Miracle 551-August 13, 2021

Volume 21 Issue 551 -Muharrum 4, 1443 H, August 13, 2021 $1

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05 Muharram and

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09

election spec12 Federal ulation: race against 13 B.C. adds 536 cases of

Sectarian Politics Journey of Pakistan

19 14 August – The Pakistan Independence Day

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CMMC hosts Online Seminar on solidarity

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COVID-19 in biggest

PDM vows to focus on ‘transparent elections’ Biden administration opens new review Ontario jail guards’ actions led to death of inmate

at page 5

at page 4

A message from Qari Abdul Wahab after his retirement

Vaccine passports

for foreign travel

I car ntro po d, du int Kis cti o s i n a PM co n c n of Im unt ard hea ran ry tu lth Kh ’shis rnin an tor g y:

expected this fall

3 e g

pa

at page 9, 10, 11, 18

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Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

Premier John Horgan and your MLAs wish you a Happy Independence Day! BC GOV’T vaccination: gov.bc.ca/getVaccinated

Premier John Horgan Langford-Juan de Fuca

Pam Alexis, MLA Abbotsford-Mission

Katrine Conroy, MLA Kootenay West

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Langley

Surrey-Newton

George Chow, MLA

Bob D’Eith, MLA

Vancouver-Fraserview

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Ravi Kahlon, MLA Andrew Mercier, MLA Kelli Paddon, MLA Delta North

Harry Bains, MLA

Chilliwack-Kent

Jagrup Brar, MLA Surrey-Fleetwood

Adrian Dix, MLA

Vancouver-Kingsway

Garry Begg, MLA Surrey-Guildford

Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C.

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Surrey-Whalley

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Raj Chouhan, MLA Harwinder Sandhu, MLA Burnaby-Edmonds

Mike Farnworth, MLA George Heyman, MLA Rob Fleming, MLA Port Coquitlam

Lana Popham, MLA Bruce Ralston, MLA Selina Robinson, MLA Saanich South

Katrina Chen, MLA

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Victoria-Swan Lake

Rachna Singh, MLA Surrey-Green Timbers

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Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

PAKISTAN

Introduction of health card, Kissan card US finds Pakistan useful only to clear turning point in country’s history: PM Imran mess in Afghanistan: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the introduction of health insurance cards and Punjab Kissan (farmer) Card scheme was a “turning point” in Pakistan’s history that would be written about in the future.Addressing a farmers’ convention in Bahawalpur to launch the Punjab Kissan Card scheme, the premier praised Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and said: “The health card and Kissan card are the biggest things you have accomplished and this will be the turning point in our history when it is written. That this [was the time when] this country changed its direction for the purpose for which it was made.”Such a reorientation in purpose, the prime minister claimed, would be the path to the “country’s greatness”.

The premier said that every Khyber Pakhtunkhwa household now held the health card and every household of Punjab would as well by the end of the year. He reiterated that the kind of universal healthcare insurance in KP was present in very few countries.Similarly, he termed the Kissan cards

a “revolution”. The premier explained that till now, it was difficult to directly provide money to farmers with many obstacles in between.“Now we have used technology and for the first time, a card will be made on which the farmer can avail any subsidy that we give them,” he said, adding that farmers would be able to directly access funds through the card.The premier said he was very “happy” that the Punjab government had taken the initiative and soon the KP government would follow in its footsteps.

Source: dawn.com

Electronic voting machines can’t be hacked, says Shibli Faraz during demonstration

Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz said on Wednesday that electronic voting machines (EVMs) could not be hacked and were the best solution to problems of rigging during polls.

Addressing a media briefing at Parliament House in Islamabad, where the government had scheduled a demonstration of EVMs for lawmakers, the science minister assured everyone that the machines “couldn’t be hacked or riddled with bugs” since they were not connected to the internet, dependent on mechanisms such as Bluetooth, WiFi or an operating system. He hailed EVMs as the solution to rigging during and after elections. Through electronic voting, Faraz added, elections would be transparent and their results immediate and trustable. The science minister called upon lawmakers to come and test out the EVM on display to satisfy themselves.

He said it was up to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to decide whether the ma-

The prime minister said he tried to persuade the Taliban leaders when they were visiting Pakistan to reach a settlement.

“The condition is that as long as [President] Ashraf Ghani is there, we (Taliban) are not going to talk to the Afghan government,” Mr Khan said, quoting the Taliban leaders as telling him.

Peace talks between the Taliban, who view President Ghani and his government as US puppets, and a team of Kabul-nominated Afghan negotiators started last September but have made no substantive progress.

Representatives of a number of countries, including the US, are currently in the Qatari capital of Doha talking to both sides in a last-ditch push for a ceasefire.US forces have continued to use air strikes to support Afghan forces against the Taliban advances, but it remains unclear if such support will continue after Aug 31.

Mr Khan said Pakistan had “made it very clear” that it does not want any American military bases in Pakistan after US forces exit Afghanistan. Source: dawn.com

PDM vows to focus on ‘transparent elecchines fulfilled the requirements, adding that tions’ in first high-level meeting since May the ECP was the only constitutional institution that could approve or reject them.

“We are coordinating with the ECP. Before or immediately after Muharram [we will demonstrate EVMs to the ECP], obviously it’s the biggest stakeholder,” he said.

He added that the government had tried to incorporate all the requirements of the ECP into the EVMs....Source: dawn.com

Pakistan a democracy only in name: Hamid Mir

LONDON: The anchor and host of the now-off air primetime show Capital Talk on Geo, Hamid Mir, in a wide-ranging interview to the BBC World Service, criticised the shrinking space for press freedom and the growing “climate of fear” for journalists in Pakistan.

Hamid Mir spoke from Islamabad with Stephen Sackur, the host of the BBC show HardTalk.

“There is democracy in Pakistan but there is no democracy. There is a constitution in Pakistan but there is no constitution. And I am a living example of censorship in Pakistan,” Mir told Sackur, who asked if the Pakistani state is out to silence independent journalism.

Sackur introduced his guest as a high-profile journalist who has faced a string of threats and attacks. In the 90s, Mir was kidnapped and interrogated, and later survived two assassination attempts. Sackur told listeners that since June 2021, Mir’s show and his column for Jang Group have been banned by his employers after he made a speech about intimidation and attacks against journalists. “He [Mir] says shadowy forces operating beyond public view wield enormous power in Pakistan and are seeking to control the media,” Sackur said.

Anchor speaks about curbs to press freedom, censorship in BBC interview Sackur pushed Mir to name names, and asked

• Says Taliban told him no talks possible till Ghani holds office • Believes Americans have decided that India is their strategic partner now ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan accused the United States of seeing Pakistan as useful only in the context of the “mess” it is leaving behind in Afghanistan after 20 years of fighting. Washington has been pressing Islamabad to use its influence over the Taliban to broker an elusive peace deal as negotiations between the insurgents and Afghan government have stalled, and violence in Afghanistan has escalated sharply.

Pakistan is just considered only to be useful in the context of somehow settling this mess which has been left behind after 20 years of trying to find a military solution when there was not one,” Mr Khan told foreign journalists at his home in Islamabad. The United States will pull out its military by Aug 31, 20 years after toppling the Taliban government in 2001. But, as the United States leaves, the Taliban today control more territory than at any point since then.

Mr Khan said Islamabad was not taking sides in Afghanistan.“I think that the Americans have decided that India is their strategic partner now, and I think that’s why there’s a different way of treating Pakistan now,” he said.

A political settlement in Afghanistan was looking difficult under current conditions, he added.

who these forces are who silence journalists, but Mir shied away from taking names. Instead, he said in the past he had named the head of an intelligence agency as allegedly conspiring to attack him, but that individual did not appear before a high-powered commission probing the attack.When asked by Sackur if intelligence agencies were behind the attack on journalists, including Asad Toor who was attacked in his home in the capital by masked men, Mir said: “These are documented facts and the state agencies and the intelligence agencies were blamed again and again for organising attacks or kidnapping journalists.” Sackur then drew attention to the six sedition cases lodged against Mir, reminding him that if he is convicted he could serve life in prison. ................Source: dawn.com

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) president and chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday said the opposition alliance had decided to focus “all its attention and energies” on ensuring that transparent elections were held in the country.

Talking to the media in Islamabad after the PDM’s first high-level meeting since May, Rehman said the opposition party leaders, including PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Vice President Maryam Nawaz who participated via video link, had analysed in detail the overall situation in the country as well as internal and foreign matters. The PDM meeting “condemned in the strongest words the worst inflation” in the country, he said, adding that the PTI government had “broken records of inflation, unemployment and oppression”. “The lives of the public have been made impossible. The last drop of blood is being drained from the people for oppressive taxes and fulfilling the conditions of the IMF (International Monetary Fund).”

To deal with the situation, the PDM’s steering committee will meet in Islamabad on August 21 after the parties in the alliance discuss the recommendations made during today’s meeting so they can be given a “practical shape”, Rehman said. The PDM leadership will then hold a meeting on Aug 28 in Karachi to discuss the recommendations agreed upon by the steering committee and make decisions. “A splendid and unparalleled rally organised by PDM will be held on Aug 29 in Karachi,” Rehman announced.

‘Very serious internal and external dangers’ The meeting agreed that Pakistan was facing “very serious internal and external dangers” and the “fake” PTI government was facing defeat on all fronts, he said, adding that the country was also facing the “worst isolation internationally”.

Referring to the recent United Nations Security Council session on the situation in Afghanistan in which Pakistan was denied the opportunity to address the council, the PDM president said not only had the country’s interest been harmed but its honour had also been “destroyed”.

He said the PDM “supports in very clear words” a political solution through negotiation to the conflict in Afghanistan. “Pakistan wants a political and stable Afghanistan,” he stressed.

Rehman said the meeting demanded that the opposition be taken into confidence regarding the Afghan situation because an “important and concrete part of the parliament is not aware of the situation because facts are being hidden from them”. ’ Constitutional governance has disappeared’ The PDM president claimed that “constitutional governance in the country has [disappeared] and constitutional institutions have been suspended.

“Freedom of expression has been throttled.

Worst dictatorial [and] black-handed tactics have been imposed on the media. Journalists are being attacked,” he said, adding that the meeting expressed serious concern over the situation and condemned it.

Source: dawn.com

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Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

O P I N I O N

Regional approach to end-game

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MID the escalating Taliban military blitz, officials from the US, Russia, China and Pakistan are meeting in Doha today (Wednesday) as part of an international effort to prevent Afghanistan from descending into a protracted civil war. The so-called extended Troika is seeking to develop a regional consensus on the Afghan conflict. Notwithstanding some differences all these countries have a huge stake in peace in Afghanistan.

It follows another meeting in the Qatari capital on Tuesday of representatives of the UN, the US and Afghanistan to find ways to revive the stalled intra-Afghan peace talks. The Afghan Taliban may not be part of any of these conclaves but the presence of the group’s political leadership in the city could help put the message across to them.

A major question, however, is whether the multinational efforts can force the warring sides to stop hostilities and go for a negotiated political settlement. With the Taliban offensive taking a new and bloodier turn, a civil war is already unfolding in Afghanistan. After consolidating its hold on large swaths of the countryside the insurgents have now taken control of several provincial capitals.

Some of the major cities are now under siege with a highly demoralised Afghan government forces trying to stop the Taliban onslaught. The American air force bombing may have slowed down the insurgents’ offensive in some areas, but it is not likely to change the situation much. With the Aug 31 deadline for the completion of the withdrawal of US forces approaching, the prospects for a reduction in violence appear diminished.

The only hope is strong regional pressure on the warring

sides forcing them to return to it would not support the restoration of an ‘Islamic emirate’ the negotiating table.

Russia, China and Pa- or the old conservative order that existed under Taliban rule kistan have far greater before the American invasion stakes in stopping the of Afghanistan in October 2001. But the Taliban’s relentviolence in Afghanistan. less military offensive over Initiated by Russia, the Troika- the last few months with the plus format certainly has an drawing down of the Ameriimportant role to play in the can forces has increased conAfghanistan end-game. The cerns about the Taliban ignorthree regional countries Rus- ing the warning. sia, China and Pakistan have The latest move by the confar greater stakes in stopping servative Islamic militia to the violence in Afghanistan extend its military offensive that could have serious im- to the cities has added to the plications for the region. All urgency of accelerating the of them have good relations regional effort to prevent a with the Taliban and a collec- full-blown civil war in Afghanitive effort could still work with stan. In her statement at the the insurgents to moderate UN Security Council last week, their hard-line position. Amer- Deborah Lyons, head of the ica’s role too remains pivotal UN Assistance Mission in Afdespite the withdrawal of its ghanistan, said: “Afghanistan forces. is now at a dangerous turning It has become more challeng- point.” Warning that the outing for the group as both war- come could extend beyond ring sides have toughened Afghan borders, she urged their stance. Last month, a the international community meeting between the Taliban “to prevent Afghanistan from and the Afghan republic del- descending into a situation of egation in Doha ended in a catastrophe so serious that it stalemate. Yet the parleys at would have few, if any, paralthe highest level gave some lels this century”. hope as the two sides agreed Read: Who messed up Afto meet again for more con- ghanistan? structive negotiations.

Despite the Taliban’s recent In this situation, the role of the diplomatic move to allevi‘extended Troika’ and other ate their concerns, there is regional countries becomes growing fear among regional extremely significant to break countries about the spillover the deadlock. More impor- effects of the rising power of tantly, there is a complete the insurgents in Afghanistan. convergence of views among While warmly receiving the the members of the extended Taliban leaders last month, Troika that no military solu- Chinese officials also emphation to the Afghan conflict is sised the need for a negotiatacceptable. ed political settlement of the In the last meeting in March, Afghan conflict. The Taliban the special representatives of leaders were also reportedly the four countries had called told by Beijing to make a clear on all parties to the conflict, break from the East Turkestan particularly the Taliban, to Islamic Movement, which is a reduce the level of violence UN-designated terrorist outfit in order to create an environ- seeking an independent state ment that is conducive to for the Chinese Muslims living reaching a negotiated politi- in Xinxiang. cal settlement.

China’s main concern is that The group also made it clear

chaos in Afghanistan would stoke Islamic fundamentalism that threatens domestic security in the country. For China, continued instability in Afghanistan could foster the radicalisation of Muslims in the region and directly contribute to the unrest in China’s northwest Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

Although Russia is not a fresh entrant on the Afghan scene, its initiative to build a regional alliance points to a new alignment of forces in a changing geopolitical landscape. The Russian assertiveness is driven by the fear of political uncertainty in Afghanistan. Moscow has serious concerns regarding the deteriorating situation close to its borders.

Afghanistan’s stability is critical for regional peace — more so for Pakistan which has been directly affected by the twodecades-long conflict spilling over into its territory. Pakistan’s role is vital to determining the course of the Afghan end-game and its cooperation is key to the winding down of the war. A political settlement in Afghanistan could also help Pakistan deal with its problem of militancy.

