Miracle 568-April 8, 2022 by Mohammad Naseer Pirzada

Volume 22- Issue 568 - April 8, 2022 -Ramada 7,1443 H, $1

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What to Eat and What to Avoid During Ramadan? Planning a Road Trip? Watch Out for Highway Imran highlights govt performance over 3 years

open discussion with 20 An his Worship Patrick Brown,

President Alvi asks ECP to propose dates for gen.e

Paki-

City offers free gang pre-

Ontario likely seeing 100K to 120K new COVID-19 U.S. targets Putin’s daughters, Russian banks

Celebrates 20 PCCA stan Day

20 vention workshops

Russia-Ukraine live news: US sanctions target Putin’s children

ashington loads pressure on Moscow after alleged atrocities in Bucha as EU considers ban on coal imports. • US unveils new sanctions on Russia as European Union weighs further measures, including a ban on coal imports. • British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says horrific scenes in Bucha, near Kyiv, do not “look far short of genocide”. • NATO chief says Russian President Vladimir Putin is still seeking to “control the whole of Ukraine”. • Red Cross leads the evacuation of hundreds of people from

Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine says 4,892 people evacuated from cities on Wednesday A total of 4,892 people were evacuated from Ukrainian cities through humanitarian corridors on Wednesday, more than the 3,846 who escaped on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk has said. Blinken says US supporting Ukraine to increase pressure on Moscow The United States wants to see the war in Ukraine “come to an end as quickly as possible” and is supporting Ukraine to increase pressure on Russia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. “That’s exactly why we’re making sure that we’re doing everything we can to support Ukraine and to give them the assistance that they need to put pressure on Russia,” Blinken said. Source: aljazeera.com

Imran Khan: Pakistan court rules noconfidence vote block is illegal

akistani Prime Minister Imran Khan could face removal from office this weekend, after the country’s top court ruled his move to block a no-confidence vote was unconstitutional.Last Sunday, Mr Khan’s ruling party blocked a no-confidence vote which he was widely expected to lose. His government then dissolved parliament and called a snap election. Furious opposition members launched an appeal with the Supreme Court to decide the legality of the blocked vote.

The Supreme Court said in a ruling late on Thursday that the vote should go ahead.In response to this, Mr Khan announced that he had called a cabinet meeting and would address the nation on Friday evening. My message to the nation is that I have always fought for Pakistan and will continue to fight till the last ball,” he wrote in a Twitter post.

What was the reaction to the ruling?

News of the court’s decision was Continue at page 7

“O God, we ask You for Your Love, the love of those whom You Love and actions that will bring us closer to Your Love.” — Tirmidhi

Federal budget to include ban on foreign home buyers, billions for housing

ousing affordability is going to be a main feature of tomorrow’s federal budget, CTV News has learned, including moving to make it illegal for foreigners to buy any residential properties in Canada for the next two years. The government is set to follow through on a series of 2021 Liberal campaign commitments as part of the 2022 budget, including implementing a new “tax-free First Home Savings Account” that will allow Canadians under 40 to save up to $40,000 towards their first home. The overall housing package is expected to total approximately $10 billion over the next five years. The foreign buyers ban will apply to condos, apartments, and single residential units. Permanent residents, foreign workers, and students will be excluded from this new measure. Foreigners who are purchasing their primary residence here in Canada will be exempt. The policy change will be legislated, giving the government powers to prescribe penalties and potential judicial powers to address instances of non-compliance, according to a government source. There is no cost attached to this foreign buyers measure yet. Among the several housing-focused promises in the party’s plat-

form, the Liberals promised to ban foreign money from purchasing a non-recreational, residential property in Canada for the next two years, and work with the provinces and territories “to better regulate the role of foreign buyers in the Canadian housing market.” Given the housing crunch, the lack of inventory, and the skyrocketing prices, CTV

News has learned that Thursday’s budget will also include: $4 billion to help municipalities update their zoning and permit systems to allow for speedier construction of residential properties; $1 billion for the construction of affordable housing units; and $1.5 billion in loans and funding for co-op housing. It remains unclear how many housing units will be created under these spending measures. “The objective is to keep houses in Canada for Canadians,” said a government official speaking to CTV News on a not-for-attribution basis. Source: ctvnews.ca

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

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f a it h Narrated Ibn `Abbas:The Prophet (SAW) was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet (SAW) used to recite the Holy Qur’an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare). : Sahih al-Bukhari 1902

What to Eat and What to Avoid During Ramadan? tabolism in order to use energy as efficiently as possible. But you can still enjoy fasting and capture the spirit of Ramadan simply by drinking enough water and watching what you eat during suhoor (the meal period before sunrise) and after iftar (the meal period after sunset).

Understanding Your Nutritional Needs

By: Ismet Tamer

M.D., Ph.D.Member, Nutrition Advisory Board

uring Ramadan, the “Sultan of 11 Months,” millions of Muslims around the world focus on inner reflection and fast from dusk until dawn. If you fast during Ramadan, not only do you change your eating and sleeping patterns, but your body’s biological clock also undergoes a series of changes both physically and mentally. Dehydrated and hungry due to fasting, your body slows down your me-

During Ramadan, to meet the amount of energy and nutrients your body needs during the day, you should eat foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and you should make sure to drink enough water. At the same time, this does not mean that you should eat everything you need at once during suhoor. If you do that, your body cannot utilize the energy intake all at once, which may result in weight gain. This is because your metabolism adapts to eating patterns during Ramadan. Adults need to drink 3 to 4 liters of water a day. Even though you get 40 percent of this amount from foods, fruit juice, mineral wa-

ter, tea, and other beverages, you should still drink 1.5 and 2.5 liters of water a day. This means you should drink two or three glasses of water every hour from iftar to suhoor.

What to Eat and What to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is to eat snacks after iftar in order to suppress your appetite and then go to sleep, skipping suhoor and staying hungry until the next iftar. You should always eat during suhoor, preferably right before fasting starts. Eating before bedtime or avoiding eating during suhoor may cause serious low blood sugar problems and dehydration the next day. As a result, you could feel dizzy and distracted during the day. So, what should you eat during suhoor to feel more energetic throughout the day? A light, healthy and filling breakfast is a great option. Before sunrise, you can eat dairy products and fresh vegetables such as cheeses, eggs, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Additionally, you can always enjoy a soup, vegetables cooked in olive oil and fruits.

Fiji Islamic Centre

During Ramadan, you should avoid daily activities that can dehydrate your body, especially during hot summer days. If you work in hot weather conditions or are a professional athlete who wants to fast, use food supplements for a balanced and healthy diet that will support your daily activities. If you regularly exercise you should con

Continue at page 8

RAMADAN TIMETABLE 2022-AH 1443

Date Fajr / Maghrib Ramadan / Iftar Date Days Apr / May Sahur Fri 7 7:58 8 5:00 Sat 8 8:00 9 4:58 Sun 8:01 9 10 4:55 Mon 8:03 11 10 4:53 Tues 8:04 12 11 4:50 Wed 13 8:06 12 4:48 Thu 14 8:07 13 4:45 Fri 15 8:09 14 4:43 Sat 16 8:10 15 4:40 Sun 17 8:12 16 4:38 Mon 18 8:13 17 4:35 Tues 19 8:15 18 4:33 Wed 20 8:16 19 4:30 Thu 21 8:18 20 4:27 Fri 22 8:19 21 4:25 Sat 23 8:21 22 4:22 Sun 24 8:23 23 4:20 Mon 25 8:24 24 4:17 Tues 26 8:26 25 4:15 Wed 27 8:27 26 4:12 Thu 28 8:29 27 4:10 Fri 29 8:30 28 Sat 30 4:07 8:32 29 Sun 1 May 8:33 4:05 *30 *2 8:35 4:03 *1 Swl Mon

Timetable Source BCMA :

Staying Healthy and Hydrated During Ramadan

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

Wa bissawmi ghadann nawaitumin shahri ramadan Time Difference in

This combination meets your body’s daily energy, vitamin and protein needs. In addition to fruit, you should eat whole wheat bread and pasta, couscous or bulgur wheat rich in carbs and fibers, which are good for your digestive system. Dried fruits like dates, walnuts and almonds are also great food supplements. They can make you feel full for long hours throughout the day. It’s not just the variety of food you eat, but also the portions that play a decisive role in your nutrition. You should choose smaller portions and eat wisely.

Fajr / Sahur Sunrise Zawaal 4:37 4:34 4:31 4:29 4:26 4:23 4:21 4:18 4:15 4:12 4:09 4:06 4:03 4:01 3:58 3:55 3:52 3:49 3:46 3:44 3:41 3:38 3:36 3:33 3:31

6:33 6:31 6:29 6:27 6:25 6:23 6:21 6:19 6:17 6:15 6:13 6:11 6:09 6:07 6:05 6:03 6:01 6:00 5:58 5:56 5:54 5:52 5:51 5:49 5:47

1:16 1:16 1:16 1:16 1:15 1:15 1:15 1:15 1:14 1:14 1:14 1:14 1:14 1:13 1:13 1:13 1:13 1:13 1:12 1:12 1:12 1:12 1:12 1:12 1:12

Dhur 1:23 1:23 1:23 1:23 1:22 1:22 1:22 1:22 1:21 1:21 1:21 1:21 1:21 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19

Shafi Asr-I

4:55 4:56 4:57 4:57 4:58 4:59 4:59 5:00 5:01 5:01 5:02 5:03 5:03 5:04 5:04 5:05 5:06 5:06 5:07 5:07 5:08 5:09 5:09 5:10 5:10

Maghrib Asr-II / Iftar 5:52 5:53 5:54 5:55 5:56 5:57 5:58 5:59 6:00 6:01 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:05 6:06 6:07 6:07 6:08 6:09 6:10 6:11 6:12 6:13 6:14 6:15

7:58 8:00 8:01 8:03 8:04 8:06 8:07 8:09 8:10 8:12 8:13 8:15 8:16 8:18 8:19 8:21 8:23 8:24 8:26 8:27 8:29 8:30 8:32 8:33 8:35

Isha

9:28 9:30 9:32 9:34 9:36 9:38 9:40 9:42 9:44 9:46 9:48 9:50 9:52 9:54 9:57 9:59 10:01 10:03 10:05 10:07 10:10 10:12 10:14 10:16 10:19

Please follow your Masjid /Centre or Musalah Ramadan Timetable

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

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Image a Ramadan witht hunger Where the call of the adhan brings food to the tables of the most vulnerable.

