BY JAVED ZAHEER


TORONTO: Want to see politics of Pakistani style, go to Mississauga? You will get the taste of both---Pind (Village) and Chaudhary (Head of the village)--- I happened to witness one recently. The environment was such and the audience so charged that I forgot I was in Canada. It was Balle Balle (Good) of pure Pakistani touch with the same emotional speeches, expressions, arguments and altercations. Thanks to the good Canadian society, system and effective rules and regulations, only the scuffle part was missing. Fortunately, those living here are mostly highly educated and act responsibly.

Matanat Khan of Sunshine Radio and Adnan Hashmi of Sunday Times invited selected persons at the Shahnawaz restaurant on August 21, 2006. Over 90 percent were Adnan Hashmi’s guests. The Powerful Chaudharies of the community, who gathered there, had worked hard to remove the differences and misunderstanding between the two leaders and unite them in the interest of the people. Through `tremendous pressure and persuasion’, they succeeded and as a result this meeting organized to announce the outcome. They showed that not only in Pakistan, the Chaudharies are very influential and powerful in Canada as well.

NEW STRATEGY:
The Powerful Chaudharies claimed: We succeeded in bringing Muslims---Arabs, South Asians and other origins---on a common platform to ensure victory of Omar Alghabra, MP, despite open opposition by Carrolyn Parrish, who is also contesting for city councillor. This time too we are making a strategy to ensure certain victories of Matanat Khan and Adnan Hashmi, candidates for city councillors.”

“They would win with support of all people because both of them are competent, talented and capable of fulfilling promises and contributing tremendously. They are committed to serve not only Muslims but also all people of their respective areas,” the Powerful Chaudharies said confidently.

Both Matanat Khan and Adnan Hashmi were contesting from Ward 10. Now Matanat is contesting from Ward 6 and Adnan Hashmi from Ward 10. This understanding and change of ward took place keeping in view of Adnan’s keen interest in Ward 10 and to avoid clash of Pakistanis. Now both of them would contest separately instead of suffering loss with division of votes and community. A mishap has been avoided. Adnan had filed papers first in Ward 10 then Matanat Khan entered the race. Now the issue has been resolved.

SUPPORTERS HAPPY:
Both of them demonstrated unity, shook hands and announced full support for each other. They announced: “We would support and work for each other to ensure our win. Our supporters too are happy and have agreed to help us in all ways including moral and financial.” This positive move and understanding was welcomed and appreciated by almost all present on the occasion.     

They said: “We are contesting to win and are fully confident of victory and support of the people. We need to remain united till the end. We need these positions for our future generations.”

The Powerful Chaudharies said: “The community had suffered a lot in the past. We kept giving votes but never dared asked what the leaders are going to do for us. Those who got our votes usually worked against us. This is most unfortunate. Now is the time to choose leaders who work for us and protect and promote our interests. Our leaders can only do this job best. We must have trust and confidence in them.”

TAKE INTEREST:
They said: “Take full interest and active part in the campaign to make them successful. Their success depends on our help and support. We must not disappoint them. Along with unity, we must have trust and confidence in each other. This is badly lacking in our community. It’s time now to create better understanding and promote love and brotherhood. We must follow the principle of live and work together. We must join the system and mainstream as true Canadians.”

They said: “We must pool our resources. We need the resources badly in Mississauga. We can help solve the problems of Mississauga and make progress.”

BETTER POSITION:
They stated: “In Ward 6 there are about 47 percent Pakistanis alone and their support along with other Muslims can turn the table and ensure victory. We would make sure that majority of them turn out for votes. Matanat Khan is in a much better position than Adnan Hashmi, who will be facing tough challenges in Ward 10 from many candidates.”

Matanat is facing a powerful lady, Carrolyn Parrish, in Ward 6. Carrolyn had helped the Muslim and Pakistani communities a lot. This is on record.  Most of the people, particularly the Powerful Chaudharies, are suggesting that she help Matanat in the councillor election and him get elected. They will then support her in other elections. This formula is good and helpful for both. They said: “We need Matanat to solve our problems. He understands our issues and problems and can deliver better for us.”

It is alleged that Carrolyn Parrish opposed openly Omar Alghabra in favour of her favourite. This backfired and Muslims, particularly the Powerful Chaudharies, fully supported Omar Alghabra and got him elected. Now the Muslim votes are not likely to go in her favour and, therefore, Matanat has a good edge and better advantage.

NO ENMITY:
This is just a tough competition and there is no element of enmity or hatred in this move. From any other ward, Muslims would have fully supported and got her elected. They acknowledge her tremendous contributions.

