JZ'S ARTICLE: PAKISTANIS HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL TO BECOME GOOD LEADERS & SERVE PEOPLE IN REALITY:SALMA ZAHID

JAVED ZAHEER---FOUNDER OF SHIR INTERNATIONAL NETWORK:

A MISSION WITH A VISION TO SERVE HUMANITY IN REALITY

PAKISTANIS HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL

TO BECOME GOOD LEADERS & SERVE

 PEOPLE IN REALITY: SALMA ZAHID

BY JAVED ZAHEER, FREE EXPRESSION AWARD WINNER

                TORONTO: Two highly educated, respectable and distinguished leaders of the Pakistani community---Salma Zahid and Iqra Khalid, both Canadians of Pakistani origin and members of parliament---have opened the doors for the community members, particularly the young generation, to not only think but practically act by stepping forward, entering and playing important roles in the mainstream, society and community.

            The secret of real success is tremendous contributions and love and respect for all. The spirit should be to live and work together and help, support and promote each other sincerely, honestly, loyally and in the real sense. Good character, intentions, actions and firm commitments are the pillars of success. Divine help and guidance is always there for those who want to become good and serve humanity in reality.

            The divine message for help and guidance in this regard is crystal clear in Chapter 103 of holy Quran: (103.1) I swear by the time (103.2) Most surely man is in loss (103.3) Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience.   

            The constituency of Salma Zahid, MP, is Scarborough Centre and of Ms Iqra Khalid, MP, is Mississauga-Erin Mills. These two leaders of the community have become ideals of many now and inspiring and motivation the young generation to come forward and do and become something remarkable and great. This indeed is bringing real changes in the community in many ways. The relationship of trust and confidence is being restored and strengthened. This is important and extremely necessary because people were badly scared and haunted by some unfriendly, harmful and wrong policies of the previous government and leaders.

            Impressed by the performance, progress and tremendous contributions of Salma Zahid, whose Liberal party’s slogan and mission is “Real Change For Canadians”, I chose her for an exclusive interview.

            The appointment time for interview was 3:00pm but it started at 4:30. I represented as Founder of SHIR International Network (SHIRIN) and Veteran Professional Journalist and led a delegation comprising distinguished community leaders Syed Muhammad Iqbal, President of Pak Seniors Form (PSF), Syed Shakeel Ahmed, Chairman of Thorncliffe Seniors Club (TSC), Jaffer Sikander, representative  of 50 Plus Meet & Greet group, and Afzal Khan Nayyar, Coordinator Cultural Affairs of Pak Seniors Forum (PSF).

            Nusrat Malim, her constituency assistant, who is also Canadian of Pakistani origin and a very nice and helpful lady, told us that “Salma Zahid is so busy since morning that she did not find time even for breakfast and lunch.”  She apologized for the delay and inconvenience caused. Salma was seen busy meeting community leaders from Oakville and Vaughan.   

            Finally when our turn came, she warmly welcomed us and apologized for the delay. I just kept looking at her face expression. The appearance showed how much tired she was yet she was very much active and alert. We noted her interest in the community and found her workaholic, composed and focused which impressed us all.

            Salma Zahid said that she can listen to people coming to her, help and guide community members but cannot interfere in the constituencies of other MPs. Being a community leader, people come with great hope and expect real help, guidance and assistance from Salma Zahid because she understand them and their issues and problems.

            Salma Zahid has to find a way out not to disappoint them because they come with great expectations. She has to play a role as a community leader and is fully capable of becoming a voice and strength of the people in the parliament.  

            We congratulated Salma Zahid on becoming both MP and now member of the CIMM (Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration), which is one of the important tasks.  

            When asked about her assignment, she said explained that Bill C-6 has come to us for third reading and is being minutely reviewed to amend Bill C-24’s certain clauses.   Bill C-6 is An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act.

            Salma Zahid said: “We are trying to amend and replace some policies with good and better ones. These people friendly policies will help the people and remove their concerns and fears. We will make sure that all policies are made in the best interest of the people and the country. This is what we have committed and determined to do.”

            The SHIRIN Team Leaders including Syed Muhammad Iqbal, Syed Shakeel Ahmed, and Afzal Khan Nayyar praised Salma Zahid’s efforts and contributions and assured her their full support in serving community, communities and humanity in reality.

            The interview was short as Salma Zahid was in a great rush to attend some other events. The important issues were discussed and explained satisfactorily. The message that I have for her is to keep a distance from exploiters, hypocrites and rotten eggs as they will keep trying to influence and impress her and achieve their vested interests.

            Such tried and tested self-proclaimed and cunning community leaders and members of the community have already caused much harm to the community and have badly disappointed the people. Their cunning character, negative attitudes, selfish contributions and vested interests have been fully exposed. Friendship and company of these exposed leaders and members will only damage the image and reputation the good and true leaders and prove harmful for all.

