Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden(opens in a new tab) dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for re-election after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent’s fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a late-season campaign thunderstrike without parallel in the News Cont. @ page 5
Bank of Canada cuts key interest rate again, more cuts ‘reasonable’ if inflation keeps easing
Central bank cut rate for 2nd consecutive time, to 4.5 per cent.
The Bank of Canada cut its key interest rate to 4.5 per
cent on Wednesday, with governor Tiff Macklem saying during a news conference that it would be reasonable to expect further rate cuts if inflation continues to ease. The cut was widely expected by economists after inflation eased in June. It marked the central bank’s second consecutive cut after last month’s meeting, when it cut rates for the first time since March 2020.
@ page 16
No scope to discuss 8-point demands till 4-point demands are met: Anti-discriminatory student movement
The coordinators of the anti-discriminatory student movement on Tuesday gave the government another two-day ultimatum to fulfil their four-point “urgent demands”, and said the process to hold talks on their eight-point demand could only open after that. There is no scope to talk about the eight-point demands until the government fulfils their
four-point demands, they added.
Five coordinators and a cocoordinator of the platform that has been leading the student movement seeking a reform in the quota system in government jobs, held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) Tuesday where they pressed their demands. A huge number of
Cont. @ page 9
Netanyahu speech draws thousands of protesters to the US Capitol
WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters) - Police used pepper spray on some of the thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters who gathered outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Congress.
Shortly before Netanyahu began speaking, U.S. Capitol Police said some protesters had become violent.
“The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Jasper National Park now within 12 km of townsite
An encroaching wildfire that forced thousands of people to flee the community of Jasper overnight is now burning 12 kilometres south of the Alberta mountain town as shifting winds threaten to fan the flames. Government officials say at least 10,000 people were forced to evacuate from the Jasper townsite after a wildfire moved dangerously close to the community
late Monday night. That number doesn’t include an estimated 15,000 visitors in the national park who also had to flee the area late Monday,
Ighan
Frankfurt, Islamabad urged Germany to take immediate measures to prosecute those involved and hold to account those responsible for the security lapse. The videos show three men — one of whom
• Picture shows intruders holding Afghan tri-colour removing Pakistani flag from mast outside consulate
SLAMABAD: After several individuals, said to be Af-
nationals, vandalised the Pakistani consulate in
Cont. @ page 8
Cont. @ page 8
Cell: +1 778 239 7861
Book Free Consultation Now!
• Vulnerable worker open work permit to protect from employer harassment.
• Refugee/TRP help.
• BC business entrepreneurs programs.
• LMIA support/ Work Permit. We can assist you to get Work Permit through LMIA. # 201E, 7337 137th Street, BC V3W 1A4 Email:syed.khan@icanhelpimmigration.com Website: www. icanhelpimmigration.com
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan’ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad]
The Choice of Change: Practical Steps for Self-Transformation Disposal of Quran
BY: LESLIE SCHAFFER
EARTHLY LIFE BURDENS
people. Yet there is an argument to make that the weight of the world now presses even heavier upon us than it did our predecessors. Natural and man-made political and social disasters abound. Their effect on mind, body, and spirit can be overwhelming. By the millions we now seek out counseling in search of relief from anxiety, depression, or addiction—often for all three. At the base of most maladaptive behaviors is a single, urgent desire: To escape the world’s intensity and one’s own life challenges. We are ‘Mukallaf’As Muslims, we know and accept that the life of this world is an ongoing test, and how we respond to its travails either makes the heart pure and sound or corrupts and hardens it. Yet how many of us fail to realize that the things that determine the suppleness of the heart are not just the outward religious duties, such as salah and fasting, but also the myriad details of one’s everyday regimen of living. At any given moment, we are, in fact, choosing to purify –or harden– our hearts. Such is the trust conferred upon the human creature, for he accepted the divine amânah of volitional faith and will and the burdens of obligation and accountability –as well as the risk of Hellfire that comes with this– when other creations refused the trust (Sûrat Al-Sajdah, 32:13, Sûrat Al-Azâb, 33:72). We are each
one of us, as the scholars say, mukallaf, burdened with the obligation to choose right action and divinely accountable for the choices we make. Thus each time we practice, for example, empathic listening with spouse or child, or friend or co-worker, we are choosing. Each time we refuse to indulge in negative and self-defeating thoughts, we are choosing. Each time we act out in anger, pray mechanically and without focus, allow resentment to build, reprimand our child with hostility, we are, likewise, choosing.
Purity or corruption. Purity or corruption. Purity or corruption. On and on our choices tally. Yet some say: “I feel like I don’t have the strength or the will to choose.” Or: “If it were a simple matter to choose a smaller portion so as to control my blood sugar and not have to use medication or inject myself with insulin, I would do it. My problem is that I can’t control myself.” The issue of self-control or self-restraint is a crucial one. Consider the following verse: And do you realize what is the steep road? It is the freeing of a human being from bondage, or offering food on a day of starvation to an orphan who is a relative, or to an indigent person who is down in the dust—all the while, being of those who believe—and who exhort one another to [persevere in faith with] patience, and who exhort one another to mercifulness.
WBy: Huda
Muslims believe that the Quran contains the exact words of Allah; therefore the printed text itself is treated with a great deal of respect. Proper handling of the Quran requires one to be in a state of purity and cleanliness, and it should be placed or stored in a clean, respectable way. Inevitably, there are times when a Quran needs to be disposed of. Children’s schoolbooks or other materials often contain sections or verses. The entire Quran itself may be old, faded, or have broken binding. These need to be discarded, but it is not proper to just throw it into the trash with other items. The words of Allah must be disposed of in a way which shows reverence to the holiness of the text.
Islamic teachings about the disposal of Quran largely fall into three main options, which are all ways of returning the material naturally to the earth: burying, placing it into flowing water, or burning.
Burying
With this method of disposal, the Quran is to be wrapped in cloth to protect it from the soil and buried in a deep hole. This should be done in a place where people would not normally walk, often on the grounds of a mosque or even a graveyard. According to most scholars, this is the preferred method.
Placing in Flowing Water
It is also acceptable to place the
Quran in flowing water so that the ink is removed from the page. This will wipe away the words, and disintegrate the paper naturally. Some scholars recommend weighing down the book or papers (tying them to a heavy object like a stone) and casting them into a flowing river or sea. One should check into local regulations before following this method.
Burning
Most Islamic scholars agree that burning old copies of the Quran, in a respectful manner in a clean place, is acceptable as a last resort. In this case, one must ensure that the burning is complete, meaning that no words are left legible and the pages have been fully destroyed. At no time should a Quran be burned with the regular trash. Some add that the ashes should then be buried or scattered in running water (see above).
The permission for this practice comes from early Muslims, at the time of Caliph Uthman bin Affan. After the official, agreed-upon version of the Quran had been compiled in a consistent dialect of Arabic, the official version was copied while the old or nonconforming Qurans were burned respectfully.
Other Alternatives
Other alternatives include:
Shredding: This is increasingly common in modern times, as long as the letters are shredded finely and the text is unrecognizable as the Quran.
To be Coninued at Page 8
A female radiologist touches a male patient
Question 118181:
What is the ruling on touching a patient for medical purposes? In the radiology section, the female radiologist has to touch the male patient in order to adjust his position for radiology. Please note that the radiologist has no right to choose the gender of the patient whom she deals with. What is the sharia ruling? May Allaah reward you.
ANSWER:
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. Principally a woman is not allowed to remain in seclusion with a non-Mahram (permanently unmarriageable) man, let alone touch him, even if he is a patient. If necessary, however, it is permissible for a female radiologist to touch a male patient in order to “adjust his position for radiology”. This is applicable when there is no one except her to carry out this task and she is obliged to do so. Nevertheless, the following regulations must be observed: First: there must be no meeting in seclusion.Second: there must be a separating medium between her and him, such as gloves.Third: she must not look at his ‘Awrah (bodily parts which must be covered). Allaah Knows best.Source: islamicity.org/qa/
hat is the correct and respectful way to dispose of the Quran?
To be Coninued at Page 8
Conservative MLA claims province’s failure to manage administration of justice system harms victims.
A Victoria provincial court judge
‘Unacceptable’ court delays doom B.C. child sex assault trial
says “unacceptable” delays in B.C.’s court system forced the staying of a criminal charge against a man accused of sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl.
In a scathing ruling, Judge Mayland McKimm found that factors including problems finding time in a semiretired judge’s schedule pushed the accused’s trial beyond an 18-month limit set by the Supreme Court of Canada. The decision — which was issued in May but only recently made public — predicts the col-
lapse of more cases given a “court scheduling model that fails to accommodate trials that run on longer than anticipated.”
“This matter alleges the sexual violation of a young child. There are few types of cases more deserving of priority in these courts,” McKimm wrote.
“When this trial is set to conclude, the child will be nine years old. Such a result is entirely unacceptable. To have this issue hanging over a child for a full third of her young life is simply not consistent with this court’s
3 men randomly stabbed by stranger in downtown Vancouver: police
In less than 15 minutes, three people were stabbed in seemingly random attacks in downtown Vancouver Monday night, according to authorities. Officers were called to Granville Street, near Nelson street, at 9:40 p.m. for a report that a 33-year-old man had been stabbed in the back, a news release from the Vancouver Police Department says.
The next report came “minutes later” when a 41-year-old man was stabbed two blocks away, at Granville and Davie streets, according to
the VPD. At 9:52 p.m., while police were responding to the second stabbing, a 911 call came in reporting that a third victim was stabbed at Granville and Nelson streets.
Spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said the motive for the stabbings has not yet been determined. ”We don’t believe that the victims knew each other. We don’t believe that the victims knew the suspect,” he told CTV News. No information was provided on the nature or extent of the victims’ injuries. Addison did say one
was hurt “quite seriously” and that all three are expected to fully recover physically. “There’s also mental trauma. There’s emotional trauma that will take, I can only imagine, a significant amount of time for these victims to recover from,” he said.
