Miracle 547-June 18, 2021

Volume 21 Issue 547 -Zul Qa ‘dah 7, 1442 H, June 18, 2021 $1

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05 Islamophobia as a form

09 Surrey BC Candlelight

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of racism.

How to spend more time with your family?

Experts say second shot of Moderna is ‘as good

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Vigil for the victims Step 2 of restart plan to begin on June 15th The Vancouver Heritage Month Society

‘There are no holy cows, take action Nato leaders declare China a global secu Elections Canada says it’s ready for a

‘Taken too soon’: Funeral service held for London, Ont. family killed in vehicle attack

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ORONTO -- Hundreds gathered in London, Ont. on Saturday afternoon at the public funeral for four members of a Pakistani-Canadian family who were killed in an attack that police have called a hate crime. The public was invited to join in celebrating the lives of Talat Afzaal, 74, her son Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, and their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah Salman.The four family members died last Sunday while out for a walk after they were hit by a truck in what police say was a premeditated attack because they were Muslim. The couple’s nine-year-old son, Fayez, was the only survivor and remains in hospital as he recovers from injuries sustained in the attack.

The funeral began with a recitation from the Qur’an by Imam Mohamed Fouad from Quebec City, which was translated into English by Munir El-Kassem, the director of religious affairs at the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario.Pakistan’s ambassador to Canada, Raza Bashir Tarar, spoke briefly at the funeral saying, “I stand here before you to reiterate the condolences from my Prime Minister Imran Khan, from my foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, from the entire nation and country of Pakistan which stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this hour of grief; in this time when our hearts are bleeding because of the atrocity that has To be Continued at page 7

The spread of hate , intolerance, racism and Islamophobia in our country.

London attack suspect PM Imran urges world leaders charged with terrorism to act against Islamophobia

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errorism charges have been filed against the suspect accused of killing four members of a London, Ont., family in what police have called a targeted attack on Muslims.Nathaniel Veltman was already facing first-degree and attempted murder charges. New charges alleging the attack was an act of terrorism were unveiled Monday.

Federal prosecutor Sarah Shaikh told the court the deputy director of public prosecutions had approved charges last Wednesday alleging the killings constituted terrorist activity.

The attempted murder is also being prosecuted as terrorism, she said.The development came after the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team was brought in to assist with the investigation into the June 6 vehicle ramming.

National security law expert Prof. Leah West said the additional charges of “murder-terrorist activity” were appropriate given what is known of the attack.“That makes the most sense,” said West, an assistant professor at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.Saboor Khan said the family hoped the new charges would help address Islamophobia and demonTo be Continued at page 6

SLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has called upon the world leaders to crack down on online hate speech and Islamophobia following the deadly truck attack in London, Ontario, Canada.

“Everyone is shocked in [Pakistan], because we saw the family picture, and so a family being targeted like that has had a deep impact in Pakistan,” Prime Minister Khan told the CBC’s chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton in an interview posted on its website on Saturday.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is the main news outlet in Canada.

The prime minister said the recent pattern of domestic terror in Western countries demanded a heightened focus on online radicalisation.

To a question about online radicalisation, he said: “I think there should be a very strict action against this. When there are these hate websites which create hatred amongst human beings, there should

be an international action against them.”

Says recent pattern of domestic terror in Western countries demands heightened focus on online radicalisation Four members of a Pakistani Canadian family were mercilessly mauled down and a nine-year-old boy suffered serious injuries when they were run over by a pickup truck in London, Ontario, last Sunday evening. Canadian police say the family was targeted because they were Muslim.

The family had moved to Canada from Pakistan in 2007.After the tragic incident, To be Continued at page 3

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PAKISTAN

Army chief emphasises ‘high standards of ‘There are no holy cows, take action against whoever breaks the law,’ PM Imran tells police operational preparedness’ along LoC, Afghan border

Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed upon the police on Wednesday to deal with powerful people with an “iron fist” and empathise with the poor, as according to him, “jailing small fish isn’t law enforcement”.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Eagle Squad Unit of the police in Islamabad, the premier told the gathering: “There are no holy cows… even if Imran Khan flouts the law, arrest him. And if you fail to do so, I will take action against you.” A day earlier, the Interior Ministry had said in a statement that the new Eagle Squad Unit of Islamabad Police comprised 100 motorcycles and was established with the cost of Rs300million. The squad will patrol in the capital on the state of the art two-wheelers.

In his inauguration speech today, the premier insisted upon the police that taking action against illegal practices lead to supremacy of the law. “Whenever powerful people break the law; you should deal them with full force,” he told the cops.

The prime minister said that the police had the responsibility of law enforcement, “and in countries where police perform well, it leads to peace and prosperity.”

The premier lamented that Pakistan couldn’t progress for the past years because of dual laws — one for the poor and one for the rich.

He also called upon the police department to adopt latest technology to upgrade their workflows and make the most of it. He said a country generated more revenue when its law and order was stable and the investment milieu remained safe in its wake.

“The capital is home to foreign embassies and missions, and when the environment is safe and secure, it has a big effect on visitors, and this leads to prosperity in the country,” he said..

Source: dawn.com

Qureshi apprises UN of India’s impending move for ‘further division’ of IOK Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has conveyed Pakistan’s “grave concern” to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on reports indicating that India might impose “further illegal and unilateral measures” in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK), including “division, bifurcation and additional demographic changes in the occupied territory,” according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday.

Qureshi, in a letter addressed to the UNSC president and the United Nations secretary general, drew the attention of the United Nations to India’s continued military siege of IOK, “which has continued for over 22 months, to suppress the Kashmiris’ legitimate demands through a massive campaign of repression including gross and systematic violations of human rights.”

The foreign minister also expressed concern

over India’s design to undermine the exercise of the inalienable right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people by changing the demographic structure of IOK through issuance of fake domicile certificates He underlined that “all the unilateral and illegal actions taken by India in occupied Kashmir since 1951, including the measures initiated on and after August 5, 2019, and any additional unilateral changes ...Source: dawn.com

Surrounded by sergeants, opposition leader Shehbaz tries but fails to deliver budget speech again National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser adjourned on Wednesday the assembly minutes after it started as treasury members continued their protest for the third consecutive day to disrupt Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif ’s budget speech.

Surrounded by sergeants, Shehbaz tried to deliver his speech amid sloganeering from the treasury benches but was cut short.

Meanwhile, Qaiser repeatedly called on the parliamentarians to be seated, but eventually adjourned the session after an object was thrown at the speaker’s dais.

He ordered for whoever had thrown the object to be escorted from the House and said he would take action against the individual responsible.“I will not conduct this House (NA) until both the government and the opposition [settle their matters],” said Qaiser before walking out, adjourning the session till tomorrow. Speaking about the incident, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar claimed in a tweet that the opposition had “attacked” within minutes of the session’s start.

He added that PTI lawmaker Muhammad Akram Cheema was also injured by a bottle thrown at him.“Worried by the economic

improvement and popular budget, the opposition wants to run away from discussion on the budget in the House by engaging in confrontation.”

‘Saddened by your helplessness’ Shehbaz, during his speech, condemned yesterday’s incident and said it was Qaiser’s duty to maintain the sanctity of the House and run it in accordance with the law.

“I want to inform that it was the decision of our party and the opposition that if the opposition’s speeches were peacefully listened to then we would reciprocate and listen to the leader of the House’s speech,” he said, adding that Qaiser had failed to keep the treasury members in check over the last two days.“I am saddened by your helplessness,” he said, alleging that the behaviour of treasury members had been sanctioned by Prime Minister Imran Khan himself.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has stressed upon the army to maintain high standards of operational preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC) and Pak-Afghan border in the wake of the “evolving geo-strategic milieu”.

He made these remarks during the two-day 78th Formation Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday.

The conference, which is held twice a year, was presided over by Gen Bajwa with corps commanders, principal staff officers and all formation commanders of the Pakistan Army in attendance. Participants of the conference were briefed on the prevalent geostrategic environment, challenges to national security and “own strategy in response to the evolving threat”, the ISPR said.

The forum was also briefed on the “cutting-edge technologies being harnessed to modernise Army’s outfits besides upgradation of logistics infrastructure corresponding to emerging operational imperatives”, it added.

The army chief expressed satisfaction on the progress of the stabilisation operations underway across Pakistan following the success of operation Raddul Fasaad.

The conference, according to the ISPR statement, paid rich tribute to the nation particularly the people of tribal areas for their sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

It said the commanders also reviewed progress on the transition and uplift of the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and socioeconomic development in Balochistan “as a dividend of hard-earned peace and stability”.

Reviewing the prevailing situation on the east-

ern border and latest developments in India-occupied Kashmir, the forum expressed complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their struggle for the right to self-determination as enshrined in UNSC resolutions.

During the conference, the army’s top brass was also apprised of Pakistan’s “meaningful support to [the] Afghan peace process” and stringent measures being taken for enhancing border security. The ISPR statement said: “The army chief appreciated [the] high standard of training displayed by formations of the army during various exercises besides excellent performance of officers and troops participating in international training events and competitions.”

“The COAS commended the formations of the army for their constant focus on training and high state of morale which augments their operational readiness,” the statement added.