This strong convergence of views among the regional countries and their common security concerns over Afghanistan’s deteriorating situation makes the meeting of the extended Troika extremely important. The members are expected to urge both Taliban and the Afghan to agree on an immediate reduction of violence and the resumption of intra-Afghan talks. A negotiated political settlement intertwined with a regional approach is the only end-game.

Both the Taliban and Afghan government should show equal willingness to reach a ceasefire and restart substantial talks.

By: Zahid Hussain

Vaccine passports for foreign travel expected this fall News Cont from Pg 1 OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino says fully vaccinated Canadians will soon be able to get a government document that will certify their COVID-19 vaccine history for the purpose of international travel.

Ottawa has been floating the promise of such documents for months and Wednesday’s announcement moved the needle on the plan only slightly, with an explanation that the document should be ready by the “early fall” and will be digital with a paper option for those that wish.

It is not intended for use domestically but could be if provinces choose to do so. Mendicino says it will include data on the type of vaccines received, the dates and the location they were given.“I want to take a moment to thank all Canadians who’ve rolled up their sleeves over these past months,” he said. “As more and more are getting vaccinated they are planning for life in a post-vaccinated world, including the safe return to travel.”

Vaccine passports aren’t entirely new. Yellow fever certificates have been used for years for

travellers going to or from countries where that illness is common. The COVID-19 vaccine passports will be much more widespread.

Dozens of countries around the world have COVID-19 vaccine requirements for travel and many have now launched their own version of a vaccine passport. Most, like the European Union’s “green pass,” are digital, while others, like the Japanese version unveiled in late July, are starting on paper.Canada has already been using the ArriveCAN app for travellers coming into Canada to upload their vaccination status. Since mid-July, Canadians who are fully vaccinated can avoid quarantine upon their return to the country by using the app.The official digital passport will however use data provided by the provinces and territories, who hold the vaccine records of their residents. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the issue has been raised at least three times in recent first ministers’ phone calls, and the provinces were all reacting positively. “We have been having ongoing and very collaborative constructive conversations with the provinces and territo-

ries to ensure that we can safely receive from them the necessary information on which Canadians are immunized,” he said. “And our job as a national government will be to then provide Canadians with this ΓǪ internationally recognized credential.”

Canada’s border reopened to fully vaccinated Americans on Monday, and the plan is to allow all fully vaccinated foreign travellers in next month. The border closed to most foreigners and non-permanent residents in March 2020.Quebec is introducing a

provincial passport next month that will be required for people who want to attend public events, go to the gym, or frequent a restaurant or bar.

Manitoba has a vaccine card that is either digital or on paper, which provides proof of vaccination. The province has not mandated vaccines but some events require it, including Winnipeg Blue Bombers games....

Source:: ctvnews.ca

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Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

f ait h

Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said, “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.’ He said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you,’so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day.” Sahih Al Bukhari

Muharram and Sectarian Politics

By: Aslam Abdullah

O

n August 20, 2020, the 1442 of the Hijra will begin in the Muslim world. People will congratulate each other and celebrate with little concern about the plight of Muslims in different parts of the world. Those who take pride in calling them Sunnis will focus on the migration of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) from Makkah to Medina in 622 C.E., and those who describe them as supporters or Shia’s of Ali, will mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet in Karbala.

There is an inherent link between the Hijra and the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet. Yet, the religious leaders, in cohort with rulers, in general, have made every effort to promote divisions within the community.

Hijra was to protect religious freedom, and dignity of humans for a society that respects justice, equality, and fairness. The martyrdom was to eliminate despotism, the law of primogeniture, and fascism to create a culture that values liberty, balance, and freedom.

Imam Hussein lived the legacy of his grandfather when he challenged the tyrant and established the Quranic rule that life is sacred.

Still, when the objectives of life are under threat, martyrdom becomes essential to remind the generations of the significance of justice, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

Among Shias, the first 10 days of Muharram are crucial. They hold assemblies and retell the stories of martyrdom of Imam Hussein, describe the virtues of Prophet’s families, and in some cases, curse those who betrayed them and who usurped the right of the Prophet’s cousin and son in law to succeed him. They reassert that Imam Ali was the right political and spiritual successor of the Prophet and not Abu Bakr, the father in law of the Prophet. In several parts of the world, the Shias also hold passion plays repeating the events that led to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

Sunnis celebrate the new year by taking out processions, distributing sweets, and holding conferences on Hijra. In South Asia, and the Caribbeans, some communities hold parades with Taziya, miniature mausoleums of Karbala, generally made of colored paper and bamboo.

For Sunnis, Muharram is the month of celebration, and for Shias, it is a month of mourning.

As long as the two communities do not reconcile their approach to relate with the beginning of the new year, their differences will continue to create further separation among them. Every Muharram will open the old wounds, and every night will escalate conflict because those who killed Imam Hussein claimed to be Muslims.

Imam Hussein’s martyrdom is a sad reflection on earlier Muslim rulers and scholars, a silence that has continued to prevail even

after the fourteenth centuries. Through their support and quietness, the scholars legitimized tyranny, despotism, violation of the Quran, disrespect of the Prophet’s legacy, and destruction of human rights and justice. They laid the tradition of oppression that continues in the attitude of everyone who claims to lead Muslims. They killed the grandson of Prophet in the battlefield of Karbala and killed Islam’s spirit to create a new world based on justice and equality.

The divisive approach that Shia and Sunnis have adopted to observe the month of Muharram must change to revive the essence of Hijra and the martyrdom.

Shia’s should focus on the essence of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. They should replace cursing with a genuine critique of the silence and support of scholars for the oppression. Cursing and cussing do not serve any purpose except for heightening tensions and increasing hostilities. They should open their assemblies to Sunnis, inviting their scholars and leaders to address the audience on justice and equality issues.

On the other hand, Sunnis should not view martyrdom in the context of the clan politics of Arabs. Imam Hussein is more representative of the legacy of the Prophet than anyone else not because he was the grandson of the Prophet, but because he received the Prophet’s guidance in a manner no one else did. The Prophet loved him. The love of those loved by the Prophet is part of our faith. The Sunnis need to recognize Imam Hussein’s struggle for justice and against despotism as a genuine understanding of the Quran and not as a political ambition. They have to state that the law of primogeniture adopted by the founder of the Ummayad dynasty violated the Quranic principle of governance. They must make a difference between the respect of a companion of the Prophet and respect of the policies the Prophet lived. Muawiyas, as a companion, is different than Muawiya as a ruler, not upholding Islamic principles. The Quran demands that the truth must precede everything else. Muawiya’s role in expanding the Ummayad empire was at the cost of the growth of genuine Islam.

They can make Muharram a month dedicated to Hijra and martyrdom for justice, equality, and liberty. In the first ten days of this month, they, along with Shias, can remember the sacrifice and the movement to establish justice.

There is a lot of politics in the Shia-Sunni conflict. Saudi Arabia, with the help of Salafis, describes Shias as a deviant and non-Islamic group. With the support of its religious clergy, Iran denounces all Sunnis as part of the conspiracy and action against Imam Hussein. Their prejudices, based on their tribalism, politics, and ambitions to claim the leadership of Islam, have promoted the hostilities.

As explained and defined by rulers and their salaried clergy, Islam and the Quran

will never allow Muslim masses to come together for justice, equality, and liberty for all. There is a need for an independent initiative by Muslims at the grassroots level. The religious establishment of Shias and Sunnis will not allow this to happen. Their survival depends on the conflict and hostilities. Their livelihood comes from hatred towards each other. Only those who have the innocence

of love and respect for the Quran, its eternal universal principles of justice, equality, and freedom and who see the divine faith above their race, sect, and politics can take this initiative.

Let us hope that we change our paradigm of looking at this issue.

Source: islamicity.org

I

brother Sikander Khan, the Surrey/Delta branch committee, and The Chairman brother Mohammed Asad Gondal.

They all have treated me with honour, respect and dignity while serving as an Imām and serving the Dīn of Allāh.

My retirement is just the retirement of my employment. However, my religious duties and responsibilities given by Allāh will continue and I will carry on serving the community until my last breath Inshā’allāh!

The August 1st retirement ceremony was just a formality. This does not signify the end of my duties in serving the community.

I will continue to serve the Dīn of Allāh whenever and wherever the community needs me.

I make duā that Allāh gives us the ability and guidance to follow the Qur’ān & Sunnah and do righteous deeds that pleases Allāh.Āmeen.

Jazākum Allāhu Khair Wassalām Sincerely, Qari Abdul Wahab Imam Surrey Jamea Masjid BCMA”

Qari Abdul Wahab’s Retirement Imam Surrey Jamea Masjid served the community for the past 40 years

Asalamualaykum WRB, pray this message finds all of you in the best of health and Islamic spirit.

We have a quick announcement for everyone from Qari Sahib regarding the feed “Assalāmu-Alaikum Warahmatullāhi Wabarakātuh All praises and glory be to Allāh, the Benificient, the Merciful and salutations upon our beloved Nabī.

First of all, I thank Allāh who gave me the ability and opportunity to serve this community for the past 40 years since 1980.

I would like to thank the entire BCMA, past and present. They gave me the opportunity to serve the Dīn of Allāh as an Imām in this community at Surrey Jamea Masjid and the entire BCMA. After the announcement of my retirement, many community members have messaged, called, texted and sent wellwishes, duās and kind words. I thank them all, and I make duā for all of them that May Allāh bless them, keep them happy, healthy and safe.

May Allāh protect them and reward them all.

Once again, I would like to thank the entire BCMA. The executive council, the local branch committee, The President brother Iltaf Sahib, The VP of religious services

JazakAllah Khair, Management

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver Aug 13-27, 2021 - Muharram 4-18, 1443 H Isl. Dt. Day Date Fajar

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri

Shafi / Hanfi Sunr Dhur ZawalAsarDhuhr Asar

Maghrib

Isha

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

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Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

I nt & N a T I O N A L N E W S

Biden administration opens new Indigenous woman killed in B.C. had said RCMP failed to respond to stalking reports review of 9/11 documents

Victims’ families who believe Saudi Arabia aided the al-Qaeda attackers are pressuring Biden to act. The US Justice Department is taking a fresh look at secret United States government documents about the September 11, 2001 al-Qaeda attacks with an eye to releasing more information to the public.

The move, welcomed by President Joe Biden in a White House statement, comes as family members of many of nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 attacks have demanded Biden act. “As I promised during my campaign, my Administration is committed to ensuring the maximum degree of transparency under the law, and to adhering to the rigorous guidance issued during the ObamaBiden Administration on the invocation of

the state secrets privilege,” Biden said in a statement released on Monday by the White House.“In this vein, I welcome the Department of Justice’s filing today, which commits to conducting a fresh review of documents where the government has previously asserted privileges, and to doing so as quickly as possible,” Biden said.

In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, family members of victims have sought to pressure Biden to declassify government documents that they contend will show Saudi Arabian leaders supported the attacks.The victims’ family members, joined by first responders and survivors of the attack, released a letter on Friday as the attack’s 20th anniversary nears, called on Biden to skip this year’s memorial events unless he releases the documents.

“Since the conclusion of the 9/11 Commission in 2004 much investigative evidence has been uncovered implicating Saudi government officials in supporting the attacks,” the letter stated. “Through multiple administrations, the Department of Justice and the FBI have actively sought to keep this information secret and prevent the American people from learning the full truth about the 9/11 attacks,” the letter said.......

Source:..aljazeera.com

Family of Prince George’s Christin West asks why more wasn’t done to protect her.

The family of a slain Indigenous woman in Prince George, B.C., wants to know why RCMP didn’t do more to protect her after she said she told police she was being stalked and threatened by a man in the community.

Christin Marion West, 36, was found dead in her apartment on Aug. 7. Her body was discovered by family members after they reported her missing to RCMP. Police have since arrested Dennis Daniel Gladue and the B.C. Prosecution Service has approved a charge of second-degree murder.

Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of Prince George RCMP said West and Gladue were known to each other, but did not elaborate on the nature of their relationship.

West’s sister, Candace West, said she also doesn’t know the nature of her sibling’s relationship with Gladue. She said Christin West had contacted police several times about being stalked and harassed in the months leading up to her homicide.

“I really believe she would still be here if they had just helped her,” Candace West said of her sister. In one instance last month, Christin West posted on Facebook to say her tires had been slashed “because I refuse to be someone’s [girlfriend]” and that she was

being threatened. “Two male cops came and sided with the stalker who is harassing me,” she wrote in the July 3 post.

Candace West said her sister felt insulted and dismissed by the attending officers.

In another Facebook post, Christin West had speculated that it was because both the police and accused were white, while she was Indigenous. ”I experienced biased racial opinions and got told straight out ‘he didn’t believe me’” Christin West wrote on July 8.

“They wonder why we don’t trust the police.”

Cooper would not confirm whether Christin West reported stalking and harassment to police, or say if RCMP had opened an investigation. She did not respond by deadline to specific questions addressing concerns about the police response. ....Source:.ctvnews.ca

Businessman Michael Spavor, who has been detained since December 2018, was found guilty by a court in Dandong . A court in China found Canadian businessman Michael Spavor guilty of spying on Wednesday, sentencing him to 11 years in prison, in a decision likely to further undermine already poor relations between China and Canada.

Spavor, who for years ran a travel and cultural exchange business between China and North Korea, “was convicted of espionage and illegally providing state secrets”, Dandong city’s Intermediate People’s Court said in a statement. “He was sentenced to 11 years in prison.”

The court said Spavor, whose closed-door trial in March lasted little more than two hours, would also be deported but did not say when, and confiscated some of his personal property. Spavor is one of two Canadians who were detained in China in December 2018, shortly after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, on an extradition request by the United States.

Michael Kovrig, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, also faces spying charges and was tried shortly after Spavor in March. He is still awaiting the verdict.

Canada has said the detentions are linked to Meng’s case, which China has denied.

“China’s conviction and sentencing of Michael Spavor is absolutely unacceptable and unjust,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin

Trudeau in a statement.

“The verdict for Mr. Spavor comes after more than two and a half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law,” he said.

Canada’s ambassador to China Dominic Barton who visited Spavor at a detention centre in Dandong told reporters that the businessman had three messages he wanted to share with the outside world: “Thank you for all your support”, “I am in good spirits,” and “I want to get home.” Spavor and Kovrig have been held virtually incommunicado since they were first detained two and a half years ago. Limited consular visits were stopped because of the coronavirus and only resumed in October, and neither man has been able to see lawyers or their family. Meng, meanwhile, was granted bail and is living in one of her Vancouver mansions while her case goes through the courts.

Source:.aljazeera.com

OTTAWA -- Chris Sherlock is facing possible eviction because of unanticipated clawbacks to the guaranteed income supplement for seniors. The 65-year-old resident of British Columbia’s Cowichan Valley drew on emergency benefits last year after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out his part-time work as a musician.