Mayor Ken Sim, who was elected on a campaign focused on public safety, issued a statement Tuesday shortly after the VPD issued a news release. In it, he referenced the discovery of two women’s bodies in English Bay since Sunday, as well as
mandate to deliver justice.” ‘A ceiling and not a floor’ McKimm’s decision provides a detailed window into issues raised by a variety of groups who have flagged fears about a scarcity of both sheriffs and judges leading to court delays. In 2016, in what has become known as the Jordan decision, Canada’s highest court set a limit of 18 months for cases tried in provincial court and 30 months for cases in superior courts... Source: cbc.ca/news/
Monday night’s stabbings.
“Though these incidents are unrelated, they have shaken our community. My heartfelt thoughts are with the victims and their families during this extremely challenging time,” Sim wrote... Source: bc.ctvnews.ca/
Woman found dead in the water near Sunset Beach: Vancouver police
Investigators were at Vancouver’s Sunset Beach after a woman’s body was found in the water Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Sgt. Steve Addison with the Vancouver Police Department told CTV News in an email that a passerby noticed the woman in the water shortly
before 10 a.m. A CTV News reporter on scene observed police, a coroner and a white tent erected near the concession stand. Police said the woman has not yet been identified and the BC Coroners Service is determining her cause of death.
Few details have been released about the incident, but Addison said members of the VPD’s Missing Persons Unit and Major Crime Section are involved in the investigation. “However we have not determined whether this death was the result of a crime,” he wrote.
Source: breezyscroll.com
Second B.C. university issues trespass notice to pro-Palestinian protesters
The University of Victoria in British Columbia says it has told the proPalestinian protesters at an oncampus encampment that they are trespassing, setting the stage for the camp’s removal.
The protesters say on their group social media page that the university administration has told them to “vacate by 8 a.m. Monday,” but add in a separate post that they are planning a rally at the camp instead. The university says in its latest encampment update that it has “taken a calm, measured and reasoned
Surrey, BC – During the Regular Council Meeting on July 22, Surrey City Council approved a Multilingual Communications Practice policy aimed at meeting translation needs and enhancing City communications and engagement with multilingual residents and individuals with limited proficiency in English. This is the City of Surrey’s first formal policy to guide multilingual communication practices and procedures.
“As one of the fastest growing and most diverse cities in Canada, Coun-
approach” to the protest since it was set up on May 1, but administrators “see no further prospect for a successful dialogue.”
In response, protesters naming themselves “People’s Park UVIC” confirm on social media that the school has issued them a trespass notice, but add that the group is planning a “trespass breakfast” at the deadline time and calling for supporters to attend. The latest development comes about a week after Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, B.C. launched legal action against pro-
cil and staff are committed to serving our citizens in the most inclusive way possible,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “It is important our practices adapt to reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of our City. By enhancing our translation practices, this much-needed policy will allow for greater access to City services and information for our residents.”
The policy was initiated through a motion from Mayor Brenda Locke in June which directed City staff to conduct a comprehensive review of current translation practices in other municipalities across British Columbia and Canada with similar demographics. The policy framework recommendations follow extensive research to establish clear guidelines to ensure equitable inclusive access to City services and information. Nearly half of Surrey’s population was born in another country. With 38% of Surrey residents speaking English as a second language ac-
testers there for allegedly ignoring a deadline to leave their camp after issuing a trespass notice on July 11.
Protesters at the university have been demanding the school cut financial and academic ties with Israeli entities due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, and the school says it had been working toward “a peaceful conclusion of the encampment” since June.
“Unfortunately, we have not successfully achieved agreement on the process and timeline for decampment,” the school update
cording to the most recent Census data, the City is committed to breaking down language barriers to information and fostering greater community engagement by aligning communication practices with the needs and expectations of our diverse population.
Policy Framework Recommendations
Translation may be triggered in languages that are spoken most often at home by 5% or more of Surrey residents, based on current census data. This would mean language translation in Punjabi would occur; Priority translation for topics that include critical information and major community initiatives; Consideration of translation for specific community/Town Centre priorities; Methods and mediums of communication will be determined by target audience and highest impact; and Phased implementation with ongoing evaluation and community
says. “The university was disappointed to learn of this impasse through social media posts from People’s Park UVic.”
feedback.
Source: bc.ctvnews.ca/
Funding to support the initial phase of Multilingual Communications Policy development and implementation is available in the 2024 Corporate Services Operating Budget. Interpretation Services and Newcomer information
In addition to the Multilingual Communications Practice, City of Surrey offers free in-person and overthe-phone interpretation services in more than 170 languages, including Punjabi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Vietnamese, French and many others. These services are available at City facilities and can be accessed by calling 604-5914011 for assistance.
Newcomers to Surrey can also benefit from settlement services, which provides support with housing, employment, and integration into community life. For more information on these services, visit surrey.ca/newcomer.Source: cbc.ca/news
A group of extremists attacked the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt
Aflag is a distinguishing mark of any country or nation and a symbol of its honor and dignity. A flag means a symbol or a sign and it was first used to identify troops in wars between groups. It is the identity mark of every country and nation. The flag is a symbol of identity and pride of every country. On any emotional occasion, people kiss their national flag with their eyes and hearts. Every citizen loves the flag of his country. That’s why in his eyes that flag is the most beautiful in the world.
On July 20, around 400 people demonstrated in front of the Consulate General of Pakistan’s office in Frankfurt, Germany which can be seen in a viral video. It can be seen in the video that eight or ten of them entered the building of the Council General and a gentleman lowered the Pakistani flag on the ground pole. According to media reports, during the protest in Frankfurt, Afghan citizens stormed the Pakistani consulate, pelted stones, and pulled down the Pakistani flag, the video of which is also going viral on social media. The protest was announced against the death of the poet-activist Gilaman Wazir. On which the German police deployed a police mobile as a normal action, while at the beginning of the demonstration, various speakers made insults against the Pakistani rulers and the Pakistani forces. Due to the agitation spread among the participants of the demonstration, some mis-
creants who participated in the demonstration entered the premises of the consulate pulled down the Pakistan flag from the pole and tried to desecrate the flag and burnt it. Pakistani diplomatic officials have protested to the German Foreign Ministry and demanded an investigation into the tragic incident that took place in Frankfurt. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, the host government has the responsibility to protect the sanctity of consular premises and ensure the safety of diplomats.
Now what could be the motives behind them? Desecration of the flag can be done for various reasons. It can be a protest against a country’s foreign policy, including one’s own, or the nature of its government. It can be a protest of nationalism or a deliberate and symbolic insult to the people of the country represented by the flag. The desecration of a country’s flag is not a new thing, but behind it, there are feelings of hatred and violence. In many countries of the world, here in Canada too, there are demonstrations in front of various consulates on their policies and issues. Slogans are raised and speeches are also made. In this way, the message of hate and anger is tried to be conveyed as well. But trying to take down the flag of a country from its consulate is a very serious and reprehensible act.
However, the thing that surprises me is why this happened in a place where the
law is strictly enforced. If we look back, there were various kinds of demonstrations in most countries of the world outside the Consulate General and the open places. In many places, flags were also burnt to express hatred during protests and demonstrations. Today, when we come to our countries, sometimes the American flag, sometimes the Israeli flag, and sometimes the British flag are burned in public. Every citizen of a country loves his country and respects its property and its flag. Demonstrations and protests continue to take place across the country, such as against the Bangladesh government’s unfair quota system. The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been a manifestation of tension and a kind of constant anxiety for the past seventyfive years. In the circumstances under which Pakistan was established, there was little scope for India and Pakistan to normalize relations immediately, but perhaps no one has thought that the neighborhood in the northwest of Pakistan is also a permanent struggle to be in peace. The past seventy-five years of Pakistan and Afghanistan have passed in such a situation that there has not been a war between the two countries, but more people have been killed in various operations on their borders than even in the wars between Pakistan and India. The centuries-old historical and cultural relationship between Pakistan and Afghani-
stan has deep historical roots, but despite all this, the relationship between the two countries is complex and problematic. Between 1947 and 1979, there were serious problems in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, while diplomatic relations were suspended in 1955 and 1962. The period after 1979 was not free from problems. Pakistan played a key role along with the United States and Arab states in expelling Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Pakistan also hosted tens of millions of Afghan refugees during the years of Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan, and Afghan war veterans introduced a “gun culture” to Pakistan. Even today, about 14 million registered Afghan refugees are living in Pakistan, while the number of unregistered Afghan refugees is said to be around 10 million. Better relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are not just an agenda limited to two countries, but as a result of better relations, peace will be established in South Asia and the region. Therefore, it is wise to move forward by looking at the improvement of Pakistan-Afghan relations in a global framework rather than a regional one. Action must be taken, which is in the interest of both the countries. But it will be possible only if both countries try to understand each other’s problems and try to know what common strategies can help to reduce the concerns of both.
Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris to be Democratic nomineet
country’s political history.
The president -- intent on s erving out the remainder of his term in office -- quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Trump and encouraged his party to unite behind her, making her the party’s instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago. The announcement is the latest jolt to a campaign for
the White House that both political parties see as the most consequential election in generations, coming a week after the attempted assassination of Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.
A party’s presumptive presidential nominee has never stepped out of the race so close to the election. President Lyndon Johnson, besieged by the Vietnam War, announced in March 1968
that he would not seek another term after just a single state’s primary. Biden’s July decision comes after more than 14 million Democrats cast votes supporting him through the primary process. Harris, in a statement, praised Biden’s “selfless and patriotic act” and said she intends to “earn and win” her party’s nomination.“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party -- and
unite our nation -- to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” she said. Biden’s decision to bow out came after escalating pressure from his Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former president’s many falsehoods...Source: ctvnews.ca/ News Continued from Pg 1
is seen clutching an Afghan flag — climbing a flagpole to remove the Pakistani flag. Some reports also indicated that the protesters pelted the consulate building with rocks.
