verse 47 relates the response of and to Mary, “She said: O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me? He said: ‘Even so: Allah creates what He wills: When He has decreed a plan, He merely says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is!” The Qur’an thus affirms and Muslims believe that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary.

The birth is seen as a sign (ayah) of Allah’s power and as a miraculous event. And Muslims have a high regard also for Mary.

However, the Qur’an presents Jesus as the son of Mary and not as the Son of God, a significant point particularly emphasized.

Like Adam (pbuh) -Though the unique birth of Jesus with one parent is no indication of divinity just as Adam’s creation was without any parentage [Q3:59] .

Messiah -It is obvious that Jesus holds an exalted place within Islam. Some of the honorable epithets of Jesus (pbuh) mentioned in the Qur’an are ... prophet / nabi, messenger of God / rasul, of the Righteous / min-as-salihin, word of Allah / kalimatuLlah), spirit from God / ruhun mina’ Llah,

positive sign/symbol for humanity / aayatun lin- naas, mercy from God / rahmatan minna, the son of Mary / ibne Maryam, eminent in this world and the next / wajihan fid-dunya wal-aakhirah, and most unique of all... the Messiah / masih.

Miracles -The Qur’an speaks of Jesus possessing intellect and eloquence in childhood [Q19:30] and documents some of Jesus’ miracles, including curing the sick, restoring the sight of the blind and reviving the dead, with God’s permission [Q5:110] .

The Qur’an specifically mentions two miracles which the Bible does not contain; 1. The Qur’an records Jesus as an infant verbally defending Mary’s innocence [Q19:27-35]. In Surah 19:27-34, Jesus speaks from the cradle to state his mission.

Jesus said, “I am indeed a servant of Allah Who has given me revelation and made me a prophet.”

2. The Qur’an [Q5:110] also reports that Jesus formed a bird out of clay, and blew into it, and it came to life and flew away.

This last miracle is not recorded in the canonical New Testament but does appear in the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas.

It must be remembered that all miracles / mu’jizah performed by prophets (pbuh) are done through the agency of the prophets but by the power and authority of God. Jesus’ miracles too are considered basically in the line of his being a prophet and in God’s enabling and permitting him to do so. The Qur’an thus stresses the fact that the miracles of Jesus were performed by the permission and power of God [Q5:110] .

No Easter Commemoration Millions of Christians commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus (pbuh), and this begs the question that if Jesus is important to Muslims, why do Muslims then not commemorate Easter.

Though Muslims accept Jesus (pbuh) as a great prophet, revere his exemplary mother Mary, and believe that Jesus is the Messiah; Muslims do not accept the major concepts that are central to the commemoration of the Easter weekend. Among these concepts are...

Divine Incarnation and Trinity [Q4:171] [Q112:1-4] -Allah is ONE in an absolute sense, no one shares in His Lordship nor in His divinity; nothing is equal or comparable to God. This is in keeping with the command, “and Jesus answered him, the first of all the commandment is, Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God is One LORD.” [Mark 12:29]. In promoting a great human such as Jesus (pbuh) to divinity, does not elevate Jesus as much as it minimizes the

What does R.S.V.P. mean?

By: Naseer Pirzada R.S.V.P. stands for a French phrase, “répondez, s’il vous plaît,” which means “please reply.” The person sending the invitation wo¬uld like you to tell him or her whether you accept or decline the invitation. That is, will you be coming to the event or not? Etiquette rules followed in most Western cultures require that if you receive a formal, written invitation, you should reply promptly, perhaps that same day. For hosts who are planning a dinner party, a wedding or a reception, this is important from a practical point of view, because they need to know how many people to count on and how much food and drink to buy. More important, though, is the simple courtesy of responding to someone who was nice

enough to invite you, even if it is to say that you regret that you will not be able to attend.

Many wedding invitations come with a response card that you can mail back right away. Other written invitations will carry the host’s telephone number so you can call with your reply, although under strict etiquette rules, a written invitation requires a written reply. Nowadays, invitations often carry a “regrets only” notation at the end.

That means that the host will count on your being there unless you tell him or her otherwise. Some people even use “R.S.V.P.” as a verb, as in “Have you R.S.V.P.ed to that invitation?”

Do you act on R.S.V.P? Have you suffered financially due to lack of proper response? THINK ABOUT IT!

concept of the divine; is not making the finite infinite as much as making the perfect imperfect; not an elevation of Jesus, but rather a devaluation of the Divine.

Crucifixion -Christ, according to Muslim belief, did NOT die on a cross [Q4:157] but was rather elevated by Allah and saved from being killed [Q4:158].

Resurrection -Not having died, Jesus could NOT have been resurrected [Q4:156].

Inherited Sinfulness [Q2:285] -Babies are born pure and no one is born bearing the sin of any one and no one bears the burden of another [Q17:15] .

Redemption / Atonement -Muslims do not believe in the doctrine of OriginalSin, so there is no theological need for the allatoning sacrifice of Jesus through his crucifixion and resurrection. Muslims further believe that each person will be held accountable before God for his/her own actions and thus responsible for their own salvation. Therefore, we will not be able to rely upon anyone else, not even Jesus or Muhammad, to save us from our sins.

Sins are those acts we deliberately incur by our choice of actions, we are responsible and hence personally accountable. In Islam there is no notion of redemption for one’s sin by another. Each one is accountable for himself/herself [Q99:7-8] and for each person according to his/her personal striving [Q2:286] .

Jesus is ...

Jesus denied by some as a fictional character, accused of being an illegitimate child by some, misconceived as divine by many; considered as a Prophet and Messiah in Islam. People do have differing perspectives on Jesus’ life and teachings, but his spiritual legacy, as a righteous and principled guide, his mission as a Prince of Peace offers an alternative opportunity for people of faith to recognize their shared religious heritage.

Allah bears testimony to the truthfulness of Jesus; his mission, character, status and his very being. “Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: a statement of truth, about which people dispute.” [Q19:34].

All sincere ones would do well to reflect on the verse in the Quran reaffirming Islam’s eternal message of spiritual unity:

“Say: ‘We believe in God and the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and message given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and it is unto Him that we surrender ourselves.” [Q2:136]

11

Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

P O L I T I C S

An exclusive interview with

Justin Trudeau, MP (Papineau, QC), leader of the Liberal Party and a serious contender for Prime Minister of Canada Thanks for your time for “The Miracle”, the first Muslim Bilingual biweekly Newspaper in BC serving since 13 years.

The Miracle Naseer Pirzada(TM): Let’s start here. You are a talented communicator who just needs a strong team to deliver an effective message to Canadians. From your view, where are you in the process of forming a balanced team?

MP Justin Trudeau: I am very excited about the coming year because one of the things that we are doing is moving forward on the open nomination process. We are going to have open nominations in all ridings across the country. We are expecting great candidates to come forward and there is lots of room for optimism about that. People from all sorts of communities are realizing that there is room for them to step up in the Liberal Party. We are still in the process of building the team.

Right now, we only have 36 MPs. We have to get an awful lot more.

We are reaching out to community leaders, professionals, people who have served at municipal level, provincial level, people who are activists and voices for their community and bring them forward as MPs. TM: Canada is so enriched by its diversity of cultures, languages and religions. Your father Pierre Trudeau considered “Immigrants to be true nation builders that have much to contribute to Canada.” Now what do you say about the Muslim immigrants and citizens of Canada.

Trudeau: As I have said many times, this is an extraordinary richness where Canada is strong, not in spite of its differences but because of them. The Muslim community has contributed over the past years, tremendous amount to making Canada more successful and stronger. I am really proud of the support of Muslim Canadians. We have to make sure that we are providing integration services for the newest arrivals around language and skills recognition, but also a path to credential recognition. So people who come over with degrees and qualifications can actually practice in their line of work and get good jobs.

TM: Your riding of Papineau (Montreal) has the highest number of Muslim Canadians living in the riding. What have you learnt from your riding and what have you done for them?

Trudeau: First of all, through visiting many different mosques, I have a tremendous appreciation for the tremendous diversity within the Muslim community as well as the shared principles and values. The Muslim community is a reflection of Canada with all sorts of backgrounds anchored around the shared values of what makes this country strong. I always tell my constituents, regardless of their community, is that my job is to make them greater and more effective participants in the success of Canada. Making a path for a better future for our kids and a stronger, stable and secure society for everyone is a priority. Obliviously in my

riding, there is concern about this charter of values. To use both the word ‘charter” and “values” is not accurate, but it’s been a source of tremendous division in Quebec.

Incidents of intolerant behaviour towards Muslim society in particular have increased in the past months at a time we need to push in the other direction. We need recognize each other and respect each other more. I have visited mosques and listened to the people’s concerns about Islamophobia that has arrived in the Western World.

TM: Two years ago. Prime Minister Harper said that the major threat for Canada is still Islamism.

