Social, cultural and religious events are extremely important to protect and promote the identity of the people, community and the country. The environment and system in Canada provides best opportunities to all to express themselves in the manner they desire. This helps in better understanding of the communities and infusion of the spirit to live and work together with respect and tolerance. The result is richness of the society. This is the secret of Canada’s good image.

Qazi Bashiruddin, a renowned religious and social personality of the community, based in Hamilton, is vigorously active in promoting his message and work. He is busy in serving the people despite his very old age and feebleness. He needs to be encouraged and supported.

Spunk and bold moves. That’s the new mantra of the Pakistani ramp. Models from Lahore and Karachi are wooing the world of international fashion.

Meet Neha Ahmed. At 23, she’s already catwalked in Paris and Dubai. Next month, she’ll do a show in London for designer Hasan Sheriyar. “We’re getting a lot more international exposure now. I’m listed with agents in Paris and Dubai and keep going for shows there,” says Ahmed. But entry into modelling wasn’t easy. “My father, an armyman, was furious. But that was then. Now, he’s cool about it.”

Sunita Marshall, having done ramp shows in London, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore and Dubai, is one of the most sought-after models on the Pakistani ramp. “Though modeling is seen as a short-term profession in Pakistan, there’s a lot happening in the industry: we’re looked upon with respect and the money is amazing,” says Marshall, set to make her acting debut in the play Sukhay Patay, which has been shot in Canada and co-stars Suresh Oberoi.

Kenya edged past Canada to win by four wickets with nine balls to spare, despite a late wobble as the Canadians exerted pressure, took vital wickets and so nearly pulled off another upset at this World Cup. In the end, it was the Kenyans who relied on their greater experience at this level and greater depth of batting to take the points. Canada took much credit.

Ian Billcliff was the mainstay during Canada’s innings with 71 as they were bowled out for 197 in 49 overs, and Thomas Odoyo was the pick of the Kenyan attack with four wickets.

New Zealand asked the sport’s governing body on Saturday to switch their World Cup Group B match against Kenya from Nairobi to South Africa.

“The New Zealand board have reconfirmed their decision made on January 31, which is not to allow the New Zealand team to travel to Nairobi for the match on February 21,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Martin Snedden told Reuters by telephone on Saturday.

“The team won’t go to Nairobi, we’ve advised the ICC (International Cricket Council) of this and we’ve confirmed that we are willing to play the game at an alternative venue in South Africa — at whatever date the ICC might determine.”

THERE’S a first time for everything as singer Khadija Hayder proved with her debut album ‘My First Time’.

My First Time has been released by AP Productions and offers a variety of musical styles including pop and bhangra.

Khadija collaborated with lyricist Akhtar Hussain and producer JKD to bring out her first solo work. The result is uplifting and refreshing - a sure fire hit.

A Pakistani-origin woman in Toronto is representing her native country at an international pageant in Hangzhou, China, on July 2.

Naomi Zaman, who was Miss Canada Pakistan 2005’s Miss Talent, is participating in Miss Tourism Queen International 2005 (MTQI). The event will have contestants from countries including Australia, England, Peru, South Africa and Italy.

This is the first time Pakistan is represented in an international pageant, said Sonia Ahmed, president of the Canadian pageant.

“We are proud to see Pakistan finally with 70 other countries,” Ahmed said.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest man of all?” Ali Haider of course! A name that needs no introduction… One of the biggest singers in the Pakistani music industry, he is what the youth of today grew up listening to. Tracks like ‘Purani Jeans’ - that every school and college-going person could identify with - made him a household name. Here we ask Ali about his Purani Jeans, his new album and make him clear out a few controversies. Here he is uncensored.

The Rafi Peer Theatre’s 10-day world performing arts festival, 2004, is being held at the Alhamra Cultural Complex from Nov 27.

As many as 600 artistes of over 33 countries, including India, will perform in various disciplines of performing arts like dance, theatre, music and puppetry.

Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi will inaugurate the festival. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will attend its premier show on Nov 26, a day ahead of its formal launch.

Rafi Peer Theatre directors Faizan Peerzada and Usman Peerzada told newsmen here at the Lahore Press Club on Friday that it was one of the biggest festivals in South Asia.

With performances falling far short of their ambition, Bangladesh find themselves in a cricketing no man’s land as they approach their second consecutive World Cup.

Their dismal record of losing all but one of their 17 tests, many of them innings defeats inside three days, and three wins from 61 one-dayers means their superior opponents regard them as mere points in the bank.

A South African cricket official’s remarks at last year’s Champions Trophy perhaps reflects the attitude of big teams towards the 10th and newest entrant to the test club in 2000, with critics saying their arrival was hasty and due to board- room politics.

An unconvincing net session by injured Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar increased speculation he will miss his side’s opening World Cup match against Australia at The Wanderers on Tuesday.

Anwar, who suffered a severely bruised left elbow when he was hit by a delivery from team mate Shoaib Akhtar last week, batted briefly against a bowling machine on Monday.

He was seen flexing his arm afterwards. Earlier he took part in a fielding drill but did not throw the ball over-arm.