In light of the incident, Islamabad called out the German authorities for their failure to protect the “sanctity and security of the premises of its consular mission”. “Under the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations, 1963 it is the responsibility of the host government to protect the sanctity of the consular premises and ensure the security of diplomats,” a state-
ment issued by the Foreign Office said. “We are conveying our strong protest to the German government,” said the statement, urging Berlin to take immediate measures to fulfil its responsibilities under the Vienna Conventions and ensure the security of the diplomatic missions and staff in Germany. “We also urge the German authorities to take immediate measures to arrest and prosecute those involved in yesterday’s incident and hold to account those responsible for the lapses in security,” the statement added.
The Pakistani embassy in
Germany also condemned the reprehensible act at the Pakistan Consulate General in Frankfurt by miscreants on July 20, 2024. According to the Pakistani mission, the incident occurred on July 20, when a “gang of extremists” attacked the consulate and “endangered” the lives of the consular staff on the premises. In a video of the incident which went viral online, scores of protesters carrying placards could be seen gathered outside the consulate. The videos show three men — one of whom is seen clutching an Afghan flag — climbing a flagpole
to remove the Pakistani flag. Some reports also indicated that the protesters pelted the consulate building with rocks.In light of the incident, Islamabad called out the German authorities for their failure to protect the “sanctity and security of the premises of its consular mission”.
“Under the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations, 1963 it is the responsibility of the host government to protect the sanctity of the consular premises and ensure the security of diplomats,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office said.
Source:.dawn.com/
Vancouver Island wildfire grows overnight, remains out of control
A wildfire burning out of control on Vancouver Island continued to spread Wednesday as the provincial wildfire service assigned more resources to try to contain the blaze. The Old Man Lake fire in the Sooke
Potholes Regional Park, west of Victoria, grew to 80 hectares overnight, blanketing southern Vancouver Island and parts of B.C.’s Lower Mainland with smoke.The fire was discovered Monday afternoon, when it measured just three hectares, and is believed to be human-caused. By Tuesday, the fire had grown to 50 hectares, forcing the closure and evacuation of the park area.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said four ground-attack crews and three helicopters were dousing the flames Wednesday. A 10-person crew from the Capital Regional District was also working to contain the blaze.. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca/
Canada braces for Trump 2.0 as the former president takes the lead in U.S. presidential race
So Experts say a second 4-year term could be fraught with tensions over trade, defence spending.
Polls suggest former president Donald Trump is in a strong position to win back the presidency this November — a development that could have wide-ranging implications for Canada, given how tumultuous his first term was for this country. Trump leads a united party despite sometimes intense opposition and criticism of his election denial and role in the January 6 insurrection attempt. Elected officials and card-carrying Republicans — even former anti-Trumpers — have rallied around him at this week’s convention
after the failed assassination attempt. The former president is leading in every electoral battleground and other states previously thought to be safe for the Democrats.President Joe Biden, who faced an uprising with his own party after a disastrous debate performance last month...
Source: cbc.ca/news
Secret Service chief Kimberly Cheatle resigns over Trump shooting
Kimberly Cheatle stepping down amid pressure after assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
The head of the United States Secret Service is stepping down over the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, after days of mounting pressure and criticism for failing to prevent the shooting. Kimberly Cheatle sent an email to staff on Tuesday announcing her plans to step down, The Associated Press news agency reported. She had been under pressure from US lawmakers to resign as questions continue to swirl around security protocols at Trump’s July 13 rally in Pennsylvania, where the former president and Republican presidential nominee was shot in the ear.“I take full responsibility for
the security lapse,” Cheatle said in the email to staff. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”
US President Joe Biden thanked the Secret Service director for her decades of public service and said he planned to appoint her replacement soon... Source:aljazeera.com/
US Senator Bob Menendez to resign after corruption conviction
New Jersey Democrat faces decades in prison following his conviction for taking bribes and acting as an agent for Egypt’s government. United States Senator Bob Menendez has announced that he will resign next month following his conviction on corruption charges, including bribery and acting as an agent for Egypt’s government.The decision on Tuesday came as Menendez’s fellow Democrats piled
pressure on him to step down or face becoming the first politician to be expelled from the Senate since 1862.“I will be resigning from my office as the United States Senator from New Jersey, effective on the close of business on Aug. 20, 2024,” Menendez’s letter said.
“While I fully intend to appeal the jury’s verdict, all the way and including to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be involved in a lengthy process that will detract from its important work,” the letter added.
Bribery schemes
Menendez, 70, was found guilty on July 16 by a jury in a Manhattan federal court on all 16 criminal counts he faced – also including obstruction of justice, wire fraud and extortion – after a nine-week trial. Two co-defendants also were convicted.Source::aljazeera.com/
Arrests in Bannu following government jirga agreement
LAKKI MARWAT: Police detained over a dozen armed suspects during a grand clean-up operation targeting “good Taliban” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Wednesday. The development comes as the provincial apex committee is set to meet today (Thursday) to address the demands of a 40-member jirga. Simultaneously, a sit-in continued for the fifth consecutive day in the southern district of Bannu, with demonstrators calling for the restoration of peace and indiscriminate action against armed groups. A police official said the operation began after sub-divisional police officers and station house officers were given the green signal to crack down on armed men in their jurisdictions.
“Law enforcement raided three locations in the southern district, rounding up 17 suspects,” the official said, adding that police seized arms and ammunition and impounded their vehicles. The suspects, along with their weapons and vehicles, have been shifted to local police stations for interrogation.
Source:Dawn news.com/
Hezbollah releases drone video footage of Israeli airbase
The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has broadcast a drone video that it said showed air defence facilities, planes and fuel storage units at Israel’s Ramat David airbase, nearly 50km (30 miles) into Israeli territory. The footage included labels pointing out apparent military infrastructure, including the short-range Iron Dome air defence system which is designed to destroy rockets. The video, more than eight minutes long, was mostly filmed on Tuesday, the Iran-aligned group said. The video also included nighttime shots that Hezbollah said were captured “earlier” and other images the group said were taken earlier in July. The caption said it was only “some” of what the drone had captured.It was the third in a series of
UN
videos released by Hezbollah which the group has said are meant to demonstrate how far its surveillance of Israel has reached. The first video showed the Israeli port city of Haifa and the second the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.A spokesperson for the Israeli military said in a statement on X that the video was filmed by a surveillance drone and the base’s operations were not affected.
Source: aljazeera.com/
Yemen envoy warns of a
‘devastating’
regional escalation
The UN envoy for Yemen has said that recent developments in the Red Sea, Israel and inside the country “show the real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation”.
In a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Yemen on Tuesday, Hans Grundberg warned of the danger of an escalation following new Houthi at-
tacks on commercial shipping and the first confirmed Israeli air strikes on Yemen in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel. “I remain deeply concerned about the continued targeting of international navigation in the Red Sea and its surrounding waterways,” Grundberg said.“Recent developments suggest that the threat against international shipping is increasing in scope and precision.”The Houthi attacks on Israel and the Israeli strikes on Yemen’s port of Hodeidah and its oil and power facilities represent “a new and dangerous level” of violence, he said.A satellite image shows a closer view of burning oil tanks after an Israeli air strike on Houthi military targets in Hodeidah, Yemen A satellite image shows a closer view of burning oil tanks after an Israeli air strike on Houthi military targets in Hodeidah, Yemen...Source::aljazeera.com/
FIJI:Qiliho’s pay suspended
Prime Minister and chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that suspended Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho is no longer on the government payroll, and he remained suspended, with a conviction.
“At the moment he is suspended and although he is (with a) conviction (which is) under an appeal, but that is on a different issue,” the PM said.Qiliho’s conviction, he said, was separate from the inquiry ordered by the COC’s tribunal.
The Prime Minister said the suspended COMPOL’s salary has been on hold following his conviction. He said it would not be fair to keep Mr Qiliho on taxpayer funds while he was suspended from the position. “The current commissioner has been convicted of a different offence and not the one which we commissioned an enquiry on by a tribunal,”
Source:fijitimes.com.fj/
What is Psoriasis?
Overview of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly.
Patches of skin become scaly and inflamed, most often on the scalp, elbows, or knees, but other parts of the body can be affected as well. Scientists do not fully understand what causes psoriasis, but they know that it involves a mix of genetics and environmental factors.
The symptoms of psoriasis can sometimes go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months followed by periods when they subside or go into remission. There are many ways to treat psoriasis, and your treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of disease. Mild psoriasis can often be successfully treated with creams or ointments, while moderate and severe psoriasis may require pills, injections, or light treatments. Managing common triggers, such as stress and skin injuries, can also help keep the symptoms under control.
Having psoriasis carries the risk of getting other serious conditions, including:
Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints and places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones (entheses).
Cardiovascular events, such heart attacks and strokes.
Mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. People with psoriasis may also be more likely to get certain cancers, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteo-
Who is Generation Alpha?
Gen Alpha encompasses those born from 2010 to 2024, so the oldest members of Gen Alpha are already 14 years old at the time of writing this article.
In a 2008 report, consulting firm McCrindle introduced the term “Generation Alpha.” The firm recently estimated that this generation will be the largest generation in history by 2025, with a population of over two billion. Despite being the youngest generation, they have far-reaching brand influence and purchasing power. They shape the social media landscape, are popular culture influencers, and emerging consumers. They will be entering adulthood, the workforce, and household formation by the end of the 2020s. Millennials are raising children. Generation Z is entering the labor force. And the inexorable wheel of time has created a new generation for Muslim advertisers to keep an eye on: Generation Alpha. Muslim brands must consider how today’s children differ from their older Gen Z siblings.
According to McCrindle when generational definitions span a specific age range, meaningful comparisons across generations are possible. As a result, today’s generations are each 15 years old.
porosis, uveitis (inflammation of the middle of the eye), liver disease, and kidney disease.
Who Gets Psoriasis?
Anyone can get psoriasis, but it is more common in adults than in children. It affects men and women equally.
Types of Psoriasis
There are different types of psoriasis, including:
Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common kind, and it appears as raised, red patches of skin that are covered by silvery-white scales. The patches usually develop in a symmetrical pattern on the body and tend to appear on the scalp, trunk, and limbs, especially the elbows and knees.
