Miracle 544-May 7, 2021

Volume 21 Issue 544-Ramadan 25, 1442 H, May 7, 2021 $1

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cance of LaylatulQadr Explainer: Why India’s pandemic data is COVID-19: B.C. almost out of AstraZen

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Children 12 and older now cleared to receive Pfizer vaccine: Health Canada

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TTAWA -- Health Canada says the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is now safe to give to children ages 12 and up.

The federal health agency has announced it has approved administering the vaccine to children ages 12 to 15, after initially authorizing it for use in individuals 16 years of age and older.

savings, better care Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society Victim in fatal Delta shooting identified as B.C.

Indifferent attitude towards overseas Pakistanis Biden to start reunifying migrant families Metro Vancouver popup COVID hot spot

Canada is the first country in the world to sign off on giving shots to these younger age groups. “After completing a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, the department determined that this vaccine is safe and effective when used in this younger age group,” said Health Canada’s chief medical adviser To be Continued at page 7

Lockdown protesters are Govt presents resolution for debate NCOC recundermining their own objective: ommends curtailing inbound flights from May PM Trudeau 5 to 20 amid worsening coronavirus situation

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TTAWA -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling out people gathering in large groups to protest public health restrictions, suggesting their demonstrations are having the opposite effect.

“These protests are supposed to be about getting back to normal, but by spreading the virus, they do just the opposite and prolong lockdowns,” Trudeau told reporters on Tuesday.

He thanked Canadians who are heeding restrictions, suggesting they’re not only motivated to see society to return to some semblance of normality, but they also understand it comes

down to respect. “The reason so many Canadians are following public health measures isn’t just because they want to get back to normal, it’s because they care about their neighbours and our frontline workers,” he said. “Do it because you respect your fellow Canadians.”Thousands gathered in Bowden, Alta. for a two-day “No More Lockdowns’” rodeo over the weekend. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney condemned the event and the rodeo-goers, stating it was not only a threat to public health but a “slap in the face” to anyone following the rules.Alberta has the highest To be Continued at page 6

he National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Thursday recommended the curtailing of inbound flights to Pakistan from May 5 to May 20 amid the country’s worsening coronavirus situation.

The forum in its meeting chaired by Minister for Development and Planning Asad Umar decided to review the restrictions on May 18.

A statement issued after the meeting said detailed instructions regarding the reduction in flights would be provided by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

During its meeting, the NCOC also reviewed the production and supply of oxygen, granting permission to import 6,000 metric tonnes of oxygen and 5,000

oxygen cylinders to shore up healthcare facilities in the country.

Besides this, the NCOC also allowed the import of 20 cryogenic tanks and decided to shut down the scrap industry of Misri Shah so oxygen could be diverted to the healthcare sector instead.

The meeting also decided that vaccination of people aged between 40 and 49 will begin from May 3.

The NCOC also announced a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” strategy from May 8 to May 16, aimed at controlling the movement of people, including during the Eidul Fitr holidays.

According to the NCOC:

* Eid holidays will be from May 10 to May 15.

To be Continued at page 4

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

Premier John Horgan & Your MLAs wish Muslims

A Happy Eid Al fitr

Thank you for looking after each other and celebrating eid safely at home this year.

Premier John Horgan

BC GOV’T vaccination: gov.bc.ca/getVaccinated

Langford-Juan de Fuca

Pam Alexis, MLA Abbotsford-Mission

Jagrup Brar, MLA

Harry Bains, MLA

Garry Begg, MLA

Raj Chouhan, MLA

Susie Chant, MLA

Katrina Chen, MLA

George Chow, MLA

Surrey-Newton

Surrey-Fleetwood

North Vancouver-Seymour

Mable Elmore, MLA

Mike Farnworth, MLA

Vancouver-Kensington

Bowinn Ma, MLA

North Vancouver-Lonsdale

Henry Yao, MLA

Richmond South Centre

Port Coquitlam

Aman Singh, MLA

Richmond-Queensborough

Surrey-Guildford

Burnaby-Lougheed

Rob Fleming, MLA Victoria-Swan Lake

Bruce Ralston, MLA Surrey-Whalley

Sheila Malcolmson, MLA Melanie Mark, MLA Nanaimo

Hli Haykwhl Wii Xsgaak

Mitzi Dean, MLA

Burnaby-Edmonds

Esquimalt-Metchosin

Bob D’Eith, MLA

Fin Donnelly, MLA

Coquitlam-Burke Mountain

David Eby, MLA

Vancouver-Fraserview

Maple Ridge-Mission

Vancouver-Point Grey

George Heyman, MLA

Ravi Kahlon, MLA

Anne Kang, MLA

Vancouver-Fairview

Delta North

Burnaby-Deer Lake

Andrew Mercier, MLA Selina Robinson, MLA Adam Walker, MLA Langley

Mike Starchuk, MLA

Vancouver-Mount Pleasant

Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C.

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

PAKISTAN

Indifferent attitude towards overseas Pakistan- DHA counsel asks LHC to expunge is ‘unforgivable’, PM Imran tells ambassadors ‘land grabber’ remarks about army Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday asked the country’s ambassadors serving abroad to forgo colonial-era attitudes and treat overseas Pakistanis with compassion, saying the current indifferent attitude towards expatriates was “unforgivable”.

Speaking to Pakistani envoys posted in capitals around the world virtually, the premier read out specific complaints received from overseas Pakistanis, especially those in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, asking the embassies to put their affairs in order. Referring to the issues that have come to light at the Pakistani missions in Riyadh and Jeddah, Prime Minister Imran acknowledged that he had not paid the matter as much attention as he would have liked because he was occupied with “domestic issues”.He stressed that if Pakistan today had not gone bankrupt, it was because of the remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis.

Recalling his own time in England as an overseas Pakistani, Imran regretted that the country’s embassies “by and large” treated educated, well-to-do expatriates with respect but were indifferent towards the labour classes.“I remember some ambassadors used to have a really bad attitude with the labour community, like masters would

deal their [subjects] in the colonial days,” he said. The prime minister said after the government received complaints from Pakistani labourers in Saudi Arabia and following “one or two incidents”, he sought feedback about the embassy from some expatriates he knew. “The feedback was shocking ... there was callousness and nobody worried about them,” he added, saying the reports matched the complaints received on the government’s Citizens Portal... Last week, in an unprecedented move that sent alarm bells ringing across Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad, the government had suspended the outgoing ambassador to Saudi Arabia and recalled six diplomats posted at the embassy in Riyadh on allegations of improper treatment of Pakistanis living in the kingdom. An inquiry was also ordered against the envoy and the recalled diplomats. Source: dawn.com

The Defence Housing Authority’s (DHA) counsel on Thursday asked the Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Mohammad Qasim Khan to expunge remarks made by the chief justice a day ago in which he termed the army as the “biggest land grabber”.On Wednesday, the chief justice, while hearing petitions of three citizens seeking an order against the DHA to not disturb their lawful possession of the land they had obtained on lease from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), had lashed out at the DHA for its involvement in “illegal” occupation of lands and regretted that the army seemed to have become the “biggest land grabber”.

He had regretted that the army had also grabbed a piece of land measuring 50-kanal owned by the high court and added that he would instruct the LHC registrar to write a letter to the army chief in this regard.

Presiding over the hearing today, CJ Khan said no one should occupy another’s land.

The DHA’s counsel, Altafur Rehman Khan, said that the remarks uttered by the chief justice against the army in Wednesday’s hearing had caused concern in the institution. “The court is requested to delete the remarks about the army.”

Responding to this, CJ Khan said his re-

change the method. Tariff increase is not the only way to raise money.”

He said they were concerned that Pakistan’s circular debt was increasing and there “should be some brakes” and stability in it.

Tareen added that the government would prove that through various measures, but it didn’t mean that it would increase tariffs on the common person since Prime Minister Imran Khan was against it.

“We will apologise to them on this and they are sympathetic to us.”

Addressing taxation, he said its ambit would be further increased through “innovative methods” and the tax-to-GDP ratio would increase every year by one to two per cent.

Tarin added that sudden increases on the orders of the IMF, as had been done in 2019,

Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia has returned to the country while orders have been issued to six other officers of the embassy in Riyadh to return over complaints by the Pakistani community in the kingdom, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had ordered an inquiry and his directions were being implemented.“A high-powered inquiry committee will look into the matter,” it added.The six officers who were issued recall orders worked in the diplomatic, community welfare, and consular wings of the embassy, according to the FO.“The government of Pakistan attaches high importance to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. There is zero tolerance, whatsoever, for any lapse in public service delivery,” the statement said, adding that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi himself oversaw the working of all diplomatic missions, particularly with regards to the services being provided to the Pakistani community.

“Pakistan’s missions, all across the world, have standing instructions to extend maximum facilitation to the Pakistani community in their respective jurisdictions.”

it unworkable. Such important national tasks cannot be performed at the request or order of an individual.”

He said that a sensitive issue such as electoral reforms could only be tackled with the “will and confidence” of the entire nation, adding: “Parliament is a manifestation of the aspirations and confidence of the people, which has been locked up for three years.”

“Electoral reform is possible with the consultation of all parties, in light of public opinion and consensus-building exercises.”

Shehbaz said that the PML-N had carried out “historic electoral reforms” in the consultation with all political parties, including the PTI which had been in the opposition at the time. “No one objected to these reforms in our time,” he added.

