How Pakistani candidates embarrass us in Canadian polls

[Norwegian]

Look at the bright side... atleast our expats are becoming politically aware.... we have like .6 mil Pakistanis in USA... and probably the least represented....

Our expats are politically AWARE, that's for sure. No wonder why most of them support PTI

 

[Gunsnroses]

Ch. Sahab seems to be a relative of Gullu Butt

 

[Thorough Pro]

Wrong title. they are "Canadian" candidates of Pakistani origin. and why do they embarrass Pakistan? It's Canadian system, Canadian citizens, where does Pakistan come in the picture?

View attachment 146294
Promotional poster of Pakistani candidate Chaudhry Riazuddin Ahmed.
Last week was municipal elections-week in the Ontario province of Canada, where the majority of Pakistani candidates running for various offices continued their losing streak.

Only two Pakistani candidates emerged victorious in the polls, whereas hundreds of others did literally nothing but blabber and distribute their pamphlets all over the place.

Most of these candidates suffered from a glaring deficiency in English language skills and in their knowledge of the Canadian system. Many seemed utterly indifferent towards the problems in their constituencies, and had no recourse but to play up already familiar topics to scrape up a handful of votes.

Not only did they plan their election campaigns poorly, but several of them were also involved in personal conflicts with other Pakistani candidates.

In many areas, several Pakistanis filed their nomination papers from a single constituency, effectively dividing the Pakistani vote several times.

It is fair to say, then, they had it coming.

Also read: Canada arrests Pakistani gun owner, alleges security threat

Pakistani candidates running for offices in Canada are no more an unprecedented feat. Every four years, a large number of Pakistanis – never seen before in any community meet-up – show up from nowhere, and portray themselves as ‘peoples’ representative’.

Many a candidate get their pamphlets printed from Pakistan as early as a year before the elections, and transport them to Canada with their luggage. When these flyers are distributed among people, the poor chaps are clueless about the candidate, because these candidates neither engage, nor serve the community, and hence remain unknown to a large number of people.

Indian Canadians also compete in the elections, but in contrast to Pakistanis, their success ratio is higher as they make efforts to engage with their community. On the other hand, Pakistani candidates are confined only to photo sessions for local Urdu newspapers, association with Pakistani political parties, and seeking vote on the basis of caste and clan.

Pre-poll surveys this year showed that the victory of Pakistani candidates was highly unlikely, as the results later proved. The causes for this are not too hard to comprehend.

Also read: Pakistani-Canadians: Falling below the poverty line

I asked one Pakistani candidate, ‘what is your manifesto?’, only to be hear this shameless reply:

‘Umm… I am jobless nowadays… I’ve heard that the councilors have handsome remuneration, so I am trying my luck there...’

These candidates include a Pakistani grocery store owner of my area as well. The lies on his website were traced and duly rebuked by his Canadian rivals – what a defamation of our country.

There was another candidate, a self-proclaimed business tycoon from Sialkot, Pakistan. Having no experience of business, literature, and politics, this man has made a mockery of Pakistan overseas.

This business tycoon, named Riazuddin, is also known as Malik Riaz of Mississauga.

The election flyer of this candidate was printed in Pakistan. The flyer reads that Mr. Riazuddin has been member of chambers of commerce in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Britain, Australia, Sweden, France, Netherlands, and has served as vice president at Chamber of Commerce in Sialkot, Pakistan.

View attachment 146295
Promotional poster of Pakistani candidate Chaudhry Riazuddin Ahmed.
It does not end here.

The pamphlet further reads that he has represented Pakistan Export Promotion Bureau in several countries of the world, and that he did MA in Political Science from Punjab University, and availed commission in Pakistan Army.

When results were announced, he secured far more votes than expected – a little less than one per cent of total vote.

In a developed country as Canada, and in times so tense that even the name of Pakistan is enough to scare an otherwise happy and courageous human being, such lies and remorselessness brings only more defamation.

Mississauga has the largest population of Pakistanis in Ontario. One of the Pakistani voters told me that he doesn’t vote for Pakistani candidates because they are more often than not busy in pulling each others’ legs.

Running for an office without serving is a common feat in Pakistan, and it has no bearing on the candidate's odds for winning. But when in Canada, expect no such perks.

Here, voting is done solely on the basis of service. But several candidates who gather donations in name of welfare organizations, run for office again and again with no credit on their portfolio.

There’s a candidate in Mississauga, who is taking part in elections since the past several decades. What motivates him to run for an office every 4 years is a huge collection of photographs, in which he is seen next to some influential Pakistani politicos.

