Miracle 604-August 25, 2023

Trudeau promises housing solutions, defends immigration numbers

Under pressure in the polls, Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet began a three-day retreat in Charlottetown, where the prime minister promised housing affordability solutions and defended Canada’s immigration numbers. Experts say they’ve given Trudeau’s cabinet a strategy to tackle the housing crisis. Recent polling shows housing affordability is a major issue for Canadians.

The authors of a recent report that pitched the federal government a way to restore affordability to Can-

ada’s housing market say they’re optimistic their recommendations could soon become Liberal policy after addressing Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and his cabinet in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Tim Richter, president & CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, said addressing Canadians’ anxiety about finding affordable housing is a “bit of a Gordian knot (new window) when it comes to policy.” We were able, I think, to boil it down into a path forward anyway, a place to start to begin

Pilgrims doing the tawaf on Tuesday were caught in storms as lightning hit an iconic tower in Mecca.

Cont. @ page 5 Cont. @ page 5

Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest sites, has seen extreme storms and rain that affected pilgrims, shuttered schools and caused chaotic scenes. Videos online on Tuesday showed pilgrims who were doing the tawaf – circling the Kaaba – getting soaked and slipping on the

floor as heavy rains thrashed and carried objects around. As the rare scenes were unfolding at the giant black cube towards which all Muslims pray, another video showed a bolt of lightning striking the iconic Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel, illuminating the night sky on Tuesday. Hussain al-Qahtani, spokesman for the National Center

Officials urge patience as they work to make neighbourhoods safe for residents to return.

The latest on the wildfires: Latest numbers bring the estimate of properties lost or damaged by Okanagan wildfires to 181.

The Regional District of Central

Okanagan has promised a website will be created so people can check property status. Despite rain in many areas, the Fraser Canyon continues to be dry, as multiple fires threaten communities.B.C.’s emergency management minister is urging residents to leave evacuation zones and Cont. @ page 5

Federal finance minister, who does not own a car, fined for speeding

Chrystia Freeland was fined $273 for going 132 km/h on an Alberta highway. Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, an avid cyclist who says she does not own a car, was fined $273 for speeding in her home province of Alberta, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

Freeland was caught driving 132 km/ hr between the towns of Grande Prairie and Peace River and has paid the

ticket in full, her spokesperson Katherine Cuplinskas said.

Cuplinskas did not say when the incident occurred and what the speed limit had been on that stretch of road.

The maximum speed limit on Alberta highways is 110 km/hr.

The news was first broken by the website Counter Signal.

Freeland, who is also deputy prime minister, represents the central Toronto riding of University–Rosedale and is often photographed on her bike.

“A fact that still shocks my dad is that I don’t actually own a car,” she told reporters last month.“I walk, I take the subway. My kids walk and ride their bikes and take the subway — it’s actually healthier for our family.”

Source: cbc.ca

Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday vowed to continue the fight against terrorism “no matter what”, asserting that surrender was not an option.

“Pakistan will not surrender in front of radicalism, extremism [and] intolerance … this is our home and we will run the country on our terms,” he maintained.The interim premier’s statement comes a day after six soldiers embraced martyrdom during a gun battle with terrorists in the general area of Asman Manza of South Waziristan district.

The military’s media wing said in a press release yesterday that the troops effectively engaged with the terrorists, killing four of them, while two others were injured. Address-

ing a press conference in Karachi today, PM Kakar said: “Those who have misconceptions that such attacks will tire us should know that we will never forget our martyrs or their sacrifices and won’t refrain from such sacrifices in future. “We will, in fact, pursue them.”..

Source: dawn.com

‘Surrender not an option’: PM Kakar vows to continue fight against terrorists

The Hadith of Envy (Hasad)

er in bad things.

Wider Implication and Interlinking

References

Ask the Imam (Q&A) A bad dream will not necessarily come true

By: Omar Abdl-Haleem

the authority of Abû Hurairah that the Prophet said: There shall be no envying of anyone save two (types):

– A man to whom Allah has taught the Quran and who recites it in the watches of the night and the watches of the day. Thus should a neighbor of his hear him, he may say: “Would that I be given what so-and-so has been given so that I might do what he does; and – A man to whom Allah has given (much) wealth, who continually lightens himself of it in (the path of) truth. Thus a man may say: “Would that I be given what so-and-so has been given so that I might do what he does.”

What is Envy (Hasad)?

The Arabic word ‘ ḥasad’ means ‘envy.’ More specifically, it is to wish that the blessing of another be taken away from him/her and given to you so that you can be in a higher state than that person. Or, ‘ ḥasad’ is to desire that a blessing be taken from another so that you may at least feel that you are the equal of another [in a specific regard].

Anyone who allows ḥasad to fester in his or her heart, or who acts or speaks based on the feeling of ḥasad is blameworthy and has committed a sin. Human nature is such in its creation that it is disposed to love being better than others. This being the case, the initial impulse of envy is not sinful. Only when one does not consciously subdue the sinful aspects of this impulse does one become sinful.

When Envy is Not Haram (Prohibited)?

Ḥasad is considered halâl (allowed, encouraged) only when one sees that an ungodly person has a blessing that he uses to commit evil acts — in which case one can wish that the blessing be taken away from such a person. The motivation in this circumstance, however, is not the desire for you yourself to be raised. It is for the general good to be raised.

As for the ḥasad mentioned in the above ḥadîth, it is not to be taken strictly in its literal sense. Rather, it means that one desires these two blessings for oneself so that one might do good works therewith—absent the desire for the other to lose his or her blessing. Thus competition in goodness is good. Allah has said: Then, for this—that is, the delights of Paradise—let the competitors compete.

[Sûrat Al-Mu ṭaffifîn, 83:26]

Further, competition in that which has no moral component (such as in a race or sports), the Sharîʿah neither encourages nor frowns upon it. Conversely, competing in disobedience to Allah is ḥarâm. For this reason the Prophet said:

And do not compete with one another,” meaning, do not compete with one anoth-

The recitation of the Quran and the spending of wealth in the above-mentioned ḥadith symbolizes all good things. That is because the recitation of the Quran in this context means not only the recitation in and of itself, but also the implementation in one’s behavior of what those recited verses call for. Moreover, obedience to Allah is performed through actions and through wealth. Thus the recitation of the Quran represents, by extension, all good actions. Encouraged competition is not restricted to the two specific things which the Prophet ﷺ mentioned in the ḥadîth above. The proof for this is that there are other a ḥadîth in Bukhâri that have the same basic thrust, but with slight variations. For example: There shall be no envy except in two (things):

– A man to whom Allah has given (much) wealth such that Allah uses this man to distribute wealth in the path of truth; and

– A man to whom Allah has given wisdom such that he judges based upon it and teaches”

What is entailed in Al-Hikmah, “[the] Wisdom”?

‘Al-Hikmah, the Quranic term translated ‘[the] wisdom,’ strongly implies in this context the knowledge of ḥadîth. The proof for this is Imam Al-Shâfiʿi’s tafsîr of the verse: Thus be ever mindful of [and repeat often] what is recited in your homes of the verses of Allah and of ‘the wisdom.’ Indeed, ever is Allah subtle, allaware. [Sûrat Al-A ḥzâb, 33:34, Of this verse, Al-Shâfiʿi said:

It is well known that the verses of Allah were recited in the house of the Prophet [that is, his wives’ apartments]. Then what is al- ḥikmah referring to other than the Sunnah?

Thus, this ayah (verse) may be translated what is recited in your homes from among the verses of Allah and from among [the traditions of prophetic] wisdom, that is, a ḥadîth. The Sunnah are the right/ righteous/ maximally God-pleasing ways of Prophet Muhammad, as attested to in the a ḥadîth literature. This exemplary, prophetic model of lifestyle for all humankind is, indeed, the highest form of wisdom–set in action by the Companions of the Prophet.

