Assam Assembly Scraps, British-Era Practice, 2-Hour Friday Namaz Break For Muslim Leaders
New Age Islam News Bureau
31 Aug 2024
As per the rule sittings used to commence from 9:30am to 2pm on all weekdays except Friday and Saturday. (Representative Photo)
------
· Assam Assembly Scraps, British-Era Practice, 2-Hour Friday Namaz Break For Muslim Leaders
· Fact Check: Viral Video Does Not Show Muslims Beating Christian In Pakistan; Is From India’s Bhopal In 2022
· Al-Aqsa Preacher: Blood Of Palestinians On The Necks Of The Arab And Islamic Governments And Peoples
· Islamic State Militants Armed With 'Grenades' And 'Suicide Belts' Killed In RaidIn A Coordinated Attack By US And Iraqi Forces, US Says
· Uk Muslim Man Gets Just 6 Months in Jail For Violently Assaulting Women Who Refused to Wear the Hijab
-------
India
· Assam Doesn’t Have A ‘Miya’-Muslim Problem. Himanta Sarma’s Generalisation Fuels Trouble
· VHP welcomes law mandating registration of marriage, divorce of Muslims in Assam
· Delhi Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Questions Need For Waqf Bill
· BJP, Oppn MPs Cross Swords During Parliament Panel Meet On Waqf Bill
· Supreme Court Asks Omar Abdullah And Wife To Explore Meditation For Potential Settlement
· Row over fielding 'parachute candidates', veteran Chander Sharma quits BJP over J&K tickets
------
Pakistan
· KP urges centre to consult it before launching anti-terror offensive
· 93 Pakistani Students Heading To UK On Chevening And Commonwealth Scholarships
· Loud and clear: Imran Khan slams PTI's doors shut on deserters 'once and for all'
· PM Shehbaz 'seeks JUI-F support to govt' in meeting with Fazl
· Security forces kill 12 terrorists in Tirah Valley IBOs: ISPR
· Cyclone Asna steers away from Karachi, but heavy rains forecast remains
· Imran’s Oxford chancellor bid puts his quandary in focus
· Balochistan attacks aimed at sabotaging SCO summit, says minister
· No move on cards for Imran’s military trial, Punjab govt says
------
Mideast
· 7 US troops hurt in raid with Iraqi forces targeting Daesh group militants that killed 15
· 40,000 worshippers perform Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque
· Million-man march went out in capital Sana'a in support Gaza, Al-Aqsa Responsibility and Jihad"
· Israeli forces kill two attackers in West Bank, military says
· Jordanian, Iranian foreign ministers discuss Gaza and West Bank crises
-------
North America
· Poll: 29% of American Muslims intend to vote for Kamala Harris
· Kurdish Sunni Cleric Receives Over a Year in Prison for Anti-Government Stance
· No, Minnesota Law Approved by Walz Doesn't Ban Christians, Jews or Muslims from Teaching
· Federal agency cracks down on a predatory lending practice that hurts Somali Muslims
-------
Europe
· Despite Moscow’s Denials, Schools in Muslim North Caucasus So Overcrowded that Many Operate on a Three-Shift Schedule
· Plans To Rebuild Mosque Set To Be Approved
· Local Hero: Offering hope and hot meals, Sufian Ali and Aberdeen Muslims’ Foodbox
· Fulwood Islamic centre and food bank to be turned into bedsits
· Boy named Akid Muslim abducted by the SDF in E. Aleppo, August 28, 2024
· ICC orders Asian country to arrest Putin
· Ukrainian cluster bomb attack on Belgorod kills five – governor
-------
Arab World
· Fatwa Symposium Attended By Distinguished Scholars
· The Governing Framework for Gulf Acquisitions in Egypt
· Hardy Al-Atam tree gains prominence in Saudi highlands
· Saudi king, crown prince send condolences to Al-Burhan after Sudan dam collapse tragedy
· 1st Saudi Wood Expo aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s wood industry
· Saudi deputy foreign minister meets with Cameroon’s minister of external relations
· King Salman, crown prince congratulate Erdogan on Turkish Victory Day
· 5.7m flock to Prophet’s Mosque in one week
· UAE President allocates vaccines, funding for polio vaccination drive in Gaza
-------
Africa
· Former Algerian Army Colonel On How Algeria's Secret Services Manipulated Islamist Groups During The 'Black Decade'
· DSS Gets Court Order To Freeze 13 More Bank Accounts Over Terrorism Charges
· DRC to take Rwanda to East African Court over alleged violations
· Tunisian court allows prominent politician Daimi to run in presidential election
· DSS Releases Journalist Soyinka’s Passport, Blames Arrests On Mistaken Identity
· Ogun Doctors Suspend Month-Old Strike
· Again, Police Summon NLC President, Ajaero, Scribe
-------
Southeast Asia
· Programme Supporting Muslim Couples In S'pore Marks 5th Anniversary, Participation Of 30,000 Couples
· He asked but I didn’t do it: Witness says Muslim preacher Ebit Lew wanted WhatsApp sexts deleted
· PM Anwar hails ‘Cuci Rasuah’ as best national day performance - Fahmi
· 2024 National Day celebrations among the best in history - Ahmad Zahid
· PM Anwar, Cabinet ministers attend National Day celebration
· Lorong TAR night market closed for search ops at Jalan Masjid India sinkhole
-------
South Asia
· Yunus To Meet Political Leaders At Jamuna Today
· Aug 15 Attack at Dhanmondi-32: Injured Lakshmipur AL leader dies
· Pakistan PM Calls Yunus, Seeks To Deepen Ties
· Acting Mines Minister Engages in High-Level Talks in Turkmenistan on TAPI, Rail, and Energy Projects
· Deputy PM Baradar Akhund and Uzbek PM Advance Plans for Fruit Exports and Transit Development
· Deputy PM Baradar Akhund Reaffirms Commitment to Timely Completion of Qosh Tepa Canal Project
· Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali Meets with Bill Gates Foundation to Enhance Health Initiatives
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
--------
Assam Assembly Scraps, British-Era Practice, 2-Hour Friday Namaz Break For Muslim Leaders
As per the rule sittings used to commence from 9:30am to 2pm on all weekdays except Friday and Saturday. (Representative Photo)
------
Utpal Parashar
Aug 30, 2024
Guwahati: The Assam assembly on Friday discontinued the British-era practice break during proceedings on Fridays that allowed Muslim leaders to offer namaz (prayers).
The assembly amended Rule 11 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business which dealt with sittings the House. As per the rule sittings used to commence from 9:30am to 2pm on all weekdays except Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, the House used to sit from 9:30am to 11:30am and 3pm to 5pm, allowing a two-hour break. Though the rules did not specify that the break on Fridays was for offering namaz, it has been used for decades by the Muslim legislators to offer prayers before joining proceedings again.
According to officials aware of the matter, the issue was raised by Speaker Biswajit Daimary, who felt that in view of the secular nature of the Constitution, proceedings of the assembly must be conducted on Fridays like any other day. Accordingly, a proposal was placed before the rules committee of the House, to which the committee unanimously agreed to drop the rule and adopted a motion to amend the existing rule, allowing proceedings to be conducted on Fridays like any other day.
Since Friday was the last day of the ongoing autumn session of the assembly, the new rule will come into practice from the next session in winter.