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opi n io n

Khan’s patriotism mantra

“Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.” — Oscar Wilde HE falsified use of the ‘patriotism’ label is not uncommon in Pakistan’s power politics. Yet Imran Khan has taken the charade to a new level altogether. His narrative that he is the sole defender of the national interest comes across as deceitful, while branding his political opponents as traitors has set a dangerous precedent. Most troubling are his recent speeches that have called upon his supporters to protest outside the houses of party dissidents, as he alleges they are part of a ‘foreign conspiracy’. There have been some reports of PTI supporters harassing opposition members. These can be seen as fascist tendencies — when ‘nationalism’ is used as a tool to suppress dissenting voices. What happened in the National Assembly last Sunday was scripted. It took a few minutes for the deputy Speaker to throw out the noconfidence motion on the pretext that the move was a ‘foreign-inspired’ one. The prime minister justified this blatant violation of the Constitution by indicating that an ‘American-backed conspiracy’ had been thwarted. He has resorted to unfounded allegations to escape the humiliation of being voted out by elected representatives. This unprecedented episode has also put at stake the country’s credibility as a normal state. Can we expect any nation to take us seriously when our democratic political process is disrupted on fabricated charges? What could be more preposterous than a comparison between a philistine and a visionary? Intriguingly, the allegation has been built around a cable from the outgoing Pakistan

ambassador to Washington, based on his conversations with senior-level US State Department officials. It is simply a diplomat’s analysis of the existing views in Washington regarding the Khan government. The content of the ambassador’s letter has reportedly been shared with some cabinet ministers and the top military leadership. But security sources are reported to have said that there was no mention of any foreign plot to overthrow the prime minister. Moreover, there is no evidence that the opposition’s no-confidence move is part of a foreign conspiracy. The PTI has also been misconstruing a statement issued after a meeting of the National Security Committee, dragging the military leadership into the controversy. The PTI’s move to whip up nationalist sentiments has dangerously polarised the country. With the cable’s contents not made public, the campaign has caused confusion. Undoubtedly, our relations with Washington have been cold, but some undiplomatic comments about the Imran Khan government cannot be interpreted as a plot for regime change. It seems to be a desperate move on the part of the PTI leadership to try and salvage its diminishing political support. The nationalist rhetoric may motivate its hard-core supporters, but it is doubtful if it can cover up the party’s reckless actions. Overuse of the nationalist card has its own perils, and it harms national cohesion. It is not only the opposition but also journalists and members of civil society who are being targeted in this ongoing vicious propaganda campaign orchestrated by the party’s top leadership. Even social interaction with foreign diplomats is now la-

belled as anti-state. This kind of a witch-hunt is unprecedented. Imran Khan claims that he is being punished for pursuing an independent foreign policy and for not surrendering to the pressure of Western countries. He has lately started comparing himself with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was the architect of an independent and dynamic foreign policy. What could be more preposterous than a comparison between a philistine and a visionary? In fact, Imran Khan’s limited understanding of foreign policy, which he has tried to substitute with populist rhetoric, has damaged Pakistan’s relations with even friendly countries. He has attempted to blend foreign policy with his regressive worldview. His naïve comments on complex international matters have often put Pakistan in an embarrassing position. His decisions on some of the most sensitive foreign policy issues have been driven by whims rather than reason. His thoughtless actions have led to a loss of face for the country many times. The prime minister’s Trumpian approach to sensitive policy issues is well known and was reflected in his last-minute decision to pull out of the Kuala Lumpur Summit of Islamic countries in December 2019. The decision to attend the summit, without considering the pros and cons in light of foreign policy, had not been a sound move. But to back out of it, because of pressure from another country — Saudi Arabia — was worse. Riyadh had reportedly threatened to send thousands of Pakistani expats home if the prime minister attended the summit. Nothing is more mortifying for a sovereign nation than to have to accept another coun-

try’s diktat and back out of an international commitment. It marked a new low for our diplomacy. In fact, it is difficult to remember when else, in the recent past, Pakistan had allowed another country to dictate its relations with other states. Such a situation arises when institutional processes are set aside to accommodate the quirks of an individual. Such foreign policy leads to a loss of credibility even among friendly countries. Clearly, the country’s most recent leadership has lacked the skills to tackle complex foreign policy issues. Yet Imran Khan claims he has pursued an independent foreign policy. In fact, the army chief has also been rushed to foreign capitals to do damage control after the irresponsible remarks of PTI leaders. One such instance came on the heels of public comments on CPEC by the commerce adviser. His remarks led to tensions with China. The army chief went to Beijing to defuse the situation. On the other hand, Imran Khan’s own reluctance to visit Western capitals, including London, is often attributed to ‘occult’ advice. The prime minister has, unfortunately, exaggerated his sense of influence in the international arena. At one point, his foreign minister had even taken credit for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. With the country facing multiple foreign policy challenges in the fast-changing geopolitics, one had expected the leadership to be more prudent in international matters. Clearly, Imran Khan’s patriotism mantra will have serious implications for the country. Courtesy by: Zahid Hussain Laysa Lil Insana illa ma’ sa’aa That man can have nothing but what he strives for.

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Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

N a tio n a l , I n t , P a k News

Ontario likely seeing 100K to 120K new COVID-19 President Alvi asks ECP to propose dates cases each day, head of science table says for general elections

Ontario is likely seeing upwards of 100,000 new cases of COVID-19 each day, with roughly five per cent of its residents currently infected, the head of the province’s science table says. Peter Jüni made the comment in an interview with CP24 on Wednesday afternoon as he discussed a resurgence in COVID activity, which has now seen the number of people hospitalized with the virus increase by 40 per cent week-over-week.“Based on our wastewater analysis, we just reached the peak we were at in early January and at that

time, we were at about 100,000 to 120,000 new cases per day,” he said. “What it basically means is that roughly five per cent of the population of Ontario right now has an active infection.” Jüni told CP24 last week that the actual number of daily infections in the province was likely 35,000 to 40,000 but since then, positivity rates have spiked and wastewater surveillance has pointed to even higher levels of COVID-19 in the community. He told CP24 that while the more transmissible BA.2 sub variant is driving some of the resurgence, it is not the primary factor behind the rise in transmission. He said that behavioural changes, brought about by the lifting of mask mandates for most settings, are, in fact, helping to push caseloads higher than were anticipated when the science table released its last modelling forecast three weeks ago. At the time, it said that hospitalizations would likely rise to around 800 by May. Source: toronto.ctvnews.ca

Where in Canada are fourth COVID vaccine doses being offered and to whom? ” vaccines in the coming weeks, starting with people over the age of 80 and long-term care residents. NACI also advised that a second booster be offered to people between 70 and 79 years of age, and to people from First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities, roughly six months after receiving their first booster shots. However, several provinces have already started offering a fourth dose to higher-risk groups with plans to expand eligibility soon. CTVNews.ca takes a look at where in Canada second booster shots are being offered and to whom. As more transmissible COVID-19 vari- BRITISH COLUMBIA ants continue to emerge and experts warn British Columbia is offering a fourth dose of the potential for waning effectiveness of of COVID-19 vaccines to seniors, starting vaccines against severe disease, health offi- with residents of long-term care and assistcials are advising provinces and territories ed-living homes, six months after receiving to begin rolling out fourth doses, or second their third shot. People over age 70 in the booster shots, to Canadians. community, Indigenous people 55 and up Canada’s National Advisory Committee on and those who are clinically extremely vulImmunization (NACI) recommended on nerable will also be included in a vaccinaApril 5 that provinces and territories get tion campaign that will ramp up through ready to offer fourth doses of COVID-19 the spring.... Source: ctvnews.ca

Sri Lankan president loses parliamentary majority as protests mount

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s president lost his parliamentary majority on Tuesday as former allies urged his resignation following days of street protests over the island nation’s crippling economic crisis. Unprecedented shortages of food and fuel along with record inflation and blackouts have inflicted widespread misery in the country’s most painful downturn since independence from Britain in 1948. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s once-powerful ruling coalition is in turmoil after a string of defections, capped on Tuesday by the new finance minister’s resignation just one day after taking office. And as antiRajapaksa demonstrations continued for a fifth straight day, the government warned of retaliation if rallies turned violent.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s once-powerful ruling coalition in turmoil after string of defections “Security forces will not hesitate to enforce the law against those involved in violence,” defence ministry secretary Kamal Gunaratne said in a statement. More than 60 people had been arrested in connection with unrest since Friday and many have said they were tortured in police custody. The UN Human Rights Council said it was closely watching the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, which is already facing international censure over its human rights record. “The drift towards militarisation and the weakening of institutional checks and balances in Sri Lanka have affected the state’s ability to effectively tackle the economic crisis,” the UNHRC said. Public anger is at a fever pitch in Sri Lanka, where crowds have since the weekend attempted to storm the homes of several senior government officials. “If we don’t act now, there will be a river of blood in the country,” said Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, a newly independent lawmaker who broke ranks with the president’s party and joined calls for the leader to step down. “We have to forget party politics and ensure an interim government.”.. Source:dawn.com

Constitution of announcing the date of general elections, consultation with the Election Commission is required under Section 57(1) of the Elections Act, 2017,” the letter added.

ECP considering options

President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan to propose dates for holding general elections in the country under Article 224(2) of the Constitution.The development comes after the National Assembly deputy speaker threw out a no-confidence motion against PM Imran and the president dissolved the lower house of Parliament on the former’s advice on April 3. The Supreme Court is currently hearing the matter to decide the legality of the deputy speaker’s ruling and the subsequent actions and orders of the prime minister and the president. The president’s letter to the ECP stated that under Article 48(5)(A) and Article 224(2) of the Constitution, the president had to appoint a date, not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution of the National Assembly, for holding general elections. “In order to carry out the mandate of the

On Tuesday, a Dawn report quoting ECP sources said that the electoral body could not hold polls within three months citing various legal hitches and procedural challenges. However, the election commission had to clarify that it had not issued any statement about holding of elections, but at the same time did not say whether it was ready to conduct the polls in three months. Meanwhile, sources told Dawn that the electoral body had started considering options to carry out delimitation of constituencies in the minimum possible time. Sources in the ECP said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja was chairing meetings to discuss the constitutional crisis arising out of the assailed dissolution of the National Assembly and the ECP’s preparations in case the Supreme Court refused to set aside Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling on the no-trust motion and the subsequent dissolution of the assembly. Section 17 (2) of the Elections Act 2017 directs the ECP to delimit constituencies after every census is officially notified. . Source: dawn.com

After the Punjab Assembly was on Wednesday sealed off with barbed wires and the building’s main gate was locked, the opposition lawmakers, led by the PML-N, held a session of their own at a private hotel, with PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz claiming that Hamza Shehbaz had been “elected” as the Punjab chief minister. The legality of the session and Hamza’s subsequent “victory” was unclear as the session was held outside the Punjab Assembly and attended only by opposition lawmakers, while neither Speaker Parvez Elahi nor Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari presided it. Furthermore, no notifications regarding the change of session’s venue or Hamza’s “victory” were issued by the Punjab Assembly secretariat. The session was instead presided over by PPP MPA Shazia Abid, who told Dawn.com that she was appointed to the panel of chairmen for the 40th session of the Punjab Assembly on April 3. According to the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab 1997, a member of the panel of chairmen can preside over the session in the

absence of speaker and the deputy speaker. Her presence on the panel was corroborated by a statement issued by Punjab Assembly Secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti on April 2. Panel of Chairmen.– (1) At the commencement of a session, the Speaker shall nominate, in order of precedence, from amongst members a panel of not more than four Chairmen and in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, the member having precedence amongst those present at the sitting shall take the Chair. It is pertinent to mention that the joint opposition had held a mock session in the National Assembly on Sunday after the actual session was wrapped up by NA Depute Speaker Qasim Khan Suri.Source: dawn.com

The 2019 removal of the former leader is marked with demonstrations against last year’s military coup. Khartoum, Sudan – Thousands of Sudanese took to the streets to commemorate the anniversary of mass unrest that led to the toppling of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, and to protest the military’s ongoing grip on power. Rallies were held in Khartoum and outside the capital on Wednesday to mark the removal of al-Bashir and to express public anger at a military coup in October that derailed a two-year transition period to civilian rule in Sudan. The economic situation in Sudan has deteriorated since the military’s power grab, with hyperinflation reaching 250 percent annually“We are going out today because we promised our martyrs [that we will] fulfil the civilian state,” protester Yousif Abdallah,

34, said.“The civilian state, with its diversity, that … is what we are looking for at the moment,” said Abdallah, a member of Sudan’s activist “resistance committees” network that mobilised against al-Bashir’s rule. Police reportedly fired tear gas at the protesters in Khartoum and the military’s headquarters in the capital was sealed off by soldiers, razor wire, and dozens of military vehicles.........Source: aljazeera.com

