Miracle 596-May 5, 2023

Israel bombs Gaza as tensions rise over death of Khader Adnan

The Israeli bombing comes after rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip following the death of Khader Adnan earlier on Tuesday. Hamas media said Israeli planes hit two locations in Gaza city.

Muslim population misinformation fuels Islamophobia in India

Israel is striking Gaza after Palestinian factions sent rockets across the border following the death of Khader Adnan. Israeli jets carried out airstrikes in Gaza late on Tuesday, with loud explosions heard in the besieged coastal enclave as tension escalated over the death of a prominent Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody following an 87-day hunger strike.

Adnan, who was awaiting trial, was found unconscious in his cell and taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead after efforts to revive him, Israel’s Prisons Service said on Tuesday.Hundreds of people took to the streets in blockaded Gaza and the occupied West Bank to rally in support of Adnan and mourn his death, which Palestinian leaders described as an assassination. The Israeli military said at least 26 rockets were fired from the enclave. Two landed in the southern city of Sderot, wounding three people, including a 25-yearold foreign national who Israel’s ambulance service said sustained serious shrapnel wounds. An umbrella group of armed Pal-

Three injured after plane hits pickup truck, crashes at Langley airport

The airport was closed as emergency personnel and Transport Safety Board agents worked at the scene. A plane crashed while landing at Langley Regional Airport on Tuesday afternoon, leaving three people injured. According

to Langley RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Craig van Herk, police received several calls just after 3 p.m. reporting a plane had crashed at the airport. Van Herk said the plane struck a pickup truck that was travelling along 216th Street, which runs north-south along

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Amit Upadhyay repeats online misinformation as he claims to know why India’s population is growing: he says his Muslim neighbours are having too many babies, so Hindu women have a responsibility to bear more of their own. A pharmacist by trade, Upadhyay is one of many social media influencers from India’s majority faith to have cultivated large audiences by spreading false demographic data to claim the country is being refashioned into an Islamic state.For them, last month’s announcement that India had overtaken China to become the world’s most populous nation was not a cause for celebration, but a call to action.“I tell all my Hindu customers to produce more children, to counter Muslims,” Upadhyay, who in his spare time cu-

rates a popular Facebook page from his home in Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP. “Or else they will become a threat and eventually wipe out the Hindu religion from India.”

Upadhyay regularly publishes widely shared Islamophobic posts to his nearly 40,000 followers.

One post in April warned of an alleged plot by Muslims to “multiply Cont. @ page 5 Cont. @ page 5

PM briefed on regional, national security situation

ISLAMABAD: The military leadership briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on national and regional security matters and the upcoming visits of Chinese and Afghan foreign ministers over the next week. Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, held a meeting with PM Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office. Informed sources said the army chief and the spymaster briefed the premier on national security and related matters. The prime minister was also briefed on the eastern and western borders’ sit-

uation and the armed forces’ efforts to combat terrorism.

Sources said Gen Munir also briefed the premier on his maiden visit to China and an earlier visit of the ISI chief to Beijing.

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Local Events organised at Eid ul Fitr

PTI’s Dr. Shahbaz Gill, graced the shores of Vancouver,

Surrey/Delta MLA’s arranged Eid al-Fitr Celebration for Muslim Community

Pakistani Canadians to welcome Honourable David Eby, Premier

Uthman ibn Affan (RA)reported:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 450, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 533

Augmenting the Role of Mosques in Community Development

activities.

The Sri Sendayan mosque has stunning architectural elements that has quickly earned it a nickname of being the Taj Mahal of Malaysia. While most large scale and notable mosques in Malaysia are funded by the government, this mosque was in fact a waqaf (donation) by Tan Sri Abd Rashid Hussain (the founder of RHB Group) to the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Council. The mosque was completed and hosted its first gathering for Friday prayers on 20 Sep, 2019

By: Shukran Abd Rahman

Mosque is generally known as a house of worship for Muslims, mainly serving as a place that hosts the congregation of five daily prayers, weekly Jumuah prayers, and two annual Eid prayers. In actuality, mosques throughout the world have also assumed various roles, making them an institution which is genuinely functional for the development of individuals in the society.

Historically, there have been exemplary roles of mosques, serving as the central spine for community development. During the Prophet’s time, the mosque was a centre of activities that guide the community members to lead a good life, educating them to have good relationship with God, other individuals, surrounding and even oneself. There are many instances when the Prophet (PBUH) made mosques as the centre for learning religion, sharing knowledge with others, exchanging information among community members and many other social activities. In the history of the education system, mosques in Morocco had stood as a center of higher learning, which eventually led into the formation of University of al-Qarawiyyin.

The activities conducted by mosques had empowered the society to attain progressive change, development, and improvement. For one, Islam encourages human beings to attain a good life, requiring the establishment of a system that provides guidance and support for individuals to deal with life

While the mosque is regarded as a worship centre, the mosque also functions as a centre for community development. In this regard, the presence of mosques in the community must be leveraged and that their roles must be augmented. Besides serving as a center for religious education, mosques could provide support for the society to change their socio-economic condition. This could be accomplished by the development of interventions to strengthen the role of mosques, to make them accomplish the educational and social roles imbued with spiritual aspects. This entails various measures, aimed at enhancing the effort to strengthen the structure of mosque institutions.

An augmented structure of a mosque would enable it to improve the design of mosque programmes, diversify the approaches of dealing with people, improve the function of mosque as public space, increase the population of beneficiaries, and many other interventions. Such are important enablers to making mosques as genuinely functioning community development centers.

As a community development center, mosques have critical roles in personal psycho-social-spiritual development of individuals in the society.

This human development level requires strategic efforts of mosque management to provide activities that facilitate people to acquire knowledge, expand experience, radiate wisdom to others, receive support on life matters, fulfill religious duties, and meet their spiritual needs.

For the educational activities, mosques could organise programmes to develop a good religious foundation for teenagers, nurture positive behaviours among youths, provide social support for adults, and guide good lifestyles for elderly people. Special programmes for women, people with special needs, or marginalised individuals could also be conducted, guiding them on ways to lead progressive life and curb negative behaviours.

The social activities entail programmes that focus on providing avenue for people to socialise with others, such as interacting during the breaking-of-fast or iftar sessions. Mosque-goers have been found to report

Ask the Imam (Q&A)

Advising a person to his face

Question: 94557

What is the ruling on speaking directly to a person and telling him of his faults whilst he is listening? Is this permissible?

Praise be to Allah.

Supervised by Shaykh

Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid

This is permissible if it is done in order to advice the person and rebuke him so that he will be deterred from committing sin. It should be done in a nice and polite manner

so that the advice will be accepted. But if it is done in a mean-spirited way, intending to shame him, insult him and expose him to people, etc., then this is not permitted.

(Source: islamqa.info/en/answers

a positive significant relationship between their religious involvement at mosques and their level of happiness, life satisfaction, morale, positive affect and other aspects of well-being (Shukran, 2021). This in turn strengthen the camaraderie among the community members.

Some mosques conduct or coordinate health-related programmes, as well as economic and welfare activities, to be benefited by many groups of people. Mosques could engage partnering service providers to conduct or fund activities that improve the well-being and economic condition of community members.

Some mosques have played the role of reference center on psycho-socio-spiritual issues. It was reported that mosques have altered certain spiritual-religious practices during the spread of transmissible diseases, like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many adjustment have also been made on ways the worship or ritual activities were conducted in the mosques.

The spiritual activities are the cornerstone of mosque activities, in that all programmes should be spirituality based, being aware of the essentiality of religious teaching and values in substantiating the educational and social activities. Mosque has been providing a guide for people on matters related to religious obligation, and their spiritual development. In short, mosques carry significant roles to provide psychological, spiritual, and social support that help ease the individuals in the society to deal with pressing life demands.

A good mosque is the function of an efficient management team, to include mosque managers, imam, and other committee members. They are responsible for the planning, leading, organizing and managing mosque activities that could enliven the collective aspects of mosques and, in turn, bring about benefits to mosque goers, and others in the surrounding community.

Among the core duties and responsibilities of mosque managers include managing mosque workers, committee members, or volunteers. It is hence necessary to equip the mosque workforce with the required knowledge and skills. It is important to facilitate mosque managers’ participation in acquiring management competencies such digital skills, management skills, people skills and other mosques management enabling skills.

Secondly, mosque management should facilitate the process to equip mosque educators with relevant skills, essential to enhance their effectiveness when conducting religious education classes. This includes providing them with knowledge on contemporary issues, teaching skills, communication skills, and other related skills that enable them to take up new approaches to educating the community.

Thirdly, mosque management should be sensitive to the needs of people in the mosque surrounding, such as the circumstances they face, and the occasions they celebrate. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, mosques in some countries altered the regular activities of mosques. They also provided guidelines of the procedure to attend ritual activities at mosques by taking into account the importance of protecting good health, practicing hygiene related behaviors during certain circumstances.

Mosque management should organise activities which are to the benefit of various groups in the community, including the locals and expatriates. This entails attending to the needs and expectations of the community by taking into account the uniqueness and particularity of each locality in terms of their social, economic, and cultural background. This is important to ensure a good-fit between mosque activities and participants’ needs and background. In ensuring that the mosque has adequate manpower, the management should recruit volunteers to assist the operation of the mosque. This entails inviting youth and community members to become volunteers. They could be trained to become managers of activities, committee members of programmes, or volunteers in daily operations. They could also be a special task force to deal with any crises or difficult situations encountered by the community. There could also be a team who attend to various social scenarios, and provide solutions which suit the local context, such as in dealing with moral decadence or social illness.

Shukran Abd Rahman is professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences. This article was written based on information gathered during a meeting with the man behind the majestic Sri Sendayan Mosque in Malaysia, Tan Sri Abd Rashid Hussain. Source:islamicity.org

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver

1 dead, 1 injured in targeted shooting in Surrey, B.C., police say

Avenue and 148 Street in the Guildford neighbourhood at about 8 p.m. PT.

When officers arrived, they found two people with gunshot wounds. Police say one man was taken to hospital, where he later died. The other person’s injuries were non-life-threatening, RCMP added.

Poilievre demands Trudeau release details on alleged threats made to Conservative MP

Investigators seeking dashcam footage from 14800-block of 108 Avenue at 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. One man is dead and another person was injured in a shooting in Surrey, B.C., on Tuesday night, according to police. Surrey RCMP say they were called to 108

B.C. Emergency Health Services confirmed that two people were taken to hospital, one of whom was in critical condition. It said four ambulances responded to the incident.

Police say initial information indicates this was a targeted attack, and are suggesting it is tied to the B.C. gang conflict. Surrey RCMP

Speaking during question period at the House of Commons on Tuesday, Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre grilled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino on details regarding federal awareness of reported threats against Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family two years ago.