Both Matanat Khan and Adnan Hashmi agreed to support each other by going door to door in each other’s wards as well. This way they can help each other. Before changing wards, both had done work in their respective wards and would make sure that the efforts do not go waste and are fully utilized.

INDIAN MUSLIM:
Hameeduddin Ahmed, editor and publisher of Awaz, a bilingual journal published from Toronto, extended his full support and said: “I am an Indian Muslim and support you people. That is why I am here, in the meeting of Pakistanis, to show unity of Muslims.  I will knock at the doors of Indian Muslims to get support and votes for them.”

He said: “I will work in Ward 6 for Matanat Khan but ask the Indian Muslims in Ward 10 to help Adnan Hashmi. We must end all differences and remove misunderstandings and work together in the interest of the community and all people. We are living in Canada and are Canadians first and then Indian or Pakistani. This we must never forget.”

BE CANADIAN:
Hameeduddin said: “Don’t depend only on community votes. I don’t " BY JAVED ZAHEER

TORONTO:
Canadians of Pakistani origins are never behind in the struggle for progress and prosperity of Canada. They have demonstrated it time and again. This year they celebrated Canada Day in a befitting manner and won hearts, trust and confidence of the people. They showed that they are always ready to share and shoulder any responsibility and offer any sacrifice because they consider Canada also as their motherland.

The Canpak Chamber of Commerce, under the trusted leadership of chairman Shahid Hashmi, took the lead this year in starting the celebration. Canpak organized the Canada Day Celebration on June 25, 2005, at Holiday Inn, Markham. Over 300 people of all ages attended the function, despite the day being very hot. The great success was the result of extraordinary efforts of Shahid Hashmi and his team. The driving force behind this was Ghalib Iqbal, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, who was the chief guest on the occasion. His keen interest in promoting the community in the right direction has given courage to the people and vision to the leaders.

The distinguished guests present on the occasion included Jim Karygiannis, Liberal MP, John Tory, leader of the opposition in Ontario, Frank Klees, MPP, Police Chief of York Region and Lisa of York University. Three special guests of international fame from India, who are authorities of Urdu language, were Dr Qamar Raees, Dr Shahid Maholi and Prof Ali Ahmed Fatmi. They had participated in the very successful International Urdu Conference held in Toronto from June 17-19, 2005, which was organized by the Weekly Urdu Times of America and Canada.

GHALIB IQBAL started his address with `Happy Canada Day’ and gave the important message to the Pakistani community to proudly call themselves Canadians of Pakistani origin instead of Pakistani Canadians.

He said: "The tremendous contribution of the Pakistani community will further strengthen the ties between Pakistan and Canada. They have always played a pivotal role in all fields. They have been instrumental in cementing the bonds of friendship between the two countries. The productive work is producing positive results and is indeed a matter of pride for all of us. I am confident that their efforts in this direction would bring the two countries even closer. It is nice to see that so many Canadians of Pakistani origin are celebrating Canada Day. This is a very good sign."

Ghalib said: "You are fortunate to be in Canada. In order to become an important part of the society and system, you must spread out in the country and interact with the people. This will help in creating better understanding. Don’t isolate yourself by keeping away from others and only rushing to the areas of your own people. This approach is wrong and harmful for the community."

"Relationship between Pakistan and Canada is extremely warm and close. There is still a considerable scope for further improvement and we must make efforts to reach the peak level. The Government and people of Pakistan appreciate the continued Canadian support in the development of Pakistan," he stated.

He said: "We must never forget the responsibility of teaching Urdu to our new and coming generations. Extraordinary efforts must be made in this connection."

Ghalib Iqbal, who has become a very popular figure of the community because of his close contact with the people, interest in their affairs and efforts to bring them on a common platform, congratulated Shahid Hashmi and his team for the successful Canada Day Celebration function and for being the first to hold the event. He concluded his address with Long Live Canada-Pakistan Friendship.

JOHN TORY, leader of the opposition in Ontario, said: "Immigrants have enriched Canada and are an asset. We share many values. I am leader of the immigrants as well and always ready to help them." He also congratulated Shahid Hashmi and his team for taking the lead in organizing the Canada Day Celebration function. He said he too not only enjoyed but also was greatly impressed by presentations by the kids.

JIM KARYGIANNIS, Liberal MP, said: "Assalam Walaikum. and Jeevey, Jeevey Pakistan and Canada. The Canadian Charter of Rights has been translated into Urdu. Very soon it will be unveiled. This is a great leap forward as it will help create better understanding, trust and confidence. It will help bring people closer. We must accept RACE, which is the basis of a bright future." He congratulated the organizer of the event.

