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Politics in Canada
Who Is Responsible For Terrorism? Root Cause Neglected. by Javed Zaheer TORONTO: The United States and allies without the term `terrorism’ being defined by the United Nations are waging the global war on terrorism. Even till now the UN has not defined it. This was stated by Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari, former President of Pakistan, while addressing the Pakistani-Canadians Convention 2004 here on April 3, 2004, organized by the Association of Pak-Canadians Engineers & Professionals of Canada (APCEP). The theme of the convention was `Canada And Peace In South Asia’. A large number of prominent personalities were present on the occasion including Steve Mahoney, MP and Patron-in-Chief of APCEP, Jim Karygiannis, PC, MP, Dr Shafiq Qadri, MPP, Kathleen Wyne, MPP, Ghalib Iqbal. Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, Shoaib Sarwar, Vice Consul General, Sher Mohammad Jamali, Country Manager of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Canada, Manmohan Singh, President of Indo-Canada Association, Khalid Usman, who has been elected thrice as a councilor from Markham area, Wajid Ali Khan of Dufferin Mazda, a leading businessman, a popular community leader and a new Liberal candidate in Mississauga Streetsville, Dil Muhammad, President of Pharm Canada Inc, a renowned businessman and social activist, and many others, both of Indian and Pakistani origin. Despite bad weather, the proceeding was very impressive and attendance very good, which showed the increasing interest of the people in community affairs and events and their will to join the mainstream flow of Canada. A lively musical show followed the speeches, award ceremony and dinner, which continued till late night. The program was scheduled to continue from 7 to 11 P.M. but Farooq Leghari was two hours late as `he was stuck in the traffic due to the bad weather’ and, therefore, it actually began at about 9 P.M. Bashir Khan and the hosts repeatedly praised Farooq Leghari for `his punctuality, discipline and truth’ and it seemed at one point as if they were taunting him. Even Ghalib Iqbal in his speech said that it was becoming a tendency to come late due to which speakers had to suffer with some getting very less time and others no chance at all. Wasi Siddiqui, one of the participants who claims to have won awards for his poems, was sitting beside me and eagerly waiting for his turn to present his poem `Me And My Creator’ but could not do so because of the time factor. Moreover, it has been noticed that some speakers, with vested interests and being opportunists, unnecessarily praise or `pamper’ the guests speakers and VIPs, giving the impression of they being lords or gods, which leaves a very bad impression on the audience, particularly of such gathering where the people are mostly highly educated, skilled and cultured. The VIPs and leaders, as a result, start dreaming of they being `Super Humans’ and consider the people as useless and pests. It is becoming a tendency of our leaders and this practice must stop to save time, reputation and people from boredom and the feeling that they are `fools and do not understand anything’. By such practice they are losing respect and confidence of the people, who are eager to support them. Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari, former President of Pakistan and Founder of Millat Party, in his speech, said surprisingly no governments have tried to tackle the roots of terrorism. The root causes must be identified and tackled accordingly. It is important for the world to get together on certain global issues, terrorism being one of them, which must be tackled seriously, he added. He condemned the assassination of Sheikh Yasin and said that this will worsen the situation and lead to birth of thousands of Sheikh Yasin. He warned that such acts would only result in disaster and destruction. Farooq held the United States responsible for the turmoil, developments and the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. The Super Terrorists in the region are the products of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of America. Roots of the terrorists lie with the CIA. It played a key role in creation of a new culture of Jihad to end the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and later formation of Taliban to control the country and tribal lords, he stated. Leghari said that as a result of the developments due to the US U-Turn, Pakistan had to suffer a lot and has been a target of terrorism for a long time. Now Pakistan is in the centre of the storm. He confirmed the presence of some terrorists in Pakistan but said disappointingly that the issue has been blown out of proportion by the international media just like the issue of SARS in Toronto, which scared away people from Toronto, harmed its reputation and affected the economy and position of Canada. Pakistan is facing the problem of extremism and nuclear non-proliferation courageously, despite serious threats. It is in the forefront, he stated. Speaking on the situation in South Asia, he praised the efforts of both India and Pakistan to