Source: globalnews.ca/news

confirmed Monday morning that a vehicle they believe was tied to the shooting was found in Langley, B.C., and there was an “attempt” to light it on fire. Man dead after targeted shooting in Surrey, B.C., IHIT says The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is now investigating alongside Surrey RCMP. Police are asking witnesses or those with dashcam footage from the 14800-block of 108 Avenue between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.Source: cbc.ca/news

Surrey Councillor Mandeep Nagra Urges Mayor and City Council to Lower Property Taxes and Accept Province’s Recommendation to Continue with Surrey Police Service Transition

SURREY, April 30, 2023 - Surrey

Councillor Mandeep Nagra is calling on Mayor Brenda Locke and city council to accept the Province’s recommendation to continue with the Surrey Police Service (SPS) transition.

Nagra believes that the Province’s commitment to supporting the SPS transition, by providing approximately $30M per year in funding, presents a unique opportunity to lower property taxes and provide much-needed relief for Surrey residents who are strug-

gling to make ends meet amid a looming recession and skyrocketing inflation.

“The Mayor’s refusal to accept the Province’s offer to support the SPS transition and lower property taxes is a betrayal of Surrey residents,” said Nagra. “Her party’s decision to raise property taxes to a historic high of 12.5% is making life harder for working families and small businesses in our city. We must act now to reverse this decision and use the Province’s funding to lower property taxes to single digits.”

Former Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum, who was a champion for a community-based urban police force and kept property taxes at a historically low rate of 2.5%, also spoke out in support of Nagra’s call to lower property taxes for Surrey residents.

“The Province’s funding support for the SPS transition is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to provide the best public safety services to our residents while also solving the issue that the Council has been complaining about, which is the

money,” said McCallum. “The Mayor and city council must put the interests of Surrey residents first and accept the Province’s offer of funding support and lower property taxes now.”

Nagra concluded, “It’s a common sense solution, we must seize this opportunity to make a real difference for Surrey residents. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The Mayor and city

council must act now to accept the Province’s funding support for the SPS transition and lower property taxes to provide much-needed relief to our residents.”

Media Contact, Mandeep Nagra

Spring Cleaning Made Easy with Surrey’s Disposal Days May 12-30

Surrey, BC – Spring cleaning just got easier for Surrey residents.

City of Surrey is pleased to announce a return of its popular Disposal Days event, providing residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted waste.

From May 12-30, residents can drop off their recycling, garbage and household items for free or

discounted rates at both the new Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste centres.

During this promo, all recyclables including mattresses (maximum 4 units), electronics, metals, appliances, paints, used oil, and antifreeze will be free. Garbage disposal fees for the first 300kg will also be free. Fees will be reduced

by 50% for loads between 301kg up to a maximum of 1,000kg. Proof of residency required, limit of one trip per household. Commercial and business vehicles not permitted. For details, visit surrey. ca/disposaldays.

Disposal Days is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and responsible waste

management, ensuring that Surrey remains a clean and safe place for everyone.

Can’t make it to the drop-off event?

Book a Large Item Pickup and we will pick up your unwanted items right from your curb! It’s easy to book online at surrey.ca/largeitems or call 604-590-7289 (Option 3).

Permit Processing Improvements Providing Positive Impact on Access to housing in Surrey

Surrey, B.C. – Demand for development is high in Surrey and improvements in the City’s development approval processes are continuing to provide significant positive impact on overall community access to housing. During its Regular Council Meeting Monday, Surrey Council received an update that the City continued to meet or beat all of its Guaranteed Permitting Timelines in the first quarter of 2023.

“I’m pleased that the City has continued to meet its Guaranteed Permitting Timelines in the first quarter of 2023,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “I commend the hard work of staff in meeting these targets –and beating them in many cases.

Surrey has taken a very bold step in setting ambitious targets for processing applications, and for being transparent and open in reporting our performance in meeting these targets each Quarter. This Council

recognizes that we are in a housing crisis in this region, and that our role is to do what we can to help deliver good, affordable housing along the with industrial and commercial space that supports good jobs, and to do it as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”

In the first quarter of 2023, the City experienced an increase in applications for Tenant Improvement Building Permits and Rezoning Applications versus the

same quarter last year. New staff resources have been onboarded to assist with site servicing reviews and the associated processing time is expected to be reduced in the coming weeks. The City also seeks to add Renovation/Addition Building Permits, Electrical Permits, and Plumbing Permits to the Guaranteed Permitting Timelines, with implementation in mid-2023.

On average, the City receives 850 Single-Family building permits, 520 Tenant Improvement building permits, and 130 Rezoning applications per year.

Agree to 40% rent hike or we may sell your homes, landlord tells Surrey, B.C., renters

Landlords asking for rents higher than usual annual limits ‘shockingly common’, says lawyer.

Tenants in Surrey, B.C., are devastated their landlord demanded a 40 per cent rent hike from them — with a warning if they don’t agree, they could lose their homes.

A tenants’ rights advocate says while the situation has some unusual aspects, landlords are free to

make demands for higher rent, and many do. Linda De Gonzalez, 70, has lived in Winsome Place Apartments since 2002. She lives on a $2,100-a-month pension and pays $1,014 a month for her twobedroom unit, well below the CMHC’s median rent for such a unit in Surrey — a city east of Vancouver — at $1,446. But in late April, De Gonzalez and almost half her

neighbours received a notice from their landlord. It said due to the landlord’s growing costs, renters must pay more. The residences at Winsome Place are condominium units, but have long been rented out. De Gonzalez’s letter asks her to agree to hike her rent to $1,450 — a 42 per cent rise.

“We may put your suite on the market for sale as soon as July 1, 2023

if an agreement is not reached,” the letter read. “If the purchaser of the suite you occupy would like to move into the suite, you may receive Notice to Vacate from them.” The letter notes Winsome Place is, in fact, strata titled. “If we choose to, we could sell your suite at any time.” ”I nearly fainted,” De Gonzalez said. “I just sat on the floor and cried.”.. Source: cbc.ca/news

POLITICS in Pakistan is like an Abbas Mastan film (think Race) where twists and turns come faster than an Agatha Christie novel and the end brings so much relief from the edge-of-theseat moments that no one wants to think of the holes in the plots.

The only difference is that no one — just no one — in Pakistani politics can look as good as Saif Ali Khan or Bipasha Basu (I confess my heart wasn’t strong enough to risk watching the sequels).

And while there is much in the past one year with Race vibes (KhanBajwa or Bandial-Isa share a chemistry that can be matched by Saif and Akshaye Khanna but instead of sensuous songs we make do with audio and video leaks), the excitement over the weekend in Lahore really took it to new levels.

There was a bizarre raid on Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s house — bizarre initially because the cameras had obviously been called in to broadcast it live.

The phrase ‘the revolution will be televised’ has taken on a new meaning in our country, where we are forbidden from reporting on terrorist attacks or speeches of political leaders, but raids on politicians’ homes make for good television. And of course, what is broadcast live is also tweeted live.

And so it was that Friday night rapidly went from TGIF to many of us wondering when should we switch off and fall asleep, as videos of the gate being rammed down and people being mauled were inundating phone sets across the country. But there was more that was bi-

The invisible problem

zarre coming our way.

As with a murder mystery, with this raid, we just couldn’t find out who the culprit was. Who gave the orders? To the police and then the journalists? All those who reached the Chaudhry family residence late at night must have been told by someone and yet no one seems to know who ordered the raid. How is that for a mystery?

The federal government was at pains to explain its cluelessness — or shall we call it powerlessness — instead of holding a press conference and adopting with open arms whatever insanity was making the headlines. This was not all. Its sincerity was bought hook, line and sinker by the PTI which is usually never willing to see any goodness in the government. No voice on television was willing to justify it either, till along came a tweet from the caretaker chief minister which seemed to imply he was not just in charge but had also green-lit the ‘raid’. We are in the mess we are because the system works in mysterious ways. In the crazy times we live in, it now seems that raids on homes have been normalised; something which once happened in the peripheries hard to reach for television cameras; now they take place in city centres and are televised. There is no shame about the use or abuse of state power, because the message has to be sent to so many more than the one who is the immediate target.

But then, the pretence about the

neutrality of state organisations such as the police or caretaker governments is about as subtle as the Anil Kapoor character in Race. Let’s not digress though. The raid was important because it had the potential to scuttle the talks between PTI and the government. When they had begun, there was hope among many that sanity had prevailed, everywhere (hint, hint). Not only did both sides agree, the inclusion of Ishaq Dar was seen as a sign that Nawaz Sharif was taking them seriously. Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani also made a surprise appearance because it was decided that the Senate and its chairman should take the initiative to talk to PTI via its members in the Upper House — and more than Dar, his appearance was reassuring for those who thought mortal politicians had a snowball of a chance of making peace happen, if the gods are not agreed.

The judges too fell quiet; not just the ones who wanted elections but also those who wanted bigger benches to sit on.

All this could not be just a coincidence, thought the Sherlock Holmes among journalists, ie, those who really don’t have the inside scoop and have to make the best of the clues thrown their way.

Then came the Lahore raid, on the bastion of everything that is traditional and old-fashioned in our politics. All the clues turned into red herrings. More than that, though, it is what this raid says

about our politics and the direction it is headed in — a train crash. For a major reason, we are in the mess we are because the system works in mysterious ways, and at the behest of invisible forces (even if most of the time, they don’t bother to stay invisible). And those who are officially in charge are in reality not in control. As a result, no one bothers to take any difficult, long-term decisions because the invisibles feel it is the job of the ones who are in charge on the surface, while those in charge are so busy coping with the fallout of the decisions made elsewhere, they never bother making any decisions themselves. Till this changes none of our serious problems will be fixed. Consider that despite Imran Khan being the one with the red line drawn across his name, those who are the favoured ones are denying — in off-the-record conversations — half the actions being attributed to them. Khan too claims his stint in power was no different. Now at the time of a serious crisis, when nearly everyone is agreed, political instability is the reason for our economic fragility, and despite endless advice from friends about addressing our fault lines, we continue our decades-old strategies. The twists and turns which take politicians by surprise continue. Until these stop and those who are to govern are also given the power to decide, nothing will change. Those who work behind the scenes have to understand this. Otherwise, elections, even if they take place, will not change anything Courtesy By: Arifa Noor The writer is a journalist.

Israel bombs Gaza as tensions rise over death of Khader Adnan

News Coninued from Page 1

estinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for rocket barrages towards Israel. Earlier in the day, Tel Aviv fired artillery shells on several areas in the eastern parts of Gaza City and Khan Younis targeting the Malaka area specifically, Al Jazeera’s correspondent Heba Akkila said. No casualties or damages have been reported yet.

In the West Bank city of Hebron, shops observed a general strike. Some protesters burned tyres and hurled stones at Israeli soldiers who fired tear gas and rubber bullets at them. There were no reports of injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met security officials to assess the situation. An Israeli military official said Israel would respond at a time and a place of its choosing. In a tweet, Is-

rael’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the security establishment will act with “determination and force” against those who harm the country. Israeli observers said they believed an attack on Gaza to be imminent.