Guttate psoriasis. This type usually appears in children or young adults, and looks like small, red dots, typically on the torso or limbs. Outbreaks are often triggered by an upper respiratory tract infection, such as strep throat.
Pustular psoriasis. In this type, pus-filled bumps called pustules surrounded by red skin appear. It usually affects the hands and feet, but there is a form that covers most of the body. Symptoms can be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or certain chemicals. Inverse psoriasis. This form appears as smooth, red patches in folds of skin, such as beneath the breasts or in the groin or armpits. Rubbing and sweating can make it worse.
Erythrodermic psoriasis. This is a rare but severe form of psoriasis characterized by red, scaly skin over most of the body. It can be triggered by a bad sunburn or taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids.
Erythrodermic psoriasis often develops in people who have a different
type of psoriasis that is not well controlled, and it can be very serious. Symptoms of Psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person, but some common ones are:
• Patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales that itch or burn, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet.
• Dry, cracked skin that itches or bleeds. Thick, ridged, pitted nails.
• Poor sleep quality.
Some patients have a related condition called psoriatic arthritis, which can be characterized by stiff, swollen, or painful joints; neck or back pain; or Achilles heel pain.
If you have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, it is important to see your doctor soon because untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to irreversible damage.
The symptoms of psoriasis can come and go. You may find that there are times when your symptoms get worse, called flares, followed by times when you feel better.
Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, which means that your body’s immune system starts overacting and causing problems. If you have psoriasis, immune cells become active and produce molecules that set off the rapid production of skin cells. This is why skin in people with the disease is inflamed and scaly. Scientists do not fully understand what triggers the faulty immune cell activation, but they know that it involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Many people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease, and researchers have pinpointed some of
the genes that may contribute to its development. Many of them play a role in the function of the immune system.
Some external factors that may increase the chances of developing psoriasis include:
• Infections, especially streptococcal and HIV infections.
• Certain medicines, such as drugs for treating heart disease, malaria, or mental health problems.
• Smoking.
• Obesity.
Source: niams.nih.gov/health
Treatment
Psoriasis treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales. Options include creams and ointments (topical therapy), light therapy (phototherapy), and oral or injected medications. Which treatments you use depends on how severe the psoriasis is and how responsive it has been to previous treatment and self-care measures. You might need to try different drugs or a combination of treatments before you find an approach that works. Even with successful treatment, usually the disease returns.
Is Your Halal Advertising Ready for Gen Alpha?
Gen Alpha Characteristics:
According to the US Census Bureau, Generation Alpha will be more diverse than the rest of the US population. These stats were quoted in Insider Intelligence’s report. In another of their reports, they state that Gen Alpha already makes up 13% of the US population, with over 73% of US children under 12 using the internet. Generation Alpha, the offspring of Generation Y, is made up in part of Generation Z’s younger siblings. Over 2.5 million babies are born every week around the world. They will number nearly 2 billion when they are all born (2025), making them the world’s largest generation in history.
With that in mind, note that Muslim households have one of the biggest baby booms in the United States and the United Kingdom currently.
So your revenue as an organization that serves Muslims in the future may increase drastically if you market to Muslim Gen Alpha starting today!
The McCrindle report, “Understanding Generation Alpha”explains that Gen Alpha: is the most prosperous generation, the most technologically sophisticated generation, will live longer lives than any previous generation, will remain in college for a more extended period of time, begin earning money years later, and are likely to remain at home until their late twenties.
Technology and the Gen Z creators who dominate their feeds have a big influence on Gen Alpha. COVID-19 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and a polarized world will have a significant impact on who they are.
Ashley Fell, the co-author of Generation Alpha, says that: this young generation will be heavily impacted by
the economic, social, educational, and psychological effects of COVID-19, they will place a higher value on family, look up to “everyday superheroes, accept working from home as a common practice, will be more creative, and resilient due to the challenges they experienced. Due to their increased awareness of the world around them, Generation Alpha may also be growing faster, but they have also been isolated from important face-to-face social interaction. Their reliance on the technology that has replaced it has grown as a result. Ethics of Marketing and Advertising to Kids Since this younger audience primarily consumes online content unsupervised, the opportunity to market goods and services to Gen Alpha comes with a great deal of responsibility. Before launching such campaigns, Muslim advertisers must thoroughly research their options from an ethical and legal standpoint.
In order to safely enrich young audiences’ experiences without putting them in danger, Muslim businesses must uphold strict ethical standards and Islamic advertising principles.
The Association of National Advertisers explains:
“Our society has long recognized the need to protect children and responsible marketing is an essential component.
In addition to industry self-regulatory guidelines and practices, federal and state laws offer a complex set of protections for children and their parents and caretakers.”
Here are some great resources to help your halal marketing and advertising to stay on the right path.
We do not believe that this list is exhaustive. Besides, a lot also depends on where your business is located. Make sure you perform thorough due diligence.
You can make a significant and positive difference in your halal advertising practices for kids by (among other things): adhering to national and international policies, rules, and regulations integrating Islamic advertising principles into your ad campaigns for kids obtaining consent from parents and ensuring that terms and conditions are clear; examining and rejecting material that might be risky or addictive for children; rejecting unachievable stereotypes that lead to anxiety; obtaining advanced parental permission for data collection and storage; protecting information in your possession and not disclosing it to third parties without parental consent.
US President, Joe Biden requested that legislators “ban targeted advertising on children” in his State of the Union address.
“It’s time to pass bipartisan legislation to stop Big Tech from collecting personal data on our kids and teenagers online. Ban targeted advertising on children, and impose stricter limits on the personal data that companies collect on all of us.” While a complete ban appears unlikely, stricter privacy policies for children’s data are entirely possible.
How Your Halal Brand Can Catch And Keep Gen Alpha Attention Gen Alpha was born with a smartphone and gaming and these two are just part of the norm like water and electricity are to many of us.
British Columbia is facing big social and environmental challenges ahead of Budget 2023: sky high rents, health care under enormous strain, a toxic drugs crisis, climate disruption and the need to build and rebuild crucial but eroded public services Are people moving out of British Columbia?
More than 55,000 people moved out of B.C. to other provinces between 2021 and 2022, with affordability being a driving factor for many. Data from Statistics Canada shows that nearly 55,000 people moved out of the province in 2021, with more than half of them moving to Alberta.
Source: google.comsearch?q=current+health+issues
What are some issues in Vancouver?
Top 10 issues for residents in Metro Vancouver:
• Affordable housing: 34%
• Transportation/public transit: 20%
• Crime/public safety: 19%
• Homelessness: 16%
• Transparency/fiscal responsibility: 13%
• Environment/climate change: 13%
What are the big issues in British Columbia?
• Planning/infrastructure: 12%
• Overdevelopment/densification: 11%
Does British Columbia have a homeless problem?
Most B.C. residents say homelessness a major problem, governments doing bad job addressing it. Nearly three-quarters of British Columbians say homelessness is a major problem in the province right now, but significantly fewer say it’s a major problem in their neighbourhoods.
Most B.C. residents say homelessness a major problem, governments doing bad job addressing it.
Nearly three-quarters of British Columbians say homelessness is a major problem in the province right now, but significantly fewer say it’s a major problem in their neighbourhoods. These are some of the findings of a recent poll by Research Co., conducted against the backdrop of efforts to dismantle a tent city on Hastings Street in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that the city’s fire chief says is a significant public safety risk.
The online survey of a representative sample of 800 B.C. residents found substantial frustration with all levels of government when it comes to addressing homelessness in the province. Almost four-in-five survey respondents (79 per cent) said they felt homelessness had increased in B.C. over the last three years, and more than three-in-five (63 per cent) said it was on the rise in their municipality. Similarly, 73 per cent said homelessness is a major problem for the province
and 52 per cent said it’s a major problem for their municipality. A significantly smaller portion of respondents – 27 per cent – said homelessness is a major problem in their immediate neighbourhood, though only about one-third (32 per cent) said it was not a problem at all.
Given these views, it’s perhaps not surprising that 55 per cent of B.C. residents said their local government had done either a “bad” (32 per cent) or “very bad” (23 per cent) job of coming up with solutions to the problem. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca
Province helps better connect patients to primary-care providers
On July 1, 2023, with new family doctors and nurse practitioners ready to accept patients, the Province expanded the Health Connect Registry, hosted by HealthLink BC, from select communities to all communities throughout B.C. People will be connected to a primary-care provider based on their health needs, the provider’s ability to take on those needs, and the region.
The Health Connect Registry is the patientfacing side of the Province’s action plan to strengthen primary care and better connect people to primary-care providers, including: a new family doctor compensation model to attract and retain family doctors that has nearly 3,300 signups; a new-to-practice incentive program that has 156 new family doctors registered; a new provincial rostering registry for individual family doctors and nurse practition-
ers to manage their patient panel information and identify when they can accept new patients; a new clinic and provider registry for medical directors and staff to provide information about their clinics, so government can better support practitioner needs; working directly with Doctors of BC, and Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC to support family doctors and nurse practitioners with new registries; adding more co-ordinators who will help connect family doctors and nurse practitioners with patients locally; creating more incentives for clinics, family doctors and nurse practitioners to join, so that more people can connect with them; a broader health human resources strategy to recruit and retain more health professionals to ensure people in B.C. get the health services they need and are cared for by a healthy workforce; and providing more support for new team-based primary care in family practice clinics, urgent and primarycare centres, community health centres, nurse practitioner clinics and First Nations primary-care clinics.
Through the registries, B.C. will have a comprehensive list of who is looking for a primary-care provider and who already has one, as well as which providers and clinics can accept new patients. Starting Nov. 30, 2023, and continuing quarterly, the Province will report on progress to add more family doctors and nurse practitioners, and on connecting more patients from the Health Connect Registry to a primary-care provider.
Source: news.gov.bc.ca/releases
Netanyahu speech draws thousands of protesters to the US Capitol
News Continued from Pg 1
and cross that line,” police said in a statement. Protests were peaceful for the first few hours until about half an hour before the speech when demonstrators began a march and faced a blockade from police who used pepper spray, injuring some protesters.