He praised the contributions of immigrants and highlighted the opportunities they have in Canada. He spoke about rights and gave the Canadian Charter of Rights in English to Ghalib Iqbal for presenting it to Shahid Hashmi, Chairman of Canpak Chamber of Commerce. John Tory, Frank Klees, Police Chief of York Region, Lisa of York University and other distinguished guests were also invited to join the presentation.

FRANK KLEES, MPP, said: "Because of you, Canada is what it is today ---a great country. It has given us a lot. We are so much thankful to it for what it has given to us. I am an immigrant as well and understand their feelings and needs. This is why I consider all as my friends. I am greatly impressed by the speeches on Canada by the kids. I congratulate Shahid Hashmi for creating awareness and understanding in the community by organizing a very successful Canada Day function. The celebration is a very good sign for the community. It is a foundation for a bright future."

POLICE CHIEF OF THE York REGION too congratulated Shahid Hashmi for organizing the Canada Day Celebration and said that he was greatly impressed by the wonderful presentation.

SHAHID HASHMI, Chairman of Canpak Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the objective of organizing the Canada Day Celebration. He said: "Canada and Pakistan are our motherlands and we must sincerely work for progress and prosperity of both. We must proudly call ourselves Canadians and join the mainstream as soon as possible. Events like Canada Day Celebration will help us greatly in this connection. It will give us the sense and understanding of what we are and what we need to do for Canada. This is very important for our success, bright future and for bringing us closer to the people."

He asked the people present in the hall to mingle and meet various officials and professionals for help in seeking guidance about field of their choice, problems and any queries. He said. "They are here to assist you and answer all your questions. Such opportunities will bring both closer." There were professionals of many fields including lawyers, doctors, accountants and educationists. People enjoyed meeting them and benefited greatly. This was a new and positive approach.

Shahid Hashmi thanked the financial partners---- Muhammad Arshad, Rizwan Qureshi and Mansoor Qureshi of Arco Computers Inc., Javed Akhtar and Shaheen Akhtar of Doon Resins, Dr Jamil Dar, Dr Shahnaz Dar and Seema Hashmi. He also thanked and praised the team members including Majid Sheikh, Salma Dar, Aftab Rizvi, Hameeduddin Ahmed, Javed Akhtar of Doon Resins, Sabir Gaya, Syed Kazim Ali, Seema Hashmi, Sohabe Hashmi, Savera Hashmi, Javed Zaheer, Sabiha Javed, Sana Javed and Asifa (MC). He particularly thanked Nazimuddin Nazim for his great contribution in making the function successful and wonderful.

EDUCATION AWARD: Ghalib Iqbal and the financial partners of this year’s award---Muhammad Arshad, Rizwan Qureshi and Mansoor Qureshi of Arco Computers Inc., Javed Akhtar and Shaheen Akhtar of Doon Resins, Dr Jamil Dar, Dr Shahnaz Dar and Seema Hashmi--- presented the education award to Lisa of York University.

The name of the award was initially chosen as Ghalib Iqbal Award to recognize his tremendous contribution and meritorious services but Ghalib Iqbal in this function proposed that it be named after the national poet of Pakistan Sir Dr Muhammad Iqbal and called as Allama Iqbal Award. This proposal was immediately and unanimously accepted. Ghalib Iqbal was praised for this decision.

Shahid Hashmi signed three years contract with the York University in connection with the award. In 2003, all the colleges and universities were contacted with the objective of involving students in various productive activities. The hectic search resulted in selection of 22 non-Pakistani students who did or were doing research on Pakistan and Kashmir. They were honoured with awards.

The response of the York University was the best and very encouraging. Cooperation of the university too proved it. The participation was tremendous. Ghalib Iqbal played an anchor role in success of this campaign.

Shahid Hashmi said: "By contributing at least $100 per year towards education we can raise sufficient fund to provide financial help to those students who have excellent academic record. This way we can recognize and support them and promote education. This contribution in any shape should be made in the name of the York University. It is extremely important for the community."

Sajjad Piracha of Orient Travels was greatly impressed and moved by appeal of Shahid Hashmi and immediately gave $500 to Lisa for the education award.

LISA OF YORK UNIVERSITY thanked the organizers for presenting the education award. She spoke about York University and said it is the third largest university of Canada and has 50,000 students.

SYED AFTAB RIZVI’s satirical presentation `Canada Day 2020’ made every one laugh in the hall. People enjoyed it very much.