Hamza Shehbaz ‘elected’ Punjab chief minister, opposition claims

Sudanese mark removal of al-Bashir with protest against army rule

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

co n t . / B C

n ews

Where is crisis if everything is happening as per Constitution?: CJP

News Cont from Pg 1

minister who can hold power until August On Thursday, the Supreme Court found that met with cheers of jubilation by dozens 2023, when a new election is scheduled to Mr Khan’s move to block the vote was illegal, saying it was “contrary to the constitution be held. of opposition members, who were gathand the law and had no legal effect”. How did events unfold? ered outside the supreme court. The court also ruled that Mr Khan’s decision The leader of the Opposition in the Na- In the days leading up to the vote, Mr Khan to dissolve parliament was invalid. A dissotional Assembly Shehbaz Sharif told local claimed without evidence that the political lution of parliament would have mandated news outlets that the court had “definitely opposition was in a conspiracy with the US to remove him because of his friendly rela- snap general elections to be held within 90 fulfilled the people’s expectations”. days, which Pakistan’s electoral commission But furious supporters of Mr Khan chanted tions with Russia and China. Washington had declared as not possible. anti-American slogans in reply, as police in has strongly denied his claim. On Sunday, opposition lawmakers tabled the What do we know about Imran Khan? riot gear separated the two sides. Mr Khan, a former star cricketer turned polThe Supreme Court has now ordered no-confidence motion to parliament. itician, swept into office in 2018 on a platBut parliament’s deputy speaker Qasim Suri parliament to reconvene on Saturday to form to tackle corruption and cronyism. who also comes from Mr Khan’s political proceed with the vote, which is expected While he still has many supporters, he has partyblocked the vote on grounds of this to go against Mr Khan. In the event he is lost some popular favour amid a rise in liv“foreign interference”, effectively foiling any ousted from power, the opposition paring costs, ballooning foreign debt and other attempt to oust Mr Khan from power. ties are expected to appoint a new prime

scandals.Analysts also say that Mr Khan may have lost support from the military, a crucial backer of any Pakistan president. The Supreme Court’s decision marks another chapter of political turmoil in Pakistan. None of the nation’s prime ministers have ever served out a full five-year term, due to various political scandals and power plays by the military in the past decades. Military coups and removals of democratically-elected leaders have left Pakistan under direct military rule for 33 of the 75 years it has been an independent nation. However the current military leadership claims it is not involved in recent political developments. Source: dawn.com

Mounties in Surrey say charges are being considered against “several people” after a confrontation involving several vehicle collisions, bear spray and possibly bats or golf clubs. Police said they were called to Hilton Road near Bentley Road around 5 p.m. Tuesday after receiving “numerous calls” about the confrontation. When they arrived, officers found four vehicles that had collided with one another, as well as “several individuals who were suffering the effects of bear spray,” according to a news release from Surrey RCMP.

that some parties produced either bats or golf clubs, and damaged one of the vehicles, while other parties deployed bear spray.” Police said everyone involved in the incident has been identified and charges are being considered against several people. No one was in custody as of Tuesday night, police added.Surrey RCMP said they are still in the early stages of their investigation. They asked anyone with additional information or dash cam video to contact investigators at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 2022-48755.

Several people bear-sprayed in confrontation after alleged theft, Surrey RCMP say

Cont. from Pg 3

tinue to meet your daily energy, protein, and water needs during the times you are not fasting. Additionally, lower your exercise duration by 30 percent during Ramadan. Breaking the fast with easily digestible foods is a good, healthy option. During Ramadan,

What to Eat and What to Avoid During Ramadan?

people tend to eat a lot of food very quickly after many long hours of fasting. But try breaking your fast with soup, then water, ayran or fresh-squeezed fruit juice, so you can hydrate your body after a long day of dehydration, and then eat the main course 10 or 15 minutes later. This will prevent excessive

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There were no serious injuries as a result of the altercation, police said. Mounties said their initial investigation indicates that an allegation of theft against the occupants of a red sedan was what prompted the confrontation. Images from the crash scene show heavy damage to both the front and rear of the sedan. “The occupants of three other vehicles confronted the other parties in an attempt to recover allegedly stolen property,” police said in their statement. “During that confrontation several of the vehicles collided, and there is an allegation

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food intake by giving you a sense of fullness, which in turn will help your digestive system. For the main course, grilled, boiled or steamed meat, chicken or vegetable dishes are good options. By chewing your food thoroughly and taking a walk an hour or two hours after iftar, you can aid your digestive

and cardiovascular systems. Ramadan is indeed a sacred time of year and fasting is an important part of this holy month, but as you can see, there are plenty of options available to fast and stay healthy and nourished. Source: iamherbalifenutrition.com

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U.S. targets Putin’s daughters, Russian Israel’s PM Bennett loses majority after banks in new sanctions MP quits coalition

BRUSSELS -- The U.S. rolled out a new wave of financial sanctions on Wednesday against Russia that President Joe Biden said would place a lasting penalty on the country’s economy.The United Kingdom quickly followed suit, and more pain was coming from the European Union as the allies pressed forward with an escalating campaign to tighten the economic screws on Russian President Vladimir Putin for “war crimes” in Ukraine. Making it personal, the U.S. sanctions singled out the Putin’s family, targeting his two adult daughters in addition to blocking two key Russian banks. Biden said that “Russia has already failed in its initial war” after

the country’s forces were turned back from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. He cautioned, however, that “this fight is far from over.” “This war could continue for a long time,” but the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in the fight for freedom, Biden said. “We’re going to stifle Russia’s ability to grow for years to come.” The latest sanctions underscore the financial pain that Russia faces, as evidence that its troops killed Ukrainian civilians has led to ever harsher penalties by the U.S. and its Western allies that are eroding Putin’s ability to fight.While rounds of increased sanctions have not forced Putin out of the war, they have put Russia in increasingly desperate economic circumstances as Ukrainian forces withstand his barrages. Key to the effectiveness of the sanctions has been the unity between the U.S. and European nations. And the atrocities revealed in Ukraine have intensified pressure on Germany and other countries to go further and join the U.S. and Lithuania in blocking all Russian energy exports.... Source: ctvnews.ca

Tunisian president to change voting mechanism before elections

key players. The president said he would have a dialogue on political reforms but “traitors and thieves” would not participate in the talks. He has rejected accusations that he is seeking a return to individual rule, arguing instead that the measures were necessary to rid Tunisia of pervasive corruption. Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the main opposition party Ennahdha, said last week his party would President Kais Saied denies he is seeking a boycott any elections or a referendum Saied comeback to individual rule despite accusacalls to restructure the political system unitions he is staging a ‘coup.’ laterally. President Kais Saied has outlined changes in the voting mechanism for parliamentary ‘Conspirators forbidden from running’ elections expected to be held in Decem- The Free Constitutional Party, whose leader ber in Tunisia, days after he announced he Abir Moussi is a supporter of the late presiwould dissolve parliament. dent, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and a bitter The president said on Wednesday that the foe of Ennahdha, echoed Ennahdha’s intenvote will take place in two rounds and citi- tion to boycott any planned elections, which zens will cast their ballots for individuals, Mousssi said would be a “theatre piece”. rather than lists as in previous elections. Moussi, whose party is ahead in opinion He added the Independent Electoral Com- polls, said that according to the constitumission will supervise the vote, although tion, Saied should call elections within three not in its current composition, hinting at months, not in December. the possibility he may change some mem- Saied, however, has declared he would not bers.Saied, who took control of executive hold elections within three months. Instead, power last year in a move his opponents he would proceed with drafting a new concalled a coup, is under strong internal and stitution, which will be put to a referendum external pressure to restore the country to on July 25, and then hold elections in Dea democratic path. The political crisis in- cember, in which “conspirators will be fortensified last week when more than half the bidden from running”. members of parliament held an online ses- The standoff between the president and parsion to revoke Saied’s decrees, to which he liament has left Tunisia in uncertain legal responded by dissolving parliament. territory, with both sides claiming authorThe changes to the voting mechanism ity, and Saied in control of the country’s top have not been agreed upon yet with other judicial body. Source: aljazeera.com

Idit Silman’s announcement has left Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s coalition with 60 seats, the same as the opposition. Israel has been plunged into a political crisis that could lead to months of paralysis and pave the way for the return of Benjamin Netanyahu to the premiership. A key member of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Yamina party said on Wednesday that she was quitting his coalition government – a surprise move that suddenly leaves him without a parliamentary majority. Idit Silman’s announcement left Bennett’s coalition, an alliance of parties ranging from the Jewish right and Israeli leftists to a Palestinian party, with 60 seats,

the same as the opposition. Although Silman’s defection does not mean the fall of the coalition, it raises the spectre of a potential return to office by Netanyahu less than a year after he lost the premiership to Bennett. “Key values in my worldview are inconsistent with current reality,” Silman wrote in a letter to Bennett, adding she could no longer stand to see those unspecified “values” harmed as a member of the coalition. She urged him “to acknowledge the truth: we tried. The time has come to think of a new course. To try to form a nationalist, Jewish, Zionist government”. On Monday, Silman lashed out at Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz after he instructed hospitals to allow leavened bread products onto their premises during the upcoming Passover holiday, in line with a recent supreme court ruling reversing years of prohibition. Jewish tradition bars leavened bread from the public domain during Passover.Some Palestine-Israel observers said Bennett’s loss of majority in the Knesset proved the coalition was not right wing enough for many of its members....Source: aljazeera.com

Iran and the United States continue to push each other to make concessions as they face internal pressure over reviving landmark nuclear accord. Tehran, Iran – One year after representatives of Iran, the United States, and other world powers convened in Vienna to restore their 2015 nuclear deal, they have yet to finalise an agreement that for months has oscillated between being within grasp and elusive. The direct and indirect negotiations in the Austrian capital were put on “pause” by the European Union’s coordinator a month ago as multilateral issues were all but resolved and the text for an agreement was almost final. The pause was said to be aimed at finding a solution for a last-minute Russian demand that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect future dealings with Iran. That issue was resolved within days as Moscow said it received sufficient written guarantees from Washington. But an agreement appears no closer as indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, facilitated by European officials who deliver messages, have stalled for weeks. A general view of the Iranian parliament during the opening ceremony of Iran’s 11th parliament Conservatives in Iran’s parliament continue to pressure the government to adopt an unyielding stance in its negotiations with the US [File: WANA via Reuters] Iran and the US – which unilaterally abandoned the nuclear deal in 2018, imposing sanctions – still find themselves in a standoff over limited but highly important issues. Chief among them is whether a “foreign terrorist organisation” (FTO) designation on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard will be lifted.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) is an elite force that drives Iran’s influence across the region, while also wielding significant economic power within country’s borders. Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasised the issue of the Guard is a major “red line” that they will not back away from. Nevertheless, conservatives in Iran’s parliament continue to pressure the government to adopt an unyielding stance in its negotiations with the US. The administration of President Joe Biden, too, is facing pressure from many Republicans – and even a group of Democrats – over the potential prospect of lifting the designation. American officials have pointed out the IRGC will continue to remain one of the most heavily sanctioned entities in the world – as its divisions, subsidiaries and commanders are also hit by a variety of other designations, like those dealing with human rights – even if the FTO designation is revoked. Meanwhile, both Iran and the US continue to blame each other for the persisting delay, saying the other side must see reason and make concessions. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed scepticism about getting a deal done. Source: aljazeera.com

exception among Washington’s allies with its “shaky” response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Addressing a meeting of US business leaders in Washington Monday, Biden said there had been “a united front throughout Nato and in the Pacific”. “The Quad is, with the possible exception of India being somewhat shaky on some of this, but Japan has been extremely strong – so has Australia – in terms of dealing with Putin’s aggression.”He added that Putin was “counting on being able to split Nato” and instead, “Nato has never been stronger, more united, in its entire history than it is today.” New Delhi, which historically has had close

ties with Moscow, called for an end to the violence in Ukraine but has stopped short of condemning Russia’s invasion, abstaining in three votes at the United Nations. Source: dawn.com

Can Iran and the US finalise their nuclear talks?