This hurt the feelings of a lot of Muslims. What do you have to say about that?

Trudeau: I think we have to make very clear distinctions between the very real concern about the security around the world and understand Muslims are among the greatest victims in terrorism in the world. This is something where you have to be very careful as political leader and not to enhance fears and division.

Mr. Harper hasn’t always been as good as I would like him to be in bringing people together because often it is more expedient or useful to divide people to get votes but for me it is important to push back against intolerance and generalization and recognize everyone share in this country and similar values of openness, respect and compassions and work hard together. We need to as politicians spend more time talking about things we have in common instead of things that differentiate us.

TM: After your last visit of July 24, 2013 in Surrey Jameah Masjid.

The Sun Media’s Ezra Levant reported that “Is Justin Trudeau secretly Muslim?” Did you know that? If yes then what was your reaction? .Trudeau: Canada unfortunately for all its diversity still has pocket of people who are willing to stir up resentment and fear as a way advance

their political agenda or sell newspapers. I don’t let those people affect me too much and I focus on bring people together for a common cause.

TM: Last time you wear ShalwarKameez, a traditional Pakistani Islamic full-body garment, and to me you resembled a Pakistani from North. I will now take the opportunity to ask you about issues related to Pakistan: Since 9-11, Canada has been participating in the war on terror as a part of NATO Alliance. As you know Pakistan faces War and Terror itself with losses of 80 billion dollars and about 50 thousand lives and the drone attacks by US on Pakistan continue. These losses have not happened in any other country after 9-11. At this stage if you are Prime Minister, then what you will do for justice for Pakistan and its people?

Trudeau: I think one of the thing we have to highlight is, the fact that Canada has always done a very good job of being strong not in spite of our differences but because of them.

Protecting our diversity and protecting minority rights. In the past years, there have been troubling cases in Pakistan of attacks on minority particularly religious minorities whether it’s the Ahemdia or Christian minority or others. I think there is a lot that Canada can to do to demonstrate the richness that comes from pluralism and mutual respect which will also go a long way towards easing off the internal tensions that in many cases lead to terrorism.

TM: May be you have awareness of delays in immigration process specifically with embassies in Muslim countries, compared to other nations around the world and I will talk about Pakistan where cases of parents immigration are pending more than 6-8 years and the waiting time of process for spouse is taking almost two years. In the meantime parents have passed away or spousal relationships have broken and

parents are worried about their youth. I know you may direct me to the Immigrant Minister but can we expect from you.

Trudeau: Yes, I think we need to understand that the Canada has developed the strength it has now largely because of our welcoming immigration policy that has had people come from all around the world and contribute to building not only a better live for themselves or future for their children but also better communities for us all. We need to get back to that. That means recognizing family reunification is not a drain on our economy as Mr. Kenny has said, but something that enhances it. Grandparents play a strong role in keeping a family solid and helping in child rearing while parents work as hard as they do. That is something we need to recognize. It is also an added value as we reach out to other strong immigrants who have choices to go to other places such as UK, US and Australia. We need to be able to offer the ability to bring their families over which is something that makes Canada appealing not only as a place to work but as a place to live.

We also need to make sure we are improving the immigration processing times. That means allocating more resources to process files more quickly whether it is visitor visas, spousal delays or family reunification and eliminate the backlog.

TM: If You become in future the Prime Minister of Canada then what will be your priorities?

Trudeau: My priorities are making sure the people who worked hardest day-in day-out, and built this country and the middle class Canadians start succeeding. Perhaps for the first time in the history of this country, we have a generation worried that the next generation won’t be doing better than the past generation. That sense of progress and upward mobility no longer really holds in this country because middle class Canadians haven’t really had a raise in 30 years even though our economy has

more than doubled in size, average household income has increased by only about 14%. Even though our economy is doing well and it is growing, Canadians are suffering.

Canadians are struggling. That is my priority; to build an economy that works for everyone not just for a few.

TM: The very common problem of each immigrant make them tensed that is their credentials are not properly recognizing or say approve , in this case what you can do in future to bring them out from this tense situation?

Trudeau: Ontario has established the good models in terms of some of the overseas credentials recognition but much of it is provincial. We still need federal leadership to pull all our provinces together to make sure we are doing this the best we can to enable and empower people to get the jobs they are trained for and contribute in their fullest to their country.

TM: Pakistan needs good trade relation with the Canada not the Aid relief, so if you get the chance then what you can do for it.

Trudeau: I am believer in trade and understanding that trade is invariably beneficial to both Pakistan and Canada to both sides when it is done right. My focus will be as a Canadian leader will always be to provide Canada with the best jobs and outcomes. That doesn’t always mean that increase trade with Canada won’t be beneficial to Pakistan as well.

TM: What do you have to say about involvement of Muslims in Canadian politics, specifically within Liberal party, and do you know approximately how many Muslim parliament members from your party?

Trudeau: We had many more but in the past election, we were in third place with only 36 seats. We have a lot to do bring forward more but that is why there is a tremendous opportunity. We have open nominations in every riding across the country. It is not the leader or the party who decides the candidate. It will be the local Liberals who decide. I am encouraging members of all different communities to think about stepping forward and seeking to becoming an MP for the Liberal Party.

TM: At the end, do you have any message to the Muslim community?

Trudeau: It is a pleasure to be welcomed and appreciated by the Muslim community and how I continue to stand alongside you in a fight for respect, for opportunity and fundamental Canadian values that unite us all.

TM: Thanks Mr. Justin Trudeau for your precious time for a sitting with the Miracle Media from your 3 days visit in BC and I would also like to specially thank Mr. Bilal Cheema who coordinated this meeting. While some of his responses left us with a need to ask more, we are thankful for the time made available to us.

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Muslim Business Council Raises $15,600 for Palliative Care Unit of SMH

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead On Dec 15, a small group of 150 thoughtful, committed citizens opened their hearts and their wallets to begin raising funds for the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Palliative Care Unit. Ms. Suneeta was the master of ceremony.

Br. Mohammad Yasin, chairman of Muslim Business Council (MBC) conducted this fundrising dinner very successfully and $15,600 had been raised till the last moment by those who were present in Bollywood Banquet Hall Surrey.

At a fundraising dinner, the Muslim Business Council announced that they are committed to raising $40,000 for the Palliative Care Unit. Dr Naiyer Habib, a well-respected cardiologist, provided the background to the good work that the unit provides for those among us who are at our most vulnerable - our end of life. The work of the hospital extends from home palliation and hospice facilities to training of volunteers. Teams of experts from the medical, spiritual, emotional, physical and psychological fields work together to provide the very best care that can be found.

This cannot be achieved without the assistance of the community. The Muslim Business community stepped up.

Mr Dan Hickling, Vice President of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, brought the message of gratitude and appreciation from the Palliative Care Unit that serves those who live from Langley to White Rock, Delta and Surrey. He said that although the items of need on the list: specialized heated beds, computer controlled medication devices and others, are not large ticket items, they provide as much comfort to the palliative care patients as the large machines required by other units. The money raised by the

Muslim Business Council will go a long way to making the last days tolerable and pleasant.

The evening’s theme of charity continued with Mr Bob Rahiman, Director of Burnaby Majid Al Salaam, who presented the amazing work being supported by the BCMA in Fiji. 15 homes have been constructed for flood victims of Ba and Sabeto. These homes are being constructed through generous donations from the Fijian diaspora. The concrete and corrugated steel structures are costly. Some of the homes are elevated using pine poles all of which are also expensive.

Mr Hafiz Khan, President of the Fiji Muslim League, acknowledged the tremendous generosity of the BC Muslims and outlined a further initiative. He described the work that is being done to provide education not only Islamic education, but secular as well. There is the realization that a large number of youth are being left behind without meaningful employment in areas like the trades. To assist these young men, the Fiji Muslim League is building a vocational/ technical school in Sabeto. Amazing work again by that small group of thoughtful, committed citizens.

Br Azhar Syed, VP of religious services BCMA also delivered a speech in the light of Quran and Sunnah about the charity for the noble causes and he encouraged people to donate.

Br. Feroz Dean, former chairman of MBC briefed the achievements of Muslim Business Council in past five years and thanked everyone who joined in this fundraising.

The Muslim Business Council is proud to be a part of these incredible charitable initiatives. The evening began with an astonishing outpouring of generosity and the Muslim Business Council wants to thank those who attended the evening function and remind us that although this is a remarkable start, it is JUST A START.

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

JANUARY Jan 2: The United Nations released information that more than 60,000 people have

S P E C I A L

APRIL Apr 8: Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first

May 31: Anti-Government Protests Spread throughout Turkey A sit-in protesting government plans to raze Istanbul’s Gezi Park in Taksim Square to build a shopping mall grow into enormous anti-government demonstrations after police begun spraying protesters with tear gas and water cannons.