improve relations but said real and serious confidence building measures (CBMs) are required to ensure peace and prosperity in the region. They need to improve trade relations, he added. Farooq said Kashmir issue is not a territorial dispute and should be solved through peaceful means and not use of excessive force. The situation has reached the limit of tolerance and become very explosive. Already wars have brought miseries and created enmity, instead of solving the problem. The Indian leadership must understand this and allow Kashmiris to decide their fate, he added. He gave the example of Canada, which allowed democracy to prevail when it faced a similar situation. No force was used against those demanding separation. The same formula is needed to solve the Kashmir dispute. He hoped that Canada would make the Indian and world leadership realize this. He said Canada is a beautiful example of how live together peacefully and socialize with each other. He said the credit of his visit to Canada goes to Kamran Khan Yosufzai, President of APCEP, who had been trying for the last one year to invite him here. He praised Kamran and others for working hard and contributing tremendously to build Canada and a strong bond of friendship between Pakistan and Canada. He, however, said they should never forget the roots. He lauded their efforts and contributions. Ghalib Iqbal, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, highlighted the hardships faced by the Pakistani community. When the immigrants, who are mostly professionals, highly qualified and skilled, and cream of the country, come here they get stuck in odd jobs and face serious problems, which need to be addressed. We would be happy if they are happy, he said. He said they should continue struggling and focus on becoming part of the mainstream. Their success will depend on their contribution, he added. Community leaders and organizations should sincerely support each other and cooperate in various fields. For this purpose, very serious effort is needed, he stated. Speaking on South Asia, he said leaders of both Pakistan and India have the vision to go ahead and bring peace. They have now shown tremendous courage to strive for peace and prosperity. Ghalib said that extremists have started knocking on our door but they are very few in numbers. The issue has been blown out of proportion and extensively exaggerated to cause harm but we will ensure that peace prevails in all parts of Pakistan. All efforts of extremists and terrorists would be thwarted, he added. While explaining as to why the Pakistani cricket team is losing, he said it’s a part of cricket diplomacy and an exercise to improve relations and win hearts. The game spirit and the objectives must be understood. Our focus is on friendship and peace, which can only be achieved with better, closer and stronger relations, he added. Steve Mahoney, MP, began and ended his address with `Salam Walaikum’. He acknowledged that the Pakistani community is contributing tremendously. He praised Wajid Ali Khan and wished him success in the coming elections. "We need more professionals from overseas. Prime Minister Paul Martin and Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty share the same views. Also we have to be prepared to help the immigrants according to their skills. On international level, we have to contribute as Canadians to help fight poverty and manage conflicts," he said. Jim Karygiannis, PC, MP, who is very popular in the South Asian community because of his interest, assistance, cooperation and support whenever needed, said that everybody in Canada has a right to live freely. He spoke about Canadian values and said that Canada is increasingly looked to by the developing world to provide expertise, knowledge and support on good governance, which reflect Canadian values. A variety of governmental, non- governmental and private sector organizations across Canada have arisen or adapted to meet this growing demand, he added. He stated that the government would establish the Canada Corps, which will provide enhanced opportunities for young Canadians---students and recent graduates---to participate in the governance initiatives so that they can learn about the world as they contribute to it. He said that the goal is to provide new opportunities for Canadians and for Canada to be a leading voice in the world of democracy, pluralism, human rights and the rule of law. The world and Canada cannot afford to turn away from the plight of the proud people who wage a heart-wrenching struggle to survive from day to day and who want to regain their freedom and rebuild their fragile and fragmented land, he added. Jim Karygiannis said that he was impressed with the fervent plea of Canadian immigrants to become pioneers in rebuilding their country of birth. There are doctors, nurses, teachers and engineers who are willing to engage in positive and important international endeavors in their homeland, on an interim, and even a permanent, basis. He presented the Canadian Charter of Rights to Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari as a token of peace and friendship. Kathleen Wyne, MPP, in her very brief address in view of