HAPPY 145th ANNIVERSARY ‘O CANADA’

image from google.com

Since “Canada Day” is a federal statutory holiday, it’s celebrated throughout Canada with full fervour in recognition of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North Americas Act (also known as the Constitution Act, 1867). This day also marks the anniversary of the officially proclaimed “O Canada” as national anthem. Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada on that day. Not only was he a ‘father of confederation,’ but he also drafted two-thirds of the provisions of the British North America Act (BNA) creating the ‘Dominion of Canada.’  As a result, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain. The four provinces were created from the former British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario. But now Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories.

Canadian national holiday was enacted in 1879 under the name “Dominion Day.” The Canadian founders of confederation were the representatives of the British North America colonies who attended the three major conferences on Canadian confederation. In fact, the formation of the union of provinces under a new country is the basis of Canada’s July 1 celebration each year.

Furthermore, on October 27, 1982, the 'Dominion Day' had changed into 'Canada Day.' In 1985 each area had created a committee to conduct their own celebration for Canada Day:

The Royal anthem plays 'God Save The Queen' at some festive locations celebrating Canada Day. The official lyrics "O Canada" were finalized in 1968 by a special joint committee of the Senate and House of Commons.

As usual, the necessary arrangements for celebration of Canada Day appear to be finalised, and Ottawa is ready to welcome Canadians from all across Canada who are on their way to the Capitol to join the festivities on the special occasion.

Hundreds of thousands of people visit Ottawa Parliament Hill, Major's Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and other locations in the surrounding areas to celebrate Canada Day. While most of the communities across the country also host the parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts.

The festivities on Parliament Hill in Ottawa usually start around noon on Canada Day and carry on well into the evening. The National Capital Commission provides a Web cam as well to watch the crowd all day long. This year Canada Day's main sites are Parliament Hill, Major's Hill Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and Confederation Park and the following events are scheduled: Carillon Concert-9 am, Flag Raising Ceremony-9:30 am, Changing of the Guard Ceremony-10 am. Canada Day Noon Show (Broadcast Live)-Noon to 1:30 pm.

The Canada Day Noon Show combines ceremony and the arts. The event begins with the inspection of the guard and the "21-Gun Salute" followed by cultural performances and speeches by dignitaries. Various Street Performers-2 pm to 5 pm. Canada Day Evening Show (Broadcast Live)-7:30 pm to 10 pm. The Evening Show includes a variety of performances by Canadian artists.

Hopefully, by 10 pm - the celebrations would reach a 'GRAND FINALE' with fireworks as scheduled:

In Western Canada the largest Canada Day celebrations will take place at the Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre Surrey. The event is free to the public and gates open at 10 am with the fireworks lighting up the sky at 10:15 pm.

It’s important to celebrate the heritage passed down to us through the works of unbiased media, authors, poets, artists and performers. It is a time to rejoice in the discoveries of our scientific researchers, in the success of our entrepreneurs, and to commemorate our history - a history in which each new chapter reveals itself to be more fascinating than the previous one indeed.

The Canadian public spend time staying outdoors with family & friends enjoying BBQ parties and the fireworks all over the country. All are free to enjoy concerts, picnics, fireworks, street performances and other activities.

Let’s remember, the multicultural society has contributed a lot to beautify Canada. The dedicated immigrants have been sincerely endeavouring to establish “the needed understanding” among the people of various ethnic cultures despite challenges relating to language barrier, religious practice, political or social opinion etc.

Regardless of insurmountable difficulty, a tolerance level among this type of society members is a real blessing, as it has been playing big role in promoting diversity in schools, work places, businesses and academic institutions. Of course, the credit goes to millions of motivated immigrants who kept building this nation to make Canada a good looking country to live with peace.  Constitutionally, the Canadian society enjoys equal rights, opportunities regardless of their ethnicity, race, creed or color.

Since the Canadian history reflects the wonderful diverse cultural races in the country, the importance of celebrating CANADA DAY means a lot.

Hence, on this day in particular, all communities must come closer to each other to bridge the gaps. It’s an opportunity for the communities to get together from coast to coast and to celebrate while sharing the pleasant commonalities.

Also, it’s an opportunity to celebrate all achievements as Canada Day resembles peace to many Canadians.

Most importantly, as Canadians are taking extra day off to make the Canada Day long weekend a 4 day holiday, it’s essential for everyone to maintain a safe environment so that everyone can celebrate “Nation’s Birthday” in a safe and enjoyable way.