That “historic document”, developed with consensus of opinion, still existed today, he said............... Source: dawn.com

Senior Kashmiri leader Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, who challenged India’s rule over occupied Kashmir for decades, died on Wednesday while in police custody. He was 78.Sehrai was admitted to a government hospital with multiple ailments on Tuesday from a jail in the southern Jammu region, officials and his family said.Sehrai’s son, Mujahid Sehrai, said his father was denied proper medical care while in jail. He said he spoke to his father 10 days ago and he complained of ill health.

“He told us several times in the last few months during his two phone calls a week to home that he was not getting proper medical treatment,” his son said. “We moved a court on April 16 with a petition seeking proper medical assistance for him but the court was yet to review it.”Sehrai was arrested last July under the Public Safety Act, which allows authorities in occupied Kashmir to impris-

marks were not meant to dress anyone down but were about the conduct of “some people of yours”. “Probably more than half of my family is in the army,” he added.

“Respect for institutions is paramount, the court’s remarks were not meant to hurt anyone,” Justice Khan said. “These remarks were made for a few people.”

CJ Khan said if those serving in the army also worked in DHA then “make your people understand. For God’s sake make them understand”.

“People respect the army soldiers sitting at the borders of Kashmir, Siachen Glacier and Bahawalnagar,” said the chief justice. “You first have to realise this responsibility.”

Referring to himself, Justice Khan said as the chief justice, there was a “heavy responsibility” on him and if he occupied that office then he should act as a judge. “I was told that if I go anywhere, my actions should be becoming of a judge.” .... Source: dawn.com

Pakistan cannot increase tariffs or taxes, Ambassador, 6 officers of Pakistani embassy in Riyadh called back over public complaints IMF told: Shaukat Tarin

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Wednesday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had been informed that Pakistan didn’t currently have the capacity to raise its tariffs or taxes under the IMF programme, adding that the World Bank and IMF had been sympathetic to the point of view.Addressing his first press conference in Islamabad after assuming the charge as finance minister, Tarin said: “Pakistan has not yet come out of the IMF programme, we have discussed with them and told them that our revenues were increasing at 92 per cent but the third wave of Covid came and they decreased after that.”

“At this time, we don’t have the capacity to increase tariffs or [adopt] incremental taxes, our common man is completely fed up of this inflation,” he said, adding that this had a cascading effect and inflation would increase once fuel charges were increased.

He added that this stance was conveyed and both the World Bank and the IMF had been very sympathetic to it. “We have to tell them that we won’t come out of the IMF programme but give us some space and we will

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that the Prime Minister, “being cognisant of the complaints submitted to him by Diaspora in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and while expressing his displeasure on the performance, attitude and behaviour of officers posted in Pakistan’s Embassy/ Consulates in Saudi Arabia, has taken a serious view of the situation.”

The statement added that the premier had tasked the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission to inquire into the matter and submit its report within 15 days.........

The committee has been tasked with the following: Pakistanis in KSAExtorting and fleecing our expatriate workers and overseas Pakistanis, causing delays on one pretext or another, resulting in extraction under duress...Source: dawn.com

‘Whole world has rejected electronic voting’: Senior Kashmiri leader Ashraf Sehrai Shehbaz rebuffs proposal to use EVMs in elections dies in police custody in IoK

. PML-N President and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan’s proposal to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in general elections, saying the system had been rejected by the whole world.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Shehbaz said: “The system of electronic voting is rejected by the whole world. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declared

on anyone for up to two years without trial.

Last week, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference said it was concerned about the health of hundreds of Kashmiri political detainees as India faces a massive health crisis because of an explosion of coronavirus cases. It said the prisoners were being denied “even basic amenities”, leading to “serious health problems among the prisoners”. ”Source: dawn.com

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

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T is no more a secret. The two hostile neighbours have been talking to each other.

Backchannel contacts between India and Pakistan have led to some melting of the ice. Over the past months, the guns have fallen silent along the Line of Control and the rhetoric is down on both sides.It’s certainly a good omen for what is described as a most combustible region. But it may be too soon to expect any dramatic change in the situation given the nature of the beast.

Wishing for peace is one thing but the reality cannot be overlooked.

There are too many hurdles to cross before the two countries locked in perpetual conflict can be even expected to enter into a substantive dialogue on critical issues of mutual concern. So much has changed over the past two years that it is more difficult now to go beyond mere talk.

While of late there is a lot more optimism attached to the thaw in the ranks of Pakistani officialdom, there is far less enthusiasm in India at the prospect.

Senior Pakistani officials have now confirmed that the intelligence chiefs of the two countries have been engaged in secret talks for months. It was apparently an Indian initiative that Pakistan responded to positively. The contacts remained secret before some Indian media reports blew the lid off them.

The situation today is very different to what led to the previous normalisation process.

One UAE diplomat’s statements that his country hosted the parleys authenticated the reports.

Interestingly, hours after our foreign minister’s denial of such engagement, a senior source provided the media with the details Continued from Page 1

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Beyond backchannel talks

of the ongoing backchannel negotiation. According to reports, he sounded extremely optimistic about the progress made in the talks. He was quoted as saying that New Delhi was willing to discuss all outstanding issues including Kashmir.

There is, however, still no official Indian comment on such a dialogue. The only statement made by the Indian foreign ministry in the second week of April said: “Our respective High Commissions exist and are functioning.

That is a very effective channel of communication.” There is no indication as yet of how serious Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is about going beyond talking about talks to discuss all critical issues including Kashmir.

For sure, backchannel diplomacy is a useful means to break deadlocks between countries.

Backchannel secrecy permits participants to probe quietly to ascertain whether a change in policy is possible without attracting public scrutiny. It works well in times of crises.

In the past, backchannel dialogue between India and Pakistan has delivered substantive results. Not only did it help ease tensions between the two, it also dealt with some thorny issues that would not have been possible in open negotiations.

It was backchannel contacts that led to the Lahore process in 1999 during Nawaz Sharif ’s second term in office. It was a historic moment when the then Indian prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee travelled to Lahore on a bus. Unfortunately, the process that promised to bring stability to the region was doomed because of civil-military disagreement.

Interestingly, it was Gen Pervez Musharraf, whose Kargil misadventure was blamed for derailing the Lahore process, who initiated the most substantive peace process with India. It happened a year after the two nations came very close to war.

It was again Vajpayee’s visit to Islamabad that led to the most sustained backchannel diplomacy bringing the two countries close to a historic agreement dealing with the Kashmir dispute. The four-point formula would have made the LoC irrelevant allowing the Kashmiri people to move freely. But the political turmoil in the country that led to the ouster of Musharraf ended the process.

Both backchannels involved seasoned diplomats and civilian officials though it was the military that was in power during the peace process in 2004. Another important thing was that both sides were publicly committed to the agenda though the negotiations were conducted secretly.

But the situation today is very different to what led to the previous normalisation process. The usurpation of whatever autonomy was left to India-held Kashmir and New Delhi’s attempt to change the demography of the disputed state have made the situation much more complicated. The 2019 intrusion of the Indian Air Force inside Pakistan and Modi’s warmongering had heightened the tension between the two nations.

Pakistan had earlier refused to talk to New Delhi without the reversal of India’s unilateral accession of the disputed territory.

That conditionality has now been set aside. Indian leaders in public statements have made it very clear that there was no question of reversal on India’s

Kashmir policy. But officials in high places here maintain that India is open for discussion on Kashmir too.

There is no harm in using backchannel diplomacy to break the stalemate. The ceasefire on the LoC is certainly a positive development. But New Delhi’s silence over the talks raises some questions about our own optimism.

There is no indication that the Modi government has ceased its military action in occupied Kashmir. The human rights violations there continue unabated.

It’s hard to understand the statement by our officials that India is willing to ‘restore Kashmir’s statehood’.

Unlike in the past, the latest backchannel talks have apparently involved our intelligence chiefs. It limits the scope of discussion on a matter that is largely political and diplomatic in nature. Going by reports, one is justified in asking who is taking the lead on this: the Pakistani security establishment or the civilian government?

One cannot agree more with senior officials that war has never produced any solution and that the two nuclear powers cannot afford a conflict. But there is also a need for greater clarity on the objectives. One needs to tread a more cautious path when engaging in critical talks on conflict resolution. Our response must be calculated and not unrealistic. It’s certainly not a ‘saasbahu’ equation as senior official sources have described the crisis that exists between the two nuclear powers. It goes much further than that.

The writer is the author of No-Win War — The Paradox of US-Pakistan Relations in Afghanistan’s Shadow.

Courtesy By: Zahid Hussain

NCOC recommends curtailing inbound flights from May 5 to 20

• Comprehensive standard operating procedures

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O pinion

(SOPs) will be issued for Youm-e-Ali, Aitekaf, Shab-eQadar, Juma-tul-Wida, and Eid prayers by May 1.

All markets, businesses, and shops will remain closed except for essential services.

Chaand Raat bazaars will be banned.

There will be a complete ban on tourism and routes leading to tourist destinations will be closed.

Inter-provincial, inter-city, and intra-city public transport

will be banned; private vehicles to operate with 50 per cent capacity.

• Media channels will broadcast special Eid Holiday packages.

Last week, Pakistan introduced a stricter travel ban on 23 countries and extended travel restrictions till April 30.

A fresh notification issued by the CAA containing the list of countries categorised as A, B and C was shared by the regulator with 20 countries placed in category A. It also increased the number of countries in category C to 23 with India added to the list.

