Latest news with #MohammadAsif
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Milton's housing market shows resilience amid economic pressures, expert says
A local business leader is offering strategic insight into financial resilience and workforce retention, as Milton's housing market continues to show signs of stability despite elevated interest rates and broader economic pressures. Mohammad Asif, director at the Milton branch of MetaNexus Business Solutions and an expert in digital transformation and strategic leadership, has more than two decades of experience in finance, consulting, and operations. He is also recognized for his people-first leadership approach, which emphasizes mentorship, inclusive culture, and team development. Asif has held senior advisory roles in the financial services sector. His work centres on helping organizations address turnover, improve compliance, and implement data-driven models to support sustainable growth. 'Organizations that lead with both strategy and empathy tend to see better long-term results,' Asif said. He applies the same long-term view to real estate, particularly in the town of Milton, where he said market fundamentals remain sound. 'Milton is maintaining stability,' he said in an interview. 'While some parts of Ontario have experienced notable price declines, Milton's average home price remains just above $1.03 million — a modest increase from last year.' Asif said the town's steady performance is supported by its growing population of young families, strong infrastructure and ongoing development. Although more listings are available and buyers are becoming more cautious, he said Milton's market operates on its own dynamics. 'Real estate trends shouldn't be viewed strictly through provincial averages,' he said. With mortgage rates sitting around 6.7 per cent, affordability is a growing concern. Asif said some buyers are looking to townhomes or condominiums as more attainable options, while others are pooling resources with family or waiting to see what direction the Bank of Canada takes. 'This is no longer a blanket seller's market,' he said. 'Success now comes from securing pre-approvals, locking in interest rates early and identifying motivated sellers.' For first-time buyers, Asif recommends looking beyond cosmetics and focusing on long-term value. He also advises making use of federal financial tools, including the First Home Savings Account and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan. 'Don't overlook older homes,' he added. 'Neighbourhoods like Clarke, Beaty and Timberlea offer larger lots and value for those looking to build equity.' Asif said existing homeowners should align decisions around refinancing, upsizing or downsizing with long-term financial goals. While some private lenders may offer favourable refinance terms, he warned that conditions should be carefully reviewed. Those upsizing may benefit from mortgage portability, and downsizers should plan for added costs such as land transfer taxes and condominium fees. 'Anyone up for renewal should compare options instead of automatically accepting current rates,' he said. Despite economic uncertainty, Asif said Milton remains a strong choice for real estate investors. He cited steady immigration, population growth and major infrastructure projects—such as expanded GO Transit service and Highway 401 upgrades—as key long-term drivers. He also pointed to recent zoning changes that now permit Additional Residential Units (ARUs), enhancing rental income potential. 'Today's market demands detailed cash flow assessments,' he said. 'Investors must be ready to adapt to financing requirements and policy shifts.' Asif said the core message for both buyers and sellers is the same: don't react impulsively. 'Whether you're a buyer, seller or investor, the key is to look at the big picture,' he said. 'Milton remains one of Ontario's strongest real estate markets. It's not about timing the market — it's about staying in it.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Time of India
'Radicalised' jobless engineer kills parents, stabs 4 others in Bengal
MEMARI/BONGAON: A 35-year-old jobless engineer from West Bengal, , killed his parents at their home in Memari in East Burdwan district, and then travelled to Bongaon near India-Bangladesh border, where he stabbed and injured four teachers and staffers at an orphanage-madrasa, before being arrested on Wednesday, reports Mohammad Asif & Sanjib Chakraborty. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Initial probe revealed that Kabir was radicalised and was extensively browsing jihadi literature. Divorced last year, he worked with an MNC in Noida, but lost his job five months ago and has been staying with his parents since then. Police suspect he may have landed in Bongaon in an attempt to flee to Bangladesh. He attacked the madrasa teachers and staff members after they refused to answer his questions related to Islam and jihad. Soon after his arrest, a mob stormed the Bongaon police station and demanded that the accused be handed over to them. Two police personnel were injured in the mob attack, North 24 Parganas SP Dinesh Kumar said, adding that 10 people had been arrested for rioting and attacking cops. Kabir was remanded in police custody for three days by a Bongaon court. Special public prosecutor Samir Das told the court that police needed time to investigate his "extremist links". He is believed to have murdered his parents, Musfatizur Rahman and Mumtaj Parveen, as they did not agree with his radical ideology and were trying to reform him. The knife used by Kabir was purchased from an e-commerce platform.