Perhaps he will make it to Guinness Book of World Record for losing the most elections.

About another Pakistani candidate, the story goes that he used his decades-old picture for the election campaign. His wife ended up mistakenly voting for someone else. Can you blame her?

As soon as they launch their election campaigns, the many personal conflicts among these candidates make it to prominent newspapers and TV channels.

We are supposed to be ambassadors of our nation in foreign countries, aren’t we?

Also read: Manitoba Liberals' first ever Canadian-Pakistani leader

Strikingly different from them, a young Pakistani named Zeeshan Hamid has been elected as councilor for the second time in Milton, a town home to Pakistanis in Canada.

Zeeshan’s services for the community are evident, so he secured the vote, even then his Pakistani rivals tried hard to make him lose.

As per law, the candidates are allowed to have their banners up till up to three days after polling. Zeeshan Hamid’s banners were removed by his rivals way before polling.

Feels like Pakistan doesn’t it?

Graceful and humble, Zeeshan Hamid thanked his rivals for assisting him in the removal task which otherwise would have cost him time and energy.

Only two Pakistani candidates won throughout the province of Ontario. The support of Pakistanis and Non Pakistanis alike paved the way for their victory. Do I have to mention again that support in Canada is only possible in exchange of service?

View attachment 146296
Left: Max Khan. Right: Zeeshan Hamid.
The other candidate is Max Khan, who succeeded from the Oakville city. He too was elected for the second time.

In Toronto, a large number of Pakistanis and Indians live in Thorncliffe Park area. This area is also dubbed as the Islamic Republic of Thorncliffe. About 30,000 Pakistanis and Indians reside here, of which 10,000 vote. But due to blame game and conflicts within, not a single Muslim won from this little Islamic Republic.

Also read: Malala offered Canadian citizenship

Whenever elections are around the corner, local Urdu papers see their businesses see their revenues spike up. But many Pakistani candidates have also mastered the evasion of advertisement bills just like they do back in the homeland.

An editor of a local Urdu weekly said that most of the candidates were frivolous; many ran for the office only to be highlighted in the media, or for the publicity of their business.

My pal Zalim Jalalpuri grieves the fact that there are over 400,000 Pakistanis in Ontario, but their representation is negligible.

There are hundreds of associations and organisations working in Canada in the name of Pakistan, and are effectively reserved only to paperwork.

Pakistanis in Ontario don't require a fake Malik Riaz but a real Malik Riaz who can serve the country well instead of being a load of embarrassment for the country.
How Pakistani candidates embarrass us in Canadian polls - Blogs - DAWN.COM

Funny story I pulled from Dawn for our Canadian-Pakistani members

@WishLivePak
@xyxmt

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Our expats are politically AWARE, that's for sure. No wonder why most of them support PTI

I mean in their countries of residence.... they should take active part in politics... look at the indians..

 

[xyxmt]

View attachment 146294
Promotional poster of Pakistani candidate Chaudhry Riazuddin Ahmed.
Last week was municipal elections-week in the Ontario province of Canada, where the majority of Pakistani candidates running for various offices continued their losing streak.

Only two Pakistani candidates emerged victorious in the polls, whereas hundreds of others did literally nothing but blabber and distribute their pamphlets all over the place.

Most of these candidates suffered from a glaring deficiency in English language skills and in their knowledge of the Canadian system. Many seemed utterly indifferent towards the problems in their constituencies, and had no recourse but to play up already familiar topics to scrape up a handful of votes.

Not only did they plan their election campaigns poorly, but several of them were also involved in personal conflicts with other Pakistani candidates.

In many areas, several Pakistanis filed their nomination papers from a single constituency, effectively dividing the Pakistani vote several times.

It is fair to say, then, they had it coming.

Also read: Canada arrests Pakistani gun owner, alleges security threat

Pakistani candidates running for offices in Canada are no more an unprecedented feat. Every four years, a large number of Pakistanis – never seen before in any community meet-up – show up from nowhere, and portray themselves as ‘peoples’ representative’.

Many a candidate get their pamphlets printed from Pakistan as early as a year before the elections, and transport them to Canada with their luggage. When these flyers are distributed among people, the poor chaps are clueless about the candidate, because these candidates neither engage, nor serve the community, and hence remain unknown to a large number of people.