HASSAN BAIG, a senior journalist of Pakistan, who has now settled in Canada and still writes on weekly basis, praised Canada for the facilities and opportunities provided. The 77-year old veteran newsman said he had travelled With glowing hearts, we see thee rise, the True North strong and free!

 

Of course, that is the national anthem of the country; we call home, the True North strong and free.

 

When Celissa Michel and roughly 100 other black guys went to work in Quebec in 2000 through to 2001, they found that there was a cafeteria for the whites and a cafeteria for Blacks.  And as Mr. Michel puts it, as soon as he arrived he BY JAVED ZAHEER

TORONTO:
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) heaved a sigh of relieve when, after a long chase and hide-and seek game, it finally tracked and helped kill       Al-Zarqawi, one of the world’s most dreaded and wanted persons on its notoriously famous list of  `Use and Abuse’ targets. This was a real jolt to the top-most leadership of Al-Qaeda, the tough adversary of CIA. Al-Zarqawi was killed along with many other accomplices in a targeted air strike in Iraq. His end was celebrated worldwide.

Interestingly, the CIA had allegedly trained Al-Zarqawi, who was one of the top-most in the rank of Al-Qaeda Movement. He was a veteran mercenary who tremendously and successfully supported CIA and America, with the help of particularly Muslim World, win the war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

SUPER HERO:
Because of the landmark achievement against a really powerful and feared super power, Soviet Union, he became a super hero worldwide, particularly in the Muslim World, with the blessings of the CIA, and was widely respected and greatly praised for his contributions.

At the same time, because of great skills and mastery of planning and fighting and being mercenaries, he and his group members were considered a real threat to the vested interests of the US and allies. He too was put under close observation. Soon, as a result, his popularity as a super hero turned into notoriety as a terrorist. Thanks again to the CIA.

After accomplishment of the special missions in Afghanistan and else where, he was considered a serious threat to the world, particularly the CIA because he knew too much and became too popular and difficult to handle. He was declared really dangerous.

HIDE-AND-SEEK GAME:
Al-Zarqawi, sensing CIA’s intentions and plans, started playing the game of hide-and-seek. The Al-Qaeda, which was effectively and successfully used against the Soviet Union, with the changing situation and U-Turn of US and allies turned the guns toward the CIA. From then onwards the hunting game started. This was in fact infighting between the CIA and Al-Qaeda, allegedly the group formed and funded by the CIA.
     

TERRORISTS EVERYWHERE:
Thanks again to the CIA’s specialized training, there are hundreds and thousands of such mercenary-cum-hero-cum-terrorist almost in every corner of the world and terrorizing the people. They have made the world unsafe and an extremely dangerous place. Terrorists have unleashed havoc and made the lives of peaceful and innocent people miserable. People are living in great fear and tension. They are paying very dearly because of CIA’s Use and Abuse policy.

Terrorists are simply terrorists and only extremely harmful. They just know one thing and that is killing and destruction. This is what they are taught, trained and paid to do. They follow no religion or fit into any other identity. They can be Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and so on. They are brainwashed and are mentally sick elements. It is totally wrong to blame and label followers of any religion or people of any country or community as terrorists. Except strongest condemnation and strictest punishment, terrorists deserve nothing else. All those fighting terrorism must be support.      JOIN HANDS: Now we have to join hands with the world, specially the CIA and US, to find out and punish all those who were given specialized training in the art of warfare and intelligence but have become real terrorists, due to reasons best known to the CIA and US.  The cause of grave concern is the `Use and Abuse’ policy of the CIA, which is resulting in mass making of terrorists. CIA may like it or not but this is the reality.

The CIA must understand this and help the world in the fight against terrorism by seriously reviewing its dreaded policy. They must also understand that the Americans too are badly affected and suffering. Americans are one of the most loving, caring and best people in the world and they prove this all the time and are praised for this.

On the contrary, because of CIA’s policy, the US is allegedly blamed and hated for causing massive death and destruction in the world. This is in the mind and on the lip of most people. If this continues, the CIA could become responsible for the downfall and destruction of the United States as well. The writing is on the wall and must be seriously read and understood. Only the Americans could change and should change the hatred against US into love. They can and are capable of doing it.
MUSLIMS VICTIMIZED:

The Muslim World proudly joined the world in defeating the dreaded super power, Soviet Union, and liberating Afghanistan. Muslims were in the forefront and gave tremendous sacrifices. The whole world knows this and praised the Muslim World at that time. Instead of being rewarded for the meritorious services and great sacrifices, Muslims were betrayed, isolated and targeted.