Now the $2,000 a month in Canada Emergency Response Benefit he received through much of 2020 has rendered him ineligible for the income supplement typically available to low-income seniors. ”This comes as a complete shock to me,” said Sherlock, who worked on contract as a tree planter for two decades and has no company pension.

“No one warned me that I would be losing my guaranteed income supplement because of this. There was nothing about having your

pension cut in half for the next two years.”

Sherlock is not the only one blindsided.

New Democrats and Greens say they’ve have been flooded with calls from Canadians aged 65 and up who suddenly find themselves cut off from monthly government payments due to the pandemic benefits they relied on last year.Source:ctvnews.ca

US wants Afghanistan’s neighbours to Chinese court jails Canadian for 11 years on spying charges not recognise imposed govt in Kabul

The United States wants Afghanistan’s neighbours not to recognise any government in Kabul that has been imposed by force. The demand — made at a Tuesday afternoon news briefing at the US State Department — preceded a meeting of the Troika Plus nations in Doha on Wednesday.

The group, which includes the US, Russia, China and Pakistan, is aimed at finding a political solution to the decades-old war in Afghanistan.During the news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that two key meetings were being held in Doha this week, bringing together representatives from the region and beyond and from multilateral organisations.

The participants will press for a reduction in violence, a ceasefire and a “commitment by the part of these regional and broader governments and multilateral and international institutions not to recognise any government that is imposed by force,” Price said.

The meetings in the Qatari capital come as the Taliban have stepped up their campaign to defeat the government as foreign forces

withdraw.On Wednesday, the Taliban seized three more provincial capitals in Afghanistan, putting nine of the nation’s 34 in the insurgents’ hands.

US Special envoy for Afghanistan Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad is representing Washington in the talks in Doha.

Pakistan has sent its special envoy Muhammad Sadiq and its ambassador to Kabul, Mansoor Khan. Kremlin’s envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov and the newly appointed Chinese envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiao Yong are representing their countries.

Source:..dawn.com

Queen Elizabeth’s son sued in NY court for alleged abuse

NEW YORK: Queen Elizabeth II’s second son, Prince Andrew, was sued in a New York court on Monday for alleged sexual abuse of a woman who says she was “lent out” for underage sex by late US financier Jeffrey Epstein. The filing at the US district court in Manhattan said Virginia Giuffre was the plaintiff in the case against the defendant, named as “Prince Andrew, Duke of York.”

Giuffre alleged in the filing that she “was regularly abused by Epstein and was lent out

by Epstein to other powerful men for sexual purposes. “One such powerful man... was the Defendant, Prince Andrew.” According to the complaint, Giuffre said Andrew sexually abused her at the London home of socialite Ghislaine Maxwell more than 20 years ago, when she was under 18. “Epstein, Maxwell, and Prince Andrew forced (the) Plaintiff, a child, to have sexual intercourse with Prince Andrew against her will,” it said. Andrew, 61, has vehemently denied claims he had sex with Giuffre, and said he has no recollection of meeting her, but the allegations threaten to damage the British royal family.

Seniors cut off from income supplement after receiving emergency benefits

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the lawsuit and a public relations company representing Andrew e-mailed a “no comment” response on Tuesday. The allegations have dogged the British monarchy for years. The centuries-old institution was also rocked by a US television interview in March involving the 95-year-old Queen’s grandson, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan. The couple, who moved to California last year, raised allegations of racism and bullying in Britain’s most famous family, prompting denials from the palace and promises of an inquiry. ..Source:dawn.com

07

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

lo c al

Pakistan Independence Day and Eid celebrations celebrated by PCCA

O

n August 1st, the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association (PCCA) celebrated Eid ul Fitr and Pakistan Independence Day of Pakistan with pride at the Crescent Beach Park in Surrey. Pre-registration was required in line with Covid-19 protocols and the community showed up for BBQ and lunch. The program was started by PCCA

president Mr. Naveed Waraich community who invited young community members for recitation of Holy Quran and singing for Pakistan National Anthem.

Mr. Waraich then spoke about the 75th Pakistan Independence Day of Pakistan and highlighted the achievements by the Pakistan Canadian Cultural Association. Guests included Liberal and NDP MLAs, repre-

sentatives, New Conservative MP candidate from Surrey Newton and members of other professional and community associations .

The Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Janbaz Khan was the chief guest of this event and he delivered a short speech, introducing himself for the first time in person at a community event of this nature. He thanked the community for their support and he

distributed awards among the community members for their community service. First award was given to Arjumand Tahir from Masjid Aulia Allah Surrey. Another plaque was given by MP Sukh Dhaliwal to Mr. Rahat Rao for his community services. At the end Qari A. Latif Naumani made Dua for all Muslim Ummah and Pakistan.

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08 lo c al / C U R - I S S U E S Canadian Muslim Media Club hosts Online Seminar on solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

O

n Aug 5, The Canadian Muslim Media Club (CMMC) hosted a virtual meeting for the oppressed Kashmiri people on completion of two years of military siege of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.For this seminar CMMC invited the Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Janbaz Khan and leaders of the community.

The Pakistani nation observed Youm-eIstehsal on Thursday Aug 5th to express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people on completion of two years of military siege of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).

The CMMC conducted a live Zoom forum in order to denounce Indian unilateral illegal actions against Kashmiri people as well as the atrocities being carried out by the Indian forces in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

It was on the 5th August 2019 that the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was scrapped by the Modi government.

The two sessions were hosted by Mr. Naveed Waraich (President CMMC) and Mr. Tarik Kiyani (Gen. Sec). In the first session, Mr. Waraich thanked everyone on behalf of the media representative team for sparing some valuable time and joining in the dialogue for “solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people” and in particular to express solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Including Chief guest CG Mr. Janbaz Khan and many others BC community and Alberta leaders joined this virtual meeting and expressed their views at two years of military siege of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Speakers Event in Surrey on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Educates about struggles worldwide

On August 9, at the occasion of International the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Uyghur Muslims in collaboration with other allies, organized an empowering event at Holland Park in Surrey.

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed resolution 49/214 which declared that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples are to be observed every year on August 9th. The organizers asked settler and non-Indigenous communities to do same: to take the time to listen, take action and stand in solidarity with our indigenous communities – both locally and globally.

The event was organized to help further societal awareness on the issues and struggles that Indigenous peoples have faced through-

out history and up to today. These include, but are not limited to: mental health awareness, accessibility needs to essential services, benefits and resources, and the harmful impacts of systemic and cultural oppression.

The event opened with a dynamic speech

by Annie Ohana, a Surrey board teacher and an accomplished Indigenous Teacher advocated and anti-oppression curriculum specialist. Annie encouraged everyone to dare themselves to be a changemaker and take action against oppression of Indigenous peoples. Afterwards, MC Helen Pahou invited speakers advocating for international indigenous communities including Faraz (Syria), community, Yasmin Ullah (Rohingya community in Myanmar), Aida (Afghanistan), Amin (Iraq) and Kabir Qurban (Uyghur community in China). Each

speaker spoke about the struggles of the indigenous populations in their countries and many drew parallels to the residential schools legacy and oppression of Canada’s Indigenous population. Everyone was encouraged to educate themselves, have a dialog with other and use social media to raise awareness about the struggles of Indigenous

communities worldwide.

People from diverse backgrounds came out to support the cause and learn about the plight of indigenous populations in Canada and abroad and left feeling enlightened and a list of concrete actions to take to stand in solidarity.

09 pAKISTAN TIMELINE Journey of Pakistan 1947-Apr 1988 (Importnant events/ News) Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

Edited By: M.Naseer Pirzada

1947

J

une 3: British Government decides to separate British India, into two sovereign Dominions of India and Pakistan.

July 8: Constituent Assembly of Pakistan approves the design of Pakistan.

14 August Pakistan came into existence.

Sept 30: Pakistan becomes a member of the UN by a unanimous vote of the Sec Counc.

1948: January 1: UNO cease-fire orders to operate in Kashmir. War stops accordingly.

May 1: Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Pakistan enters war on behalf of Kashmir against India.

1 July: Quaid-e-Azam inaugurated the State Bank of Pakistan.

July 9: Pakistan’s first postage stamp is issued.

September 11: Founding father of nation Quaid-e-Azam dies in Karachi due to stroke.

September 14: Khwaja Nazimuddin becomes Governor-General of Pakistan.

1949: January 1: United Nations Cease-fire Line established between Pakistani Kashmir and Indian-held Kashmir.

March 12: Objectives Resolution passed by Liaquat Ali khan 1950: January 4: Pakistan recognises the People’s Republic of China September 6: General Mohammad Ayub Khan, the first Pakistani, is appointed C-inC of Pakistan Army.

1951October 16: Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan is assassinated at Rawalpindi.

October 17: Malik Ghulam Muhammad becomes Governor-General, Khwaja Nazimuddin assumes charge of Prime Minister.

1953: April 17: Muhammad Ali Bogra is sworn is as Prime Minister.

1954: April : Urdu made National language July 31: K2, the world’s second highest mountain, is conquered by an Italian expedition led by Professor session Aug 7: Govt. of Pakistan approves the National Anthem, written by Hafeez Jalandhari and composed by Ahmed G. Chagla.

Aug 17: Pakistan defeats England by 24 runs at Oval during its maiden tour of England.

October 24: Ghulam Muhammad dissolved first constitutional assembly.

1955: January 1: Pakistan International Airlines(PIA) comes into being.

Aug 7: PM Mohammad Ali Bogra resigns after the election of Chaudhri Mohammad Ali. Oct 6: GovernGeneral Ghulam Mohammad’s resignation is succeeded by Iskander Mirza.

1956: February 21: Constituent Assembly decides the country shall be a Federal Republic known as Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

May 14: PM Abiha Abdul Majeed presents the first five-year plan.

March 23: 1956 Constitution is promulgates on Pakistan Day. Major-General Iskander Mirza sworn in as first President of Pakistan.

Sep 12: Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy assumes office of appointed Prime Minister.

1957: Feb 2: President Iskandar Mirza laid down the foundation-stone of Guddu Barrage.

March 8: President Iskandar Mirza lays the foundation-stone of the State Bank of Pakistan building in Karachi.

July 11: Spiritual leader of Shia imami Ismaili Muslims and one of the founders of Muslim League and first president of All India Muslim League, Aga Khan, dies.

Governor-Raj is lifted in W. Pakistan after 4 months.

July 24: Maulana Bhashani forms NAP Dec 16: Malik Firoz Khan Noon is sworn in as seventh Prime Minister of Pakistan.

1958: Feb 14: Sardar Abdul Rab Nishtar, veteran leader of Pakistan Movement dies in Karachi.

October 7: Martial Law is declared throughout the country. General Ayub Khan is chief Martial Law Administrator.

October 27: Ayub forces Iskander Mirza to step down, General Ayub khan himself becomes President November 2: Iskander Mirza is exiled.

1959: Oct 26: Basic Democracies by Ayub Khan October 27: President General Ayub Khan becomes Field Marshal.

1960: Feb 24: Presidential Cabinet decides to name the new Capital as Islamabad.

Mar 23: Foundation of Minar-e-Pakistan is laid.

July 31: Foundation stone of Mazar-i-Quaid (Mausoleum of M.A. Jinnah) is laid.

September 9: Pakistan achieved its first Gold Medal in 1960 Olympics, defeating India in hockey by 1–0 at Rome.

1961: Jan 1: Decimal coinage introduced in Pakistan.

July 15: Jasmine is chosen as the national flower of Pakistan.

1962:June 8: 1962 Constitution is promulgated.

June 8: National Assembly elected and begins its first session. Ayub Khan takes oath of first President of Pakistan under new constitution.

1964:July 31: Pakistan, Iran and Turkey agree to establish Regional Cooperation for Development.

November 26: President Ayub Khan inaugurates Pakistan Television Lahore Station.

1965: March 21: National Assembly Dr. Arif Alvi

2018-update

elections held. Out of 150, Pakistan Muslim League wins 120 seats.

June 30: Pakistan and India sign accord on Rann of Kutch.

September 6: Second war between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.

September 23: A cease-fire between India and Pakistan comes into force.

1966: January 10: Tashkent Declaration signed between India and Pakistan.

February 12: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, chief of Awami League, announces his six points in Karachi.

Sep 17: General Yahya Khan becomes C-inC of Pakistan Army. General Musa Khan appointed Governor General of West Pakistan.

1967: July 9: Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah dies in Karachi.

November 26: Malik Amir Muhammad, Nawab of Kalabagh is shot dead.

December 1: Pakistan Peoples Party comes into being.

1968: Oct 26: Pakistan becomes Olympic hockey champion, winning over Australia 2–1.

1969: Mar 25: East Pakistan uprising forces Ayub Khan to resign and hand over power to Army Chief General Yahya Khan. Martial law is proclaimed and assemblies are dissolved.

Dec 1: 300 Class I gazetted officers, allegedly involved in corruption, are suspended.

1970:March 1: Air Marshal Asghar Khan forms new political party, Tehrik-i-Istaqlal.

April 6: First ordinance factory is inaugurated at Ghazipur.

July 1: One-unit of West Pakistan abolished, provinces restored.

Dec 7: First General elections held. Awami League and Pakistan People Party emerge as leading parties in East and West Pakistan.

December 19: Pakistan wins gold medal in 1971: January 30: An Indian Airlines aeroplane, hijacked by two Kashmiri separatists, lands at Lahore airport.

October 24: Pakistan wins World Hockey Cup defeating Spain 1–0 at Barcelona.

November 22: India launches full-scale attack on East Pakistan.

December 16: Dhaka falls and Bangladesh comes into being.

Dec 20: Gen. Yahya Khan hands over power to Z. A. Bhutto, who takes over as President and Chief Martial Law Administrator.

East Pakistan become an independent country named Bangladesh 1972: Jan 30: Pakistan snaps ties with Commonwealth on recognizing Bangladesh.

April 14: First session of National Assembly.

Bhutto elected President.

April 21: Martial Law lifted; constitutional rule is restored in the country.

July 2: Simla Agreement is signed between President Bhutto and PM Indira Gandhi.

October 28: President Bhutto inaugurates Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP).

1973: April 10: 1973 Constitution of Pakistan enacted by the National Assembly.

August 11: Chaudhry Fazal Ilahi is elected as President.

August 14: Constitution of Pakistan 1973 promulgated August 28: Return of Pakistan POWs (prisoners of war) accord signed in New Delhi.

1974: Feb 21: Pakistan recognizes Bangladesh.

Feb 22: Islamic Summit Conference starts in Lahore; 22 heads of state participate.

September 7: Resolution passed about that Ahmadis and all groups of Ahmadis are Non-Muslim. Resolution made by Allama Shah Ahmed Noorani Siddiqui Ahle Sunnat Barelvi and leader.