Gen Bajwa also appreciated the commanders for their support to the national response for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, locust invasion and eradication of polio. “Pakistan Army shall continue defending and serving the nation in every possible way,” the army chief said.

Source: dawn.com

PM Imran urges world leaders to act against Islamophobia Continued from page 1

the prime minister took to Twitter to express his feelings. “Saddened to learn of the killing of a Muslim Pakistani-origin Canadian family in London, Ontario.

This condemnable act of terrorism revealed the growing Islamophobia in Western countries,” he said, adding that Islamophobia needed to be countered holistically by the international community.

Prime Minister Khan told CBC that he had raised the issue with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, describing him as a leader who understood the importance of fighting online hate and Islamophobia.

He urged other leaders to also make such commitment. “The world leaders, whenever they decide upon taking action, this will be dealt with,” he said.

He said he “mostly agrees” with Mr Trudeau and his position on extremism, but also expressed concern over some Canadian laws that he believed were contributing to Islamophobia.

Mr Khan described Quebec’s Bill 21 which bans public servants, including teachers, from wearing religious symbols at work, as a form of “secular extremism” that had led to intolerance against Muslims.

“You want humans to basically be free to express the way they want to be, as long as it doesn’t cause pain and hurt to other human beings,” he emphasised.

Earlier in his address at the United Nations General Assembly last year, Mr Khan had cautioned against the rising tide of Islamophobia in the world and called upon the UN to play its part in combatting religious hatred. In his virtual address, the prime minister had regretted that at a time when

the global community should have come together to combat novel coronavirus, it had instead stoked racism and religious hatred. “Unfortunately, it has instead fanned nationalism, increased global tensions and given rise to racial and religious hatred and violence against vulnerable minorities in several places.

Islamophobia was rising in several countries, he had warned, as Muslims were being “targeted with impunity”, mosques were being desecrated and Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was being disrespected “in the name of freedom of speech”.

He had stressed that willful provocations and incitement to hate and violence must be universally outlawed, and urged the UNGA to “declare an international day to combat Islamophobia”.

Yumna Afzaal, 15, Madiha Salman, 44, Talat Afzaal, 74, and Salman Afzaal, 46, were out for an evening walk when they were run over by the truck driven by 20-year-old Nathaniel Veltman who, police said, was motivated by anti-Muslim hate.

Veltman had participated in online activity that promoted extremism or violence.

The perpetrators of other recent mass killings such as the 2017 gun attack at a Quebec City mosque and the 2018 Yonge Street van attack in Toronto had taken part in online activities that are believed by investigators to have contributed to their radicalisation.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau had pledged to crack down on online hate speech when he introduced a new digital charter in 2019, though critics say Ottawa had been slow to implement changes that could stop online radicalisation. Source: dawn.com

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CENES of Pakistani labourers demonstrating outside a government office in Multan demanding to be inoculated with AstraZeneca, one of the approved vaccines for travel purposes to Saudi Arabia, shows how proposed travel-specific vaccine passports can furnish entry tickets to the West and other rich countries. Such a move can have a disproportionate impact on travellers from the Global South where, alongside poor rates of vaccination, largely nonWestern vaccines (Chinese and Russian), seen as travelunworthy, are being administered.

This spotlights the serious issue surrounding the use and abuse of vaccine passports to bar people from travelling to the West for the simple reason that they have not been vaccinated with Western vaccines considered travel-worthy and currently not available in the Global South. Yet vaccine passports for travel purposes are one thing; vaccine-immunity passport for accessing reopened social and commercial space in the Western hemisphere another. Both, though often bearing the same name, have been assigned different purposes locally and internationally.

Ever since Covid-19 struck, discussion has been underway on how to ensure that public, social and business spaces are kept free of in-

O pinion

Vaccine Passport

fected individuals. The idea mooted since early this year has been that of immunity certificates — sometimes called vaccine passport — containing details of a Covid-free, Covid-negative test or recent vaccination. This immunity certificate allows you to enter restaurants and other spaces.

Covid-immunity certificates can take the shape of either a digital app or paper-based document issued by the relevant department. New York has been trying out a version of the immunity certificate called Excelsior Pass, which lets vaccinated people attend music concerts and other social events. The UK first floated the idea of immunity passport as a means of getting entry into public spaces in a rushed bid to restart the economy. However, the proposal has been shot down by MPs for its civil liberties implications.

Entry restrictions are being further tightened.

Other use of vaccine passport is for travel purposes.

The final shape of the vaccine passport is far from settled.

However, there is speculation that it is likely to contain a combination of vaccination status and negative Covid test status. While these details are being hashed out, vaccine passports are already being rolled out by different countries as trial balloons. Further, concerns

Canadian government has done an extremely poor job of tackling hatred and Islamophobia in Canada.

By: Mahmood Awan

As a proud Canadian who immigrated to Canada in 1970 with my family, I am mourning the deaths of the Afzaal family of London, Ontario. The five members of this family were mowed down on June 6th, 2021, at the hands of a terrorist who’s sole purpose was to kill them due to their Islamic faith.

Four members of this family were killed while the youngest is recovering in hospital.

This terrorist attack is yet another sign to all Canadians that deeply rooted hate and bigotry against Muslims continues and, in fact, thrives in certain groups and communities. Muslims in Canada and around the world feel devastated and more isolated and misunderstood as we continue to face religious persecution. Globally, the image of Canada is one of tolerance, peace and acceptance of immigrants which has now been shaken to the core.

Where do we go from here and what can be done to stop the spread

of hate and intolerance?

The federal, provincial, municipal governments and community organizations need to work hard to root out individuals, organizations and websites that support and spread hatred and Islamophobia.

Sadly, the Canadian government has done an extremely poor job of tackling hatred and Islamophobia in Canada. As hate crimes against Muslims continue to rise, stronger laws, government actions and harsher penalties must be put in place for people who commit these crimes against Muslims and people of other faiths.

It is completely fair to say that Conservative and Bloc MPs especially are accountable and responsible in part, because of their opposition to a federal non-binding motion condemning Islamophobia in 2017. These same members who are now conveyingtheir condolences should have taken a stand against Islamophobia years ago.

Prime Minister Trudeau is not innocent in this matter either.

centring on vaccine passports’ disproportionate effects are being debated, too.

Covid-19 has put an end to foreign travel as we know it.

In recent months, restricted travel has been allowed but mostly for returning citizens or residents trapped abroad.

Another wave further tightened entry requirements with many countries such as Pakistan finding itself on a red list introduced by the UK. Being on the red list means that returning citizens and residents are required to spend time in self-financed and considerably policed hotel quarantine.

Pakistan raised a hue and cry over India’s exclusion from the red list while Kenya accused the UK government of displaying discrimination in parachuting Kenya onto the list. From the public health viewpoint, though, the vaccine passport represents a raft of additional measures to insulate local populations from the ingress of the mutated virus such as the Indian variant found to be more lethal and transmissible than the original virus.

The EU is also opening up to foreign tourists provided they present the vaccine passport. It has rolled out its own green digital passport to facilitate freedom of movement within the EU. Britain’s NHS has also launched a digital application meant to serve as a vaccine passport.

However, objections are be-

His tiptoeing around Bill 21 in Quebec for political gain lays clear that crimes of hate against Muslims in Canada are not a priority.

Hollow and meaningless rhetoric by our highest officials not only open, but provide the space for certain individuals and groups to spew their hate.

We demand truly active engagement and partnership with the Muslim community.

Supporting motions, enacting policies, and strengthening our communities are the only ways we can fight against this insidious hate.

Canada is impacted by every act of racism and extremism regardless of which race or religion is being targeted. Muslims don’t need lip service and photo ops from our elected officials which we have been subjected to for years.

The Prime Minister’s speech regarding the deaths of the Afzaal family made no mention of any future change in policy, funding and national dialogue to combat this issue. The Canadian education system also requires changes so that educators and students learn the facts about Islam and Muslims.

Most don’t know that many inventions and discoveries made by Muslims are ingrained in everyday

ing aired, too. They cover a spectrum of personal data and privacy concerns, the potential of vaccine passport to accentuate existing THE vaccine and health inequalities and its perceived use Miracle Media Group Inc.© to restrict travel, access to Contact Info knowledge and movement of Mailing and Office Address people from the South to the 9160-136A Street Surrey BC. West.

Unless vaccine equality is V3V 7Z8 Canada established and all WHO- Ph: 604-690-0400 approved vaccines find fa- Fax: 604-582-7809 vour with the West, the introduction and roll-out of Founder : Nusrat Hussain travel-specific vaccine pass- Editor in-Chief ports will continue to sow M. Naseer Pirzada doubts about the intentions Sub-Editors: of Western countries, further Misbah & Sabeeh reinforced by vaccine hoarding and vaccine nationalism. Advertising That is why the roll-out of Ph: 604-690-0400 the vaccine passport, a sensi- Emails: ble idea in the given circum- info@telus.net stances, must be harmonised miraclenews@telus.net with the perspective of the Global South under the aegis Editorial Board : of WHO to ensure that safe editor@telus.net and equitable travel remains Mr.Shams Jillani, the overarching aim. Han- Mr Aslam Hayat, dled insensitively with the M.A.L. Naumani, already existing vaccine inequality between the jab-have Graphic Design: and the jab-have nots, the Design Teams vaccine passport can have a Copyright ® 2001 serious a political and repu- Miracle Media Group Inc. tational fallout for Western All Rights Reserved countries advocating it.