Also, Al-Kitâb (the Book) is another wording often mentioned in the Quran paired with the mention of al- ḥikmah, such as in the verse, recounting Abraham’s prayer: Our Lord! And send forth among [our descendants] a messenger from their own who shall recite to them Your verses, and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, it is You, You [alone] who are the Overpowering One, the AllWise. [Sûrat Al-Baqarah, 2:129]

Hence, the strong implication is that alHikmah, “[the] wisdom,” in this context refers to the exemplary practice of Muhammad ﷺ, what he had been seen to have wisely done and said, based as it was in his inspired, prophetic behavior, that is, in his Sunnah.

May Allah transform our inclination for envy to all “the Wisdom” (Al-Hikmah) that leads to pleasing our Lord. Source: aljumuah.com

Question 106418: A senior person sees a bad dream about 3 young people of his/her family; He/she narrates it unfortunately. Two of those young people suffer severely in their marital life. The third is going to get married now. What should he/ she do to avoid any ‘shar’.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.Part of the proper conduct concerning seeing a bad dream is that whoever sees it should conceal it and not relate it to others. So this brother was wrong for telling his dream to the people. Please refer to Fataawa 83663 and 158551.Nonetheless, it does not necessarily follow that what happened to these two young people was because of that dream, nor that the third of them will be affected by it. In any case, a Muslim should ask Allaah for well-being in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. Supplication is part of the predetermination, and Allaah may repel with it much affliction. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:

“There is nothing that repels predetermination except supplication.” [Ahmad, At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah]The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to supplicate as follows: “O Allaah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this life and the next. O Allaah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religious and worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth. O Allaah, cover my faults and settle my fears. O Allaah, protect me from the front and from behind and on my right and on my left and from above, and I seek refuge in Your Greatness from catastrophe below me.” [Ahmad and Ibn Maajah] Allaah Knows best. (Source: islam_web)

Classified in Etiquettes, Morals, Thikr and Du’aa’ > Etiquette of Daily Practice

Source: www.islamicity.org/qa

Misconceptions and Umrah in Safar

The month of Safar is one of the most significant months in the calendar of Muslims. According to the scholars, it was the period in the pre-Islamic era when people used to empty their homes and went out to gather food.

Safar comes after Muharram and is named after the emptying of Makkah when pilgrims have completed their journey.

Another tale says that the name Safar was given to the month because around this time people would attack a tribe, take their belongings and leave them empty-handed with nothing to cling on. It is the second month in the calendar, and it means empty.

Important Islamic events in Safar month

The importance of the month is defined by the occurrence of some of the greatest events related to Prophet Muhammad. Some of which are:

• The Prophet migrated to Madinah from Makkah in the month of Safar

• He fell ill in this month

• Prophet’s daughter, Fatima (RA) got married

• Hasan Ibn Ali (RA) and grandson of

Prophet PBUH attained martyrdom

Of all these events and many more, martyrdom is the most respected and remembered in this month. In gatherings, called majalis, sermons are delivered and elegies are recited from the minbar, the Islamic pulpit. It narrates the sufferings borne by al-Imam alHusayn and his companions. A few believe that the disasters or misfortunes during Safar month bring one closer to Allah. It makes people god-fearing and obliging to the almighty. It restores faith in one supreme power that is Allah. As long as people realise that fortune and misfortunes are gifts from God, it will get them only a step closer to Him. Source: www.islamicity.org/qa

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1489) and Muslim (1240)“There is no superstitious owl, bird, no star-promising rain, no bad omen in the month of Safar.”

BUKHÂRI NARRATED IN his book Ṣaḥîḥ Al-Bukhâri on

LOCAL EVENTS

Surrey Car rally on the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan

On August 13, a car rally was held in Surrey to commemorate the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan. For many years, Amin Khan and his friends have organized this rally. They brought a convoy of about 40-50

cars, which were decorated with flags and slogans which descended from Holland park and drove to the residence of Khan located near Surrey Jameh Masjid on 72 ave. A cakecutting ceremony was held, in which MP Sukh Dhaliwal

and many community members and their families participated. Everyone made dua for the prosperity of Pakistan.

Friends of Pakistan Canada (FOP) Celebrates the Independence Day of Pakistan

Cake cutting ceremony hold at Kiyani’s Residence

On August 13, The Friends of Pakistan Canada (FOP) organization celebrated the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan at Taj Park Convention Centre Surrey. Many community members including Surrey City Councillors, the MP, and the Consul General of Pakistan attended the event. Amir Bajwa conducted this

event. President FOP Canada Abdul Rauf Khan and Hon. Janbaz Khan addressed the guests and highlighted the importance of Independence Day of Pakistan. In the end, Joji Ali Khan a famous Pakistan Qawwal, presented many national and folk songs and Qawwalis that were enjoyed by people.

14 August 2023 celebrations at Tarik Kiani’s house thanks to tarik Kiani & family for hosting such a beautiful cake cutting ceremony delicious lunch with great hospitality

Fundraising Dinner held for the construction of Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah

On August 18, the Islamic Association of Western Canada organized a fundraising dinner for Jamia Masjid Awliyaullah which is in the final stage of construction. Mr. Haider Khan was the MC of this fundraising dinner. A large number of Surrey and Vancouver residents participated in this gathering at Taj Park Convention

Centre in Surrey. After the recitation of the Quran, a few Naats e Rasool Maqbool were presented by Mohammad Muzamil and Abdul Rasool Salis. Prof. Imam Syed Badiuddin Soharwardy clearly described the vision of Masjid Aulia Allah to everyone in the audience and motivated them to donate for this under-construction project. Haroon Khan,

Ateeq ur Rehman, Arjumand Tahir, Haider Khan, and Sajid Hameed provided updates on the financial and construction situation of this project, which is located at 127th Street and 100th Ave in Surrey. In the end, the renowned Naat Khawan of Pakistan, Syed Fasihuddin Soharwardy recited the spiritual Naats and Nasheed.

What is being shown on social media?

Nowadays, social media has become an important part of modern society. Social Media including platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter have reached billions of users. It is a technology that has enabled users to connect with each other and changed the concept of distance and time.

In a second, any news reaches millions of miles to billions of people, and they can also comment on it in the form of comments. As you know that nowadays social media is a tool that gives common people an opportunity to express their opinion, share their pictures and videos and any invention is not wrong or bad to use it.

Makes good or bad. Nowadays, every adult and child have access to it. As far as its advantages are concerned, the most important is the function of connecting people. Connecting with old friends makes reconnecting with long-lost family members, meeting new people, and similar interests much easier than before. As if the world has become a global village. However, it is seen that its good use is less, but its bad use is more and therefore distortions are being created in society.

It is seen that if you look at any social media Tik Tok, look at bloggers, it looks like there is a war going on, people are fighting each other and people are wasting their time by spreading hatred against each other.

It becomes a mountain of talk and a mountain of Secale cereale.

Apart from this, social media plays a major role in the increasing incidence of fake news, fraud, fake accounts, hacking and blackmailing.

Today’s youth are lazy, slow, easy going and mentally and intellectually low because of social media addiction. Which makes a difference to their mental and physical health along with losing their valuable time, they are not able to give time to their families due to excessive use of social media.

Having freedom of expression is a good thing, but instead of criticizing in a positive way, social media has seen an increase in insulting each other. Trends are run against the opponents, through which language, provincialism and sectarianism also increase. Man is the best of creation and Allah Almighty has given man the great gift of intellect and consciousness to distinguish

between right and wrong. Now it is up to us how we use it.

Many people including people of all ages are sharing their every moment activities and pictures on social media as if their purpose is just to stay on social media. What restaurant you went to, what you ate, what you drank, everything is available on social media and then the likes and dislikes are also being counted. The same time can also be used for constructive purposes. For example, tips for constructive work should be given.

Yes, social media has facilitated the progress of human beings, while society is going towards destruction due to the negative thinking and misuse of social media. And the reason for this is the human being himself.