1975: July 27: Council of Islamic Ideology recommends to abolish Riba and introduce Zakat.

1976: March 1: General Muhammad Zia-

ul-Haq becomes Chief of Army Staff.

July 24: Lahore-Amritsar train service, Samjhota Express starts.

July 31: A.Q. Khan research laboratories established.

1977: January 10: Nine opposition parties form joint election forum, Pakistan National Alliance (PNA).

March 7: General elections are held in the country. PPP wins 155, PNA 35 seats out of 200.

July 1: Friday is announced weekly holiday, replacing Sunday.

July 5: General Zia-ul-Haq enforces Martial Law. Constitution suspended; political activities banned.

September 17: Z. A. Bhutto arrested under Martial Law orders.

1978: February 1: Allama Iqbal’s Lahore house is declared national monument.

March 18: Lahore High Court awards death sentence to Bhutto along with four others.

June 11: Altaf Hussain forms All Pakistan Muhajir Students Organization (APMSO).

September 16: General Zia-ul-Haq is sworn in as President.

1979: April 4: Z. A. Bhutto hanged in Rawalpindi jail.

Oct 15: Dr. Abdus Salam, eminent Pakistani scientist, is awarded Physics Nobel Prize.

1980: May 26: Establishment of Federal Shariat Court is announced.

June21: Government starts collecting Zakat.

1981:Jan 1: Interest-free banking introduced.

January 3: International Islamic University starts functioning.

March 2: A PIA Boeing 720 with 148 passengers hijacked to Kabul.

Aug 31: Pakistan Steel Mills starts functioning.

1982: January 3: Pakistan defeats Germany 3–1 in World Cup Hockey in Bombay.

January 11: General Zia-ul-Haq inaugu-

rates first session of Federal Council (Shoora) in Islamabad.

December 21: Writer of Pakistan’s national anthem, Hafeez Jalandhari dies.

1983: Jan 15: First three F-16 jets reach Pakistan.

March 11: Nuclear tests: Kirana-I is carried out. The tests are not announced until 2000.

1984:March 18: Altaf Hussain forms MQM. April 27: Ban imposed on use of Islamic nomenclature by Ahmadis.

December 19: General Zia-ul-Haq holds presidential referendum.

1985:Feb 25: Partyless national elections held.

March 23: Muhammad Khan Junejo sworn in as Prime Minister and General Zia as President.

December 31: Martial Law is lifted, amended 1973 Constitution revived.

1986: April 10: Benazir Bhutto returns to homeland.

1987: February 21: President Zia makes a surprise to India, met Premier Rajiv Gandhi.

October 15: Qazi Hussain Ahmed becomes Amir of Jamat-i-Islami.

Dec 18: Benezir Bhutto marries Asif Ali Zardari.

1988: April 10: Army ammunition blown up in Ojheri camp, Rawalpindi; more than 100 people died.

Continued at page 10

10

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

pAKISTAN

TIMELINE

Journey of Pakistan 1988-Aug 2019 (Importnant News)

Continued from page 9

1999: February 21: Lahore Declaration is November 16: General elections held. PPP signed by Nawaz Sharif and A. B. Vajpayee.

April 15: Pakistan conducts test of a nuclear-cawins 92, IJI secures 54.

December 2: Benazir Bhutto is sworn in as pable short-range ballistic missile, Shaheen.

16 April: Pakistan won Coca-Cola Cup final first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan.

1989: May 26: ISI Chief Lt. Gen. Hameed at Sharjah crushing India by 8 wickets Gul is replaced by Shamsur Rahman Kallu. July 26: Kargil War ends between Pakistan and India.

Oct 1: Pakistan rejoins Commonwealth.

1990: Feb 5: Kashmir Solidarity Day observed for the first time August 6: President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolves National Assembly and dismisses Benazir Government. Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi becomes care-taker prime minister.

October 24: General elections held. IJI gets 104 and PDA wins 45 seats.

November 6: Nawaz Sharif elected Prime Minister, securing 153 votes.

1991: April 25: Jahangir Khan creates history by winning British Open Squash title Oct 12: Nawaz Sharif is ousted from power for the record tenth consecutive time.

May 16: National Assembly adopts Shariat Bill. and placed under house arrest after attemptAugust 14: Nawaz Sharif lays foundation- ing to sack General Pervez Musharraf.

2000: April 6: Nawaz Sharif sentenced to life imstone of Bab-i-Pakistan at Walton Lahore. prisonment on charges of hijacking and terrorism.

1992: January 12: Lahore-Islamabad May 12: Supreme Court validated the OctoMotorway project launched. ber 1999 coup and granted General Pervez February 22: Nawaz Sharif introduces Musharraf executive and legislative authoryellow-cab taxi scheme.

March 25: Pakistan wins Cricket World ity for three years.

December 10: Nawaz Sharif along with famCup, defeating England by 22 runs in ily, sent into exile in Saudi Arabia.

Melbourne, Australia.

April 26: Pakistan’s Alam Channa enters Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest man in the world.

1993:April 18: President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolves National Assembly, dismisses Nawaz Sharif government. Balkh Sher Mazari becomes care-take prime minister.

May 26: Supreme Court restores National Assembly and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

July 18: President Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif quit their offices.

October 6: General elections held. PPP wins 86; PML (N) secures 72 seats.

October 19: Benazir Bhutto is elected Prime December 22: Famous singer, Noor Jahan dies in Karachi.

Minister by 121 votes.

November 13: Farooq Laghari elected 2001: June 21: General Pervez Musharraf assumes office of president while remaining eighth President of Pakistan.

1996: April 25: Imran Khan launches new Chief of Army Staff. political party, Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaf (PTI). July 15: Agra Summit starts. President Pervez November 5: Farooq Ahmed Leghari dis- Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Vajsolves National Assembly sacking Premier payee holds talks over long-standing issues.

November 10: US President Bush meets Benazir Bhutto. Malik Mairaj Khalid President Musharraf in New York and becomes care-taker prime minister.

1997: Jan 29: Supreme Court upholds Presi- assures additional aid of one billion dollar. dent’s proclamation dissolving the National As- 2002: April 30: Musharraf wins in a referendum.

Oct 10: General election held in the country. sembly and dismissing Benazir Government.

November 23: Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali February 3: Nation goes to the polls. sworn in as Prime Minister.

PML secures 135 seats.

February 17: Nawaz Sharif sworn in as 19th 2003: Feb 24: Senate elections: Ruling party wins most seats in voting to the upper house.

Prime Minister.

Feb 23: Nawaz Sharif launches “Qarz utaro June 24: President Pervez Musharraf meets Mulk sanwaro”. He declared Sunday as a pub- G.W. Bush in Camp David. US announces lic holiday and convert Friday into half day. $3-billion five-year economic assistance May 21: Saeed Anwar slams world record package for Pakistan.

July 11: Lahore-Delhi bus service resumed score of 194 runs against India.

August 16: Noted Pakistani singer, Nusrat after suspension of 18 months.

2004: January 1: General Musharraf won a Fateh Ali Khan died at the age of 49.

1998: January 1: Rafiq Tarrar is sworn in as vote of confidence in the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies.

President of Pakistan May 28: Pakistan conducts nuclear tests in January 5: Musharraf meets Vajpayee in Islamabad, discusses Kashmir dispute.

Chagai hills in Balochistan.

June 26: Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali steps down and nominates Ch. Shujaat Hussain as his interim successor.

Aug 28: Shaukat Aziz becomes Prime Minister.

2005: July 13: 136 people killed and about 170 injured in a collision of three passenger trains near Ghotki.

Oct 8: A devastating earthquake in Kashmir and NWFP kills over 80 thousands people.

2006: May 14: Charter of democracy (CoD) is signed by two former prime ministers of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto in London.

April 26: Pervez Musharraf lays foundationstone of Diamir-Bhasha dam.

2007: March 9: President Musharraf dismissed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar.

July 20: Iftikhar restored as Chief Justice October 18: Bhutto, Benazir returned to Pakistan, after exile of about 8 years.

November 3: Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency, most of the senior judges of Supreme Court ousted.

November 25: Nawaz Sharif returned Pakistan after 7 years of forced exile.

December 27: Bhutto, Benazir assassinated in a blast/bullet attack in Rawalpindi.

2008: Feb 18: Elections are held amidst tight security. PPP, PML-N, PML-Q and ANP win 124, 91, 54 and 13 seats respectively.

March 24: Yusuf Raza Gilani is elected as the new Prime Minister.

August 18: Pervaiz Musharraf steps down as President of Pakistan. Mohammadmian Soomro takes over as President.

September 6: Asif Zardari wins presidential election with 481 votes.

2009: 21 June: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Final. Pakistan won the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup in Lord’s London England. Pakistan won by 8 wickets.

2010: April 10: Pakistan adopts the 18th amendment to the Constitution, stripping President Asif Ali Zardari of key powers.

July 28: Crash of Airblue Flight 202, killed all 152 people on board.

October 1: Pervez Musharraf launches his new political party, the All Pakistan Muslim League, at a club in London.

2011: Jan 4: Salmaan Taseer, the governor of Punjab, is shot by one of his bodyguards near his home for opposing Blasphemy law in Pakistan.

May 2: The US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in the city of Abbotabad.

2012: 22 June: Raja Pervaiz Ashraf is elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan, following the disqualification of Yousaf Raza Gillani September 11: Over 314 people die in factory fires in Karachi and Lahore.

2013: January 10: A series of terrorist attacks killed more than 100 people in Quetta.

March 25: Mir Hazar Khan Khoso is appointed as caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, following the completion of the PPPled government’s term in office.

May 11: General Elections 2013 held across Pakistan.

June 5: Nawaz Sharif is elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, following the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s victory in the 2013 general elections for the 3rd time.

July 30: Mamnoon Hussain is elected as the 12th President of Pakistan September 24: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hits BalOchistan, at least 825 people are killed and hundreds injured.

November 29: Pakistan Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani retires. General Raheel Sharif becomes the next COAS. March 31: A Pakistani court charges former President Pervez Musharraf with high treason in relation to the imposition of the emergency rule in 2007.

May 21: Pakistan Air Force fighter jets bomb suspected militant hideouts in North Waziristan, killing approximately 60 militants and injuring another 30.

October 10: Activist Malala Yousafzai be-

comes the first Pakistani to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle to voice girls’ right to education.

December 16: Taliban gunmen storm a military-run Army Public Schools massacre in Peshawar, killing at least 141, including 132 children and nine employees, with most of five hundred students evacuated. The shooting ends with all seven gunmen dead.

2016: Feb 4: First season Pakistan Super League June 22: Musician Amjad Sabri is killed in a targeted shooting.

December 6: PIA plane PK-661 crashed during flight killing 47 people including acclaimed former singer and religious scholar Junaid Jumshed and his wife.

2017: February 9: The second season of the Pakistan Super League began.

Feb 16: A suicide bombing at the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalander in Sehwan, Pakistan resulted in the deaths of over 90 people.

June 18: Pakistan wins 2017 ICC Champions Trophy defeating India in the finals.

July 28: A unanimous verdict by the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualifies PM Nawaz Sharif from office, over the controversy of him and some of his family members names being in the Panama Papers, thus leading to his disqualification for lifetime.

August 1: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is sworn in as Prime Minister, succeeding Nawaz Sharif.

2018: March 3: - The 2018 elections to the Senate of Pakistan were held.

July 6:Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Safdar Awan were given prison sentences of 10, 7 and 1 years respectfully on controversial corruption charges.

July 25: The 2018 Pakistani general elections were held.

August 17 -PTI leader Imran Khan took oath as (22nd)(without ignoring care takers) Prime Minister of Islamic republic of Pakistan.

September 4 - The 2018 Pakistani presidential election were held.

December 24: Former Minister Nawaz Sherief is sentenced to seven years 2019: Feb 27, Pakistan ‘captures Indian pilot after shooting down two jets in dogfight over Kashmir’Pakistan has claimed to have shot down two Indian jets and captured a pilot after a dogfight over Kashmir, igniting fears of an all-out conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

May 7, Nawaz Sharif to go back to jail as bail expires Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will return to jail later on Tuesday following the expiry of his six-week bail in a corruption case.

June 10:, Former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari arrested in fake bank accounts case. Pakistan’s most powerful opposition leader arrested after bail rejection in bogus accounts July 2: MNA Rana Sanaullah sent to jail on 14-day judicial remand July 3: The IMF Takeover of Pakistan , the International Monetary Fund approved a $6 billion bailout package to help “return sustainable growth” to Pakistan’s economy.

July 17: ICJ rejects India’s plea for Jadhav’s return, grants consular access “Delhi defeated. ICJ knocks out India’s major demands about Kulbhushan Jadhav on his release and annulment of sentence.”

Jul 18: Former Pakistani PM Abbasi arrested on corruption charges July 25:Was Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s visit to the US a success? Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan returned from a three-day visit to the United States to the Pakistani August 8: Maryam Nawaz: Pakistan’s leader of the opposition arrested, Maryam Nawaz arrested while visiting her father, the jailed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Continued at page 14

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7 5 t h I ndependen c e D a y

14 August – The Pakistan Independence Day

elebrations for the Independence Day 2021 – 75th Independence Day for Pakistanis

Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan movement that aimed at forming a separate homeland for Muslims. This movement was led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Pakistan was established in two wings; West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). According to the Islamic calendar, we achieved independence on the 27th of Ramadan, the eve of which known as Layl-tul-Qadr is very sacred for Muslims. The main independence day event takes place in Islamabad where flag hoisting is done in the Presidential and Parliament buildings. It is then followed by the national anthem and speeches by the prominent national leaders. Other events and festivities also take place which include cultural events, flag raising, national songs and patriotic tableaus. Award ceremonies also take place during this day and the people of the homeland show their love for the country by raising flags at the top of their homes or on their vehicles and other attire.

History

the President of All-India Muslim League.

Three years later, the name “Pakistan” for a separate Muslim homeland was given by Chaudhry Rehmat Ali. It comprised of five units; Punjab, Afghania, Kashmir, Sindh and Balochistan. Like Iqbal, Bengal was left out

by Chaudhry Rehmat Ali in his proposal.

During 1940s the independence movement intensified and Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the most prominent leader. For a long time the feeling between Muslims and Hindus had started intensifying. All-India Muslim League was the driving force for creating a separate homeland for Muslims in SouthAsia. On 23rd March 1940, Lahore Resolution was passed which focused on demanding a separate homeland for Muslims. This is why 23rd March is now recognized as Pakistan Day.

Independence

The area which now comprises Pakistan was After World War 2, the British realized that a part of British empire during most of the now they didn’t have enough British Army 19th century. The British got hold of the and resources to rule restless British India as sub-continent by establishing the East India Company. The War of Independence 1857 put the sub-continent under the direct crown of the British. All-India Muslim League was formed at Dhaka in 1906 for demanding a separate homeland for the Muslims.