MIR A LE

Printed in Canada

The writer, a public health consultant, is the author of Patient Pakistan: Reforming and Fixing Healthcare for All in the 21st Century.

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Contents

modern society. Students from a young age who learn about Islamic history and valuable contributions will be kinder, respectful and accepting adults.

There is still much work that is required to rid our communities and country of Islamophobia, and all Canadians have a responsibility to stand up to racism and acts of hate toward any member, community or faith group. As Muslims, we are a strong community and we will always stand together. We feel unsafe right now, but this is our country and we we will not let hate scare or intimidate us. Patriotic Canadian Muslims too have a right to a Canada that is safe and peaceful.

As a British Colombian, I ask all elected officials including Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier John Horgan, to take concrete steps in combating Islamophobia and racism in all forms.

Sincerely, Mawan20@hotmail.com Richmond, BC Ltrs Cont at Pg 7

Pak. News Opinion Faith News, Cand Local s Cand News Int.News Middle Est Politics Fiji /Somila Health Women Youth Pakistan Urdu

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Retraction: In Miracle’s June 18, 2021 edition at page 5, an article titled “Cousin Marriage: Revisiting a Misguided Practice”, originally published in Aljumuah magazine, was reprinted. A reference to ProphetMuhammad SAW was made in this article that was deemed disrespectful by our readers, in particular, some learned scholars. The love and respect of prophet Muhammad SAW is of utmost importance to us and we seek Allah SWT’s forgiveness for this unintentional oversight. We have removed the article from our website, e-paper, Facebook, Twitter and sincerely apologize for the hurt this may have caused to our Muslim brothers and sisters. However, we released this statement immediately to accept and correct our error. InnAllaha Ghafoor ur Raheem – Indeed Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

A Working Definition of Islamophobia

By:Imran Awan and Irene Zempi – assign them elsewhere. From this premise,

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ate crime is the umbrella concept used in its broadest sense to describe incidents motivated by hate, hostility or prejudice towards an individual’s identity. Definitions of ‘hate crime’ vary from one country to another. In England and Wales, the central point of reference is the operational definition offered by the College of Policing (2014), which earmarks hate crime as offences that are motivated by hostility or prejudice on particular grounds – race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender status and disability. From this perspective, Islamophobic hate crime is defined as any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated wholly or partly by a hostility or prejudice based upon a person’s religion or perceived religion that is, their Muslim religion.

However, this definition fails to capture the specificities of Islamophobic, anti-Muslim hostility, bias and prejudice.

In 1997, the publication of the Runnymede Trust report entitled Islamophobia: A Challenge for Us All was the first report to raise awareness about the problem of Islamophobia in the UK. It defined Islamophobia as ‘the shorthand way of referring to dread or hatred of Islam – and, therefore, to fear or dislike all or most Muslims’ (Runnymede Trust, 1997: 1). Building upon this definition, and the new definition which the Runnymede Trust have adopted, we argue that the British Government and the United Nations should adopt our workingdefinition of Islamophobia, which is defined as follows: “A fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims or non-Muslim individuals that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and nonMuslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structuraland cultural racism which targets the symbols and markers of a being a Muslim.”

The significance of this definition is twobetween institutional levels of Islamophobia and manifestations of such attitudes, triggered by the visibility of the victim’s (perceived) Muslim identity.

Secondly, this approach also interprets Islamophobia as a ‘new’ form of racism, whereby Islamic religion, tradition and culture are seen as a ‘threat’ to the British/ Western values.

Accordingly, this conceptual framework indicates that victimisation can be ‘ideological’ and institutional (e.g pertaining to ideas and concepts that victimise individuals or groups) or it can have material consequences for those who are victimised (for example through verbal and physical abuse). Within this framework, Islamophobia can be interpreted through the lens of cultural racism whereby Islamic religion, tradition and culture are seen as a ‘threat’ to ‘British values’ and ‘national identity’, whilst ‘visible’ Muslims are viewed as ‘culturally dangerous’ and threatening the ‘British/Western way of life’. The notion of cultural racism is largely rooted in frames of inclusion and exclusion, specifying who may legitimately belong to a particular national, or other community whilst,at the same time, determining what that community’s norms are and thereby justifying the exclusion of those whose religion or culture

there is such a strong attachment to ‘our’ way of life that creates boundaries between ‘them’ and ‘us’ founded upon difference rather than inferiority.

In light of popular debates about British values and national identity, immigration and community cohesion, colour racism has ceased to be acceptable; nevertheless, a cultural racism which emphasises the ‘Other’, alien values of Muslims has increased.

In this context, cultural difference is understood as ‘cultural deviance’ and equated with the notion of cultural threat.

Law (2010) observes that racism takes many forms and links this reality to contemporary perceptions of Western superiority and to this end, legitimised violence towards Muslims. This new form of racism can be interpreted as racism of ‘reaction’, based on the perceived ‘threat’ to traditional social and cultural identities. This form of racism can also be understood as a racism of ‘surveillance’ on the premise that cultural difference slides into the demonisation and stigmatisation of ‘Other’ cultures in the interests of protecting‘us’ (the non-Muslim Self) from ‘them’.

This line of argument suggests that the key element of contemporary racism is the attribution of negative cultural characteristics to ‘Other’ minority groups.

In this context, Islam and Muslims find themselves under siege. Muslim men have emerged as the new ‘folk devils’ of popular and media imagination, being portrayed as the embodiment of extremism and terrorism, whilst Muslim women have emerged as a sign of gender subjugation in Islam, being perceived as resisting integration by wearing a headscarf or face veil. Such stereotypes provide fertile ground for expressions of Islamophobia in the public sphere.

Following this line of argument, Islamophobia manifests itself as an expression of anti-Islamic, anti-Muslim hostility towards individuals identified as Muslims on the basis of their ‘visible’ Islamic identity. Expressions of Islamophobia include verbal abuse and harassment, threats and intimidation, physical assault and violence (including sexual violence), property damage, graffiti, offensive mail and literature, and offensive online and internet abuse.

Source: ohchr.org

Islamophobia as a form of racism

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street phenomenon.

Whereas ten years ago perpetrators might have focused on black and Asian people as potential targets now their sole focus for attack are Muslims. In light of the recent racist attacks, experiences of Islamophobic victimisation feels like ‘history repeating itself ’.

In our research, converts to Islam have discussed the sharp contrast in people’s behaviour towards them after they wore the veil.

On one level, when a veiled Muslim woman is targeted the offender will not be aware of the ethnic identity of the victim; however, being white indicates that this person is likely to be a convert to Islam. From this perspective, white veiled Muslim women are routinely perceived as British converts and thus they are targeted for their decision to convert to Islam. In the eyes of their abusers, converts have supposedly betrayed the British values and the British way of life, as the following comments indicate.

For the black and Asian Muslim participants in our research, this notion of ‘taken-forgrantedness’ of everyday harassment and abuse was relevant to past experiences of racist attacks. Some participants had experienced racism (prior to wearing the veil) within the context of similar incidents of verbal and physical abuse on the basis of their skin colour rather than their religion. For these participants, any one incident of Islamophobic victimisation added to the experiences of racism that their parents or they themselves had suffered whilst growing up in this country. Within this framework, the correspondence of the individual and the collective experience renders Islamophobic victimisation normative.

It happened to their parents and now it happens to them, and therefore it is a ‘normal’ aspect of their lives (Perry and Alvi, 2012).

It is important to recognise that racism can occur in situations where neither the reality nor concept of race actually exists.

As Meer et al. (2010) point out, understandings of racism should not focus exclusively on race and thus overlooking religion and culture. According to this line of argument, conceptualising racism exclusively as a form of ‘biological determinism’ ignores

the ways in which cultural racism draws upon other markers of ‘difference’ to identify minority groups and individuals that do not conform with ‘mainstream’ society.

Modood (1997: 165) states that: Cultural racism is likely to be particularly aggressive against those minority communities that want to maintain – and not just defensively– some of the basic elements of their culture or religion; if, far from denying their difference (beyond the colour of their skin), they want to assert this difference in public, and demand that they be respected just as they are.

Taking a similar position, Law (2010) highlights the complex chameleon-like character of racism, which changes in terms of form and content across different times and contexts. Law (2010) observes that racism takes many forms and links this reality to contemporary perceptions of Western superiority and to this end, legitimised violence towards Muslims. It can also be understood as racism of ‘surveillance’ premised on the notion that cultural difference slides into the demonisation and stigmatisation of ‘Other’ cultures in the interests of ‘protecting’ the European people, which is a different entity to the European population as a whole (Law, 2010).

