“The Disappointed Employable Canadians”

Although, the government’s top priorities include job creation, economic growth and long term prosperity, yet the bitter things like trade deficit, the manufacturers’ interests to outsource, and the economic recessionary periods are among the woes that can’t be ignored.

Last November’s gain of 21,600 new job opportunities was ridiculous, because the rosy picture turned into a gloomy one just a month later. The ‘December disappointment’ sent many people home.

Loss of 45,900 Canadian jobs cannot be taken lightly, as the unemployment rate jumped to 7.2% from 6.9% just in one month. This alone declared the year 2013 as the weakest one since 2009.

No doubt, the research through Statistics Canada pages shows a fluctuation in the numbers of job losses and gains during the months in question. However, the numbers are bouncing back and forth in the negative or positive territory depending upon various factors.

In November, there was a surprising improvement in manufacturing sector, but loss of jobs occurred in goods producing industries. In December, there was a decline in construction work, agriculture, forestry, service producing sectors-educational services, accommodation and food services.

For the month, Ontario and Alberta led the provinces lower with losses of 39,000 and 12,000 respectively. British Columbia added 13,000 jobs and Newfoundland and Labrador gained 1,900.

By industry, there were 19,000 fewer jobs in educational services, while the other services category, which includes personal care as well as civic and social organizations, lost 15,000. The agriculture sector lost 9,800 and natural resources lost 8,000.

Health care and social assistance were the only areas to experience gains in December as the sector added 22,000 jobs.

Looking from provincial perspective, Alberta recorded the fastest, year over year employment growth with a 3.3 per cent surge and steady gains throughout the year.

The weakness was mostly seen in full-time employment, which dropped 60,000 with a 14,200 increase in part-time employment.

The private employment lost 26,300, while the self-employed lost 37,900.

But, the public employment rose by 18,200.

Based on the trend, the negative growth is likely to be more than reversed in the months ahead back to November rate of 6.9%.

Paul Ferley, Assistant Chief Economist, RBC Economics said, “Our expectation of a near-term reversal of the December employment drop is more consistent with the Bank of Canada just maintaining the current highly stimulative monetary conditions. Our forecast assumes that the overnight rate will be maintained at 1.00% into the second quarter of 2015.”

Whereas, BMO Capital Markets chief economist Doug Porter said, “the ‘dismal jobs data’ will add pressure on the loonie and stoke chatter about the possibility of an interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada.”  He suggested, “It will likely take more than one month of disappointing job growth to trigger a rate cut.” "We continue to believe the bank will need to see an extended period of economic underperformance and even lower inflation before they would even consider easing."

On the other hand, Bank of Canada (BoC) governor Stephen Poloz has suggested that the central bank's next policy move is just as likely to be a cut in interest rates as a hike.

By the way: Statistics Canada reported earlier this week that Canada's trade deficit edged higher in November as imports inched up and exports stalled.

In fact, Canadian ‘markets and job’ data is weaker than expected, so is that of the United States which happens to be Canada’s biggest trading partner. The U.S. added only 74,000 jobs in December after averaging 214,000 in the previous four months.

Canada’s Industry Minister James Moore admitted the jobs report was disappointing. He said, "I think if you step back and look at the overall jobs picture, we still have the strongest job record in all the G7." He claims, "The overall picture for the Canadian economy is still very strong.

Furthermore, low, stable and predictable inflation is the basis for a well-functioning economy allowing Canadians to spend and invest with confidence. This means a good monetary policy attracts healthy economy.

Good thing is the BoC plays a vital role cautiously in reversing the negative economic condition to maintain economic balance by offering good stimulative monetary conditions.

When demand is strong, the BoC raises interest rates to cool off the overheated economy.

But, when demand is weak, inflationary pressures are likely to ease. In that case, the bank goes for rate cuts to stimulate the economy. Thus, economics is when demand exceeds the supply, so prices will rise. The bank is here to implement what is necessary to maintain the balance.

As, the stubborn economic hardship is a cause of concern for everyone; appropriate steps must be taken to reverse the looming economic uncertainty to avoid any threat of tough time ahead.