After World War 1, many Indian activists got into action. There were nationwide non-cooperation movements and civil disobedience. The idea of a separate Muslim homeland was given by Allama Muhammad Iqbal in his sppech on December 1930 as

Republic of India and The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Boundaries were established between the two countries. The partition led to a massive massacre. 15 million people migrated towards their homeland according to their religion following the months of partition.

On 14th August 1947, the Dominion of Pakistan was established and Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the first Governor General in Karachi. Independence was marked with their sources were already exhausted. Thus, great celebrations. they decided to end their rule over rebellious The Date of Independence British India. In 1946, The India National The partition took place in the midnight of Congress, demanded a single state being a 14-15 August, so 15th August 1947 was consecular party. The All-India Muslim League sidered as the date of Independence. The Act opposed this suggestion and gave the sepa- confirmed this date. ration of Pakistan as an alternative. Efforts Jinnah also stated the same date in his first were carried out by the British Government radio broadcast. to bring peace between the two parties but all went in vain and riots started in South- Celebrations Independence Day is one of the six national Asia.

In February 1947, the Prime Minister, Clem- holidays and is celebrated across the counent Attlee announced that the India will be try. Meetings are held in Government offices given independence no earlier than June, by diplomats, officials and politicians before 1948. On 3rd June 1947, it was announced the day. Government bodies and educational that the British India would be divided into institutions arrange different sport activities, two separate states. The two successor gov- cultural and social events for the day. In Kaernments will be given dominion status. rachi, the Mazar-e-Quaid is cleaned up for Lord Mount Batten chose 15th August as the celebrations. the date for transmission of power. He chose Celebrations start with hoisting of flags in 14th August as the date of power transfer to the Presidential and Parliamentary office.

Pakistan as he wanted to attend the ceremo- The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan address the nation in live telecasts. nies in both the countries.

Thus, the subcontinent was divided into the Government officials and politicians make speeches in different rallies and events in which they appreciate the sacrifices of our national heroes and discuss the future goals.

Main buildings like the President House etc are lightened up. A change of guard takes place at the National Monuments. The Airforce, Army and Navy feature in independence day parades. Flag hoisting ceremony in the city is carried out by the Mayor and by senior officials in different private and public sectors.

Source: blogger-hub.com

Gandhi’s role in the Indian independence movement Gandhi became the leader of the struggle for independence in 1921. The Jallianwala Bagh incident spurred him into taking on a larger role in the freedom fight, and in a few years his civil disobedience movement had become popular across the country.

Gandhi believed in non-violence, or ahimsa, and started the non-cooperation movement, in which he urged Indians to boycott Brit-

ish goods. He also led thousands of Indians in the Salt March against a British law that forbade Indians to make salt and force them to buy the heavily taxed British salt instead.

Shortly after, Winston Churchill asked India to join World War II, and Gandhi responded by launching the Quit India Movement, which led to his arrest and widespread tension in India. Due to growing unrest in the

country between Hindus and Muslims, plans were announced to partition British India into two nations – India and Pakistan. Gandhi had believed in unity, but was unable to stop the partition of the country into India and the new nation of Pakistan and the migration that caused the loss of a million lives.

Source theculturetrip.com

What led to the India and Pakistan partition?

Divisions between Hindu and Muslims had been encouraged by the British “divide and rule” approach. Muslims were a minority in India and some leaders were worried about what an India dominated by Hindu rulers would mean for them. Gandhi called for the two religious

groups to work together, and the leader of the political group the Muslim League, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, believed that Muslims needed a homeland within India. However, widespread violence between Hindus and Muslims started in Calcutta in August 1946 and spread later

throughout North India. During Direct Action Day, also known as the Great Calcutta Killings, Muslims in Calcutta went on hartal (strike) to press for the new nation of Pakistan. The protest resulted in the worst few days of communal rioting British India had ever seen

The Pakistan Movement or Tehrik-e-Pakistan Although the majority of the Indian population under the British Raj were Hindus, some provinces (now called states) had Muslim majorities. Due to the political unrest in the country, Britain decided that India would need to be partitioned to carve out a separate homeland for Indian Muslims, but it wasn’t immediately clear which provinces would join which country. Some were given the right to choose, while others were divided up – the provinces of Assam, Bengal and Pun-

jab were each split in half, with one half going to India and the other to the new Pakistan. The remaining princely states could pick a side. After the partition, Jinnah became the first Governor-General of Pakistan, and Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first president. Gandhi, who remained the strongest advocate for a unified country, was shot by a Hindu religious fanatic in 1948, just a month before the last of the British troops finally left India. Source theculturetrip.com

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Fed . plan / M I D D L E E A S T

Federal election speculation: race against US envoy heads to Qatar to press a possible fourth wave of COVID-19 Taliban for end to offensivey

VICTORIA -- With speculation that a federal election call could come as early as Thursday, political experts say the Liberals will have to be careful about timing as COVID-19 case numbers climb in many parts of the country.For weeks, Liberal ministers and MP’s have been see at virtual and in-person events. Tuesday, there were at least five announcements, including in Steveston where Liberal cabinet minister Harjit Sajjan announced $50 million to help small harbours in British Columbia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is 15 seats shy of a majority.

Hamish Telford, a political scientist and professor at the University of the Fraser Valley says the Liberals are targeting about 30 ridings, and he expects to hear Liberal party members make promises that address local concerns in those ridings. While the pandemic and economic recovery will be the backdrop to any election, he says the goal will be to hone in on ridings that can be won.

Opposition leaders are making their pitches to not have an election. Polls show both Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O’Toole and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh are lagging behind Trudeau.

At an event of his own in Ontario on Tuesday, O’Toole told reporters that “Now is not the time for an election. Now’s the time to make sure we’re ready for the risks of a fourth wave.” He added he was worried the Liberals would pursue their political interests anyway.

Some voters may agree with O’Toole. Yet, last fall, B.C. premier John Horgan called an election in the middle of the pandemic,

and although he received some flak, he won a majority for the B.C. NDP. “Case numbers were rising then and they got the election done in the nick of time and that’s what Justin Trudeau is hoping he can pull off this summer,” said Telford.

Despite a fixed election date, it appears the federal Liberals are pushing for an earlier election. Trudeau has said parliament is dysfunctional. Ministers are saying its hard to pass legislation. Both are messages out of the B.C. NDP’s playbook for 2020.

Singh is pushing back, writing in a publicly-released letter to Trudeau saying that his party is ready to work together and pass bills.

“I want to make sure we have bills like the conversion therapy ban passed in legislation and let’s make sure environmental laws are passed,” Singh told reporters at an electionstyle stop.

Typically, political parties don’t listen to opposition leaders, but to their own polling data.“Since they have been on this trajectory for months the polling must be fairly consistent and giving them confidence they can pull it off,” added Telford.

Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

Gavoka: Indigenous rights are human rights

. INDIGENOUS rights are human rights and as such, indigenous people cannot or should not be left behind in any decision-making and development, says Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) leader Viliame Gavoka.

Speaking on Sunday, the eve of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Mr Gavoka said the party aimed to protect and promote the interests and rights of Indigenous Fijians and their group rights, as stipulated under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the ILO Convention No. 169.Mr Gavoka said the UNDRIP was an international instrument adopted by the United Nations on September 13, 2007, to enshrine (according to Article 43) the rights that “constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and wellbeing of the indigenous peoples of the world”.

“The UNDRIP protects collective rights that may

not be addressed in other human rights charters that emphasise individual rights and it also safeguards the individual rights of indigenous people,” he said. “The first of the UNDRIP’s 46 articles declares that “Indigenous peoples have the right to the full enjoyment, as a collective or as individuals, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as recognised in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights law.” Source:.fijitimes.com

Foreign ministers meet to mend Kenya-Somalia ties

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to co-operate to improve diplomatic, trade and other mutual ties between them following years of frosty relations.It follows a meeting of both countries’ foreign ministers in Mogadishu over the weekend.

A joint statement released by the Somali foreign affairs ministry said they agreed to organise a meeting for a joint framework to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The areas include diplomatic relations, trade, education, agriculture, defence and security, tourism among others.

The ministers also welcomed the return of respective ambassadors to Mogadishu and Nairobi.Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” Mohamed met the Kenyan foreign minister and welcomed the outcome of the talks and expressed his commitment to pursue peace and “good

neighbourliness”.

Kenya and Somalia’s relations have been strained in recent years over Kenya’s alleged interference in Mogadishu’s domestic affairs as well over a maritime boundary dispute in the Indian Ocean among other issues. ”Source:.aljazeera.com

Several rounds of meetings are scheduled over three days between Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban as the armed group advances. “Ambassador Khalilzad will be in Doha to help formulate a joint international response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan,” the department added.

Attending the meetings will be governmental and organisational representatives from the region and beyond, who “will press for a reduction of violence and ceasefire and a commitment not to recognize a government imposed by force”, the statement continued.On Monday, the Taliban announced that it had captured a sixth provincial capital in Afghanistan in four days.

The armed group’s spokesman claimed it had overrun Aybak, the capital of the northern province of Samangan.

‘It’s their struggle’

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said at a news conference. “It’s their country to defend now. It’s their struggle.”US officials said military commanders have bluntly laid out their assessments that conditions in Afghanistan are deteriorating.Afghan special operations forces have been able to hold off the Taliban in key centres, including Kandahar and Lashkar Gah, they said. But in locations where the commandos have not been sent in, regular army forces have been overrun. US Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his top Middle East commander, General Frank McKenzie, on Monday, officials said. Twarplanes are travelling from several hours away to reach their targets.

Amid the advance of the Taliban, the US is showing no signs of stepping up air attacks, with a Pentagon spokesman saying that Washington now sees the fight as one for Afghan political and military leaders to win or lose. “When we look back, it’s going to come down to leadership and what leadership was demonstrated, or not,” by Afghans, Source: aljazeera.com

‘Martyrs’: Algeria wildfires leave 42 dead, including 25 soldiers President Abdelmadjid Tebboune says soldiers who died saving 100 people in Kabyle are ‘martyrs’. At least 42 people have been killed in wildfires ravaging mountain forests and villages east of Algeria’s capital, including 25 soldiers who died saving residents, the president announced.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Tuesday night tweeted that the soldiers who died saving 100 people from the fires in two areas of the Kabyle region are “martyrs. Kabyle is home to the North African nation’s Berber population. At least 11 other soldiers were burned fighting the fires, four of them seriously, the defence ministry said.

Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane said on state TV that 17 civilians had died, raising the count from seven previously.

He provided no details. The mountainous Kabyle region, 100km (62 miles) east of the capital Algiers, is dotted with difficult-toaccess villages and, with temperatures rising, has had limited water.

Some villagers were fleeing, while others tried to hold back the flames themselves,

using buckets, branches and rudimentary tools. The region has no water-dumping planes.The deaths and injuries on Tuesday occurred mainly around Kabyle’s capital of Tizi Ouzou, which is flanked by mountains, and also in Bejaia, which borders the Mediterranean Sea, the president said.

The prime minister told state television that initial reports from security services showed the fires in Kabyle were “highly synchronised,” adding that that “leads one to believe these were criminal acts”.

Earlier, interior minister Kamel Beldjoud travelled to Kabyle to assess the situation and also blamed the fires there on arson.

Greece fights wildfires for eighth day as PM pledges relief .............Source:aljazeera.com

Iranian stands trial in Sweden for alleged 1980s war crimes

An Iranian citizen accused of committing war crimes and murder during the final phase of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s has gone on trial in Sweden.

Hamid Noury has been in custody in Sweden for almost two years and is accused of having played a leading role in the alleged government-ordered execution of political prisoners at the Gohardasht prison in Karaj, Iran, in 1988. His trial, which began in the Stockholm District Court on Tuesday, marks the first time anyone has been brought before a court to stand trial for the purge.An estimated 5,000 political prisoners were allegedly executed across Iran at the end of its bloody conflict with neighbouring Iraq. Under Swedish law, courts can try Swedish citizens and other nationals for crimes against international law committed abroad. Noury, 60, has denied the accusations levelled against him. His trial is expected to run until April 2022.

Alleged executions According to Swedish authorities, Noury worked as a prosecution official at the Go-

hardasht prison when a large number of executions took place there between July 30 and August 16, 1988.

He is suspected of involvement in the execution of prisoners who belonged to or sympathised with the exiled People’s Mujahidin Organisation of Iran (MEK) opposition group, outlawed as a “terrorist” group

by Iran, as well as the murder of other jailed dissidents. The killings at the Gohardasht prison and elsewhere in Iran were allegedly ordered by the founder of the modern Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, after Iranian forces blunted a surprise 1988 assault by the MEK launched from Iraq...................Source:..aljazeera.com

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L O C A L

Investigation being launched at site of former residential school, B.C. First Nations announce VANCOUVER -- Three First Nations have launched an investigation into what happened to the students of a former residential school in North Vancouver.

The announcement was made by the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations at the site of St. Paul’s Indian Residential School in North Vancouver, which operated from 1899 to 1958 and was run by the Catholic Church. That school was closed due to fire safety concerns and was eventually replaced by St. Paul’s Indian Day School.

The site is now used as a staff parking lot for St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School. ”Our intention here today is to begin a healing process for our survivors and for our people,” Khelsilem, spokesper-

son for Squamish Nation said during the announcement.“The three nations will be working together with the Catholic Archdiocese … to gather all information to honour and find those children who might not have gone home but attended St. Paul’s Indian Residential School.”

The First Nations said records show there are at least 12 unidentified children who died while attending the school between 1904 and 1913.Khelsilem said many of the records nations have obtained to date are “piecemeal.”

A representative for the Archdiocese of Vancouver pledged “full cooperation” to make all records available and accessible, as well as mental health supports “in partnership with each nation.”“We acknowledge and honour

the truths of your experiences, and we apologize with deep humility for the harms that resulted from the role the church played, at this and all residential schools,” James Borkowski, the Archibishop’s delegate for operations said.

Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, whose father Stanley attended St. Paul’s in the 1950s, called the announcement the “start of our healing journey.”

“I’m grateful he survived,” Thomas said.

“Otherwise I wouldn’t be here today.”

And Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Nation added: “I want to say on behalf of my community that we’re going to work with each and every one of you to get to the truth.”

In recent months, First Nations across Can

ada announced the discoveries of what are believed to be the remains of many other children suspected of dying at residential schools, some using ground-penetrating radar to analyze the area around the former school sites...... Source: cbc.ca

strictions have been re-introduced to combat a surge in transmission.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said she expects those measures to begin having a noticeable effect over the next week. Other health authorities have been experiencing an increase in cases as well, however, including Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. Last week, an independent COVID-19 modelling group predicted B.C. could see cases top 1,000 per day again unless more regional restrictions are imposed.