“It is clear that there will an Israeli response. Expect intense air strikes in the next few hours,” Jackie Khouri, an Israeli affairs expert, told Al Jazeera from Haifa.“I believe that the rules of the game will stay the

same at this stage: As was the case last month, the intense air strikes on Gaza have not targeted residential areas.”

Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Jamjoom, reporting from West Jerusalem, said it would be surprising if Israel did not respond. Typically “they do so in the overnight hours – that would mean either later tonight or very early tomorrow morning,” he said. Source: .aljazeera.com/news

Muslim population misinformation fuels Islamophobia in India

News Coninued from Page 1

their population to take control of India”.India is home to 1.4 billion people, including around 210 million Muslims, but birthrates have declined across the board over recent decades in tandem with global

trends. The country’s last National Family Health Survey in 2021 showed an overall fertility rate of two children per woman, rising marginally to 2.3 for Muslim women. A forecast issued the same year from the Pew Research Centre said

that India’s Muslim community would grow to 311m by 2050. But despite their growing share of the national population, Muslims would remain a small minority in a country of 1.7bn people by mid-century, according to the

US-based think tank’s projections. That has not stopped the spread of viral disinformation on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms claiming India is soon to become a Muslim-majority country. Source: dawn.com/news

Three injured after plane hits pickup truck, crashes at Langley airport

News Coninued from Page 1

the eastern border of the airport, before crashing.

Langley Township deputy fire chief Russ Jenkins said it appears the plane came down too low over the road. Jenkins said the small craft went through a fence then crashed

and caught fire, but the two occupants were able to escape before it was engulfed in flames.

The driver of the truck was also injured in the collision, and a Langley RCMP news release said all three people were taken to hospital, the truck driver by ground ambulance

and the others by air.

“It is known the plane was occupied by the pilot and a passenger. Both have been transported to an area hospital,” said Van Herk. “A pickup truck travelling … along 216th Street, bordering the airport, was struck as the plane was com-

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down.” The airport was closed as emergency personnel and Transport Safety Board agents worked at the scene.

The TSB confirmed it has deployed investigators to look into the crash involving the privately-registered Cessna 182. Source: vancouversun.com

PM briefed on regional, national security situation

News Coninued from Page 1

Army, ISI chiefs apprise premier of Gen Munir’s trip to Beijing, upcoming visits of Chinese, Afghan foreign ministers The military

leadership also apprised Mr Sharif of the upcoming visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang to Pakistan, the sources said. Mr Qin’s first-ever visit comes after the ISI and army chiefs paid separate vis-

its to China last month. During Gen Munir’s last week trip to Beijing, which came as Pakistan faces political and economic turmoil, the Chinese leadership assured Pakistan of its help to come out of the crisis.

During the four-day trip, the army chief visited the headquarters of the People’s Liberation Army, China’s principal military force, and had a detailed meeting with its commander. Source: dawn.com/news

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Trudeau announces Canadian delegation for King Charles’s coronationSocial Sharing

Trudeau, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon will be on hand in London for Charles’s investiture.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday the names that will make up the Canadian contingent travelling with him and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to King Charles’s coronation on Saturday.

Trudeau also announced in a press release that the government will establish a coronation medals program to honour 30,000 Canadians who have made “significant contributions to the country, a province, territory, region or community” or have achieved something abroad that “brings credit to Canada.”

The medal program comes after the Liberal government came in for criticism from some monarchists after it decided to forgo a Platinum Jubilee medal last year to mark the Queen’s 70th year on the throne. It was the first such time a jubilee medal had not been awarded in Canada.

The hand-picked Canadian contingent for the coronation reflects the King’s interests — there’s a focus on people with ties to science, youth issues, Indigenous affairs, the military and the fight against climate change. The Canadian guest list includes astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who will also serve as the country’s flag bearer for the event. Hansen will travel to the moon next year as part of the Artemis II mission. He’ll be joined in the delegation by another Canadian astronaut, Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

PM to seek big brother’s advice during London visit

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif touched down in London on Wednesday evening, just days ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, who has invited scores of world leaders to witness the historic occasion, but the visit may hold greater political significance. PM Shehbaz was received at the airport by Pakistan’s High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan and David GordonMacLeod, a special representative of the British foreign secretary.

The prime minister has a packed agenda for the trip, as he will participate in an event for Commonwealth leaders in London on May 5, and attend the coronation the following day.

The premier’s London trip is also being viewed as significant as he is expected to consult his elder brother and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif over the political situation back home. With the PML-N-led coalition government locked in a battle with the judiciary and the opposition PTI, and little hope for elections as ordered by the court, the two brothers will no doubt have plenty to discuss when it comes to the party’s future course of action

— and the possibility of the elder Sharif’s long-awaited return to the country.

Since assuming office, Mr Shahbaz has visited London on three key occasiowns, the most recent one in November 2022, ahead of the new army chief’s appointment. Now, with the ruling coalition and PTI having exchanged proposals following talks on the timeframe of elections, PM Shehbaz’s visit to London is also being seen as a consultative visit, where he is expected to apprise his elder brother of the political situation back home and seek counsel on a future course of action.

Source: dawnnews.com

House ethics committee is probing a donation given to the foundation by 2 men with links to Chinese government.

Alexandre Trudeau, brother of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, told a committee of MPs Wednesday that he only signed for a controversial donation to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation to give permission to a partner university to use his father’s name. The House ethics committee is probing a $200,000 donation given to the charity by two men with links to the Chinese government. Opposition parties are questioning whether the donation was an attempt by Beijing to curry favour with Prime Minister Trudeau. Alexandre Trudeau signed for the

donation on behalf of the foundation.

Conservative MP Michael Barrett asked Trudeau how often he has signed for donations in the 20 years he has been involved with the foundation. He said that this was the only time. “You understand why?”

Trudeau said after Barrett suggested that seemed “exceptional.” “I was giving the approval for the Université de Montréal to use the name of my father, so acting as a member of the family,” Trudeau said, adding that the donation was meant to set up a scholarship fund through the foundation.

The donation was attributed originally to two Chinese businessmen, Zhang Bin and Niu Gensheng. It was later reported that the payment was made from Bin’s company Millennium Golden Eagle International.

In the end, the foundation said it received $140,000 from the donors and tried to return the money, only to hit a roadblock.

On April 14, sources with knowledge of the situation told Radio-Canada that the money had been deposited finally into the account of one of the two businessmen. Source: cbc.ca

ottawa River expected to peak by Friday as water floods streets and properties in Ottawa-Gatineau

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari departed for Goa on Thursday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. Ahead of his departure, Bilawal — the first foreign minister to head to India in over a decade, said ahead of his departure — said that he was looking forward to “engaging bilaterally” countries that were part of the SCO. “On my way to Goa, India. Will be leading the Pakistan delegation at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. My decision to attend this meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of SCO,” he said on Twitter. “During my visit, which is focused

exclusively on the SCO, I look forward to constructive discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries,” he said....

Source: dawnnews.com

Somalia president says Al-Shabab is growing marijuana farm fields

Water levels on the Ottawa River are expected to peak in the national capital region on Thursday or Friday following five days of rainfall, but it will be next week before the water begins to recede. A flood warning remains in effect for the lower Ottawa River from Arnprior to Hawkesbury, with the river flooding several roads and properties in Ottawa and Gatineau. The Chaudiere Bridge is closed to traffic until further notice due to the high water levels on the Ottawa River.

In the Ottawa Valley, the Township of Whitewater Region has declared an emergency, as rising water levels pose an ongoing threat. The Ottawa River Regulation

Planning Board says levels on the Ottawa River continue to rise due to “increased runoff from significant rainfall over the entire basin” since last Saturday. Officials warn the Ottawa River levels could rise 25 to 35 cm, depending on the location, before levels peak this week. ”Levels are expected to peak in all locations today or tomorrow from Mattawa down to Lake Coulonge, and on Thursday or Friday from Chats Lake down to the Hawkesbury/Grenville area,” the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board said in a statement on Wednesday. While water levels could exceed the 2022 peak by up to two feet, the board said levels should remain below the historical levels of 2019 by 50 to 60 cm between OttawaGatineau and the Hawkesbury area.

In Gatineau, several streets in the PointeGatineau district are closed to traffic, and eastbound access to and from autoroute 50 is closed at rue Saint-Louis. The city is asking people to remove vehicles from the following streets to avoid possible flood damage: Adélard, Oscar, Blais, René, Saint-Louis between Blais and Rodolphe, Saint-François-Xavier between René and Blais, Ernest-Charron, and Corriveau.

Source:ctvnews.ca

The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, has revealed that the areas liberated from the Al-Shabab terrorist group have left farm fields where they are growing marijuana that is cultivated by the AlShabab terrorist group. The president pointed out that the Al-Shabab terrorist group planted marijuana in order to attack the Somali people, while the group used to make a lot of money from the cultivation of marijuana. President Hassan Sheikh also said that his government is fighting hand in hand with the AlShabab terrorist group and hand in hand fighting with the inflation of Somalia’s economy, according to sources told Somali Times since Hassan Sheikh took office Somalia become a

loophole economically because Hassan Sheikh has replaced well educated civil servants with uneducated civil servants many ministers and junior ministers are unqualified for the job.

Source: somalitimes.co.uk

Bangladesh: Evacuation: Around 600 Bangladeshis reach Port Sudan safely

ship, said Mohammad Saikat, one of the evacuees. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel.

Some 600 Bangladeshis, who were stranded in war-torn Sudan, have safely reached Port Sudan from Khartoum early yesterday.

The local Bangladesh embassy is coordinating the evacuation process and the evacuees are now waiting at the port to reach Jeddah by

The evacuees stayed on a madrasa premises overnight after reaching Port Sudan. They were given bread and banana for dinner, he added. “In the morning, the embassy authorities took our passports. They are trying to send us to Jeddah,” he said. In the morning, the authorities gave hotchpotch for brunch, he added. He also said that separate accommodations were made for the Bangladeshi female migrants. Bangladesh embassy earlier said that two Bangladeshi schools in Jeddah will provide food, water, medicine, and temporary accommodation for the evacuees.

Source: thedailystar.net

PM’s brother defends involvement in controversial donation to Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Bilawal departs for India, says looking forward to ‘ engaging bilaterally’ with SCo member countries

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us that his ummah would follow the previous nations, the Jews, Christians and Persians, but this was undoubtedly not praise for their actions, rather it is by way of condemnation and a warning. It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, handspan by handspan, cubit by cubit, un-

Mother’s Day in Islam

til even if they entered the hole of a lizard, you will do so too.” We asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?” He said, “Who else?” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3269; Muslim, 2669)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The Hour will not begin until my ummah follows in the footsteps of those who came before it, handspan by handspan, cubit by cubit.” It was asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, like the Persians and Romans?” He said, “Those are the people?” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6888)

The ignorant among this ummah, and the innovators and heretics have followed the previous nations, the Jews, Christians and Persians, in their beliefs, ways, manners and dress. Our concern here is to point out in

B.C. municipalities push for clarity around drug decriminalization

Grey areas in terms of what defines a public space, how much authority the province has over local bylaws.