This line of argument suggests that the key element of contemporary racism is the attribution of negative cultural characteristics to ‘Other’ minority groups. In light of popular debates about national identity, immigration and community cohesion, colour racism has ceased to be acceptable; nevertheless, a cultural racism which emphasises the ‘Other’, alien values of Muslims has increased(Zebiri, 2008). In this context, cultural difference is understood as ‘cultural deviance’ and equated with the notion of cultural threat. Parekh (2000: 60)observes that contemporary anti-Muslim racism is ‘one of the most serious forms of cultural hostility in modern Europe’. Similarly, Modood (1997) identifies that Islamophobia is at the heart of contemporary British and European cultural racism. In this context, Islam is routinely portrayed as an external ‘threat’ to distinctly European norms and values. For advocates of the ‘clash of civilisations’ thesis, there is a cultural war between Islam and the West. In theBritish context, Islam and Muslims have increasingly been seen to be ‘culturally dangerous’ and threatening the ‘British way of life’. Whilst recognising that Muslim minorities differ in the context of European countries – predominantly Algerian in France, Turkish in Germany and Austria, Pakistani in the UK – it isincreasingly Islamic religion, tradition and culture that have been seen as a ‘threat’ to the Western ideals of democracy, freedom of speech and genderequality.

Source: ohchr.org

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver

t is important to draw out the differences between different groups. In this June 18-July 2, 2021, Zul Qa’dah 7-21,1442 H respect, a more revealing picture Shafi / Hanfi Isl. Dt. Day Date Fajar Sunr Dhur ZawalAsarDhuhr Asar Maghrib Isha emerges in relation to experiences of victimisation. Prior to 9/11 it could be 7 Fri argued that the status as visibly practising 8 Sat Muslims did not raise the risk of abuse 9 Sun or violence. However, following trigger 10 Mon events such as Brexit, victims of racist attacks – often described by perpetrators as 11 Tue ‘Paki-bashing’ – in the 1980s and victims of 12 Wed 13 Thus Islamophobia post 9/11.

Islamophobic victimisation was under- 14 Fri stood as a ‘new’ form of racism on the 15 Sat basis that there was a shift from race to re- 16 Sun ligion. While the ‘old’ racism was based on 17 Mon an explicit belief on biological superiority, 18 Tue the ‘new’ racism is based on notions of 19 Wed religious and cultural superiority.

Lambert and Githens-Mazer (2011) point 20 Thus out that ‘Paki-bashing’ has been replaced 21 Fri by ‘Muslim-bashing’ as a new dangerous For such Prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times: Quran ,n 4:103 Source: BCMA

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‘Pure business’ at Biden-Putin summit: No hugs, no brickbats

GENEVA -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their summit on Wednesday with an agreement to return their nations’ ambassadors to their posts in Washington and Moscow and a plan to begin work toward replacing the last remaining treaty between the two countries limiting nuclear weapons. But the two leaders offered starkly different views on difficult simmering issues including cyber and ransomware attacks originating from Russia. Putin insisted anew that his country has nothing to do with such attacks, despite U..S. intelligence that indicates otherwise.

Biden, meanwhile, said that he made clear to Putin that if Russia crossed certain red lines -- including going after major American infrastructure -- his administration would respond and “the consequences of that would be devastating,”.

Will Putin change his behavior? Biden was asked at a post-summit news conference.

“I said what will change their behavior is if the rest of the world reacts” in a way that “diminishes their standing in the world,” Biden said. “I’m not confident of anything. I’m just stating a fact.”

Both leaders, who have stirred escalating tension

since Biden took office in January, suggested that while an enormous chasm between the two nations remains the talks were constructive.

Putin said there was “no hostility” during three hours of talks, a session that wrapped up more quickly than expected.When it was over, Putin had first crack at describing the results at a solo news conference, with Biden following soon after. Biden said they spent a “great deal of time” discussing cybersecurity and he believed Putin understood the U.S. position. “I pointed out to him, we have significant cyber capability,” Biden said. “In fact, (if) they violate basic norms, we will respond. ... I think that the last thing he wants now is a Cold War.” Source: ctvnews.ca

Elections Canada says it’s ready for a COVID -19 campaign, law changes not necessary OTTAWA -- Canada’s Chief Electoral Officer says that Elections Canada is ready to conduct a pandemic election should one be called at any time, without the need for the federal government to pass its COVID19-focused elections law changes in Bill C-19.Testifying before the Procedure and House Affairs Committee, which is studying the bill, Stephane Perrault, the head of Elections Canada outlined Tuesday how his agency has taken steps on their own to shore up a snap election should one be called while extra pandemic safety precautions are still needed. “Over the last year or so we have undertaken extensive readiness activities, not only to prepare for the next election, but also to adjust to the circumstances of the pandemic and ensure that voting can take place safely,” Perrault said in French, adding that his office remains in ongoing discussions with federal, provincial, and Indigenous health authorities to stay on top of the ever-evolving health situation.

Specifically, Perrault said that Elections Canada has already: Procured a range of protective equipment and planning infection prevention training,

contact tracing, and enforcement measures to ensure safety at polling places for electors and workers at these locations; Prepared options for high-risk institutions to select from when it comes to how the vote would be delivered in places like seniors residences and long-term care homes to prevent poll workers from having to enter multiple facilities in a day; Increased the capacity to process mail-in ballots, including implementing an online vote-by-mail application system in anticipation that millions of electors would opt to vote by mail;..........Source:.ctvnews.ca

Iran field narrows as candidates Green leader Annamie Paul rejects calls to resign as party tees up non-confidence vote quit on campaign’s last day TEHRAN, IRAN -- Iran’s presidential contest headed toward a showdown between the country’s hard-line judiciary chief and moderate former Central Bank chief on Wednesday, as two candidates dropped out on the last day of campaigning to clear a path for the challengers.

Mohsen Mehralizadeh, the only reformist candidate in the vote, as well as hard-line contender Alireza Zakani withdrew from the race, state media reported, leaving just five candidates in the field. Such dropouts are common in Iranian presidential elections in order to boost the chances of similar candidates. No campaigning is allowed on Thursday, 24 hours before polls open.

The departure of 64-year-old Mehralizadeh, who served as governor in two Iranian provinces, is aimed at consolidating support for top banker Abdolnasser Hemmati, who has

positioned himself as a leading moderate and stand-in for President Hassan Rouhani, who is term-limited from running again.

Polling and analysts indicate Hemmati lags behind hard-line judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, the presumed front-runner long cultivated by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei....Source: ctvnews.ca

Nato leaders declare China a global security challenge

BRUSSELS: Nato leaders on Monday declared that China poses a constant security challenge and is working to undermine global order, and they said they’re worried about how fast the Chinese are developing nuclear missiles. In a summit statement, the leaders said that China’s goals and assertive behaviour present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to alliance security.

While the 30 heads of state and government avoided calling China a rival, they expressed concern about what they said were its coercive policies, the opaque ways it is modernising its armed forces and its use of disinformation. They called on Beijing to uphold its international commitments and to act responsibly in the international system.

The statement comes as President Joe Biden has stepped up his effort to rally allies to speak in a more unified voice about China’s human rights record, its trade practices and its military’s increasingly assertive behavior that has unnerved US allies in the Pacific.

Biden, who arrived at the summit after three days of consulting with Group of Seven allies in England, pushed for the G-7 communique there that called out what it said were forced labor practices and other human rights violations impacting Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in the western Xinjiang province. The president said he was satisfied with the communique,

OTTAWA -- Green Party Leader Annamie Paul is brushing off calls for her ouster as the party’s governing body lines up a future vote that could see her removed from her post.

In a press conference Tuesday, Paul she was given a “strong mandate” and has been given “instructions” to continue to work on behalf of Canadians for a green recovery, despite internal disputes that have left some members questioning her leadership.

The head of the Green Party of Quebec told CTVNews.ca there is an “open contestation” of Paul’s direction by membership, management, and candidates. “Annamie Paul has not pursued a unification process following her election as leader of the party about eight months ago,” Alex Tyrrell said on Tuesday. “There’s a bit of a communication problem and [she] is going against a lot of important values to Green Party members.”

He said there will be meeting tonight to discuss the situation and the federal council will vote “on non-confidence probably in 30 days from now.”

Calls for her removal surfaced following the decision by former Green MP Jenica Atwin to cross the floor and join the Liberal caucus last week.The “catalyst” for her departure from the party was an internal feud between MPs and a now-outgoing senior adviser to

Paul over social media posts related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Atwin had maintained that she stands by her pro-Palestinian position, and was hurt by the accusation made that she was antiSemitic. She said she’s been told there is a difference of opinion among Liberals and believes there will be an opportunity within her new caucus to have a more “healthy discussion and debate” than was possible with her former team.

On Monday, she struck a different tone, tweeting “Palestinians are suffering. Israelis are also suffering as well as their loved ones in Canada and around the world. No one wins with war. I regret if my choice of words caused harm to those who are suffering.”

Paul on Tuesday underscored that she has never had a conversation with Atwin about the Middle East conflict. .Source:.ctvnews.ca

London attack suspect charged with terrorism Continued from Page 1

strate that the justice system did not although differences remain among the al- tolerate hate crimes.

lies about how forcefully to criticise Beijing.

The new Brussels communique states plainly that the Nato nations will engage China with a view to defending the security interests of the alliance. The Chinese Embassy to the United Kingdom on Monday issued a statement saying the G-7 communique deliberately slandered China and arbitrarily interfered in China’s internal affairs, and exposed the sinister intentions of a few countries, such as the United States. There was no immediate reaction from the Chinese government to the new Nato statement.