For now, health officials have stressed the importance of getting British Columbians fully vaccinated so they have the maximum protection against the highly contagious

Delta variant. A total of 7,114,250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstaZeneca vaccines have been administered across the province so far. Just over 82 per cent of eligible residents age 12 and older have received at least one dose, while about 71 per cent have received both doses.

There have also been concerns about COVID-19 once again infiltrating long-term care homes, where staff are not required to be immunized. B.C. health officials recently celebrated going more than a week without a single outbreak in the long-term care system, but there are now eight homes battling outbreaks. Half of those are in the Interior Health region. COVID-19 hospitalizations

have also climbed to 72, after falling as low as 42 at the end of July. The number of patients in intensive care also jumped to 29 on Wednesday, up six from the previous day.....

Source: cbc-ca

B.C. adds 536 cases of COVID-19 in biggest daily increase since mid-May

VANCOUVER -- B.C. health officials announced another 536 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, marking the province’s biggest single-day increase in infections since mid-May.The update, delivered in a written statement from the Ministry of Health, pushed B.C.’s seven-day average for new cases to 411 per day. The last time it was that high was May 21.

The last time the province reported more than 536 infections in a day was on May 13.

Officials also announced one new death related to the disease, bringing B.C.’s death toll to 1,778. About 48 per cent of the latest COVID-19 infections came from the Interior Health region, where several tough re-

Canada has entered a fourth wave, doctors warn as COVID-19 cases rise the rise across Canada after a summer drop, doctors say the country has entered a fourth wave of the pandemic. Canada’s seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases is nearing 1,300, up 60 per cent from last week. The bulk of new infections are in British Columbia, which reported more than 1,000 new infections between Sunday and Tuesday, followed by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine physician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, said Canada is now in a fourth wave. “From mid-July to mid-August, there’s TORONTO -- With cases of COVID-19 on been a four-fold increase [in cases],”he told

CTV News Channel on Wednesday, adding that he is grateful cases are nowhere near figures seen during the third wave.

Razak warned “a wave can happen very, very quickly” with the more infectious Delta variant of the virus. “You can have really explosive growth,” he said, adding that that’s what’s playing out in United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands right now.

Dr. Peter Juni, the scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, also warned Canada is in a fourth wave.

“We can’t see any reopening considering right now,” he told CP24, referring to On-

CALGARY -- The Trans-Canada Highway reopened Wednesday evening after a collision involving a semi, two vans and a car earlier in the day left two people dead, three others injured and prompted officials to close a section of the highway to traffic.

The crash occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m.

According to an update issued by the RCMP around 2:30 p.m., the incident was initiated

were transported to hospital by ground ambulance in serious but stable condition.

There was no word on the condition of the driver of the semi or the occupants of the westbound cube van.

Around 8:40 p.m., RCMP issued a statement that the highway had been cleared for traffic to resume travel westbound on Highway 1. .Source: calgary.ctvnews.ca

tario reopening. “We need to be very careful that we don’t have further explosive growth.”

But Juni said the vaccine rollout is what differentiates this wave compared to previous ones in Canada.

Right now, unvaccinated people make up the bulk of new cases. Statistics Canada data show that unvaccinated people have made up 90 per cent of all COVID-19 cases, since the vaccine rollout began in December.

Juni urged those still on the fence to get their shot, as they’re the most likely to be hospitalized with serious illness.

Source: ctvnews.ca

2 dead, 3 hospitalized in crash on Trans-Canada Highway west of Calgary by an eastbound cube van that crossed the freeway into the westbound lanes, where it ran head-on into a car.

At the same time, a westbound semi behind the car was unable to stop and rear-ended it.

A westbound cube van traveling behind the semi then rear-ended the semi.

Two people were pronounced dead on scene and EMS officials confirm three patients

Sask. man charged after flying helicopter to Dairy Queen to buy ice cream cake: RCMP SASKATOON -- A customer’s unusual arrival at a Saskatchewan Dairy Queen has resulted in a criminal charge.

Around 5 p.m. on July 31, Tisdale RCMP received a complaint that a helicopter had landed in a “high traffic” parking lot in the community, according to a news release.

The aircraft “blew up dust and debris” in an area that includes a school and aquatic centre, RCMP said.

A passenger had climbed out of the helicopter and bought an ice cream cake, RCMP said. The landing was not an emergency, according to police.

While the pilot was licensed, it was illegal to land the helicopter in the area.

A 34-year-old man from Leroy, Sask. is charged with one count of dangerous operation of an aircraft.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Sep. 7 in Melfort. Source: saskatoon.ctvnews.ca

‘Particularly dangerous’: Heat warnings in effect for Lower Mainland

VANCOUVER -- B.C. health officials are warning those living on the South and Central Coast and Vancouver Island to brace for yet another heat wave.

In an afternoon news conference about the upcoming heat wave, health officials said they’re asking everyone to

plan ahead and assured that the health-care sector is doing the same.“Paramedics and dispatchers are on deck to get help to people quickly who call for it,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said.

Dix said staff is being increased in emergency rooms to manage expected demand and more

clinicians are being stationed at dispatch centres. Environment Canada has issued heat warnings with temperatures beginning to climb Wednesday.

“Daytime highs ranging from 34 to 38 C, combined with overnight lows of 17 to 20 C. Humidex values during this period

will reach the high 30s to possibly the low 40s,” wrote the department in a bulletin.The highest temperatures are expected Thursday and Friday, but the hot weather will stick around for the weekend as well...... .Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

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Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

politi c s / S P O R T S

Mary Simon installed as Canada’s 30th Governor General

OTTAWA -- Mary Simon became Canada’s 30th Governor General on Monday, in a pared-down but historic and culturally-rich ceremony. A prominent Inuk leader and former ambassador, Simon is now the first Indigenous person to become the Queen’s representative in Canada, after spending her life playing several key roles in advancing Inuit culture, as well as social, environmental, and human rights as an advocate and negotiator.

In her first remarks in the role, Simon pledged to play a role in the rethinking she says is needed when it comes to reconciliation, to bring attention to the urgent crisis of climate change and the impacts already being felt in this country, as well as to be an advocate for equality and mental health.

“We have learned as a country that we need to learn the real history of Canada. Embrac-

ing this truth makes us stronger as a nation, unites Canadian society, and teaches our kids, that we must always do our best, especially when it is hard,” Simon said.

“As governor general, I will strive to hold together the tension of the past, with the promise of the future, in a wise and thoughtful way.” She also stitched in moments of humour into her remarks, noting that her Inuk name, Ningiukadluk, means “bossy little old lady.” Scroll down to recap our live blog coverage of today’s ceremony The pared-down, pandemic-cautious ceremony took place in the Senate of Canada building in the parliamentary precinct.

While typically the event would be attended by several hundred people, fewer than 50 dignitaries and guests attended in masks, due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

Arriving at the ceremony where a red carpet was rolled out, Simon was met with claps and cheers from a crowd of onlookers standing across Wellington Street in front of the Chateau Laurier, and was greeted with a similar response upon her departure.

In addition to the necessary pomp and official oaths and signatures overseen by senior federal officials, the event included several cultural performances and a qulliq—a traditional Inuit lamp representing light and warmth— burned throughout the ceremony.

“In Canada, perhaps more than any other place on earth, we are defined by our diversity. We’re still a country that is in many ways young, and yet, Indigenous peoples have called this place home for millennia… This is a big place, it’s a diverse place, so, we need people like Ms. Simon, because we need

people who build bridges, and bring us together,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in remarks during the ceremony. “Your remarkable achievements are an example of what it means to build bridges in pursuit of the Canada to which we all aspire.”....

Source:.ctvnews.ca

TORONTO -- Canadian veterans helping Afghan refugees and their families escape danger in Afghanistan worry that bureaucracy is keeping them from safety.

Last week, the Canadian government began flying Afghan refugees, including interpret-

ers, embassy workers and other support staff who helped the Canadian military during the Afghanistan war, to Canada as a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan has left them in grave danger. The Taliban claims to have taken control of more than 80 per cent of Afghanistan, including overtaking another five cities over the weekend. Last week, Hassan Soroosh, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Canada, described the situation there as “dire.” It’s unclear how many refugees have since arrived in Canada, but at least two military flights and one charter have landed in the country. Still, some Canadian veterans working to resettle the Afghan families worry hundreds more will be left to die due to bureaucratic red tape.

“There is too much bureaucracy in the process,” Corey Shelson, a Canadian veteran helping Afghan refugees, told CTV News.

“(It’s) a peacetime process that’s being applied to a wartime scenario. If we do not simplify the process, people will get left behind and innocent people will die.”

Last month, the federal government created a special immigration program for Afghan refugees to apply for Canadian transport, but on top of it being criticized as a complicated process, the refugees now need a passport and a PCR COVID-19 test, both of which are expensive and difficult to find.

“There’s been a lot of panic, a lot of pandemonium, a lot of confusion,” said Dave Morrow, a veteran of the Afghanistan war who’s helping to resettle the Afghan refugees.

“To try and get a passport in Kabul right now, you’re looking at months for wait times and potentially thousands of dollars in order to get it done.”

The two Canadian veterans say missing

passports and COVID-19 tests left about 20 people stranded at an airport in Afghanistan over the weekend. In addition to the help from veterans, the Veterans Transition Network has set up a fund to help those in Afghanistan awaiting evacuation to Canada.

The fund is for transportation, life support and logistics. In a conversation with CTV News, the office of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marco Mendicino said it is working with the Afghan government to resolve the passport issue, adding that there is movement in the right direction. It’s unclear how many refugees will ultimately be resettled in Canada, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that the country would bring as “many of them as possible.” The U.S. has pledged to bring 2,500 refugees back.

Source:.ctvnews.ca

won the silver medal in the women’s 200-metre 6. BRONZE: Women’s softball canoe sprint race finishing with a time of 46.786.

7.

BRONZE: Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have come to a 17.

GOLD: Damian Warner -- decathalon -Judo women’s 63 kg close and Canada captured an impressive 8.

GOLD: Maude Charron -Weightlifting haul of 24 medals. It’s the most medals Canadians have won in a non-boycotted Games and the seven gold medals tied the amount earned by the nation at the 1992 Barcelona From Penny Oleksiak becoming Canada’s most decorated Olympian ever to the women’s soccer team’s sensational road to the top of the podium to Andre De Grasse asserting his claim as the fastest man on the planet to 18. BRONZE: Lauriane Genest -- women’s Damian Warner’s Olympic record decathlon keirin track cycling feat, this was one Olympics that Canadians 19. BRONZE: Evan Dunfee -- men’s 50-kilowomen’s 64 kg shouldn’t forget. metre race walk 9.

BRONZE: 9.

BRONZE: Penny Oleksiak -Here’s a rundown of all 24 medals Canada 20. SILVER: Mohammed Ahmed -- men’s Women’s 200-metre freestyle won in Tokyo: 5,000 metres 10.

BRONZE: Caileigh Filmer, Hillary Jans1. SILVER: Women’s 4×100-metre swim21. BRONZE: Men’s 4×100-metre relay sens -Women’s coxless pair ming freestyle relay 22. GOLD: Women’s soccer 11.

GOLD: Women’s eight rowing 2:SILVER: Jennifer Abel, Melissa Citrini23. BRONZE: Katie Vincent, Laurence Vin12.

SILVER: Kylie Masse -Women’s 200-meBeaulieu -- Women’s three-metre synchrocent Lapointe -- Women’s C-2 500 metres tre backstroke nized springboard 24. GOLD: Kelsey Mitchell -- Women’s track 13.

BRONZE: Women’s 4×100-metre med3. GOLD: Maggie Mac Neil -- Women’s cycling sprint ley relay 100-metre butterfly Canada wins first-ever gold in women’s 14.

BRONZE: Andre De Grasse -men’s 100 mt 4. BRONZE: Jessica Klimkait -- Judo womfootball: Olympics. It took two periods of 15.

GOLD: Andre De Grasse -men’s 200 mt en’s 57 kg extra-time and drama-filled penalties, but 16.

SILVER: Laurence Vincent Lapointe -5. SILVER: Kylie Masse -- Women’s 100-meCanada’s Julia Grosso buried the game-winwomen’s 200-metre canoe sprintLaurence tre backstroke Vincent Lapointe of Trois-Rivières, Que., ner against Sweden to capture the first-ever

gold medal for the country in women’s football. Stina Blackstenius scored the first goal to put Sweden ahead in the first half. Canada drew level on a Jessie Fleming penalty in the second half to force the game into extra time.

After two hard-fought extra periods, it came down to the wire in the penalty shootout, but Sweden’s Jonna Andersson had her attempt saved, opening the door for Grosso’s winner.

The match was the first-ever women’s football Olympic final to be decided by penalties.

With the gold, Canada’s Quinn becomes the first out trans and non-binary athlete to win a medal. The United States’ women’s team defeated Australia in the bronze medal match on Thursday.

Source:.sportsnet.ca

Bureaucratic red tape is leaving Afghan refugees on the tarmac, Canadian veterans warn

Whoa, Canada.

Looking back on every medal Canada won at the 2020 Tokyo Games

PAK Senate committee to honour Arshad Nadeem, Talha Talib ISLAMABAD: A senate committee on Wednesday decided to invite Talha Talib and Arshad Nadeem, who failed to win medals during the recent Tokyo Olympics but still performed well.The Senate Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), headed by Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, discussed Pakistan’s dismal performance at the Games.The committee, however, appreciated the performance of Talha and Arshad, while deciding to honour them in the next meeting. It also decided to invite the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) for a briefing on the functioning of the body and perfor-

mance in Tokyo.

The committee also directed the Ministry of IPC to share the draft National Sports Policy for an input, and that incamera meeting shall be conducted to review and discuss the policy in detail.The committee decided that in the next meeting a sub-committee shall be constituted and mandated to invite major sports organisations, including the POA, in order to understand their working and functions as well as to review their constitution under which these have been established. The sub-committee shall submit its report to the main committee....Source:. dawn.com

15

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

Adeeb

Ayyaz

(Realtor)

PREC

(Realtor)

604 - A2Z 604 518 - 3782 Team 839 - 7863

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

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ACADEMY Townhomes - well-designed space! Bright and Beautiful Corner Unit. This 3 bedroom 3 bathroom townhome is in a family-friendly neighborhood in Fleetwood. Offers an open-layout concept. Quality construction and backed by the balance of the 2-5-10 year home warranty. Centrally located in Fleetwood; Excellent location with easy and quick access to HWY 1, Fraser Hwy, Frost Road Elementary, Holy Cross Secondary, shops and restaurants. Only a 10 minute walk from the proposed Surrey Langley Skytrain station at 160th & Fraser Hwy.