Three months into British Columbia being the first province in Canada to decriminalize possession of small amounts of certain hard drugs, municipalities across the province are trying to bring different forms of regulation — and hoping for more clarity from higher levels of government.

“I appreciate the move, but we also need to refine the move,” said New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone. His municipality is lobbying for Health Canada to add “public park spaces designed for and used by children and youth” as an exemption from the new rules governing drug use in the province. “We’re concerned that if a city brings in a bylaw, we might be opening to a challenge of that law as it is a federal regulation. And do we have a bylaw authority to change a federal regulation effectively?” New Westminster’s lobbying resolution will be debated at the Lower Mainland Local Government Association meeting this week in Harrison Hot Springs,

with the hope of it being supported by other communities.

Kamloops tweaks its bylaws

The discussion will take place days after Kamloops — B.C.’s fourth largest municipality outside the Lower Mainland — asked staff to modify its new bylaw around where drug use is allowed, after concerns that the original ban on all public spaces could be too onerous and run afoul of Interior Health.

“This does move it into a nuisance category, which will really relieve the pressure on the public health authority to weigh in on these spaces,” said Coun. Katie Neustaeter, who put forward the changes so it would only apply to sidewalks and within 100 metres of city parks and playgrounds. S. cbc.ca/news

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these days their following and imitation of them through the innovation of “Mother’s Day” or “Family Day”, which is a day that the Christians innovated to honour mothers, or so they claim. This then became a day that was venerated, when government departments would be shut and people would get in touch with their mothers or send them gifts and loving messages. But when the day was over, things would go back to the way they were, with people being cut off from their mothers and disobeying them. What is strange is that the Muslims would feel a need to imitate them in such ways, when Allaah has commanded them to honour their mothers and has forbidden them to disobey them, and has made the reward for that (for obeying them) the highest status.

Definition of Eid

[As Mother’s Day is known in Arabic as “Eid al-umm” or “mothers’ festival”; the word Eid is derive from the root ‘aada/ya’ood meaning to come back or return]

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: “‘Eid (festival) is a name that is given to an occasion which returns, when people gather in a festive manner, whether that is annual or weekly or monthly and so on.” (Iqtidaa’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem, 1/441).

Ibn ‘Aabideen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “An ‘Eid is so called because Allaah repeatedly bestows blessings, i.e., kinds of blessings that come back to His slaves on these days, such as breaking the fast after refraining from eating, sadaqat al-fitr (obligatory charity paid at the end of Ramadaan), completing the Hajj by doing Tawaaf al-Ziyaarah, the sacrificial meats, and so on; and because the tradition on such occasions is to express joy and happiness, and to be energetic and happy.” (Haashiyat Ibn ‘Aabideen, 2/165). Source: islamqa.info en/articles/

B.C. driver smacked in face by grouse flying through window

Odds of grouse making it through moving vehicle’s window are ‘one in a million,’ ornithologist says. A Prince George, B.C., man is a little ruffled after being hit in the face by a grouse while driving into town.

“Everything kind of went bright, and I heard a ringing in my ears,” said Josh Seymour, an elected councillor with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “I didn’t know what happened.”

Seymour was driving along a rural road between his home and the city, about 20 kilometres away when he was knocked in the side of the head. He says he came to his senses at almost the exact same time the grouse did and managed to pull over as the bird started flapping around his head.

“It was still wrapped around the back of my neck between me and the seat,” he said. “It took about 20 seconds for me to realize I had been hit ... because I was still trying to figure out why there was a grouse in my vehicle.” Source. cbc.ca/news

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Latest CRA offer to striking workers ‘slap in the face:’ union

Union leaders representing 35,000 striking Canada Revenue Agency employees say the government’s latest offer falls short of a deal reached on Monday with 120,000 other public servants. And they said if the government doesn’t table a fair wage offer, striking CRA workers will be at the Liberal convention in Ottawa on Thursday.

“Enough is enough. We want to see a fair deal on the table today,” PSAC national president Chris Aylward told reporters on Wednesday. “Our members are fed up, we’re fed up, and our members need to get back to work and serving Canadians.” The workers have been on strike since April 19, when the Public Service Alliance of Canada launched a Canada-wide strike on behalf of about 155,000 workers. PSAC and Treasury Board reached a tentative agreement to end that strike on Monday, which included a 12.6 per cent compounded wage increase over four years. But the 35,000 CRA workers remain on strike. They are represented by the Union of Taxation Employees, a branch of PSAC. The union says they remain in dispute with the

Russia accuses Ukraine of attempt to kill Putin with drones

Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting an overnight drone attack on the Kremlin with the aim of killing President Vladimir Putin, the most dramatic charge Moscow has levelled against Kyiv since the war on its neighbour began.

The allegation was made on Wednesday by the Russian government and reported by several state news agencies. Putin was not in the building at the time and there was no material damage to the Kremlin, Russian officials said, as they warned of their right to retaliate.

CRA over key issues including telework and fair wages. “The deal they have on the table currently is less than the deal that we reached on Monday with Treasury Board units,” Aylward said. “We don’t know why the Canada Revenue Agency is playing this game.

“If we don’t see a fair deal put on the table today, we will be at the Liberal Party of Canada convention in Ottawa tomorrow.”

Marc Briere, the UTE president, said there have been several passes by both parties this week, but called the CRA’s latest offer “a slap in the face.” ..Source: ctvnews.ca

London police arrest man outside Buckingham Palace over suspected weapon

“The Kremlin has assessed these actions as a planned terrorist act and an assassination attempt on the president on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 Parade,” state news outlet RIA reported, adding that Putin had not changed his schedule and was working at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow.

Moscow has vowed the parade will go ahead, amid calls for a tough reaction against Ukraine.

Ex-President Dmitry Medvedev called for the “elimination” of Zelenskyy. “We will demand the use of weapons capable of stopping and destroying the Kyiv terrorist regime,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Russian Duma and

Putin ally.

The Investigative Committee of Russia, which probes major crimes, said in a statement it had opened a “criminal case on terrorism.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied the accusations, saying his country had not attacked Moscow or its president.

“We don’t attack Putin, or Moscow; we fight on our territory,” Zelenskyy told a news conference in Helsinki, Finland. “We defend our villages and cities.”

Source:aljazeera.com

Press Freedom Day: US slammed over response to Abu Akleh killing

London police said a controlled explosion was carried out as a precaution outside Buckingham Palace late Tuesday after a man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. The Metropolitan Police force said officers arrested the man after he approached the palace gates and threw items suspected to be shotgun cartridges into the palace grounds. A bag that police deemed suspicious was found in the suspect’s possession, the department said.

“Officers worked immediately to detain the man and he has been taken into police custody,” Chief Superintendent Joseph McDon-

ald said in a statement. “There have been no reports of any shots fired, or any injuries to officers or members of the public.”

King Charles III and Camilla, the queen consort, were not believed to be at Buckingham Palace at the time of the arrest. Palace officials declined to comment, saying the incident was a police matter. Cordons were erected in the area. Police said officers remained at the scene and investigations were ongoing.The incident took place just days ahead of Charles’ coronation ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday. Source: globalnews.ca/

Fiji: Government, media enjoy a ‘honeymoon’

peal of the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) 2010 had led to the media industry being free from the restrictive legislation. However, he noted that Fiji in particular had a tendency to swing from one extreme to the other — and in the case of the media, noted that every administration in the past had tried to regulate the media in one way or the other.

Department of State official reiterates US is pressing Israel to ‘review its policies’ after Al Jazeera reporter’s killing.

Washington, DC – A spokesperson for the US State Department has faced a barrage of questions about what the United States has done to get accountability for the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, the Al Jazeera journalist who was fatally shot by Israeli forces last year.

At a news briefing on Wednesday, which coincided with World Press Freedom Day, Vedant Patel repeatedly told reporters that Washington is seeking accountability by asking Israel to review its military rules of engagement.

“[Reviewing] rules of engagement sounds like it’s something to deter and prevent this [from] happening again,” one visibly frustrated journalist said. “Is there an active effort of the US seeking accountability from Israel?”

Patel responded, “There is an active effort. And since Shireen’s tragic death, we have continued

to press Israel to closely review its policies and practices on rules of engagements and consider additional steps to mitigate risk of civilian harm and protect journalists.”Next week will mark the anniversary of the killing of Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American reporter who was fatally shot by Israeli forces on May 11, 2022, while covering a military raid in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank.

Al Jazeera Media Network said that day that she was “assassinated in cold blood”. But Washington has rejected efforts to seek accountability for the killing at the International Criminal Court (ICC), drawing condemnation from press freedom and Palestinian rights advocates who have called on US President Joe Biden’s administration to demand justice. Israel, which rights groups accuse of imposing a system of apartheid on Palestinians, receives at least $3.8bn in US security assistance annually.

Source: aljazeera.com

what are the chances for peace in Sudan?

Government, media enjoy a ‘honeymoon’

SHAYAL DEVI4 May, 2023, 10:30 amDialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal (wearing a mask) with other panelists during an event marking World Press Freedom Day at University of the South Pacific (USP) on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Picture: SUPPLIED Government is enjoying a “honeymoon” period with the media, says Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal. As one of the panelists during an event marking World Press Freedom Day at University of the South Pacific (USP) yesterday, Mr Lal said the re-

“The new Government is currently having this honeymoon period with the media,” he said. “It’s good but we’ll see how the relationship evolves as time progresses. That’s one of the things to be mindful of as things progress and also, we’ll see how that happens.

“There’s almost every administration and Government that has attempted to regulate the media, Chaudhry, Qarase in 2004 but all these moves were met with fierce opposition.

“MIDA though, that was introduced by the Bainimarama Government, was thrust upon the industry with little room to reject the restrictive law.”

Source: fijitimes.com

Warring generals are invited to peace talks as they observe a week-long ceasefire Just over two weeks of fighting have plunged Sudan into a humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands injured. Many more have been forced from their homes.

The conflict is a power struggle between one-time allies – the head of the army, Gen-

weapons for a week. What are the chances of an end to the violence? Source: fijitimes.com

eral Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. South Sudan has brokered the latest truce – inviting both sides to talks while they lay down their

Common Everyday Foods That Are Bad for Your health and Your wallet

We all lead busy lives, and it can be hard to remember to eat healthily. Sometimes, it’s easier to just grab food off the shelf, thinking only of the convenience and not of the nutritional value. Processed foods are always on-hand, and they’ve saved us time and energy in the past. But, at what cost?