The demonstrations spreaded to dozens of cities throughout Turkey.

JUNE June 1: The Taliban opened an office in Doha, Qatar, and its representatives hold a press conference with an international media contingent. The U.S. said it will begin long-delayed peace talks with the group.

been killed during Syria’s civil war.

Jan 16: Algeria Islamist militants took about 40 foreign hostages at a remote BP site in Algeria. At least sixty armed militants attacked the BP gas field.

FEBRUARY Feb 1: Suicide Bomber Hit U.S. Embassy in Turkey Ecevit Sanli detonates a bomb near a gate at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. Sanli died after detonating the bomb, one Turkish guard is also

killed. Turkish, the attack was from the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party.

Feb 11: Pope Benedict XVI Announced, He will resign the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement, becoming the first pope to do so since 1415.

Feb 12: North Korea said it has detonated a third nuclear bomb. World leaders, scientists, and intelligence officials rushed to determine if the bomb is fueled by uranium or plutonium.

Feb 15: The National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces announced that they are open to talks with members of the Syrian government in the hope of finding a political solution. However, the offer comes with conditions, mainly that Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad be excluded. The opposition also wants military leaders to be excluded from the talks.

MARCH Mar 5: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died after 14 years succumbed cancer.

Mar 14: China Xi Jingping assumed the presidency of China, of the 2,956 delegates, only one vote against Xi.

woman prime minister, died of a stroke in London, at the age of 87. She was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century, in office from 1979 to 1990.

Apr 13: Prime Minister Salam Fayyad resigned in Palestine amid infighting among the top echelon of the Palestinian Authority and popular discontent.

Apr18: Diplomats from both Britain and France reported to the United Nations that there is credible information that the government in Syria has used chemical weapons recently in its civil war.

Apr 20: A strong earthquake striked southwestern China. At least 186 people were killed and around 8,200 people were injured, the earthquake was a 7.0 magnitude.

Apr 23: The lower house in France’s National Assembly votes 331 to 225 in favor of same-sex marriage.

Apr 24: A large building containing several factories collapsed, killed 1127 people. Known as Rana Plaza, the factories within the building make clothing for European and American retailers such as JC Penny, Cato Fashions, Benetton and others.

Bangladesh is second only to China as the world’s leading garment exporter.

MAY May 20: An enormous category 4 tornado hits Oklahoma City, Moore, and Newcastle. Moore is hardest hit. The city’s Plaza Towers Elementary School is flattened. At

AUGUST Aug 1: Russia granted Edward Snowden, the American who leaked info about U.S. surveillance, asylum for one year. The temporary asylum allowed him to leave the Moscow airport where he has been since

June 4: Reports of Chemical Weapon Use in Syria Continues, a human rights team worked for the United Nations reports that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that government forces in Syria have used chemical weapons. French foreign minister Laurent Fabius reported that sarin, a nerve gas, has been used on multiple occasions.

June 26: First Female Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard resigned after being ousted as Labor Party leader in a party vote. Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd replaced her as party leader.

June 30: A massive protests Erupt in Egypt, on the first anniversary of President Mohammed Morsi’s inauguration, as many as one million people took to the streets in planned demonstrations throughout Egypt and call for the president to step down.

JULY July 4: The military deposed Morsi and suspended the constitution, said the move is an attempt at “national reconciliation” rather than a coup.

least 24 people are killed in the storm. The tornado, stretching about a mile wide, is on the ground for 40 minutes.

May 25-27: Hezbollah and Syrian forces bombed the rebel-controlled town of AlQusayr, Homs. Dozens were killed. Multiple rockets striked Beirut, mainly hited Shiite suburbs, which are also strongholds of Hezbollah.

July 6: In Lac-Megantic, Quebec, an unattended runaway train carrying crude oil derails and explodes. Fifty people were missed and presumed dead. Thirty buildings were destroyed. The engineer left the train to take a break, engaged the breaks before he left.

July 24: A passenger train derailed and crashes in northwest Spain, just outside of Santiago de Compostela, at least 78 people were killed and dozens more injured.

July 30: Israeli and Palestinian negotiators agreed to new peace talks with the goal of reaching an agreement within nine months, according to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

July 5: Thousands of Morsi supporters took to the streets of Cairo in protests organized by the Muslim Brotherhood.

June. Russia granted Snowden asylum despite strong urging from the U.S. not to do so.

Aug 14: Egypt declared State of Emergency, In Cairo, riot police raid protest camps.

They opened fire and use armored bulldozers, tear gas, snipers, and helicopters to clear the camps. Protesters throw rocks and burn tires in response. More than 500 people were killed, and the government declared a state of emergency.

Aug 14: Israelis and Palestinians officially begun peace talks in Jerusalem. Expectations were low going into the talks, the third attempt to negotiate since 2000, and nearly five years since the last attempt.

Aug. 19: Dozens of Hindu pilgrims were killed while crossing the tracks near a remote station in eastern India when an express train crashed into them. After the crash, the crowd dragged out the train’s driver and beaten him. Thirty-seven people were confirmed dead, including several children.

Aug 26: One of the biggest fires in California’s history continued to spread near Yosemite National Park. The fire, which was being referred to as the Rim Fire, was seven percent contained and has burned through 144,000 acres, make it the 14th largest fire in California since 1932.

Aug 27: Because Russia and China vow to veto any UN Security Council resolution authorized retaliation on Assad, the U.S. and allies hoped to form a coalition to support an attack. President Obama said

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that he was considering a limited strike on the military bases and the artillery that he believes are responsible for the chemical attack, and French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron backed Obama’s plan.

Aug 29: The British parliament voted down Cameron’s request for authorization to attack Syria-a stunning rebuke to Cameron.

SEPTEMBER Sept 1: President Obama surprised many when he announced that he will seek Congressional approval for military action against Syria. The military action will be in response to the chemical attacked that killed 1,429 people in August.

Sept 4: The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted, 10 to 7, to authorize military action in Syria.

Sept 9: A diplomatic solution was backed on the table after U.S. secretary of state John Kerry suggested half-heartedly that a strike can be averted if Assad agrees to hand over all chemical weapons. Russia took the proposal seriously.

Sept 12: Syrian foreign minister Walid alMoallem also embraced the option. “We are ready to reveal the locations of the chemical weapon sites and to stop producing chemical weapons and make these sites available for inspection by representatives of Russia, United Nations and other countries,” he said ‘’ It is the first time the Syrian government acknowledged it has chemical weapons.’’

Sept 16: The UN confirmed in a report that the chemical agent sarin was used near Damascus on Aug. 21. “Chemical weapons have been used in the ongoing conflict between the parties in the Syrian Arab Republic, also against civilians, including children, on a relatively large scale.

Sept 21: Shabab militants attacked an upscale mall in Nairobi, killed nearly 70 people and wounded about 175.

The siege continues with persistent fighting between government troops and militants. The attack was meticulously planned, and the militants proved to be challenging for the government to dislodge from the Westgate mall Nairobi, Kenya.

Sept 23: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Baluchistan, an area of deserts and mountains in Pakistan. The earthquake caused hundreds of mud houses to collapse on residents. At least 327 people were killed. The

earthquake was the worst in the country since 2005 and was felt throughout South Asia. Hundreds of soldiers from Pakistan’s army were airlifted to help in the rescue effort.

Sept 27: Obama spooked with Rowhani in a historic phone call. It was the first time the leaders of the United States and Iran have talked in 34 years. The phone call lasts 15 minutes. During the call, the two discussed an ongoing effort to reach an agreement over Iran’s nuclear program.

OCTOBER Oct 1: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with President Obama to discuss the situation with Iran, including Iranian President Hassan Rowhani’s recent overtures toward thawing relations with the west. The meeting between Netanyahu and Obama come less than a week after Obama had spoken with Rowhani on the phone. Obama assured Netanyahu that the U.S. will still turn to military action to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.

Oct 2: Netanyahu gave his annual speech at the United Nations. During the speech, he referred to Iranian President Rowhani as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and warned the international community not to be fooled

by Rowhani’s recent overtures. “I want there to be no confusion on this point. Israel will not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons. If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone,” Netanyahu said.

Oct. 15: Talks about Iran’s nuclear program between Iran and the five permanent

members of the UN Security Council plus Germany resumed in Geneva after being on hold for six months.

Oct 18: Saudi Arabia declined a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, a position it had been working toward for sev-

eral years. The unprecedented move stuns both the UN and U.S. diplomats. Saudi Arabia has become increasingly frustrated with the U.S.’s Middle East policy. Saudi Arabia, which supports the opposition in Syria, feels betrayed by President Obama backing off his promise to aid the opposition and Obama’s choice of diplomacy over a military strike on Syria for its use of chemical weapons. In addition, Saudi Arabia feels threatened by the warming of relations between the U.S. and Iran, as well as by the reopening of multi-nation talks on Iran’s nuclear weapons program. It fears that closer ties between the U.S. and Iran would compromise Saudi Arabia’s standing in the Middle East.