Taking to X, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Assam assembly has prioritised productivity and shed another vestige of colonial baggage by doing away with the two-hour ‘jumma’ (Friday) break.
“This practice was introduced by the Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937. My gratitude to Hon’ble Speaker Biswajit Daimary and our legislators for this historical decision,” he wrote.
A Muslim MLA from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) said that the rule had been there for many decades and questioned the need to change it. “...What was the need to change an existing tradition? The present BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-led government in Assam under Himanta Biswa Sarma is targeting the Muslim community, keeping the 2026 assembly polls in mind,” he said.
Source:hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assam-assembly-discontinues-friday-namaz-break-for-muslim-leaders-101725013163561.html
-------
Fact Check: Viral Video Does Not Show Muslims Beating Christian In Pakistan; Is From India’s Bhopal In 2022
Viral Video
------
Fact Check By iVerify
August 30, 2024
Known Islamophobic provocateur Salwan Momika and other users on Wednesday shared a video on social media platform X, claiming that it showed a Christian man being brutally beaten by Muslims in Pakistan. However, the video is actually from an incident that took place in India’s Bhopal in 2022.
On August 28, Momika posted a video on social media platform X showing a man being brutally beaten by several others.
The caption for the post said, “His only crime is being a Christian among Muslims in Pakistan. Could Muslims in the West be treated the same way by Christians?”
The post gained four million views and was reshared 12,000 times.
The same video with the same caption was also widely shared by other users as can be seen here, here and here.
A fact-check was initiated to determine the veracity of the claim due to its virality and the concerning nature of the video showing alleged brutality against a minority member in Pakistan.
Examination of Momika’s post showed a reader’s note added to it that said: “This is an old video from Madhya Pradesh, India where a teenager was beaten up in a personal dispute in August 2022. The incident was not related to religious hate crime.”
An investigation to corroborate the note about the post using screenshots from the video yielded an article dated November 5, 2022, by Mumbai-based English newspaper The Free Press Journal titled: “Bhopal: Class 12 beaten brutally, police look for accused”.
The article used the same screenshot as a scene from the viral video of a man being beaten with a stick on his bare posterior.
As per the report, the video showed a 12th-grade student being beaten by his classmates who subsequently fled after the incident that occurred on August 29, 2022. The report said that a case was filed against the assailants.
The investigation also showed a previous report dated March 20, 2023, by Indian fact-checking outlet Alt News titled: “Old video of assault on Bhopal student viral with false communal claims”.
The report said the video was going viral at the time with the claim that it showed a Muslim being beaten by a Hindu girl’s brothers after he threatened to abduct her and throw acid on her in Uttar Pradesh.
Therefore, the fact-check determined that the claim regarding a viral video showing a Christian man being beaten up by Muslims in Pakistan is false.
The video is from an incident in India’s city of Bhopal in 2022 and had nothing to do with Muslims beating a Christian.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1855753/fact-check-viral-video-does-not-show-muslims-beating-christian-in-pakistan-is-from-indias-bhopal-in-2022
--------
Al-Aqsa Preacher: Blood Of Palestinians On The Necks Of The Arab And Islamic Governments And Peoples
Al-Aqsa
----
30 Aug 2024
Al-QUDS August 30. 2024 (Saba) - The preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, stressed that the blood of the Palestinian people that is being shed is a responsibility that extends to every Arab and Muslim, and is on the necks of the Arab and Islamic governments and peoples.
Sheikh Hussein said, during today's Friday sermon at Al-Aqsa Mosque: "The Palestinian people are determined to remain the guardians of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to be the steadfast defenders and preserve the trust of their holy sites and their land."
Source:saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3364957.htm
-------
Islamic State Militants Armed With 'Grenades' And 'Suicide Belts' Killed In RaidIn A Coordinated Attack By US And Iraqi Forces, US Says
Islamic State militants pass a checkpoint bearing the group's black flag in Iraq. File pic: AP
------
31 August 2024
At least 15 Islamic State militants have been killed in a coordinated attack by US and Iraqi forces, according to US Central Command.
Soldiers raided an area in western Iraq in the early hours of Thursday morning and seven US troops were injured.
"The [IS] element was armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts," the US Central Command said.
Five US soldiers were wounded in the operation and two others were hurt in falls, a US military official told AP. They said there was no indication of civilian casualties in the raid.
"All personnel are in stable condition," the official said.
"Among the dead were key ISIS leaders," Iraq's military said, without identifying them.
"All hideouts, weapons, and logistical support were destroyed, explosive belts were safely detonated and important documents, identification papers and communication devices were seized."
Read more from Sky News:
The Brits who go missing abroad
Meet the Norwegian princess marrying a shaman
Soon after, Iraq's foreign ministry said an announcement on an end date for the US-led coalition's mission had been postponed due to the "latest developments", without identifying the developments.
In March, it was reported discussions about when the coalition would end may not be concluded until after US presidential elections in November.
There are approximately 2,500 US troops in the country.
Since the US toppled dictator Saddam Hussein with its 2003 invasion of Iraq, the country has struggled to balance relations between America and neighbouring Iran.
Source:yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/islamic-state-militants-armed-grenades-063400397.html
-------
Uk Muslim Man Gets Just 6 Months in Jail For Violently Assaulting Women Who Refused to Wear the Hijab
The National Pulse.com
------
August 30, 2024
A Muslim man in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to less than a year in prison after violently attacking three women in the city of Bradford for not wearing traditional Muslim clothing and wearing makeup, slamming the head of one woman against a car dashboard. Muhammad Hassan was sentenced to just six months in prison, suspended for two years. The attack took place May 25 at a gas station in Bradford, where the victims had stopped for fuel.Captured on CCTV, the 26-year-old’s assault began when he spotted the three women at the Prince of Wales Service Station on Harrogate Road. Hassan, who knew the women, had previously spoken out about their appearance and called them derogatory terms such as “slags” or “prostitutes.”
Hassan grabbed the driver, slamming her head against the dashboard, before assaulting the other two women. One victim was punched in the head, while another was struck, leaving them with swelling and bruises. Prosecutor Ayman Khokhar described the incident as motivated by sexist attitudes and noted that Hassan’s behavior was “extremely abusive and violent.”Defense attorney Fuad Arshad argued that Hassan believed the women were partly responsible for a marriage ending but acknowledged his actions were unjustified. Judge Colin Burn condemned excuses for the violence as “utterly inadequate” and emphasized the victims’ vulnerability.Hassan’s brief sentence lies in contrast to the harsh sentences given to anti-mass migration protesters this month following the stabbing deaths of three young girls in Southport and the subsequent arrest of a teen born to migrant parents. Disparities in detainment have led to accusations of two-tier policing and two-tier justice, as some were sentenced to years in prison for as little as shouting at police.
Source:thenationalpulse.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thenationalpulse.com/2024/08/30/muslim-man-gets-just-6-months-in-jail-for-violently-assaulting-women-who-refused-to-wear-the-hijab/
-------
India
Assam doesn’t have a ‘Miya’-Muslim problem. Himanta Sarma’s generalisation fuels trouble
AMANA BEGAM
30 August, 2024
The tragic incident involving the brutal rape of a minor girl in Assam, allegedly by three Muslim men fueled anti-‘Miya’ Muslim sentiment with 30 organisations demanding that the community leave Assam within seven days. As this sensitive issue was escalating and required serious attention, the Chief Minister made a statement that was highly irresponsible for someone in his position.