Many of the products on few this list are staples of our daily diet, from Coke to Twinkies. However, if not eaten in strict moderation (or avoided completely) they can lead to long-term health problems, according to cardiologists and other professionals. Some of these products are clearly harmful, but because they’re lucrative moneymakers they stay on the shelves anyway.

Others are less obvious, but when eaten in great quantities can have nasty side effects.

Sparkling Mineral Water

PFAS chemicals, also known as “per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals,” are man-made and used in just about everything from stain-resistant fabrics to food packaging. PFAS chemicals have been around since the 1940s, and, though not regulated federally, they have been liked to health issues like thyroid disruption, cancer, and low birth weight, according to the EPA. Some sparkling mineral water brands were tested and found to have measurable amounts of these PFAS chemicals. The reason behind the presence of these chemicals could be due to high PFAS levels in the source water or the carbonation process.

Are you a Canadian looking to switch things up on the job front this year?

Perhaps you want to pivot to a new path within your existing expertise, maybe you want to change fields entirely, or you might be wondering what area of study you should pursue that offers plenty of career opportunities.

Recruitment company Randstad Canada recently shared a list of Canada’s 15 most in-demand job opportunities for 2023 and the jobs range from skilled trades to drivers to office jobs.

And while we might be facing an economic downturn at the moment, there are plenty of fields that are facing a talent scarcity. According to Randstad, technology, health care and professional services sectors are among the top fields looking for workers right now, and there are also opportunities in skilled trades and blue-collar positions..

“Since the 1970s, high schools have not encouraged the trades as a career path, resulting in decades of shortages of skilled young people in the trades. It’s interesting to see that a degree isn’t the only path to steady employment and a secure income,” said Nick Montesano, a vice president at Randstad Canada,

Fried Chicken

Where to begin when it comes to fried chicken? The simple fact that it is fried in oil immediately makes it something to be eaten in moderation. In addition to being fried, this delicacy is also made with a lot of flour.

Fried chicken is also usually quite high in calories, which can lead to problems like being overweight and having diabetes and heart disease. So if you want to eat chicken, it may be a better option to grill it.

Pizza

Pizza is a food that you can find in many fastfood restaurants and even frozen in the supermarket. It’s super convenient, and it can be very practical when you don’t have time to cook. A pizza every once in a while doesn’t hurt, but don’t indulge frequently or regularly. Pizza is a combination of potentially harmful foods for the body: cheese, which is very high in saturated fat, cold cuts, which have high amounts of sodium, and bread and sauce, which are made with a lot of sugar. Preservatives and colorings are also present in pizza in high doses.

Donuts

Donuts are one of the most popular treats out there. These sweet treats offer an infinity of options for any taste. They’re

in a press release. He adds that the increased interest and demand for E-commerce has led to a large number of jobs in the area of supply chain.

1. Developer Job description: Developers design and code programs based on user needs, from smartphone apps to business accounting programs to operating systems. They are involved as much in the operation as in the aesthetics of the final product.

Estimated salary: $68,000 to $155,000 based on the position’s level

2. HR manager

Job description: HR (short for human resources) is responsible for bridging the gap between a company’s needs and goals and the welfare of the people working there.

Estimated salary: $75,000 to $156,000 based on the position’s level

3. Mechanical engineer

Job description: Mechanical engineers participate in developing and designing machines that solve human problems. They can also control and automate manufacturing systems and find solutions to environmental problems.

Estimated salary: $66,000 to $131,000 based on the position’s level

4. Welder Job description: Welders work with

filled with different flavors and decorated with all kinds of sprinkles and frostings. But the problem with donuts is not only that they tend to have a lot of sugar, but also that they are fried. Because they’re fried, they contain trans fats. Sorry police officers, but donuts should definitely not be part of your daily diet.

Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips can be used in a myriad of ways. Perhaps the most popular is to prepare them as nachos, with beans, or with guacamole. The bad news is that, despite their versatility and delicious flavor, they are not the healthiest snacks out there.

All the chips are made from fried corn dough, which makes them instantly high in calories, cholesterol, and sodium.

For that reason, it is not highly recommended that people with hypertension, obesity or heart problems consume them frequently.

Milk

If you think about it carefully, there are some puzzling things about drinking milk. First of all, humans are the only species that consume milk even when we have finished growing. Besides that, we are also the only ones that feed on the milk of animals of another species. As if that were not enough, some of the hormones that can be found in this drink have been associated with the development of breast and prostate cancer.

various metals on a range of projects, from constructing vehicles to building bridges. There are several disciplines when it comes to welding, each with its unique challenges.

Estimated salary: $40,000 to $74,000 based on the position’s level

5. Accounting technician / Bookkeeper

Job description: Accounting technicians specialize in helping businesses manage their financial records. They can work directly as an employee of the company or offer services as an independent freelancer.

Estimated salary: $61,000 to $114,000 based on the position’s level

6. Registered nurse

Job description: Registered nurses provide direct nursing care to patients in a variety of settings — doctors offices, hospital, and clinics. They can also provide health-care consulting and health-education programming to the community, and have the opportunity to specialize in different types of care and work in many different settings within the health profession.

Estimated salary: $68,000 to $94,000 based on the position’s level

7. Warehouse worker

Job description: Warehouse workers are tasked with ordering stock for a warehouse, receiving orders,

Of course, milk is undoubtedly high in protein and calcium, which benefits the bones. Just be careful to make sure the milk you drink is organic.

French Fries

French fries are one of the most common side dishes. However, they should not be consumed too often. A recent study found that eating fries two to three times a week doubles the risk of premature death. The risk is, in part, due to a substance called acrylamide, a carcinogenic chemical that is formed when food is heated above a certain temperature. This substance is often found in french fries because of the heat required to make them. As if that were not enough, this fried food usually has high amounts of flour, salt, and oil. It is certainly a better idea to opt for another side dish, if possible.

Diet Cola

Diet cola portrays itself as a healthy alternative to regular cola. After all, it’s sugar-free! And, it has no calories. It’s often been the go-to drink for dieters everywhere. Though Mayo Clinic says that it is okay if consumed in minimal quantities, people who drink more than a can a day could be headed for some serious harm.

Commercial Salad Dressings

Vegetables are super healthy, but the problem is that a lot of them don’t exactly taste great on their own. You can make a super-deluxe salad, but it’ll be a little boring

and generally monitoring incoming and outgoing orders.

Estimated salary: $17 – $29/hour based on the position’s level

8. Customer service representative

Job description: Customer service representatives handle complaints on behalf of their employers and ensure customers are happy with the products. They answer incoming calls, take orders, interact with customers on live chat or emails and deal with arising complaints.

Estimated salary: $43,000 to $74,000 based on the position’s level

9. Driver

Job description: Being a delivery driver requires minimal job experience and it’s a good-entry level position or option for parttime work. Whether working for a courier service, food delivery or transportation company, delivery drivers have become much more in-demand since the beginning of the pandemic.

Estimated salary: $42,000 to $65,000 based on the position’s level

10. Sales associate

Job description: A sales associate engages consumers in the retail environment and helps them find the products they need. Sales associates should have extensive knowledge of their client’s products and

unless you add dressing. And that’s fine, but you might want to stay away from commercial salad dressings. Many of them are loaded with vegetable oils, sugar, and trans fats, all of which are unhealthy. They also tend to contain artificial chemicals. These unhealthy ingredients take away from the benefits of the salad. Instead, try making your own salad dressing from olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepp

Cheap Bread

Cheap white bread is essential for making practical lunches to take to school and the office. It won’t break the bank, costing less than $1 per loaf. But one of the reasons why this product is consumed so frequently is that it can become addictive.

This is because it contains sugar, which helps in the fermentation process of bread.

In addition, a lot of brands use a high amount of fat and salt that, in excess, can harm your health. Also, most of these loaves of bread do not have much fiber, so it will hardly make you full. Many more items are in our daily life using products...Source: za.investing.com

hands-on experience selling directly to customers.

Estimated salary: $46,000 to $84,000 based on the position’s level

11. Admin assistant

Job description: Administrative assistants are responsible for clerical tasks, organizing meetings, and generally forming the glue that keeps an office or business running smoothly.

Estimated salary: $47,000 to $99,000 based on the position’s level 12. Business systems analyst

Job description: Business systems analysts work in the field of computer science and in various industries to advise clients on the software they need for their business activities. Their role is to study existing procedures and systems and optimize the user experience.

Estimated salary: $62,000 to $142,000 based on the position’s level.Source: globalnews.ca

Pakistani Canadians to welcome honourable David Eby, Premier

It was a great honour and a hist1ric moment for Pakistani Canadians to welcome Honourable David Eby, Premier of Biritish Columbia. We are humbled and have high regards for the Premier who graced our event by visiting community on the auspicious Eid celebration. The other leaders and professionals who attended the event were, Mr. Janbaz Khan, Councillor General for Pakistan, Hon. Raj Chouhan, Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Hon. Harry Bains - Minister of Labor, Hon. Bruce Ralston - Minister of Forests, Hon. Rachna Singh - Minister of Education and Child Care, Hon. Jagrup Brar, Minister of Trade,

MLA Garry Begg - Chief Whip of BC Legislative Assembly, MLA Aman Singh. Richmond- Queensborough, Mrs. Jinni Sims MLA Surrey-Panorama and City Councillors Linda Annis, Mike Bose, and Councillor Ahmad Yousuf from Maple Ridge.

Among special invitees we had, Dr. Ali Mihirig, Engineer Bearinger Sidhu, Engineer Khalid Zaka, Mr. Kulwant Dhesi, Pakistani Dr. Rifat Nagra, Dr. Saleem Nagra, Dr Muneeb u Rehman, Engineers, and Professionals and fellow Presidents of community associations.

The purpose of the event is to provide families an opportunity to meet each other at a single occasion. Also, during the event, they had a chance observe and enjoy shared val-

ues, but also the dress, music, socialization and as has become customary – used the opportunity to meet and greet our social and political leaders. Aim of the activity was to help inspire young people, foster a strong community environment and to develop an inclusive community culture. In essence.

We think, It is important to motivate community members to do their level best effort to achieve their goals. Therefor we acknowledge individual’s personal achievements by awarding them recognition. Our awardwinning nominees have made tremendous efforts in their life, sometimes with no fanfare or recognition and have persevered through their hard work and dedication. We must recognize them so others will see

them in that light as well. I am sure these individuals will serve as inspiration for others in years to come.

A special thanks to our NRC membersEngr. Khalid Zaka and Mr. Salim Notary for their efforts in finalizing nominees through their professional and honest evaluation.

As the end the festival, entertainment was a part of the program. Some exciting live music entertainment was presented by a special performer NavinJaan which was thoroughly enjoyed by guests.