Biden arrived at his first Nato summit as president as leading members declared it a pivotal moment for an alliance beleaguered during the presidency of Donald Trump, who questioned the relevance of the multilateral organisation. Source:dawn.com

It is the third time murder-terrorist activity charges have been laid following recent attacks in Ontario.The same charge was used in February 2020 against an alleged supporter of the so-called Islamic State accused of killing a Toronto woman with a hammer.

A spokesperson for the victims’ family said they were following the news of the terrorism charges, but their main concern was the 9-year-old survivor, who has now been released from hospital. An alleged Incel who attacked employees of an erotic massage parlour in Toronto, killing one and injuring another, was also charged under the same section last May. The terrorism charges place an additional burden on prosecutors, who will have to prove not only that Veltman committed the killings, but that his motive was terrorism.

That means making the case that his intention was to intimidate a segment of the pop-

ulation “for a political, religious or ideological purpose, objective or cause.”

But West said while that will complicate the prosecution, it is in the public interest to prosecute acts of terrorism as terrorism.

Canadian authorities were previously reluctant to file terrorism charges, even in cases where the attackers’ intentions seemed clear, preferring to prosecute for murder and attempted murder. But federal prosecutors began showing a greater willingness to apply “murder-terrorist activity” charges last year, in cases of killings allegedly fueled by extremist beliefs. “In this case, there’s a strong argument to make that there’s a public interest in charging terrorism,” she said.

West said charging the London attack as terrorism would have the effect of denouncing anti-Muslim violence, and sending the message that terrorism would be consistently treated as such.

Salman Afzaal, 46, Madiha Salman, 44, Yumna Afzaal, 15, and Talat Afzaal, 74, were killed in the attack. Fayez Afzaal, 9, was the lone survivor.............. Source globalnews.ca

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Entire Pakistani nation stands “shoulder to shoulder” withvictims of London tra gedy, says Raza Basihir Tarar

June 12, Pakistan High Comm issioner to Canada Raza Basbitr Tarar on Saturday attended the funeral prayers for four mem bers of the London Ontario-based Afzaal family killed last Sunday, saying a ll of Pakistan stood with the family “shou lder to shoulder” in its grief and suffering over the tragedy.“Our hearts are bleeding because of the atrocity that bas befallen this wonderful, marvellous family,” be said as be conveyed to the family the “deepest condolences and prayers” from Prime M inister Imran Khan,

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi all!d the entire Pakistani nation .

The High Comm issioner also used the occasion to thank the Canadian leadership and the people for standing with the fam ily of the victims in these difficult times, and also standing up to Islamopbobia by condemning all forms and expressions of Muslimhate in Canada and elsewhere in the world.

Earlier, dead bodies of Salman Afzaa l 46, wife Madiba Salman, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Afzaal and Salman’s 74-year-old mother Talat Afzaal were brought to the Islamic Centre prayer ground, draped in the Canadian flags, for the funera l prayers which were attended by hundreds of people observing Corona related SOPs. “And the very fact their coffins are draped in the beautiful Canadian flag is an apt testimony of the fact that the entire Canadian nation stands with them,” Raza Bash ir Tarar said.

Meanwhile, a series of prayer sessions and v igils were held in different cities of Canada

by various Canadian Pakistani associations and groups to express solidarity for the victims of the Sunday killings .

Pakistan Canada Association of Edmonton arranged a talk on the cause of bate and racist incidents happening in Alberta, challenge of Islamopbobia and bow community leaders from diverse backgrounds could come together for an open conversation on these subjects. The discussion was also attended and addressed by Consul General of Pakistan Vancouver Janbaz Khan.A num ber of federal and provincia l parliaments mem bers, government functionaries, and politica l parties’ representatives attended a gathering in Montreal to express solidarity with the brutally murdered Muslim family in London-Ontario.

Speaking at the occasion, Isbtiak Ahmed Akil, Acting Consul General of Pakistan M ontreal, h ighlighted the statements and speeches of Prime M inister Imran Khan made at various internationa l forums in-

cluding the UN Genera l Assem bly and called for the international community’s attention towards taking concrete actions against a rising tendency of Islamopbobia all over the world.

A prayers meeting was arranged in a local mosqme in Toronto and attended by Consul General of Pakistan Toronto A bdul Hameed among others. A similar prayer session and vigil was also held in Ottawa and represented from The Pakistan High Commission by Counsellor Press Hamid Raza Khan.

‘Taken too soon’: Funeral service held for London, Ont.......

Continued from Page 1 befallen this wonderful marvelous family.”

“The very fact that their coffins are draped in the beautiful Canadian flag is a testimony of the fact that the entire Canadian nation stands with them,” he added.

Some of the family’s relatives also spoke at the ceremony and shared touching tributes.

“Last Sunday evening four fountains of sweetness were taken away. Three generations taken too soon,” Madiha Salman’s uncle said at the service. “In schools, univer-

sities and nursing homes, across southwestern Ontario there are hundreds of lucky people who felt the gentle unassuming characters of our loved ones.”

“The outpouring of support we have received from Canadians and from across the world has confirmed the potential of absolute innate goodness inside humankind irrespective of colour and creed. The expressions of raw emotion, the prayers, the quiet tears, the messages of comfort from people we know and from people who are complete strangers has been the first step towards finding a way to heal,” he added.

Throughout the service, volunteers distributed masks and water bottles to the crowd, which was separated by gender.

Feisal Shamshad is just one of hundreds of mourners who showed up to pay their re-

spects. Shamshad told CTV National News that he drove two hours with his young son to attend the service, which he says served as a lesson in humanity.

“The hate is there,” he says. “It’s very hard to explain to such a small kid like a sevenyear-old boy.” The ceremony concluded with a prayer for the family.

After the hearses left for the cemetery, lawn signs were distributed to mourners showing four white silhouettes of the family members on a purple background with the slogan, “We stand with our London family.”

The family was buried later Saturday at the Islamic Cemetery of London in a private ceremony.

nel. “We have, unfortunately, a lot of work to do in front of us.” Early on Saturday, the Ontario legislature unanimously passed a motion condemning Islamophobia. The vote comes just two days after some in the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario attempted to block the measure. “It is the start of a process,” Tahir explained. “To those who seek to divide us know that the love of the community that hopefully you saw this week should show you that you will not divide us but you will make us stronger.”

Source: ctvnews.ca

CALLS FOR CHANGE

Across Canada, advocates are imploring politicians to do more than to simply condemn Islamophobia and are calling for the implementation of concrete policies.

“We need to have action,” Nawaz Tahir, spokesperson with the London Muslim Mosque told CTV News Chan-

Statement on the Hate-Motivated Murder of a Muslim Family in London, Ontario “Surely we belong to God and to Him we shall re- City mosque shooting, the stabbing of a mosque caretaker in Toronto, and attacks against Muslim women in Alberta turn.” (Quran, 2:156)

I

t is with heavy hearts that we extend this statement on the horrific, targeted murder of a Muslim family in London, Ontario. Our prayers go out to the entire Muslim community, and in particular, to nine-year-old Fayez Salman, whose family was killed in this Islamophobic attack. We pray for his quick and full recovery from the injuries he sustained in the attack. As Muslims in Canada, we are well aware of the deep-seated anti-Muslim racism and white supremacy in this country that fuels such attacks, including the Quebec

and across the country. These sentiments are further incited by the legislation and policies of our federal and provincial governments, as observed in Quebec’s Bill 21 banning re- nity allies to take action to address the causes of systemic ligious symbols and the many MPs who opposed the anti- anti-Muslim racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of injusIslamophobia motion M-103. tice against Muslims.

While we continue to grieve the lives that have been taken from us, we remain resolved to continue practicing our faith Mahmood Jaffer despite attempts to raise fear and unrest within the Muslim Director of PR & Communications community. We call upon our elected officials and commu- Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre

Need towork hard to root out, websites that support and spreadhatred and Islamophobia.

Continued from Page 4 rogressive Intercultural Community Services Society strongly condemns the heinous and racially motivated extremist attack that happened in London, Ontario on Sunday June 6, 2021.

Five innocent family members from three generations were intentionally and viciously mowed down by a pickup truck driven by a demented bigot. A family was destroyed – a community was terrorized – and the whole nation was left in shock and disbelief.

P

While we join the nation in grieving yet another horrific murder of innocent civilians, we strongly urge the Government to take tangible measures to put an end to the spread of hate, intolerance, racism and Islamophobia in our country. Canada is a multicultural, diverse and inclusive nation buttressed by our globally cherished values of human liberty. We must all join hands to stand in solidarity against such blatant perpetration of violence which strikes the core that holds us together through coherence and peaceful coexistence. Canada is one of the best

countries to live in the world – a true heaven on Earth and we must work hard to maintain that reality. People from every community, faith, race, culture and religion have the right to freely live and thrive without fearing for their safety and security as also of their loved ones.

We owe it to our families and our future generations. PICS Society reiterates its commitment to keep working judiciously towards building an inclusive and mutually respectful society.

Satbir Singh Cheema,

President and CEO of PICS Society ---

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Step 2 Of Restart Plan To Begin On June 15

On Monday morning, B.C.’s top doctor joined B.C. Premier John Horgan and other ministers for an update on the province’s reopening plans.

The province confirmed that Step 2 of B.C.’s reopening plan will start on Tuesday, June 15.

Step 2 includes outdoor gatherings up to 50 people, unrestricted travel within province, the restart of indoor high-intensity fitness programs and expanded hours for some businesses like bars.