The reason for the increase in sexual crimes is social. Obscene content in media, movies, obscene literature, and misuse of mobile phones. With the ease of sharing information and the lack of fact-checking, it can be easy for false or misleading information to spread quickly. This can have serious consequences, as it can lead to the spread of conspiracy theories and misinformation, which can have dire consequences in the real world.

In Pakistan, whatever is going on with the establishment and PTI and the people is a separate war, I don’t want to take you to it, but isn’t social media involved in it too? This is just an example.

Important personalities of different countries also make important messages on the Twitter platform which later become news. Is this a positive thought? We must plan about the misuse of social media, and we have to deal with the evils, if this means is not used properly and wisely, then the society will be destroyed morally and mentally. Therefore, it is important that we use social media internet very wisely and try. Start it with yourself and your whole house and advise your family and friends to use it for necessity. Otherwise according to Allama Iqbal poetry translation. “Your civilization will commit suicide with its own way. Week branch will become a nest on the fragile which will be unstable”

What do you think about social media?

Will think for sure

“Laisa lil insana illa ma sa’a”

(Quran, Chapter 53 Surah Najm verse 39:)

There is nothing for man except what he strives for.

Trudeau promises housing solutions, defends immigration numbers

News Coninued from Page 1

to undo that knot, he told reporters Tuesday.

But before then, I think, governments knew they needed to do something but were really unsure

of what to do, what their role is. Along with co-author Mike Moffatt, founding director of the PLACE Centre at the Smart Prosperity Institute, Richter spoke to cabinet ministers meeting in Charlottetown to regroup ahead of the

fall session of Parliament. Moffatt said they couldn’t reveal what was said behind closed doors, but suggested the cabinet was receptive to their ideas.

I don’t think we would be here unless they were taking this issue se-

riously, but I think it will also be incumbent on activists and others in the group to keep holding the government accountable, he said...

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/

Extreme weather brings winds, fierce rains to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca

News Coninued from Page 1

for Meteorology, posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that the storm brought gale-force winds exceeding 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour.

Al-Qahtani said the Mecca neighbourhood of al-Kakiyyah recorded

45 millimetres (1.8 inches) of rain within 24 hours. Videos online also showed mild flooding in some neighbourhoods of Mecca, forcing citizens to take shelter and stop cars. Conditions appeared similar to a 2015 storm that felled a crane at the Grand Mosque, or the Masjid al-Haram, the mosque enclos-

ing the vicinity of the Kaaba, killing more than 100 people and injuring hundreds more.

Saudi authorities reported no casualties or significant incidents as a result of Tuesday’s storms.

Flash flooding had mostly dissipated by Wednesday morning, according to residents, but the situation

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could still prove risky.

The meteorology centre warned of further storms on Wednesday bringing rain, wind and thunder to the Mecca region and elsewhere in western Saudi Arabia.

Source: aljazeera.com

181 properties confirmed damaged or destroyed by wildfires in B.C.’s Okanagan region

News Coninued from Page 1

let firefighters work.

Wildfire-related travel restrictions have ended in much of B.C.’s southern Interior except for West Kelowna. After speaking with evacuees, B.C. Premier David Eby said the province can start looking at recovery and rebuilding efforts. Learn more about how to find the full list of wildfires, highway closures and evacuation orders and alerts. An estimated 181 properties have been partially or completely destroyed by wildfire in and around

West Kelowna, B.C., officials announced Wednesday, saying residents will soon be able to check the status of their homes online.

Local fire chiefs provided the latest numbers at a news conference Wednesday morning, saying 84 properties have been damaged to some degree in West Kelowna and the Westbank First Nation, while 90 were affected in the North Westside area to the north.

Some of those properties may include multiple structures, such as the Lake Okanagan Resort.

Residents in neighbouring Kelowna were told a day earlier that structures on four properties were lost, while Lake Country saw three homes destroyed.

Officials from the Regional District of Central Okanagan promised residents will be able to check the status of their homes by entering their addresses into a new portal that will be available on the district’s website later Wednesday.

A person with long blonde hair wearing a pink hoodie looks through binoculars at the hillside

dotted with homes.

In the meantime, firefighters and local government officials are asking for patience as evacuation orders are gradually lifted in the region.

More evacuees are expected to be allowed home on Wednesday.

“I’m still out of my house, as is my family. I’m feeling the same thing you guys are,” West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said.

“I’m running out of underwear too, folks.”. Source:cbc.ca/news/

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Shelves emptying as road, airport closures leave some N.W.T. communities without groceries

‘People are people and they bought out the store in about two days,’ says Łútselk’e Co-op manager.

Shelf-stable milk and crackers are among all that’s left in some N.W.T. grocery stores located outside of the capital city.

Wildfires have interrupted N.W.T. supply chains by closing highways and limiting flights out of the Yellowknife airport. For Łútselk’e, N.W.T. — a fly-in community on the east arm of Great Slave Lake — that means the community’s one grocery store is stuck with empty shelves while awaiting deliveries. Joe Yatkowski, manager of the Łútselk’e Co-op, is used to receiving shipments of g=oods seven days a week.

“Now I have none,” he said. “And everybody knows there’s none. So you know what happens? People are people and they bought out the store in about two days.”

Yellowknife-based airline Air Tindi carries shipments to the N.W.T. communities of Łútselk’e, Whatı, Wekweètı and Gamètı

as part of its regular service. The airline is still operating and says it is continuing to fly groceries into communities.

However, now it is flying out of Edmonton — and that’s driving up costs in a big way.

Yatkowski said a 3,100-kilogram food shipment — about 7,000 pounds — would normally cost about $5,000 before the Nutrition North subsidy. Now, that same shipment is billed at approximately $50,000.

Yatkowski points to a four-litre container of milk which would normally cost about $7 after the Nutrition North subsidy.

“What mother can buy that for their babies?” he said...Source: cbc.ca/news

Ottawa considering a cap on international students to ease housing pressure, says Fraser

according to the government’s figures. Fraser — who was the immigration minister until last month’s cabinet shuffle — said he plans to sit down with post-secondary institutions to find out what can be done to make it easier to find living space for those students in a tight rental market.

Pak President Alvi Summons Chief Election Commission To ‘fix Dates’ For General Elections

Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi summoned the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja for a meeting to ‘fix dates’ for upcoming elections.

As the cracks between the ruling regime and Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi intensified, the latter summoned the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja for a meeting. Alvi scheduled the meeting for tomorrow to “fix an appropriate date” for the country’s upcoming general elections. The election that was supposed to take place within 90 days was postponed after former PM Shehbaz Sharif announced that the polls would be held based on the 2023 digital census. Following this, the ECP stated that elections can not be held this year since the body will take time to delimitate the constituencies based on the current population.

On Wednesday, Alvi wrote a letter to CEC stating that it is the “constitutional requirement” for the president to decide the date for general elections. The letter was eventually

posted by the office of the Pakistani President on X, formerly known as Twitter. “By virtue of Article 48 (5) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President is obligated to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution for the holding of General Election of Assembly,”

Latest: The Chief Election Commissioner has been refused to a meet with the President of Pakistan . He decided to reply by letter to President Source:dawnnews.com

JIT allowed to quiz, arrest PTI chief in May 9 attacks case

• Babar Awan says party chairman’s cell not changed, despite assurances

Housing affordability one of the main issues as cabinet meets for three days in P.E.I. The federal government is considering a cap on the number of international students to ease the pressure on the housing market, says the man now tasked with tackling Canada’s housing crisis. “I think that’s one of the options that we ought to consider,” federal Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Sean Fraser told reporters as the Liberal cabinet gathered in Charlottetown on Monday. “I think we need to do some serious thinking here.” Canada hosted more than 800,000 international students last year,

“If they’re going to continue to bring in record numbers of students, that they are being part of the solution as well by making sure that they have a place to live,” he said. He also took aim at institutions he accused of exploiting students and exacerbating the housing crisis. “When you see some of these institutions that have five, six times as many students enrolled as they have spaces for them in the building ... you’ve got to start to ask yourself some pretty tough questions,” he said. There are good private institutions out there and separating the wheat from the chaff is going to be a big focus of the work that I tried to do with [Immigration Minister Marc] Miller.”..