Oct 15: A powerful earthquake hited the Philippines and killed at least 144 people.

Nearly 300 more were injured. The center of the earthquake hited near Carmen.

A magnitude 7 earthquake has an energy equivalent to around 32 Hiroshima atomic bombs. This one had a magnitude of 7.2 Oct. 22: Australia’s New South Wales was faced its worst fire emergency in almost 50 years. Dozens of fires have broken out across the state. 60 fires still burn, and 14 of those were described as out of control.

According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, 2013 will most likely become the hottest year on record in the country.

NOVEMBER Nov 1: The U.S. achieved an important victory over the Taliban with the assassination of Hakimullah Mehsud, the leader of the

Nov 8: Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms to ever made landfall, hited several islands in the central Philippines.

Tacloban, a coastal city with a population of 220,000, was destroyed. According to the Social Welfare and Development Department, Typhoon Haiyan, called Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, affected 4.28 million people in at least 270 towns.

Nov 20: According to the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the death toll has reached 4,011.

Nov 17: All 44 passengers and 6 crew members onboard Tatarstan Airlines Flight 363 are killed when the plane crashes while attempting to land at the Kazan International Airport in Russia.

Nov 17: Sixty tornadoes were confirmed, 119 were reported. Eight people died due to the tornadoes, strong winds and heavy rain. hit the Midwest.

DECEMBER Dec 5: After a lung infection and several months of ill health, Nelson Mandela died at age 95. The former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize recipient was mourned all over the world.

Taliban in Pakistan. He died in a CIA drone strike in Danday Darpa Khel, a militant stronghold in North Waziristan. The Pakistani Taliban is responsible for the death of thousands of Pakistanis mostly through suicide bombings and has been battling the country’s army in the tribal belt. However, a report by Pakistan’s defense ministry released days before Mehsud’s death found that since 2008, the drone strikes have killed 2,160 militants and 67 civilians-far fewer civilians than expected.

Nov 1: Mohammed Morsi’s trialed on charges of inciting the murder of protesters opens briefly, but was adjourned until January 2014.

Nov 6: A new forensics report is released by a team of Swiss scientists that supported the theory that Yasir Arafat was poisoned.

The 108-page report said that radioactive polonium-210 was found within Arafat’s remains. Israel has repeatedly denied any involvement with Arafat’s death.

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City of Surrey Residents Awareness!

Secondary Suite Program & Fee Information in Surrey Secondary Suites A Secondary Suite is defined as a second dwelling unit (self-contained living quarters including cooking equipment and a bathroom), located within the structure of an owner-occupied single family dwelling.

Enforcement Procedures: Once a complaint is received, an inspection is conducted by one of the City’s By-law Enforcement Officers. If the By-law Enforcement Officer determines that a secondary suite (or more than one secondary suite) exists where a secondary suite it not permitted, the by-law is explained to the property owner, as well as what must be done to bring the property into compliance. Follow up inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the by-law.

The by-law does not address who the occupant of a secondary suite is or whether the suite is occupied at all. This means that whether or not the secondary suite is occupied by family, rented out or vacant makes no difference in determining if a secondary suite exists. The existence of the cooking equipment and bathroom are the only considerations as to whether or not there is a secondary suite.

Currently, the City of Surrey uses a cost recovery program for utilities associated with secondary suites.

For properties containing one secondary suite, additional water, sewer and garbage rates are applied. This does not authorize the secondary suite as a permitted use.

Secondary Suite Registration After February 1, 2014, if the City of Surrey becomes aware of a secondary suite on any property in the City that is not registered with the City, a $1000 penalty fee will be added to the taxes due on the related property for each unregistered secondary suite at the property.

Homeowners are encouraged to notify the City immediately, if their homes contain a secondary suite.

If your property contains a secondary suite, print off and complete the Secondary Suite Declaration Form and fax it to the Property Tax and Utility Department at 604591-4488 or email to propertytaxesandutilities@surrey.ca . You can also mail the form to Property Tax and Utility Department, 14245 56 Ave, Surrey BC V3X 3A2. A signature on the form is required.

If you are not sure whether a secondary suite on your property is registered with the city of Surrey,

then call Contact the Property Tax and Utility Department at 604591-4181 with any questions on this process or go to their website http://www.surrey.ca/city-services/8860/aspx Secondary Suite Fees 2013 Check the fees for a secondary suite with the Secondary Suite Fee Web Inquiry. Properties with a secondary suite must pay utility fees and a secondary suite service fee.

Since 1997, utility fees have been

and service fees.

Previous bylaws References: On February 7, 2011, Council adopted a bylaw that authorized a secondary suite service fee. The annual fee is to pay for the cost of City services, including infrastructure, incurred as a result of additional demand for City services and use of municipal property generated by secondary suites.

Secondary suites are widely permitted in single family homes in Surrey.

collected from all known secondary suites in order to allocate the costs of providing water, sewer and garbage services among all users of City utilities.

How do legalize a new or existing secondary suite?

In order to be considered legal, a secondary suite must • Meet the conditions of zoning, • Have necessary building permits, and • Be paying secondary suite utility

Locations Where Secondary Suites Are Permitted.

On December 13, 2010, Council approved changes to the Zoning By-law to permit 1 secondary suite in each single family home in Surrey, under certain conditions.

These conditions include • A limit of 1 secondary suite per property • A prohibition on secondary suites on properties with a coach house • A prohibition on secondary suites

in semi-detached or duplex buildings • A requirement to provide one additional off-street parking space.

Secondary suites may be permitted in the A-1, A-2, RA, RA-G, RH, RH-G, RC, RF-O, RF, RF-SS, RFG, RF-12, RF-12C, RF-9, RF-9C and RF-9S Zones. Comprehensive Development Zones that currently permit a single family dwelling but not a secondary suite may be amended to allow secondary suites at a later date.

Installing A Secondary Suite Existing and new secondary suites must obtain necessary building permits and meet safety standards of the BC Building Code. Homebuilders who don’t want to install a secondary suite at time of construction can make the home “suite-ready” (having fire separation, rough-in wiring and plumbing, and means of egress). Information on suite-ready homes are recorded in the Building Division database and can allow a secondary suite to be added in the future without costly retrofitting.

Note: This article is for public awareness. Surrey residents can Contact the Building Division at 604-591-4366 for information on the building permit process and building suite-ready homes.

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O U R

C I T I E S

LIVING IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

VANCOUVER: • Is Canada’s third most populous metropolitan district.

• Has a population of 600,000.

• Has a metropolitan population of 2.3 million.

•Sits in a known earthquake zone.

• Has warm, sunny summers.

•Has wet, overcast, and mild (relative to other Canadian cities) winters.

•Regularly comes near the top of worldwide ‘best city’ studies.

• Has Canada’s most expensive housing market.

• Is one of the world’s cleanest cities.

Is a 45 minute drive from the border with the United States and 2½ hour drive from Seattle, Washington State.

•Is an English speaking city.

•Has about 700,000 residents who speak languages other than English in their own homes. Chinese languages account for about 280,000 and Punjabi 125,000 of these.

•The USA border is the southern limit of Metro Vancouver.

•The Economist Intelligence Unit found Vancouver had the highest cost of living of any city in North America in 2013.

Geography Vancouver sits on the Pacific west coast of Canada.

It is the largest city in British Columbia and, as a result of its Pacific Ocean location, is a very important port, exporting Canadian goods to Asia and the USA’s west coast.

Climate • It is incredibly mild by Canadian standards; its winters are easily the warmest of Canada’s big cities.

The mild winters are a result of the combined effects of the mild Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains,

which block cold winter air moving in from the rest of the continent.

• Snow falls in Vancouver on an average of eleven days a year, rarely reaching depths of more than a few centimeters.

• Summers are dry, sunny and reasonably warm.

Character • Vancouver is an ethnically diverse city.

• About 50 percent of the city of Vancouver’s residents and about 44 percent of Metropolitan (Greater) Vancouver’s residents don’t speak English as their first language.

• It takes pride in its status as one of the world’s best cities to live in; it consistently ranks in the top three of the world’s most livable cities.

• The city is renowned for its innovative programs in the areas of environmental sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity.

• The city’s people are friendly and polite, but a number of newcomers have found that Vancouverites are rather reserved and difficult to become good friends with.

• According to Forbes, Vancouver is the 10th cleanest city in the world.

• Comparisons are often made between Vancouver and Toronto. In general, Vancouver comes across as less hectic than Toronto, with a more relaxed feel.

• Commercially it also has a more white-collar, service-oriented, less industrial feel than Toronto.