It’s not the first time that Himanta Biswa Sarma has addressed the ‘Miya’ Muslim community in a generalised and derogatory manner. After calling them a communal organisation in the past, he has now made another inflammatory statement, saying that he will not permit the ‘Miya’ Muslims to “take over” Assam. It is clearly politically motivated and helped shift the focus away from discussing policies and administrative measures to provide better safety for women and create societal awareness.
I could go on and on criticising and denouncing politicians, and they most definitely should be held responsible for their irresponsible speeches. However, we miss the root issue when indulging in politicisation—that ‘Miya’ Muslims are perceived as being resistant to Assamese culture and are frequently reduced to Bengali-speaking Muslims. This perception has contributed to the creation of a complex, multi-ethnic state where linguistic identity and citizenship have become significant political fault lines. Bengali-speaking Muslims, in particular, are frequently accused of being undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh, further complicating their place in society.
When members of a community are perceived as outsiders, a tragic incident like this can easily reignite unresolved tensions between groups, deepening existing fault lines.
This issue isn’t unique to Assam; it’s evident across India, where similar divisions often lead to scapegoating of certain groups. Instead of addressing the root cause, the focus shifts to punishing these groups. While India is a vast country with varying degrees of individualism and collectivism, there is a general lack of a culture that emphasises individual accountability, rights, and personal autonomy making it easier to shift blame on an entire group.
A similar event occurred in Gujarat in 2018, when demonstrations over the alleged rape of a 14-month-old girl by a man from Bihar caused migrant workers to start leaving North Gujarat. There was significant agitation as a result of the targeting of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The situation escalated to the point where the police had to arrest more than 300 individuals to restore order.
An image problem
The issue of generalisation is a deep-rooted problem in our society. When it intersects with existing fault lines, such as illegal migration, it has the potential for disaster.
Illegal immigration has been a burning issue in India, especially in the Northeastern states, where the government’s failure to provide effective solutions has led to increased ethnic-based conflicts. Assam has experienced the contentious NRC process and has a long history of ethnic tensions. For many Assamese, it might seem as though the Chief Minister is finally addressing their concerns, even if he is not being politically correct in doing so.
Sarma also laid out certain guidelines for ‘Miya’ Muslims to be accepted as indigenous Muslims in March this year. These included not practising polygamy, not marrying off minor girls, sending kids to secular schools instead of madrasas, and not having more than two children. From a neutral perspective, these guidelines seem reasonable, as they promote values that could benefit the community. Truth be told, these are values that I genuinely wish to see implemented and accepted, particularly within the Pasmanda Muslim community. Promoting these values are need of the hour to bring positive change and better integration, which are important for the community’s overall well-being and larger social harmony.
However, the Chief Minister presented these principles in such a way that members of the community as a whole are being unfairly singled out, as though they need to undergo significant transformation in order to be deemed “civilised” enough for acceptance. This generalises the entire group and ignores individual distinctions. Although I agree with Sarma’s policies—that the Muslim community should follow the same rules as everyone else, that the Uniform Civil Code should be implemented, and that secular education is preferable to traditional madrasas—his public remarks frequently fall short of thoughtful leadership and diplomacy.
Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist and TV news panelist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.
Source:theprint.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://theprint.in/opinion/assam-doesnt-have-a-miya-muslim-problem-himanta-sarmas-generalisation-fuels-trouble/2245299/
--------
VHP welcomes law mandating registration of marriage, divorce of Muslims in Assam
30 August 2024,
New Delhi: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday hailed the passage of a bill in Assam Assembly, which provides for compulsory government registration of marriage and divorce of Muslims, saying other states should also follow the suit for empower...
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the enactment of the law will empower Muslim women and check atrocities against them. It will also end child marriage, he said. "Other states should also follow the suit for empowerment of women," he said...
The Assam Assembly had on Thursday passed a bill for compulsory government registration of marriage and divorce of Muslim people. The Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, was introduced in the state assembly by ...
Source:deccanherald.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/vhpwelcomeslawmandatingregistrationofmarriage-divorceofmuslims-in-assam-3171310
-------
Delhi Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Questions Need For Waqf Bill
| Aug 31, 2024,
NEW DELHI: Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari questioned the need for the Waqf (Amendment) bill. In his address before the Friday prayer, he said that rather than any amendment, govt should amend the Waqf boards and get sincere members.
"Waqf is a part of shariat. Indian Muslims donated their properties in the name of Allah to be used for social good such as orphanages, religious and social institutions. Keeping those places and documents safe was the job of state waqf board and govt and not Muslims," he said.
Bukhari alleged, "Moves such as this bill target common Muslims and cause fear among the community." Bukhari further said, "I do not wish to cause any rift in society but I am raising the issue as my responsibility to make people aware."
The Shahi Imam accused various state govts of nominating pliant members of the community to waqf boards so that land records can be tampered with. "Waqf lands are being sold by such members and their political masters, and converted into housing and commercial establishments," he alleged.
Source:indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/shahi-imam-questions-need-for-waqf-bill/articleshowprint/112933710.cms
--------
BJP, oppn MPs cross swords during Parliament panel meet on waqf bill
Aug 31, 2024
NEW DELHI: The joint committee of Parliament scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has sought views and suggestions from stakeholders, experts and institutions within 15 days on the proposed changes to the law. Meanwhile, just as the first meeting of the 31-member committee led by BJP's Jagdambika Pal last week, the second one Friday too was marked by occasional heated exchanges between BJP members and the opposition, which had opposed the bill in LS. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept 5-6.
According to sources, some of the keenly debated amendments on Friday included the one that proposes to give the power of survey of properties to declare them as waqf to the district collector. Concerns were also raised on the proposal to delete 'waqf by user' from the Act. Sources said the opposition walked out briefly to register its protest over a point of disagreement and then returned to the meeting that took up most of the day.
The joint committee chaired by Pal heard the views of stakeholders such as All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama, Mumbai; Delhi-based Indian Muslims for Civil Rights and the Sunni Waqf Boards of UP and Rajasthan.
Pal said, "We had said in the first meeting that if the govt has referred the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 to JPC, then we will call as many waqf boards of the country as possible, we will also call those who are part of our minority organisations. The govt's view is that a better bill should come."
According to a statement issued by LS secretariat, the panel has asked for "views/suggestions from general public and NGOs, experts, stakeholders and institutions in particular considering the wider implications of the bill".
Source:indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-oppn-mps-cross-swords-during-parliament-panel-meet-on-waqf-bill/articleshow/112934704.cms
--------
Supreme Court asks Omar Abdullah and wife to explore meditation for potential settlement
30.08.24
The Supreme Court on Friday asked National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife Payal Abdullah to appear for mediation to explore the possibility of a settlement.
A bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah said it will hear the matter on November 4, after a report from the Supreme Court Mediation Centre is submitted.
The top court had earlier sought a response from Payal Abdullah on her husband's plea for divorce.
The Delhi High Court had on December 12, 2023, dismissed Omar Abdullah's plea for divorce, saying there was no merit in his appeal.