India says US, Russia ties ‘stand on their own merit’ despite Ukraine war

India has friendly relations with both the United States and Russia that stand on their own merit, the foreign ministry told parliament on Thursday, in reply to a query whether the Ukraine war had affected ties. Over the past decade, India has grown closer to the United States in the face of a resurgent China across the border, but Russia remains its biggest arms supplier. India is the only major country close to the United States not to have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or imposed any sanctions on it.“India has called for immediate cessation of hostilities and return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue with respect

to the conflict in Ukraine,” junior foreign minister Meenakashi Lekhi told parliament. “India has close and friendly relations with both the US and Russia,” she added. “They stand on their own merit.” After a visit this week to New Delhi, a US diplomat said the country stood ready to help India with more supplies of military hardware and energy to reduce its reliance on Russia.From rifles to rockets, about 60 per cent of India’s military supplies come from Russia, which analysts say are more cost effective than those from the United States. The development comes two days after US President Joe Biden said that India was an

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

News

‘Doctors are basically running a small business’: B.C. Greens slam NDP for family doctor ‘crisis’ The provincial Green Party says an “outdated payment model” is partially to blame for what it calls a family doctor crisis in British Columbia. Leader Sonia Furstenau called Wednesday for immediate action from the governing NDP, saying hundreds of thousands of residents in the province are currently without a doctor. She said estimates of doctor-less residents range from 750,000 to 900,000, and that the shortage of doctors is expected to get worse. She blamed the shortage on how B.C.

doctors are paid, and said “administrative” barriers need to be removed to keep doctors in their communities. ”The billing model is very outdated and does not provide the stability needed for good medical care,” the leader and MLA said at a news conference. “Doctors are basically running a small business instead of putting their focus into caring for their community members.” That so-called outdated billing model is essentially that most doctors receive payment for

the services they provide, meaning the more patients they see in a day, the more money they make.In cities like Vancouver – the country’s priciest real estate and rental market – the fee-for-service model can encourage doctors to speed through visits.For patients, it means they’re typically only permitted to discuss one issue per visit.The model has been in place in the province for decades, and some experts say it hasn’t adapted well to changing demographics and the desires of doctors. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

City offers free gang prevention workshops to parents this spring Surrey, B.C. – Registration is now open for the popular Empower Surrey Parent Workshops taking place April through June at nine elementary and secondary schools. Designed for parents and caregivers of children and youth, the free two-hour workshops will provide participants with tips and tools to recognize and respond to warning signs for gang involvement as well as build protective factors that minimize their young person’s susceptibility for recruitment. According to the City’s Community Safety section, gangs target youth as young as 10 years old from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, meaning strategies to start the conversation early are key to strengthening family, school and community connection. “We received very positive feedback from participants of the November workshops,” said Brian Aasebo, Community Safety

Manager, City of Surrey. “Our spring workshops will educate residents about warning signs for gang involvement as well as provide them with practical tools to prevent and address such concerns with their young people.”

How to recognize and address risk factors How to recognize youth slang that may indicate potential for risk The difficulties Surrey youth face at school and in the community Preventative measures, including: o How to build protective factors o How to develop and maintain strong connections with children and youth Where to get help if a young person is at risk of or actively involved in negative behaviours Workshops will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at: Tuesday, April 19 Tamanawis Sec-

ondary School (Punjabi Session) Wednesday, April 27 Sunrise Ridge Elementary School Thursday, May 5 A.H.P. Matthew Elementary School Tuesday, May 10 Ecole Salish Secondary School Tuesday, May 17 Georges Vanier Elementary School Wednesday, May 25 Beaver Creek Elementary School (Punjabi Session) Tuesday, May 31 L.A. Matheson Secondary School Wednesday, June 1 Pacific Heights Elementary School Tuesday, June 7 Bonaccord Elementary School Workshop facilitators will include profes-

On Monday afternoon, BC Liberal MLA Bruce Banman said of BC’s housing market: “In my neck of the woods, I’ve talked to a few realtors… it’s cooling off.” (Video) Banman was speaking against the BC NDP’s bill to introduce a Homebuyer Protection Period that would protect people who are buying a home in BC’s high-pressure market. Upwards of 70% of offers may be without

conditions, putting enormous pressure on people to waive standard conditions such as a home inspection or financing approval. Banman said the measure “really isn’t actually needed as much as people think it is” because of the “cooling” market. BC NDP MLA Dan Coulter: “When it comes to housing, Kevin Falcon’s BC Liberals have proven that they’re not looking out for regular people. These out

Topics will include:

sionals from the City’s Community Safety Section, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEUBC) and SFU clinical counsellors from the Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) Program. For more information and to register for a workshop visit empowersurrey.ca/parentworkshops Source: Susan Jung Communications Specialist City of Surrey, 778-835-0651

BC Liberal claim that housing market is “cooling off” is out-of-touch, says Coulter of touch comments show that the BC Liberals would make housing even more expensive. Our government has been fighting the housing crisis, but we have much more work to do. That’s why the Homebuyer Protection Period is an important step in protecting people buying a home.” Source: Media contact: Emily Della Mattia

Province extends pandemic relief funding to strengthen public transit services Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy VANCOUVER - The federal and provincial governments are extending financial relief to BC Transit and TransLink to help protect service levels while ridership recovers and to make sure B.C.’s public transit system remains safe and reliable. BC Transit and TransLink will receive a combined $204 million to help offset the revenue impact as operators rebuild ridership. This funding builds on the federal-provincial Safe Restart funding of more than $1 billion announced in September 2020, which helped TransLink, BC Transit and BC Ferries. “An investment in transit is an investment in the British Columbian economy. This $204-million support for transit will mean that British Columbians can get around in a cleaner and more affordable way. As we

continue our recovery, support like this will maintain good, middle-class jobs and sustain a critical service to the public,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of International Development and Minister Responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. Of the $204 million, BC Transit will receive $28 million and TransLink will receive $176 million to help cover ongoing pandemic-related operating impacts as the agencies work through recovery. “We know people have been challenged by the pandemic in many ways and that an affordable and accessible public transit system is necessary to get people to school and work. This expanded level of support will give people the confidence that public transit is there to meet their needs,” said George Heyman, B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate

Change Strategy and responsible for TransLink. “A healthy public transit system is an important part of B.C.’s climate plan to reduce emissions and provide community and transportation supports in an economy that works for everyone.” TransLink reports its ridership has recovered to approximately 67% of pre-pandemic levels, while BC Transit is reporting its ridership levels recovered to approximately 70%. “We’re ensuring reliable and affordable transit service continues to be there for people to get to work, to school or for any other purpose,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Over the past two years, it’s never been more apparent how essential good transit service is for strong communities. We’ve demonstrated our commitment to quality transit with funding assistance unmatched by any other province.”

The latest federal-provincial funding agreement for transit agencies provides relief while transit ridership continues to recover. The federal allocation for British Columbia is $102 million, matched by the B.C. government to provide $204 million in additional pandemic recovery relief. Media Contact – Veeno Dewan:

BC Liberals table bill to modernize name changes VICTORIA (April 5, 2022) – BC Liberal MLA Doug Clovechok reintroduced a bill today that would allow married British Columbians to combine or hyphenate their surnames at no cost — the same way those can take their spouse’s name freely. “British Columbians can easily take the last name of their spouse, but those who wish to hyphenate or combine surnames face a costly and time-consuming formal process,” said Clovechok, MLA for Columbia River-

Revelstoke. “This is a very small and simple change that would have positive impacts for countless B.C. couples.” The Name Amendment Act was first tabled in 2019 by former BC Liberal MLA Mary Polak but the NDP government refused to call it for debate. “The existing name change process with bureaucratic hurdles and fees disproportionately impacts women. It’s long overdue for this government to update the way it looks at name changes after marriage in the twenty-

first century,” added Clovechok. “Our proposed legislation reflects the realities of modern family structures and relationships in our province, and I sincerely hope the NDP government will finally consider adopting it to modernize an outdated name change process in desperate need of a refresh.”l pandemic recovery relief. By: Andrew Reeve

Press Secretary & Communications Manager, BC Liberal Caucus

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Planning a Road Trip? Watch Out for Highway Hypnosis

By:Crystal Raypole (Source: healthline.com Researchers found that the drivers tended to

ou’re driving along a desolate stretch of highway and note a road sign announcing your destination is 62 miles away. The next thing you know, you’re blinking at another sign, one that says you have 40 miles to go. You’re sure you didn’t fall asleep behind the wheel. After all, you didn’t crash or cause an accident. But what happened to those 22 miles? Maybe you’ve experienced something similar while driving through town. Coming to a halt at a red light, you realize you can’t recall the last several minutes of your drive. Did you use your turn signal? Stop at stop signs? Follow the speed limit? You have no idea. Both of these are examples of highway hypnosis, a phenomenon that causes you to go into a trance-like state while driving. The monotony of the road slows down your brain, leaving you less alert and functioning on autopilot.

show more fatigue, measured by large steering movements, while driving on the more monotonous road. Also noteworthy was the fact their fatigue peaked after approximately 20 minutes of driving. This suggests highway hypnosis may happen very quickly on monotonous stretches of road, not only after long periods of driving.

Brain inattention

According to other research from 2004, your oculomotor system, or the system that controls eye movements, also plays a part in highway hypnosis. When you drive along a road you know well or stare at a largely unchanging road for a long period of time, your brain begins to depend less on retinal feedback, or what you actually see. Instead, your brain begins to depend more on your mental prediction of what you’ll see (extra-retinal feedback). In other words, your brain switches to a lessalert mode and begins to pay less attention What it feels like? You may not always realize when highway to visual stimuli. hypnosis takes over — at least, not until Sleepiness you’ve snapped out of it. The likelihood of experiencing highway Some warning signs you might notice in- hypnosis does go up when you’re tired. clude: The monotony of the road can lower brain • sleepiness alertness, but so can fatigue. In either case, • loss of concentration or mental foggi- your brain processes what you see more ness slowly than usual, relying on mental pre• wandering thoughts dictability and autopilot instead. • a dull or dazed feeling Other factors, including road monotony, • slow reaction time the blurring white lines, and trees stretching • heavy eyelids or frequent blinking endlessly toward the horizon, can combine If you suddenly realize you’ve just passed with drowsiness to lull you into a trance-like your freeway exit or you can’t remember state, even if you don’t actually fall asleep. anything about the last several miles, you’ve Fatigue can also get worse if you keep drivprobably experienced highway hypnosis. ing. Longer time spent driving can increase Other telltale signs include catching yourself your chances of experiencing highway hypdrifting into the next lane or driving onto nosis and even make it more likely you will the rumble strip. fall asleep. Another person in the car with you might How to handle it also notice you have a blank expression or If you start to notice the warning signs of glassy-eyed stare. highway hypnosis, try these tips to increase

Why it happens?

While highway hypnosis can happen more commonly in tired drivers, fatigue isn’t the only cause. Here’s a look at some major contributing factors.

Monotonous roads

your alertness.

Take a break

The longer you spend on a monotonous task, the more likely your brain will switch to autopilot mode. If you zone out over some documents at work, the worst that will happen is you’ll just have to read them again. When this happens on the road, you put yourself and any nearby drivers at risk. When planning a driving trip, make sure you allow enough time for a stop every hour or two. Get out of your car and move around as much as possible. Go for a brisk walk, or run in place. If you feel tired but need to keep driving, a short nap can help you recharge.