Source: cbc.ca/news

arrested in theft of $10K in firefighting equipment from vehicles in Kamloops

dangerous and volatile environments.

Team led by JIT head to visit Attock jail on Friday

• Imran’s arrest to be documented at the jail, no transfer planned

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Wednesday allowed a joint investigation team (JIT) to interrogate and arrest incarcerated PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the case of the attack on the corps commander’s house in Lahore during May 9 riots. The JIT’s convenor, the DIG (Investigation) Lahore, filed an application with the administrative judge of the ATC seeking permission to interrogate and arrest the former prime minister in FIR No 96/2023 registered by Sarwar Road police regarding the attack on Jinnah House, which also serves as the residence of the corps commander.Source: dawnnews.com

B.C. premier encourages community co-operation after wildfire tension in Shuswap

Another 2 male suspects fled scene of theft in progress, according to RCMP

One young person has been arrested after an estimated $10,000 worth of equipment for fighting wildfires was stolen in Kamloops, B.C., according to RCMP. Some of the equipment, which includes a medic kit and a defibrillator, was taken Tuesday at around 2:35 a.m. from two vehicles parked in the 1400-block of Hugh Allan Drive, a police press release says. A similar theft of wildfire gear was reported a day earlier in the same location. “The items stolen were directly related to local wildfire response,” RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said in the release. “It is extremely disheartening to see these crimes occurring and potentially hampering the efforts of those who are trying to protect life and property in extremely

Investigators say a black truck was connected to both thefts. A vehicle matching that description was spotted later Tuesday morning in connection with yet another theft in progress, and officers managed to arrive in time to confront the suspects. A youth who is known to police was found inside the truck, along with a pellet rifle and some of the missing wildfire gear, according to the RCMP. He was arrested for possession of stolen property.

Two other male suspects allegedly fled the scene before police arrived. According to investigators, the truck involved in the thefts had also been reported stolen from Kamloops. The suspect has since been released from custody while Mounties continue their investigation, and they’re asking anyone with information to come forward.

“We will be working proactively with our partners and the public to ensure that those found responsible for any thefts affecting the ability of firefighters on the front lines are held to full account, with zero tolerance displayed for such senseless criminal acts,” Pelley said... Source: cbc.ca/news

David Eby says dealing with destructive wildfires is going to take everyone working together. The firefighting effort in B.C.’s Shuswap region has led to tension between residents — some of whom have defied wildfire evacuation orders — and provincial officials. In recent days, residents have voiced concerns that not enough is being done to protect their homes. But the B.C. Wildfire Service says defying evacuation orders impedes firefighting efforts and puts firefighters and residents at risk. People who live in the region say they feel abandonment and even hostility as RCMP patrol the area and provincial officials and the wildfire service speak out about the repurposing or outright theft of wildfire equipment. Premier David Eby visited a Kamloops-area evacuation centre on Tuesday to meet the B.C. residents

who were forced to flee their homes due to the destructive fires. He spoke to Shelley Joyce, host of CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops, on Wednesday to discuss how Shuswap residents can co-ordinate with the B.C. Wildfire Service amid the growing frustration.

Source:ctvnews.ca

Bangladesh: Hasina Meets Chinese President: Xi calls for stepping up cooperation

in infrastructure, information technology, new energy and agriculture, among other areas, reports Xinhua.The meeting between the two was held at the Hotel Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday evening on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping during his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called on China and Bangladesh to push for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and give full play to their economic complementarity. Xi, during his bilateral meeting with Hasina, also urged the two sides to step up cooperation

Bangladesh premier arrived in Johannesburg on Tuesday to attend the summit. On August 24, she will deliver a speech on behalf of Bangladesh as a member of the “New Development Bank of BRICS” at Friends of BRICS Leaders Dialogue (BRICS-Africa Outreach and the BRICS Plus Dialogues) comprising representatives from 70 countries, reports BSS. Chinese President Xi arrived in South Africa on Monday night... Source: thedailystar.net

Suspect

International

Ottawa says it’s talking to provinces, territories and other key partners to address student housing shortage.

Incoming George Brown international student Harshal Bhasgauri says he’s dipped into his family’s savings in India to pay months of rent in advance just to get a shot at finding a place to live in Toronto for the school year. Even then, he says the past four months of searching for housing were filled with unanswered and rejected rental applications, leaving him wondering why he was invited to come to Canada if there was no housing available. “I am always moments away from like a mental breakdown, just from the stress of wondering if I’m going to be homeless,” said Bhasgauri, 24.

“While it’s super beneficial for Canada to bring immigrants, and it gives people from other countries a chance to experience a first-world country … I think at some point this country needs to realize that they’re just going one step forward and two steps back.” Would you share a single room with 3 other people? The influx of international students has been increasing steadily. A record 550,150 international student study permits

were issued last year, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). That’s a 75 per cent increase from just five years ago.

Experts note there’s currently no cap on the number of students coming here, and no requirement by provincial or federal governments to make schools build corresponding housing. The IRCC says it’s reviewing its international student program, with the federal housing minister saying Monday the federal government is considering a cap on the number of international students to ease the pressure on the housing market. But advocates say more needs to be done at all levels to not only build more housing for international students, but to examine the incentives schools have to bring students to Canada in the first place. Schools benefit from international students

Steve Pomeroy, a senior research fellow for the Centre for Urban Research and Education at Carleton University, pointed to the federal government’s growth in study permit approvals even as provinces gradually cut

back on post-secondary funding throughout the years. He says this has prompted postsecondary institutions to use international students as a way to make up for lost revenue. “You can spread the blame around,” said Pomeroy. Mateusz Salmassi, the director of advocacy for the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), says the organization has heard from international students like Bhasguari who say they were asked to pay months or even a year’s worth of rent in advance to secure a unit. He says some students shared stories of living in cramped and unsafe housing that was in disrepair, while others said they had to live in their cars because they couldn’t find anywhere else to live. According to Salmassi, who is himself an international student from the United States, the lengths these students go to in order to find housing compromises the whole point of immigrating to Canada in the first place, especially because he says they pay much more in tuition fees than domestic students.

“If students have unstable enough housing and can’t afford housing, their ability to get to graduation is put at risk,” he said.

Racialized students can face discrimination

According to IRCC data from 2023, the bulk of international students came from China, Nigeria, the Philippines and India, with the latter comprising about 40 per cent of all study permits granted.

Tania Das Gupta, a gender, sexuality and women’s studies professor at York University who specializes in immigration, says that because international students are usually racialized, discrimination and racism on the part of landlords can make it even harder for this group to find housing.

“Instead of blaming them for their own situation, I think we need to focus on the institutions … that are benefiting from the revenues that they’re paying,” said Das Gupta.

Source: cbc.ca/news

Critics alarmed as Sask. government scales back sexual health education

province’s schools, according to Duncan’s letter sent to all chairs of boards of education in the province.

Duncan has said these policy changes were made so “students can be successful and that parents are more involved in their children’s education.” However, experts worry the changes will actually put students at risk.

Experts say policy changes misguided as province grapples with high STI, teen pregnancy and abuse rates

Experts and other critics say the Saskatchewan government’s decision to limit comprehensive sexual health education in schools is concerning. On Tuesday morning, Minister of Education Dustin Duncan said teachers are no longer allowed to invite third-party educators into their classrooms for lessons on sexual health education.