Apart from the actions of BoC, the Canada’s Economic Action Plan (EAP) offers the tools and resources in the form of apprenticeship grants, training programs and the effective job search techniques to all those who qualify. For smarter Canadians, there is a message for struggle to make their livelihood a success story through utilizing the available EAP.

Equality Exercise Drives Pakistani Nation towards Modernism

There are advantages and disadvantages in the exercise of ‘equality right,’ which is constitutionally available to each member of society. The problem is the illiterate people in majority, who happen to be unaware of their legal rights under the 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

It would be worth mentioning here that right after the military coup on October 12, 1999, General Pervez Musharraf reassured the Pakistani nation that his was not an obscurantist (religious) agenda, and he referred to the “Ataa Turk model” as his inspiration in his mission to rescue the sinking country out of deep trouble. He meant guaranteeing the EQUALITY with MODERNISM to all citizens across the country. Around that horrible period of official paralysis and mismanagement, the corrupt democratic governments of PPP and the PML (n) mishandled the ongoing ‘governance crisis.’

Ironically, they were back and forth into power democratically as well as through the legal recourse from the apex court level. Though it’s discomforting to mention, yet the reality was none of the two governments were able to prevent the economic decline.

In 1999, the national exchequer had almost bottomed out with no hope of any ‘topping up,’ despite the Nawaz Campaign of “dollar mangaao qarz mukaao scheme.”

The incentive-package was attractive enough to have lured some hard earned dollars of the Pakistani expatriates abroad. Even, this didn’t work to rectify the menace. So the severe economic derailment turned into chronic financial ailment to a point where all the dollar deposits went missing without a trace unfortunately.

And, this actually led to a huge build up of financial mess in the 1990s. Hence, main blame goes to the immature people of that period who were clinging onto power despite their incompetence and the inherent inability to deliver to the nation in terms of EQUALITY.

In 2014, we are still going through the worst form of the economic scenario with even harsher ground reality. With mega inflation, the poverty way below the poverty line, the terrible energy crisis and the fear of terrorism 24/7 are the worries that are responsible for jeopardizing the right to equality. Nevertheless, modernism is still intact, rather it’s on the rise.

Thanks to the enlightened moderation which has curtailed and dented our religious rights of equality. Proxy war against Islam and Pakistan is an ongoing phenomenon with no end soon in sight. Unless the whole nation is on the single page to protect the writ of State and secure our practice of Deen, the right of equality will be further deteriorated.

Though, the military dictator seemed to have adopted the modern ‘secular’ & liberal credentials,’ yet his notion of ‘Enlightened-Moderation’ did adulterate the social and religious norms of the Pakistani society. The said enlightened moderation is here to stay as the internet access is there to facilitate the youth; that’s how, the practice of his concept has almost turned into a reality.  On top of that, the young minds are getting ruined by the sexually explicit material which is just a click or so away, hand held devices including the mobile phones which are out of parental control. This is a type of “Remote Control EQUALITY’ which is aimed at nothing but corrupting the civil society as a whole.

Indeed, with this paradigm shift, several sociological changes in the country are taking place.  A strategic shift in ideological positioning within the women’s movement has been noticed along with debate over religion and secularism in relation to women’s political participation.  However, there are understandings and contradictions of “Islamic & secular identity politics” in the women’s movement.

Like the most of other nations, the Constitution of Pakistan is based on the concept of equality to all its citizens without discrimination.

Based on the required age and other pre-requisites, the document on constitution of Pakistan (dastoor-e-Pakistan) offers all citizens: (a) an equal opportunity,

(b) right to live in any part of the country, (c) have a profession of their choice.

The grown up adults have the rights to contest elections and select the leaders of their choice. Unfortunately, when it comes to politics, there is too much violation of the document. The equal rights are smashed by the power hungry powerful elite. There is a lot of rigging and ballot stuffing. Especially, the village and the tribe culture directly hit the document of ‘Dastoor-e-Pakistan’ and the voters’ rights of voting are either stolen or their votes are cast not by the rascals of the vested interests. This means, these votes are taken care of by the interested rogues/agents of the candidates.  So the pressure tactics work against the right to equality.

In the real sense, the concept of equality is good for development of a sense of respect among citizens.