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16

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

Ayyaz

Adeeb

(Realtor)

PREC

604 518 - 3782

604 - (Realtor) 839 - 7863

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

UPDATED SOLD Properties 2021 SOLD $940,000 R2546594 31982 HILLCREST AVE MISSION BC V2V 1K9

SOLD $560,000 R2543995

SOLD $920,000 R2549835 20979 WICKLUND AVE MAPLE RIDGE V2X 8E8

SOLD $564,000 R2541787

27-11464 FISHER STREET MAPLERIDGE, BC V2X 0H8

32-20890 57 AVE LANGLEY BC V3A 8M7

SOLD R2546739 $929,000

SOLD $1,417,000 R2555598

12471 227 STRRET MAPLE RIDGE BC V2X 6K4

SOLD $550,000 R2569290 8-13670 84 AVENUE SURREY, BC V3W 0T6

6537 125A STREET SURREY, BCV3W 6S9

SOLD $950,000 R2555648 8985 VINES STREET CHILLIWACK BC V2P 3X5

SOLD $975,000

SOLD $596,305

R2539866

(Pre Sold)

11927 96A AVENUE SURREY BC V3V 2A5

43-6388 King George Blvd SURREY BC V3X 3J8

SOLD $725,000

SOLD $596,305

R2550873

(Pre Sold)

31-7848 170 STREET SURREY BC V4N 6M4

46-6388 King George Blvd SURREY BC V3X 3J8

SOLD $770,000 R2560163

SOLD $577,500

167 SPRINGFIELD DRIVE LANGLEY BC V4W 3K8

1109-5811 N0. 3 Road Richmond BC V6X4L7

SOLD $727,300

SOLD $500,000

R2570801

R2482366

R2596550

44477 FRESHWATER DR CHILLIWACK, BC V2R 6A3

301-15388 101 Avenue Surrey BC V3R 4H1

SOLD $575,005

SOLD $415,000 R2517425

R2580575

206-12125 75A AVE SURREY BCV3W 1B9

#402 5638 201A ST, LANGLEY BC V3A 1T1

SOLD $500,000 R2558602 207-6930 BALMORAL STREET BURNABY BC V7E1J5

SOLD $649,000

Exclusive Listing

R2570801

1003-6611 Cooney Road Richmond BC V6Y 4C5

SOLD $435,000

SOLD $359,000 R2554305

309-14885 105 AVE 211-2356 Welcher Av Port Coquitlam BC V3C 1X5 SURREY BC V3R 2V6

SOLD $577,500

SOLD $550,000 R2536822

SOLD $635,000 R2574425

1109-5811 NO. 3 ROAD 46383 CORA AVENUE RICHMOND BC V6X 4L7 CHILLIWACK BC V2P 7K9

SOLD $899,999 R2587180 32070 Holiday Avenue Mission BC V2V 2N1

SOLD $1,270,000 EXCLUSIVE 10336 129A STREET SURREY BC V3T 5P2

R2583365 202-7161 121 Street Surrey BC V3W 1G8

SOLD $860,000 R2596766 10-15168 66A AVENUE SURREY BC V3S 1X2

17

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

Ayyaz

Adeeb

(Realtor)

PREC

604 - (Realtor) 839 - 7863

604 518 - 3782

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

Properties SOLD $445,000

R2559520 105-12155 75A AVENUE SURREY BC V2W 1B9

SOLD $220,000

V589769 217 8700 ACKROYD ROAD RICHMOND BC V6X 3G2

SOLD $509,000

R2450615 2-5480 PEBBLE LANE CHILLIWACK BC V2R 6B8

SOLD $698,888

SOLD $715,000 R2579897 9160 ARMITAGE STREET CHILLIWACK BC V2P 6R7

R2525983

R2529913 17-162 1639 SURREY BC V0V 0V0

SOLD $915,000 R2535413 33835 FERN STREET ABBOTSFORD BC V2S 1G4

SOLD $1,730,000

R2602885 45595 Lewis Avenue Chilliwack BC V2P3C7

SOLD $951,000

R2538286 12948 72 AVENUE SURREY, BC V3W 2M9

SOLD $286,000

SOLD $2,275,000

R2527043 17511 101 AVENUE SURREY BC V4N 4H2

SOLD $575,000

SOLD $775,000

SOLD $658,900

403-71 JAMIESON COURT NEW WESTMINSTER BC V3L 5R4

R2554052

R2588741 6183 146 Street Surrey, BC V3S 3A1

2927 BABICH STREET ABBOTSFORD BC V2S 3K4

R2534554

18936 55 AVENUE SURREY, BC V3S 6W7

SOLD $1,490,000

SOLD $685,000 R2494524

46095 FIFTH AVENUE CHILLIWACK BC V2P 1M6

R2544625

Pre-sale “Parkside at Lynn” by MOSAIC 3 bedroom penthouse

603-620 SEVENTH AVENUE NEW WESTMINSTER BC V3M 5T6

SOLD $538,000

SOLD $600,000

316-8060 JONES RICHMOND BC V6Y 4K5

SOLD $1,529,900

SOLD $410,000 R2578219

R2584183 61-31032 Westridge Place Abbotsford BC V2T 0C6

SOLD $880,000 R2602719 45639 Stevenson Road Chilliwack BC V2R 1M6

SOLD $999,800

R2233335 15757 92 AVENUE SURREY, BC V4N 3C3

SOLD $820,000

F1122130 203-7837 120A STREET SURREY, BC V3W 0W9

8040 KNIGHT AVENUE MISSION, BC V2V 6A8

SOLD $1,650,000

SOLD $1,302,000

R2534993 17737 102 AVENUE SURREY, BC V4N 5V8

SOLD $1,675,000

R2533939

R2531908

6189 146A ST SURREY, BC V3S 6N4

SOLD $1,250,000

R2598197 13749 93A AVENUE SURREY BC V3V 8A9

R2548366 11749 96 Ave Surrey, BC V2T 5B8

SOLD $1,312,000 R2603251 11002 240 Street Maple Ridge BC V2W 1H6

18

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

pakistan

Journey of Pakistan-Aug 2020 -Aug 2021 (Importnant News) Continued from page 10

August 11: Worst shelling in over a decade, claim Locals at LoC. Locals claim that it was a war-like situation and they had not seen this kind of escalation and heavy artillery firing for over a decade.

August 11: Kashmir tensions spill over to Britain’s Pakistani and Indian communities Ever since thousands of troops placed Indian-administered Kashmir in lockdown, Sohail Nasti has been sitting in the living room of his north London home frantically trying to communicate with his family.

October 28-Nov: The 2019 Azadi march is an ongoing protest march led by Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) in Islamabad, Pakistan from 28 October 2019. The march opposes Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding his resignation,and new elections.No women were part of the protests. The protest involved tens of thousands of protesters.

October 31: Pakistan Railways’ Tezgam passenger train caught fire while traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi, resulting in at least 75 passenger deaths. The train accident was the deadliest in Pakistan since 2005, when the Ghotki rail crash killed more than 100 people December 11: Punjab Institute of Cardiology

and 21 May. These attacks left 9 people dead and another 27 injured.

April 11: The 2021 Pakistani protests was

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/

AUG-2020

August At least 39 people were injured in an RGD-1 grenade attack on a Jamaat-i-Islami rally in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighborhood of Karachi. The Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army claimed responsibility for the attack.

10 Sep: PM Pakistan Launches “Roshan Digital Account” For Overseas Pakistanis.

20 Oct - Pakistan after 10 days hiatus, Pakistan banned TikTok. 28 Oct: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sealed

cellular Sim company Jazz head office after they did not pay 25 billions rupees in 2018.

31 Dec: The Samadhi of Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj, a revered Hindu saint and the Krishna Dwara temple situated in the Teri village in the Karak District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan was at(PIC), located in Lahore, Pakistan, is a 347- tacked and burned, by a mob of 1,500 local bed tertiary care hospital providing nation- Muslims led by a local Islamic cleric and the supporters of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party. wide comprehensive cardiac care services.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_in_ Dec 17: Musharraf high treason case The Supreme Court of Pakistan , a special Pakistan#January court declared him a traitor and sentenced 2021 him in absentia to death for abrogating and Jan 5: The Supreme Court ordered that the suspending the constitution in November Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj Samadhi temple 2007.The three-member panel of the special in Teri, Karak District, be rebuilt by the govcourt which issued the order was spearhead- ernment after it was destroyed by a mob in ed by Chief Justice of the Peshawar High December 2020.

Jan 9: A massive blackout strikes Pakistan, Court Waqar Ahmed Seth 2020: February 1 Pakistan locust infestation - the government declared a national emergency to protect crops and help farmers February 26: The first two cases of COVID-19 are reported in Pakistan.

March 8: The Aurat (Women) March is an

annual political demonstration organized in various cities of Pakistan.

May 22: Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 crashed in Karachi killing 97 of the 99 people on board as well as one on the ground.

June 19:The Supreme Court of Pakistan has quashed a presidential reference filed against Justice Qazi Faiz Esa. June 30: Nigar Johar becomes Pakistan Army’s first female lieutenant general.

July 06: PM Imran Khan inaugurates country’s first ever indigenously made ventilators at National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) in Haripur.

July 15: ‘Will build biggest dam in Pakistan’s history’: PM Imran kicks off construction work at Diamer-Bhasha Dam. July 26: Pakistan Army downs this year’s 10th Indianspying quadcopter: ISPR Aug 7: NAB summons Buzdar over liquor licence ‘bribe’.

a series of protests and strikes in Pakistan from 11–20 April 2021. Mass protests first erupted after a series of calls for nationwide rallies and picketing against the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his cabinet, orchestrated by banned far-right party Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) May 31: The 2021 Balochistan attacks were two attacks in Balochistan, Pakistan.These attacks left 4 soldiers and 4 insurgents dead.

2 soldiers were wounded.

June 7: Two trains collided near Daharki, in

the Ghotki District of the southern province of Sindh in Pakistan, killing at least 65 people and injuring about 150 others.

21 July: Three boats sank on the first day of Eid-ul-Adha in the Raghagan Dam in Bajaur, killing four people and leaving 20 missing.

6 Aug: PM Imran given demo of Pak-made

electronic voting machine ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan leaving as much as 90 percent of the country on Thursday received a detailed presentation without electricity at its height as officials and a demonstration of a new locally-made electronic voting machine (EVM). rush to restore power.

January 28 – A Malaysian court ordered the 6 Aug: UK govt rejects Nawaz Shaimmediate release of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane which was seized on 15 January, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, over a lease dispute.

Feb 22:The Ippi shooting was a mass shooting in which two gunmen shot dead four female aid workers. The attack occurred on 22 Feb in Ippi village, North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

March 24: The 2021 Chaman bombings were two bombing attacks in Chaman, Balochistan, Pakistan, that occurred on 24 March rif ’s visa extension plea UK govt rejects Nawaz Sharif ’s visa extension plea (ANI): Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif ’s request for an extension in his visit visa has been rejected by the UK government, Geo News reported on Thursday.

Source:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_in_ Pakistan#January

Happy 75th Independence Day

W

ith continuous support and encouragement from both within and outside of Canada, The Miracle team feels proud to launch another edition on the occasion of 75th Independence Day of Pakistan and India.

I would take the opportunity to thank the supporters and well wishers of “The Miracle’ for providing continuous support through advertisements of their businesses, sharing their thoughts in writing with our readers.

Keep up the good work not only for the Miracle, but for all. We are proudly continuing our thirteen years old tradition of Azadi editions.

This time again we have shortage of pages, due to Coronavirus effected on all businesses, so we are publishing only the Timeline (1947- update) after the independence day of Pakistan.

As Pakistani Canadians, we not only have to the responsibility of being faithful and loyal to Canada but also represent our distinct cultural identity in a positive manner.

Be part of upcoming Canadian Provincial & Federal Elections. I am very proud that I am a Muslim and Pakistani Canadian, and it is my duty to promote not only the Canadian values but also our Pakistani businessmen community, that is serving Canadians day and night. I have high respect for these people who contribute to the economic prosperity of Canada and are also equipping their future generations with high education and skills to serve this country and making it stronger and more prosperous.

At the end, I once again request to all Pakistani Canadians that be proud of your Pakistani origin, and live here with peace and dignity as Ambassadors.

Promote Pakistani businesses and their products and make your contribution in benefiting both Canadian and Pakistani economies.

Feel free to comment on this issue as your concerns and suggestions are highly appreciated for improving our quality in future. United we stand, divided we fall.

Long Live Pakistan and Long Live Canada.

Jazakum Allah khair

M. Naseer Pirzada (Editor in Chief Miracle Media)

19

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

E

women / y out h

Back to school !

By: Asma Shums, very fall, parents are tasked with managing back-to-school transitions. Usually this means shopping for or gathering school supplies or seasonal clothes, registering for activities or helping children manage backto-school excitement or worries. But wth is year back to school feels different Our research shows that due to COVID-19, parents and children are experiencing greater levels of anxiety and stress. With contentiousand sometimes shifting information about the process, these feelings of uncertainty may increase.

Parents and children may feel nervous about contracting and spreading COVID-19 at school, frustrated by vague reopening plans and skeptical of whether children are able to follow social-distancing and mask protocols.

While levels of anxiety and stress may be high, parents play an influential role in helping children cope, encouraging a positive back-to-school transition and helping to reduce children’s anxiety and worries.

Have honest and open discussions

In psychology, we use the phrase, “what you resist, persists” to describe how avoiding important discussions can actually lead to more persistent feelings of anxiety in children.

It’s important to have honest, factual and open conversations with your child about

COVID-19and its implications for returning to school. Tailor the depth and breadth of conversations based on your child’s age and maturity level.

For example, with a younger child in grades 1 to 3, you could spend some time talking about what might look different this year.

Their class size may be smaller and teachers and educators may be wearing masks. Extracurricular activities or regular school activities (such as some forms of music) might be cancelled.

For older children, you could ask if there are specific things they are worried or concerned about, and talk these through with them.

You can help children and youth identify their role in staying safe — such as avoiding touching their face, washing their hands or using hand-sanitizer and keeping their distance from others. Use coping-focused language that emphasizes the active role that children, youth and adults are taking to make sure things go well (following instructions, engaging in good hygiene), rather than focusing on things that are out of their control (like if a student gets COVID-19).

When your child expresses (or demonstrates) they’re struggling, start by listening carefully to their concern. Put devices away, so you can provide undivided attention.

Then, try validating your child’s emotion by making a caring statement that reflects what they just said, such as: “I can understand why you feel worried about returning to school, especially when there are so many

changes happening because of COVID-19.”

Identifying reasons why your child might be feeling worried or anxious will make them feel understood.

Help your child face their fears by promoting problem-solving. Together, identify a few possible solutions and then help them identify which solution seems best. You can discuss different options or role-play solutions to help your child build confidence.

Encourage your child to try out the solution in real life and discuss whether or not it worked. If not, try picking a different solu- ID-19 is by creating a predictable daily routine, beginning with consistent times for tion to test! meals, waking up and going to bed.