Thanks to Mr. Jaffer Bamji, Mr. Intikhab Ahmed, Mr. Tariq Kiani Mr. Naseer Peerzada, and Mr. Asim Sarwar for covering our event.

By: Khalid Chohan, President

Mahmood Awan receives the outstanding Constituent Award from MP wilson Miao

M.Awan Picture at Pg 11

Mr. Mahmood Awan has been privileged to receive the Outstanding Constituent Award from MP Wilson Miao. He has been volunteering for the City of Richmond for more than fifty years. Mr. Awan has witnessed first hand the effectiveness and strength of volunteering in his community. His life of service has been his passion and privilege in serving Richmond and his Pakistani Canadian community. He

has been the Owner and President of Premier Automatic Transmissions since 1979 and has given his time to many policing organizations with the RCMP and Vancouver and Richmond health boards. The many organizations he has been involved in have included Touchstone Family Association which has been instrumental in providing justice, equity and inclusion services, the Richmond Aquatic Center to develop frameworks for Richmond’s aquatic facilities, College of Podiatric Surgeons where he provided

medical reviews and recommendations, Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals and Canada Pension Plans and Old Age Security Appeals where he assisted in administering decisions on pension plans and old age appeals through a fair process, Spirit of BC was a province wide program that represented over 200 communities in which he helped to create countless opportunities for local programs, the BC Multicultural Advisory Committee where he was instrumental in bridging gaps related to multiculturalism

and anti-racism, the Spirit of Islam at the UBC Museum of Anthropology where he collaborated with members of the Muslim community to present outstanding examples of Islamic art and calligraphy from different historical periods. It was Mr. Awan’s honour to be a part of establishing the first mosque in Western Canada. He has also served on many Pakistani Canadian organizations in varying capacities from President, Vice President and Director to promote Pakistani culture at home and abroad.

Teachers from Chilliwack visited the Abbotsford Islamic Center

Teachers Picture at Pg 11

Alhamdulillah today a bus load of teachers from Chilliwack visited the Abbotsford Islamic Center to learn about Islam. It was a wonderful experience for them as most of them had been inside a masjid. There was an open forum which allowed for some of the misconceptions to be cleared. A teacher mentioned that she had a 5 year old child fasting during Ramadan and

was concerned about the safety and welfare of the child. She was explained that the rituals of Islam are based on the ability of the individual. There is no sin if a person cannot continue to fast ,especially children to break their fasts. Even adults with medical conditions like diabetes are exempt from fasting. One of the teachers commented that many Muslim children are now in schools in chilliwack, how can they support them? One way to support the older children was

to facilitate their need for Friday prayers.

The teachers committed to helping them find a clean space for the Friday prayers.

The status of women Islam also came up. The participants were briefly explained about the contribution of Muslim women in Islamic history. They were also pleasantly surprised to learn about the rights of women in matters of inheritance. Some also noticed the preferential parking at the Masjid for the sisters.

This was Alhamdulillah a good interactive meeting, the teachers were invited to visit the Center at any time. Some were delighted to learn that soon the Chilliwack Islamic Center will be inaugurated. Please share the link with me when you publish this in your newspapers. Jazakallah khairan.

Shakeel Gaya

Political parties need strong privacy rules, independent oversight, commissioner says

own policies.

OTTAWA - The federal privacy commissioner says it would be a mistake to give political parties the ability to govern the way they manage Canadians’ personal information. Changes proposed in the alatest Liberal budget would let parties collect, use, retain and dispose of data in accordance with their

Philippe Dufresne told a Senate committee Wednesday evening that parties should be subject to the same internationally recognized privacy principles that govern the private sector and government. The federal Privacy Act applies to government and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act covers the private sector, but political parties do not fall under either law.

Dufresne said privacy is a fundamental right and Canadians deserve meaningful standards and independent oversight.

“Respecting privacy rights is essential to our dignity and to the enjoyment of other funda-

mental freedoms, including our democratic rights,” he said. “This is especially true for the personal information about electors that is gathered by political parties, such as political views and voting intentions, because it is sensitive information.”

He told senators that for more than a decade, his office has dealt with complaints from voters about robocalls and other communication from political parties.

“As early as 2007, there were public concerns from donors and party members receiving unsolicited holiday cards that appeared to target aspects of their religious backgrounds,” he said. He argued that the changes proposed by the Liberals don’t es-

No deal yet between striking CRA workers, federal government

Union vows to show up at federal Liberal convention in Ottawa.

The union representing tens of thousands of striking Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) workers says they’ll be taking their concerns to the federal Liberal party’s upcoming national convention if they don’t get a “fair” contract offer. Some 35,000 CRA employees remain on the picket lines Wednesday, two days after the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) reached a tentative agreement with the Treasury Board for more than 120,000 other federal workers who’d been striking since April 19.

The striking CRA workers are represented by PSAC and one of its subcomponents, the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE).

At a news conference in Ottawa Wednesday,

PSAC national president Chris Aylward said the two sides were still talking but a deal had not materialized. “We’ve compromised. I’m not going to say exactly where we’re at, or where each side is at,” Aylward said.

“But I can tell you … that the deal they have on the table currently is less than the deal that we reached Monday with Treasury Board units. And we don’t know why the Canada Revenue Agency is playing this game.” PSAC said Monday that some issues relating to hours of work and information management for CRA employees had been resolved. Wages, telework, job security and protections against contracting out certain positions were among the remaining sticking points. CRA declined an interview but told CBC in an email Wednesday it was still

at the bargaining table and was working “around the clock” on a fair and reasonable deal.

Still have leverage, union says

The federal Liberals’ convention is set to run from May 4-6 at the Shaw Centre in downtown Ottawa. Aylward did not say exactly what the union planned. When asked if there would be disruptions, he said striking workers would be present if there was no movement in the negotiations.

Aylward said the two sides had made “several passes” at the negotiating table this week, while rejecting suggestions Monday’s tentative agreement — which took roughly 120,000 public servants off the picket lines

tablish minimum requirements for handling that data. Instead, parties would be allowed to develop and change their privacy policies at their discretion. His office provided a set of 10 principles and best practices -- including accountability and consent, limiting collection to what is necessary, and limiting disclosure and retention -- to political parties several years ago, after working with Elections Canada. “We received a complaint about some of those practices, and my predecessor found -- and I agree -- that currently legislation does not give us the jurisdiction to go into this investigation and to make this type of finding,” Dufresne said.

Source: ctvnews.ca

and sent them back to work — had diminished their leverage in the CRA negotiations. “There’s still 35,000 [workers] walking picket lines. There’s still leverage there, absolutely,” he said. “And they will continue to walk those lines until we see a fair offer from the Canada Revenue Agency.”

Source: cbc.ca/news

L o CAL EVENTS

Pakistani Canadians to welcome honourable David Eby, Premier

#205- 8035 120th Street, Delta, BC

Event Report at Pg 10

Event Report at Pg 10

Event Report at Pg 10

Mahmood Awan receives the Outstanding Constituent Award

Teachers from Chilliwack visited the Abbotsford Islamic Center

Lo CAL EVENTS

PTI’s Dr. Shahbaz Gill, graced the shores of Vancouver, Canada

Event Report at Pg 9

Surrey/Delta MLAs arranged Eid al-Fitr Celebration at Bombay Banqet hall

Pakistani Rockstar Singer Ali Zafar performed in Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Event Report at Pg 10

Lo CAL / LIFESTYLE

PTI’s Dr. Shahbaz Gill, graced the shores of Vancouver, Canada

Event pictures at Pg 14

On April 2 the renowned PTI Leader hailing from Pakistan, Dr. Shahbaz Gill, graced the shores of Vancouver, Canada with his formidable presence, delivering an awe-inspiring speech at a local PTI gathering that left the audience spellbound. The reverberating sound of his powerful voice echoed through the hall as he enthralled everyone in attendance, captivating their hearts and minds. In addition, the esteemed leader graciously answered thought-provoking questions from the local community and media, showcasing his exceptional wisdom and insight. The event was hosted by PTI British Columbia under the leadership of Akmal Gundhra. Proceedings of the event started with a recitation of Qari Hamduallah sahib. Newly elected PTI BC office bearers who took

B

office in March 2023 were called on stage. The following members of the PTI BC team won the election under Insaf Panel

President:AkmalGundhra

Senior Vice President: Dawood Rai

General Secretary : Nayyar Sohail

Women Secretary: Anila Shoib

Additional Secretary: Irshad Ul Haq

Information Secretary: Sajid Hameed

Two members for. PTI BC won the election for National PTI Canada.

Dr. Babra Rana is now the Women Secretry of PTI Canada and Wasim Afzal is an Additional Secretry of PTI Canada. Almost 200 members of Pakistani diaspora from the Lower Mainland from BCMA, PCA, PCCA, PCCA2, FOP, PCWA, and CMMC attended the event. A large number of local doctors who support PTI also were among the crowd. The audience was very shocked and sorry

to hear how Shahbaz Gill and other individuals in Pakistan have been subjected to human rights violations, including abduction, torture, and interrogation. Such actions are unacceptable and go against the fundamental principles of human rights and dignity. It’s important for governments to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that individuals are not subjected to such abuses. Additionally, it’s crucial for independent media and civil society organizations to have the freedom to report on and raise awareness about such issues.

If you or anyone you know is currently facing human rights violations, I would encourage you to reach out to local or international human rights organizations for support and advocacy. Shahbaz Gill emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and seeking justice through legal channels.

The Supreme Court is indeed a key institution in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and that individuals are not subjected to human rights violations. Encouraging overseas Pakistanis to get in touch with their local representatives in parliament, senate, and provincial assemblies is also a good step towards raising awareness and advocating for change. It’s important for elected officials to hear from their constituents and understand their concerns, including issues related to human rights and justice. Ultimately, it’s essential for all individuals, regardless of their nationality or location, to stand up for human rights and speak out against any violations. This can involve advocating for policy changes, supporting civil society organizations, and promoting awareness and education about human rights issues.

Report is written by Nayyar

Sohail

Surrey/Delta MLAs arranged Eid al-Fitr Celebration at Bombay Banqet hall

Event pictures at Pg 14

On April 30th, The BC NPD Surrey and North Delta MLAS organized an Eid AlFitr Celebration to celebrate and reflect on the end of Ramadan fasting month.

MLA Rachna Singh, MLA Jinny Sims, MLA Harry Bains, MLA Bruce Ralston, MLA Jagrup Brar, MLA Garry Begg, MLA Ravi Kahlon, and MLA Mike Starchuk hosted this Eid and served the appetizers and refreshments from 12 to 2 pm. A number of Muslim Community members participated in this event.