Employee-employer environment: As the equality is beneficial for all, it’s vital. Yet there are organizations that fail to avoid discriminating on the basis of caste, color, race and gender in a number of cases. This attitude is injurious to the concept of equality; hence becomes a painful reality suddenly.

On the other hand, if the employees are allowed to enjoy equal opportunities, they have sufficient alternatives for contributing towards the growth of the organization. They are more than willing to work for maximizing their potential, thus leading to the targeted growth of the company they work for.

Mental Satisfaction helps deliver immensely: The feel of ‘being fundamentally equal’ brings a lot of satisfaction and pleasure among the work force.

Furthermore, equality leads to morality and justice, translating into an easy access of services where workers are able to fulfill their potentials without any fear or apprehension. Thus, the exercise and practice of equality will be providing fair behavior to all while identifying that everyone is different.

The problem is our employers/organizations are hardly working on the basis of equality. They are not very good at providing equal opportunities to their employees indiscriminately. Thus, the dream, of an equal and fair access to a variety of jobs, training and promotion, has not come true as yet.

Positive fact: Despite, the difference of opinion among various quarters of Pakistani society, there is no bar on women being in the workforce including the educational institutions and even in various business sectors. Isn’t that great? Of course it is. WOW!

The female pilots (commercial or military), the women legislators, female doctors, female engineers, female judges, female lawyers, female professors, female teachers, female IT specialist, female police officers, and the female members of the armed forces and the list is unending. Pakistan even had a female prime minister.

So the women of today are far more liberated than the previous generations. The constitutional rights of women are becoming easier and easier to exercise day by day.

Compatibility and competition:

In fact, it’s competition which is name of the game. Most of the credit goes to the constitution of Pakistan whereby the rights of all individuals and institutions are guaranteed, yet one has to deserve but prior to desire. Let’s be qualified enough to reap the benefits of guaranteed equality regardless of class.

Conclusion: A society that is blind to gender, race and sexual orientation, color, creed and the ethnic background will always choose the best person that is the most competent for the political office or for employment in any industry in the private or public sector without discrimination.

Equality goes hand in hand with modernism. And, those who don’t go with the flow are always left behind.

“Injustice to the Ailing Veteran”

What is the actual driving force for disgracing a 70 plus years old ex president of Pakistan who suffers from nine medical conditions? Among other factors, personal vendettas as well as pleasure of the friendly foes (external or internal) are the most probable motives.

The disease of opportunism runs in the human blood and unless it’s filtered out spiritually and ethically, the manipulators out there do try all kinds of political manoeuvres/stunts to achieve the goals as targeted.
Gen Musharraf having remained house arrested due to serious murder charges against him for almost one half of a year was finally released on bail. But it’s not over yet for the poor guy, as the Pythonic Article 6 looks for gobbling him despite his illness.

Apparently, the hypocrisy has almost taken over in Pakistan, where there isn’t “one standard” set for all indiscriminately.
The message is “might is right.”

No one is actually worried when watching the clowns manipulating for their greed. The manipulators never get tired of advocating in favour of democracy; however they never go for the real democracy.
Though, democracy is for the people, of the people, and by the people, yet an important element remains missing for ages; no leader ever cared for rectifying or improving of it. Reason is simple; this poses a potential hazard in their own election.

“Jamhooriat main bandon ko gina kertay han, tola nahi kertay.” Thus, democracy in this form is misleading and partially painful, because the fact is “quality is better than quantity.”

We are facing two problems: (a) Democracy based on election by all regardless of literacy level of the voter. (b) Democracy based on rigged elections where ballot stuffing takes place or vote is cast by other than the actual voter.
Fake votes are the worst scenario, where wrong candidates grab the assembly seats and some end up in the cabinet.

Now, with such a sham democracy in place, things start getting worse to a point where the population gets fed up and prays for the military take over.
Military takeover means “usurpation of the constitution.” which is carried out to save the failing state. This is called a coup which is meant to punish the culprits responsible for misgovernance.

Wishful talking about democracy/ jamhooriat all the time is only for the good of rich elite that takes turns, whereas fate of ‘masses below poverty line’ has not much to gain from this fake exercise of democracy.
The habitual power-grabbers want to maintain the ‘status quo’ for their own vested interests. The fact is, neither they are loyal with the country nor are they well wishers of the poor masses.