ISCC and MAT Strongly Condemn Attacks on Asian Immigrants

By: Imam Syed Soharwardy

(Calgary) Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC) and Muslims Against Terrorism (MAT) strongly condemn attacks on Americans and Canadians of Asian descent. The

recent violent attack on a Chinese immigrant in Harlem, New York shows that the racism and violent attacks on visible minorities are on the rise. Both US and Canadian governments are not doing enough

According to a previous notification effective from March 23, there will be a complete ban on inbound travel to Pakistan from category C countries, including withdrawal of exemptions earlier provided to Pakistani passport and Nicop holders The counties included in category C were South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Comoros, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Seychelles, Somalia, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela and India.

The CAA said travellers from 20 countries falling in category A did

not require a Covid-19 test before entry into Pakistan. All countries not specified in category A and C fall in category B. The CAA said travellers from countries not specified in category A required a Covid-19 PCR test before commencement of travel to Pakistan (maximum 72 hours old).

Pakistan has reported 5,480 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours as well as 150 fatalities. The country’s caseload has risen to 815,711 while its death toll stands at 17,680..

Source: dawn.com

to stop these attacks.

“The attack on any visible minor ity immigrant is attack on all visible minorities in Canada OR the US. We must stand together to fight racism and violence against all minorities”, Imam Soharwardy visible minority immigrants. said today.

We stand shoulder to shoulder with The violence and discrimination our Chinese, Koreans and other against immigrants must stop.

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

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f ait h

• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Every disease has a cure.

If a cure is applied to the disease, it is relieved by the permission of God Almighty.” Sahih Muslim

4 Beautiful Significance of Laylatul Qadr

he night of Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months and is so special that Allah has dedicated a specific chapter in the Quran to it.

by Ustaz Muhammad Zulkarnain Bin Azman

was then gradually revealed in stages to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. throughout 23 years of Prophethood. Against this background, we should exhibit and manifest our gratitude towards Allah’s greatest blessing by appreciating its revelation, internalising its message and meaning and connecting with Him.

What is special about Laylatul Qadr?

3. The Reward of the Night

By the Will of Allah s.w.t., we are rewarded with the holy month of Ramadan; a month that is filled with immeasurable blessings, a month of purification of the hearts, minds and souls and a month when spirituality thrives and flourishes. One of the blessings that is given by Allah s.w.t. as a gift to His servants is the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr, often translated as the Night of Decree or the Night of Power. The night is so special and significant that Allah s.w.t. dedicated an entire chapter of the Quran on it.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Qadr: “Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.

Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”

(Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-5) What makes Laylatul Qadr exceptional and special? As we cross the halfway mark in Ramadan, let us uncover the meaning of this night and its significance.

1. The Date is Unknown

The precise night on which Laylatul Qadr occurs has always been unknown but what we know is that it falls within the final ten

W

hile the Islamic calendar celebrates two different Eid festivals throughout the year – Eid ulFitr and Eid ul-Adha - both are celebrated for very different reasons. Eid ul-Fitr is a three-day celebration that takes place at the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, at the start of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar; Eid ul-Adha takes place following the annual Hajj pilgrimage on the 10th day of the 12th month, Dhu al-Hijjah.

While we’ve previously discussed the differences between the two Eid’s in greater detail, we will now focus on the importance of Eid ul-Fitr and why Eid is celebrated, along with Eid dates for 2021.

What Does Eid ul-Fitr Mean?

So, what is Eid? When directly translated, the Eid meaning is “the festival of breaking the fast” and commemorates the end of a month-long fast throughout Ramadan for Muslims in the UK and around the world.

The festival is a very important time in Islam and allows families, loved ones and communities to come together and cel-

nights of Ramadan, believed by many on the odd nights. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said, “Search for Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari) Certainly, there is great wisdom on why Allah s.w.t purposely made the exact date unknown from us. Part of it is so that we may strive in seeking it, engage in extra worship and remain consistent in doing them, even It is mentioned that one of the incomprehensible rewards of Laylatul Qadr is that towards the very end of Ramadan. the night is better than a thousand months.

2. The Revelation of the Quran If we realise the value of it, every act of righteous deeds and worship completed on this single night are rewarded a minimum of at least 83 years of worship, which is equivalent to an entire lifetime.

Such is the unique opportunity for us when approached with sincerity, to gain grand forgiveness and mercy from Allah s.w.t.

The Prophet s.a.w. said, “Whoever spends the night of Laylatul Qadr The biggest virtue associated with Laylatul in prayer out of faith and in hopes for the reQadr is that in this night, Allah s.w.t. be- ward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” stowed the Quran upon humankind as a gift (Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim) and as a source of guidance. Besides men- 4. The Acceptance of Supplications tioning in the first verse of Surah Al-Qadr, Supplication in seeking Lailatul Qadar One of the many nuances of the word Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Ad-Dukhan: “Indeed, We sent it (the Quran) down during “Qadr” is congestion and restriction. Accordingly, the earth on that night will be a blessed night.” (Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:3) The revelation of the Scripture came in 2 flooded and occupied with so many angels stages; it was primarily revealed in its en- that it becomes congested and pressured. tirety by Jibril a.s. from Lauh Mahfuz (The And because it is filled with celestial beings Preserved Tablet) to Baitul ‘Izzah (The of light and blessings, the earth is voided of Lowest Heaven) in the sky of the earth and every evil and calamity and becomes ex-

posed to a spiritual pressure. Sins are forgiven and supplications are accepted.

One of the supplications that can be made in this night is an all-encompassing forgiveness prayer that is taught by the Prophet s.a.w. to his wife Aishah r.a. It was narrated that Aishah r.a. asked the Prophet s.a.w., “O Messenger of Allah! If I know which night Laylatul Qadr is, what should I say in it?”

And he replied: Transliteration: Allāhumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Karīmun Tuhibbu-l ‘Afwa Fa’fu ‘Annī “Oh Allah, You are indeed Forgiving, Generous and love to forgive, so forgive me.”

(Sunan At-Tirmizi) With the significance of Laylatul Qadr explained, let us enliven and maximise the last ten nights by reciting the Quran and engaging in continuous prayers and invocations. If a believing person is keen to nurture and strengthen his spiritual self and increase the good deeds in his record, he/ she should strive to spend these nights in obedience and worship. If this is facilitated for him, his soul will taste sweetness unlike any other.

Ultimately, we have to comprehend and understand that it is not about seeking the night but the Master of the night, which is Allah s.w.t. He will bless and reward us as He wants and pleases. We pray to Allah s.w.t. to enable us to make the best of these nights and catch the blessed Laylatul Qadr.

And Allah knows best.

Source:/muslim.sg/articles

Celebrating Eid / Eid ul-Fitr in 2021

ebrate following a month of abstinence and dedication to Allah (SWT).

This is important because it marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Throughout Ramadan, Muslims around the world undertake a fast between the hours of sunset and sunrise and spend a lot of time in self-reflection while studying the Qur’an and connecting with Allah (SWT) on a spiritual level. After a full month of sacrifice and dedication, Eid ulFitr is a time to come together with family and loved ones to enjoy everyday blessings.

‘The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.’

- Quran 2:185

Why is Eid Celebrated?

Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated following a successful month of abstaining from both food and drink during daylight hours; this takes a lot of self-control and dedication to bring oneself spiritually closer to Allah (SWT) through prayer and worship in commemoration of the month when the Qur’an was

first revealed.

To celebrate a full month of fasting in this way, Eid ul-Fitr is a joining together of family, friends, and communities to feast and enjoy the food that has been provided by Allah (SWT).

Ways to Celebrate Eid

Eid-ul-Fitr festival is an important way to mark the end of Ramadan, however, before the festivities can begin, there are a number of important rituals that must first take place to give true thanks to Allah (SWT) for all he has done.

Dawn prayers – also known as Fajr – are performed with your family before the ‘ghusl’ cleansing, which purifies the whole body. After the cleansing or ablution, the family prepare for the day, by wearing the finest clothes they own, or new clothes they have bought for the occasion. Families then head over to the local mosque to wish friends, family and the local community “Eid Mubarak” which is the traditional Eid greeting. The Eid Mubarak meaning is translated to ‘blessed feast/festival’, but it is also used in the context of ‘happy Eid’ and ‘blessed celebration’. After the greetings are said, Eid prayers begin.

Zakat ul-Fitr, or Fitrana, is a charity donation which must be made before Eid prayers commence, as this is distributed amongst the neediest to ensure they can take part in Eid festivities.

It’s also traditional to exchange gifts during

the Eid celebration, particularly between young children and close family members.

This holiday is also known as “The Lesser Eid” or “Sweet Eid” due to the increased number of sweet snacks available, and also because this day holds less importance in the Islamic calendar than Eid ul-Adha.

‘Worship God and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet) ... Verily, God does not like such as are proud and boastful.’ - Quran 4:36

Preparing for Eid ul-Fitr

Eid is a joyous time and many Muslim communities look forward to the celebrations with eagerness. Are you making plans for Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr this year?

Eid charity donations are commonly made at this time of year, whether as Zakat donations or Zakat ul-Fitr.

If you’d like to pay or prepare your Zakat donation, please visit our Zakat calculator to work out the amount owed or use our Zakat ul-Fitr donation page to make your Fitrana contribution to help those in need celebrate Eid ul-Fitr this year.

‘Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve’ Quran 2:277 Source: muslimaid.org

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India COVID cases soar as oxy- Canada still weighing support for vaccine gen, vaccine shortages continue patent waiver after U.S. confirms it will India reports more than 300,000 daily cases as the head of the Serum Institute warns of a months-long vaccine shortfall.

Hospitals in India continued to send distress messages for emergency oxygen supplies and a top vaccine-maker warned a vaccine shortfall could last for several months, as the country’s coronavirus case count approached 20 million on Monday.