• Gang violence – usually drug related – has been a concern in Vancouver. The number of violent crimes has been high compared with other Canadian cities. Crimes involving firearms have been among Canada’s highest – these are usually gang-ongang offences – and burglary rates are also high.

• Vancouver’s police have been targeting violent gangs and, as a result, say that since 2010 shootings have dropped drastically and the murder rate has plummeted.

• Violent crime was down in 2012 compared to 2011, according to police figures.

Business, Economy and Jobs • British Columbia, with Vancouver as its commercial hub, has one of Canada’s most prosperous economies. The city is one of Canada’s largest industrial centres and has a highly diversified economy.

• Vancouver has Canada’s largest port, handling $200 million of cargo

a day.

• The port is ranked number one in North America for exports and, according to InterVISTAS, generates $6.1 billion in wages via 130,000 Canadian jobs it supports and 45,000 regional jobs in Greater Vancouver.

• Vancouver is also home to a variety of other industries including biotechnology, alternative fuels and software development.

• Electronic Arts employs one thousand people in Burnaby, making it their largest games studio.

QLT Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company, is based in Vancouver, employing 350 people in research and technology.

• MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) employs over 1,000 people in Richmond, working in satellite and information systems technology.

• Ballard Power Systems, which develops fuel-cell technology, has about 700 employees in Burnaby.

• Foreign technology companies in Vancouver include Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Kodak, Microsoft and Nokia.

• HSBC Canada has its headquarters in Vancouver, as do a number of mining and forestry companies.

• Vancouver, however, has fewer large company head offices than Cal-

gary or Toronto.

• A vibrant, growing, film industry has developed in Vancouver – or “Hollywood North” as it is sometimes described – which produces

the second largest number of television shows of any location in North America.

• Vancouver’s scenic location ensures that the tourism industry is healthy too.

• Both Vancouver and British Columbia have been hit by the global recession. Despite growing numbers of jobless, British Columbia’s unem-

ployment rates tend to be consistently lower than the Canadian average.

• Vancouver hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic winter games.

• With the Olympic related projects completed, fewer construction jobs are anticipated than in recent years.

The service industries are, however, expected benefit from the games for some time.

• Vancouver’s economy is projected to grow by 3% each year from 2013 – 2016.

Education

• Vancouver has two major universities: The University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University(SFU).

• Newsweek ranked UBC 2nd out of Canada’s universities (behind the University of Toronto) and 31st in the world. Simon Fraser University ranked 10th in Canada.

• The British Columbia Institute of Technology provides polytechnic education and offers degrees in various fields.

• It also has several community colleges and the Emily Carr University of Art and Design and Vancouver Film School, a private entertainment arts school.

• Government funded elementary schools and high schools generally offer students a high quality education.

• Unless you opt for private education, the school(s) your children attend will be determined by where you live.

• The publicly funded high schools with the best academic performance

in Vancouver and its surrounds.

These schools outperformed many fee paying schools.

There is also a wide variety of independent (fee paying) schools available.

District Plan • Vancouver is an expensive city to live in. It has the most expensive housing market in Canada and is ranked by Demographia as the third least affordable major city in the world, behind Hong Kong and Sydney.

• The city has attempted to introduce strategies to reduce housing costs, including co-op housing, increased density and legalized secondary suites.

• A large number of people also live in high-rise condominiums.

• High density housing is more of a consideration in Vancouver than other Canadian cities because any expansion of Vancouver is restricted by sea and mountains more so than elsewhere.

• In late 2012, the average home in Vancouver cost $684,000–much more expensive than in Toronto, $479,000; Calgary, $420,000; Ottawa, $337,000 or Montreal, $331,000.

• Vancouver’s best neighbourhoods are situated in the city’s downtown, to the west of the downtown, and over the bridge to the North Shore (West and North Vancouver).

• North Vancouver has one of Canada’s lowest crime rates.

• The west end of the downtown core is the most expensive area, while downtown’s east side is a more impoverished area, with higher crime rates.

• Some parts of the eastern city are very run down with some of the worst drug and homelessness problems in Canada.

Environment and Getting Around • Vancouver is clean and livable; this results from a combination of its beautiful physical surroundings and the government’s strong environmental policy.

• A rapidly growing population (doubling in the last 20 years) has resulted in an even more rapid increase in vehicle usage. Despite this, peak levels of major pollutants have been trending downward, a sign of successful environmental policies.

• Vancouver offers a variety of options for public transit, from buses and ferries (SeaBus) to commuter rail services. The Coast Mountain Bus Company operates throughout the Greater Vancouver area and the

buses in the city are completely electric.

• The Sky Train is an extensive rail system that loops around the city, offering an efficient, frequent service.

• The West Coast Express commuter rail system is the interregional railway system of British Columbia, linking downtown Vancouver to various cities in the province.

• Vancouver has just one major freeway, Highway 1, passing

through the north eastern corner of the city.

• There is a city-wide network of bicycle lanes and with the moderate weather all year long, the use of bicycles as a primary mode of transportation is more than viable.

More people walk or bike to work in Vancouver than in any other Canadian city.

What to do in Vancouver?

• Vancouver has a popular and growing art scene, distinguished restaurants from a variety of nationalities, opportunities for yearround outdoor activities and a variety of sporting events.

• It is a major centre for Canadian music, the Vancouver Art Gallery is a staple of the art scene, and the Vancouver museum is also popular.

• There is a prominent performing arts scene as well, with a multitude of theatre companies.

• It is home to an annual Fringe Festival and an International Film Festival.

Walking and Cycling • On the other hand, Vancouver easily beats Toronto for climate, proximity to the ocean, mountains, rivers, lakes and beaches.

• It is a world-class destination for year round outdoor recreation. Cycling, golf, sailing, hiking, canoeing, skiing and snowboarding are very popular.

• The result of all this furious, year round, activity is that Vancouver has a low adult obesity rate–12% compared to the Canadian average of 23%.

• There are over 3200 acres of parks in Vancouver, with Stanley Park being the largest.

• It is home to six professional sports teams, including two ice hockey teams, a baseball team, football and soccer.

Summary • Vancouver’s Positives • Lower than average obesity rates • Lowest smoking rates in Canada • Best health and longest lived people in Canada • One in six people walk or bike to work – much higher than typical for Canada • A growing film industry • A strong economy with a wide range of industries and opportunities • A very moderate climate, rarely any snowfall • Moderately warm, dry, sunny summers • Spectacularly beautiful land and seascape that permits a huge range of year round recreation options • An extensive transit system that is primarily electric • Very clean air quality • Consistently ranks in the world’s top three most livable cities Vancouver’s Negatives Expensive house prices: the highest in Canada (Renting is more affordable), the highest cost of living of any city in North America Higher crime rates than Toronto (about 30 percent higher) or Calgary (about 70 percent higher) Wet, overcast winters Rapid population growth Source: www.livingin-canada.com

18

Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

E C O N O M Y

British Columbia Labor Market Outlook 2010-2020

By Syed Asad Hussain Immigrants from developing countries such as; India, Pakistan, the Philippines, China, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, etc., land here with high hopes and expectations. Indeed, it may be a daunting task in emigrants’ life to start afresh in Canada. During the transition phase, some emigrants aspire to become entrepreneursothers take up menial jobs and gradually move up the career ladder.

In a bid to improve qualifications and match skills with the local market needs, some emigrants prefer going to vocational institutions/schools or universities. The truth is emigrants strive to perform well in their respective fields, contribute positively in country’s growth process, and are an important source of labor supply in the Canadian economy.

Equally speaking, to become productive and useful Canadian citizens emigrants first should try to understand the working of the local labor market and make necessary adjustments to bring their skills, qualifications and talents at par with Canadian born workers. Nonetheless, the future of the working class largely depends on the health of the Canadian economy.

That being said, this short paper attempts to present findings to readers in order to help them understand the dynamics of the BC labor market. To complete the paper, various sources were consulted.

Canada is one of the richest countries in the world. It is the eleventh largest economy with GDP totaling US $ 1,821,445 million and the sixth freest economy of the world. The service sector is the main

engine of the economic growth which employs more than three-quarters of the labor force. After Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, the BC economy is the fourth-largest economy of Canada driven by logging, farming and mining industries.

The Business Council of BC forecasts the province GDP to grow by 1.6% in 2013 and 2.5% in 2014. The BC population according to the BC Stats, was estimated to be around 4.6 million (2012) and due to net outflows to other provinces, the population growth of BC has slipped below 1%.

The BC Stats reckons, in November 2013, the unemployment rate inched up by 0.2% to reach at 6.7%. Full and part-time employment declined by 4,500 and 3,700, respectively. Private sector saw new job openings 3,800 whilst public sector lost 13,300 jobs. There were 1,300 more selfemployed as compared to the last year. The unemployment rate in BC (6.7%) is the lowest after Saskatchewan (4.1%), Alberta (4.7%), and Manitoba (5.6%).