The National
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
What I saw at Glasgow's 'Great British National Strike'
As previously reported by The National, far-right group 'The Great British National Strike' held a series of demos across the UK, with seven taking place across Scotland; emergency rallies were held in response on Glasgow's Buchanan Street by groups Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), Cabaret Against The Hate Speech, Afghan Human Rights Foundation and Glasgow TUC. Anti-racism groups involved in the counter-demo descended early on the Buchanan Street steps, the proposed meeting point for the far-right protesters. When I arrived around 10:45am, a small number of police officers were in attendance and the atmosphere was already thick with tense anticipation for what was, unfortunately, expected to unfold. READ MORE: Counter-protesters gather against far-right group in Glasgow city centre Mohammad Asif of SUTR and the Afghan Human Rights Foundation spoke to the Sunday National shortly before the far-right protests began, saying: 'As a Muslim, of course I'm worried, as a brown or black person we're worried, because we are always the targets as we saw in the rioting in England last year. 'But we are here and we are standing with our friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters saying that fascism and racism will not defeat us; it will make us stronger.' Shortly after my conversation with Asif, the Great British National Strike participants climbed the steps and unfurled a Union flag. From there, the still unease promptly dissipated as verbal and physical clashes between the groups began; counter-protesters attempted to snatch the flag, leading to a few scuffles that police tried to break up. The commotion began on the Buchanan Street steps (Image: Lewis McPake)The far-right demonstrators were moved to the top corner of Buchanan and Sauchiehall streets, across from Jessops camera shop, as the counter-protesters mobilised on the steps. The Great British National Strike was initially far outnumbered, with those on the steps chanting 'Nazi scum, off our streets!' and "there are many, many more of us than you" at the opposing side. There were a handful of people waving Union flags, Israel flags and banners featuring King Charles and the Red Hand of Ulster. One of the women who initially held the UK flag on the steps screamed: 'Would you trust them near your children?' As their numbers began to grow, police, who had formed a human cordon which faced the counter-protest, made the decision to move them to the steps of Buchanan Galleries — not that it did much, as the counter-protest was still larger in numbers and split into two groups to follow. Counter-protesters turned out in large numbers despite the gloomy weather (Image: Lewis McPake)Outside the shopping centre, the far-right began waving a Union flag that had an outline of criminal agitator Tommy Robinson, aka Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, emblazoned with the slogan "FREE TOMMY ROBINSON" in bold. Elderly women held signs depicting themselves as 'concerned grandparents'. Someone had brought their young son along, who stood on the frontline as the group began singing Rule Britannia and making choice hand gestures to their counterparts. It was clearly a demonstration full of hatred, further emphasised by a woman who attempted to use a Saltire to erase a chalk-written slogan saying 'Free Palestine' from the pavement — she was told off for it by officers, but their lack of attention to a man who did what looked like a Nazi salute was baffling. Participants in the Great British National Strike called for far-right spokesman Tommy Robinson's freedom and agitated counter-protesters with rude hand gestures (Image: Colin Mearns) While the face-off ensued outside the shopping centre, Cabaret Against The Hate Speech began a singalong at the top of the steps. In what was clearly a wind-up, songs like Abba's SOS and unofficial national anthem Yes Sir, I Can Boogie were blasted through the speakers. Alex, another organiser from SUTR, said: 'It's not a surprise that they're trying to co-opt different movements to try and present themselves as respectable. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar refuses to say if he supports RAF surveillance flights over Gaza 'We know that the far-right performed racist pogroms last year across England. Again, Glasgow turned out to oppose them. We're making sure that will never be allowed to grow in Scotland.' I left around 1pm. The stand-off was still in full swing, and at the time of writing there had been no arrests made. Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- India Gazette
Jammu and Kashmir: Udhampur police freeze assets worth Rs 4 crore of notorious drug peddler
Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 20 (ANI): As part of their ongoing 'Drug Free Udhampur' initiative, the Udhampur police have arrested 50 drug peddlers so far and seized a significant amount of narcotic substances. Udhampur District SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure said that the police have intensified their crackdown on the district's drug trade, registering 40 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2025. 'Udhampur Police has registered 40 cases in the year 2025 under the NDPS Act and arrested 50 drug peddlers so far under the Drug Free Udhampur initiative. At the same time, four famous drug peddlers have been arrested under the strict provisions of the NDPS Act. A huge amount of narcotic substances have been seized from these drug peddlers,' he said. Further highlighting the police's efforts, he continued, 'Taking this battle forward, Udhampur police have so far registered four cases attaching illegal properties of drug peddlers, the total value of which is around 4 Crores. We have also freezed the bank accounts of 32 peddlers from which 16 Lakhs have been recovered.' Udhampur Police have also frozen movable assets of Rs 1.50 crore belonging to notorious drug peddler Mohammad Asif of Hartayan village, Rehambal SSP Udhampur Amod Ashok Nagpure said, 'The operation, carried out under Section 68(F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, focused on assets allegedly purchased through illegal drug trafficking activities.' SSP Udhampur added that 'confiscated property comprises three commercial trucks with registration numbers JK14J-6362, JK14J-8369, and JK20C-4698 and a Bolero vehicle (JK14J-4983). The attachment order was made today under ongoing legal proceedings in respect of FIR No. 14/25, registered at Rehambal Police Station under Sections 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act.' Mohammad Asif, son of Sanak Mohammad and a resident of Hartayan Rehambal, has been named as a key figure in the area's drug trade. The enforcement action reflects the district police's staunch commitment to their zero-tolerance approach to narcotics distribution and trafficking. Nagpure explained that this attachment is one part of their 'overall approach to dismantle the drug networks by going after their economic pillars.' Udhampur Police have vowed to continue a tough stand against drug crime perpetrators across the district. He added that our Motive is to Drug free Udhampur District. (ANI)
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
JK: Army goes door-to-door in Poonch, provides locals with aid amid damages due to shelling
Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 15 (ANI): The Indian Army's Romeo Force, is visiting door-to-door in areas of Poonch district near the Line of Control (LoC), which were heavily impacted due to shelling by Pakistani to provide locals with medicines and ration. The personnel in the force also interacted with the locals during their visit, who said that their houses were damaged in the shelling on May 9. Mohammad Asif, a local whose house remains in dilapidated condition, said that he has been living with his neighbour since there was no scope for him to live in his own house, given the damage due to intense shelling by Pakistan. 'Heavy shelling had taken place here, which caused heavy damage to our house. There is no scope for us to live here. So, we live in the house of our neighbour. The Indian Army has come here. They helped us a lot, provided us with medicines. They told us to tell them if we were facing any problems. We are thankful to them for coming to check on damage (to the house) occurred on May Army is fighting at the border and helping us. We are thankful to them,' Asif told ANI. The Indian army's engineer bomb disposal squad has been actively working to retrieve and defuse projectiles being found in residential areas in the Nowshera sub-division of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir. The live shells found after Pakistan resorted to intense shelling during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan are being defused by the Indian army for the protection of locals, safeguarding them from further harm. The army was engaged in defusing these live shells fired by Pakistan in the border areas across the Line of Control (LoC) almost on a daily basis, ensuring the safety of civilian lives. As India and Pakistan reach an understanding for cessation of hostilities, halting escalation of the conflict after the launch of Operation Sindoor, the daily life in Jammu's Akhnoor seems to be getting back on track as people approach normalcy and go about their business. Bhupendra Singh, who resides in Akhnoor for work, said, 'The situation in Akhnoor remains normal after the ceasefire was announced. Shops are opening, and people are returning to their work.' Earlier, the Indian Army took a humanitarian initiative by organising a free medical camp in Narayana village of the Akhnoor sector, located near the border. The camp's objective was to provide quality healthcare services to the residents of border areas. Many locals, including children, women, and elderly citizens, came to the camp. The Army's medical team conducted health check-ups and distributed free medicines to needy people. Border camps were also set up to provide food and education for villagers. The locals expressed their opinions on the facilities being provided. (ANI)