India reported 368,147 new infections over the previous 24 hours, taking the number of people who have suffered an infection so far to 19.93 million, government data showed, the second-highest in the world. India, in the grip of a devastating second wave, has logged more than 300,000 cases every day for more than 10 days. The overall death toll reached 218,959, with 3,417 more deaths reported.

Experts have said the numbers may be an underestimate, due to low testing rates and the number of people dying at home, particularly in rural areas.

The shortage of medical oxygen has also worsened. Twenty-eight patients died overnight, allegedly for want of the life-saving gas in hospitals in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh states, broadcaster NDTV reported. Officials did not confirm deaths due to oxygen shortages, but ordered a probe into the matter.

Leaders of 13 opposition parties urged the government to launch a free vaccination drive and ensure an uninterrupted flow of oxygen to all hospitals. ..........Source: aljazeera.com

OTTAWA -- The federal government still hasn’t offered its support of the waiver of intellectual property protections on COVID-19 vaccines to enhance their supply worldwide, even as the U.S. announced Wednesday it intends to do so.

Following a meeting with his G7 counterparts, Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau said discussion on whether to lift patents, as was done in the AIDS crisis, was “very active” but said Canada is still weighing the options.“Canada’s position is that we need to obtain more vaccines, we need to all put more money into the COVAX program, and by the way Canada is the fourth largest contributor to the COVAX program, and we need to discuss with manufactures whether they’re prepared to make licensing arrangements to allow greater production of the vaccine,” he said in an interview on CTV News Channel’s Power Play. The U.S.

joins nearly a hundred other countries that are in favour of a push spearheaded by India and South Africa to ease the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights rule that would help developing countries produce vaccines domestically in an effort to get them out more quickly........

Source:.ctvnews.ca

Biden to start reunifying migrant families Tories blast NDP as ‘sexist’ for saying aim separated by Trump-era border policy at Telford on misconduct issue ‘ironic’ The United States this week will reunite four OTTAWA -- Conservative deputy leader migrant families separated at the US-Mexico border during the Trump administration, US officials said, a small step toward fulfilling a campaign promise by President Joe Biden.

The families will be allowed to enter the United States through an emergency process known as “humanitarian parole”, Michelle Brane, who heads a Biden-created task force that aims to reunite separated families, told a call with reporters on Sunday.“In these cases that we’re talking about this week, the children are in the United States and the parents are coming to join them,” Brane said. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether they could be granted longer-term immigration status, she said.

Lee Gelernt, lead attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued former President Donald Trump’s administration over the separations policy, said his organisation did not know how many children remain separated from parents but that the number was likely more than 1,000.

Candice Bergen says comments from the NDP around its decision not to support a call for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fire his chief of staff over the handling of a complaint against general Jonathan Vance are “patronizing and sexist.”

The House of Commons is debating a Conservative motion calling on Trudeau to fire Katie Telford after recent testimony from a former adviser suggesting she knew of an allegation against the former top soldier.

The Biden administration has been grappling Trudeau has defended Telford, saying no in recent months with a sharp rise in mi- one in his office knew the allegation against grant crossings at the border, including unac- Vance was of a sexual nature -- something companied minors and families with young children, mostly from Central America.The Trump administration, known for its hardline stance on immigration, adopted a blanket “zero-tolerance” policy of prosecuting all India’s hospitals were packed with coronaviunauthorised border crossers in spring 2018, rus patients, relatives of the sick scrambled resulting in the mass separation of parents to find supplies of oxygen, and crematorifrom their children........... ums were running near full capacity to hanSource:dawn.com dle the dead.Yet despite those clear signs of an overwhelming health crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed ahead with a densely packed campaign rally.

“I have never seen such a huge crowd before!” he roared to his supporters in West Bengal state on April 17, before key local elections. “Wherever I can see, I can only see people. I can see nothing else.”

As another deadly wave of Covid-19 infections was swamping India, Modi’s government refused to cancel a giant Hindu festival. Cricket matches, attended by tens of thousands, carried on, too. The catastrophic at Microsoft as a product manager, her first surge has badly dented Modi’s political image after he drew praise last year for moving job after graduating from Duke University.

The pair ended up sitting next to each other quickly to lock down India’s nearly 1.4 bilat a business dinner and hit it off. Melinda, lion people. Now, he’s been called a “superspreader” by the vice president of the Indian now 56, described her future husband in the Netflix documentary as “funny and very high-energy”.

But Bill didn’t ask her out until a few months Continued from Page 1 later, when they bumped into each other in number of COVID-19 infections per the Microsoft parking lot. He asked her on capita within Canada and the U.S. a date — in two weeks. Melinda teased him According to CTVNews.ca’s tracker, there for not being “spontaneous enough” and told have been an average of 440.5 daily cases per him to call her closer to the date. A few hours million people in the last seven days, more later, he called her at home and asked her out than any other province or territory in Canafor that night. They married in 1994 and had da as well as every U.S. state. Cases had been three children.Before he popped the ques- trending upward since March and continue tion, Melinda says she caught Bill weighing to climb.Trudeau said the federal governthe decision by writing out the pros and cons ment continues to offer support to Alberta, of marriage on a white board. as they’ve done with other provinces facing a The couple would go on to revolutionise the surging third wave. technology world: Bill through Microsoft Last week, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair software, Melinda through helping carve out announced members of the Canadian space for women in the male-dominated in- Armed Forces and the Canadian Red Cross dustry......... Source:images.dawn.com would be deployed to Ontario and Nova Sco-

Tories say shouldn’t be believed. Before the debate, NDP defence critic Randall Garrison said the party believes responsibility in the handling of the matter lies with Trudeau and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, not Telford, who is an unelected staff member.......

Source:.ctvnews.ca

India’s coronavirus surge damages Modi’s image of competence

Bill and Melinda Gates: A duo undone

From muddy streets in South Africa’s townships to cocktail parties at Davos — Bill and Melinda Gates came as a pair.Together, they built a charitable empire through Bill’s technology company Microsoft and the massive non-profit they co-founded and co-chair, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

And when it came time to announce on Monday the end of their 27-year marriage, they did that as a pair too in a joint statement posted to their respective Twitter accounts at exactly the same moment.

Gates, 65, summed it up like this in a 2019 Netflix documentary series: “In the case of Melinda, it is truly an equal partner.” She’s a lot like me in that she is optimistic and she is interested in science. She is better with people than I am. She’s a tiny bit less hard core about knowing, you know, immunology, than I am.”

Not ‘spontaneous enough’ Born on Oct 28, 1955, William H. Gates grew up in Seattle, Washington, and fell in love with machines and computer programming as a geeky-looking 13-year-old. He left Harvard University after two years to start “Micro-soft”, a software company, with a childhood friend.

On the other side of the country, Melinda Gates was born Melinda French on Aug 15, 1964, in Dallas, Texas. The first computer she ever used was an Apple II, and she developed an interest in computer games and programming at school. The couple met in 1987, shortly after Melinda started working

Medical Association, Dr Navjot Dahiya.

With deaths mounting and a touted vaccine rollout faltering badly, Modi has pushed much of the responsibility for fighting the coronavirus onto poorly equipped and unprepared state governments and even onto patients themselves, critics say.

“It is a crime against humanity,” author and activist Arundhati Roy said of Modi’s handling of the virus. “Foreign governments are rushing to help. But as long as decision-making remains with Modi, Source dawn.com

Lockdown protesters are undermining ..

tia to help lift the burden in ICUs and other health-care settings.The Alberta government is set to unveil new restrictions Tuesday as cases rise.Trudeau addressed anti-lockdown demonstrators last week, days before another planned protest in Montreal, stating that while freedom of speech remains important during the pandemic, it “must be done safely.”Organized by group “Quebec Debout,” thousands gathered at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday to decry COVID-19 restrictions.

Health officials in the city were forced to close the vaccination site at the stadium after the call went out to protest, and dozens of vaccination appointments were rescheduled or moved to other clinics.

Source: bc.ctvnews.ca.

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Children 12 and older now cleared to receive Pfizer vaccine: cent efficacy shown after the second shot in the trials with older age groups.

“While younger people are less likely to experience serious cases of COVID-19, having access to a safe and effective vaccine will help control the disease’s spread to their family and friends, some of whom may be at higher risk of complications. It will also support the return to a more normal life for our children who have had such a hard time over the past year,” Sharma said.

The two-dose Pfizer vaccine was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be authorized by Health Canada. It was given the regulatory green light in December 2020 and was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be adminis-

tered in this country.

“There are some provinces that have already provided some vaccine to this age group, if they were children that were at high risk. That was done off

label, which is absolutely within their purview, so we do have some children in Canada that have already received a vaccine dose,” Sharma told reporters on Wednesday. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

Surrey, BC – Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society (SHHS) will be launching a call for proposals in early May aiming to support initiatives that will reduce and prevent homelessness in Surrey. Projects eligible for funding will focus on contributing to the longer-term housing needs of priority populations and building on continued efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

“On the heels of two funding calls in 2020, we are pleased to launch this additional call for

proposals in response to the complex housing challenges caused by Covid-19,” said Councillor Laurie Guerra, President of the Surrey Homelessness and Housing society. “The grants will be available to eligible organizations operating in Surrey and will provide services to those who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. This is another step in the right direction as we work towards ensuring every Surrey resident has a roof over their head.”

More information regarding the call for pro-

posals process, key funding priorities, and eligibility criteria will be posted and available on the SHHS website in the coming weeks.