Furthermore, the same political mafia includes the land mafia, industrialists and the feudal lords who have been suppressing the oppressed from rising up for their basic legal rights on constant basis.
The other sad part is played by descendents of Sufi/saints in Pakistan who enjoy collecting cash from the followers and nobody pays tax on it. The impotent Auqaaf department is useless in this game.
Unfortunately, Pakistan does have the selfish politicians; this class of super humans leads a luxurious lifestyle which is comparable to that of the royal families around the world.

Ironically, they are the ones who always stress upon the importance of democracy; they teach virtues of democracy. They are the ones who are nourished in the lap of dictatorship but also talk about the curse of military dictatorship. Everyone knows these children of dictatorship have now turned champions of the rule of law and democracy, seeking to cover up their own misdeeds.

Shouting in favour of high treason trial and calling names such as “ghaddaar” would benefit no one other than the super active selfish mafia. What a mockery? Pathetic!
Political opportunism is at play: the selfish elite know fully well as to when, where and how to maneuver to achieve “means” to gain the “desired ends.”
Indeed, political manipulation is an important step of the game as long as it’s not costing reputation, yet, the national honour should never be compromised.

Ironically, there are those who believe or show that their salvation lies with military rule, but they are the ones who are the most fervent advocates of putting the embattled leader of the coup on high treason trial.
There are a number of the so called friends who were very active during the Musharraf era till the end; sadly, they are now conveniently absorbed in the new political order enjoying their new portfolios as ministers.
The same hypocrites have jumped onto the band wagon of condemnation of their former friend and leader. But, salutations to Ch. Shujaat and a few others, because they are telling the truth at this critical hour.

Though, Musharraf today stands deserted by his old associates and followers, his old ill wishers are turning to become his well wishers now. This is because the people with good conscience can’t tolerate injustice to anyone.
Let there be no selective justice, as law is blind; it flows on its own course.
Musharraf is no angel, he committed blunders and the law says each citizen is held accountable for his unconstitutional actions as long as the trial is not based on personal vendetta.
Conveniently, the federal government and the apex judiciary have attempted to restrict the current trial to the Nov 3, 2007 action.

Beyond doubt, the smell of something fishy is quite bothersome at this point in time. Obviously, it is not in their interest to go back to the original coup/counter coup of Oct 12, 1999.

As per the records, it was the judiciary that issued the validation sticker after having legitimised the coup. Additionally, the elected parliament later indemnified all the actions taken by the military-led government.
Many political parties had welcomed the overthrow of the Nawaz regime. Most of the N Leaguers came under the banner of Q League and became the face of the new order and had their share of power all through the allowed tenure. Uniform didn’t matter and the parliamentarians were more than willing to have Gen Musharraf re-elected in uniform for a second term and approved his decision to impose emergency on Nov 3rd, 2007.

The outcome of the current case is likely to face its own demise as ex army chief can’t be tried in a non military setting. The Pakistan Army act, as amended in 1978, covers the charges of "treason" as well as those pertaining to matters of military discipline committed by a uniformed officer of the Pakistan Army.
This special court has “no jurisdiction” on members of the armed forces even when the charge is that of treason. They are to be tried under the Pakistan Army Act through a proceeding under a court martial.

Conclusion:
Political culture needs a drastic overhaul to accommodate the right only candidates to prevent the future army coup. This is advisable as undemocratic norm has to change for a much better Pakistan sooner the better followed by the healthy economy where everyone shares the prosperity equally but according to the individual’s input.
There is a great lesson for everyone: God Almighty doesn’t like anyone with pride (takabbur). Let’s remember “pride hath a fall.” This happened with Nawaz Sharif and the same is happening with Musharraf.

Skeptical Treason Trial May Get Messier

The special court is hearing the “high treason case” against the ailing former military ruler Mr. Musharraf who has been undergoing treatment in Rawalpindi’s military hospital for a number of medical issues including heart. According to the doctors, his coronary angiography is needed to optimize the management. They plan to ascertain the possibility of further interventions, like coronary artery bypass surgery. Treatment abroad is a possibility. The medical report has reached the special court and the decision will be made soon.