Organized indoor gatherings, such as movie theatres and banquet halls, can also reopen – and indoor worship services can restart in limited capacities.

“We can increase our much-needed connections a little bit more,” said Henry at a live briefing on Monday. The province’s top doctor said other health restrictions remain in place, and stressed that not everyone will be

Turkey’s Erdogan says held ‘fruitful, sincere’ talks with Biden

After meeting US president, Turkish leader says no Turkey-US issue cannot be resolved, despite months of animosity.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday he held a “fruitful and sincere” meeting with his US counterpart Joe Biden on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels.“We believe there is no problem that cannot be resolved in Turkey-US relations,” Erdogan added after holding his first meeting with Biden since his election. At a press conference on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Brussels, Erdogan said the “extensive talks” with Biden covered cooperation on regional issues and he emphasized his long years of friendship with the US leader. In a brief exchange with reporters, Biden described it as a “very good meeting”.

He and Erdogan met privately before being joined by other officials. They spent in total more than an hour together.

The US president later told reporters that the discussion was “positive and productive”. He said the leaders “had detailed discussions about how to proceed on a number of issues”, but did not go into much further detail. Biden has known Erdogan for years but their relationship has frequently been contentious. During his election campaign, Biden drew ire from Turkish officials after he described Erdogan as an “autocrat”.

In April, Biden infuriated Ankara by declaring that the Ottoman-era mass killing and

comfortable with reopening along the same timeline.Health officials continue to urge everyone to register for a COVID-19 vaccine and to continue following health guidelines such as physical distancing, staying home if feeling unwell, and keeping social contacts consistent. “As we bridge to Step 2, the provincial health officer’s orders have been amended to allow for some increases in gatherings in our homes, restaurants and businesses,” said Henry and Dix in a joint statement. “However, it is very important to remember that orders and restrictions remain in place.”“Safety plans and masks are still required in all indoor public spaces, as is the need to give others space, to stay home when we are ill and get tested if we develop symptoms,” said the pair.

Source: vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca Israeli air raids on Gaza come after Palestinians in besieged enclave sent incendiary balloons into southern Israel. The Israeli air force launched air raids on the Gaza Strip early on Wednesday after Palestinians in the besieged enclave sent incendiary balloons into southern Israel, Israel’s military and witnesses in Gaza said.

In a statement, the Israeli army said it attacked Hamas compounds and that it was “ready for all scenarios, including renewed fighting in the face of continued terrorist acts emanating from Gaza”. It added that the raids were a response to the launching of the balloons, which the Israeli fire brigade reported caused 20 fires in open fields “You have proved your ability to march on, in communities near the Gaza border.It was shoulder to shoulder, and I admire your dedica- not immediately clear if there were casualtion and application. Over the last year, Somalia ties in Gaza as a result of the bombings. has made real progress towards building its fu- Palestinian sources told the AFP news agenture army and in conducting operations. We’re cy that the raids targeted at least one site delighted the UK has played a role in this, espe- east of the southern city of Khan Younes. cially in Baidoa which is a vital location in the fight against Al Shabaab,” the ambassador said.

Soldiers were trained at the British Security Training Centre (BSTC) in Baidoa.

Today’s graduation brings the number of Somali Niilin, occupied West Bank – Bassem SadNational Army personnel trained by the British aqa points at a bullet hole lodged in the .Source:.hiiraan.com driver’s door of the ambulance he drives, tangible evidence of what he says is a regular occurrence of Palestinian medics being “regularly targeted” by Israeli forces.

The father of five lives in Niilin and has been a paramedic with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for 20 years. “At first I thought the ambulance had been hit by stones until I saw the hole. The shooting wasn’t an accident, the Israeli soldiers were aiming at the ambulance as I was standing right near it. And it also wasn’t the first time ambulances I have driven have been targetcent Facebook post. ed.” Sadaqa had been on the front lines with “Please keep them in your prayers.”

Meanwhile, Dr Fong also confirmed that his fellow Palestinian medics on the day this some mothers and babies from the Colonial happened, fighting to save lives and rushWar Memorial Hospital’s (CWMH) Neo- ing wounded protesters to hospitals a halfNatal Intensive Care Unit in Suva were trans- hour’s drive away. ferred to the Lautoka Hospital because of Palestinian villagers protesting against the escalating COVID-19 cases at the CWMH.... illegal establishment of yet another Israeli Source: fijitimes.com outpost on their village land had been con-

deportations of Armenians was “genocide” – a term that US presidents have avoided using. Erdogan signalled that the two leaders failed to find a way to overcome differences over Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 advanced Russian missile defense systems. The US says the technology is a threat to NATO and has removed Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet programme.“Our thoughts on the S-400 are the same as before, I relayed our same thoughts to Mr. Biden,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan also called for an end to US support to Syrian Kurdish armed groups, which Turkey considers to be “terrorists”.

One area where Erdogan hoped to showcase a central Turkish role in NATO is Afghanistan, where Ankara has offered to guard and operate Kabul airport after US and NATO forces withdraw in coming weeks. NATO head Jens Stoltenberg said Turkey would play a key role but no decision was made at the Monday summit. Source: aljazeera.com

Israel launches air raids on Gaza Strip

100 soldiers from UK funded training facility in Baidoa graduate

BAIDOA (HOL) - A new batch of 100 soldiers graduated today from the British funded military camp in Baidoa adding to over 2,300 the number of soldiers who have undergone training in the facility.

The British embassy in Mogadishu said the training which aims to build the capacity of the Somali National Army to enable them effectively take charge of the country’s security was part of the UK’s support in ensuring a strong and professional armed force.

This is the sixth iteration of an eight-week training programme aimed at improving the SNA’s ability to combat the threats posed by alShabaab.The training involved a mix of theory and practice, covering defensive operations, basic command and control, dealing with improvised explosive devices, first aid, safe weapon handling, shooting, tactics, communications, first aid and human rights. UK ambassador to Somalia Kate Foster hailed the trainees noting the skills they have acquired will be instrumental in the war against violent extremism.

A Hamas spokesman, confirming the Israeli attacks, told Reuters news agency that Palestinians would continue to pursue their “brave resistance and defend their rights and sacred sites” in Jerusalem.

The air raids mark the first major flare-up between Israel and Gaza since a ceasefire on May 21 ended Israel’s 11-day assault on the territory, which killed 256 Palestinians, including 66 children, according to Gaza authorities. Twelve people in Israel were also killed by rockets fired from the enclave.

Palestinian medics on the front line fighting to save lives

Babies test positive for COVID-19 – Infants in stable condition

Six infants who tested positive to COVID-19 are in stable condition at the Lautoka Hospital.Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong confirmed this to The Fiji Times this week. The infants and their mothers were from a community in lockdown in Nadi.

They were recently assisted with basic supplies by the Foundation of the Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND).

A post on the FRIEND Fiji official social media page said they responded to a request for assistance from the community in lockdown in Nadi.FRIEND Fiji then facilitated the request after a donor purchased baby essential packs.The packages were delivered to the mothers in need last Thursday.

“We pray for the speedy recovery of infants and their mothers,” FRIEND Fiji said in a re-

fronted by Israeli settlers, resulting in violence and many injuries.

Niilin is an agricultural village of more than 6,000 people who mostly make their living from farming that lies 17km (10 miles) west of the main occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. The people there are fighting to keep what land the village has left from being expropriated by ever-encroaching illegal Israeli settlements and outposts – they are now surrounded by the illegal Israeli settlements of Nili and Na’ale in the northeast and Modi’in Illit to the south. ..,........Source: aljazeera.com

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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau calls killing of Muslim family ‘terrorist attack’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday labelled as a “terrorist attack” the killing of four members of a Muslim family, who were run down by a man driving a pick-up truck.“This killing was no accident.

This was a terrorist attack, motivated by hatred, in the heart of one of our communities,” Trudeau said during a speech at the House of Commons.

The 20-year-old suspect, arrested shortly after the attack, has been charged with four

counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, while several leaders of the Muslim community have called on the courts to classify the episode as an act of terrorism. Officials have already said the Sunday evening incident in the city of London in Canada’s central Ontario province was premeditated and motivated by “hatred”.Trudeau promised to take more action to dismantle far-right groups, saying “we’ll continue to fight hate online and offline ... [including] taking more action to dismantle far-right hate groups, like we did with the Proud Boys by adding them to Canada’s terror listing.”Canada’s Minister

of Public Safety Bill Blair described the attack as a “horrific act of Islamophobia”.

“They believe the family was targeted because of their faith, and that the attacker was motivated by his hatred of Muslims,” he said.The attack occurred as five family members were walking together along a sidewalk when a black pick-up truck “mounted the curb and struck” them as they waited to cross the intersection, according to police.

‘Targeted because of Muslim faith’ The four people killed represent three generations of the same family, according to London Mayor Ed Holder.

A nine-year-old boy was also hospitalised following the attack and was recovering.

“We all hope the little boy can recover from his injuries quickly, even though we know he will live a long time with the sadness, incomprehension and anger caused by this cowardly Islamophobic attack,” Trudeau

said, briefly switching to French.

The Muslim Association of Canada has called on authorities to “prosecute this horrific attack as an act of hate and terrorism.”