Indian Canadians also compete in the elections, but in contrast to Pakistanis, their success ratio is higher as they make efforts to engage with their community. On the other hand, Pakistani candidates are confined only to photo sessions for local Urdu newspapers, association with Pakistani political parties, and seeking vote on the basis of caste and clan.

Pre-poll surveys this year showed that the victory of Pakistani candidates was highly unlikely, as the results later proved. The causes for this are not too hard to comprehend.

Also read: Pakistani-Canadians: Falling below the poverty line

I asked one Pakistani candidate, ‘what is your manifesto?’, only to be hear this shameless reply:

‘Umm… I am jobless nowadays… I’ve heard that the councilors have handsome remuneration, so I am trying my luck there...’

These candidates include a Pakistani grocery store owner of my area as well. The lies on his website were traced and duly rebuked by his Canadian rivals – what a defamation of our country.

There was another candidate, a self-proclaimed business tycoon from Sialkot, Pakistan. Having no experience of business, literature, and politics, this man has made a mockery of Pakistan overseas.

This business tycoon, named Riazuddin, is also known as Malik Riaz of Mississauga.

The election flyer of this candidate was printed in Pakistan. The flyer reads that Mr. Riazuddin has been member of chambers of commerce in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Britain, Australia, Sweden, France, Netherlands, and has served as vice president at Chamber of Commerce in Sialkot, Pakistan.

View attachment 146295
Promotional poster of Pakistani candidate Chaudhry Riazuddin Ahmed.
It does not end here.

The pamphlet further reads that he has represented Pakistan Export Promotion Bureau in several countries of the world, and that he did MA in Political Science from Punjab University, and availed commission in Pakistan Army.

When results were announced, he secured far more votes than expected – a little less than one per cent of total vote.

In a developed country as Canada, and in times so tense that even the name of Pakistan is enough to scare an otherwise happy and courageous human being, such lies and remorselessness brings only more defamation.

Mississauga has the largest population of Pakistanis in Ontario. One of the Pakistani voters told me that he doesn’t vote for Pakistani candidates because they are more often than not busy in pulling each others’ legs.

Running for an office without serving is a common feat in Pakistan, and it has no bearing on the candidate's odds for winning. But when in Canada, expect no such perks.

Here, voting is done solely on the basis of service. But several candidates who gather donations in name of welfare organizations, run for office again and again with no credit on their portfolio.

There’s a candidate in Mississauga, who is taking part in elections since the past several decades. What motivates him to run for an office every 4 years is a huge collection of photographs, in which he is seen next to some influential Pakistani politicos.

Perhaps he will make it to Guinness Book of World Record for losing the most elections.

About another Pakistani candidate, the story goes that he used his decades-old picture for the election campaign. His wife ended up mistakenly voting for someone else. Can you blame her?

As soon as they launch their election campaigns, the many personal conflicts among these candidates make it to prominent newspapers and TV channels.

We are supposed to be ambassadors of our nation in foreign countries, aren’t we?

Also read: Manitoba Liberals' first ever Canadian-Pakistani leader

Strikingly different from them, a young Pakistani named Zeeshan Hamid has been elected as councilor for the second time in Milton, a town home to Pakistanis in Canada.

Zeeshan’s services for the community are evident, so he secured the vote, even then his Pakistani rivals tried hard to make him lose.

As per law, the candidates are allowed to have their banners up till up to three days after polling. Zeeshan Hamid’s banners were removed by his rivals way before polling.

Feels like Pakistan doesn’t it?

Graceful and humble, Zeeshan Hamid thanked his rivals for assisting him in the removal task which otherwise would have cost him time and energy.

Only two Pakistani candidates won throughout the province of Ontario. The support of Pakistanis and Non Pakistanis alike paved the way for their victory. Do I have to mention again that support in Canada is only possible in exchange of service?

View attachment 146296
Left: Max Khan. Right: Zeeshan Hamid.
The other candidate is Max Khan, who succeeded from the Oakville city. He too was elected for the second time.

In Toronto, a large number of Pakistanis and Indians live in Thorncliffe Park area. This area is also dubbed as the Islamic Republic of Thorncliffe. About 30,000 Pakistanis and Indians reside here, of which 10,000 vote. But due to blame game and conflicts within, not a single Muslim won from this little Islamic Republic.

Also read: Malala offered Canadian citizenship

Whenever elections are around the corner, local Urdu papers see their businesses see their revenues spike up. But many Pakistani candidates have also mastered the evasion of advertisement bills just like they do back in the homeland.