            All eyes are set on Salma Zahid and Iqra Khalid to watch their performance and protect them from the influence and trap of the cunning and rotten ones. This is the community’s moral duty and responsibility.

            This is necessary because we are confident and expecting the best from these good leaders. The Pakistani community will always keep supporting and promoting good leaders and people of all communities and parties in the best interest of Canada and the people.

            Salma is a passionate advocate for youth and women as demonstrated through her activities as the Chair of the Regent Park Duke of York Public School Parent Council, her leadership in the development of Youth Reading Club & Skating Program and her involvement with local food banks.

            Salma has deep roots in the Liberal Party and has dedicated countless hours to working on campaigns at both the provincial and federal levels. She currently works in the office of Minister of Citizenship and Immigration for Ontario.

            Salma, her husband Salman and their sons Umaid and Usman are proud long-time residents of Scarborough. Salma immigrated to Canada in the late 1990s and since then has worked tirelessly with numerous community organizations in Scarborough and Toronto.

            Salma has received the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Medal for meritorious service to the community. She has a Masters in Educational Management and Administration from the Institute of Education at the University of London, UK and a Masters in Business Administration from Quaid-e-Azam University, Pakistan.           

            Salma Zahid was elected the Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre on October 19, 2015. Contact details: Phone: (416) 752-2358. Email: salma.zahid@parl.gc.ca. Other accounts: @salmazahid15(Twitter). Website: http://szahid.liberal.ca/. She is also on Facebook.

            Salma Zahid offices are located as follows:

            Hill Office: House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0A6. Telephone: 613-992-6823. Fax: 613-943-1045. Mail may be sent postage-free to any Member of Parliament.

            Constituency Office(s): 2155 Lawrence Avenue East (Main Office), Unit 5,

Scarborough, Ontario, M1R 5G9, Telephone: 416-752-2358. Fax: 416-752-4624.

            As regards Iqra Khalid, MP, she is “An avid believer in building strong communities and giving back to society, Iqra Khalid is a young Pakistani-Canadian woman who has lived in the riding of Mississauga-Erin Mills for the past decade. She immigrated to Canada in the late 1990’s from England, where she began her formal schooling.

            “Iqra graduated from York University in 2007, with a double major in Criminology and Professional Writing. She later obtained her Juris Doctor and is now working as a legal professional with the City of Mississauga.

            “Throughout her life, Iqra has been a strong advocate for equality and fairness. She has proven her dedication to the community and her leadership capability time and again. Iqra has held numerous volunteer positions including President of the Pakistani Student Association, Media Relations Ambassador for the York University Student Alumni, Communications Coordinator for the Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals, and a Director on the Board for Breaking Free Foundation.

            “Iqra’s primary objective has always been to strengthen the ties among Canadians. She is capable and determined to bring forward solutions, offer a fresh, progressive perspective, and help bring our nation to greater heights.”

            Contact details: Hill Office, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0A6

Telephone: 613-995-7321. Fax: 613-992-6708.

            Constituency Office(s): 3100 Ridgeway Drive (Main Office), Suite 35, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 5M5. Telephone: 905-820-8814. Fax: 905-820-4068

          Iqra Khalid’s email: Iqra.Khalid@parl.gc.ca.

          JZ’S PROFILE:  Founder of SHIR International Network (Serve Humanity In Reality---SHIR), declared by Judges as one of 75 Finalist Best Canadian Immigrants, an Honour for the Pakistani Community. Joined Journalism Profession in 1974 (Daily `SUN’, Karachi) and still serving as a professional journalist (2014). Javed Zaheer, Free Expression Award Winner (Awarded by National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada—NEPMCC. Award presented by Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Canada), Desi Idol Recognition Award Winner (Presented by North American Desi Idol), Member/Honorary Director of NEPMCC, Veteran Active Member (VAM) of Toronto Press Club, Ex-Member of The National Club and The Ontario Club, Honorary Editor of English Weekly `Pakistan Abroad’, Canada, ex-Chief Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `The Ambassador’, Canada, ex-Chief Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `DAWN', Canada, ex-Senior Sub-Editor of English Daily DAWN, Pakistan (From 1986-1999), Chairman, CANOPI, Director of Children Dignity Foundation (CDF---Canada & Pakistan) and Honorary Director, Canpak, Chamber of Commerce, and Honorary Director Information, Pak Seniors Forum (PSF), is contributing purely on Voluntary and Honorary Basis in order to serve all people and communities. Contact: (416)696-0981/jazamedia@hotmail.com To read more JZ’s exclusive articles, please visit: NEPMCC website  (Editorial Sections. Scan years from 2004). Visit www.javedzaheernews.blogspot.com for latest exclusive articles.