The high court had upheld the 2016 family court order refusing to grant a decree of divorce to Abdullah, a former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-asks-omar-abdullah-and-wife-to-explore-meditation-for-potential-settlement/cid/2044691
--------
Row over fielding 'parachute candidates', veteran Chander Sharma quits BJP over J&K tickets
Muzaffar Raina
31.08.24
Senior BJP leader Chander Mohan Sharma quit the party on Friday over ticket distribution for the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir amid growing resentment in the saffron camp over "parachute candidates" being preferred over veterans.
Sharma has a decades-long association with the BJP, dating back to the days of the Jan Sangh. His resignation has come despite the BJP sending senior leaders from Delhi to placate the dissenters.
BJP sources said there is massive anger in the party after it dropped several veterans from the list of candidates. While the other leaders have not gone public with their resentment, Sharma on Friday addressed a media conference where he and his associates said they had tendered their resignation.
Sharma claimed there were reports that several candidates were given tickets in exchange for money. He said the party was unlikely to win under the command of Jammu and Kashmir's current leadership.
“Our state’s high command made an unfair projection before the Centre (over candidates). Ordinary people say money has been used. I am personally surprised to see the growth of party cadres. I am the most senior leader but non-deserving people have come forward (selected) about whom a lot can be said,” Sharma told reporters. “The common people are not accepting them.”
Sharma said he joined the Jan Sangh in 1974 and was imprisoned for 18 months during the Emergency.
“We have tendered our resignation and hope it will be accepted. It is because of the present leadership we have in Jammu and Kashmir that we cannot form a government, nor achieve victory. The central leaders are here and if this leadership is changed, something can happen and workers can be satisfied,” he said.
Sharma, an advocate, said he was facing pressure from people in Jammu East to contest independently.
Senior leaders, including Union ministers G.K. Reddy and Dr Jitendra Singh, are camping in Jammu to control the damage after there were protests at the party headquarters against ticket distribution. Sources said 11 winning candidates from the 2014 Assembly elections had been dropped.
The party faced an uproar last week when it issued a list of 44 candidates for the three-phase polls. The list was withdrawn the same day. Former ministers Dr Nirmal Singh and Sat Sharma were among some senior leaders who were not on the list.
A revised list had 15 names that were also on the previous list. Another list of 29 candidates was issued on August 27 in which one nominee — Baldev Rohit Dubey — was replaced by Baldev Raj Sharma from the Mata Vaishno Devi seat.
The party has given tickets to several “imported” leaders, including Devendra Singh Rana, Choudhary Zulfikar, Sham Lal Sharma, Surjit Singh Salathia, Balwant Singh Manotia and Mushtaq Bukhari.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/bjp-veteran-chander-mohan-sharma-quits-over-jammu-and-kashmir-tickets/cid/2044713
-------
Pakistan
KP urges centre to consult it before launching anti-terror offensive
Umer Farooq
August 31, 2024
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday urged the federal government to consult with it and the provincial assembly before launching the proposed counter-terrorism operation Azm-i-Istehkam in the province.
It decided in a cabinet meeting to formally share a provincial assembly resolution on the matter with the federal government for implementation.
The July 19 resolution, adopted by a majority vote, warned that proceeding without provincial consent could prevent the offensive’s success and lead to adverse outcomes for which only the federal government would be responsible.
It also insisted that as declared by provincial Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur and ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf founder Imran Khan, military operations were no solution to terrorism as they never bore fruit and rather caused loss of public life and property in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The cabinet met at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in the chair, according to an official statement.
The participants included the provincial ministers, advisers and special assistants to the chief minister, chief secretary, senior member board of revenue, additional chief secretaries, and administrative secretaries.
The cabinet also approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oversees Pakistani Commission Bill, 2024, for addressing grievances of overseas Pakistanis relating to government agencies.
The draft Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zoonotic Disease Control Bill, 2024, was also laid before the cabinet.
The proposed law, meant to regulate and control the zoonotic disease in the livestock sector in the province and ensure safety to protect and improve the health of animals and human beings, the livestock, fisheries and cooperative department, was approved afterwards.
The cabinet also approved the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Feed Stuff and Compound Feed Act, 2024.
Prepared by the livestock and fisheries department, the bill was aimed at regulating the manufacture, supply, storage, and transportation for the sale and marketing of feedstuff and compound feed in the province, according to the official statement.
The cabinet granted approval to the draft amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Birth Death, Marriages and Divorce or Dissolution of Marriages (Registration and Certification) Rules, 2021, as well as Rs500 million additional seed money, to be provided in two phases, for the province’s sports endowment funds.
The statement read that the available seed money of Rs120 million was insufficient to address the needs of players in the province.
The cabinet endorsed the transfer of the ownership of Cedar Golf Course property from Swat’s deputy commissioner to the sports and tourism department as well as the restoration of the annual development project for the improvement, widening and rehabilitation of the main Sadozai Hangu Road in Hangu district.
The participants also okayed the execution of the Peshawar Safe City project on a government-to-government basis in light of the KPPRA Rule 3(2)(c) and its Rs2.2 billion funding through a supplementary grant.
They hiked allocation for the Accelerated Implementation Programme scheme “Economic Revitalisation of the North Waziristan district Compensation for the Business Lost (Phase II) to Rs1.5 billion for the current financial year through a supplementary grant.
The cabinet relaxed a recruitment ban to create posts for employees of various categories in the health department whose services were regularised under Section 3 of the Regularisation Act 2021 and 2022 and in light of a Peshawar High Court judgement.
It also approved grants in aid for the registered press clubs and bar councils in the province.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1855811/kp-urges-centre-to-consult-it-before-launching-anti-terror-offensive
--------
93 Pakistani students heading to UK on Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships
August 31, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Britain's High Commissioner in Islamabad Jane Marriott has "encouraged" Pakistani students to apply for the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes at the United Kingdom universities.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme as 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships have been awarded to Pakistanis, according to an official statement issued by the British High Commission in Islamabad on Friday.
These long-standing programmes have developed a network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who regularly meet to discuss live issues, it added.
The statement further stated that scholars come from diverse backgrounds, representing the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan, adding that this year’s cohort come from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women. The British High Commission strongly encourages people from all backgrounds and across Pakistan to apply.
Talking to the students, the high commissioner offered advice to them for living in the UK, ahead of a year of studying at British universities.
She said, “The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and change-makers. Many of our alumni have gone on to achieve extraordinary things back home."
"Not only do they get the benefit of studying at some of the best universities in the world, they also get to experience the best of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve, and encourage all those interested to apply early.”
Fareeha Gull Hashmi, Assistant Manager of Oral History Project Citizens Archive of Pakistan and upcoming Chevening scholar, said: “I am thrilled to be joining the University of Essex for my MA in Heritage and Museum Studies. This programme is exactly what I was looking for to help me on my journey to improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan. I can’t wait for my journey to begin.”
The cohort includes those on a scholarship in Football Science, with the support of Swindon Town Football Club.
For the first time, this year’s cohort also saw an additional scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies with the support of Essex University. This scholarship will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This, and a University of Essex Scholarship for Climate Studies, are again available in this year’s application cycle, as are additional scholarships from the University of Birmingham.