Most existing research on highway hypnosis suggests monotony plays a significant part in this phenomenon. A 2003 study used a driving simulator to study the effects of road monotony on 56 experienced male drivers. The participants “drove” on two different simulated roads for 40 minutes at a time. Both roads were flat, but the first road only had one type of visual scenery: pine trees spaced equally on either side of the road. Have some caffeine The second road contained multiple visual f you feel sleepy while driving, caffeine elements, including trees, farms, signs, and can help boost alertness, but it might not people. Flat bridges and overpasses also be enough to keep you awake entirely. broke up the scenery in several different Even if you don’t feel sleepy, taking sips of a places. drink or having a snack can help break up

the monotony of driving. Just make sure it’s highway not something too distracting or difficult to getting off at a different exit finding alternate eat. highway routes

Talk or sing

Talking to someone can help keep your brain engaged. If you can’t safely use a hands-free device to call a friend while driving, get off the road as soon as you can, and then connect the call. If you know you have to drive for a long time, try making plans with a loved one ahead of time so you can make sure they’re available for a call. It’s also totally fine to talk to yourself. Remember those poems and dramatic monologues you had to memorize during high school English? Trying to dredge those up from the depths of your memory can give you something to concentrate on. You can also try solving a math problem out loud, singing your favorite songs from memory, or talking through a problem that’s been on your mind.

Make some environmental changes

When you feel highway hypnosis coming on but don’t have a chance to stop for a while, these quick internal adjustments can help you shake it off: Put on loud, upbeat music or engaging talk radio. Avoid anything that could make you feel sleepy or less attentive, such as soft, slow music or droning voices. Roll down the window. A warmer environment can increase drowsiness and inattention, so roll your windows down, or turn on the air conditioning. If you’re driving at a high speed, the wind in your face can help keep you feeling sharp. Turn off cruise control. Monitoring your speed can help prevent highway hypnosis by giving you something important to concentrate on. Drive with an upright seat. Putting your seat up straight before you leave can help you maintain good posture while driving, making it less likely you’ll slip into an overly relaxed state.

Preventing it

Eat lightly

Imagine how you feel during the afternoon after having a big lunch at work. A little drowsy, a lot less alert? If you have a large meal before getting in your car to take a long drive, you’ll probably feel much the same way. Have a light meal instead, and pack a few snacks for the road. Remember, produce and light proteins can keep you more alert than sugar and heavy carbs. Make an all-new playlist Switching on the radio won’t always keep you alert while driving. If you don’t like what’s playing, or the music is too soft and slow, you might feel even less engaged.The next time you need to take a long drive, prepare a playlist of new material to replace your favorite hits. Add music you haven’t yet listened to and new episodes of podcasts you enjoy. Download the audiobook version of a book you’ve been planning to read. Paying attention to new content may help keep you more alert than listening to the same things you usually listen to (even if you really love them).

Get enough sleep

Highway hypnosis is more common in tired drivers. Making sure you get enough sleep before hitting the road may help lower your chances of zoning out (or drifting off) while driving. It’s also wise to check the labels of any medications you’re taking to make sure they don’t cause drowsiness. If they do, you might want to ask your healthcare provider about briefly discontinuing them so you can drive safely. (But don’t stop taking any medications without their approval.) Driving at night may increase the likelihood of experiencing highway hypnosis or falling asleep behind the wheel, so try to drive during the day whenever possible.

The bottom line

While you might be technically awake and operating on autopilot, highway hypnosis still leaves you less than fully alert, so it could have serious consequences. It’s pretty common to fall under the spell of Try a new road If you regularly drive the same long dis- a long and boring road, but you can lower tance, such as when commuting to work in your risk by taking steps ahead of time to a different city, changing up your route can keep yourself more alert. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a help you avoid highway hypnosis. writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Sometimes you just have to take that long, boring drive. Preparing yourself with these strategies can help you avoid highway hypnosis.

If possible, try:

driving through town instead of using the

Source: healthline.com

Suicidal Ideation among Canadian Youth: A Multivariate Analysis

multivariate model was developed incorporating various socio-demographic, social-environmental, and social-psychological factors in an attempt to predict suicidal ideation among Canadian youth. The main research objective sought to determine what socially based factors elevate or reduce suicidal ideation within this population. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth–Cycle 5 (2003), a cross-sectional sample of 1,032 was used to empirically identify various social determinants of suicidal ideation among youth statistically significant correlations between socially based measures. In particular, abilbetween the ages of 12 and 15. Results reveal suicide ideation and some lesser examined ity to communicate feelings, negative attach-

ment to parents/guardians, taunting/bullying or abuse, and presence of deviant peers were significant predictors of suicidal ideation. As expected, depression/anxiety, gender, and age were also correlated with thoughts of suicide. Research findings should help foster a better understanding toward the social elements of suicide and provide insight into how suicide prevention strategies may be improved through an increased emphasis on substance use education, direct targeting of dysfunctional families and deviant peer groups, and exploring more avenues of self-expression for youth. Source: tandfonline.com

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

loc a l

A Local Hero ” Yousif Hamad”

“May Allah have mercy on him”. e often hear these words being uttered when we learn about the passing of a Muslim. After which, people would mention how good that person was, what they accomplished, who they helped, and so on, to the point where one wishes they had known the person, got to know them better, or had the privilege of befriending the person who passed on. However, we rarely mention such comments about a person who is still alive. So let me tell you about someone I consider a local hero here in Victoria, BC. He is brother Yousif Hamad, may Allah have mercy on him. That’s right, “May Allah have mercy on him”, as this sentence is not exclusive to people who died. Over the last three decades, the impact he had and continues to have on the local community would be very hard to match. I will only mention a few things as there are too many things to mention than the allowed space. Shortly after arriving in Canada, he took the lead in helping out in the community, from preparing the space for Jumuah, giving the Athan, delivering the khutbah, running a Madrasah, to initiating an Iftar program for University Students. I, for one, know that if I find myself in trouble with my car which did happen on more than one occasion, I call brother Yousif. He

rescued me as well as many others on numerous occasions. While in the Masjid, you can’t help but notice that young children run to “Uncle Yousif”, the only one they know by name. He jokes, plays, and wrestles with them while offering delicious candy to increase their attachment to the Masjid. As for the elderly in the community, brother Yousif would visit them if they get sick and take them out so they don’t feel neglected. He would also act as a personal assistant for them to any personal matter that they need help with. The sisters in the community know to call brother Yousif whenever they need assistance setting up tables and chairs for an event or a function, or whenever they need help with professional or personal matters. Brother Yousif taught English as a second language to newcomers for many years. With the recent surge of refugees, brother Yousif played a key role in helping with translation, booking appointments, driving to medical facilities, moving houses, providing cooked meals, and delivering nonperishable food baskets. He even helped some of them with driving lessons using his personal car. In the past several years, brother Yousif has been single-handedly attending to the services that allow the local Masjid to be up and running including, but not limited to,

Daffodil Month for Cancer Awareness

pril presents a welcome respite from the long winter. It arrives with more sunshine, new flowers, and a fresh sense of awakening and optimism. This is probably why April came to mean hope and perseverance, along with research and great strides in the fight against cancer. April is Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, also known as Daffodil Month. The daffodil is the symbol of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). The CCS is a community-based, national organization of dedicated volunteers who have adopted the daffodil as a symbol of hope in the fight against cancers of all kinds. The purpose of the society is to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer, and to help raise funds and awareness in order to eradicate the disease altogether. Since the 1950s, the daffodil has served to inspire hope and awareness about cancer in Canada.CCS Toronto volunteers first used daffodils to decorate tables for a fundraising tea and gave out daffodils in local restaurants in 1956. As recipients of the daffodils asked how they could donate to support the cause, the volunteers realized that the daffodil could be not only a symbol of hope but also a powerful fundraising tool. This led to

the first Daffodil Days which took place in 1957. Toronto volunteers raised more than $1,200 from selling daffodils that year, and the connection between the daffodil, spring’s first flower, and the hope that cancer could be beaten was cemented in Canadian culture. Daffodil Days events spread throughout Canada and were adopted by cancer organizations in other countries, including the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Council of Australia, and the Irish Cancer Society. 2016 numbers are not in as of this date, however in 2015 the Daffodil campaign raised more than $16.5 million in Canada alone and the CCS raised $44 million. Two new initiatives have been introduced, the Daffodil Dash (a family walk/run) and paint your workplace/school yellow, and together they raised more than $250,000. Buying fresh daffodils, wearing a daffodil pin, or volunteering during Daffodil Month is intended to be an act of solidarity and participation. Even getting involved in this small way helps fund research into the best ways to fight all cancers for all Canadians, and supports Canadians living with cancer right now. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, and nearly half of all Canadians will

cleaning, preparation for Salah, driving the Imam, maintaining events schedule, selling food, managing inventory, making announcements, and fundraising. He would be spending not only his time but his money as well, on such services without expecting anything in return. He also broadcasted every Khutbah and every lecture live since way before the pandemic, using his own equipment and coming early enough to set up with unprecedented dedication. This past Ramadan (2021), brother Yousif prepared and distributed Food Baskets for 51 families (Dates, Flour, Sugar, Oil, and Rice). He also, together with his wife, prepared and distributed 500+ Iftar meals during Ramadan and the 6 days of the fasting of Shawwal. To have a good perspective, compare these numbers with the numbers from your local Masjid or organization. MashaAllah. Allahu Akbar. There is more to say about brother Yousif Hamad, however, I hope the aforementioned examples are sufficient to draw a picture. I conclude by mentioning this great Prophetic Hadeeth that illustrates how Islam, as a faith, goes far beyond personal worships (such as prayer and fasting) and covers much more terrain in the Muslim’s life especially when it comes to helping others: Abdullah bin Omar -may Allah be pleased with them- narrated that the messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “The most beloved of people to Allah are develop cancer at some time in their lives. This is why support is so important—and raising awareness is, too. Knowing more about cancer means being better prepared, from screening and prevention to successful treatment. We all want to make cancer history. Until then, no matter your health condition, including cancer – you do have a choice when it comes to life insurance and protecting your family’s financial wellbeing. With Canada Protection Plan, you can be covered for up to $500,000 with our No Medical plans. To find out which plan and coverage can be the right fit for you, please contact your advisor or call Canada Protection Plan at 1-877-851-9090. It’s easy and straightforward to apply. Like the resilient daffodil, your donation is a symbol of hope. It will ensure help is there when it is needed the most by funding the most promising cancer research, providing a compassionate support system for people affected by cancer and shaping health policies to prevent cancer. Every spring, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Daffodil Campaign rallies Canadians to support and remember those affected by cancer. And with nearly half of Canadians diagnosed in their lifetime, almost all of us are impacted in some way.Cancer hasn’t stopped being a life-threatening disease dur-

those that are most beneficial [in their actions] to people, and the most beloved deed to Allah -Almighty- is the appeasing of a [fellow] Muslim, or the alleviation of trouble from him/her, or the paying of a debt of his/ her behalf, or the lightening of his/her hunger. Indeed, assisting my Muslim brother in his/her need is more beloved to me than retreating in the mosque for a month. Indeed, whoever shields his anger, Allah will conceal his faults. Whoever controls his anger, even though if he wanted to let it show he is able to, Allah will fill his heart with content on the Day of Judgement. Whoever accompanies his fellow Muslim in addressing their need until it is resolved, Allah -Almightywill resolve his steps steadfast in the day where steps are [shaken]. Indeed, bad mannerism corrupts the deeds [of the person] the same way vinegar corrupts honey. (Narrated by At-Tabarani) Written by Zoheir Tahar (July 2021). Former Imam at Masjid Al-Iman, Victoria,

ing the COVID-19 pandemic, so we can’t stop our life-changing work either. For the second year in a row, we’ve had to suspend all our face-to-face fundraising activities in order to keep everyone safe – so we need your help more than ever before. Your support during this year’s Daffodil Campaign can ensure that no one faces cancer alone. From funding groundbreaking research to better prevent, detect and treat cancer to enabling a nationwide support system, together we can make a real difference for people affected by cancer during the pandemic and beyond. Now more than ever, the daffodil’s sunny symbol serves as a meaningful reminder for us to come together and look ahead to brighter days. The daffodil survives our harsh winters and every spring, these resilient flowers are there, waiting to bloom. And when daffodils bloom, hope grows. Source: cpp.ca/blog/daffodil-

PTA urges YouTube to unblock Dr Israr’s channel

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tele communications Authority (PTA) has called upon YouTube to review its decision to block a TV channel run by the late Dr Israr Ahmed’s foundation over charges of hate speech. “This unilateral shutdown of Dr Israr Ahmed’s channel, a prominent Muslim scholar, raises questions about the arbitrary limits of online expression,” the PTA said in its appeal to YouTube on Tuesday. Sources in the PTA said the channel concerned used to broadcast videos

of Dr Israr Ahmed that tried to shed light on the socio-economic order envisaged by the Holy Quran. The PTA pleaded that such videos were only aimed at “educating the viewers”. Pleads videos on the channel are only aimed at ‘educating the viewers’ YouTube suspended the channel after Jewish groups complained that its programmes carried contents which incited hate against them. Dr Israr’s channel had almost three million subscribers and his lectures were admired by a large number of people living in the West. The channel, operated by the son of Dr Israr Ahmed, shows recordings of the late scholar’s old speeches. These contain his views about the end of the world in the light of Quranic verses and the Jews’ place in history. A disciple of Dr Israr Ahmed decried the move as a violation of free speech by the West. Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza said on his own YouTube channel the move be-

trayed the West’s double standard. “They acted upon complaints just by Jewish groups, without hearing the other side,” he said.The complaints lodged with YouTube expressed fears that Dr Israr’s “preaching could trigger violence against Jews in the West by Muslims”.