Focus on things going well It’s important to acknowledge children’s Before or after school, engage your child in worries and anxieties, but parents should planned, shared activities like making breakalso motivate their children to focus on the fast, reading together or going to the park. things they might be looking forward to. Model calm behaviour Children are likely excited to see friends, It’s OK for parents to feel uncertain and peers or teachers in person. They may posi- worried. However, as much as possible, try tively anticipate a daily school routine and to model calm and confident attitudes about take pride in their role as a student or in returning to school for your child and use cheerful, positive messages when saying minimizing COVID-related risks.

Before school starts, you can ask, “What are goodbye, and empathy when responding to you looking forward to on your first day of tantrums, protests or crying. school?” or “What have you missed about While this year’s transition back to school school?” Once school starts, you can ask: is different, we can help children feel opti“What was the best thing that happened today?” mistic by listening to and validating their worries, teaching them coping strategies, Build a predictable routine Usually, things we can control makes us reviewing safety protocols and supporting feel safe because they are predictable, while them when they find things difficult. Ultithings that fall out of our control can lead to mately, our kids need us to lead the way for feelings of anxiety because they are unpre- a successful back-to-school transition and to develop the lifelong skills they need for navidictable.

One way parents can help children build gating challenges. feelings of safety and security during COV- Email info at: asmashums@gmail.com

Has cannabis legalization changed kids’ drug use?

S By Mahima Banerjee Recreational or non-medical marijuana was legalized in the US states of Washington, Colorado, and more for all adults above the age of 21. However, adolescent use of marijuana remains prohibited in all states. There were concerns that with the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults, teenagers might end up using marijuana more. But is this true? Usually, teen marijuana use accompanies cigarette and alcohol use as well, so understanding the impact of the legalization of non-medical marijuana is important. There are limited sources of post legalization data from the states it has been allowed in and the data shows mixed reviews. For example, data collected from Colorado implies there has not been any effects on marijuana use after its legalization. However, data from Washington was contradictory.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state of Washington, there has been an increase in marijuana use among 8th and 10th graders. However, a publication using data from the ‘Washington Healthy Youth Survey’ showed that rather than an increase, a large decrease was seen in marijuana use among 8th and 10th graders and no effects whatsoever among the 12th graders.

The data collected in the ‘Washington Healthy

Youth Survey’ used repeated surveying over a large group of participants but did not take into consideration that teens who were previously using marijuana may change their minds. Since the first study also did not interview 12th graders, a team of scientists at University of Washington decided to take a closer look.

Jennifer Bailey and her team surveyed marijuana, alcohol, and cigarette use among youth aged from 10-20 years. The data for this study was collected from the “Seattle Social Development Project−The Inter-generational Project (SSDP-TIP)” which began in 2002. The children who were surveyed for the previous SSDP in 1985 were re-approached for the TIP, when they themselves had become parents.

The children surveyed were between the ages of 1 to 13 years, and were followed between the years of 2002 and 2018. Although the original participants of the SSDP were from Washington, many of them had later moved to a different state where recreational marijuana still was not legalized so the analysis was limited to the families who lived in a state where recreational marijuana is legal.

The study was carried out by recording the responses of 339 children and teens with the higher scoring children being the ones who were less likely to substance use. The

children surveyed were from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. Fifty one percent of the participants were female, 49% were male, 10% were Asian/Pacific Islander, 17% were African-American, 33% were white, and the rest were other races. About 94% of the participants lived in Washington and 4% lived in Oregon in the year 2015 when the survey was administered.The researchers used a statistical method called “multilevel regression” — it measures associations between variables.

They found that after legalization, children were less prone to substances as they got older. When compared to children of mixed ethnicity, it was noted that white children were more likely to use cigarettes and alcohol and African-American kids were less likely to use alcohol. Children of more educated parents were more likely to believe marijuana use was not harmful. States that permit non-medical marijuana use for adults should spend more resources on evidence-based underage marijuana prevention initiatives. Although several states have legalized non-medical marijuana, the details of it differ by state.Washington has placed a limit on the number of marijuana shops that can open, and does not allow people to grow non-medical marijuana at home.

Prior to marijuana’s legalization, Washington had a badly regulated system which was

and barbaric actions to Muslims when our religion is actually a repellent of those ideals.

Another media stereotype involves Muslim women. Western Muslim women are commonly portrayed as either helpless victims of male oppression or ‘strong feminists’ who oppose the ‘oppressive’ nature of their religion by disregarding its values and of course, running away with the token white boy. Repeatedly, Muslims are associated with hatred, extremism and of course, terrorism. In truth, while some characters are portrayed as Muslims wish to be portrayed, there is a variety of options screenwriter explore to push their narratives. I f we aren’t shown harmfully by being twisted away from our values, characters like us are being killed off, pushed to the side or just removed from the screen altogether.

Of course this is not to say that balanced representations of Muslims do not eist but since media representation of Islam has changed so dramatically in the past decade, it is critical work to see how these portrayals shape public opinion of Muslims. While only a minority of population holds prejudiced or islamophobia views against Islam, a majority perceives us as foreign and outlandish.

This particular view pushes the public to believe that our religion is a threat to western culture, and that we are different from what members of western society ‘should be’.

Consequently, as Muslims living in such environments it can be difficult to cling to our religion and culture which is why interacting with others who share our beliefs and follow our religion is such a strong and important way to hold on to our faith. Especially young

brought in control in the beginning of 2016.

Thus, change in use of marijuana among teens was more sharp in states where they did not limit the number of outlets.

Although extensive, the study performed was not universal. It was a small sample size and most lived in Washington state only. Also, instead of looking at each item individually over the course of a child’s life, researchers focused on the effects of marijuana usage on alcohol and cigarette consumption. It was also based on substance use in the last year, rather than lifetime habits, by the 10-20 year olds. The authors explained that it would be useful to survey children from multiple states, even if marijuana is illegal there. This would allow them to compare whether the overall trend of marijuana use is shifting in the states where it is legal or for the entire nation.

In conclusion, based on research carried out to quantify the effects of non-medical marijuana legalization, it is safe to state that nonmedical marijuana legalization may be working against teen marijuana and alcohol usage.

It is recommended by the authors that states that have legalized recreational marijuana or cannabis for adults regulate and supervise closely over teen marijuana use.

Source: sciworthy.com

My Take On: Media Coverage of Muslims By:Khadija Nadeem Gr 10

Media coverage of Islam related issues has changed drastically, especially since the events of September 11, 2001.

Both in quantity and quality, Islam has been pushed to the front of global media, particularly in news and entertainment. But another thing that has changed is the way Islam is portrayed.

Often violent themes are attached to Muslim characters in tv shows and movies to promote the ‘radical Muslim stereotype’. Which is obviously harmful as it attaches cruelty

impressionable Muslims, it is hard to not be influenced by what is shown on our screens but as we advance and push for better representation, I’m sure that there will come a time when our existence will be normalized and our religion will be revered as we hope for it to be.

20 HEALTH Why the delta variant is spreading COVID-19 so quickly — and what that means for Canada?

Muharrum 4, 1442 August 13, 2021

was 50 per cent more contagious than the original virus strain, according to the Yale School of Public Health.

That means every person infected is capable of passing the virus on to more people than before, helping this variant spread through populations quickly — and even faster among those whose immune systems aren’t already on high alert due to a previous COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Why is it more transmissible?

By: Lauren Pelley

Study suggests those infected may carry 1,000 times higher amount of virus .

It’s the word on everyone’s mind right now when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic: Delta. The highly contagious variant, which was first discovered in India in late 2020, has spread around the world and now accounts for the majority of cases in Canada and various other countries.

The recent spread in the United States has led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to recommend that Americans wear masks in areas with substantial transmission “regardless of vaccination status.”

So, why is this particular variant spreading so rapidly? And what’s the mechanism at play behind its apparent success at infecting human hosts?

The answers are complicated, and there are still unknowns around how, exactly, the delta variant was able to take hold at such a brisk pace, throwing a wrench in global efforts to wind down the pandemic.

But we are getting closer to understanding how it works — and why vaccines, thankfully, still hold up.

How contagious is delta?

The delta variant is thought to be significantly more contagious than the early strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which first swept around the world. Delta has been dubbed a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“We are fighting the same virus but a virus that has become fitter and better adapted to transmitting amongst us humans,” said Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies program, during a Friday briefing.

Scientists estimate it’s spreading roughly 50 per cent faster than the alpha variant, which

While the exact mechanism making delta more transmissible isn’t entirely clear, emerging research is hinting at possible reasons why it’s so infectious.

One lab-based study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, from researchers at the Kumamoto University and Weizmann Institute of Science, suggests mutations on the spike protein of this SARS-CoV-2 variant can evade cellular immunity and may increase its infectivity.

The spike protein is a crucial feature on the surface of the coronavirus that allows it to gain access to our cells, explained University of Ottawa epidemiologist Raywat Deonandan. “It fits into a receptor on our cells and then it enters the cell via that receptor.

Something about the mutation has changed the shape or a feature on the spike protein that makes it fit a bit better,” he said.

As a result, you need fewer viruses present to achieve infection.” Another study from a team in China, which has not yet been peerreviewed, found people infected with the delta variant carried, on average, a more than 1,000 times higher amount of virus in their nose compared to the original strain — which likely means they’re shedding more of it.

The researchers also found people carrying this variant test positive faster: around four days after exposure, compared to around six for the original strain. That suggests delta replicates at a quicker pace inside someone’s body.“You may actually excrete more virus and that’s why it’s more transmissible,” microbiologist Sharon Peacock, who runs the U.K.’s efforts to sequence the genomes of coronavirus variants, recently told Reuters.

How well do vaccines protect against it?

If carrying around delta means people may be shedding more of the virus and transmitting it to others more easily, vaccines definitely have a tougher task — since people’s immune systems are now facing a larger army and need to ramp up to mount a de-

fence.

In the U.S., the CDC warned Friday that emerging data from a county in Massachusetts suggests the higher viral loads could mean vaccinated people can still transmit delta to others.

But the good news is that leading vaccines, including those approved for use in Canada, do seem to ward off serious disease that can lead to hospitalization or death.

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found two doses of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine were 88 per cent effective against the delta variant, while two shots of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine were 67 per cent effective.

It marked a drop in the vaccines’ ability to curb infections of any severity level — whether mild or more severe — when compared to the earlier alpha variant, but the researchers said there were only “modest differences.”

Recent data from Israel also shows the Pfizer shot reduced the risk of severe disease by a whopping 91 per cent, and hospitalization by 88 per cent. The level of protection against symptomatic infections in general was less than half that, but there are questions about how the government collected its data and how many infections were involved.

Still, it’s a hopeful real-world snapshot of how a leading mRNA vaccine is warding off serious illness, and it is likely the highly similar Moderna shot also being used in Canada would fare similarly.

“I don’t want to minimize the risk of things like ‘long COVID,’ but one of the biggest risks is how likely you’ll develop serious disease after being infected,” stressed Angela Rasmussen, a virologist with the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.

“The bottom line there,” she said, “is vaccination is still very protective.”

How widespread is delta?

This variant has definitely taken hold around the world since being first reported in October 2020 in India, with other countries later reporting high levels as well.

“It’s out-competing all other viruses, because it just spreads so much more efficiently,” virologist Shane Crotty, of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in San Diego, told Reuters.

In the U.S., delta now represents more than 80 per cent of new infections. Cases are spiking in many areas with low vaccination rates, and data shows unvaccinated individuals to-

tal nearly 97 per cent of all severe cases.

Across Africa, meagre vaccination rates, coupled with the rise of the delta variant, are putting major pressure on various countries’ hospital systems.

The variant is now being found in at least 26 African nations, and 21 countries have seen cases rise by more than 20 per cent for at least two weeks running, the WHO announced in late July.

Countries from the U.K. to Singapore are also dealing with delta surges — including Canada. Variants of this virus now make up the bulk of our SARS-CoV-2 infections.

By early July, delta made up roughly 70 per cent of the country’s variant cases, according to the latest available whole genome sequencing data from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

That marked a massive jump from early May, when delta still represented less than 10 per cent of sequenced infections.

So what does this all mean for Canada?

There are now growing signs that the rise of delta could spark another overall surge in cases — even though nearly six in 10 Canadians are now fully vaccinated, millions still remain unprotected.

Ontario and Quebec have largely plateaued for new daily COVID-19 cases after weeks of falling numbers, while the number of new cases reported each day in B.C. has actually tripled during the last three weeks.

The virus is also spreading faster in Alberta than it did during the peak of the province’s third wave — all while that province is set to loosen its tightest restrictions around maskwearing and isolation requirements.

Even if overall case growth starts to spike, some experts are hopeful Canada, as a whole, will avoid the most dire outcomes, including overwhelming pressure on the country’s hospital networks and a death toll similar to earlier waves.

Most people may still be able to avoid getting infected if they’re both vaccinated and playing it safe, even in high-density, urban areas, Rasmussen said, though she does expect school outbreaks if mitigation measures aren’t in place.

Many Canadians are still wearing masks and taking precautions in social settings, said Deonandan.

“I’m fairly optimistic that if this good decision-making continues, we could be world leaders in this endeavour.”

Source: cbc.ca

Moderna to start local production of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in Canada Aug 10 (Reuters) - Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) said on Tuesday it had agreed with the Canadian government to start domestic production of mRNA vaccines as the country looks to boost supplies to fight respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and seasonal influenza.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Moderna will set up an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Canada and also give access to its mRNA development engine.

The COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna, based on mRNA technology, is already be- Scientists believe mRNA has the potential ing used in the United States, the European to target diseases that cannot be reached by Union, and Canada.

conventional drugs. Such vaccines, which have shown high efficacy in preventing COVID-19 disease, contain no actual virus, instead providing instructions for human cells to make proteins that mimic part of the coronavirus.

Harvard Business Review

Sponsored by Harvard Business Review HBR’s Big Idea: Managing in an Anxious World Subscribe now to get exclusive access to HBR’s latest Big Idea program: Managing in an Anxious World Last week, Moderna said its COVID-19 shot

was about 93% effective through six months after the second dose, showing hardly any change from the 94% efficacy reported in its original clinical trial. read more Canada has reported 1.4 million infections and 26,678 coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began, according to Reuters tally. read more The manufacturing facility is expected to be activated on an urgent basis to support Canada with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities, Moderna said on Tuesday, adding that it is in talks with other governments about potential collaborations.

Source: reuters.com

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Significance

August 19th, 2021 Thursday @ 5: 30 pm Main Speaker: Pir Afzal

Ahmed Naqashbandi

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Wedding Ceremony of Zaira Hayat & Aleem Mohammad Visram

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Independence a Precious gift of God. May We Always Remain Independent..

Ameen

On the great occasion of

75th Independence Day of Pakistan

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

Mohammed Iqbal Cheema

Founder of Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association

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