On the other hand, one of Musharraf’s counsels, Anwar Mansoor, argues that the court has been constituted for a special purpose with limited jurisdictions, due to which it is not entitled to start criminal proceedings and can’t order arrest because that falls under criminal code.

Maybe, a personal vendetta or any political motivation or a ploy to divert attention from the national issues is at play. Let’s wait and see.
The fact is the PPP regime played smart for not going ahead with such a trial, but the N league dared and made the biggest blunder.

Dr. Atta ur Rehman logically destroyed the drama of Musharraf trial in three minutes. While Tahir ul Qadri maintains that justice can’t be selective meaning the singling out of Musharraf, because law is blind. He questioned if government in 1999 was sent home and the constitution was subverted in entirety, yet there is no treason trial. Why is 2007 emergency imposed by President Musharraf is being tried for high treason?
Chaudhry Shujaat recalled that oaths were also taken from the so-called ‘traitor’ in the recent past.

He said if the treason trial is to be carried out then it should be initiated from October 12.1999. Even if the trial is to be started from November 3, 2007, it would affect hundreds of individuals including former army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and PML-Q leader Pervez Elahi. The word ‘Treason’ should not be part of the Constitution. It should be replaced with ‘violator of Constitution’, he maintained.
As all know, Musharraf has been hooked up in numerous judicial cases including the serious murder charges, but he has been granted bails.

The argument that we are forgiving the more serious sin of the military takeover of 12 Oct. 1999 and focusing on the actions of November 3, 2007 is very convincing indeed, where he has been booked under Article 6 (1) which reads: “Anyone who abrogates or attempts or conspires to abrogate, subverts or attempts or conspires to subvert, the constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.”

Nevertheless, the petitioner failed to invoke clause 2 of Article 6; it clearly shows the bad intent of singling out one individual for personal vendetta.
Article 6(2) makes it clear that “any person aiding or abetting the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason.”

Unfortunately, only Musharraf was singled out by the 14-member bench of the Apex Court in its judgement of July 31, 2009 which ruled that the declaration of emergency was “unconstitutional, unauthorised and without any legal basis.”

The law is Article 232 permits the President to impose Emergency Rule under certain situations.
Article 232(1) allows the President to tackle a grave emergency if security of Pakistan is threatened, or any part thereof, by war or external aggression, or by internal disturbance beyond the power of a provincial government to control, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency. Thus, imposing emergency rule is not similar to “treason.”

In 2007, suspending or holding the constitution in abeyance was not an act of high treason. In 2010, however, suspending and holding the constitution in abeyance became an act of high treason. It is legally and rationally ridiculous to retroject this backwards to try Pervez Musharraf for having allegedly committed ‘high treason.’
Therefore, Article 6 is not applicable upon a single individual. It talks about a joint venture/ a team work.

All involved in the conspiracy directly or indirectly are to be tried. Furthermore, the 18th Amendment has made the 17th Amendment null and avoid. This means that the 1999 Military (counter) coup is still open to investigation and no longer enjoys protection. All validation stickers are null and void. Therefore, if we are to abide by the requirements of Articles 25 & 6 of the Pakistani Constitution and apply the High Treason Act, we are to charge each and every individual involved directly and indirectly in the 1999 Army coup. This includes, all previous Army coups, including the coup carried out by the late President General Zia ul Haq.

Since, legitimizing the Military’s takeover using the “doctrine of necessity” argument was quite common, we need the following Solution: The criminal and civil wrongs are allowed to be done in village and the tribal culture, the votes for whole village/tribe are decided by other than the actual voter.

In order to have a genuine democracy, the prevalent electoral system needs to be replaced sooner the better to stop the criminal elite from taking undue advantage from it and reaching the parliament or other public office.
Only the educated and sensible people of integrity must be given the right of electing the right candidates who have utmost integrity, ability and WILL to deliver.
And, the current regime is obligated to comfort the suffering public through dealing with the real issues of economic uplift; avoiding the non issues will be a much better route, of course.
It’s necessary to have a genuine civilian government in power. This will stop future military take over.
Since law is blind, justice can’t be selective.
Let’s learn to respect the law and constitution.
Only genuine democracy is capable of safeguarding the interests of all individuals and the institutions.