Indian action

The Indian ministry of information and broadcasting barred 22 YouTube channels, including four based in Pakistan, on Tuesday over charges of spreading disinformation that posed a threat to “national security and public order”. The Indian government had banned 35 YouTube channels and multiple social media accounts in January on charges of spreading “fake news”. A similar action was taken in December when 20 YouTube channels were blocked for airing “anti-India content”. Meanwhile, the Reuters news agency reported that the blocked YouTube channels had a combined following of 2.6 billion viewers. According to the agency, New Delhi invoked

“emergency powers” under IT laws to block 18 Indian channels. “Multiple YouTube channels were used to post fake news on various subjects, especially against India’s armed forces,” the information ministry said in a statement. The Indian government has been using IT rules introduced last year to crack down on social media dissent. India has sought tough action by tech giants like Google and Facebook to root out “fake news” from their platforms. In a meeting in February, officials told the firms their inaction had forced the government to order content takedowns, which in turn drew global criticism that authorities were suppressing free expression. Google said at the meeting that India’s information ministry should avoid making takedown decisions public, but officials dismissed the idea. Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2022 Source: tdawn.com

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

M ess a ges / P O L I T I C S

Prime Minister Trudeau delivers a message on Ramadan April 1, 2022 As-salamu alaykum. Today, Muslims in Canada and around the world begin observing the sacred month of Ramadan.Whether it’s getting together with family and friends, keeping fast, or sitting down for iftar—Ramadan means something different to everyone. But it remains one of the holiest holidays in the Muslim community. It’s a time for prayer,

a time for reflection and self-restraint, and a time to celebrate the values at the core of Islam.Values like peace, compassion, and generosity. The same values that have helped us throughout the pandemic.I’d like to recognize the incredible contributions of Muslim Canadians who stepped up to help those in need over the past two difficult years. And as we look forward to what comes next,

this month is also a reminder for us all that we have a collective duty to reject Islamophobia and fight discrimination in all its forms. My friends, as restrictions begin to ease across the country, I look forward to joining you once again to give thanks for—and to celebrate—our many blessings, together. From my family to yours, Sophie and I wish you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Conservative Leader Candice Bergen extends party’s best wishes to Muslims observing Ramadan CANDICE Bergen, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on Friday on the beginning of Ramadan: “Today at sunset, Muslims in Canada and around the world will celebrate the beginning of the month of Ramadan, a sacred time of fasting, prayer, devotion and charity. “After two difficult years, Muslims will final-

ly be able to celebrate Ramadan with their communities and family members in homes, community centers and mosques across the country. “We are reminded during Ramadan that hope always triumphs over fear and optimism always wins over despair. “For many of us, Ramadan is a great opportunity to learn more about this holy month, and the rich culture, traditions and celebra-

tions that are important to Muslim communities. This celebration also brings strength, courage and unity to Canadians of the Muslim faith. “On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, I would like to extend my best wishes to Muslims observing Ramadan across Canada.

“Ramadan Mubarak!”

Premier Horgan’s statement on Ramadan

VICTORIA – Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in honour of the month of Ramadan: “Tonight at sunset, Muslims in British Columbia and around the world will mark the start of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection. “Ramadan is a time for family and friends to gather to pray, fast during the daytime,

and break the fast at iftar after sunset. At this time, Muslims are especially mindful of giving back to their communities through zakat and volunteerism. “Ramadan is a time to put values such as self discipline and compassion into practice, to appreciate our blessings, and to give generously to others. “Ramadan is also an opportunity to

pandemic and exemplified the important values of patience, empathy, and charity that are the focus of Ramadan. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work of Islamic communities in promoting vaccinations, translating COVID-19 resources, and distributing food hampers. They demonstrated remarkable leadership in our province’s efforts to curb the pandemic. “After two years of virtual prayers and iftars, I am thrilled to see in-person celebrations

can now return as mosques and families are once again able to celebrate together and we send them our warmest wishes during this sacred time. “On behalf of the entire BC Liberal team, I want to wish the Muslim community here in British Columbia peace and happiness during this special month.

celebrate our province’s many Muslim communities, and the important contributions Muslims make each day to our province. “On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, I wish everyone observing this holy month a blessed and peaceful time of reflection.

“Ramadan Mubarak!”

BC Liberal statement on Ramadan

VICTORIA (April 2, 2022) – BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon released the following statement today for Ramadan: “This evening at sundown marks the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims throughout British Columbia and around the world. “Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is an important time for spiritual reflection.“Countless Muslims in British Columbia stepped up during the COVID-19

Leona Alleslev officially enters Conservative leadership race

“Ramadan Mubarak!”

Former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to release book on reconciliation

people at every level of Canadian society. party. Alleslev, who lost her Greater Toronto Wilson-Raybould served as Canada’s first Area seat in last year’s federal election, unIndigenous justice minister until her time veiled her plans today at a Parliament Hill in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet news conference.The former MP says she has came to an end in early 2019 after a clash a solid foundation underpinning her campaign and is not behind the other candidates, over how a potential criminal case against despite only officially announcing today. AlSNC-Lavalin should be handled. leslev is one of 11 people who have declared Last summer, she announced she would not they want to replace former leader Erin seek re-election as an Independent MP in Vancouver, saying Parliament had become O’Toole for the Conservative party’s top job. “toxic and ineffective” and she was leaving Unlike others in the running, Alleslev was first elected to Parliament as a Liberal before because of a “disgraceful” emphasis on parOTTAWA -- Former Conservative deputy she crossed the floor to join the Conserva- Former Liberal cabinet minister Jody Wil- tisan politics over real action. leader Leona Alleslev has officially an- tives in 2018.She says she made that decision son-Raybould is set to publish a book that’s “True Reconciliation” is Wilson-Raybould’s being billed as a guide to reconciliation. third book. nounced she’s running for leadership of the on principle. Source: ctvnews.ca McClelland & Stewart says “True Reconcilia- “From coast-to-coast-to-coast -- in various tion: How to Be a Force for Change” is slated ways and more than ever before -- Canadians to hit shelves on Nov. 8.The publisher says the are wanting to play their part in moving tobook comes in response to the most common wards true reconciliation with Indigenous peoquestion Wilson-Raybould receives: “What ples,” she said in a statement on Wednesday. gencies and major funding commitments. can I do to help advance reconciliation?” “This book is about helping change a conChief on that list is addressing Canada’s flag- It says Wilson-Raybould offers “clear and ac- versation that has become unnecessarily ging health-care systems, which are stressed cessible guide” for how to improve relations complicated. We have the solutions, and we to the brink by two years of the pandemic between Indigenous and non-Indigenous know what needs to be done.”S: ctvnews.ca and likely to continue to struggle under the tion. Doctors, nurses and other health workers have reduced their hours and left the indusweight of massive surgical backlogs. While many of the problems the government try in droves, their professional associations say, but there is no national plan to figure out looks to solve require multibillion-dollar so- exactly how many have been lost or how to replace them. lutions, groups representing burnt-out health Several groups, including CMA, have banded together to ask the federal government to workers say their top ask is a relatively cheap move forward on a human resources strategy, or even agency, that would count, track, train one: they want a plan. “This human health and retain health professionals to keep Canada’s systems afloat. “It doesn’t make sense that resource crisis is really becoming extreme in 2022, we don’t know how many personal care workers we have in this country. We don’t OTTAWA -- The federal government is set to and it’s dramatically impacting our ability to know how many nurses are going to retire,” said Linda Silas, president of the Canadian Fedtable a budget Thursday against the backdrop care for people ,” said Dr. Katharine Smart, eration of Nurses Unions. Health professionals have been asking the federal government for of several national and international emer- president of the Canadian Medical Associa- a data-based plan for a decade now, Silas said. Source: ctvnews.ca

Health-care workers have small budget request to tackle crisis: a plan

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

Ramadan Kareem

Wishing you and your families a joyous and rewarding month

Hon. Harjit Sajjan, M.P. Vancouver South Harjit.Sajjan@parl.gc.ca

Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, M.P. North Vancouver Jonathan.Wilkinson@parl.gc.ca

Hon. Joyce Murray, M.P. Vancouver Quadra Joyce.Murray@parl.gc.ca

Taleeb Noormohamed, M.P. Vancouver Granville Taleeb.Noormohamed@parl.gc.ca

Wilson Miao, M.P. Richmond Centre Wilson.Miao@parl.gc.ca

21st FEB 2001-2022

lhamdulillah, the Miracle is BC’s first Muslim bilingual and biweekly newspaper and completed its 21 years in publication. We have undoubtedly record numbers of regular local 8-9 Urdu and English Writers and have continued publishing for the past 21 years despite personal and community challenges. And it is the only Muslim community Newspaper which keeps consistency in its biweekly publication by Printing, Online Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit: miraclenews.com, https://www.facebook.com/themiraclenewspaper

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100 Brothers Who Care

100 BROTHERS WHO CARE 2022 CAMPAIGN

Why this project matters. We have been serving the Muslim community for over five years. From creating curriculum for courses like Voices of Muslim Women Digital Storytelling Program to producing university conferences such as Muslim Identity and Representation Conference (MIRC), we have tons of experience working with Muslim women, girls and their families. We have found over and over again that women and girls with men in their lives who support them are much more likely to become confident leaders. Also, when Muslim men publicly show their support for girls and women, it inspires other young men to do the same, especially for those who have not had compassionate male leadership role modelled to them.

Academic research helps us understand that visual representations matter and subconsciously form our identity and thought patterns. When we see and hear negative things about Muslims (ie: Abusive, Terrorist, Extremist), something called internalized oppression can occur, especially in children and teenagers. Let's take this opportunity to change this. One photo and one story at a time. We just need 100 Brothers Who Care. Are you in?

Aisha Azba Amijee Founder & Executive Director 1-778-846-5451

We're looking for you... Voices of Muslim Women Foundation is a registered non profit organization based in Vancouver. We aim to connect, empower, inspire and celebrate Muslim women. We host an array of events, programs and initiatives from leadership training to awards galas.