About Surrey Homelessness and Housing SocietySHHS’ vision is that Everyone in Surrey has a Home. Since its inception in 2007, SHHS has granted over $7 million to support the development of Made in Surrey solutions – creating housing, programs, and partnerships that effectively respond to Surrey’s unique needs.

In 2020, in response to COVID-19 magnifying

the challenges facing priority populations, SHHS quickly launched two funding calls. As a result, $600,000 was granted to 30 local projects to help meet immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.Source: Amber Stowe Communications and Media Relations Lead

Saturday, May 1, 2021, marks the start of a new era for ICBC as the corporation launches Enhanced Care coverage and transitions to a new care-based model.

Enhanced Care is a redesigned approach to auto insurance that brings historic

savings on auto insurance premiums, significantly improved care, and recovery and wage-loss benefits for people injured in crashes.

“Under Enhanced Care, millions of people will breathe easier – both at renewal time and if they’re injured in a crash,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This is the culmination of significant work by government and ICBC, in consultation with a wide spectrum of stakeholders and experts, to secure a sustainable, affordable and care-centred future for public auto insurance in British Columbia.”

Customers who buy full basic and op-

tional insurance from ICBC for a policy effective on or after May 1 will save 20%, on average, compared with last year’s premiums. Because ICBC customers are able to renew their insurance 45 days before their expiry date, thousands have already renewed under Enhanced Care, with average savings of more than $400.

“Delivering more affordable auto insurance has been a core principle of these changes from Day 1 and British Columbians are now starting to see the results of that commitment,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of ICBC. “Some customers have already renewed under Enhanced Care, or benefited from a sig-

nificant decrease in the costs of our optional third-party liability coverage earlier this year.”

Autoplan brokers throughout the province have been trained on all Enhanced Care coverage changes. Brokers are ready to help customers understand their savings, as well as new and altered coverage options to help ensure that British Columbians get the protection they need.

Many ICBC customers are also eligible to receive a one-time refund based on the portion of their current policy that extends past May 1. These Enhanced Care refunds will be issued starting later in May. Source: news.gov.bc.ca

Transparency information on interest holders of B.C. real estate is available for public search in the Land Owner Transparency Registry, giving law enforcement and tax authorities a significant tool to combat money laundering in the real estate market.

“When British Columbians are looking to buy a home, they expect that the market is fair and transparent,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance. “For years, money launderers were able to conceal their identities behind corporations and trusts, while using B.C.’s real estate market to hide the proceeds of crime and distort the cost of housing.

Those days are coming to an end.”

The Land Owner Transparency Registry is a first-of-its-kind registry in Canada that requires beneficial ownership disclosure for all land types. Whenever a relevant corporation,

trust or partnership buys land in B.C., they are now required to disclose the interest holders of that land and file that information with the registry through a transparency report.

Pre-existing reporting bodies with an interest in land have until Nov. 30, 2021, to file transparency reports with the Land Owner Transparency Registry.

Information, including names of all corporate interest holders, beneficial owners or partnership interest holders, is searchable through the registry. New transparency report information is held for 90 days before becoming searchable to the public. Tax authorities, law enforcement agencies and relevant regulators will have access to more detailed information and may use it to crack down on tax evasion, fraud and money laundering.

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and mak-

ing it harder for people to hide dirty money in the shadows of our real estate market will benefit all British Columbians,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “The information in the registry is essential to empowering authorities to help us level the playing field between those who prefer to cheat, and those hard-working British Columbians playing by the rules, paying their taxes and following the law.” In 2019, the Expert Panel on Money Laundering in BC Real Estate identified the disclosure of beneficial ownership to be the “single most important measure” that can be taken to address money laundering. In Homes For B.C.: A 30-Point Plan for Housing Affordability in British Columbia, taking action to end hidden ownership is identified as a crucial measure to ensure government

and relevant authorities know who owns what in the province.

The Province has introduced other measures to end hidden ownership, including requiring additional information on beneficial ownership on the property transfer tax form, as well as requiring private B.C. corporations to hold accurate and up-to-date transparency information in their corporate offices.

Source: news.gov.bc.ca

A brazen daylight shooting is under investigation after a man was shot near a busy shopping centre in Delta Saturday afternoon. As Jordan Armstrong reports, it’s just the latest community left shaken by recent gun violence. The man gunned down in a

Delta, B.C. parking lot on Saturday night was a provincial corrections officer, police confirmed Sunday.

Police say Bikramdeep Randhawa, 29, was shot dead just before 5 p.m. outside a busy shopping centre near 72nd Avenue and Scott Road. Randhawa was not known to police, and investigators are still working to determine a motive — including whether the killing was a case of mistaken identity, or potentially related to his job.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as they now start to deal with their loss,” Insp. Guy Leeson, head of Investigative Services for Delta Police, said in a media release.The BC Government and Service Employees Union said Randhawa had worked at the Fraser Regional Correctional

Centre.“We are all shocked and devastated at the loss of one of our own. While the loss of any member under any circumstances is a tragedy, the public and violent nature of Bikramdeep’s death make this loss immeasurably worse,” union president Stephanie Smith said in a statement.

“In the coming days and weeks the BCGEU will be focused on making sure our members are supported as they grieve with Bikramdeep’s loved ones and that our members’ mental, emotional and physical safety are a priority going forward.”

Police also confirmed Sunday that a torched vehicle found in Burnaby that resembled a getaway vehicle seen in bystander video from the crime scene was, in fact, related to the shooting.

In the widely circulated video, a man who appears to be holding a gun can be seen running through the Scottsdale Centre parking lot, jumping over a barrier and getting into the vehicle, which flees the scene.

Delta police said they had been in contact with BC Corrections and other Metro Vancouver police agencies about links to other recent shootings, but have not yet linked the killing to the regional gang conflict Investigators are appealing for more information on the victim and a potential motive.

“We’re asking anyone who knew Mr. Randhawa, or who could have information related to why he was targeted in this manner, to please contact police at 604-946-4411, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477,” Leeson said. Source: globalnews.ca

Continued from Page 1

Dr. Supriya Sharma.

Health Canada has authorized those 12 years of age and older to be given the same dose regimen as adults. The authorization was based on the results of Pfizer-BioNTech’s Phase 3 clinical trial involving 2,260 adolescents aged 12 to 15.

Conducted in the United States, the trial found the vaccine to be 100 per cent effective in children aged 12 to 15, up from the 95 per

Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society Launching 2021 Grant Program

Major ICBC premium savings, better care start May 1

Land Owner Transparency Registry opens to public

Targeted shooting along Delta/Surrey border leaves 1 dead

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Opposition blasts Liberals after debate to call Sources say Saudi Arabia considering barring PM’s top aide on Vance cancelled overseas Haj pilgrims for second year: Reuters OTTAWA -- Opposition parties are up in arms after a parliamentary committee meeting in which members were expected to debate calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chief of staff to testify was cancelled without notice.

Members of the Commons defence committee had been preparing to continue debating this morning whether to call Katie Telford to answer questions on the government’s handling of a sexual misconduct allegation against retired general Jonathan Vance, which he denies.

The debate first started on Friday, before Liberal committee members talked out the clock and the meeting was suspended without a resolution. Conservative defence critic James Bezan accused Liberal MP and committee chair Karen McCrimmon of singlehandedly cancelling the meeting to protect Telford and the government as part of a cover-up.

McCrimmon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, meanwhile, says his party will ask the House of Commons to support a motion calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fire Telford over the Vance affair, though NDP defence critic Randall Garrison says his party will not support it.

Garrison says responsibility for how the allegation against Vance was handled ultimately lies with the prime minister and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. Source: ctvnews.ca

Metro Vancouver pop-up COVID hot spot vaccination clinics getting mixed reviews . BY LIZA YUZDA METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vaccination clinics popping up in Metro Vancouver region hot spots, causing long lines, and a lot of joy — as well as some frustration.

Hannah Generoso says her family in the Newton neighbourhood is precisely who the clinic is targeting, but she didn’t hear about it from the province. Instead, they learned about it from a former coworker whose sister-in-law heard about it from a friend.

“I had no idea about it. My family had no idea about it. Literally, you could stand at our street corner, look down the street, and you will see Newton Athletic Park and we had no clue about it,” she said. She says there needs to be more communication with “high-transmission” communities on where these popup clinics will be.“We don’t need wishy-washy answers to questions about … how are you planning where these pop-ups are going. We need straightforward answers,” she said.

She says the province should “go old-school,” if necessary, to get the word out.

“Get out there to the community with flyers in multiple languages. In Punjabi, Tagalong — whatever the languages are dominant in that community — so that people can get the information they need and understand. Also, maybe give more notice.”Pratap Sandhu, 26, who also lives in Newton, was told about the clinic by a sister-in-law. But he was fine with the process.“Myself and my sister quickly headed over … and stood in line for about 3.5 hours and we were fortunate enough to be one of the last ones vaccinated,” he said. “[They told us to] sign up online — it makes the process a lot quicker — you need your Care Card number, and a valid ID,” Sandhu added.

Hearing it was happening again, they urged the more than 50 employees at the family business to get in line for their shots on

Wednesday.“We encouraged our employees to actually take the day off … [We told them] if they would like to get vaccinated, you can have the day to wait in line, get vaccinated, and either come back to work or come back the next day,” he said. ............

Despite mistakes, Dix pleased with high turnout

Dix admitted Wednesday, while some people showing up are not part of the target group, he insists most people showing up were supposed to be there.However, he adds the province could have communicated better. “We acknowledge that.”“Overall, it was successful.”