As an example in the ministry cited the ARC Foundation and its SOGI 123 program, which offers resources to educators promoting an inclusive approach to sexual orientation and gender identity, but does not specifically include sex education in its lesson modules. Parents will also have the opportunity to opt their kids out of “all or part” of the Human Sexuality unit taught in the

“To provide comprehensive sexual education can be very difficult, especially spanning multiple grades, and that is very often why educators seek out our assistance,” said Caitlin Cottrell, who is the executive director of Saskatoon Sexual Health — one of the organizations that is now banned from working with students in classrooms.

Cottrell said there seems to be a misunderstanding about what Saskatoon Sexual Health teaches. “We are not teaching children how to have sex. We are not teaching children or youth about promiscuity. We are teaching safety,” she said.

“What we spend a lot of time discussing is consent and boundaries, relationship dynamics.” She said they also focus on age-appropriate lessons about sexually-transmitted infections and contraception, which is especially important in a province that consist-

ently has high rates of teen pregnancy, Hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis and chlamydia.

“Our purpose is to provide education to youth so they can avoid the negative outcomes,” she said, adding they can offer students support and advice in a non-judgmental, evidence-based manner.

Cottrell said it’s also often easier for students to speak with outside educators about topics or situations they might perceive as “embarrassing,” rather than with teachers they have to interact with every day, Cottrell said.

“It can often be easier to ask someone who, for lack of a better term, doesn’t necessarily have a stake in their game. We are here for a specific thing, and then you don’t necessarily need to see us ever again.”

Child psychiatrist troubled by policy change

Saskatoon child psychiatrist Tamara Hinz

said she found the province’s announcement troubling. “I was very surprised and very disappointed,” Hinz said. “I think there’s real harm in othering education around reproductive health and consent compared to other parts of the curriculum.”

Hinz said there are many studies that show strong correlations between the lack of sex education or poor quality sex education and rates of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted or teen pregnancies.

“It’s just really astonishing to me that we would be taking a step back in that kind of really important education.”

In its new policy, the government has also mandated that Saskatchewan schools must now inform parents about the sexual health education curriculum, and let them opt out of it on behalf of their children.

Julian Wotherspoon, executive director of Planned Parenthood Regina, said Saskatchewan’s high STI, teen pregnancy and domestic abuse numbers are not going to be helped by allowing people to pick and choose what information children get. “I think this is an overstep by the government, and then also perhaps just a misunderstanding of our role as parents,” said Wotherspoon, who is a mother... Source: cbc.ca

The Greens’ Elizabeth May says the secret ‘annex’ report failed to answer her questions Months after the Liberal government offered opposition leaders the opportunity to

1,614 bags of litter, 1,603 dumped items disposed of during two-week blitz in Surrey Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has completed its first two-week ‘Clean-Blitz’ pilot program aiming to build community pride by keeping the city clean and beautiful. From August 8-18, City crews collected 1,614 bags of litter and removed 1,603 dumped items from over 1,000 locations throughout the city. Crews started the intensive clean-up efforts in Newton before moving on to other town centres.

view classified intelligence related to former special rapporteur David Johnston’s report on alleged China-backed meddling in Canadian politics, a dispute is brewing over what was promised — and what was actually delivered. Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May expressed frustration last week (new window) with the level of information provided to her in the classified documents and said she was requesting access to additional materials. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Friday the information May

“I am very appreciative of our staff for their dedication in making Surrey’s first Clean Blitz pilot project such a success,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “From disposing hundreds of pieces of furniture and electronics to collecting over 1,600 bags of litter, our crews worked hard to get the job done. It’s programs like this that help increase community pride by creating cleaner, safer, healthier, and more vibrant neighbourhoods for our residents and businesses. We can all do our part to keep our city

saw was what she and other opposition leaders were promised. Before resigning from his role as special rapporteur, Johnston published an initial report (new window) that, in part, addressed media allegations about Beijing-backed meddling in Canadian elections and Canadian politics.

When viewed in full context with all of the relevant intelligence, several leaked materials that raised legitimate questions turn out to have been misconstrued in some media reports, presumably because of the lack of

clean by using services such as the Large Item Pick-Up Program. If you see illegal dumping, please report it online at www.surrey.ca/report or by calling 604-591-4370.”

Breakdown of dumped items:

Furniture: 422

Mattresses: 102

Appliances/Electronics: 110

Hazardous/Oils: 20

Misc General Garbage: 949

The City is committed to keeping Surrey clean

this context, Johnston wrote. Johnston’s report detailed the major allegations put forth in media reports published by Global News and The Globe and Mail and offered his conclusions on each allegation based on his review of the intelligence. In his executive summary, Johnston said he had compiled a confidential annex to his report that addresses the major media allegations in detail and includes citations to the intelligence documents and other products that led me to my conclusions. Source: ci.radio-canada.

and safe throughout the year with regular litter pick up, Large Item Pick-up Program, and two recycling and waste centres where residents can dispose of unwanted items. From: media.requests@surrey.ca

students say they want to study in Canada, but staying is a problem if they can’t find housing

BRICS nations agree to expand developing world bloc

Turkey wants Iraq to designate PKK a ‘terrorist’ organisation: Top diplomat

While all BRICS members had publicly expressed support for growing the bloc, there had been divisions among the leaders over how much and how quickly.

Leaders of the BRICS bloc of leading developing countries have agreed mechanisms for considering new members, South Africa said on Wednesday, paving the way for dozens of interested nations to join the group which has pledged to

champion the “Global . Agreement on expansion could help lend global clout to BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - at a time when geopolitical polarisation is spurring efforts by Beijing and Moscow to forge it into a viable counterweight to the West. “We have agreed on the matter of expansion,” South Africa’s foreign minister Naledi Pandor said on Ubuntu Radio, a station run by her ministry, following a meeting by BRICS leaders at a three-day summit in South Africa.”We have a document that we’ve adopted which sets out guidelines and principles, processes for considering countries that wish to become members of BRICS...That’s very positive.”..

Source: deccanherald.com/

Wagner chief Prigozhin on board plane that crashed north of Moscow, Russian civil aviation agency says

Crash left 10 people dead; Prigozhin was leader of short-lived mutiny 2 months ago.

Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military earlier this year, was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, according to Russia’s civil aviation agency.The crash immediately

raised suspicions since the fate of the founder of the Wagner private military company has been the subject of intense speculation since he mounted the mutiny. At the time, Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the rebellion as “treason” and a “stab in the back” and vowed to avenge it. But the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped. The Wagner chief, whose troops were some of the best forces fighting for Russia in Ukraine, was allowed to retreat to Belarus, while reportedly popping up in Russia from time to time. There was no official comment Wednesday from the Kremlin or the Defence Ministry on the fate of Prigozhin.The crash also comes after Russian media reported that a top general linked to Prigozhin was dismissed from his position as commander of the air force...Source: cbc.ca/news

US charges crypto founders over alleged support for North Korean hackers

Turkey says PKK is a threat to Iraqi security, ignoring Baghdad’s complaints about Ankara’s air attacks on Iraqi soil.

Turkey expects the government in Iraq to officially recognise the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or the PKK, as a “terrorist” organisation, mirroring Ankara and its Western allies, its foreign minister says. Turkey’s top diplomat, Hakan Fidan,

was in Baghdad on Tuesday on his first official visit since taking office. Fidan, whose visit is also aimed at preparing for an upcoming trip by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan –which as yet does not have an official date – described the PKK as a common enemy.

“We cannot accept PKK challenging the sovereignty of Iraq,” he told a joint news conference after sitting down with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, in the Iraqi capital. “Sinjar, Makhmour, Qandil, Sulaimaniyah, and many other Iraqi districts have been occupied by the PKK terror group.” Baghdad has regularly complained that Turkish air attacks in northern Iraq constitute a violation of its sovereignty, despite Ankara’s claims that it is trying to face off a force that has “occupied” parts of Iraq.

Source:aljazeera.com

Egyptian opposition activist transferred to prison to await trial

Hisham Kassem’s al-Tayyar al-Hurr plans to back an opposition candidate to President el-Sisi in the next election.