Authorities had closed off traffic around the Capitol before the speech in unusually tight security. A stage decked with banners included one declaring the Israeli leader a “Wanted War Criminal” in reference to an arrest warrant sought by International Criminal Court prosecutors. Netanyahu ve-
hemently denies war crimes allegations. Nearby, demonstrators placed nearly 30 human-size cardboard coffins wrapped in Palestinian flags in memory of those killed in the war in Gaza. Traffic was barred from several roads near the Capitol. “I want all aid (to) be suspended to Israel due to its actions in Gaza,”
said Bradley Cullinan, who said he traveled to the area from Columbus, Ohio, 400 miles (640 km) away. Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon took to the stage and condemned the death toll. “No one is free until everyone is free,” Sarandon said Source:reuters.com/
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Jasper National Park now within 12 km of townsite
News Continued from Pg 1
according to the Alberta Emergency Management Agency
With little notice, people were forced to flee west over mountain roads into British Columbia, through darkness, soot and ash. The evacuation is considered ongoing with some visitors still emerging from the mountain backcountry. The wildfire south of
Continued from Pg 3
[Sûrat Al-Balad, 90:12-17]
In this verse, “freeing the human being from bondage” is literally in Arabic “freeing a neck.” This phrase holds the general meaning of liberating a human being from any sort of bondage. Bondage, by extension, can be any type of servitude or captivity. One can be captive to
Continued from Pg 3
Some recommend that the shredded material should be buried or put in water afterward.
Storage: One can avoid the issue altogether by putting the Quran into permanent storage rather than disposing of it. Some prefer to wrap the book in a cloth and hide it away in a safe place. In Pakistan, wrapped Qurans are often stored in caves. In Yemen, Syria, and Tunisia, ancient swaddled Qurans have been found during the renovation of old
the town has burned a minimum of 6,750 hectares, Parks Canada said, in an update on X, formerly known as Twitter. A north wildfire, located between the Jasper Transfer Station and the Jasper Air Strip on both sides of Highway 16, has burned at least 270 hectares.Parks Canada has cancelled all camping reservations for Jasper until Aug. 6 and is promising full refunds. A Parks Canada list
online shows a total of 2,196 campsites in the park open during the summer months.
Parks Canada continues to battle multiple wildfires in the park in what it described as “an evolving and dynamic situation.” Swift winds and scorching temperatures threaten to create volatile conditions on the front line. ”One fire is approximately 12 kilometres south of Jasper on
Practical Steps for Self-Transformation
addiction, to any sort of self-destructive habit, to ignorance, to poverty, and so on. To “free a neck” of another human being is thus to help him when he is in need, protect him from harm, contribute to his healing, or to intervene on his behalf in any other benevolent endeavor. So
in accordance with this verse, we can say that beyond the core level of belief the steep path entails three obligations:
1: ENSURING SOCIAl JUSTICE: Represented in the verse as feeding the needy.
2: ENGAGING IN THE PRACTICE OF
Disposal of Quran
mosques. Some of these have dated to the seventh century C.E.
E-books: One can also avoid the issue altogether by using electronic versions of the Quran. These can be stored without worry about damage, and simply deleted if necessary. There is no set ritual or procedure for either burying or burning the Quran to dispose of it. There are no prescribed words, actions, or special people who need to be involved.
Disposing of the Quran may be done by anyone, but should be done with an intention of respect.
In many Muslim countries, local mosques take charge of collecting such materials for disposal. Mosques often have a bin in which anyone can drop off old Qurans or other materials upon which Quran verses or Allah’s name have been written.
In some non-Muslim countries, nonprofit organizations or companies will
both sides of the river and wind may exacerbate the situation,” Mike Ellis, Alberta’s minister of public safety and emergency services, said during a news conference Tuesday. Provincial officials are working closely with municipal and Parks Canada officials to help contain the fire and manage the evacuation, Ellis said... Source:cbc.ca/news
SELF-MASTERY:
Represented as promoting and practicing ‘sabr,’ or patience and perseverance.
3: CUlTIVATING THE QUAlITY OF MERCY: Represented as promoting and practicing loving-kindness and compassion.
Source: aljumuah.com/
arrange for disposal. Furqaan Recycling is one such organization in the Chicago area. It should be noted that all of the above pertains only to the original, Arabic text of the Quran. Translations into other languages, like English, are not considered to be Allah’s words, but rather an interpretation of their meaning. Therefore it is not necessary to discard translations in the same way unless they also contain the Arabic text. It is recommended to treat them respectfully nevertheless.Source: learnreligions.com/
01: Resignation of Sheikh Hasina and Transition of Power:
We demand that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign immediately and hand over power to a neutral third party, either the military or a caretaker government. This interim authority should organise a free and fair election in which all political parties can participate, ensuring the restoration of democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights.
02: Immediate Cessation of All Forms of Violence:
We call upon the ruling government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Awami League, to immediately cease all forms of violence against the student protesters. This includes the beating and mass killing of innocent students, the looting and raiding of student residential halls, and the assault on individuals peacefully protesting the current quota system. The excessive use of force, such as deploying tear gas, shooting rub-
Quota Movement Bangladesh 2024, 5 Point Demands
ber bullets, and threatening students with machetes, is wholly unacceptable and must be condemned.
03: Compliance with Protesters’ Demands:
The government must heed the legitimate demands of the quota protesters. These demands are crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable recruitment system based on merit rather than outdated quota allocations.
04: Hold Law Enforcement officers
Accountable:
The Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have participated in violence against student protestors. Specifically, the Bangladesh Police have directly attacked students, killing many by shooting bullets at them, and have sheltered the Bangladesh Student League (BSL), also known as the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), in attacking unarmed students with firearms and local weapons. Journalists reporting in favour of peaceful protesters are also being beaten by the police. These actions are clear violations of the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as international human rights law. The violence extends beyond peaceful protestors to include students, patients, and drivers in ambulances. The use of excessive force, arbitrary detentions, and harass-
ment of peaceful protesters are crimes against humanity that must be addressed and rectified.
According to the Constitution of Bangladesh: Article 31 guarantees protection of law.
Article 32 ensures the right to life and personal liberty.
Article 35(5) prohibits torture. Additionally, international human rights law, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, affirms that: Law enforcement officials must respect and protect human dignity and maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons (UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, Article 2).
Obedience to superior orders shall not be a defence for violations committed by police (Human Rights Standards and Practice for the Police, OHCHR).
There must be thorough and impartial investigations into the violence and human rights violations committed by these forces. Those responsible must be brought to justice according to both the national constitution and international human rights standards. This includes ensuring accountability for the Bangladesh Police’s actions and implementing measures to prevent such violations in the future.
05:Designation of Bangladesh Chhatra league (BCl) as a Terrorist
Organisation:
The Bangladesh Chhatra League, responsible for instigating sanctioned violence and intimidation against anyone who criticises the government, aids the government in suppressing freedom of expression and shares equal responsibility for conducting violence with the police, must be recognised as a terrorist organisation. The Bangladesh Chhatra League, with its history of torturing students in their residential halls, threatening them to abide by their orders, and suppressing their freedom of expression, has long been a significant contributor to the unrest and suffering of the student community. Their actions must be condemned and addressed appropriately.“In these trying times, we earnestly request your thoughts and prayers for the safety and wellbeing of the students and citizens of Bangladesh. As we courageously stand for justice and equality amidst severe repression, your support and solidarity can provide us with the strength and hope needed to endure and overcome these hardships. Let us unite in prayer for an end to the violence, the restoration of peace, and the establishment of a fair and just society”
By: Barrister Abdullah Al Noman, London, UK
Source:quotamovementbd.org
No scope to discuss 8-point demands till 4-point demands are met: Anti-discriminatory student movement
police took position on the road in front of the DRU before the conference began.Once again the coordinators placed their four demands at the press conference. The four demands are: restoration of internet service; withdrawal of curfew; withdrawal of law enforcement agencies from campuses, opening of dormitories and ensuring a congenial atmosphere for the return of students; and ensuring security to coordinators of the movement. Earlier, the coordinators of the movement gave the government a two-day ultimatum to meet these demands. Before that, they met the three ministers at the state guesthouse, Padma, on 19 July night where they placed their eight-point demands.At Tuesday’s press conference, one of the coordinators of the movement, Sarjis Alam said, “We had informed the government’s representative about the eight-point demand. And then, we informed them about four urgent demands two days ago. If these four demands are not met, there is no option to talk about the eight-point demands.”
Source. en.prothomalo.com/
Axe the Carbon Tax & keep violent offenders in jail: Pierre Poilievre
Axe the Carbon Tax & keep violent offenders in jail Pierre Poilievre promises a common sense’ approach to undo the harm done by federal Liberals.
By UMENDRA SINGH
Courtesy by: Editor Asian Star Federal Opposition and Conservative Party Leader, Pierre Poilievre, blasted Prime MinisterJustin Trued and his federal Liberal government for ruining the lives of Canadians over the past nine years. He promised to axe the carbon tax, lower income tax, reduce crime and stop criminals and extortionists by ringing in mandatory jail terms, stop bail for repeat violent offenders, making housing affordable in all of Canada, quick approvals to work in Canada for foreign trained professionals and secure the border to stop fake and illegal refugees and criminals from entering Canada.
Poilievre, in Surrey for a meeting with the South Asian
media, listed the problems brought down on Canadians by Trudeau and his Liberal government: It takes an average Vancouver family 28 years to collect enough money for a down payment for a home.
• Before Trudeau, Canadians could pay off their mortgages in 25 years, not any anymore.
• 2 million people go to food banks on a regular basis – before Trudeau there was a very small number.
• 25 percent of Canadians now live in poverty according to Food Bank Association of Canada
• One in four Canadian children go to school hungry – before Trudeau almost every child went to school with a full stomach
• Housing costs have doubled after 9 years of Vancouver
• Vancouver has become the most expensive city in North America to live and buy a home and third most expensive I the world – it is more expensive to buy a home in
Vancouver than in New York, Chicago and London, (England) or even a small island like Singapore with 2,000 times more people per kilometer than Vancouver yet they have more affordable housing, and we don’t,
• Crime, chaos, drug, disorder and extortion in the streets after Trudeau’s “wacko”liberalization of drugs and guns.