Your Support We're looking for 100 Brothers who are happy to pledge their support and $25 toward our newest campaign 100 Brothers Who Care. Donate $25 online at www.launchgood.com/campaign/100_brothers_who_care#!/ Email us a photo of yourself or with the Muslim women in your life at info@voicesofmuslimwomen.com along with your full name, occupational title and city. Repost the VMW campaign post (we'll make this for you!) on your Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #100BrothersWhoCare and tag us at @vmwvoicesofmuslimwomen.

info@voicesofmuslimwomen.com www.voicesofmuslimwomen.com @vmwvoicesofmuslimwomen

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Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

LOCAL

Muslim centered programming available for Seniors Home in Surrey

By:Furquan Gehlen

n March 30, 2022, Mosaic Seniors Care Society, a newly formed non-profit organization, introduced their plans for operating an assisted living home in Surrey to cater towards Muslim seniors. The Gateway Assisted Living residence was acquired in July 2021 and has 60 government subsidized beds. The homeis located at 13878 100 Avenue in Surrey. To live at the residence, an individual must be approved by the Fraser Health Authority for admission. Fraser Health follows established criteria

to assess the health care needs of seniors applying for these subsidized services. The program includes 3 meals a day, health care services provided by registered professionals, activities, and a mix of studio and one bedroom suites. Mosaic plans to provide additional services to seniors in the future. More info is available on the Mosaic website at: www.mosaicseniorssociety.com. To access these assisted living services one must apply directly with Fraser Health and if approved by the health authority, ask to have Gateway Assisted Living in Surrey

as their preferred site for placement. Info on the assisted living program offered by Fraser Health can be found by calling their home health services line at 1-855-412-2121 or please refer to the Fraser Health Authority website atwww.fraserhealth. ca/health-topics-a-to-z/assisted-living.

Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association Celebrates Pakistan Day

n March 23, the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association (PCCA) hosted 82nd Pakistan Day at the Taste of Lahore, Surrey. The Banquet hall was full with people not only from the Pakistani community but also other ethnic communities and Canadian, City of Surrey Mayor His

worship Dough McCallum, Provincial leaders, MLA Jinny Sims, MLA Jagrup Brar, MLA Garry Bagg, and Speaker MLA Raj Chauhan and Consul General of Pakistan Vancouver Hon. Janbaz Khan. Some of them came on the stage and delivered their thoughts and their party leaders’ messages for Paki-

stan Day and appreciated PCCA. The master of ceremonies were Mr. Tauseef Waraich and Haroon Qasier who conducted the program very well in Urdu and English. After the recitation by Mr. Ijaz Chatah of few verses of Quran, national anthems of Pakistan and Canada were sung at the podium. President

PCCA Mr. Naveed Waraich delivered a short address and thanked everyone. A special thanks was also given from the President to all PCCA Directors, Media, and Taste of Lahore management. At the end Mr Manuel Cheema presented the Pakistani Mili Nagma and number of Pakistani Ghazals.

An open discussion with his Worship Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton, Ontario

Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton, Ont., joins race to lead federal Conservatives On March 31, A very prominent Muslim lawyer Mr. Massood Joomratty invited the Muslim Community representatives at Taste of Lahore on a discussion with Worship Patrick

Brown, the Mayor of Brampton, Ontario, who has officially joined the race to lead the federal Conservatives, with a promise to heal the fractures that have erupted in the party over recent years. Mr. Joomratty said “It’s a conversation about the place of Muslims in Canada; particularly whether we have a place in the Conservative Party of Canada. We must engage with all parties and create our space and there is no better time than a leadership change” and that’s the reason of Mayor Patrick Brown visit in BC. Mr. Adam Ibrahim a team member of Mayor Brown given details his introduction and invited him to speak with BC Muslim Community. Hon. Brown said that in the GTA I do one volunteer for the most of welfare centre

the fellow that runs it’s actually joined our leadership campaign I’ve gone and that the old Federal conservative party a lady Jenny Burns said you couldn’t get involved with Islamic relief. I went to Lebanon to volunteer in Islamic relief Canada a refugee camp Joy the Syrian refugee crisis. As a leader of the opposition and as me regret that I host my own iftar every year. Right now we’re out selling all our opponents in memberships. Time is I ask you for your help on this journey. That’s why I wanted to come tonight to answer any of your questions I’m an open book and I can tell you the reason people like God and we got a big team that are working day, and that’s how passionate we are about this so thank you for your generosity of your

time this evening and I’m looking forward to the conversation we’re going to have to get them. After that Mr. Adam opened the floor for The United Muslim Forum members Media, & other community members, they raised many of these issues raised about Conservative policy on Islamophobia, Canadian foreign policy, Palestinians, Kashmiris, Afghanis, Syrian, Chinese, Ukraine are suffering a lot, Pakistan relations with Canada and its immigration process and many more issues has been discussed. At the end Mr. Patrick appealed to join race to lead federal Conservatives membership drive.

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

P a kist a n politics

Imran highlights govt performance over three years

By: Syed Irfan Raza ows to help Pakistan stand on its feet • Urges world to back inclusive govt in Afghanistan for regional peace ISLAMABAD: While proudly presenting “achievements” of the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf-led coalition government over the past three years, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday vowed to help the country stand on its feet with dignity through progress and self-sustainment. In an hour-long speech at the launch of the three-year performance report of his government, the prime minister said on assumption of power in August 2018, the PTI faced numerous ‘inherited challenges’ including financial instability, poverty, and inadequate education and health facilities. But currently there were several feathers in the cap of his government, particularly tackling the challenge of Covid-19 through its ‘smart lockdown strategy’, he said, adding that Pakistan had been recently ranked by The Economist as the ‘third-best performing country’ for handling the pandemic. “When we came to power current account deficit was $20 billion but today it has declined to $1.8bn. In 2018 foreign reserves were $16.4bn which are now over $27bn. Total tax collection in the previous government was Rs3,800bn and now it is Rs4,700bn. Similarly, foreign remittances were $19.9bn in 2018 and now they are $29.4bn,” he said. “We will have to make Pakistan stand on its own feet and will not let this country be used by anyone for anyone else’s war,” PM Khan emphasised. The launching ceremony, which was held at Jinnah Convention Centre, was attended by the four governors, chief ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly, federal cabinet members, parlia-

The denouement

By: Maleeha Lodhi

(former ambassador to the US, UK & UN.) HE Imran Khan government’s denouement raises the question of how he ended up facing a vote of no-confidence. Although that parliamentary process was subverted and a constitutional crisis ensued it will still mark an end to his rule. Few governments in Pakistan’s recent history began their term with Khan’s advantages. He had unqualified support from the military, widespread public goodwill, control of Punjab, a divided and demoralised opposition and a popular yearning for change. But few governments so quickly underwhelmed its supporters and disappointed others by its underperformance, unkept promises, polarising politics and Trumpian conduct. A combination of factors may explain why Khan’s government faced a crisis of confidence that eventually cut short its term. The first undoubtedly was the pretence by a minority government that it had a decisive mandate and could rule unilaterally, riding roughshod over the views and interests of other political actors. Heading a coalition government should have involved humility and efforts at consensus building, compromise and listening to allies. Instead, Imran Khan chose to govern without consensus, ignoring Pakistan’s federal reality and a parliamentary system that needs give and take to make it work. This was compounded by the intensely personalised nature of governance in which power was concentrated in one person, who took key decisions on his own rather than on the basis of well-considered advice. Personalised governance meant reliance on the instincts and ego of the leader rather than an institutional process of policy advice. This

mentarians and PTI youth. At the ceremony, federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry presented the Report 2018-21, which has been compiled by the ministry, to the premier. A documentary on the 22 years of Mr Khan’s political struggle and his three years in power was also screened on the occasion. The 251-page report gives an outline of the achievements of 44 public bodies including ministries, divisions and departments. Besides defining the baseline of each sector, it focuses on key objectives, updates on initiatives, long-term strategies, legislative policy framework and the projects in the pipeline. The report focuses on the government’s accomplishments despite the global economic recession in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. While discussing salient features of the government achievements, Prime Minister Khan compared his tenure with the previous regimes of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supreme leader Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari. To uplift common man, he said, the government launched projects such as Naya Pakistan Housing Programme for affordable accommodation to low-income groups, Ehsaas programme for social security and the Kamyab Jawan Programme for imparting skills to youth to help them get employment. Also to help poor and vulnerable segments of society, 54 laws were enacted including the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2020, Enforcement of Women Property Rights Act, 2020, and Legal Aid and Justice Authority Act, 2020, he added. The main initiatives taken by the government are as under:

Development sector

Karachi Nuclear Power Plant 2, low-cost housing under Naya Pakistan Housing, Ravi Urban Project, Rs1.1 trillion Karachi package, progress on construction of dams, in-

led to repeated, embarrassing policy U-turns and fed the image of a whimsical government muddling through, with little sense of direction. Some of this could be attributed to Khan’s inexperience and unfamiliarity with statecraft. But even in his fourth year his non-consultative and arrogant style persisted which blindsided him to rising public disillusionment with his performance and disenchantment in his own party.

Hubris, erratic governance, intolerance of opposition and polarising politics marked PTI’s rule.

A third factor was the weak leadership Khan selected to run Punjab despite his own party’s misgivings. This became his government’s Achilles heel. Its poor performance produced growing internal party discord and contributed significantly to PTI losing political ground in the province and to the rising number of dissidents who were to become politically consequential to the opposition’s no-confidence move. Lack of governance at the centre also contributed to political setbacks for the ruling party in successive by-elections. But rather than examine the reasons for defeats suffered in elections for national seats and in local polls the prime minister spent more time delivering morality lectures and religious sermons. The party was left disorganised, factionalised and ill-disciplined. Political management remained a skill unlearnt by the top leadership not least because it relied on the establishment to mobilise majorities to pass legislation in parliament and keep coalition allies in line. But there were limits to this. Khan’s refusal to find time, much less respond to the needs of allies alienated them and exacted a political price. Several abandoned him to join the opposition in the move to oust Khan. Above all, Khan’s obsessive preoccupation

auguration of Rashakai SEZ, inauguration of heritage trail, Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Social sector

Ehsaas Programme, Koi Bhooka Na Soye Programme, Kisaan Card, Insaaf Sehat Card, Kamyab Jawan Programme, One Nation-One Curriculum, Zaraat Say Khuraak Tak (from agriculture to food).

Economic sector

Prime Minister Khan during his speech lauded the Army and Air Force for giving robust response to India after Pulwama incident. “It is because of our forces we warned Narendra Modi (Indian prime minister) of dire consequences in case of any misadventure,” he added. While declaring that Islamabad would not become a part of anyone else’s war, Mr Khan said the country would not allow the killing of its own people as had happened in the US-Taliban war after the 9/11 attack. He said “mistakes” had been committed by

the army, the judiciary and politicians in the past, but a specific segment of society along with international elements was blaming the Pakistan Army for current situation in Afghanistan. The prime minister urged the entire world to help Afghan Taliban establishing an inclusive government in Afghanistan after had they announced general amnesty, protection of human and women rights and vowed that their land would not be used against any other state. This showed they agreed to what the world had been emphasising in Doha talks. “Don’t make assumption that they (Taliban) will back out from their commitments and let them form an inclusive government which is imperative for the regional peace,” he said. Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2021 UN makes March 15 International Day to Combat Islamophobia.(PM Imran Khan) Pak PM Imran says ‘establishment’ gave him 3 choices: resignation, no-trust vote or polls Deputy Speaker rejects no-trust motion against Pakistan PM Imran Khan; calls it against Constitution Imran Khan surprises Opposition leaders with inswinging yorker in politics Imran Khan to continue as Prime Minister till appointment of caretaker PM: Pakistan President Imran Khan nominates Pakistan’s former chief justice Gulzar Ahmed as caretaker prime minister...amd coming more news.. Source: economictimes