The suspect, identified as Nathaniel Veltman, who was wearing a vest “like body armour”, was arrested at a mall seven kilometers from the intersection where the attack happened, said Detective Superintendent Paul Waight.

The episode brought back painful memories of a Quebec City mosque mass shooting in January 2017 and a driving rampage in Toronto that killed 10 people in April 2018, among others.“They were all targeted because of their Muslim faith,” Trudeau said.

“This is happening here, in Canada. And it has to stop.”

Bouquets of flowers have been placed at the scene of the attack and a vigil in memory of the victims is set to take place later on Tuesday. ..Source: dawn.com

Surrey BC Candlelight Vigil for the victims ofterrorist attack in London, ON

PRESS RELEASE: undreds of people gathered at Holland Park, Surrey on June 11th Friday, to show their collective support for the Afzaal Family and the rest of the grieving community at large in London, Ontario. Representatives from multiple community groups came, stood together and showed solidarity with the Muslim community and condemned this horrible attack. Thecollective message from all the participants was very clear throughout the event, i.e., islamophobia, hate and discrimination has no place in Canada!

The event started with an opening statement by Shahzad Nazir Khan who began with theLand Acknowledgement. Azaan was called by Furqan Memon - a 10 years old Pakistani boy -to symbolize Muslims’ call to peace and prayers, followed by a one-minute silence tocommemorate the London victims and also for 215 unmarked graves of indigenous children recently found in Kamloops, BC. Together we listened to the powerful stories of Islamophobia shared by youth (Kabir Qurban and Attiya Jaffar) from our Surrey Muslim community. Huma Shoaib thanked all the supporting organizations for their support.

Annie Ohana came to represent the indigenous communities and strongly condemned the London attack and instilled the message of “Learn, Lead and Inspire”.

The representatives from multiple religious groups came to show solidarity with Muslim community. Spokespersons from BC Gurdwaras Council, Peninsula United Church and Independent Jewish Voices deeply condemned the

H

tragic attack on Muslims and assured Muslim community that they stand united against any such hate crime. Hafsa Sajid, a student represented the Muslim community highlighting the need for policies and laws to protect minority communities against discrimination and hatered..

A collective prayer was made by Sheikh Sheheryar who recited verses from the Quran with translation, followed by a heart filled prayer for the entire humanity. A message board was arranged for community members to express their feelings through art, words and Quranic verses to comfort the Afzaal family.

A resolution was written and signed by the wide majority of attendees. The vigil was organized by the members of civil society, in association with multiple local organizations. The organizers were; Shahzad Nazir Khan, Huma Shoaib, Nayyar Sohail, Usman Nadeem, Zoha Shoaib and Naghmi Shireen.

Throughout the event COVID19 protocols were strictly kept in place.

The names of the participating organizations are as follows; - Pakistan Consulate General, Vancouver - Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians - Pakistan Canada Association - Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association - Pakistan Canada Community Association - Friends of Pakistan - Canada Urdu Association - Pakistani Canadian Woman Society - The Citizens Foundation, Vancouver - Islamic Circle of North America, Vancouver

- BC Peace Alliance - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf - SANSAD (South Asian Network for Secularism & Democracy) - Canada Palestine Association - WC-CAR (The West Coast Coalition Against Racism Society) - Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Society Surrey Delta - Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar New Westminster - United Truckers Association of BC Surrey - Sikh Riders of Canada - Sikh Motorcycle Club - Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Society Abbotsford - Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib Society Surrey The resolution signed by the hundreds of the attendees had two main points; 1. Government should pass the law against hate speech against any religion or race, and also enforce media to not use terms like “Islamic Terrorism” and other such jargon which wrongly points fingers at muslims rather than radical extremists, who can be found in any society.

2. The Government should pass legislation against hate speech and associating any religion or religious group with radicalism because clearly it is a problem that exists in all communities, such as the 20 year old man who attacked the Afzaal family in London, ON. Note: The Canadian Muslim Media Club (CMMC) showed up with all the executive members at the event to provide full live coverage via video and photos.

It was surprising and disappointing that media was not acknowledged at the event or after the event.

10 women / y o u th Victim of hateful verbal attack wants others to speak out when they witness racism Zu Qa’dah 7, 1442 June 18, 2021

left shaken by a man who allegedly made racist, threatening and hateful comments to her at a bus stop on Friday.

Shafira Vidyamaharani, who is Muslim and wears a hijab, wants the encounter to empower people to speak out about racism when they see it happening.“I wished I had that support when the incident happened, while I was being threatened, while I was behafira Vidyamaharani recorded a man ing harassed,” she said Sunday. making racist, threatening and hateful Vidyamaharani recorded part of the hateful remarks to her on Friday June 13, encounter, which she said lasted 10 minutes, Vancouver police are investigating after a on her phone.

22-year-old Vancouver woman says she was

S

Vancouver police said Monday in an email to CBC that they applaud the young woman for coming forward so they could launch a timely investigation. Police said the incident happened at a bus stop on Main Street at around 11 a.m. Friday. So far no arrests have been made. The suspect’s identity remains unknown, police said. The incident follows the murders of four Muslim people in London, Ontario, who police say were targeted and run down by a driver because of their faith. That violence has left many Canadians troubled by the level of racism in this coun-

try. People of colour, as well as those who wear clothing that identifies their religion or culture, say they feel unsafe being out in public.T he encounter involving Vidyamaharani happened Friday at a bus stop at Main Street and East 49th Avenue while she was on her way to work.

She said a white man approached her and began asking her where she was from and what she was wearing on her head. She did not answer him and moved to stand with the other people waiting at the bus stop......

Source:cbc.ca

‘She was thrown to the ground’: Police investigate attack on Muslim woman in Edmonton

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DMONTON -- June 13, An attack on a Muslim woman in Edmonton is being investigated by police.On Friday, a Black Muslim woman in her 50s was out for a walk in the area of 88 Street and 144 Avenue around 9 p.m. when an attacker approached her from behind and threw her into the pavement.

Jibril Ibrahim, Somali Canadian Cultural Society of Edmonton president, who spoke on behalf of the affected family to CTV News Edmonton and knows them closely, described the incident as hate-motivated. “She

was just walking on the street in the evening, just to get a little bit of fresh air,” Ibrahim said. “She was not expecting all of a sudden someone to grab her by the neck.

“She was thrown on the ground,” he added.

“That is where she sustained injuries to her face, lips, even her teeth. Also, her nose now has a crack on it, the doctors are reporting.”

The attacker fled the scene without a word, Ibrahim said.Ibrahim said that the woman had to be taken to the hospital in a wheelchair because her knees were also injured.

After staying in hospital for the night, the

woman was released to recover at home. According to Ibrahim, her entire family is still reeling from the attack.

“The victim is feeling that she has some fear, kind of traumatized by the incident and she doesn’t feel like going out on her own.”

When Ibrahim was talking about the inci-

dent to the woman, she disclosed to him that this is not the first time she has been subjected to hate and racism. He said that many community members are scared to report incidents like this for fear of reprisal.

“A lot of people aren’t reporting it because they are afraid that reporting might cause people to follow them to their house,” Ibrahim shared. “The community, you know when we talk to them they report to us because they feel comfortable that they won’t be able to be recognized and so on.”..

Source: edmonton.ctvnews.ca

together. Eating dinner as a family allows you to be a part of their daily conversations and to answer any questions they may have come across during the day when you were apart.

2. Fix Things Together Is the kitchen sink broken? Do you need to paint the study room wall? Children love to help fix things. To us, it may seem like a mundane task, but to most kids, it’s a wonderful chance to see what’s under the kitchen sink, to understand how a faucet works and just to cover an entire wall in paint. Fixing things together allows you to plan for the project and also gives you lots of time to interact.

3. After Dinner Walks If you’ve already made time to have dinner with your kids, why not spend another 30 minutes going on a walk with them after dinner? Once the table is cleared and the dishes are washed, go for a walk around your neighbourhood. Talk about the changes you

see and what your children observe around them as you go on these walks. The act of walking whilst you talk may actually make it easier for children to bring up difficult topics or problems they face because they have something else (like walking) to focus on when they bring these subjects up.

4. Leave a Message Children love surprises, so if you don’t have the time to see them in the morning before you leave for work, leave a short video or note for them to find. They will be thrilled to get a message from you and you will have had a chance to show that you are sorry you couldn’t spend the morning with them, but that you value it so much that you made an effort to leave them a surprise note or message.

5. Read Together Reading to your children or even companionably reading books together for half an hour each night is a great way to spend

time together. Choosing books to read and discussing them are ways to share ideas and values with your children.

6. Plan a Monthly Excursion Think of a new place to visit each month.

Perhaps it’s a museum? A theme park or a water adventure park? Get your children to help you to plan the excursion.

7. Share Family Stories Find time to share stories about your family’s history. Dig out your old photo albums and look through them with your children. Add new pictures to the family collection together and make this a regular activity.

Email info at: asmashums@gmail.com

How to spend more time with your family?

M

By: Asma Shums, ost of us are caught up in a hectic whirlwind of activities which start on Monday morning, end on Sunday night and then begin all over again. Time slips by as we rush to complete urgent tasks which relate to juggling jobs, running the household, chauffeuring our children, our parents, relatives and spouses to work, school, appointments and commitments. Yet, we all acknowledge, that spending quality time together is the best way we have to show each other that we care and that our families are important.