“But the good news is that life was not like this before Trudeau and it will not be like this after he is gone,” Poilievre promised. He promised a “common sense way” plan of dealing with the problems brought about by the federal Liberal government.
“We will axe the carbon tax and bring down income tax,” Poilievre promised.
Crime will be brought under control and repeated offenders will not get a free pass to get out of custody or jail. His government will once again make the neighborhoods safe for the citizens of Canada, he promised.
Talking of housing affordability. The Conservative leader
said he will ask municipalities to lower costs of building homes and free up land for more housing. He said every large municipality in Canada will be required to build at least 15 percent more homes each year as a condition of getting federal funding.
” If they don’t meet that annual 15 percent housing target, they will not get federal funds - simple as that,” he said. He also said that municipalities should look at their administrative costs and streamline them.
Giving an example, he said if a house costs $1.5 million in Vancouver, only $300,000 of that goes to the builders, trades people and other workers. By far the largest amount – an average of $1.2 million on an average $1,5 million home – goes to building persist and bureaucracy put up by the municipalities. Poilievre will sell 6,000 federal buildings and thousands of acres of federal land to build, build and build more houses. He promised to bring down inflation and fix the budget with common sense concept dollar for dollar rule that will require politicians to find sav-
promises
ings of one dollar for every dollar they vote to spend.
“We will ensure our streets ae safe again by stopping the crime. We will stop crime by jail and not bail for repeat violent offenders,” he said.
“A new mandatory jail term for extortion will be put in place by adopting a bill for mandatory jail time for extortionists. We brought this bill for mandatory jail for extortionists after Trudeau refused to impose penalties on extortionists and allowed extortionists to work free on bail and parole,” he said. He complained that not a single Liberal MP from Surrey supported this measure which would deter extortionists. Conservatives will secure our borders by ensuring criminals, drugs and guns don’t get in he said,” he said.
17th annual Surrey Fusion festival at Holland Park, July
20-21
On July 20-21, The Surrey Fusion Festival–Western Canada’s largest multicultural festival at Holland Park. What an incredible first and second day from 11 am-10 pm at the Surrey Fusion Festival. This year’s theme was “landmarks of the World,” the ultimate celebration of food, music, and culture. The 2024 theme was “Dance Around The World” through traditional and contemporary dance demonstrations across 50 cultural pavilions and five stages, plus, who can forget about the food? It was on display at more than 40 food and art pavilions, where organizers showcased how
people come together to celebrate and build bridges between cultures.
“Surrey Fusion 2024 was a successful festival. We are so proud to offer a world-class, multicultural event to the community in Surrey,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “
On behalf of the Council, I thank all volunteers, pavilion organizers, and attendees for participating in the festival. I would also like to thank our presenting sponsor, Coast Capital, for their continued support over the last 17 years.” Surrey Fusion Festival began on Saturday with the Parade of Cultures, which showcased all pavilion organizers as they marched from the ML Emporia Celebration Stage to the Concord Pacific World Music Stage. Many Performers did
the live performance at the Surrey Fusion Festival.
The two-day festival featured live performances on five stages, yoga and meditation, dance battles, an Indigenous Village, a sensory-friendly space, and a Family Fun zone.
Additional activities included Bhangra, powwow and giddha dance lessons, an Indigenous marketplace, and amusement rides. Attendees captured candid moments and had the opportunity to taste food from around the world at almost 30 cultural food pavilions. Surrey Fusion Festival met health and safety guidelines as set out by the Provincial Health Officer, Worksafe BC, Fraser Health, and appropriate industry associations. This event was possible in part
by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. The Pakistani Food and Pakistani Boutique stalls were also at the Fusion Festival Surrey and also participated in Prade. They received an overwhelming response from fresh Chicken, Tikka, Kabab, and Pakistani cloths, Crafts, Jewellery, etc. Mr. Malik Afzal’s family and his volunteer team did a great job. The Miracle Media Group Congratulates the entire Mayor Brenda Locke team, Surrey Police volunteers, and Sponsors for making history. Also Thank you, Mayor, Council, and First Nation for contributing words to the Welcome Ceremony at #“Landmarks of the World,”
On July 15, South Asian Media were invited by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Hon.Marc Miller, and Member of Parliament for Surrey-Newton, Sukh Dhaliwal, at Grand Taj Banquet Hall, Surrey. Hon.Marc Miller highlighted the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada policies in his introductory speech. One of the most significant measures announced in 2024 was the Canadian government tabled its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024, 2025, and 2026. I’m pleased that Canada intends to maintain its targets of welcoming 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, including 27,000 refugees and protected persons, then 500,000 permanent residents in 2025, and that number in 2026.
Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller admits that the large number of foreign students in Surrey, specifically, and in Canada, generally, is a serious problem.
In the Q&A session, many Issues facing Canadians were raised by the Media, which were related to the following:
* How to stop Indian criminals from entering Canada
* What permit matters International student immigration
* What permit expires and then causes health issues problems
* 5 or 10 years plan of Canadian immigration and Hate crimes matters in Canada
* Talent of international student to be used in Canadian market
*For international student no vacancy for the job availability by federal or provincial government
* Political asylum cases mostly found general fraud two to three years in the past
* Provincial pressure at Canadian immigration Canada
* Parent visa parents supervisor and government plans about their health care system
* Social justice mental matters social justice matters
* Canadian employer fake document used in lumia LMIA Lumia how to control it International immigrant protest against their government how to control
* Police certification screening of the criminal record of new immigrants.
Medical Media asked Hon.Marc Miller two questions,
Does the federal government plan to introduce a new business immigration program directly given the recent reductions of an application under the self-employed and startup program second related to when the student or any immigrant comes Over here what about the Vulnerable worker open work permit to protect from the employer’s harassment because this is very common nowadays between employers and the employees. Hon.Marc Miller, responded of each question, some answers are below. Miller said. “The foreign students were given student visas and were not guaranteed or promised anything else – they were not promised a permanent resident visa if they attended and completed school in Canda,”
He said his ministry is reviewing the situation to see what the best solution is, but it could be that the students would have to return to their home countries at the end of their studies
“It is a reality that gangsters move into Canada as they move into other countries, including USA. The Minister was unable to explain how international gangs are operating so smoothly in Canada. He blamed
source countries (such as India) for not giving accurate data on criminal histories of those who apply for visas to Canada and said this why some criminals slip into Canada.“
The minister further agreed that the situation was not good in Surrey as half of all schools designated to accept foreign students are in Surrey. This means almost half of foreign students are in Surrey. Along with the historic number of foreign students, there are historic numbers of asylum seekers and refugees seeking refuge in Canada, including about 300,000 Ukrainians trying to escape a nuclear armed invader, Russia.
Separately. the BC government has estimated there are175,000 foreign students in BC, most of them in Surrey, and the BC government has ordered all schools in BC to limit foreign students to a maximum of 30 percent of their total student populations.
The Minister admitted there has been criticism about the high number of temporary residents, including foreign students, in Canada currently. “There is a lot of blame to go around,” he said... (A few answers are printed)
By: Molana Abid Ahmad Attari
On July 16th, several Muslim community members and families attended this blessed Aushra Muharrum event at Faizan-e-Madina Surrey. After the ‘Asr prayer the event started with some beautiful verses recitation of the Holy Qurana relevant to the event. It was fol-
lowed by Nasheed (naat, praises of the beloved Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasalam), and then a few couplets narrated about the Ahl-e-Bait (the blessed family of the last Messanger of Allah (Subh’anaHu Wa Ta-A’la). At which point the speeches began, the first one in English highlighting the importance of loving Imam Hasan and Imam Hussein (razi allah tala anhu) the grandsons of the Beloved Prophet(salallahu
alayhi wasalam) references from the Holy Quran and Hadith. The second speech in Urdu consisted of the thought-provoking event of Karbala and the endurance shown by the Ahle-eBait(RA), along with the lesson behind this sacrifice. Reminders of perseverance in worship, endurance, and trust in Allah almighty while remaining steadfast on the right path were the main topics discussed.
The speeches ended with Isale-sawab (conveyance of rewards) to the martyrs of Karbala as well as all the attendees, followed by a collective Dua. And then salutations were sent upon the Prophet of Allah(SWT) and all the Ahl-e-bait (RA) The gathering ended with a Maghrib Prayer and a delicious dinner.
“If inflation continues to ease broadly in line with our forecast, it is reasonable to expect further cuts in our policy interest rate,” Macklem told reporters.
The bank brought key interest rates down by 25 basis points to 4.75 per cent during that June meeting.
The rate had previously been held at five per cent since July 2023. The bank began a long and aggressive cycle of rate hikes in April 2022 to tame persistently high inflation. After a May inflation report showed that the consumer price index had crept up to 2.9 per cent, some analysts had doubts that the Bank would cut rates again in July.
But June’s 2.7 per cent inflation reading quelled those concerns. “It wasn’t that much of a surprise because inflation is coming down,” said Earl Davis, head of fixed income and money markets at BMO Global Asset Management.
He added that weaker retail sales and impending mortgage renewals likely gave the bank impetus to
lower rates again. Consumers will “have more money in their pocket because the bank [lowering interest rates] reduces your interest on your credit cards, and it reduces interest on variable mortgages,” he added. The bank will make its next interest rate decision on Sept. 4. ”Source:cbc.ca/news
Media Roundtable with Minister of Immigration, Hon.Marc Miller & MP Sukh Dhaliwal
Protest against the heninous attack on Bangladesh Students at Science World, Vancouver (July 20)
This conference was held for the incident that happened outside the Consulate General of Pakistan in Frankfurt, (Germany) on July 20th. In that attack, 8-10 terrorists jumped the premises of the Pakistani Consulate desecrated the Pakistani flag from the post and tried to plant their flag. The Pakistani community condemned this attack, and a quick action was taken by the directors of CMMC for this condemnation.