Malik’s Attempt to Scandalise the Judiciary



 JUSTICE I.M CHOUDHRY

SYMBOL OF INTEGRITY

Despite the restraining order of the Supreme Court bench barring any interaction with media, Malik Riaz of Bahria town still went ahead with the press briefing last Tuesday. He was furiously attacking Arslan Iftikhar and revealed he (Malik) was blackmailed to keep bribing Arsalan to get favour in his Baharia cases pending before his dad, the CJP. He called Arsalan “the don” who controls the judiciary.
He asked the iconic Chief Justice to reveal details of the alleged meetings and also how long he had known about his son Arsalan’s alleged business dealings.
The Supreme Court had taken suo motto notice of the contemptuous press briefing the very next day and issued a “show cause notice” to the real estate tycoon, ordering him to appear before the court on Thursday.
Indeed, the press conference was nothing but contempt of court and an attempt to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court. Malik ridiculed and attempted to promote hatred against the Supreme Court.
It appears now that the press conference was probably just a tiny part of the dirty plan targeting the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Choudhry.

Surprisingly, Malik Ali son of Malik Riaz has confirmed that his father has nothing to do with Baharia any more.

On the other hand, the motive for the alleged entrapment of Arsalan Iftikhar could be the intended maligning of his iconic father - CJ Pakistan.
Apparently, Malik Riaz’s credibility is shaky as he says something in the court but when he comes out he says something entirely the opposite. For example: at one point, he lashes out blaming Arslan but maintains Arslan’s father is innocent. But then on the contrary, he does some irrelevant questioning to the CJP during the press conference.
The fact is such questions were not asked in his sworn affidavit submitted in the apex court earlier in the day.
With a pocket size copy of the Quran in his hand, he related a “cooked up story,” yet he flatly refused to give answers to the attending journalists; the tycoon disappeared from the scene saying he would reveal more information later meaning there is some more garbage to dispose off before the dirty game is over.

As there is a potential danger of clash between institutions, Malik Riaz has a lot of explaining to do in the coming days specifically with regard to the alleged “trap-gate” and who is remote controlling it.

It’s an open secret that Zardari ragime was reluctant but was compelled to re-instate all of the deposed superior judiciary three years ago, yet, the rulers always defied judicial verdicts in order to maintain loyalty to Zardari while ignoring the larger interest of the drowning nation.

The recent pre-emptive strike against the supreme judiciary is well calculated, and the rulers love to stop the CJP from ridding the country of unfairness and rampant corruption following their re-calibrated strategy.
Now, a large majority of Pakistanis are aware why CJP Justice Iftikhar Choudhry (winner of International Jurists Award 2012) is always the target.

Coming back to Malik Riaz, this guy is commonly blamed for having built his empire by grabbing the land at very nominal price upsetting the owners; and is known for bribing the government officials to gain undue favours. According to the ex-director DHA Urban Planning Col (retired) Tariq Kamal, 110,000 civilians, 41,000 serving and retired military officers, jawans and families of martyrs were defrauded in the Valley Scheme announced in 2009.

Maybe, Arsalan Iftikhar is guilty of misappropriation intentionally or out of his poor judgement; a full probe is needed to find the truth.
In the light of the top judge’s track record, his simple life, his character and judicial career, a large majority of the nation is more than satisfied with Justice Iftikhar Choudhry.

Judicial probe of the following is a must to get to the bottom of the whole mess: Why the investment file of Arslan was maintained right from day one and then shown to select media anchors? Why investing on Arsalan’s Europe visits since 2009 at Baharia’s expense?
Why was Arsalan being videotaped from the very first day of his interaction with the front men of the other party and what was the purpose of video-taping every incident?

The majority of Pakistanis is pretty sure that all allegations are going to be shattered during the course of judicial proceedings.

Hopefully, the apex court would soon get to the crux of the matter and reach a logical conclusion. Consequently, Malik Riaz is likely to go behind bars for bribing the officials, politician, Journalists, army men and influential civilians during times of different regimes for getting undue favours for unlawful gains. Jail is also waiting for the abettor of crime against the current judiciary under the leadership of the unapproachable Chief Justice.

There is no doubt in my mind that maligning of the top judiciary has been well designed. It seems as if the resignation of the “Hero Judge” is intended by the hidden hand, as only the “Dogger style puppet judiciary” fits the agenda of the ruling crooks.
Nevertheless, the judges under the leadership of CJ Choudhry are doing their work strictly on merit with complete independence. It’s of extreme importance to save the Supreme Court under the current leadership.