He says while some people aren’t qualified for those clinics, the overwhelming share of people the province is trying to immunize are getting immunized.Dix is also promising to improve the alert system, so target groups are notified in a timely manner.

Even though mistakes have been made, Dix says he’s pleased turnout has been high as more than 4,000 people were immunized at Tuesday’s clinics as B.C. waits for more vaccine stock to arrive next week.

He insists the best way to ensure you get immunized is to register, so you are at least guaranteed a spot when your age cohort comes up.

Source: citynews1130.com/

Saudi Arabia is considering barring overseas pilgrims from the annual Haj for the second year running as Covid-19 cases rise globally and worries grow about the emergence of new variants, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

Such a move would restrict the pilgrimage to Mecca, a once in a lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, to Saudi nationals and residents of the kingdom who were vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 at least months prior to attending.While discussions about a possible ban have taken place, there has been no final decision on whether to pursue it, they said. Before the pandemic enforced social distancing globally, some 2.5 million pilgrims used to visit the holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina for the week-long Haj, and the lesser, year-round Umrah pilgrimage, which altogether earned the kingdom about $12 billion a year, according to official data.

As part of economic reform plans pursued

by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom was hoping to raise the num-

ber of Umrah and Haj pilgrims to 15 million and 5 million respectively by 2020, and aimed to double the Umrah number again to 30 million by 2030. It aims to earn 50 billion riyals ($13.32 billion) of revenues from the Haj alone by 2030.

Two sources familiar with the matter said authorities have suspended earlier plans to host pilgrims from overseas, and will only allow domestic pilgrims who have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 at least six months before the pilgrimage.

Restrictions will be applied on the age of participants as well, one of the sources said.

Source:dawn.com

Many Yemenis seem reluctant to get the jab on religious grounds, distrust or because of the dangers of war.

In al-Thawra hospital in the disputed Yemeni city of Taiz, a nurse with no face mask or protective gear inoculates the few people who have shown interest in the COVID-19 vaccine.She picks an AstraZeneca vial from a cooler box, warms it with her hands and invokes the name of God before injecting the shot into a man’s left arm.

Yemen has received 360,000 doses from the global COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme, yet many Yemenis seem reluctant to get inoculated on religious grounds, due to distrust of the vaccine, or because of the dangers of war.“We have received 70,000 doses in Taiz and we started the vaccination campaign on

April 21,” Rajeh al-Maliki, head of Yemen’s health ministry in Taiz.“We can fairly say that there is very little interest … we have distributed around 500 shots since we started, it is less than we expected,” Maliki said.

There has been a dramatic spike in infections in Yemen this year, straining a health system already battered by war, economic collapse and a shortfall in aid funding.

Source: aljazeera.com

Crypto mania swept Turkey as investors sought to shield their savings against inflation. Then two exchanges collapsed.

Istanbul, Turkey – Hulya Ozkal thought she was investing wisely when she ploughed her savings into Bitcoin.

“Maybe it wasn’t millions but I saved half a Bitcoin for the future,” the 65-year old pensioner told Al Jazeera. In most circumstances, that bet would be paying off handsomely this year. One Bitcoin was worth just over $29,000 at the open of 2021, according to Coinbase, soaring to a high of nearly $65,000 last month before giving back some of those gains to currently trade above $55,000.

Meanwhile, the Turkish lira has plummeted more than 10 percent in value against the US dollar since the beginning of January.

Ozkal, who ran a beauty salon and other businesses, said her crypto holdings were worth roughly 279,000 lira (around $33,600). But she fears those assets are now lost forever. .Source: aljazeera.com

War and doubts slow COVID vaccination in disputed Yemen city

For the ruined, Turkey’s crypto crackdown comes too late

Coronavirus infections over 155 million worldwide Coronavirus Cases:

Deaths:

Recovered:

133,326,365

Last updated:

May 06, 2021, 07:05 GMT www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/?

155,863,817

3,256,490

Coronavirus Cases:

Deaths:

Recovered:

CANADA Last updated:

Coronavirus Cases:

Deaths:

Recovered:

BC;CANADA Last updated:

1,257,328 132,925

24,450 1,594

1,151,207 124,252

May 06, 2021, 07:05 GMT

May 06, 2021, 07:05 GMT

https://experience.arcgis.com

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‘Get your shot as soon as it’s your turn’: PM seeks to dispel vaccine concerns

By Rachel Aiello Ottawa News Bureau Online Producer

OTTAWA -- Addressing the reactions from frustrated medical professionals who have voiced concerns over an influential national panel of immunization experts’ most recent COVID-19 vaccine advice to Canadians, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to make the federal government’s position clear on Tuesday: every vaccine authorized is safe.“All vaccines in Canada have been approved by Health Canada. Our advice to provinces and territories, and to Canadi-

ans, has not changed,” Trudeau said during his national address. “Get your shot as soon as it’s your turn.” This is in light of The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) being accused of contributing to confusion and doubt about COVID-19 vaccines after doubling down on its position that mRNA vaccines are “preferred” over viral vector doses, and that Canadians should weigh the risks before they decide which one to receive..Right now NACI isn’t even recommending people under the age of 30 receive a viral vector shot, but ultimately that’s a decision for provinces to make as part of their respective vaccine rollouts.

It has also suggested that people who are concerned about the rare risk of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson shots could opt to “wait” until they can receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.Trudeau faced further questions about the ongoing incongruity between what Health Canada’s position on the four COVID-19 vaccines the agency has authorized for use — that they are all safe, effective and can be offered to any adult — and the

constantly moving goalposts of who NACI thinks the shots should be given to. In response, Trudeau said that the federal government’s priority is making sure everyone who wants it, can receive their shot as soon as they are eligible. “It is a good thing that we get to hear from a broad range of medical experts and doctors making recommendations to keep us safe. The bottom line is we need to, all of us, get vaccinated as quickly as possible so we can get back to normal,” he said.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam also weighed in on Tuesday, saying that Canadians should be confident in receiving any Health Canada-cleared vaccine because they are all shown to be effective. However, she said, people can and should still make their own individual decision based on their personal risk calculation. “I think it is hard for people to understand evolving science and evolving data. That’s what’s been so difficult for so many people throughout this pandemic,” she said, adding that NACI offering rolling guidance on the latest evidence on efficacy and risks of potential adverse effects is important to help ensure Canadians can

make informed decisions about vaccination.

The volunteer panel NACI is arms-length from the federal government but reports to the Public Health Agency of Canada. As it has been designed, NACI provides guidance on how new vaccines should be used in Canada. The body has been in existence since 1964, but since the onset of the pandemic, it has been predominately focused on COVID-19 vaccines.

MOST DOSES COMING ARE MRNA

With millions of doses of mRNA vaccines slated to land each week going forward and no solid confirmation of next shipments of AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson, the suggestion that people will be able to receive a viral vector shot before being offered an mRNA vaccine may not play out in reality.

As Procurement Minister Anita Anand highlighted Tuesday, Canada will be receiving up to 36 million doses of mRNA vaccines over the next two months, the majority of which will be Pfizer shots, though the government has gone to pick up the next shipment of Moderna a week early and will be arriving on Wednesday. ...............Source: ctvnews.ca

Minister Mendicino marks Asian Heritage Month Ottawa, May 4, 2021—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement to mark Asian Heritage Month: “May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of Asian Canadians and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive society. The story of Asian immigration to Canada is one of ambition and achievement. This year’s theme—Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve—reminds us of the generations of Asian Canadians who have helped build this country, and their success in the face of adversity and discrimination.

“The first Asian newcomers set foot on these shores in the late 1700s. In the centuries since, generations of immigrants from Asia have made Canada the nation it is today. Today, nearly 20% of Canadians are of Asian descent, and Asian communities are among the fastest growing in Canada. As Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, I was honoured to lead 35 new Canadians in the Oath of Citizenship at a recent citizenship ceremony marking Asian Heritage Month.

“From the arts to sports to politics, Asian Canadians have added many glorious stitches to the fabric of our nation. Yet in spite of this success, the story of Asian immigration has

also been marred by racism and discrimination. It includes shameful episodes like the ‘head tax’ and even an outright ban on Chinese immigration. We’ve come a long way since then, building an open and equitable immigration system that welcomes thousands of newcomers from Asia every year.

“The fight against anti-Asian racism is particularly important at this unique moment.

During the pandemic, we have seen a distressing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, from heinous acts of violence to the everyday racism faced by Asian Canadians on the streets of our cities. More than ever, we must stand with Asian Canadians against all forms of racism, discrimination and hate.

“This Asian Heritage Month and throughout the year, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the rich history of Canada’s Asian communities, build a more inclusive Canada and celebrate all that Asian Canadians have contributed to our country.”

Nato begins withdrawal from Afghanistan

RUSSELS: Nato has started the withdrawal of its mission from Afghanistan following a decision by President Joe Biden to bring US forces home, an alliance official said on Thursday.

“Nato Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal has begun. This will be an orderly, coordinated, and deliberate process,” a Nato official said.

Members of the US-backed alliance agreed this month to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after Biden made the

call to end Washington’s longest war.

The decision — which delayed by several months a deadline agreed by former US leader Donald Trump — came despite fears it could allow the Taliban to regain power in the country.

The Nato official said the safety of the alliance’s troops “will be a top priority every step of the way, and we are taking all necessary measures to keep our personnel from harm”.

“Any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal will be met with a forceful response. We plan to have our withdrawal completed within a few months,” the official said, refusing to give any further details on the timeline.

Biden said the US withdrawal would be completed by Sept 11, the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America that sparked its military involvement in Afghanistan.