President CMMC Naseer Pirzada, Media liaison, Mr. Naveed Waraich, Assistant Secretory Tariq Yaqub and Director Mr. Tarik Kiyani expressed their comments in detail in the light of the attack and requested the government of Pakistan to take strict action and identify those who were responsible for that attack and report it to the Afghan government.
The CMMC has also invited a few guests to talk about this serious issue. CMAI President Mr. Rahat Rao, PTI Chapter General Secretary Mr. Nayyar Sohail, and Pashtoon Association President Mr. Amin Ahmad Khan, and Mr. Ameer Ahmad Khan. Invited guests were registered their strongly condemning statements of the incident. The CMMC strongly requested that the government of Pakistan and the government of Afghanistan make recommendations to investigate this matter as soon as possible so that the anxiety among the Afghan brothers over here in BC, can be eliminated, because of only a few culprits, the entire nation cannot be blamed, and by the Government of British Columbia is hereby requested to take precautionary measures to protect our Pakistani Consulate and others too.
Courtesy Photos: Nasir Howlader
Tariq Kayani of Sony Dharti Pakistan hosted this live show
NOTARIZATIONS
Certified true copies
Affidavits
Statutory Declarations
Travel Consent Letters
Insurance loss declarations
Passport Applications
Proof of Identity
Notarization of Signatures
Independent Legal Advice
All other Forms and Documents
PERSONAL PLANNING
Wills
Power of Attorney
Indian Power of Attorney
Pakistan Power of Attorney
Representation Agreements
Advance Directives
REAL ESTATE
Purchasing a Home
Selling a Home
Refinancing/Mortgages
Property Title Transfers
Manufactured Homes
Drafting Contracts
Builder’s Liens
Lease Agreements
Covenants
New Listings in 2024
Brand New 3 Level Detached home with 2 Basements(2+1) in Surrey’s Sullivan Ridge New Sub Division. Main Floor Features Spacious Living/Dining rooms, Designer kitchen with Top Stainless Steel Appliances, Spice Kitchen, Family room, Full bathroom & Den which can be converted in a Bedroom. Upper Floor Features Master Bedroom with a Walk In Closet + 3 Large bedrooms and 3 washrooms & Laundry. Full house is Centrally Airconditioned and Radiant Heat. Basement you have 2 suites (2+1) that will generate great rental income Appro.$3500 a month, it comes with Stainless Steel Appliances, and both Basements have their own laundry. Also there is a Theatre Room in the Basement for Entertainment. House comes with 2-5-10 years New Home Warranty.
Luxury Brand-New House over 8000 sq ft lot, 7-bed, 7-bath 4200 Sq Ft + built home. Discover the pinnacle of sophisticated living in Cloverdale. Turn your dream home in Reality. High Ceiling, Grand Entry The Open-concept main floor is perfect for entertaining, featuring a great room, chef’s kitchen, and a convenient spice kitchen. Radiant in-floor heating adds comfort throughout, Central Air Condition, Security Camera’s, Upstairs 4 beds and 4 baths offer spacious living + Huge Private Deck (480 Sq Ft). The Main Floor Boasts a 2-bedroom legal suite and a 1-bedroom suite. Home has stainless steel appliances throughout and 3 laundries.
has a 2 Bedrooms Suite + 1 Bedroom Suite for Mortgage helper + a Common Laundry for the Basements. Radiant Heat along with Central Air condition. Close to all schools, and major routes. Backed by 2-5-10 New HOME WARRANTY.
This lovely 1 bedroom features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, and much more!. Open layout with lots of natural light, large balcony perfect for your summer BBQ’s. Convenient location! Walking distance to Gates Park, Nature trails, Coquitlam River, Restaurants, Shopping, Schools and Transit and the West Coast Express. Everything you need is right at your door step!! Open House June 15/16 2-4pm
2024 Newly Built 7100 Sq Ft Corner Lot, Two level Home 8 Bedrooms + Den + 7 Bathrooms, has 2 Basements (2+2), Main Floor Features has 2 Basement Suites (2+2) for Mortgage Helper & Den with Full Bathroom which can be used as a Bedroom or an Office, Upper Floor has an Open Concept Kitchen along with Spice Kitchen, 4 Spacious Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms, An abundance of natural light helps to create an open and spacious feel. A stone throw way from Berkshire Park Elementary School and Kids First Montessori. Short walk to Johnston Heights Secondary School. Easy access to public transit, Guildford Mall, Port Mann bridge, Surrey Central, Skytrain & major routes. Great house appeal on a street full of flowering cherry trees in a nice family-oriented neighborhood!
Location! Location! Gorgeous over 7000 sq ft Lot, Over 5000 sq Ft livable house! 3 Mortgage Helpers (3+3+3)generating at present rent of $6250 a month, with Separate Laundry. Investors can generate over $11000 in rent for the full house. 13 Bedrooms + 6 Bathrooms, Double Garage, additional 8 Parking space on Driveway. Back lane access. Please note Basement Bedrooms do not have Closet. Walk to Transit. School and Guildford Mall nearby, along with Golf Course. Close to Highway 1.
The generation ‘chasm’: Young Canadians feel unlucky, unattached to the country
By Michelle Butterfield, Global News
Feeling the pressures of a society plagued by climate change, soaring home prices, economic inequality and poverty, many young Canadians say they are feeling less than optimistic about the direction of our nation. They don’t necessarily like the path that Canada’s on, and cite the baby boom generation as one of the root causes of disparity and division in Canadian society.
An Angus Reid Institute survey of young Canadian leaders found that almost half of respondents thought the answers to Canada’s woes rely not on fixing the past mistakes of previous generations, but, rather, starting anew with a complete restructuring of Canadian society.
The study asked Canadians of all ages to self-report on whether they consider themselves “leaders” in their communities. Respondents rated themselves on their ability to incite change in their communities through volunteering and political involvement.
These self-identified young leaders, all under the age of 41, said they were likely to prioritize the common good and generally believe that what’s good for society holds more
Topical therapy
Corticosteroids. These drugs are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. They are available as oils, ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays and shampoos. Mild corticosteroid ointments (hydrocortisone) are usually recommended for sensitive areas,
By: Asma Ayyaz, Surrey
Today, we wanted to give a little shout out to all the grandparents out there, living as positive role models and caregivers in their grandchildren’s lives. This one’s for you!
Grandparents, they bring more to the table than just the occasional baby sitting. They act as another source of unconditional love, a wealth of knowledge, and another positive influence on the lives of their grandchildren. But seriously, that’s not all! They say, “it takes a village” to raise a child and that’s no joke. Children need endless positive influence, love, emotional support, and strong role models in their lives to help them grow into a well-rounded human being, and grandparents (along side their parent[s]) assist with that character development.
…And provide that little extra support for parents, of course. Grandparents are a
importance than people’s individual rights and freedoms.
The young leaders also reported higher education levels and slightly more personal wealth than nonleaders, and were found to be far more diverse than their older counterparts in terms of race and gender.
A generational split
One thing most young leaders agree on is that the legacy of the baby boom generation may not be much of a legacy at all.
The majority of young leaders aged 40 and under said they view the boomers’ legacy as negative, while an overwhelming majority of leaders over the age of 55 view the legacy as positive.
Younger generations, however, are optimistic that the millennial generation will leave behind a more positive legacy than the boomers. On the flip side, older generations don’t have as much faith; half of those over the age of 40 think millennials will leave the world in worse shape.
The top issues
The division between the two cohorts is real.
All survey respondents, regardless of generation, voted climate change as the top concern, and the ma-
such as the face or skin folds, and for treating widespread patches... Vitamin D analogues. Synthetic forms of vitamin D Retinoids. Tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, others) Calcineurin inhibitors. Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid shampoos & scalp solutions Coal tar. Coal tar reduces scaling, itching and inflammation. Anthralin. Anthralin is a tar cream that slows skin cell growth.
light therapy
jority said that Canada should emphasize environmental protection over economic growth.
Young leaders said they’re more concerned about economic inequality, housing prices, and Indigenous issues and reconciliation, while older leaders reported being more concerned about inflation and balancing the budget.
Kurl also points out that Canada is “at an inflection point” and is “very focused these days on what’s wrong.” “I think we may be at a time where we’re too focused on the things that are going wrong and maybe not reflecting enough on the things that are going right.”
Who’s lucky?
Younger Canadians were far more likely to say that their age group has been “unlucky,” with about 40 per cent of all leaders and their counterparts aged 40 and under saying that their generation has lacked oppor-
Light therapy is a first line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Sunlight. Brief, daily exposures to sunlight (heliotherapy) UVB broadband. Controlled doses of UVB broadband light from an artificial light UVB narrowband. UVB narrowband light therapy might be more effective. Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA). This treatment in-
tunity. Older Canadians, especially those 55 and up, report being “very lucky” with plenty of opportunities. Three-quarters of the leaders 40 and under agree that white people benefit from social opportunities not given to visible minorities, and almost 40 per cent reported attending a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020. Older generations surveyed tend to feel most lucky in terms of overall quality of life, while the younger cohorts say they feel fortunate when it comes to social acceptance and freedom. Leaders aged 30 to 40 consider “opportunities for travel” to be their top area of luck, while older leaders rank property ownership as one of their lucky breaks...
Source: globalnews.ca/
volves taking a light-sensitizing medication Excimer laser. With this form of light therapy, Oral or injected medications:
• Steroids. Retinoids.
• Biologics. Methotrexate.
• Cyclosporine.
• Other medications. Treatment considerations You and your health care provider will choose a treatment approach based on your needs and the type and severity of your psoriasis. You’ll likely start with the
mildest treatments — topical creams and ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy). Then, if your condition doesn’t improve, you might move on to stronger treatments.
People with pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis usually need to start with stronger (systemic) medications.In any situation, the goal is to find the most effective way to slow cell turnover with the fewest possible side effects.