Egyptian authorities have transferred prominent publisher and political activist Hisham Kassem to prison as he awaits trial on slander and verbal assault charges, his lawyer has said. Kassem is a leader of al-Tayar al-Hurr, or Free Current, a liberal group formed in June in opposition to the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is expected to run for a third term by early 2024. Fellow al-Tayar al-Hurr organiser Gameela Ismail said the coalition intends to offer or support a candidate for the election, and that the government had been pressuring members since its formation.

Rights groups estimate tens of thousands of people have been jailed for political dissent under el-Sisi, who took power after leading the 2013 coup that overthrew the country’s first democratically elected president, Mo-

hamed Morsi.

Kassem was detained on Sunday, soon after the release of several high-profile activists, including Ahmed Douma, last week and researcher Patrick Zaki and rights lawyer Mohamed el-Baqer in July.

The US Department of State welcomed the releases, but urged Egypt to release “all unjustly detained political prisoners”...

Source:aljazeera.com

US officials allege Tornado Cash facilitated $1bn in money laundering transactions for North Korea’s Lazarus Group.

The United States has charged two cofounders of the cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash with money laundering and other crimes a year after authorities banned the Russian-founded platform over its alleged support of North Korean hackers. Roman Semenov and Roman Storm have been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit sanc-

tions violations, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business, the US justice department said in a statement on Wednesday. Storm, a naturalised US citizen, was arrested in Washington state on Wednesday. Semenov, a Russian national, has yet to be taken into custody. Alexey Pertsev, a third cofounder, was arrested in the Netherlands in August last year on money laundering charges. US officials have accused Tornado Cash, which was sanctioned by the US treasury last year, of facilitating more than $1bn in money laundering transactions and laundering hundreds of millions of dollars for the hacking outfit Lazarus Group, which has been implicated in funding North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme. “While publicly claiming to offer a technically sophisticated privacy service, Storm and Semenov, in fact, knew that they were helping hackers and fraudsters conceal the fruits of their crimes,” US Attorney Damian Williams said...

Source: aljazeera.com

FIJI: No strike from nurses

Fiji’s nurses are not going on strike. This was stated by Fiji Nursing Association (FNA) president Dr Alisi Vudiniabola after a meeting with Ministry of Health officials in Suva yesterday. She said the association was not aware of where the talk of a nurses’ strike came from but “we will not have a strike”. However, she said the banners protesting the treatment of nurses would be kept up until their demands were met as they were not 100 per cent satisfied with the meeting outcome. About 2000 registered nurses are expected to experience discrepancies on their paycheck today as the $11.6 million budget allocation to cater

Sudan: Fighting for army base rages for third day in Sudan’s capital Khartoum

Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are trying to take one of the army’s last strongholds in the capital.

Sudanese military factions battled for a third day over an army base in the capital, witnesses have said, as both sides struggle for advantage in a more than four-month war that has devastated the country. After the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) circulated video of its soldiers claiming to have entered the base and captured tanks, army sources on Tuesday said they had managed to drive them out. If the army were to lose the Armoured Corps base, its last stronghold in the capital, Khartoum, would be the army headquarters in the centre of the city.

Residents committees reported displacement and deaths among civilians during days of clashes... Source: aljazeera.com

SOMALIA: The international community should stop giving weapons to Somalia President Hassan Sheikh,

The international community should stop giving weapons to Somalia President Hassan Sheikh, who is using live ammunition to attack the Bantu community protesters.

for the upgrade of nurses’ salaries and overtime comes into effect.

Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong said nurses could expect a pay discrepancy because of the aged computer systems.

Source: fijitimes.com

The Bantu community in Somalia has been discriminated for centuries because they are a minority compared to other communities. A federal Somali lawmaker, Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, has strongly condemned the government’s use of violent response against demonstrators protesting the arrest of a military officer, as members of the security forces used live ammunition

on protests in Mogadishu on Sunday. Somali MP Abdirahman Warsame criticized the manner in which Somali government forces captured Genaral Shegow Ahmed Ali on Saturday, describing it as a deviation from established governmental protocols. He emphasized that Shegow was a military officer, necessitating a court order for his arrest....Source: somalitimes.co.uk

Consulate General of Pakistan in Vancouver celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day

On August 14, the Consulate General of Pakistan organized a ceremony on the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan at the Vancouver Club. This invite-only event was attended by dignitaries and community members including Consul General of USA James P. DeHart, MP for Vancouver- Granville Taleeb NoorMohamed, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation and MLA for Surrey-Whalley Bruce Ralston, and many other political figures. The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which Canadian and Pakistani National Anthems were played. MP NoorMohamed, MLA Ralston spoke about the relations between Canada and Pakistan. The Consul of Pakistan Vancouver, Janbaz Khan explained the history of Pakistan and recent developments. He emphasized on sports, in particular, Pakistan’s involvement with the manufacturing of soccer balls for international tournaments including the world cup. He said that they have a plan to start promoting sports clubs for Canadian children in grades 9 to 12 from BC. In the end, a delicious dinner catered by Karakoram Restaurant was served to the guests.

Pakistan Western Canada Trade Association holds EXPO 2023 at the Pipe Shop

On August 19 &20, the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver was filled with Pakistani businesses who had been invited by the by the Pakistan Western Canada Trade Association for a trade Expo. This successful event was led by Bushra Rehman with the support of her colleague Rabia Dastgir and many others. The Expo was a very colorful display of Pakistani products,

which showed the talents and skills of the Pakistani nation. The first day of the Expo was inaugurated by HE. Zaheer Janjua, High Commission of Pakistan who visited each stall and discussed Pakistani Products in detail with the vendors. He was accompanied by the Consul General of Pakistan, Janbaz Khan. This Expo promoted cultural connections and business opportunities for

Pakistan in Canada and provide trade opportunities between both countries.

The Miracle Media had the opportunity to cover the inaugural day live on Facebook and also interview exhibitors about their products and the efforts and hurdles to come to Vancouver. There were challenges with Visas and unexpected delays in shipment of products. However, the exhibitors,

attendees, and organizers made the best of the situation and made this expo a grand success. We would like to congratulate the Pakistan Western Canada Trade Association and especially Ms. Bushra Rehman and the Pakistan Consulate Office Vancouver for a successful event.

Nearly 200 structures lost or damaged by wildfires in Kelowna, B.C., area, officials say

of the scope and scale of what we’re dealing with,” Brolund said.

Three property owners in the City of Kelowna and three in the District of Lake Country had already been contacted by Tuesday morning to confirm they suffered “significant structural damage,” the RDCO’s emergency operations centre said in a news release. Officials are still working to notify one additional property owner in Kelowna. Around 100 additional homes and structures were lost throughout the regional district, according to officials.

THE LATEST:

Emergency crews have counted nearly 200 homes and structures that have been lost or damaged by the wildfires burning in the Kelowna, B.C., area, officials revealed Tuesday. The Regional District of the Central Okanagan said notifying affected homeowners would be a priority throughout the day in West Kelowna, the Westbank First Nation and surrounding areas.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund acknowledged the heartbreak many are facing in his community, but also noted there’s no sign anyone perished in the city’s evacuation zones. Members of the Canada Task Force 1 used dog teams to conduct targeted searches of evacuated areas, and didn’t locate anyone who had been left behind.

“To the best of our knowledge at this time, there has been no loss of life and there are no missing persons outstanding from the fire,” Brolund said at a news conference Tuesday. “That’s very encouraging news for all of us.” Any potential missing persons cases should be reported to the RCMP, Brolund added. Around 90 properties were either fully or partially lost in West Kelowna, with fewer than 20 others affected in the Westbank First Nation, according to the fire chief. “I hope that provides the public with some

Thousands of people remain under evacuation orders throughout the area, but Loyal Wooldridge, chairperson of the RDCO, said crews are working “around the clock” to clear away hazards so evacuees can return home safely. As neighbours begin learning whether they have a home to return to, Wooldridge urged affected communities to support one another.