The program started with the recitation and Islamic teaching about Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr by Imam and Khateeb of Surrey

Jamah Masjid Mufti Mohammed Mouadh, he spoke.“We should be thankful to the almighty Allah that we all Muslims are enjoying life in this country Canada, but at the same time as human beings, we should look to other countries, and how the people are surviving over there. There’s no safety but you and I were enjoying the safety of this country. This is a big blessing of Allah (swt) for all of us that after 30 days fasting, we celebrate Eid Day. After that, each MLA delivered a short speech with the message of Happy Eid Mubarak in their ways and having said that. “My colleagues said, welcome to every one of you to join us today to celebrate Eve. “ “ Everyone Eid Mubarak

I also want to say my sincere thanks to the Muslim Community part of the exceptional contribution you have been to make this Province live this place for everyone. We want to say how beautiful it is such a feeling that after about 3 years went back together again we started this many years ago and we started in our offices to celebrate these very important days and now we are all together and talk about the values that Islam brings to the table that we all believe in equality and how we can be inclusive, you know what this is about the multiculturalism and what the society we are all trying to move to work everyone working together for a common cause this is very fine unity in multiculturalism so

thank you very much for coming to enjoy rest of the event.

When I look around my community whether it’s IQRA Islamic School or whether it’s Al- Huda Mosque, Muslims are very much a part of my community and our community here in Surrey. Hence, it’s really a great joy to be here to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

For entertaiment, Jugpreet Bajwa singer of Surrey was invited, who performed Qawalies. and Eid Folk song.In the end, Br, Musa Ismail on behalf of the Muslim Community thanked all Surrey/Delta MLAS, for their hospitality at the Muslim event of Eid.

Lessons from the Season of Summer

By:Asma Shums,

If the season of spring was for new beginnings, summer is the season of growth. As the temperatures begin to rise, so does the light in most of our homes. Everything grows quickly as the rays of the sun appear to expand everything they touch. Leaves continue to get bigger and greener every day that you see them, flowers are sprouting from every corner, life finds a way to grow between concrete cracks, and the birds begin to sing every day.

Spring taught us positivity – a reminder that dark clouds aren’t here to stay. Every day gets a little longer and a little brighter. Summer teaches us to stretch in our growth and to embrace the brightest time of the year and our life. It empowers us to embrace our personal growth where we reminiscence about the things we overcame during the winter and how the sunny weather is a time to celebrate whole heartedly. Most of us eagerly wait for summer to begin because of the longer days, the seemingly endless time to meet our loved ones, organize get

togethers, catch up on our travelling, and take pleasures in the little things of life. We don’t think twice to get ice cream, to go for a late dinner, shop for new treasures, or buy expensive items such as cars with hopes we can take it for an upcoming trip. It is for that reason a season of growth. It should be the beginning and the end of our seasons as we stretch into a mood or sentiment of growth until next year. So how can we stretch the good moods for longer?

Balance

Where most seasons have their distinctive characteristics, summer can fall in the extreme end of either relaxation or intense summer activities. While many of us don’t have long hours to work, our summeseasons are usually jam-packed with projects, children’s activities, summer camps, barbeques, camping, get togethers, and increased activity at our place of work. Some of us are the opposite where we have many days spent relaxing on the beach or at a park, enjoying the peaceful moments of watching the world go by and being with our own self. The summer months are a lesson in having a balance between the two worlds and partaking in it with no guilt.

Living in the Moment

Those two extremes show us that time is precious. It is more than

okay doing nothing. It’s a reminder to be with us and trust our body and universe telling us what we need. The non-activity moments where you connect with yourself and your feelings, thoughts, wants, and needs gives you the chance to connect with your authentic self. Or if you are someone who thrives in making the most – this is also living in the moment. You don’t have to choose one or the other or reserve parts of yourself to a particular time of the year. This season teaches you to trust your inner voice and enjoy the moment you’re in no matter what that is.

Warmth

The sunny skies bring out the sunny side of most people. Many of us are happier, kinder, and nicer to

others during the summer. It may be the Vitamin D or the excitement of trips and new beginnings of the season but is usually short lived in many of us. Although the long warm days will eventually shorten, we should learn to keep some of the warmth with us throughout the year. Many of us find our moods following the seasons and we must hold the lessons from each close to us.

Take the lessons from summer to be the sunshine on someone’s cloudy day. Having some of the warmth in you teaches you to embrace the sunny moments in life but also prepared for upcoming thunderstorms of life. It could mean keeping up with your loved ones birthdays and celebrations, taking time out to meet people or

do activities regardless of unpleasant weather, or appreciating the beauty of a different season.

Abundance Mindset

The summer season is not just colourful sunsets or outfits but colourful foods. Most of us look forward to the mangos, pineapples, green vegetables, apples, peaches, blueberries, and so many of natures finest creations during winter. The plants and flowers grow, and the world has more colour. In the summer sun, abundance of the earth is not just an illusion or the ideal but a reminder that it is a season of giving. It would be a lesson to take for the rest of the year. Having an abundance mindset means looking at something like a cherry tree as not just a tree giving fruits during the summer but providing sustenance to the earth with its pits and a chance for new life to emerge. Imagine leading a life of harmony with nature and embodying this abundance outlook as a guiding force for life. Reflect and feel free to share with me at : asmashums@gmail.com

Q: How do we know that the ocean is friendly?

A: It waves!

Q: What is the best day to go to the beach?

A: Sunday!

By: HARUN YAHYA

SURAH At-Tariq refers to a ‘piercing star’: “(I swear) by Heaven and the Tariq! And what will convey to you what the Tariq is? The Star Piercing (the darkness)!” (Qur’an, 86:1-3). The term used in the verse is ‘althaqibu,’ meaning piercing, opening a hole, penetrating and passing through, from the root ‘thaqaba,’ meaning ‘hole.’ The word used in scientific publications when black holes are being described is ‘puncture.’ There is a considerable wisdom in the use of this word to describe the features of black holes in the Qur’an. The fact that this property of stars is mentioned in the Qur’an is important evidence that the Qur’an is indeed the very word of Allah.

The Back Holes

The 20th century saw a great many new discoveries regarding celestial phenomena in the universe. One of these entities, which has only recently been encountered, is the black hole. These are formed when a star which has consumed all its fuel collapses in on itself, eventually turning into a black hole with infinite density and zero volume and an immensely powerful magnetic field. We are unable to see black holes even with the most powerful telescope, because their gravitational pull is so strong that light is unable to escape from them. However, such a collapsed star can be perceived by means of the effect it has on the surrounding area. In Surah Al-Waqi’a, Allah draws attention to this matter in this way, by swearing upon

Black holes: A manifestation of Allah’s name of Al-Hafiz

the position of stars: “Nay I swear by the places of the stars — and that is indeed a mighty oath if you only knew.” (Qur’an, 56:75-76)

Light cannot escape from a black hole because it is such a high concentration of mass in a small space. The enormous gravitational field captures the photons and even the fastest particles. For example, the final stage of a typical star, three times the mass of the Sun, ends after its burning out and its implosion as a black hole of only 20 km (12.5 miles) in diameter! Black holes are “black,” i.e. veiled from direct observation. As well as depictions of the Day of Judgment, the verse below may also be pointing to this scientific discovery about black holes: “When the stars are extinguished.” (Qur’an, 77:8) This fact may be referred to in the verse about stars, and this is another important item of information demonstrating that the Qur’an is the word of Allah.

Almighty Allah provided information about “black holes” in the Qur’an as well as other celestial bodies at a time when mankind knew nothing about celestial bodies. Information from black holes

Stephen Hawking, the world-famous British physicist, has said that a black hole begins producing nuclear energy when it forms, and that the radiation that forms can provide information about what is inside the black hole.

Stephen Hawking’s obtaining such information is most interesting because this theory is a clear manifestation of Almighty Allah’s title of Al-Hafiz (The Preserver), “He Who preserves all things in detail,” and this has been scientifically proved by the renowned physicist.

In the sight of Allah, everything has taken

place and finished in a moment. Since the beginning of time, everything has taken place in this single moment. In the sight of Allah, all information pertaining to this moment is kept in a “Book.” This “Main Book,” or as the Qur’an calls it, “The Mother of the Book,” holds every bit of information about everything: “Certainly there is no hidden thing in either heaven or earth which is not in a Clear Book.” (Qur’an, 27:75)

The Book will be set in place and you will see the evildoers fearful of what is in it. They will say, “Alas for us! What is this Book which does not pass over any action, small or great, without recording it?”

“They will find there everything they did and your Lord will not wrong anyone at all.” (Qur’an, 18:49) Allah has created everything, living or non-living, which has existed since the beginning of the universe and all events which have happened. Consequently, Allah is cognizant of them all. To put it in another way, “They all exist in the memory of Allah.” In this sense, the Mother of the Book is a manifestation of Allah’s attribute, the Al-Hafiz.

One of the miraculous features of the Qur’an proving that it is the word of Allah is these verses referring to black holes. Thanks to the way that the verses of the Qur’an may bear several meanings, it is highly probable that many more miracles of the Qur’an will emerge in the years to come. (Allah alone knows the truth of all things.)

As the word of Almighty and Omniscient Allah, the Qur’an contains much information that people do not understand, or which they as yet lack the knowledge to understand. This information comes to light by means of technological and scientific advances taking place at a time and level of our Lord’s choosing, thus confirming the miraculous nature of the Qur’an.

Destined to eternity

At this point, we come upon a striking fact; because the memory of Allah is infinite,

nothing existent in Him becomes lost. In other words, no living being created by Allah vanishes, no flower fades, no drink finishes, no period comes to an end, and no food is consumed. Every moment Allah creates and every exact detail of everything are created in eternity and it is “destined to eternity.”

This explanation may be put in the following way: Eternity has begun for a being or an event by the time it is created. For instance, when a flower is created, it is, in reality, destined not to disappear. That this being ceases to become a part of one’s sensations and is erased from one’s memory does not actually mean that it has vanished or died. Its state in the Sight of Allah is what actually matters. Furthermore, all states of this being, be it its creation, all moments throughout its life or death, exist in the Memory of Allah. Upon all that is created, Allah bestows eternity. In other words, existing things have attained eternity by the time they are created. To have a thorough grasp of this notion, however, one needs to reflect on all beings and events individually.

But, before proceeding with this subject, it would be useful to stress the following fact; what has been stated so far, together with the following, is no doubt the most important information one can ever acquire in one’s lifetime.

Most probably, many people are hearing and reflecting on these facts about timelessness for the first time in their lives. However, here is something important to keep in mind: Allah, in the Qur’an, draws our attention to the fact that “only those who sincerely turn to Allah” take heed. In other words, only those who truly seek the guidance of our Lord and endeavor to appreciate His infinite might and His greatness will heed these explanations and have a grasp of these facts. The writer has authored more than 300 books translated in 73 languages on politics, religion and science.

Source:arabnews.com

Canadians ‘somewhat’ optimistic about 2023, but divided over financial security: poll

na Friesen that 2023 will be a “tough” year for Canadians.