This month, the British High Commission launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a new debate series bringing together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The first debate, on tackling climate, looked at the technical, economic and political leadership needed to support Pakistan with adaptation and resilience.
Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK from 2025-26 will close on 5 November. Applications for the South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month journalism fellowship with the University of Westminster, are open and will close on 10 October.
Applications for the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month fellowship, are open and will close on 5 November 2024. To find out more about eligibility and to apply, visit chevening.org.
Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26 will open later this year. For more information, visit the CSC website at cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1225443-93-pakistani-students-heading-to-uk-on-chevening-and-commonwealth-scholarships
--------
Loud and clear: Imran Khan slams PTI's doors shut on deserters 'once and for all'
August 30, 2024
Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan has slammed the doors shut on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) deserters, saying there is no room for those who abandoned the party during difficult times.
Speaking to journalists in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Friday, the PTI founder clearly stated that there was no space for those who left the party in challenging times.
"I know who abandoned us during difficult times. Those who were active during good times but left during hardships have no place in the party," he added.
However, the deposed premier said, those who endured violence — which according to him included torture of their families and blackmailing — in difficult times but did not leave the party should rest assured.
After the violent protests of May 9, 2023, several PTI leaders including the party’s bigwigs parted ways with Khan, while several others were detained by authorities over their alleged involvement in the mayhem.
The May 9 incidents, refer to the violent protests, that broke out in many parts of the country following the arrest of Khan in a corruption case.
The violent protests saw attacks on state properties including military installations, with the civil and military authorities vowing to try the rioters under the Army Act.
A few months later and ahead of the February 8 elections, reports had emerged that some deserters desired to join the party's ranks once more, but the PTI leadership categorically denied taking anyone back.
Most prominently, former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry — who is also a strong critic of current PTI leadership — expressed a desire to rejoin the party’s fold, which was denied by the party’s core committee.
The PTI core committee “strongly condemns” those politicians who parted ways during the difficult time, a resolution read, adding that such politicians have no moral rights or powers to comment on the party affairs.
The ex-Imran's aide, on May 24 last year announced “taking a break from politics” and parting ways with PTI over the May 9 mayhem when party workers and supporters allegedly attacked public and military installations almost across the country immediately after the arrest of the PTI founder.
A group of disgruntled PTI leaders also formed a separate political party — Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) led by Jahangir Tareen.
The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been in prison for more than a year after he was booked in a plethora of cases, including the Toshakhana case, cipher case, and the un-Islamic marriage case.
Despite securing relief in several cases, the PTI founder remains behind bars after he was booked in a new Toshakhana case and other cases related to the May 9 mayhem.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1225424-loud-and-clear-imran-khan-slams-ptis-doors-shut-on-deserters-once-and-for-all
-------
PM Shehbaz 'seeks JUI-F support to govt' in meeting with Fazl
August 31, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman who agreed to cooperate with the major opposition party — the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — on the parliamentary front last week.
In the meeting, PM Shehbaz assured Fazl that his reservations would be addressed, sources told Geo News.
The federal government has tried to engage Maulana Fazl after he expressed his reservations on multiple issues with the incumbent government being ruled by the coalition government led by the PML-N.
In the crucial meeting, the federal government sought the JUI-F chief's support and assistance to deal with the challenges facing the country, the sources added.
They added that the meeting was meant to appease Maulana Fazl who openly slammed the coalition government and levelled serious allegations of rigging in the February 8 nationwide polls.
Before the 2024 general elections, Fazl was one of the closest allies of the PML-N and the PPP who headed the multi-party opposition alliance — Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — who successfully ousted the former premier Imran Khan from office via a no-confidence motion in 2022.
Apparently pointing towards the JUI-F-PTI "cooperation agreement", the premier remarked that Fazl is a democratic politician and requested the latter to reject the "politics of the anarchist group", as per the insiders.
The incumbent government increased efforts to woo the former ally — JUI-F — through the recent meetings after the religio-political party reached a consensus on cooperation in the National Assembly and the Senate almost a week ago amid reports that the federal government was planning to table key legislation in parliament.
The ruling coalition leaders met Fazl after his latest meeting with the PTI delegation led by party's Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.
Both the parties, who have traditionally been arch-rivals, had held multiple interactions since the February 8 polls owing to their mutual concerns regarding alleged election result manipulation and irregularities in the polls.
It was the second meeting by another top political figure of the coalition government following Fazl's engagement with President Asif Ali Zardari last week in which they discussed potential key legislation rumoured to be tabled in parliament.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz's administration is also busy holding deliberations with its allies these days amid speculations of tabling judiciary-centric legislation, including changes in the laws related to the top jurist's appointments based on the principle of seniority.
Earlier this week, the Imran Khan-founded party's chairman had alleged that the coalition government was "secretly working on legislation" instead of discussing legislative matters in parliamentary party meetings before convening parliament's sessions.
Gohar had said that his party "would oppose any kind of extension" in the tenure of the judges. His statement pointed towards the rumoured legislation of the incumbent government to grant an extension to the top judge who is set to retire in October this year.
However, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar had told Geo News that the only criterion to be followed for the appointment of a new CJP is "seniority" and rejected the opposition’s allegations.
Advising against politicising the appointment of judges, the minister said that unnecessary debate should not be held on the matter.
Moreover, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also rejected the reports stating that constitutional amendment cannot be introduced in the joint sitting.
Speaking to Geo News programme 'Naya Pakistan', Tarar categorically rejected the rumoured plans of the federal government to extend the chief justice's tenure.
Tarar, the ruling PML-N leader, said that a debate was held on the judges' extension a few months ago but it was not on the government's agenda right now.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1225448-pm-shehbaz-seeks-jui-f-support-to-govt-in-meeting-with-fazl
-------
Security forces kill 12 terrorists in Tirah Valley IBOs: ISPR
August 30, 2024
At least 12 terrorists have been killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tirah Valley, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
"Since 20 August 2024, security forces are conducting extensive intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Tirah Valley, Khyber District, on the reported presence of Khwarij," said the military's media affairs wing in a statement.
On August 28 and 29, troops effectively engaged the terrorists' locations where after intense fire exchange, 12 militants of "Fitna-Al-Khwarij were sent to hell," the military's media wing said while referring to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants.
The statement further said that these operations have resulted in a major setback to the TTP and its affiliates, adding that so far, 37 terrorists have been "sent to hell", while 14 others have suffered serious injuries.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace, saying that the IBOs will continue till peace is restored in the area and terrorists are eliminated, as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.
Balochistan IBOs
Earlier today, at least five terrorists were killed and three others injured during separate IBOs in Balochistan's Kech, Panjgur and Zhob districts.
A statement issued by the ISPR said the security forces are conducting extensive IBOs to hunt down the perpetrators of the Balochistan incident.
According to the military's media wing, the operations are being conducted in the backdrop of cowardly terrorist activities that targeted innocent civilians across Balochistan on August 26.
"On night August 29-30, in three separate IBOs in District Kech, Panjgur and Zhob, five terrorists were sent to hell by the security forces, while three terrorists got injured during the intense fire exchange," said the statement.
Moreover, sanitisation operations will continue until all perpetrators, facilitators and abetters of these atrocious acts are brought to justice, it added.
The IBOs were launched after at least 23 passengers on Monday were killed after being offloaded from passenger buses and trucks in the Rarasham area of Balochistan's Musakhel.