the long list of speakers, said that Thorncliffe Park is a wonderful community in Toronto and it is a privilege for her to represent this community. Maryanne-Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario, said: "We are working to accommodate overseas professionals in their own fields. We understand that the professionals face barriers and feel that only their children would benefit. Some even move to the United States. Let me assure them that all the barriers have been identified and programs have been planned to help them." She said: "We need to do more than remove barriers. There is much we can do together, we must do more and we will do more. Our economy, community and province need them." She stated that 50 percent of the immigrants choose Ontario, which is not right for them and the province as well. Already the internationally trained professionals have surpassed the number of local ones. She also explained about various programs including for newcomers who lack Canadian experience. She presented a certificate of recognition to APCEP from the Premier of Ontario. Manmohan Singh, President of National Association of Indo-Canadian, said that Farooq Leghari is on a mission of peace. We need peace and somebody has to make efforts. The conventions, conferences and meetings are part of this process. Wajid Ali Khan, said that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of immigrants and is planning to utilize their skills. He said extremism would end if people were given opportunities and necessities of life. Canada must ensure that the Third World gets a fair share and their debt burden is removed, he added. Kamran Khan Yosufzai, President of APCEP, explained the objective, activities and progress of APCEP. He said the main objective is to make the community economically vibrant. He hoped that the people would help make the community most vibrant in North America. For this purpose we have to take active part in the mainstream as Canadians. He acknowledged the contribution of prominent personalities, particularly Steve Mahoney and Jim Karygiannis, in this connection. Kamran Khan, who is also President of Millat Party Canada and Director of Pulse Marketing Canada, said: "Provide our professionals jobs in their field of specialization. Their professionalism is beyond doubt. It is unfair that our degrees are recognized for immigration purpose only and not for jobs. It is also unfair to ask newcomers about Canadian experience for jobs. Give opportunities and facilities to these professionals and they will prove their worth. They are one of the best in the world." Dr Mashood Qazi, Senior Vice President of APCEP, said: "We are helping to boost economy in our own way. MPs, MPP and prominent personalities presence show the interest shown in the community. We must accelerate the process of friendship. Sonia Ahmed, Vice President of APCEP, spoke on the different role of women. She said that now is the time to work together in South Asia. Hiba Enayat, Joint Secretary of APCEP, read the message of Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty. Message of the Indian High Commissioner in Canada was also read. Bashir Khan, a famous media personality, was the Master of Ceremony. He sang both the Pakistan (in Urdu) and Canada’s national anthem on the occasion. He also stressed on solving the problems of professionals and settling them according to their skills. He said the developments in South Asia would benefit the world. Dr Shafiq Qadri, MPP, was specially invited not only as a representative of the government but of the community as well to thank on behalf of APCEP the audience. Kamran Khan in his concluding address specially thanked Kafil Chaudhry, Anjum Qureshi and Manmohan Singh for their support. AWARDS: A large number of awards including Award for Excellence, Award for Career Achievement and Award for Support Purposes were distributed on the occasion. Farooq Leghari gave the Paul Schram Award to Wajid Ali Khan for 2004 and Kafil Chaudhry for 2003. He also gave award to Paul Schram. Kamran Khan Yosufzai and. Manmohan Singh gave awards to Farooq Leghari on behalf of their respective associations. Jim Karygiannis, Dr Shafiq Qadri and Wajid Ali Khan also distributed awards. The prominent award recipients included Ghalib Iqbal, Sher Muhammad Jamali, Bashir Khan, Anjum Qureshi, Arshad Usmani, Arshad Bhatti, Latafat Ali Siddiqui, Sabir Gaya, Kamran Hashmi, Asghar Ghori, Noman Hashmi, Saima Abid, Shaheen Hasan, Haseeb Rehman, Hamid Waseem, Hafizur Rehman, Ismail Daudpota, Sonia Ahmed, Hiba Enayat, Arif Rizvi, Javed Ahmed, Raheel Chaudhry, Shahzad Iqbal Syed, Arif Raza, Mehmood Khan, Khatibzai, Mashood Qazi, Asghar Sheikh, Arif Khan, Ahmad Mansoor, Manzoor Pervez, Sohail Marwat and Sarfaraz. FUTURE PLANS OF APCEP: Some of the future plans are construction of Pakistani-Canadian cultural community centers, low cost housing complexes, educational institutions in Canada and Pakistan and construction of schools, hospitals and other projects in Pakistan for the poor people. About the Author(s): See under Our Contributors to find out about the Author(s) of this article. |
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