JZ'S ARTICLE: BECOME CONSCIENCE TO REMIND ALL TO BE BETTER & DO BETTER

BECOME CONSCIENCE TO REMIND ALL  

        TO BE BETTER & DO BETTER

BY JAVED ZAHEER, FREE EXPRESSION AWARD WINNER

TORONTO: How important it is to become strong voice of the people can be judged from the remarks made by Liberal MP Rob Oliphant about Javed Zaheer, journalist and human rights activist.

 While recognizing and presenting him the citizenship award and medal, Rob Oliphant, MP, said:  “Javed is a freedom fighter and my conscience and keeps reminding me to be better and do better.”                                                               Javed Zaheer first thanked God (Allah) for the blessing and then Rob Oliphant for the recognition and respect, which has made Canadians of Pakistani origin proud.

        In his message to the community embers, leaders, media and journalists, he said that those choosing Canada to settle they all call themselves Canadians and all, particularly community media, must take full advantage of the freedom to become powerful voice of the people and a strong platform. They must respect and fully enjoy the freedom. The freedom helps connect leaders with the people and keep guiding both of them.

        While talking with friends and colleagues on the occasion, Javed said: “Forming team and circle of like-minded people and family friends always helps a lot to learn and work in a better way. It brings happiness in lives of all.

        He gave example of Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, Canpak Chamber of Commerce, and his family, he said that since 2000 he proved to be very good and trusted family friends.  I cherish his friendship, goodness and hospitality. Another good friend is Syed Muhammad Iqbal, President of PSF, who is one of my important source of news and knowledge.  So this is how we live and work together successfully.

Javed said: “I have found Rob Oliphant as a true leader and a friend of the people. He listens and tries his best to help the people of his constituency. His young and competent assistant Shifa Tauqir seriously respects, hears and helps all. This is my personal experience.”

Javed Zaheer’s two sons---Junaid Muhammad Javed and Muhammad Talha Javed--- and Syed Muhammad Iqbal, President of Pak Seniors Forum (PSF) were also impressed by the recognition ceremony and by the personality, attitude and leadership of Rob Oliphant. Rob chatted with them and was impressed by their progress.

Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, recognized the journalists from across the Greater Toronto Area for their contributions to journalism and to the promotion of citizenship through culturally relevant media in Canada.

As part of Don Valley West’s Canada 150 celebrations, Rob Oliphant presented his Member of Parliament’s Sesquicentennial Citizenship Award to the following reporters, journalists, broadcasters and publishers who contribute to the fabric of Canadian society and build Canadian citizenship through responsible and engaging journalism.

 1. Latafat Siddiqui, Canadian Asian News.

 2. Syed Tausif, Urdu Post

 3. Badar Munir Chaudhary, Akhbaare e Pakistan, Geo News, and Canada One TV

         4. Mohammad Nadeem, Pakistan Times

         5. Azfar Amin, Pakistan Post

6. Rana Suhail, Urdu Khabarnama

7. Arshad Bhatti, Radio Pakistan

        8. Arifa Muzaffar and Majid Jamal, WTOR 770 AM Radio and Eawaz TV

        9. Fazal-e-Moeen Siddiqui and Irfan Siddiqui, RawalTV

        10. Mohsen Taghavi, Salam Toronto

        11. Hassan Zerehi, Shahrvand Publications

        12. Shilpesh Parikh, Gujarat Abroad Canada Inc.

        13. Nilesh Tailor, Swadesh

        14. Patrick Long, CCVOICE

        15. Rick Fang, Ming Pao

        16. Kwok Yui Henry Liu, Sing Tao

        17. Ahmad Hotaki, Afghan Post

        18. Javed Zaheer, long time journalist and human rights activist

        Rob Oliphant, MP, said: “Community newspapers, television, radio and new media provide a vital link between public leaders and

members of Canada’s culturally diverse communities. They ensure that the community members have accurate information and analysis regarding current issues and events. They also enable political and other leaders to take the pulse of the many communities which make up this tremendous country.”

        Rob Oliphant was first elected in 2008 and again in 2015.  He said: “As Chairperson of the

House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, I am well aware of the special needs of newcomer communities in Canada. Culturally relevant media are key partners in helping to meet those needs.

        Rob Oliphant’s Member of Parliament’s Sesquicentennial Citizenship Award both celebrates the 150^th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation and honours people who have built our country through their contributions in leadership, community service, media, sport and countless other ways.

        Rob Oliphant concluded his remarks by saying, “As a Member of Parliament, I strongly believe it is important to recognize those people among us who have quietly, selflessly and tirelessly continued the work of  building a Canada that we can all be proud of and celebrate.”

        The Medallions and Certificates were presented to the award recipients in a ceremony at Pasha Restaurant, a Turkish fine-dining establishment on Overlea Boulevard in Thorncliffe Park, Don Valley West at which time Rob Oliphant thanked them for their passion and commitment to excellence.

        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: 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 articles.