Source: mayoclinic.org/
The Importance Of Grandparents In A Child’s life
source of family history, and sometimes act as a link to family traditions and culture. With their wealth of knowledge, they have gained over their lifetime, the intergenerational relationship built between a grandparent and grandchild can be integral. Children look to trusted grandparents as another role model in their lives and pick up on how their grandparents not only act but react to certain situations. When grandchildren are around their grandparent’s often, they learn how people they trust, besides their parents, act in different situations.
Considering many grandparents are removed from the every day stressors of parenting life, they can provide a carry over into even more playful learning.
For example, while playing a game when the child sees that grandma isn’t going to throw a fit over losing they are learning good sportsmanship, and how to handle disappointment. If they help grandpa with dinner and he talks about how much he appreciates grandma, the child is learning how people love and care for others. This kind of quality time also helps chil-
dren learn the importance of strong family bonds and builds fond memories that encourage healthy emotional intelligence later.
Lastly, grandma and grandpa’s home is the perfect place to start showing your children that they are safe and secure in other’s homes. When visiting grandma and grandpa, children see how other relationships succeed, and learn how to act and follow rules outside of their primary caregivers watch. So yeah... I’d say grandparents can be pretty great! Now it’s your turn. Research shows that 9 out of 10 adult grandchildren, felt their grandparents influenced their values and behaviours in some way, and that some of their fondest memories have come from the time spent with their grandparent. Some frequently asked questions answered below for our
readers :)
1: What role do grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives beyond occasional babysitting? Grandparents serve as sources of unconditional love, positive influence, and emotional support for their grandchildren. They contribute to their character development, offer support to parents, and provide a link to family history and traditions.
2:How do grandparents contribute to the intergenerational relationship between themselves and their grandchildren? With their wealth of knowledge and life experiences, grandparents play a vital role in fostering intergenerational relationships. They pass down family history, traditions, and cultural values, enriching the lives of their grandchildren.
3:In what ways do grandchildren learn from their inter-
actions with their grandparents? Grandchildren observe and learn from their grandparents’ behaviors and reactions to various situations. Through quality time spent together, children learn about sportsmanship, handling disappointment, expressing love and care, and the importance of strong family bonds.
4:Why is visiting grandma and grandpa’s home important for children’s development? Visiting grandparents’ homes provides children with a sense of safety and security in different environments. It allows them to witness successful relationships outside of their immediate family and learn to adapt to different rules and expectations.
5:How do grandchildren perceive the influence of their grandparents on their values and behaviors? Research shows that a significant majority of adult grandchildren recognize their grandparents’ influence on their values and behaviors. Many cherish fond memories of time spent with their grandparents, highlighting the lasting impact of these relationships on their lives.
Email: asmashums@gmail.com
Individuals with no understanding of social media dishing out ‘digital terrorism’ labels: Imran
dividuals with no understanding of social media were dishing out “digital terrorism” labels.
By: Khadija Nadeem, Surrey Miracle’s contributor
Pakistan, like many developing nations, grapples with profound healthcare challenges that impact millions of its citizens daily. From inadequate infrastructure to limited access to essential services, these issues underscore a critical need for sustained efforts to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes across the country. At the heart of Pakistan healthcare woes lies a fragmented infrastructure that struggles to meet the needs of its rapidly increasing population. Hospitals and clinics, particularly in rural areas, often lack adequate facilities, medical equipment, and trained personnel. The disparity between urban and rural healthcare facilities exacerbates inequalities in access to quality care, with many rural communities underserved and vulnerable. Investment in healthcare infrastructure remains crucial, yet it requires sus-
Faced with an intensifying wave of criticism on social media, the army in May had labelled such expressions as “digital terrorism” and declared a firm commitment to combat and defeat anti-military campaigns proliferating across online platforms.
The statement that marked further stiffening of the stance of the military towards online dissent and suggested an impending crackdown against the critics had come at the end of the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference.
Over the past couple of years, social media campaigns against the army have escalated, reflecting broader tensions within the country’s political and social fabric. The govern-
ment, often in tandem with the military, has responded with stringent measures aimed at controlling the narrative and stifling dissent.
These measures have led to numerous arrests and legal actions against journalists and social media users accused of disseminating “negative propaganda” against the military and the state. Additionally, there have been several instances of restricted internet access, and notable social media platforms like X have faced bans.
The military’s reaction had come against the backdrop of a post on Imran’s X account in which he urged his followers to study the Hamoodur Rehman Commission Report on the
events leading to the separation of East Pakistan.
The term had featured again in the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference earlier this month. The attendees had stressed that the “onslaught of politically motivated digital terrorism, unleashed by conspirators, duly abetted by their foreign cohorts against state institutions” was meant to induce “despondency in the nation and sow discord through peddling of blatant lies, fake news and propaganda”.
A day after the top military moot, the PTI had said that labelling free speech as “digital terrorism” would be detrimental to both the country and institutions...Source: dawn.com/news
Addressing Healthcare Challenges in Pakistan
tained funding and strategic planning to bridge the urban-rural divide. Modernizing healthcare facilities, enhancing medical education and training, and deploying technology for telemedicine initiatives could extend healthcare reach to remote areas, bolstering overall health outcomes nationwide. Access to healthcare services in Pakistan is admittedly marred by financial barriers, geographic constraints, and socio-cultural factors. Many Pakistanis face financial hardship in accessing even basic healthcare, with out-of-pocket expenditures often driving families deeper into poverty. Moreover, geographical remoteness and lack of transportation infrastructure further hinder access, particularly for marginalized populations. Efforts to expand access must prioritize equity and affordability. Initiatives such as governmentsponsored health insurance schemes, community health centers, and mobile clinics have shown promise in reaching underserved populations. Collaborations between public and private sectors, along with international
Attaching a halal gaming element to your Muslim brand is one way of attracting their attention and staying top of mind.
Interactivity is important in areas other than gaming. As true digital natives, Gen Alpha can immediately identify paid promotional content. Using polls or promotions is one way to keep them from scrolling past. Gen Z influencers are very effective in drawing the attention of this young generation and impacting their attitudes. So why not work with these content creators? Try to find smaller influencers that can work within your budget. If you would like to know how to do so, read: “How to Find the Right Influencers for Your Halal Brand” and “Marketing to Muslim Consumers With Meta-influencers”. The fact that Gen Alpha is the most diverse and global-ori-
partnerships, can help scale up these initiatives effectively.
Public health challenges in Pakistan are manifold, ranging from communicable diseases like tuberculosis and malaria to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
Maternal and child health remains a pressing concern, with high maternal mortality rates and childhood malnutrition prevalent in many regions. Additionally, the country faces emerging threats like antimicrobial resistance and the impact of environmental degradation on public health. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach encompassing preventive measures, robust healthcare infrastructure, and effective disease surveillance systems. Public awareness campaigns, vaccination drives, and investments in sanitation and hygiene infrastructure are critical components of a proactive public health strategy.
Despite formidable challenges, Pakistan has made strides in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes through targeted interven-
tions and policy reforms. The governmentcommitment to universal health coverage, as outlined in the National Health Vision 2025, aims to provide essential health services to all citizens. Initiatives like the Sehat Sahulat Program, which provides health insurance to vulnerable populations, and the expansion of Lady Health Worker programs have expanded healthcare access in rural areas. Moreover, partnerships with international organizations and bilateral aid have bolstered Pakistan's healthcare sector, facilitating capacity building, infrastructure development, and disease control programs. Collaboration between healthcare stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, is pivotal in sustaining these efforts and driving meaningful change.
As Pakistan navigates its healthcare challenges, a collective commitment to equity, accessibility,and quality must guide future endeavors. Sustainable investments in healthcare infrastructure, strengthened primary care services, and proactive public health
measures are essential to achieving better health outcomes for all Pakistanis. Addressing socioeconomic determinants, promoting health literacy, and fostering innovation in healthcare delivery are integral to building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting evolving health needs. Ultimately, the journey towards a healthier Pakistan requires steadfast political will, informed policy-making, and inclusive community engagement. By prioritizing health as a fundamental human right and investing in sustainable healthcare solutions, Pakistan can forge a path towards a future where every citizen has access to the care they need to lead healthy and productive lives. In closing, let us envision a Pakistan where healthcare is not just a service but a cornerstone of national development—a beacon of hope and resilience for generations to come.
Is Your Halal Advertising Ready for Gen Alpha?
ented generation gives your Muslim brand a fantastic opportunity to advertise to them globally. Gen Alpha is happy to shop globally. The technology that Gen Alpha has grown up with is responsive and no longer expects them to consume passively. Although according to its CEO, TikTok has restrictive content for those below the age of thirteen, it is a very popular social media platform for Gen Alpha because of the fact that content consumers are also content creators on it.
The Institute for Family Studies’ lead researcher, when asked at what age kids should be allowed to be on TikTok answered that no child under 13 should be on any social media, including TikTok. Although responsibility for this mostly falls on parents, as a Muslim brand following Islamic ethics, you share in the responsibility too to make sure you emphasize
that your content on social media is not for very young people. Children, by nature, identify with brands later in life if they are exposed to them at a young age by their parents. Gen Alpha is no different as its preferences will also be shaped by the choices made for them by millennial parents.
Ashley Fell, the co-author of Generation Alpha explains:...
This means that your brand has got to get its story right. It has to have a purpose and stand for solutions for social challenges that matter to this generation. To get inspiration on this matter please read:
“Purpose Will Make or Break Your Halal Brand”
“How to Use Creatives to Bring Your Halal Brand Purpose to life”
“Why Your Halal Business Should Care About Digital Advertising Carbon Footprint”
Conclusion:
They may be highly opinionated but Generation Alpha is also labeled the most digitally savvy and socially aware. For that reason, as a brand, your halal brand needs to be on top of its game and ready to make contact with this crucial audience. Be smart about how to connect with them. You can’t drag your feet in communicating with this influential demographic, or you risk losing out on lifelong brand loyalty. Be authentic in your communication, immersive in your adverts, and personalized in your campaigns. If you look towards the future now, you can thrive beyond this transition between consumer generations.
Source:muslimadnetwork.com/ e than $80,000 on lawyer and former RCM
Source: dawnnews.com
PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, said on Wednesday that certain in-