Wildfires:

B.C. is having longer hot seasons, warmer year-round weather and more drought. These changes in the climate are making it easier for wildfires to start and spread.

• Impacts of frequent and severe wildfires

• Future risks of wildfires in B.C.

• B.C. is taking action

• Emergency preparedness and information

Impacts of frequent and severe wildfires

Wildfires are unplanned and uncontrolled fires in natural areas, like forests and grasslands.

B.C. has always experienced wildfires.

Wildfires can be important to the lifecycles of natural areas. They clear out dead plants, creating space for new plants to grow.

carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere. When we lose forests to wildfires, they release a large amount of carbon into the air. Human activity also releases lots of carbon into the air. Over time, all this carbon builds up and causes hotter temperatures, which causes more wildfires.

Future risks of wildfires in B.C.

As B.C.’s climate keeps changing, we will see large wildfires more often.

Bigger, hotter fires

• Longer, hotter summers lead to more droughts and a longer wildfire season. Dry conditions make it easier for lightning storms and strong winds to start fires. These fires can spread, combine and burn for longer.

• Wildfire burning with billowing smoke in a forest.

Danger for homes and communities

“Unfortunately, the most challenging days are not behind us,” he said. “What I know is our region’s strength is unwavering, and we will be there for one another. And remember, united as a region we will recover, rebuild and restore.” Province-wide, more than 27,000 people remain displaced due to wildfires, with another 35,000 under evacuation alerts, meaning they must be prepared to leave on short notice. Source:bc.ctvnews.ca/

New growth helps feed animals. Some plants, like pine trees, need fire to open their pinecones and release seeds. When fires happen more often and burn hotter, natural areas don’t always have time to recover.

A cycle of impact

Pests, like the mountain pine beetle, usually die out during the coldest winter months. With warmer winters, this isn’t happening. These pests damage and kill trees, making forests burn easily and quickly when a fire starts.

Healthy forests store climate-changing

• Bigger, hotter, more frequent wildfires can threaten the places we live. Evacuations may displace people. Homes and livelihoods may be at risk.

Poorer air quality

Smoke from the wildfires lowers our air quality, making it hard to breathe and unsafe to be outside. People with chronic health conditions are even more at risk for negative impacts from wildfire smoke.

https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

By: Umair Javed

INCIDENTS of anti-minority mob violence

under the pretext of blasphemy allegations have risen steadily since the mid-2000s.

As per the usual, formulaic response, last week’s incident in Jaranwala was followed by a range of condemnations from the civil and military leadership and from the mainstream, high-profile clerics of all denominations.The specificity with which places of worship were targeted by a large crowd is evidence of both the scale of the rot within society and the high level of local organisation required to make it possible. TLP, other Barelvi extremists, and their backers have much to answer for.

A preliminary analysis of the Jaranwala tragedy shows that anti-minority mob violence has two aspects. The first of these is the lawand-order aspect, which is what state officials tend to focus on. The assumption is that in any society there will be instances where violence can become likely. However, local authorities should be able to take administrative steps required to defuse any potential situation, such as a blasphemy allegation, that may result in violence. If law-and-order administration is effective and far-sighted enough, such an intervention would help mitigate the risk of a fullblown riot. In the Jaranwala case, it was not. Failing to resolve a situation prior to its es-

calation, the law-and-order aspect of the response would then involve managing a mob to limit its ability to carry out violence. Whether this is through riot control, detention, or other use of force, is immaterial. The aim should be to prevent any loss of life and property of a community at risk.

In the Jaranwala case, this too did not happen. In fact, if video evidence is anything to go by, local law enforcement remained passive, while administrators attempted to negotiate with the extremists from a position of weakness. Extremist clerics, pandering politicians, conniving generals, statusseeking businessmen, and honour-seeking young men all feed into it.

The third stage, having failed at the first two, involves punitive consequences for those involved in the violence. This would mean strong punishments that are sufficient to act as a deterrent. The idea being that while one unfortunate incident has happened, the consequences would be enough to prevent another one from taking place.

Worth pointing out that there were zero convictions from the 2013 Joseph Colony incident so there is no deterrence to speak of. A hundred houses were burnt and 115 accused persons were acquitted. It seems the houses set themselves on fire.

Beyond the law-and-order aspect, the second aspect of mob violence is social and political. Mobs are not instant creations. The ideas that rile them up do not appear out of nowhere. The methods they use for violence are not spontaneously learned. The resources they draw on do not magically descend from heaven (or, as would be more appropriate, ascend from hell). All of these things have definitive roots in society.

The sociopolitical aspect of violent incidents

such as the one in Jaranwala is far harder to tackle because it is so wide-ranging. A toxic mix of extremist clerics, pandering politicians, conniving generals, status-seeking businessmen, and honour-seeking young men all feeds into it.

Over the past decade and a half, Pakistani society has witnessed the Barelvi far-right gain recognition, prestige, and massive followership by weaponising the issue of blasphemy and respect for the Prophet (PBUH). Drawing on global incidents, they have domesticated the idea of a threat to Islam in a country that is 95 per cent Muslim. Incidents like Jaranwala happen because of the takeover of mosques, the discrediting of mainstream clerics, and the use of grassroots organising and digital outreach. But they also happen because generals are happy to co-opt these movements for political ends. They happen, in part, because a braying mob paid a few thousand rupees each is useful to cut down a political government to size. And because a few thousand votes are useful to achieve the desired election result. They happen because a politician who gets up and says he would cut off the head of an alleged blasphemer ends up validating vigilante violence as a source of prestige. A politician who says he will not forgive oters for endangering respect for the Prophet (PBUH) by attempting to make a procedural change in some legal document is also part of the problem.

A politician who makes unfathomable changes to marriage documents in a bid to publicise his pious credentials has also contributed to the issue. And an assembly that attempts to pass legislation widening the ambit of blasphemy and endangering an entire sect is adding explosive fuel to an al-

ready burning fire.

There are other contributions at play here as well. There is the local bureaucrat who doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers. There’s a businessman who wants to earn a bit of recognition in the community, so ends up sponsoring a few religious gatherings and donates to a local TLP chapter.

Maybe he does it under pressure, maybe he believes in what’s being preached, or maybe he’s just in it for the name on the banner or the plaque outside the mosque. The intentions are immaterial because the outcome is the same.

And then there is the actual mob itself. Young men, with little prospects of upward social and material mobility. Religious rhetoric provides them with a sense of community and of being a part of something bigger. Indoctrinated with notions of honour and masculinity that can only be validated by taking revenge from some vulnerable minority over an imagined crime they probably didn’t even commit.

Even in a state of heightened pessimism, one could see the possibility of a low-capacity state like Pakistan fixing the law and order aspect of mob violence to some degree. Addressing the toxic social and political aspect, however, seems far more difficult.

The writer teaches politics and sociology at Lums.

Unit 203-7750-128th St., Surrey

Ph: 778-922-3338

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Sahib and Nasir Khan prepared a small improvised dolly to help rescue those stuck hundreds of metres above ground.

Islamabad, Pakistan – As the rescue of eight people, including six children, from a dangling cable car at almost 275m (about 900 feet) in Pakistan went on, the entire country was gripped with suspense and fear.

The Tuesday, August 22 operation, which was described by the Pakistan Army as “very difficult”, lasted for more than 10 hours and involved multiple helicopters and local zip line experts. On Tuesday morning, six children and two adults boarded a rickety cable car, locally known as a “dolly”, in Pashto village, roughly 60km (37 miles) from Battagram district in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

It was a journey they took on a daily basis on the way to their schools and shops. Five minutes into the roughly 10-minute journey, two of the three cables snapped, leaving the cable precariously hanging.