According to the BC Labor Market Outlook 2010-2020 report, around 1,027,400 new job openings expected in the B.C during 2010-2020. The report further suggests there are two components to the job growth openings; one is expanding economic growth will lead the demand of new workers-the other is replacement demand, originating due to the retirements and deaths of workers. Two-thirds of new openings will come from the former and one-third from the latter. The unemployment rate is expected to drop to 6.5% in 2015 and 5.2% in 2020.

Trades occupations are normally required apprentice trainings. The report estimates that the following three hot professions will likely be in high demand over the outlook period: Sales and Service Occupations; Business, Finance and Administration Occupations; and Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations.

The increasing aging population within the BC province poses a serious challenge to policymakers. The report forecasts that the number of new entrants (recent graduates) to the labor force is expected to decline gradually over the outlook period, thus the BC labor market is likely to rely more on emigrants that are likely to fill up around one-third (33%) of the total job openings to 2020.

The demand of labor is expected to exceed the supply thus the report predicts a tighter labor market in 2016. A shortage of 65,000 workers is expected over the outlook period (2010-2020). Tight labor conditions are expected during 2012-2015 for Cariboo, North Coast and Nechako, Northeast and Vancouver Island/Coast.

Three largest regions, BC Mainland/Southwest, Vancouver and Thompson-Okanagan will likely contribute to 90% of the new job openings. Of which, BC Mainland/ Southwest will contribute 65%.

Of 1.03 million job openings, however, the report, estimates that 435,490 (45%) openings are likely to fall around Skill B(Technical, Paraprofessional and Skilled Occupations, requiring college or technical qualifications). That is followed by

364,070 (35%) openings for Skill A- (Professional and Managerial Occupations, requiring a university degree).

For Skill C-(Intermediate and Clerical Occupations, requiring high school diploma) 193,780 (19%) openings are expected, and finally 34,120 (3%) openings for Skill D(Elementary and Laboring Occupations, requiring less than high school). See chart.

All told, the report is of the view that over the outlook period 2010-2020; the BC province is expected to create around one million new jobs but at the same time the labor market is likely to face a shortage of labor during that period.

Given the findings of the report, it seems people with technical qualifications (Skill B) will likely find more opportunities than any other skilled category mentioned above. To meet the future challenges and qualify for a good job, therefore, is critical for current students, emigrant workers and new entrants to review their future plans and make necessary adjustments in their qualifications and skills.

(The writer is Vancouver based economist.

He can be reached at: asad.szabist@gmail.com

By Jason Kenney struction and renovation activities that will By Lana Popham, Minister of Employment and Social Devel- improve accessibility in the workplace.

New Democrat critic for Small Business For small businesses across B.C., the Liberal opment and Minister for Multiculturalism Quick facts The Government of Canada is inviting Since the first call for proposals in 2008, government’s reckless hydro hikes will be a small businesses and social enterprises over 1100 projects have been awarded blow to their bottom line.These hikes will to apply for funding funding to improve acces- force small businesses to either soak up the through the Enabling sibility in Canadian com- increased costs, or ensure that families pay Accessibility Fund for munities.Through Economic even more for hydro by rolling the hike into the price of goods and services.Small busiprojects that will inAction Plan 2013, the Govnesses looking for stability in an uncertain crease accessibility for ernment is extending the economic environment will understandably Canadians with disEnabling Accessibility Fund be frustrated by the Liberal government’s abilities in workplaces on an ongoing basis at $15 hydro flip-flop. While Premier Christy Clark across the country. The million per year to continue vowed during the election to keep rates low, Enabling Accessibility to improve accessibility in post-election her government announced a Fund call for proposals, facilities across Canada, in- massive hydro rate hike that will result in which was launched at cluding workplaces. rate increases of 28 per cent over the next the Calgary Chamber “Our government’s top pri- five years. of Commerce today, ority is creating jobs, eco- Now, some business owners may be forced gives eligible small nomic growth and long- to make tough choices between competitivebusinesses and social term prosperity. Canadians ness, their customers and financial survival. enterprises in all provwith disabilities have a lot Many small businesses already operate in inces and territories the opportunity to sub- to contribute to our economic growth, but an extremely competitive environment, and mit proposals until January 20, 2014. have traditionally been under-represented struggle with expenses that are already too Organizations can receive grants of up to in the labour force. This fund encourages high. Passing their increasing energy bills $50,000 per project. Projects must address employers to create accessible workplaces along to their customers through increased the objective of removing barriers, im- for people with disabilities to provide them prices could mean a loss of business. proving accessibility and enabling Canadi- with better job opportunities. I urge all Ca- But if a business is unable to pass along ans with disabilities to participate in and nadian employers to do more to train and the additional costs to consumers, the owncontribute to their local economies. They hire Canadians with disabilities and to en- ers will be forced to look at other options to protect their bottom line. Maybe they will must support employment opportunities sure their workplaces are accessible.” end up cutting back services, or rolling back

employee hours.

Then, at home, these same business owners will have to absorb these hikes a second time through their family’s hydro use. They could also pay a third time, through a loss of public services, if the hospitals and schools that their family relies on are forced to cut services to absorb the rate increases in their budgets.

It is clear from this reckless hike that the Liberal government is out of touch with small business owners in this province.

These businesses are calling for a stable and predictable environment in which to grow their business now and in the years to come.

Surprise cost increases from the provincial government can put all that hard work in jeopardy.

Hard-working business owners are already doing their part; their work is critical to B.C.’s local and provincial economies. But

Harper government helps Small businesses could lose Canadians with disabilities profits, customers, to B.C. access Jobs Liberal Hydro hikes

for people with disabilities through con-

Continued on pg 19

19

Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

I M M I G R A T I O N

Reuniting families and reducing backlogs in Canada’s immigration system Parent and Grandparent Program gearing up for re-launch

By Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister By cutting immigration backlogs and wait times, the Government is bringing families together more quickly, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced on Dec 18.

Over the first six months of 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) admitted 45,000 permanent residents to Canada in the Family Class (FC). This represents an increase of 40 percent over the first six months of 2012. This increase can be attributed almost entirely to a doubling of admissions in the Parent and Grandparent (PGP) category over that time period.

Canada has one of the most generous family reunification programs in the world, but growing backlogs in the PGP program meant families could expect to wait eight years or more to bring their loved ones from overseas. A pause on new applications, combined with high admission levels, has helped reduce the backlog. The PGP program re-opens to new applications on January 2, 2014. It will re-open with tighter admission criteria and a cap on applications, which will continue to reduce the backlog and improve wait times for families. Application forms, guides and information on how to apply

to the new PGP program will be made available online on December 31, 2013, just ahead of the PGP program re-opening.

Quick facts • In 2011, under Phase I of the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, the Government cut backlogs and wait times for sponsored parents and grandparents.

Had no action been taken, it was predicted that the backlog could increase to 250,000 persons, with wait times of 15 years by 2015.

• Of the 45,000 FC permanent residents admitted to Canada in the first six months of 2013, approximately 22,530 spouses and partners were admitted as permanent residents under the FC as well as 1,410 children, 20,700 parents, grandparents and their dependants as well as 360 other relatives and adopted children.

• The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa remains a fast and convenient option for parents and grandparents who want to spend

longer periods of time with their families in Canada. To date, approximately 28,000 Super Visas have been issued with an approval rate of almost 85 percent. With more than 1,000 Super Visas being issued monthly, this has become one of CIC’s most popular initiatives.

“Our government understands the importance of spending time with family and loved ones, especially during the holiday season. Our government is making improvements to the immigration system so that families can be reunited more quickly. Because of our changes, Canada is on track to welcome more than 50,000 par-

ents and grandparents in 20122013—the highest number in

NDP: Continued from pg 18 now, through these hydro hikes, they are being asked to pay the price for the Liberal government’s mismanagement of B.C. Hydro.

The Liberal government has overseen 12 years of rising debt at the corporation, and stashed billions in deferral accounts in order to show profit where none exists. They have also signed the province up for expensive private power deals that force B.C. to buy energy at high rates and sell it at a loss during peak periods.

Our province does have an independent regulator that ensures that ratepayers don’t pay the price for bad decisions by the provincial government–but the Liberal government has blocked the B.C. Utilities Commission from doing its job, preventing it from reviewing controversial projects like the billion-dollar smart meter program and the Site C dam.

The result of this political interference and misman-

nearly a decade.”

agement is a rate shock that will hit British Columbians hard. Yet the Liberal government has tried to duck accountability for this and many other issues by cancelling the fall session of the legislature. There, legislators could have questioned the government directly on this failure of small businesses, and for the many other detrimental effects of their hydro hike.