“Global recession fears, slowing down in the global economy, interest rates continuing to be high, inflation still lingering — it’s going to be tough,” he said.

In an International Monetary Fund (IM “So, it’s not like… they’re trying to hang on to assets or worried about what’s going to happen to the retirement income or anything like that at this moment.”

For example, the poll’s data shows that “49 per cent of parents say they will make a resolution on their physical health compared to 39 per cent of those without children.” Canadians also have mixed perceptions when it comes to other key social and environmental issues. According to the polling, six in 10 (60 per cent) are optimistic that Canada will make meaningful progress towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities (52 per cent somewhat and seven per cent, very). On the other hand, 45 per cent are optimistic about meaningful progress when it comes to fighting climate change (38 per cent somewhat, and seven per cent, very). “Those 18-34 (years old) are significantly more likely to express optimism about nearly all of these topics,” according to Ipsos.

Canadians aim on saving money

With soaring inflation and repeated interest rate hikes, Canadians both young and old report “taking actions this year to save money, largely centered around day-to-day costs,” the poll shows.

Most Canadians, particularly younger ones, say they feel optimistic about 2023 overall and are likely to set resolutions for the new year, but when it comes to key issues like financial security and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, some are divided, according to a new poll from Ipsos.

The Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News was done between Dec. 14 and 16 and surveyed 1,004 Canadians 18 years old or older. Their responses suggest that six in 10 (61 per cent) are optimistic about 2023, but this is largely driven by the large portion of those who say they are “somewhat” optimistic

(51 per cent) rather than those who are “very” optimistic (10 per cent), according to the survey.

“It’s more like a fragile, tentative, cautious optimism, maybe even more of a hope than a real sense of grounded optimism about how the year is going to transpire,” Ipsos Public Affairs CEO Darrell Bricker told Global News in an interview.

“As the pandemic declined, other issues started to move back up…starting with economic concerns that have filled in the space that was vacated by the pandemic,” he added.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned in a year-end interview with Global National’s Daw-

According to Ipsos, those 18-34-year-olds are “significantly more likely” to say they will be making a New Year resolution compared to older age groups when it comes to their finances or physical health.

The data suggests that 41 per cent of respondents make resolutions for their physical health, 32 per cent for their finances, 28 per cent for their mental health, 27 per cent for their family life, 24 per cent about learning a new skill or hobby, and 22 per cent for their work or education.

Those with children in their household are also more likely to say they will be setting resolutions on all of these areas compared to those without, Ipsos says.

Why Gen Y and Z may be fearing their future in Canada?

It found that Canadians are most likely to say they are buying less expensive food (42 per cent), shopping at cheaper grocery stores (37 per cent), shopping at stores that offer discounts or coupons (35 per cent), and cutting back on holiday spending overall (33 per cent)... Source:globalnews.ca

how Indian media published false reports of graves being padlocked in Pakistan to prevent necrophilia?

Times. According to Indian fact-checking website Alt News, several Indian news media outlets, including the Times of India and NDTV, published ANI’s report from their syndicated feed. Alt News also reported that the Hindustan Times, in an article which has since been deleted, used the same picture used by ANI. Several Indian media outlets also included a tweet by ex-Muslim Harris Sultan, who also shared the same image on Twitter and alleged that it was taken in Pakistan. In a fact-check published on April 30, Alt News said that image used by Indian media outlets was actually from a cemetery in India’s Hyderabad.

The image of the padlocked grave shared by Indian news agency ANI.

An image of a grave with a padlocked grille over it was picked up over the last few days by Indian media outlets which then proceeded to incorrectly report that the incident occurred in Pakistan and was done in an effort to prevent necrophilia.

The incident, in fact, took place in India’s

THE ever-widening rift between the ‘common’ man and the Pakistani elite is a fascinating phenomenon. It is quite common nowadays to hear the phrase ‘the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer’. The former half of this statement is certainly accurate.

The cost of living in Pakistan has increased exponentially and despite a large recent interest rate incline by the State Bank (raised to 21 per cent) to attempt to offset inflation, the latest Consumer Price Index recording is the highest in the past 50 years.

However, are the rich really getting richer?

To help analyse this, it is imperative to perform a deep dive into the philosophy that governs the upper echelons of society in Pakistan. Sadly, the most important layers to unwrap here are the ones snugly covering those charged with the leadership of the country. The notion of a traditional Pakistani political ‘rally’ is rather absurd. Our leaders will stand on a grand podium, loudly hurling accusations of every personal nature imaginable at their rivals while the masses gather around and listen eagerly for some indication of a plan to set the country on a prosperous trajectory.

However, current observations have turned any feeling of amusement at absurdity into a sadness at watching cruel irony unfold. A prominent ‘leader’ touring Punjab in her father’s stead, addressed the public in style — in designer clothing. As the camera panned towards the crowd, people cheered enthusiastically while she emotionally proclaimed how deeply she resonates with the pain of the ‘poor’. Now, while knowledge regarding designer clothing is certainly the least of Pakistan’s educational liberation problems — one must wonder if the support would be just as loud if most people were aware of the extent to which the attire prices surpass their average monthly wages.

Hyderabad. On April 27, India Today — citing images circulating on social media — reported that some people in Pakistan had resorted to locking their daughter’s graves “to protect them from sexual violence” as the social environment had given rise to a “sexually charged and repressed society”. Indian news agency ANI on April 29 regurgitated the claims without citing any sources or officials and also referenced an editorial published in Pakistani newspaper Daily

“The cemetery is located opposite Masjid E Salar Mulk, a mosque in Darab Jung Colony, Madannapet, Hyderabad,” the report said, also adding an image of the cemetery’s Google Street View wherein the grave in question was clearly visible. The publication also contacted a social worker named Abdul Jaleel, a resident of Hyderabad, who then visited the spot and provided pictures of the grave in question. Jaleel also spoke to the mosque’s muezzin Muqtar who said that the padlocked grave, which was approximately one-and-a-half to two-years-old,

Prada, poverty & patriotism

was constructed without the permission of the concerned committee.

“A lot of people come here and bury bodies over old graves without permission. The people who already have their close ones resting here have had complaints since they come here to read fateha. In order to prevent others from burying any bodies further, the families have put the grille there,” the report quoted him as saying.

The muezzin also refuted claims being circulated online regarding the move and said that the grille had been placed to prevent people from “stamping on the grave since it was located right at the entrance”.

After the fact-check was published, ANI put up an article titled ‘Representative viral pictures of necrophilia story by Pakistan’s Daily Times incorrect, grave from Hyderabad’. “The picture related to the necrophilia news article from Pakistan, which was reported earlier by Daily Times, was wrong as the image was wrong as the image was of a grave in India’s Hyderabad,” the article read. NDTV subsequently carried ANI’s report while the Times of India published their own story clarifying that the image in question was from India. Source:dawn.com/news

‘P’ in the title of this article — protocol. The actual dictionary definition of the word relates to rules governing the affairs of state but in Pakistan this has acquired a different meaning altogether.

Separately, over in Sindh — controversy has been rife regarding Pakistan’s most popular property tycoon and his development on the outskirts of Karachi.

Locals of the area raised their concerns over being displaced but their protests were rapidly silenced through questionable measures. Indigenous land being seized to produce settlements for wealthy patrons?

This sounds oddly familiar but many of the beneficiaries of this project will surely tweet #FreePalestine every other year so it really should not pose too much of a problem. Hands are raised in salute for not only individuals occupying high posts but even for their friends and family.

Now, for a brief moment — let us exit Pakistan entirely and visit the place where many of the key decisions regarding the future of the country have been made: London, England. The financial connection that many of Pakistan’s leadership figures have shared with this city through the years is no secret. Some weeks ago, an ousted prime minister made a worried statement regarding the looming ‘darkness’ that seemed inevitable in Pakistan’s future if the Supreme Court gave a verdict in favour of timely provincial elections. Funnily enough, the same individual

had been spotted earlier, exiting a Bentley to visit a Louis Vuitton outlet as his bodyguard rushed to instruct civilians to stop any filming immediately.

The point here is not to criticise a good shopping spree because that would certainly be hypocritical. However, when those meant to spearhead betterment for the country have their personal assets abroad and safe from the rapid devaluation of the Pakistani rupee — can their empathy for the continuously worsening plague of poverty truly be trusted?

A former US secretary of state — James F. Byrnes — famously said: “When a man is intoxicated by alcohol, he can recover, but when intoxicated by power, he seldom recovers”. In a country where economic disparity is so drastic, wealth often lends absurd amounts of power to those that possess it in abundance.

Thus, a cycle begins — wealth brings power and power can be utilised to acquire a social status which in turn increases wealth. Heads are bowed and hands are raised in salute for not only the individual occupying a high-ranking post but even for their family, friends and acquaintances.

This brings us to an all-important missing

The number of Black Toyota SUVs surrounding the very highest levels of our elite seems to only have increased as the years have passed. Those that have been privy to how it feels to be surrounded by that level of ‘security’ can testify — the adrenaline rush is terrifying. It almost feels like starring in your very own Hollywood action-thriller where the armed men in uniform that are sternly waving aside other vehicles in the vicinity are supporting characters, merely present for the sake of embellishment. This bubble of delusion within which the privileged few can dehumanise the masses must burst for us to progress.

Giving a passionate speech on empowering the masses and then hurriedly being escorted back to the safety of the spiked gates designed to keep those very people out is a façade that should no longer fool anyone. Amidst severe economic woes, can it truly be quantified if the ‘rich are getting richer’? No, probably not. However, considering the above reflection — one thing at the very least is clear. Under the current system that operates in Pakistan, there is an inherent benefit to those at the very top of the food chain to keep a large proportion of those below them away from financial and intellectual liberation. Until the top 5pc become truly intent on creating a new socioeconomic dynamic in which their personal interests will take a large dent, the future of the remaining 95pc is indeed shrouded in darkness.

By: Uzair Saadat

The writer is a London-based economics graduate and a finance professional.

Source:dawn.com/news

Imam stands out as Pakistan clinch oDI series

KARACHI: It was breezy here at the National Stadium on Wednesday night, but it was humid too. Down 2-0 in the five-match

One-day International series, New Zealand weren’t letting their hopes slip in the third match.With the asking rate rising and less than 10 overs to go, the visitors had to do something to save the series. Captain Tom Latham had been solid on the crease, but more was needed.

As soon as the left-hander tried something different — an attempted scoop against Mo-

hammad Wasim’s pace — he saw his stumps flying. Cole McConchie, though, did not relent after Latham was gone. The right-hander threatened to take it away from Pakistan — who gave him an extra life thanks to Abdullah Shafique’s dropped catch — bludgeoning the Pakistan bowlers all around the ground. His partners at the other end though failed him as New Zealand eventually went down, giving Pakistan an unassailable 3-0 lead

Source:ctvnews.ca