Separately, at least 10 people, including police and Balochistan Levies personnel, were martyred in a gun attack in Kalat.
Furthermore, at least 14 brave sons of soil, including 10 security forces soldiers and four personnel of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), were martyred in clearance operations, wherein at least 21 militants were neutralised.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since the Taliban government returned to power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021, mostly in the northwestern border province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but also in southwestern Balochistan, which abuts Afghanistan and Iran.
There were at least 170 militant attacks killing 151 civilians and 114 security personnel in Balochistan last year, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
Islamabad accuses Kabul's new rulers of failing to root out militants sheltering on Afghan soil as they prepare to stage assaults on Pakistan.
Against this backdrop, the federal cabinet in June this year approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign following the Central Apex Committee's recommendations under the National Action Plan to root out terrorism.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1225442-security-forces-kill-12-terrorists-in-tirah-valley-ibo-ispr
--------
Cyclone Asna steers away from Karachi, but heavy rains forecast remains
Imtiaz Ali
August 31, 2024
As Cyclone Asna on Saturday steered away from Pakistan’s coastline — lying about 200 kilometres away from Karachi — residents still braced for expected heavy rains brought by the weather system.
A deep depression (a very strong low-pressure area), which the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Thursday would bring widespread rainfall, intensified into Cyclone Asna on Friday.
According to a PMD alert issued at 7am today, the cyclone over the northeast Arabian Sea off the Sindh coast has moved further westward during the past nine hours and now lies at around about 200km southwest of Karachi, 220km south-southeast of Ormara and 380km southeast of Gwadar.
According to an update on Zoom Earth at 8am — provided via the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) — the cyclonic storm was located 187km southwest of Karachi and has tracked west-northwestward at 13km/h over the past six hours.
It added that Cyclone Asna is expected to minimally intensify to 85km/h in around 12 hours and in 24 hours, a weakening trend will start.
“Weakening to tropical depression strength is expected to occur in around two days,” the JTWC was quoted as saying.
Under its influence, rain-thundershowers with few heavy falls and accompanied with squally winds (60-70km/h gusting 80km/h) were likely today evening/night in the Karachi division as well as in Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Jamshoro and Dadu districts of Sindh.
The PMD said rains of the same intensity were expected in Balochistan’s Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech and Gwadar districts till tomorrow night.
“Heavy rains may create water logging in low-lying areas of Makran coast. Sea conditions are likely to remain rough/very rough with squally winds of 60-70 km/h gusting 80km/h,” the Met Office warned.
It advised fishermen in Sindh not to venture into the sea today and those in Balochistan to not do so till tomorrow.
Met officials have described the formation of a cyclone in the monsoon season as a “rare phenomenon”.
“It would be a rare event as cyclones are uncommon in the monsoon season,” Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfaraz said earlier.
“There is an 80 per cent chance for a cyclonic storm’s formation when the deep depression would move from land to the sea and get favourable conditions.”
Sarfraz earlier said if the storm materialised it would be the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976 and would get the name ‘Asna’ suggested by Pakistan. He added that regional cyclones were assigned names according to a list prepared by a 13-country panel, including Pakistan.
Due to the forecast of heavy showers and urban flooding warnings, schools in Karachi and Hyderabad were shut on Friday.
A ban on “fishermen venturing into the sea, as well as on swimming, bathing, diving, and wading in the sea/beaches and coastal areas“ of Karachi Division had been imposed from Aug 29 till Aug 31 (Saturday).
About two dozen people were killed on Friday across the country as heavy monsoon rains caused widespread devastation.
In Sindh, at least nine people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Jamshoro, Dadu and Mirpurkhas districts on Friday. More than 30 people were injured as the deluge ruptured sewers, breached dykes and swept away countless mud houses.
In Balochistan, two persons were missing after 13 people were swept away in flash floods in Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Duki, Harnai and Jhal Magsi areas.
In the north, 13 of a family died when the roof of their home collapsed due to a landslide induced by incessant rainfall in Upper Dir.
Meanwhile, in India, where at least 31 people have died this weak from rain-related incidents, authorities evacuated more than 8,700 people from ten districts in the Gujarat state yesterday, officials said.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1855931/cyclone-asna-steers-away-from-karachi-but-heavy-rains-forecast-remains
-------
Imran’s Oxford chancellor bid puts his quandary in focus
Atika Rehman
August 31, 2024
LONDON: For incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, who formally applied 10 days ago for the ambassadorial role of chancellor at Oxford University, half the battle is already won.
Amidst a severe crackdown on Mr Khan and his loyalists in Pakistan, and with his views heavily censored or blacked out by broadcast media, this opportunity has provided a platform to refocus attention on the PTI founder’s predicament.
Since Mr Khan has confirmed his intention to run for the chancellorship, dozens of international media outlets have run news items on his decision. Stories in The Guardian, Times, BBC, Telegraph and several other prominent British papers have featured the news about Mr Khan’s bid, also detailing his claims of the “trumped up charges” against him.
Middle East Eye columnist Peter Oborne even penned a column titled ‘Why Imran Khan must become Oxford University’s next chancellor’ in which he argued that Mr Khan’s appointment could send a “powerful message to the world about UK values”.
It comes as no surprise that Mr Khan has got such extensive coverage in the British press; Mr Khan was a household name here well before he launched his political career, and has many friends in the UK from his time here playing cricket, at the university as well as during his marriage to Jemima Goldsmith.
Since his imprisonment, PTI’s overseas representatives, including Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, have made repeated efforts to leverage Mr Khan’s goodwill in British society, aiming to raise awareness about the alleged injustices faced by the party, particularly among UK politicians and journalists.
It was Tory peer Lord Daniel Hannan who proposed that Imran Khan’s name be put forward in the Oxford University chancellorship race, as part of an effort to “internationalise” his ongoing struggles.
“It says nothing good about the state of Pakistani politics that @ImranKhanPTI, who has now languished in prison for more than a year on fabricated charges, can more easily contest an election here than there,” Lord Hannan tweeted.
Mr Bukhari tells Dawn that Lord Hannan’s suggestion was taken to Mr Khan, who consented to being in the race. “The intrigue and positive response from international media has been overwhelming,” said Mr Bukhari. “I’m struggling to keep up with the media interest in this election.”
Back home, many are pontificating on his chances at victory. PML-N figures are making pointed remarks suggesting Mr Khan focus on his own issues instead of a foreign university election. Journalists debate if his past chancellorship at Bradford University may help his chances, though Mr Khan was criticised for neglecting his duties.
What few realise is that anyone can apply — a fact evidenced by the application of ‘fake professor’ Onyeka Nwelue, a Nigerian author, who had his Academic Visitor status at Oxford University terminated after misusing the university. It is also unclear if a non-British person could be considered as a candidate, said Adam Boulton of Sky News.
‘Imran’s addition has animated election’
The buzz has taken many by surprise. Oxford faculty member Adeel Malik, who is an associate professor at the university, describes how the reaction is being received at the prestigious university. “This is usually a very low-key election,” Mr Malik tells Dawn. “This time around the university is discovering that Pakistani politics is playing out here at Oxford and there is a charged citizenry in Pakistan.