Germany’s defence ministry has said it planned to get its 1,300 troops out of the

country by early July.

Nato’s training and support mission, which includes around 2,500 US troops and relies heavily on Washington’s military assets, has personnel from 36 alliance member nations and partner countries.

The US has said it is temporarily deploying extra troops to protect international forces as they withdraw and has prolonged the presence of an aircraft carrier in the region to support the pull-out.

Trump struck a deal with the Taliban last year that was meant to see US and allied troops leave Afghanistan by the start of May provided attacks decreased and peace talks progressed.

Biden decided to call time on the two-decade deployment of troops despite insurgent violence flaring and negotiations between the Taliban and the Kabul government stalling.

The US insists it has achieved its aim of stop-

Even after more than a year of devastating coronavirus surges across the world, the intensity and scale of India’s current crisis stand out, with patients desperate for short supplies of oxygen, pleas for help from overwhelmed hospitals, and images of body bags and funeral pyres.As daily case counts soar far beyond what other countries have reported, experts caution the official Covid-19 numbers from the world’s second most populous country are likely a massive undercount. But why is India’s data considered inaccurate? Is the data any less accurate than what other nations report? And which num-

bers give a good indication of the crisis?A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease receives treatment inside the casualty ward at a hospital in New Delhi, India, May 1, 2021. — Reuters Is India counting every case?

India is not counting every coronavirus case, but no nation can. Around the world, official tallies generally report only confirmed cases, not actual infections. Cases are missed because testing is so haphazard and because some people infected by the coronavirus experience mild or even no symptoms.

The more limited the testing, the more cases

are being missed. The World Health Organisation says countries should be doing 10 to 30 tests per confirmed case.

India is doing about five tests for every confirmed case, according to Our World in Data, an online research site. The US is doing 17 tests per confirmed case. Finland is doing 57 tests per confirmed case.

“There are still lots of people who are not getting tested,” said Dr Prabhat Jha of the University of Toronto. “Entire houses are infected. If one person gets tested in the house and reports they’re positive and everyone else in the house starts having symptoms, it’s

B

ping Afghanistan serving as a “haven for terrorists” after uprooting Al Qaeda networks, and says it risks a never-ending military involvement if it does not pull out.

Top US general Mark Milley said it was not possible to predict Afghanistan’s fate after the withdrawal and warned of a “worst-case” outcome of a government collapse.

But along with its fellow Nato members, Washington insists it remains committed to Afghanistan.

“Nato Allies and partners will continue to stand with Afghanistan, its people, and its institutions in promoting security and upholding the gains of the last 20 years,” the alliance said in a statement last month.

“Withdrawing our troops does not mean ending our relationship with Afghanistan.

Rather, this will be the start of a new chapter.” Source: https://www.dawn.com/

Explainer: Why India’s pandemic data is vastly undercounted

obvious they have Covid, so why get tested?”

Jha estimates, based on modelling from a previous surge in India, that the true infection numbers could be 10 times higher than the official reports. Source: dawn.com

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

H e a l t h / women / y o u t h

COVID-19: B.C. almost out of AstraZeneca vaccine, no more expected ‘in the short term’

By Simon Little Global News If you’re unvaccinated and hoping to get a shot of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in B.C., odds are you’re out of luck — at least for now. “There’s very little AstraZeneca left in the province right now,” provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said at her Thursday briefing.

Huge lines for Surrey COVID-19 vaccination clinics that didn’t happen Huge lines for Surrey COVID-19 vaccination clinics that didn’t happen “We don’t have any indication that we’re going to be receiving more in the short term.

For people who have received it already, we do have guarantees that we will get some of it to be able to provide second doses for eve-

L

By: Asma Shums, ife is constantly throwing unexpected challenges at us — so here’s how to stay positive no matter what.

1. Change Your Perspective

rybody who needs them.”

B.C. has about 10,000 doses of the vaccine left, about five per cent of the total shipped to the province so far, Health Minister Adrian Dix added.

B.C. has been administering the AstraZeneca vaccine through appointments booked at community pharmacies, and, more recently redirected much of its remaining stockpile to clinics in COVID-19 hotspots.

Vancouver couple’s vaccine hunt leads to Whistler Vancouver couple’s vaccine hunt leads to Whistler Henry said the province was working to move what little supply of the vaccine remains from pharmacies in areas with low

uptake to where it is more needed.

It comes as demand for the vaccine rapidly outstrips supply in the Lower Mainland.

Age eligibility for the vaccine was lowered to 40 last week and to 30 this week, prompting massive waitlists at pharmacies.

It also resulted in chaotic scenes at pop-up vaccination clinics organized for virus hotspots, where people queued for hours in hopes of getting immunized.

Canada has signed a deal to obtain up to 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with 2.3 million shipped so far.

It was expecting one million doses from India’s Serum Institute earlier this month, but shipments have been suspended as the South Asian country grapples with its own

and in touch with your feelings. Don’t let fear take over and have you convinced that things won’t work out for the best. Accept the criticism that comes your way, and know that most things in life aren’t personal.

surely make its way back to you.

surge of new cases.

Federal Public Procurement Minister Anita Anand said on April 16 that Canada still expects to receive 4.1 million doses of AstraZeneca from all sources by the end of June.

Source: globalnews.ca

Here’s How To Stay Positive

4. Create A Positive Environment

Create a positive environment for yourself.

Surround yourself with positive people that bring you up, support you, and want only the best for you. Avoid bringing yourself into situations that don’t add anything to your happiness — they are a waste of your precious time.

Being positive starts with changing your perspective on how you see things. If you believe something is negative, then it probably will be (and vice versa). Challenge that negativity by embracing the mindset of a fixer and a doer. If there’s a will, there’s a way! 5. Take It Slow Take things slow, and don’t be so hard on That’s truly how to stay positive. yourself. Learning to stay positive is a pro2. Take A Step Back Take a deep breath, and take a step (or two) cess. Trust that your patience and optimism back. Let go of your negative energy, let go will pay off, and that good things will come of the anger and resentment, and focus on your way when the time is right if you allow improving and finding a positive. There’s al- them to. ways a light at the end of the tunnel, you just 6. Bring Positivity To Others When it comes to how to stay positive, it have to find it. starts by bringing positivity to others! Be 3. Be Mindful To stay positive means being self aware generous with others, be respectful, be openminded, and all of that good energy will

7. A Healthy Body Makes A Healthy Mind

The body-mind connection is absolutely undeniable, and is key when it comes to happiness. In order to bring more positivity into your life, working out on a regular basis, eating a balanced diet, meditating, and getting sufficient amounts of sleep (at least 7 hours) are all great ways to make for a healthy body and that spending time in nature can both and mind. reduce stress and increase creativity. One 8. Practice Being Grateful study conducted in Finland found that urBeing grateful for what we have can help ban dwellers who walked through nature for us see how many amazing things we have a little while daily were less stressed comin our lives, and help us focus on the good. pared to those who walked through the city.

Being stuck on our problems and what we 10. Reduce Materialism & Ideals don’t have will never get us anywhere. Keep a Our modern society puts all kinds of ideas journal or a diary to express your daily grati- into our heads — that we have to be a certude, even for the smallest things. tain way and have certain luxurious, mate9. Enjoy Nature rial things in order to be a worthy person.

Nature is a great way to stay positive and But before social media and television, we bring more happiness into your life. If you’re never needed such things to self-justify. Get feeling down, treating yourself to some quiet rid of these ideals, and focus on the reality, time outdoors is always a good idea. It’s been not what you think you should be. found that we react better in natural spaces, Email info at: asmashums@gmail.com

Eid During the Pandemic

By:Khadija

Nadeem Gr 9

M

u s lims a l l around the world, halfway through Ramadan, are now anticipating the arrival of Eid. A day (or days) of festivities

that arrives at the end of the month of fasting. Muslims pray a special prayer on Eid and celebrate by meeting friends and family and giving and receiving gifts. But this time around, Eid isn’t going to be the same.

We’re all struggling with the effects of this global pandemic and even though we’re receiving our vaccines, precautions are still in place. So how do we celebrate Eid this year in a safe and responsible way? Well when it

comes to praying Eid prayer, if you plan to attend make sure to wear your masks and stay only as long as necessary. When visiting friends and family, visit those in your bubble in person and maybe make phone calls or video chats to everyone else. And of course, when it comes to gifts how could you say no? Wipe down any gifts with disinfectant and you should be good to go! Ramadan has been different this year and no doubt we’ll

be feeling the effects of this pandemic on Eid but we can’t let that get us down. Dress up and keep high spirits, inshallah things will be back to normal before we know it!

and feeling positive about being able to provide better care benefits and support to any British Columbian who is injured in a crash,” said Nathan Acker, operations manager, recovery and benefit services at ICBC. “As someone who comes from a clinical and health-care background, I know how important these changes are and how these benefits will assist our customers in achieving their recovery outcomes, regardless of whether they were responsible for the crash or not.”

To ensure the value and effectiveness of

the Enhanced Accident Benefits, government and ICBC worked closely with a wide range of health-care providers, disability advocates and other stakeholders last year.

That included advice provided by the Injury Recovery Design Panel: a diverse group of disability community representatives, health professionals and others with extensive experience in the field, chaired by Jane Dyson, a former longtime executive director of Disability Alliance BC.

“ICBC has also consulted with people with lived experience who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents and accessed supports under the current system,” Dyson said. “ICBC listened carefully and made important changes to the insurance model because of this feedback. I feel confident Enhanced Care will provide significantly improved benefits and supports to people injured in motor vehicle accidents.”