1. Have Dinner Make it a point to leave work or schedule work for later in the evening so that you can make it home in time to sit down to dinner

The Vancouver Heritage Month Society Award for Ms.Huma Shoaib

W

e are extremely delighted to announce that Mohtarma Huma Shoaib, President of The Canada Urdu Association has been awarded one of this year’s VAHMS recognition awards for her individual contributions to her professional and community endeavors.

The Vancouver Heritage Month Society is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and have been doing a magnificent job for a long time raising voices and profiles of those in the Pan-Asian community. According to their

website: “Every year, VAHMS (explorASIAN) awards three individuals, community organizations, or educational institutions representing PanAsian communities that have made significant contributions to VAHMS’ vision of fostering, promoting and celebrating the arts and cultural diversity that Asian-Canadian communities bring to Canadian society.”

We at The Canada Urdu Association are enormously pleased and proud at this wonderful recognition for our wonderful president!”

Muslim Family Killed In Terrorist Attack By:Khadija

Nadeem Gr 9

I

n a horrific act of Islamophobia, 4 out of 5 members of the Afzaal family were run over by a truck in London, Ontario. 9 year old Fayez Afzaal is the only survivor of the terrorist attack that murdered his sister, mother, father and grandmother.

The murderer who targeted them because of their Muslim faith, is now in custody with 4

counts of murder and 1 count of attempted murder. Although this shocking event blindsided many Canadians, the tragedy is only the result of what has become a breeding ground for violence. Negative views of Muslims and the Islamic religion are not as uncommon as we would like to believe in Canada and under the camouflage of “protecting democracy, freedom and the rule of the law”, Islamophobia and racist ideologies flourish.

The biggest example of this is Bill 21. This Quebec law bans certain citizens from wearing religious symbols and follows decades of work of institutionalizing gendered Islamophobia. Through these policies, Muslim hate is being normalized leading to calamities

such as the murders on June 6.

As I live my life here in Canada, I’ve become extremely aware of the hijab on my head.

Aware of the clothes I wear, and aware of the colour of my skin. These symbols that do not hurt anyone but have ground to trigger hatred and annoyance. I’ve become aware of the way I walk, behave and talk which is not meant to bring harm to anyone but apparently has the potential to bring someone to run me over with a truck because they think they have more right over this world than me. I’ve become aware of existing because apparently my existence makes others angry.

I’ve become anxiously aware that my family looks like the family that was a victim of the

hate crime in London, Ontario. They wore clothes like mine, looked like me, probably spoke the same language as me. My clothes, my skin colour, the language I speak, and especially the religion I follow, hurts no one. So I demand to exist without fear. I demand to exist without being hated.

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(Realtor)

PREC

604 - (Realtor) 839 - 7863

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32-20890 57 AVE LANGLEY BC V3A 8M7

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Ayyaz

Adeeb

(Realtor)

PREC

604 518 - 3782

604 - (Realtor) 839 - 7863

adeeb.shums@century21.ca ayyazrealtor@gmail.com

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Zu Qa’dah 7, 1442

HEALTH/pAKISTAN

June 18, 2021

Experts say second shot of Moderna is ‘as good as’ Pfizer when mixing with AZ

T

ORONTO -- Experts are reminding Canadians to get the first vaccine that is available to them as some, particularly those who received AstraZeneca as their first shot, turn down a Moderna jab in favour of its Pfizer-BioNTech counterpart.

Dr. Dale Kalina, an infectious disease physician at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Ont., told CTVNews.ca that Moderna and Pfizer are “very similar” vaccines and Canadians shouldn’t be hesitant to get one over the other. “I think there is always a push for people to be competitive about getting the best of a vaccine, or a car or whatever it may be and that’s just something that’s part of our society,” Kalina said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. ”But it’s important to recognize that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines… are being accounted as interchangeable for the populations for whom it’s been approved,” he added. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) changed its guidelines on June 1 to allow for mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines, saying that a first dose of the AstraZeneca-Oxford/ COVISHIELD vaccine can be followed up with a second AstraZeneca shot, or be safely combined with a second dose of the PfizerBioNTech or Moderna shots.

The new guidance from NACI also advises that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be mixed for first and second doses.

“NACI has worked to quickly adapt this guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines

in Canada to ensure optimal protection of Canadians at pace with the ever changing circumstances during this pandemic,” Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam said during the briefing on the updated guidance.“This advice provides provinces and territories with safe and effective options to manage the vaccine programs,” she added.

If Canadians who received AstraZeneca as their first dose are open to receiving Moderna as their second shot, infectious disease expert Dr. Abdu Sharkawy says it “will be much easier to accommodate for everyone.”

Sharkawy noted in a series of recent tweets that there is nothing to compare between Pfizer and Moderna except for the brand names. “…Only an inorganic chemist could be excited about the differences between Pfizer/Moderna. SAME mechanism, efficacy

vs variants, overall safety profile. Wanna get excited? Get vaccinated. Get closer to safety & freedom. Faster,” Sharkawy tweeted, in part.

According to data from clinical trials, Moderna showed 94.1 per cent efficacy in preventing COVID-19 two weeks after a second dose, comparable to Pfizer’s 95 per cent. Both trials saw zero hospitalizations and deaths in those who contracted COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated.

Side effects from each of the mRNA vaccines are also similar, with neither producing more adverse events than the other.

Despite this, health experts and pharmacists in Ontario and Alberta have reported people walking out of clinics once they realized they’d be getting the Moderna jab.

Sharkawy said in another tweet that “Moderna is as good as Pfizer,” and refusing the first

for the latter would be comparable to declining a free meal because it was delivered via DoorDash instead of SkipTheDishes.

“Sound ridiculous? Of course it does. Stop being #NoneThePfizer You gotta learna to get on #Moderna,” Sharkawy tweeted.

Kalina said some of the favouritism towards getting Pfizer over Moderna comes from the current data. He said studies about mixing COVID-19 vaccines have primarily focused on combining shots of AstraZeneca and Pfizer. Kalina said this is because these studies have been completed in the U.K. where Moderna hasn’t been authorized for use.

“But the reality is the Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine employ the same technology and are very, very similar vaccines. So I would expect that [Moderna] would actually have the same response to mixing as the Pfizer vaccine with AstraZeneca,” he said.

While there has been public confusion about some of the messaging on COVID-19 vaccines, Kalina noted that the scientists and physicians who work at NACI “know what they’re talking about.”

“We’ve seen NACI making recommendations… for about eight to 10 months now, and the recommendations have been based on not only what we know about the current COVID vaccines, but also what we know about vaccines in general,” he explained.

“They’ve said that Pfizer and Moderna are equally effective, and that should be taken at face value,” he added.......Source: ctvnews.ca

Funds from Bahria Town not included in Sindh’s budget for next year

K

ARACHI: Unlike the outgoing financial year’s budget, the Sindh government has not included a massive amount the real estate giant Bahria Town is said to have been depositing with the Supreme Court as part of a seven-year Rs460 billion deal pertaining to its housing project on Superhighway, Karachi, in the head of provincial non-tax receipts in its budget for fiscal year 2021-22.

The Supreme Court had on March 21, 2019, accepted Bahria Town’s offer to pay Rs460bn for the purchase of land measuring 16,896 acres in Malir, Kara-

P

chi, and ordered the real estate firm to deposit the amount in an account with the apex court.

According to the deal, the apex court had asked the land developer to furnish a down payment of Rs25bn and then a monthly instalment of Rs2.5bn during the first four years of the seven-year period. The rest of the amount would be paid in equal instalments in three years.

While the Sindh government did not get a single penny and has excluded the one-year payment of Rs30bn from its non-tax receipts, it is not willing to

lose its claim on the entire amount.

According to budget documents, Rs30bn receivable from Bahria Town was reflected in budget estimates 2020-21 in the light of SC order wherein “total receivable to Government of Sindh is Rs460 billion plus mark-up charges due”.

It said the amount is not reflected in the revised estimates 2020-21 and budget estimates 2021-22 because “recovery has not commenced”. The total receivable from Bahria Town by June 30, 2022 would be Rs110bn.

Source: dawn.com

PSL 2021: Latest points table (June 16, 2021) Current standings

akistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth edition resumed on June 9 after a gap of more than three months after it was put Points Table off in March due to rising coronavirus cases (Tabulated under, played, won, lost, tied, among staffers and players. Peshawar Zalmi no-result, points, net run-rate): defeated defending champions Karachi Kings Islamabad United 8 6 2 0 0 12 +0.932 by six wickets in match 24 of the Pakistan Super League 6 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium Peshawar Zalmi 9 5 4 0 0 10 +0.726 Lahore Qalandars 8 5 3 0 0 8 +0.183 to rise to the number 2 on the points table Earlier, Quetta Gladiators beat Lahore Qaland- Multan Sultans 8 4 4 0 0 6 +0.836 ars in match 23, the defeat has led the Qaland- Karachi Kings 8 3 5 0 0 6 -0.288 ars to slip to number three.

Quetta Gladiators 9 2 7 0 0 4 -1.913 While Karachi Kings are now out of the Source: dawn.com/news updated June 16, 2021 top four.

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