“There is talk all over the university — I haven’t seen, in my 20 years at Oxford, any Chancellor election that has garnered this kind of coverage. For the first time, the university administration is feeling the impact of what used to be a sleepy internal election. Now, it is becoming an international election, and not just one confined to British circles, animating the whole process.”
He added that Imran is “an Oxford icon, much like Benazir Bhutto”, and has links to the university having studied there and spoken at the Union. He also performed cricketing feats for the university, and at Worcester College, he won one of the few trophies awarded to anyone.
“But historically, if you look at the position of Chancellor, it has usually been held by British establishment figures,” said Mr Malik. For example, Lord Curzon and Oliver Cromwell were chancellors, he said, and Chris Patten, the person just stepping down, was the last British Governor of Hong Kong. “Other candidates currently in the running, like Peter Mandelson and William Hague, are either left-leaning Labour or right-leaning Conservatives, but they are largely establishment figures.”
The upcoming election for the Chancellor of the University of Oxford marks the first time in history that the process will be conducted entirely online. Graduates of Oxford, members of its congregation (around 5,000 academics and faculty members) and retired members of staff may vote.
Traditionally a lifetime appointment, the Chancellor’s role is limited to a 10-year term. The election, slated for around October 28, will employ the Alternative Vote system, enabling voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If there are fewer than 10 candidates, the election will proceed in a single round, with lower-ranking candidates eliminated until one secures over 50 per cent of the vote. If 10 or more candidates compete, a second round of voting will occur. Eligible voters, including graduates, members of congregation, and certain retired staff, must have registered in advance.
“If Pakistani alumni can coordinate and register as alumni, they will create a lot of noise,” said Mr Malik. “But I suspect the PTI is not necessarily interested in winning; they want to make an issue out of this, and they have succeeded.”
The race for the next Chancellor has attracted several prominent candidates. Among them are former UK political leaders William Hague and Peter Mandelson, both of whom have publicly expressed interest in the role. Additionally, Lady Elish Angiolini, a distinguished lawyer and the current principal of St Hugh’s College, Oxford, is running, and her election would make her the first female Chancellor in the university’s 800-year history.
Given that Imran is firmly outside of the British establishment circle and will be unable to give time to the university given his political commitments (notwithstanding his imprisonment), it appears his chances at winning are slim. “It may be far-fetched but unless the British government wants to get him out of Pakistan, or become part of a political resolution to his issue, his chances of winning are slim,” said Mr Malik.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1855851/imrans-oxford-chancellor-bid-puts-his-quandary-in-focus
-------
Balochistan attacks aimed at sabotaging SCO summit, says minister
Iftikhar A. Khan
August 31, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Terming the August 26 terrorist attacks in Balochistan a conspiracy to sabotage the upcoming meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) scheduled for October in Pakistan, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said the government is aware of the elements behind these, and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to confront and defeat anti-state forces.
Winding up the Senate discussion on the Balochistan situation on Friday, he revealed that clear links have exposed the hidden hand behind the coordinated attacks executed by more than one terrorist organisation.
Without naming India or any other country, the minister said certain forces did not want the important event [SCO] to take place in Pakistan, urging all political forces to stand united against those who pick up the guns and challenge the writ of the state. Spelling out the government’s policy, he said everyone who accepts the state would be given respect. “They may have some differences which the government will try its utmost to address.”
Mr Naqvi, however, warned that no one will be allowed to take up arms against the state, emphasising that those who pick up guns and challenge the state’s authority will be confronted and meted out the treatment that terrorists deserve.
The minister informed the house that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his recent visit to Quetta, held meetings with all political stakeholders to address their issues. He said the prime minister had ordered the provision of Rs5 billion to the Balochistan police’s Counter-Terrorism Department, while Rs8bn had been allocated for provincial divisions, which would be utilised to resolve local issues.
Mr Naqvi said 30 to 40 officials would be deputed in the province over the next 15 days to overcome the shortage of federal government employees there. He said no operation was going on in Balochistan.
In response to a question about the legal status of the Apex Committee asked by a lawmaker who sought to know if the panel was over and above parliament, the minister said parliament was and will remain supreme.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz, while commenting on the interior minister’s statement, said it was beyond their comprehension that the latter had termed the recent incident in Balochistan of the level of an SHO.
He contended the issue was complex, as the province had undergone significant changes and the concerns of its youth needed to be addressed through engagement with stakeholders.
Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan proposed holding a Senate session in Quetta and listening to the grievances of the victims there, asking where are human rights bodies now and why don’t they condemn the recent gory incident in Balochistan.
Senator Bilal Ahmad Mandokhail emphasised the need to own Balochistan and its people. “We have not acknowledged the importance and potential of Pakistan’s area-wise largest and population-wise smallest province, but the country’s enemies know it very well and that is why their eyes are focused on it.”
He said it needed to be seen in retrospect as to whether the use of force, exercised in the past, had produced positive results or not.
“If use of force produced desired results, only then one may go for greater use of force.”
He called for a political solution to the issue before it was too late and doors for dialogue were shut.
At one point, Shibli Faraz claimed that the government’s days were numbered, suggesting that a change could occur within weeks or months.
He made the comment while noting the absence of ministers in the house, and rhetorically asked, “Are we talking to walls?”.
An interesting situation arose during the session when PTI Senator Dost Mohammad Khan said: “If you want to end terrorism, then release Imran Khan because he is an expert in terrorism”.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who was presiding over the session in the absence of the Senate chairman and his deputy, asked Senator Khan to correct his statement, saying he probably meant that Imran Khan was an “expert in eliminating terrorism”.
Caught up in the moment, the PTI senator immediately responded: “You are from the opposing party, that’s why you are saying this, sir.”
At this, PTI leaders Shibli Faraz and Mohsin Aziz attempted to clarify the situation to their colleague but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Senator Faraz even tried to explain in Pashto, but failed to convince his fellow colleague.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1855853#:~:text=Leader%20of%20the%20Opposition%20in%20the%20Senate%20Shibli%20Faraz
--------
No move on cards for Imran’s military trial, Punjab govt says
Zulqernain Tahir
August 31, 2024
LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday said currently no proposal is under consideration to send Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan’s case to a military court.
“No summary regarding sending former prime minister Imran Khan’s cases to military courts has come to the provincial cabinet or the law department as yet. No such proposal is under consideration at the moment,” Punjab Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Barth told a presser in reply to a question here on Friday.
He was responding to a query related to federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar’s statement a day earlier. Mr Tarar had said: “If needed, the Punjab government will decide to refer Imran Khan’s case to a military court. The prosecution of May 9 cases is being done by the Punjab government and it will decide to refer the case to a military court.”
Also, federal government spokesperson for legal affairs Barrister Aqeel Malik claimed that Mr Khan’s cases concerning the violence on May 9 might go to military courts.
Barrister Malik, in reply to a Dawn’s question whether he thought Mr Khan could be tried in a military court following the arrest of former intelligence chief retired Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed, said: “Yes, absolutely.”
Malik said the events and vandalism seen on May 9 invited the application of the Army Act since military installations were attacked and damaged. He alleged that the PTI founder orchestrated and “properly operated” the riots that took place last year.
“This was premeditated. This was preplanned. It is entirely possible that Imran Khan’s trial is held in a military court and the reason for that is because the Army Act will be applicable,” Malik said.