An editor of a local Urdu weekly said that most of the candidates were frivolous; many ran for the office only to be highlighted in the media, or for the publicity of their business.

My pal Zalim Jalalpuri grieves the fact that there are over 400,000 Pakistanis in Ontario, but their representation is negligible.

There are hundreds of associations and organisations working in Canada in the name of Pakistan, and are effectively reserved only to paperwork.

Pakistanis in Ontario don't require a fake Malik Riaz but a real Malik Riaz who can serve the country well instead of being a load of embarrassment for the country.
How Pakistani candidates embarrass us in Canadian polls - Blogs - DAWN.COM

Funny story I pulled from Dawn for our Canadian-Pakistani members

@WishLivePak
@xyxmt

Max khan won third time from ward 5 Oakville, another Pakistani in Ward 4 (my area) got 50% of what winner got. you have to remember Oakville was majority white town 15 years ago. But most Pakistani municiple candidates in Pakistani dominant areas are Real State agent and this is the best and cheapest way to get their name out there so obviously they dont care neither do they know what other Pakistani are taking part in their constituency. Look at this joker Ch. Riaz-ud-din desnt he look like a realtor and he has the balls to contest for Mayor of Mississauga. He probably doesnt even know who was the previous Mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion just retired at age 94 she was Mayor of Mississauga for 35 years and last three time she won without a contest. But here are few Pakistani in Canadian Politics

Wajid Khan – former member of the Canadian House of Commons
Shafiq Qaadri – member of the Legislative Assembly of Otario
Yasir Naqvi – member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Shiraz Shariff – former member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Shad Qadri – an Ottawa City Councillor for Ward
Salma Ataullahjan – Senator

 

[Norwegian]

where does Pakistan come in the picture?

Their Pakistani roots and their usual conflicts with blame games.

 

[xyxmt]

Don't compare us to them. We've had Indian Premiers, chief justices, MPs, MLAs, police chiefs, and every other position. We can atleast group together long enough to project our ideas.

If Pakistanis had come in 1890 then they would be also be there. by the way who was the Premier and chief justice. I agree with you that Indians are better organized and they do group together

 

[newdelhinsa]

May be they are saving tax by spending on elections.

 

[Arya Desa]

If Pakistanis had come in 1890 then they would be also be there. by the way who was the Premier and chief justice. I agree with you that Indians are better organized and they do group together

We didn't come in 1890, we came here the same time as you. It's just you have way too much infighting going on. Becoming organized is very important, that is how the Orientals succeed here, even though they are Japanese, Korean, or chinese, they group together as Asian.

I meant to say Solicitor General
Kash Heed - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Premier
Ujjal Dosanjh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[xyxmt]

We didn't come in 1890, we came here the same time as you. It's just you have way too much infighting going on. Becoming organized is very important, that is how the Orientals succeed here, even though they are Japanese, Korean, or chinese, they group together as Asian.

I meant to say Solicitor General
Kash Heed - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Premier
Ujjal Dosanjh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

First Sikhs in Canada | Asia Canada

 

[Developereo]

An editor of a local Urdu weekly said that most of the candidates were frivolous; many ran for the office only to be highlighted in the media, or for the publicity of their business.

There's your answer.

Most of these guys are only there to milk the system and squeeze out some tax-deductible expenses.

 

[Pride]

Did'nt we have an Indian-origin PM in BC?

You mean PM as in Premier then yes BC indeed have one as Ujjal Dosanjh. Currently, there are 3 Indian origin MPs from BC.

Don't compare us to them. We've had Indian Premiers, chief justices, MPs, MLAs, police chiefs, and every other position. We can atleast group together long enough to project our ideas.

Well that was not a comparison if you see. It was worth mentioning that atleast Indian origins are on premier positions here. How they are doing is little difficult to asses though.

Shiraz Shariff – former member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

Can't say about others but Shiraz sometimes say himself as Indian origin and some time Pakistani Origin so you can't consider him on one side based on religion. This origin problem I have seen in South Africa as well as here in Canada for Punjabis and Memons who migrated before partition and have home around both side of borders in Punjab/Kutch so they consider both.

 

[xyxmt]

Can't say about others but Shiraz sometimes say himself as Indian origin and some time Pakistani Origin so you can't consider him on one side based on religion. This origin problem I have seen in South Africa as well as here in Canada for Punjabis and Memons who migrated before partition and have home around both side of borders in Punjab/Kutch so they consider both.

I think his parent migrated and he was born in Canada, so yes he can call himself both but by all definition Pakistani Canadian.