We could also have heard directly from the government how it accounts for the other economic challenges the province is facing, from employment numbers that reached a 10-year low last month, to the ongoing neglect of skills training in the province that will leave B.C. workers unprepared for the jobs of the future, to the government’s transit referendum plans, which are holding up necessary improvements to the Lower Mainland’s transit systems, causing congestion and leading to lost productivity in the region.

The Liberal government needs to be held accountable for the reckless hydro hikes that will make it harder to do business in B.C.

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20

Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

H E A L T H

Is Your Chicken Dinner Making You Sick?

There are Two new reports may have consumers thinking twice about having chicken for dinner.

For its report “The High Cost of Cheap Chicken,” Consumer Reports tested over 300 raw chicken breasts, including some labeled as organic and antibiotic free, at national retailers. The study found that nearly all (97 percent) had potentially harmful bacteria, and roughly half (49.7 percent) the chicken sampled contained at least one multidrug¬resistant bacterium.

“Our tests show consumers who buy chicken breast at their local grocery stores are very likely to get a sample that is contaminated and likely to get a bug that is multidrug resistant. When people get sick from resistant bacteria, treatment may be getting harder to find,” said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, a toxicologist and Executive Director of the Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center.

The report found enterococcus in 79.8 percent of the samples; e. coli in 65.2 percent; campylobacter in 43 percent; klebsiella pneumoniae in 13.6 percent; salmonella in 10.8 percent; and staphylococcus aureus in

9.2 percent.

Of those with e coli, 17.5 percent of the bugs were “ExPEC” bacteria, a type the report says is “more likely than other types to make you sick with a urinary-tract infection.”

Salmonella is responsible for roughly 1 million foodborne illnesses each year, but according to Consumer Reports’ tests of chicken over the last 15 years, there has been little change in salmonella rates, ranging between 11 and 16 percent.

“Making chicken safer to eat will require a

SETTING BOUNDARIES Shabnam Khan – Family Counsellor We need to be able to tell others when they are acting in ways that are not acceptable to us. A first step is starting to know that we have a right to protect and defend ourselves. That we have not only the right, but the duty, to take responsibility for how we allow others to treat us. The purpose of having boundaries is to protect and take care of ourselves We need to start becoming aware of what healthy behavior and acceptable interaction dynamics look like before we can start practicing them ourselves - and demanding the proper treatment from others. We need to start learning how to be emotionally honest with ourselves, how to start owing our feelings, and how to communicate in a direct and honest manner. Setting personal boundaries is vital part of healthy relationships - which are not possible without communication.

The first thing that we need to learn to do is communicate without blaming. That means, stop saying things like: you make me so angry; you hurt me; you make me crazy; how could you do that to me after all I have done for you; etc. These are the very types of messages we got in childhood that has so warped our perspective on our own emotional process.

I thought I was supposed to be perfect, and that if I wasn’t, I was causing the people I loved great pain. I grew up believing that something was wrong with me because I was human. I grew up believing that I had power over other people’s feelings and they had power over mine.

As an adult, I unconsciously tried to manipulate people - by trying to be what they wanted me to be if I wanted them to like me, or trying to be either intimidating or invisible if that seemed the safest course.

I had no real concept of being responsible for my own feelings because I had learned that other people were responsible for my feelings - and vice versa. I had to learn to start defining myself emotionally as separate from other people in order to start learning for who I was.

I was not able to start seeing myself as separate in a healthy way (I had always felt that I was separate in an unhealthy way - shameful and unworthy) until I started to see that I had been powerless over the behavior patterns I learned in childhood.

Since my behavior patterns, my behavioral and emotional defense systems, had developed in reaction to the feeling that there was something wrong with me, I had to learn to start taking power away from the toxic shame that is at the core of this disease. I have to learn to have pride in for who I am.

This is not to please others but because I choose to be that way………… shabnam@skcounselling.ca

revamping of the way that it’s raised and processed,” the report states.

Also on Thursday, Pew Charitable Trusts released a study in which it states that two recent outbreaks of salmonella show that federal regulations and policies fail to protect public health.

In 2012 and 2013, over 500 people were sickened from salmonella outbreaks linked to chicken processed at California plants operated by Foster Farms.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for the second outbreak, but not the first. While the body does not have the authority to issue a recall, it can ask the company in question to issue a recall. But in the Foster Farms case, FSIS did not ask the company to issue a recall, nor did Foster Farms independently issue a recall. Further, current salmonella contamination performance standards fail to protect public health, the Pew report states.

“When more than 500 people get sick from two outbreaks associated with chicken that meets federal safety standards, it is clear that those standards are not effectively protecting

public health,” said Sandra Eskin, director of Pew’s food safety project.

“The Food Safety and Inspection Service should go beyond what it is proposing in its recently released ‘Salmonella Action Plan’ and do more to target salmonella, which is responsible for more hospitalizations and deaths than any other bacterium or virus,” Eskin stated.

The report recommends that the FSIS Change its approach to developing and implementing limits on salmonella contamination for chicken, known as performance standards, so they are updated regularly, enforceable, and linked to public health outcomes.

Consider establishing limits on salmonella contamination for chickens when they enter the slaughterhouse.

Conduct unannounced salmonella testing in chicken processing facilities.

Communicate outbreaks to consumers via public health alerts as early as possible.

Close facilities under investigation for failing to produce safe food, and keep them closed until adequate control measures are in place.

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21

Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

KIDS

Yelling parents harm teens’ mental health

By Fatima Nadeem Grade 6, Surrey

Kids Korner is a fun way for kids to exercise their brain, build up their imagination with lots of other things while having fun.

“The take home point is that the verbal behaviours matter,” Annette Mahoney, who worked on the study, said. She’s a professor of psychology at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

“It can be easy to overlook that, but our study shows that the verbal hostility is really relevant, particularly for mothers who scream and hit, and for fathers who do either one,” Mahoney told Reuters Health.

All of the kids in her study had been referred to a community clinic due to mental health or behavioural problems.

Their mothers had to be both verbally and physically abusive to increase the kids’ risk for depression and behaviour issues. But either kind of behaviour alone from a father was sufficient to produce lasting ill-effects.

The researchers realise that parents can be trapped in a vicious cycle. Verbal abuse ‘has a cyclical nature to it,’ said Mahoney. Kids with behavioural or mental health problems can be tough to handle, she said.

Not surprisingly, her team found, adolescents whose parents were also physically violent toward them — hitting, choking, or threatening them with a gun or knife - had an even higher risk for mental illness and behavioural problems.

“Parental verbal aggression towards adolescents is just as - if not more - destructive than severe physical aggression, particularly in families seeking mental health services,” said Michelle Leroy, also of Bowling Green State University who led the research.

For the study, which was published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect, 239 troubled adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 filled out surveys that asked if they were hit, called names, or subjected to other forms of

physical or verbal violence over the past year.

Parents of the youths also participated, reporting their behaviours in the same time frame.

Fifty-one per cent of the adolescents said they’d experienced serious physical or verbal aggression, or both, from one or two parents.

Having a mother who both screamed and hit increased kids’ risk for mental health problems (such as anxiety, depression, and rulebreaking behaviours) to an even greater extent than having a mother who was aggressive in only one way.

In other words, the effect of a mother’s verbal hostility may be worsened if she also hits her child, Mahoney said. That may be because teens likely feel more traumatised and threatened when physical violence is a real possibility.

In contrast, screaming by mothers who had not previously escalated to serious physical aggression did not appear to increase the risk of psychological problems among teens getting counseling in this study, Mahoney told Reuters Health.

On the other hand, fathers who were verbally abusive affected the adolescents’ mental health, regardless of whether the threats were accompanied by physical violence.

The study’s results may indicate that doctors should be on the lookout for verbal aggression at home, particularly in families with an adolescent who may be having mental health or behavioural problems, the researchers say.

Many doctors make it a habit to ask their patients about acts of physical abuse. They should also ask about verbal violence, Mahoney’s team adds.

Source:Reuters

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

PAKISTAN

LIFE AND TIMES OF Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.” — Stanley Wolpert 137th Birth Day of Quaid e Azam Pakistan, one of the largest Muslim states in the world, is a living and exemplary monument of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. With his untiring efforts, indomitable will, and dauntless courage, he united the Indian Muslims under the banner of the Muslim League and carved out a homeland for them, despite stiff opposition from the Hindu Congress and the British Government.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in Karachi on December 25, 1876. His father Jinnah Poonja was an Ismaili Khoja of Kathiawar, a prosperous business community. Muhammad Ali received his early education at the Sindh Madrasa and later at the Mission School, Karachi. He went to England for further studies in 1892 at the age of 16. In 1896, Jinnah qualified for the Bar and was called to the Bar in 1897. Muhammad Ali Jinnah started his political career in 1906 when he attended the Calcutta session of the All India National Congress in the capacity of Private Secretary to the President of the Congress. In 1910, he was elected to the Imperial Legislative Council. He sponsored the Waqf Validating Bill, which brought him in touch with

other Muslim leaders. In March 1913, Jinnah joined the All India Muslim League.