Enhanced Care will be in effect May 1 at midnight.

Major ICBC premium savings, better care start May 1

As a care-based insurance system, Enhanced Care takes its name from a suite of Enhanced Accident Benefits now set in provincial regulations. Anyone injured in a crash in B.C. starting May 1 – whether they are a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian – will have access to a full spectrum of care, counselling and financial supports related to their needs and those of their dependants, and will continue to choose their own doctor and care team to guide their recovery.

“Our team of recovery specialists is ready

Continued from Page 7

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

Mohammed Iqbal Cheema

On the great occasion of

Founder of Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association

EID UL FITAR

“I am pleased to extend warmest greetings on this occasion to our vibrant community on behalf of my family.”

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

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Ramadan 25, 1442 May 7, 2021

C E N S U S A L E R T F O R lA N G UA G E

The 2021 Census

E

Other language – specify.”

are vital to your community for planning services that support employment, schools, public transportation and hospitals.

The 2021 Census in the context of COVID-19 The Census Program has adapted to the COVID-19 situation to ensure that the 2021 Census of Population is conducted throughout the country in the best possible way, using a safe and secure approach.

Whenever follow-up activities are required, Statistics Canada will be using practices aligned with the strictest health and safety directives from public health authorities. No enumeration activities will take place inside the dwellings of respondents, and all interviews will be physically distanced. In addition, personal safety equipment will be provided to field employees to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public.

Statistics Canada is proud of its ability to rethink and rework all of the key aspects of this country’s largest peacetime activity—while ensuring at all times the safety of Canadians, including our employees.

very five years, Canadians are invited to participate in the census to help paint a portrait of Canada’s diverse population and the places where we live.

The Census of Population provides high-quality information on key socioeconomic trends and analysis that helps Canadians make important decisions that affect our families, our neighbourhoods and our businesses.

The Census of Agriculture is conducted at the same time and collects information about every agricultural operation in Canada.

The next Census of Population and Census of Agriculture will take place in May 2021. The online 2021 Census Census Day is May 11, 2021.

Starting on May 3, 2021, you can complete Census of Population your census questionnaire online. It is an easy, The 2021 Census of Population is Canada’s secure and convenient option that can be 23rd national census. It collects information used anywhere, anytime. No pre-registration on the demographic, social and economic or lengthy download processes are required. situation of people across Canada, as well as In the current context of the COVID-19 panon the dwellings they live in. demic, responding online is the best way to The information you provide ensures that the stay home and stay safe while fulfilling your 2021 Census of Population accurately reflects census obligation and contributing the inCanada’s changing society. Your responses formation needed to ensure health, employ-

By:Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, April 25,

M

ORE than halfway into his fiveyear term, Prime Minister Imran Khan reshuffled his cabinet for the sixth time on April 16. This was the second major reshuffle which changed the portfolios of six ministers. Earlier, a reshuffle had affected some nine portfolios in April 2019 — barely eight months after he had formed the government and inducted a 16-member cabinet of ministers on Aug 20, 2018. Today, only eight ministers from the first cabinet retain the portfolios assigned in 2018. Most of the reshuffles involved just a change in portfolio; only two ministers — Amir Kayani and Dr Hafeez Shaikh — had to leave the cabinet.

Keeping in view the persistent demands of coalition partners and political considerations within the party, there will certainly be new inductions in the cabinet in the near future and the portfolios may once again be reshuffled. At least one special assistant to the prime minister and some other highprofile technocrats have recently been elected on PTI tickets to the Senate, and it is quite likely that these persons may be given berths in the cabinet with the formal designation of minister.

Reshuffling in cabinets is not unusual in democracies, especially in a parliamentary form of government where the prime minister is all the time under pressure to keep

legislators from his party and among his allies in good humour. The task becomes all the more onerous when the parliamentary majority is thin as is the case at present in Pakistan.

The frequent reshuffling of ministers is a manifestation of a deeper problem.

This act of doling out cabinet positions out of political considerations leads to the strange phenomenon of ‘two cabinets’. One cabinet consists of ministers and ministers of state, all of whom are elected but most of them having very little knowledge or competence to run the ministries they are supposed to manage.

The ‘second cabinet’ consists of unelected technocrats with hardly any affiliation to the party and they are given the designation of either advisers or special assistants to the prime minister. Many of these advisers or special assistants are publicly notified as holding the status of a minister or minister of state. However, despite such notifications, the Constitution and the Rules of Business do not allow the exercise of executive authority by these unelected advisers and special assistants. This technical ‘difficulty’ had led to the appointment of an unelected Hafeez Shaikh as finance minister for six months before he could seek election.

The same ‘difficulty’ has led to the induction of Shaukat Tarin, another unelected technocrat, as the new finance minister. All these

Urdu for Pakistanis origin

ment and other services are provided efficiently in your area.

This figure is a screenshot of question 10 from version 1 of the 2019 Census Test

3.3.2.4 Mother tongue

Chart 2 shows the total number of people with a minority official language, reported (paper questionnaire).Source/census.gc.ca Question 10: What is the language that alone or with one or more languages, as their mother tongue, based on the three versions

this person first learned at home in childhood and still understands?

Please report two languages or more only if those languages were learned at the same time at home before the person started school.

If the person no longer understands the first language learned, indicate the second language learned.

There are two radio buttons where the respondent can select “English” or “French”.

There is an edit field under the radio buttons that reads, “Other language – specify.” b) Version 2 (two-part question): mother tongue is determined by combining the responses to both parts.

The Canadian Census is to be completed by May 11, 2021.

Please consider putting Urdu as your Mother tongue instead of Punjabi to have the Pakistani Canadian diaspora recognized and have governments allocate resources to Pakistani Canadians. Listing Punjabi as a language will be counted as Gurmukhi Punjabi which is spoken and written in India.

Cabinet or a deck of cards? efforts to go around the rules are meant to conform to at least the letter of the law if not spirit till the time the matter is again challenged before a superior court which then stops the government from using advisers and special assistants as de facto ministers.

Granted that the prime minister has the privilege to induct, fire or change the portfolio of any minister, some serious questions arise after these repeated and frequent reshufflings. For example, what useful purpose do these reshufflings serve? If it is the performance of a minister which leads to his or her transfer to another ministry, it hardly makes any sense. Bad performance should lead to showing the door to the minister, not a transfer to another ministry.

We understand and it is commendable that the prime minister has devised a system of performance evaluation of ministers in which targets are set for them after securing their agreement and their performance is evaluated each quarter. If a minister fails to achieve a majority of the targets in one ministry, how will he do better in another ministry? Moving ministers around adversely affects the work of ministries also because frequent transfers negatively impact the continuity of policies and projects.

Apparently, the shuffling of ministers is considered a useful tool for creating a public impression that the chief executive is vigilant, dynamic and in control. There should be no need to employ such a tool if there are solid achievements to showcase.

The frequent reshuffling of ministers and the creation of ‘two cabinets’ are a manifestation of a deeper problem. Political parties generally lack competent and knowledgeable elected representatives who are groomed for governance. Our elected legislators may be very good at marketing themselves in their

constituencies through their hard work and maintaining an excellent constituency relationship. They may also manage their relationship with the party leadership very well which pays dividend when the party gives them a ticket to contest elections; the strength of the support base of the party in a constituency is usually the difference between winning and losing an election.

Where many elected legislators fail is in the knowledge and experience of governance as well as training. Despite their individual success in elections and the success of their party, they are unable to add value to the ability of the party to govern the country or province.

Preparing for governing the country, a province, district or city is where the political parties of Pakistan have generally failed.

There is absolutely no system within the parties to train their members, officers or legislators let alone have in place arrangements to develop the capacity of legislators for a potential role in running a ministry.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn in a recent conversation with a former member of the Indonesian election commission that political parties in Indonesia are obliged by law to spend 60 per cent of their income on the ‘political education’ of their members, office-bearers and legislators. Political education is meant to prepare the politicians for roles as legislators or ministers. Pakistani political parties, in general, make no such effort to train their legislators and potential ministers. A shadow cabinet can create a very useful system for potential ministers to learn about ministries and make a transition to government when the time comes.

The writer is president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency.

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Wa bissawmi ghadann nawaitu min shahri ramadan

Allah humma inni laka samtu wa bika amantu wa alaika tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizkika aftarto

Timetable Source BCMA & Fiji Islamic Centre Surrey, Canada & Sahur & Iftr Time Differences Maghrib Fiji April Fajr / Ramadan Fiji Days / May Sahur Centre Sunrise Zawaal Dhur Asr / Iftar Centre Isha Date 25 26 27 28 29 30*

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed

7 8 9 10 11 12

3:18 3:15 3:13 3:10 3:07 3:04

3:46 3:43 3:41 3:38 3:36 3:34

5:39 5:38 5:36 5:35 5:33 5:32

1:11 1:11 1:11 1:11 1:11 1:11

1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18 1:18

6:19 6:20 6:21 6:22 6:23 6:23

8:41 8:43 8:44 8:46 8:47 8:48

8:41 8:42 8:43 8:45 8:47 8:48

10:27 10:29 10:31 10:32 10:34 10:36

TIMETABLE, 2021- 1442 AH *1 Shawwal 1442 AH EID UL FITR 2021 May Allah bless everyone with peace and happiness in this Ramadan

Please follow your Masjid /Centre or Musalah Ramadan Timetable

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Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anna’ “

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Coronavirus Cases:

15

845,833

Deaths:

18,537

Recovered:

743,124

Pakistan Last updated:

May 06, 2021, 07:05 GMT