with demonising the opposition and attacking its leaders monopolised much of his time and energy. NAB cases against opposition figures were expected to destroy their reputation and political standing but the one-sided nature of accountability and lack of court convictions left the process in disrepute. Unable to accept opposition as legitimate activity he and his ministers constantly portrayed its leaders as venal and unpatriotic, painting all of them with the same brush. This translated into a refusal to work with other parliamentary parties. It united a disparate group of opposition parties, with divergent interests, fired by the resolve to oust him by constitutional means. Pushing the major opposition parties to the wall ultimately produced a joint front and left the ruling party with few allies in parliament. The government’s overwhelming focus on its so-called accountability drive to undermine rivals proved a fatal distraction from improving its performance especially as deteriorating economic conditions became the source of rising public discontent. It meant lack of attention to issues that mattered most to people — cost of living, unemployment, increase in utility charges, and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and services. In fact, the Khan government’s economic management was marked by U-turns and frequent changes of ministers and financial advisers. Its revolving door approach was also evident in other areas but had more serious implications for the economy. Despite a modest recovery following the government’s Covid-related stimulus measures, the strategic mistake it made was to delay resuming the IMF programme. This depleted foreign exchange reserves, put pressure on the rupee and eroded market confidence. Inflation became a politically explosive issue, rising significantly for a combination of reasons, including supply side and monetary factors, while unrestrained subsidy schemes and Khan’s ‘give-away’ populist schemes also contributed. Both internal and exter-

nal debt rose exponentially with public debt spiking to over 90 per cent of GDP. Skyrocketing inflation emerged as the single most important reason for growing public disaffection with the PTI government. This state of economic distress and hardship provided an enabling environment for the opposition to step up its campaign and leverage public discontent to mount the no-confidence challenge. For PML-N it opened an opportunity to attract dissidents from PTI who felt their party would be an electoral liability in elections and sought arrangements with the party they saw as dominating Punjab. In this challenging environment, the PTI leadership squandered many opportunities to repurpose its government and refurbish its fading image. No account of what went wrong would be complete without mentioning the civil-military relationship. Relations became uneasy last year over the appointment of the new ISI chief and disagreements over governance and foreign policy issues. But there is little to suggest any rupture or that the establishment withdrew its support from the government. The military establishment did, however, adopt a posture of neutrality in the no-confidence process and, in a departure from the past, refrained from pulling out the government’s political chestnuts from the fire. Whether this was a key factor in the opposition’s ability to mobilise the required parliamentary number is open to question. What is certain is that the reasons for the Khan government’s denouement were its own hubris, erratic governance, intolerance of opposition, confrontational politics and policy missteps. Source: dawn.com

Pakistan’s first stent production facility, launch of country’s first Green Bond, people-friendly budget, upward economic trajectory, Roshan Digital Account, Roshan Apni Car and Roshan Samaji Khidmat, Electric Vehicle Policy, MG Motors launch, structural reforms, decrease in current account deficit, growth in textile industry, increase in exports, high remittances, as well as low tariff for electricity and gas for industrial consumption. Foreign affairs: Kashmir cause, Palestine cause, Afghan peace process and countering Indian propaganda. The report also highlighted miscellaneous other initiatives including GIS mapping system, Clean and Green Pakistan, e-voting machines introduction, voting rights for overseas, civil service reforms and accountability.

Lauds armed forces

Ramada 7,1443 April 8, 2022

wome n / R ecipes

Ramadan is a month dedicated to spirituality, community, health, and family.

By: Asma water known such as intermittent fasting. It In addition to fasting, many of us focus on social and moral values helps bridge the gap is for good reason, as fasting may assist with acts of worship such as praying and reading that many of us hold between the rich and Shums,

insulin sensitivity which can help with blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Like popular diets claim, fasting can help with reducing weight, risk of diabetes, and help with heart functions. It can also help people get healthier guts, immune systems, lower blood sugar, and cholesterol. Most importantly, it helps with strengthening the muscle of strong will power. The more will power is exercised, the stronger it gets. Abstaining from water and food for extended periods of time helps many of us realize the strength we possess to do anything we set our mind to and can help us make healthier choices beyond the holy month Physical The average person associates Ramadan with which seemed impossible a month ago. fasting. It is a month of abstinence from Psychological many things such as food and water during Fasting during Ramadan helps us develop daylight hours, bad language, offensive lan- strong will power to control our cravings, exercise self-control, and make difficult guage, and other influential behavior. Fasting has many health benefits with many choices during defining moments during the diets focusing on abstinence from food and day. It shows us the power of commitment and helps us focus on spiritual purification. As a month of fasting begins, these flavorful dishes will enliven suhoor meals and iftar celebrations. 2. Fatima’s Fingers (Tunisian Egg Rolls)

he month of Ramadan is celebrated by millions of people all over the world. It is a month dedicated to spirituality, community, health, and family. It comes with plenty of physiological,psychological, and social benefits that can be incorporated in our lives beyond the holy month.

scripture. The dedication towards spirituality brings peace as our attention and actions are redirected to positive actions as dictated by God. The month of Ramadan is not simply abstaining from food and water, but other negative habits such as gossiping, fighting, or being stubborn with our behavior. We must act kindly and patiently and envision ourselves in the other persons shoes before we act. The psychological benefits of Ramadan are focused heavily on self-control, self-will, positivity, and discipline. When these actions seem too difficult to execute, praying serves as a tool to sharpen our tactics and goals. Praying or meditation has increased benefits for our mental health and helps people derive strength and self-awareness.

Social

The social benefits of Ramadan are plenty from donating extensively to charities, community involvement, helping the less fortunate, and focusing on family. The focus on

Recipes for Observing Ramadan

By Tanya Sichynsky

ith the holiest month in the Islamic calendar right around the corner, plans for suhoor and iftar meals, which bookend long days of fasting, are well underway across the globe. Below is just a sampling of recipes often found on tables across cultures and countries throughout the holiday, which begins Saturday in the United States and comes to a close with Eid al-Fitr on May 2. Some are savory, others are sweet, but all are sure to satisfy.

1. Carrot Maqluba

the less fortunate. Muslims must give a percentage of their income to charity and this month helps us focus on the recipients of charity. In Ramadan, fasting helps us experience the struggles of the needy and show respect towards their struggle. It helps us appreciate their lives by experiencing it and holding this experience for the rest of the year with our behavior.

Reflections

Ramadan is one of the doors of mercy flung wide open as an opportunity for soul cleansing.”— Ahmed Rehab. “In Arabic, the word fitna, meaning “hardship,” stems from the word fatanah, which means “to test gold, burn with fire.” Just as gold is heated to extract valuable elements from the useless surrounding material, it is through the fire of our trials that our golden essence is unearthed.” A. Helwa, Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam Email info at: asmashums@gmail.com

6. Fattoush

4. Aloo Samosas

A light tomato and pita salad, seasoned with sumac and dried mint, and dressed in a garlicky dressing of pomegranate syrup, lemon juice and olive oil, is a refreshing way to break the fast. And this lovely recipe from Joan Nathan comes with rave reviews: “You won’t be disappointed,” wrote one New York Times Cooking reader.

While many versions of these delicate fried pastries can be found across North Africa and the Middle East, they are usually made with malsouka pastry sheets. In this version, which Jamel Charouel adapted from his father, spring roll wrappers are used to encase a ras el hanoutspiced chicken and potato filling.

These potato and pea samosas from Zainab Shah can be made in large batches and frozen for a quick and easy make-ahead finger food for iftar snacking. The vegan filling and crisp exterior are sure to satisfy every kind of eater, especially when paired with an herba- 7. Seekh Kebab With Mint Chutney 3. Cucumber Yogurt Salad With ceous mint chutney.

Dill, Sour Cherries and Rose Petals 5. Lamb Biryani

A traditional Palestinian dish, this striking mound of turmeric-tinged rice, tender meat and slivered carrots comes together in a single pot in one hour, making it a suitable option for concluding a day’s fasting. Reem Kassis’s version streamlines the often time-consuming recipe by opting for boneless rib-eye steak and good-quality store-bought broth.

amadan is here and we now find ourselves in the most incredible and blessed month once again; a month filled with reward, blessing, giving to others and, yes, fasting. Many people come to dread the iftar part of the fasting. More often than not, during the month of Ramadan, we are inclined to indulge in heavier and richer foods than we normally would which can lead to feeling sluggish and tired. This bloated, lethargic feeling often goes hand in hand with eating greasy food on an empty stomach – which can make you feel even worse if you opted for a fizzy drink to wash it down with. So, in order to try and help introduce some balance into our food regimes during Ramadan, here are some healthy eating tips to consider: Eating healthy meals during Ramadan is essential. For iftar, ensure you eat plenty of tasty salad greens and vegetables to go with your main meal. By ensuring at least half of your plate is full of healthy nutrients, you’ll get the energy and vitamins you need. Remember to eat your veggies first! If Ramadan falls in the summer months, or if it is hot where you live, one of our best Ramadan tips is to stock up on fresh watermelon –

A fresh and flavorful salad is the perfect accompaniment to a more substantial and savory iftar main course. In this recipe adapted by Julia Moskin from the chef Sameh Wadi, a dill and dried mint-seasoned yogurt obscures bits of diced cucumbers and tart dried cherries, making each bite a surprising burst of flavors and textures.

A long-cooked biryani, like this one from Tejal Rao that’s layered with rice, herbs, caramelized onion, braised lamb and milk golden with saffron, is a labor of love, for sure. But after an overnight marinade and several hours of cooking, it’s a dish that feels especially celebratory, and one worth building an entire evening’s menu around.

This fragrant lamb kebab recipe, adapted by Alexa Weibel from the chef Chintan Pandya, works just as well rolled into meatballs and pan-seared as it does molded onto skewers. Just don’t skip the deggi mirch, a chile powder that does double duty by imparting both flavor and color in the ground meat. Source:nytimes.com

Ramadan Eating Guide it is great for rehydration and fills you up well, too! It is best served cold. Avoid carbonated and fizzy drinks as these will dehydrate you very quickly and they don’t have any valuable nutrition. Making roast chicken and baked potatoes is a lot healthier than opting for fried samosas and chips – just think about how you will feel after all the grease. If you are a dessert lover, fresh fruit and ice-cream is a lighter alternative to chocolate or pastry desserts. Here are some additional Ramadan nutrition tips you may wish to consider, especially if you’re thinking about what to eat in Ramadan to not get hungry: It is traditional to open the fast with dates and a glass of water or milk; aside from the religious recommendations, there is also great reasoning behind this. Dates contain many nutrients and health benefits including reducing blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and colon cancer, and relieving constipation. Dates also fill you up pretty quickly and are a great source of slow-release energy - keeping you going for longer. Try

opening your fast with a handful of dates and a glass of milk before taking a break to recite salaah; you’ll find you won’t feel as hungry after you pray. Due to the slow energy release in dates, it is a great idea to introduce this into your suhoor meal too. The ideal suhoor meal would consist of oats or porridge and some dates. I have a few more Ramadan tips that should help see you right this Ramadan: Avoid caffeine during suhoor. Caffeine makes you urinate frequently which means you dehydrate quicker. Instead, opt for a milkier drink if you need something warm, or go for water for something more refreshing and hydrating. Many people prepare for the month of Ramadan in advance by making and freezing food that can be cooked later. Don’t do this! It might be convenient, but Ramadan is all about spending time with your loved ones, and cooking with them is a great way of spending more time with your family at meal times. Hold the salt while cooking during Ramadan; too much sodium can lead to bloating, leaving you feeling uncomfortable

as you make your way to the Mosque for congregational prayers. If you prefer to eat lighter meals but don’t want to miss out on flavour, try adding a halal chicken stock cube to plain boiled rice and serve with some lightly buttered broccoli and seasoned diced potatoes. It’s simple, light, easy to make and is full of vitamins and longlasting energy. For iftar, keep some plain, natural yoghurt on the table; it is great for aiding digestion. P.S. There is nothing wrong with indulging a little on Eid after your abstaining efforts during Ramadan! Ramadan Kareem wishing you all a blessed Eid. Email: fitterwithalisha@gmail.com

Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambin Wa Atoobu Ilaih.

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