As a member of the Muslim League, Jinnah began to work for Hindu-Muslim unity. In 1917, the annual sessions of both the Congress and the League were held at Lucknow.

The League session was presided over by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It marked the culmination of his efforts towards Hindu-Muslim unity. Here, both the League and the Congress adopted a scheme of reforms known as the Lucknow Pact. On April 19, 1918, Jinnah married Rutanbai. Their daughter, Dina was born a year later. In 1919, Jinnah resigned from his membership of the Imperial Legislative Council as protest against the “Rowlatt Act”. Until the publication of Nehru Report, Jinnah continued his efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity. The Nehru Report, published in 1928, was severely criticized by all sections of the Muslim community. In December 1928, the National Convention was called to consider the Report. Jinnah proposed some amendments, but they were all rejected. He finally parted ways with the Congress.

In 1929, Jinnah presented his famous Fourteen Points in response to the Nehru Report.

When he returned from England, he reorganized the Muslim League. In 1934, he was elected as its permanent president.

The Provincial Assembly elections of 1937 swept the Congress to power in eight provinces. After almost two years of oppressive

rule, Muslims under the leadership of Jinnah, celebrated the Day of Deliverance at the end of Congress rule. The Muslim League held its annual session at Lahore in March 1940.

This was presided over by Quaid-i-Azam.

The demand for Pakistan was formally put forward here. This goal was realized on August 14, 1947. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was appointed as its first Governor General.

The establishment of Pakistan brought even greater responsibilities for Jinnah. The refugee problem, the withholding of Pakistani

assets by India, and the Kashmir problem were a real test for the Quaid. However, his indomitable will prevailed. He worked out a sound economic policy, established an independent currency and the State Bank for Pakistan. He chose Karachi as the federal capital. However, he did not live long to witness the progress of the state that he had founded.

On September 11, 1948, he died after a protracted illness at Karachi. He was buried in Karachi that witnessed the entire nation mourning over an irreparable loss.

PCCA COMMEMORATES QUAID-E-AZAM DAY On December 21, The Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association (PCCA) celebrated Quaid e Azam Day at Fleetwood Community Centre Surrey. Beautiful speeches in English and Urdu with presentation were focused the biography of Quaid e Azam and his struggle for Pakistan and the children presentations were excellent in their beautiful dresses.

23

Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

LOCAL

Crimes in Town: Assault

victim Karim Meskine Dies

The victim of an assault near the 22nd Street SkyTrain station on Dec 20 evening has died.

Karim Meskine, 19 Yrs, succumbed to his injuries Dec 17 night in hospital with his family at his side, said a posting on Twitter from the Inte-

grated Homicide Investigation Team. Meskine had been in a coma since the attack.

Police are recommending a charge of murder against the 16-year-old suspect, who was initially charged with aggravated and assault with a weapon.

“The apparent motive for this tragic incident was an attempted robbery,” said IHI Sgt. Bari Emam. The victim was found in the area of 23rd Street and Eighth Avenue at about 7:45 p.m. Dec 17 and taken to hospital. Police cordoned off the area, including the stretch of the BC Parkway that connects the SkyTrain station to 23rd for more than two days as investigators gathered evidence.

Source: New Westminster News Leader

Ice storm safety Tips: 5 steps for staying safe

A winter storm struck Central and Atlantic Canada this weekend, bringing with it an ice storm that left hundreds of thousands without power. Here are five ways to stay safe during an ice storm.

1. If you have to go outside after an ice storm, watch for branches or wires that could break or fall due to the weight of the ice.

2. Don’t approach power lines. Any hanging power line could be charged. Stay back

at least 10 metres from wires or anything in contact with them.

3. Avoid driving if possible. Freezing rain can make roads extremely slippery. Wait several hours after freezing rain ends so road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads.

4. Freezing rain and strong winds increase the chances for hypothermia. Dress for the weather with boots or shoes with rubber soles. If you live on a farm, move livestock to shelter where feed is available. Forage is often temporarily inaccessible during and immediately after ice storms.

5. Stay tuned to local television or radio stations for weather advisories, and check Environment Canada for weather warnings.

Source: Government of Canada

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Safar 24, 1435 H December 27, 2013

SPORTS

Misbah-ul-Haq hails team effort and Sharjah after win

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq said he was a happy man after both his bowlers and batsmen played their roles to perfection in trouncing Sri Lanka by 113 runs in the third match of the five-match series for the Cool & Cool Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Mohammad Hafeez led the run spree for Pakistan with an unbeaten knock of 140 runs and also bagged two wickets

to be rightly adjudged the man of the match. Answering a query from Gulf News on Hafeez’s role in the victory, Misbah said he had made his case as a very effective allrounder.

“Hafeez’s contribution is very important for us because whenever he has scored runs, they could really help the team win the game. He is the kind of player who can really bat through and, when he gets good starts, he can really convert them into big ones. His strike rate is very good and he is one who can play spin well, so whenever he is there throughout the innings, he can really assess the situation and play the other guys around. It is really good for us as he is one of our senior players and vicecaptain of this team and captain of our T20 team. These kinds of characters, if they perform, are really good

for the team and a good inspiration for the whole bunch of batsmen.”

Misbah said he was also thrilled with the impressive return from injury of medium pacer Umar Gul. “Gul is an experienced and class bowler. He landed here only early this morning from Pakistan and he was willing to play. He proved that he is still a match-winner. He set the tone and bowled very well with the new ball.

He is the kind of character who always just gives his 100 per cent and is willing to do good for the team.”

Misbah ventured to suggest that the big win over Sri Lanka was possible due to Gul’s early strike. “In the last two matches, Sri Lankans had chased very well, but in this match we took early wickets and so it became tough for them to chase over 300 runs. The main difference was the bowling

of Gul and Junaid Khan, especially with the new ball. After that, Shahid Afridi mounted pressure; even Bilawal Bhatti bowled well and Saeed Ajmal also contributed in adding to the pressure. The fielding was also very supportive because we took catches at crucial times.” Pakistan also equalled a world record as it was their 78th win at Sharjah in 117 matches, which matched Australia’s record at Sydney for the most One Day International victories at a single venue. When asked about the landmark in terms of the most wins at a venue, Misbah said: “Sharjah has been good for Pakistan right from the start and we are really happy that we are winning games here. The conditions here suit us, so we feel really at home when we play in Sharjah. The crowd supports us a lot as there are

Report: NBA set to consider ‘wheel concept’ to replace draft lottery Grantland.com reports that the NBA is set to consider and bring to its owners within the next year a proposal that would radically change the way the draft order is determined. It inolves a cyclical pattern of set draft order, repeating every thirty years. In short, each team would know precisely what pick it will have until infinity.

Grantland obtained a copy of the proposal, which would eliminate the draft lottery entirely and replace it with a system in which

each of the 30 teams would pick in a specific first-round draft slot once — and exactly once — every 30 years. Each team would simply cycle through the 30 draft slots, year by year, in a predetermined order designed so that teams pick in different areas of the draft each year. Teams would know with 100 percent certainty in which draft slots they would pick every year, up to 30 years out from the start of every 30-year cycle. The practice of protecting picks would disappear; there would never be a Har-

rison Barnes–Golden State situation again, and it wouldn’t require a law degree to track ownership of every traded pick leaguewide.

Grantland stresses that the proposal is in the very early stages and has already found several vocal critics. Most of the owners haven’t even been sent the proposal yet. The idea here would be to eliminate tanking. If you knew you couldn’t get higher than “X” spot, you wouldn’t have incentive to make your team worse or try to lose. There are complica-

tions though, setting up situations in which teams would essentially be dying on the vine for six years.

Draft someone like Andrea Bargnani, Michael Olowokandi, or Greg Oden, and you’re set to be stuck in purgatory for another six years. Can franchises survive like that? On the other hand, the Charlotte Bobcats, who have done very poorly in the lottery, might be in a position to improve dramatically if they knew they could at least get the No.2 pick every so often. Mostly, though, this is radi-

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many Pakistanis here. It is like we are playing in one of the cities of Pakistan.” Meanwhile, Pakistan opening batsman Ahmad Shehzad was fined half of his match fee for shoving Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan by the shoulder during the game on Sunday. Ahmad has pleaded guilty to the charge of ‘inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players’ brought by the umpires, the International Cricket Council said in a statement on Monday. The incident occurred at the end of the 19th over of the Pakistan innings following a debate between Dilshan and Shehzad, who scored 81 before being run out. The win put Pakistan 2-1 up in the five-match series. The fourth ODI will be played on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, with the final match slated for Friday. Source: Gulfnews.com

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