Military helicopters arrived on the scene lat-

How the locals stepped in for dangling cable car rescue in Pakistan?

er but despite repeated attempts for the next few hours, they were initially unable to make any progress.

A local cleric, Mufti Hassan Zaib, said he was at the spot for almost the entire day as rescue efforts unfolded. “I reached there around midday and a lot of other locals were waiting for rescue efforts to start. Some offered their services, but the administration asked them to wait for the army helicopters to arrive,” he told Al Jazeera.

Sahib Khan, a resident of the nearby Bisham town, reached the location with his elder brother Nasir and two other colleagues.

The Khan brothers, who were called by the local administration, had been running a makeshift cable car business in the region – dotted with hills and tall trees. Using this mode of transportation remains the fastest way to reach one’s destination as the journey could otherwise take hours.

When they reached the location, they were asked to wait for the army helicopter to conduct the rescue. “We told the administration to give us a chance to carry out the rescue but were asked to wait,” Nasir, 29, told Al Jazeera. “We were there for four to five hours but by the evening, the army was able to rescue just one child using the helicopters. Then, it got dark.” Half an hour before sunset, rescue workers retrieved the first passenger: 14-year-old Irfan, who was taken

out through a sling operation using the helicopter. His father Umrez watched the rescue with his heart in his mouth. “It’s a miracle, a gift of God, that my son is still alive,” the 55-year-old told Al Jazeera.

“To see your child hanging in the air like that, it’s probably one of the worst sights … and being so helpless to do anything about it.” Hope turned to fear as it became clear that the aerial operation would be impossible to continue after sunset. It was close to 12 hours since the incident and patchy mobile phone signals in the area made communication tougher. That is when the Khan brothers’ team swung into action.

Pictures and videos posted on social media show a young man who had prepared a smaller, temporary dolly through a zip line with his brother and colleagues.

With Nasir on the ground and helping with the pulley, Sahib, the younger of the two, hopped on the dolly after 7pm (14:00 GMT) – almost 12 hours after the incident – and made his way towards the children, knowing that a minor mistake could cost the lives of seven people in the cable car – and his life, too. As he approached the dangling gondola, Sahib remembers seeing exhausted children who were barely able to talk. “They were shocked and asked if everybody had forgotten about them on the ground,” he told Al Jazeera. Tying a rope to the children was a

Haris Rauf’s five-wicket burst sends Afghanistan packing for 59 in pursuit of 202

Fiery pacer Haris Rauf led a pace assault on Afghanistan with a career-best five-wicket haul to give Pakistan a thumping 142-run victory in the first one-day international in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota on Tuesday.

Rauf’s shattering 5-18 in 6.2 overs forced Afghanistan to their second-lowest ODI totals of 59 in a staggering 19.2 overs after Pakistan were bowled out for 201 in 47.1 overs.

The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series — the first bilateral between the two nations — with the remain-

ing matches in Colombo on Thursday and Saturday. Rauf carried on the demolition act after fellow fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had removed Ibrahim Zadran (nought) and Rahmat Shah (nought) off successive deliveries in the third over. It had become 3-4 when Naseem Shah dismissed Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, also without scoring, before passing the baton to Rauf to complete the rout.

Rauf grabbed wickets of Ikram Alikhil (four), top scorer Rahmanullah Gurbaz (18),

Mohammad Nabi (seven), Rashid Khan (nought) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (four) to complete the rout. Rauf’s previous best of 4-65 was against England at Birmingham in 2021. Shaheen finished with 2-9.

Teams: Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil,

Five life lessons to learn from Kabli Pulao

Without giving away too much of the plot, we can safely say — despite having only a handful of episodes so far, the drama has managed to offer profound insights into the human experience, painting a picture of resilience, cultural fusion, and evolving relationships.

Here are some life lessons we have learned from Kabli Pulao so far:

Sabeena Farooq and Mohammed Ehteshamuddin’s drama touches the heart, stirs emotions and gives us a chance to introspect.

Every now and then, we see a drama that touches the heart, stirs emotions, and gives us a chance to introspect. Kabli Pulao is one such masterpiece. With only six episodes out so far, the drama has already drawn us in with its compelling storytelling, acting and impeccable direction. Bonus points for the camera work!

Kabli Pulao revolves around an Afghan refugee widow Barbeena (portrayed by Sabeena Farooq) who marries a middle-aged man named Haji Mushtaq, known as Haji saheb (played by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin). Haji saheb brings her back to his family home, introducing her, not as his wife, but as the househelp. Soon, family members begin suspecting that there is more to the story.

Every cloud has a silver lining Barbeena is a resilient woman whose life is far from being easy. After losing the love of her life, Baraan, she is widowed and forced to take refuge in Mardan, Pakistan with her two brothers. She marries Haji saheb and lives her newlywed life as a housemaid, forced to hide her relationship and pretend for the sake of her husband. Despite falling victim to a number of passive-aggressive attacks, she is gentle in all her interactions. Barbeena’s character is a glaring reminder that no matter how tough life gets, we as humans are resilient. We persevere, even in the toughest times.

There is beauty in accepting each other

At the heart of the story is the marriage between Barbeena and Haji saheb, highlighting the depth of our inherent biases and preconceived notions about those from

dissimilar social or cultural backgrounds. Through Barbeena’s eyes, we experience the emotional turmoil that arises from baseless accusations and branding her a spy due to her Afghan heritage, while the systemic biases further compound her struggles. As the story unfolds, we witness a transformation. We share in Barbeena’s excitement as she shares cultures with Haji saheb and his family through cuisine, language, attire, and dance at various instances throughout the drama. The story is a testament to the fact that authentic beauty blossoms when we embrace each other without imposing change. There is beauty in acceptance. The narrative showcases the significance of celebrating differences and the importance of mutual understanding.

Relationships require nurturing

Kabli Pulao also masterfully portrays the evolution of relationships. It shows us that the initial awkwardness and discomforts of new relationships have the potential to give way to genuine connections. Soon, the characters begin to see beyond the surface, reminding us that relationships are an intricately woven fabric that take time, effort and understanding on both sides.

difficult ask. Sahib secured himself on his smaller cable car and pulled closer before reaching out to tie one of the children sitting in the hanging gondola.

The biggest challenge, he said, was to keep the children calm. “They were worried about the move, but I assured them they are with me, and I will take them home,” the 27-yearold said. As Sahib made his way back with the second child, he said the nervousness was palpable in the crowd and everybody was seen to be praying.

“Our dolly was small, but we were afraid of the load on the zip line. It was a little bit windy and very dark, everything was difficult. But by the grace of God, we were able to bring the second child back down,” he said. Local rescuers took over after Sahib’s return, using the same method to retrieve the remaining four children and the two adults. As all eight people were brought back down, local cleric Zaib, who had remained at the site till the end of the operation, said the rescue was a “miracle”, but added his area needed help. Source: aljazeera.com

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman...Source: dawn.com

Emotional support is true companionship

The marriage between Barbeena and Haji saheb at the centre of Kabli Pulao challenges the conventional notions of love and companionship. The drama asks us to reevaluate preconceived notions about age, culture, and societal expectations and serves as a reminder that genuine respect and love knows no boundaries and true companionship is found in shared experiences, mutual respect, and emotional support.

Do not judge a book by its cover

Perhaps the most important lesson one can learn from this drama is that appearances can be deceiving. Each individual, and family, is fighting their own battle. It is easy to be presumptuous. We see the internal struggles of Barbeena, Haji saheb, and characters like Shamim, Chammo, Abdullah, and others. We also see the internal struggles of an average family craving social acceptance under the guise of respect. We learn that there is immense value in kindness.

Kabli Pulao is not simply a drama — it is a true social commentary. It holds up a mirror and asks us to reflect on who we are collectively, as individuals and as a society. The drama is being aired on Green Entertainment, every Tuesday at 8pm and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Source: dawn.com

Report at Pg 22