Even innocent and peaceful Muslims are since then being suspected, blamed, harassed, arrested and punished for terrorism.  This is unfair, racism and discrimination. Muslims have always remained in the forefront in the fight against terrorism, destructive policies and actions. The world knows this very well and must appreciate it. Muslims believe that all those involved in terrorist and criminal activities must be punished.
     
REMAIN ALERT:
The Muslim World needs to seriously consider this problem. Muslims must be educated to not to become too emotional and react aggressively and violently. This is wrong and against the teachings of Islam and humanity. They must show sensibility and tolerance.

Also, Muslims must remain alert and stay away from all those persons, preachers, scholars and leaders who are cunningly brainwashing the innocent people and leading them towards wrong direction, disaster and destruction.  This is one of the major causes of setback and suffering of Muslims.

COMMON SENSE:
The opportunists are only interested in their vested interests and are fully and freely exploiting the situation and harming the Muslims. They have formed lobbies, occupied religious institutions and through them control the mind of the people. It is not Islam what they preach but their own idea. It is time to use common sense and also keep the eyes and ears open so that the conspiracies and exploitation are timely and properly checked and foiled.

The Muslims must be educated to stop following blindly the opportunists and exploiters and instead study and understand the true message of Islam through all authentic means and individuals. Brainwashing of particularly kids in negative ways is proving extremely harmful. They are unable to understand the motive of the exploiters and the grave dangers faced.

It is the duty of the parents and guardians to keep a strict watch on all activities of their children in order to protect them from negative and destructive elements. Members of the community must also educate each other accordingly.
        
CANADA:   
The recent arrest of several persons in Canada on terrorism suspicion has badly shaken the people, particularly Muslim community. If they are found guilty by the court and charges proven, they should be strictly punished. All those sympathizing with them or supporting them despite knowing their mischievous intentions and nefarious plans must also not be spared. There is no room for terrorists in the Muslim community.  No sane or wise person of any community would support any terrorist.

Muslims form important part of Canada and would never allow anyone to cause harm to the people or the country. Their only objective is stability, progress and prosperity of Canada. Those thinking otherwise cannot be Muslims but posing as such.

Muslims must not focus only on building religious institutions, they must also help build schools, hospitals and other institutions so that all could benefit. They must change this wrong trend. Establishment of non-religious institutions would help support the people and make them powerful and prosperous.
MEDIA DISAPPOINTS:

Disappointingly and unfortunately, any disturbing issue concerning the Muslim community is blown out of proportion by a section of the media. Their projection is directed towards defaming and harming the community. This negative approach only fans hatred and promotes racism and discrimination. The reflection of yellow journalism is seen and influences the people. As a result, Muslims are targeted, harassed and harmed.

Only those who enjoy trust and confidence of the people and are reputed and true leaders of the Muslim community must be approached for comments and guidance. There are many self-proclaimed social, religious and political leaders but most of them are exploiters. They are causing more harm than good. The media has the means to judge them and must judge them before giving them promotion and projection.

Media is the representative of the people and must act accordingly. It must stop pointing and painting Muslims as terrorists and criminals. It is not the characteristics of civilized people and society. Objective reporting helps both the media and the people.

HARMFUL EFFECTS:
The news of arrests spread like wild fire, thanks to the media. Whether they are punished or not but the wave of hatred against Muslims has started. This is more dangerous. The news coming in is really disturbing.

INSULTING REMARKS: In one incident, a police officer stopped a high school boy driving a car. After checking the document, the police officer started abusing the boy. Insulting remarks including like “You Fucking Guys” from the mouth of responsible official means a lot. The boy, who is the son of my journalist friend, Hameeduddin Ahmed, was terribly scared and preferred silence, fearing harm by the police officer. This is the height of racism. No irresponsible person should be given responsible position.

In another incident, a person working as security officer heard some people talking and saying: “The employer must fire all such people from jobs. They must not be sent to jail or else we will have to work hard to feed them.”
     
SUPPORT MUSLIMS:
So, the harmful effects are already being felt. Muslims need moral and practical support and protection and not insult and punishment. All must understand, come forward and help the Muslim community in this crucial period.

Most of the Muslim community members live in Ontario and allege that the Conservative Government is not happy with them and, as a result, could give them hard time. Already they are very much disturbed by the strict immigration measures and expect worst actions. The government must take the Muslims into confidence and give them assurances that they would not be discriminated, harassed and harmed.

The Muslim identity is being connected with terrorism and criminal activities. They are two entirely different identities. The mix up is the result of anti-Muslim propaganda and campaigns. Muslims are strongly condemning terrorism. They are openly and practically supporting the fight against terrorism. What else is needed to show solidarity and loyalty?