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s decision to form an inquiry commission on the “failed coup” of May 9 was unreasonable. “It cannot be both criminal and the judge,” she said.
The Peshawar High Court had previously rejected the KP government’s request to form a judicial commission, deeming it a violation of the rules. She said that the May 9 accused would themselves introduce an act for the inquiry commission and then become judges.
Ms Bokhari said the face of the mastermind and his coach behind May 9 has now been exposed. “Even after a year and a half, the cases related to May 9 remain undecided in courts. In the UK, following riots, the courts charged several accused within three days and handed down sentences. However, in Pakistan, the courts have not been able to convict a single accused from May 9,” she said.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1855848/no-move-on-cards-for-imrans-military-trial-punjab-govt-says
-------
Mideast
7 US troops hurt in raid with Iraqi forces targeting Daesh group militants that killed 15
August 31, 2024
BAGHDAD: The US military took part in an Iraqi raid in the country’s western region that killed 15 people as forces targeted suspected militants from the Daesh group, the American military said early Saturday.
For years after dislodging the militants from their self-declared caliphate across Iraq and Syria, US forces have continued fighting the Daesh group, though the casualties from Friday’s raid were higher than others in the time since.
The US military’s Central Command alleged the militants were armed with “numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts” during the attack, which Iraqi forces said happened in the country’s the Anbar Desert.
“This operation targeted Daesh leaders to disrupt and degrade Daesh’ ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as US citizens, allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond,” Central Command said, using an acronym for the militant group. “Iraqi Security Forces continue to further exploit the locations raided.”
It added: “There is no indication of civilian casualties.”
An Iraqi military statement said “airstrikes targeted the hideouts, followed by an airborne operation.”
At its peak, the Daesh group ruled an area half the size of the United Kingdom where it attempted to enforce its extreme interpretation of Islam, which included attacks on religious minority groups and harsh punishment of Muslims deemed to be apostates.
A coalition of more than 80 countries, led by the United States, was formed to fight the group, which lost its hold on the territory it controlled in Iraq and 2017 and in Syria in 2019. However, the militants have continued to operate in the Anbar Desert in Iraq and Syria, while claiming attacks carried out by others elsewhere in the world. The Daesh’s branch in Afghanistan is known to carry out intensely bloody assaults.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569497/middle-east
--------
40,000 worshippers perform Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque
30 Aug 2024
OCCUPIED QUDS August 30. 2024 (Saba) - Tens of thousands of worshipers performed Friday Prayers at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in Quds, despite the restrictions and military measures imposed by the Zionist police at the gates of the mosque and the entrances to the Old City and Quds.
The Islamic Waqf Department in Quds said 40,000 worshippers performed Friday Prayers today at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, despite enemy measures and restrictions on worshipers' access to the mosque.
The Zionist enemy police are deployed throughout the Temple Mount and the Old City of occupied QUDS, amid strict procedures and searches of citizens, and are deployed at checkpoints around the city of Quds to prevent the access of Palestinian residents of the West Bank to the mosque.
At dawn today, hundreds of worshipers flocked to perform Friday dawn prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, despite the enemy's restrictions and military tightening in the vicinity of the mosque and the Old City of occupied Quds.
Palestinian calls continue to continue mobilizing and mobilizing and traveling to Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to confront the large incursions of settlers and their plans to Judaize and demolish the mosque and build their alleged temple.
Source:saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3364916.htm
--------
Million-man march went out in capital Sana'a in support Gaza, Al-Aqsa Responsibility and Jihad"
30 Aug 2024
SANA'A August 30. 2024 (Saba) - The capital, Sana'a, witnessed on Friday afternoon a million-man march in the march of "our support for Gaza and Al-Aqsa... Responsibility and Jihad" in continuation of solidarity with the Palestinian people and in support of their valiant resistance.
The crowds denounced the ongoing crimes of the Zionist enemy entity and its desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Zionist soldiers' tearing of copies of the Holy Quran, in a mosque in the Gaza Strip. She stressed that the Israeli enemy crosses all red lines and flouts all international norms and laws.
They denounced the complicity of the puppet Arab regimes and the silence of the peoples of the nation and Muslims about the Zionists' tearing of the Qur'an, the repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and the desecration of its courtyards, and the announcement of one of the Zionist criminals to build a "synagogue" in the mosque.
The crowds warned the sons of the nation of the danger of neglecting Islamic sanctities and the consequences of silence about the violations of Zionist Jews, stressing the need for these crimes to be met strongly by the sons of the nation.
It reiterated its continued support for the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance, and its full support for responding to the crimes of the Zionist enemy, as well as the readiness and high readiness to confront the forces of American and Israeli aggression and confront all their conspiracy targeting the nation and its holy sites.
Source:saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3364825.htm
-------
Israeli forces kill two attackers in West Bank, military says
August 31, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s military on Saturday said its forces killed two people in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank, after one infiltrated an Israeli settlement and another shot at soldiers after his car exploded.
Israel’s ambulance service said two men were wounded by gunshots in the incidents. It did not identify them.
“Terrorists attempted to run over a security guard at the entrance to the community Karmei Tzur a short while ago and infiltrated the community,” the military said, referring to an Israeli settlement.
Soldiers who arrived at the scene killed one assailant who had opened fire at them and were searching for others, it said.
In another incident, a car caught fire and exploded in a gas station, the military said.
It said forces sent to the scene “shot and eliminated the terrorist who exited the vehicle and tried to attack them.”
The military said it was too soon to know if the incidents were related.
Palestinian Islamist group Hamas issued a statement on Saturday praising what it called a “double heroic operation” in the West Bank, saying it “is a clear message that resistance will remain striking, prolonged and sustained as long as the brutal occupation’s aggression and targeting of our people and land continue.”
The group, however, did not claim direct responsibility for the attacks.
Violence in the West Bank, already on the rise before the war in Gaza, has escalated recently, with stepped-up Israeli military raids and settler and Palestinian street violence.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569502/middle-east
--------
Jordanian, Iranian foreign ministers discuss Gaza and West Bank crises
August 30, 2024
LONDON: Jordan’s foreign minister and his Iranian counterpart on Friday discussed increased Israeli aggression in the occupied West Bank as well as measures to end hostilities in Gaza.
Ayman Safadi and Abbas Araghchi spoke over the phone, Jordan News Agency reported.
During their conversation, Safadi emphasized that halting Israeli aggression in Gaza was the first step in preventing a regional war.
Safadi also congratulated Araghchi on his appointment and wished him well in his new position.
The two ministers followed up on the talks held by Safadi with the Araghchi’s acting predecessor Ali Bagheri Kani in Tehran on Aug. 4.
They also spoke on a variety of other topics, while emphasizing the “need to maintain open communication between the two countries in order to address any unresolved matters and build partnerships based on respect and cooperation,” Jordan News Agency added.
The two ministers agreed to meet next month at the UN General Assembly sessions in New York City.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569451/middle-east
-------
North America
Poll: 29% of American Muslims intend to vote for Kamala Harris
By 5Pillars (RMS)
-30th August 2024
A new poll by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) shows that 29.4% of American Muslims plan to vote for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, 29.1% for the Green Party’s Jill Stein and 11.2% for Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Ahead of November’s presidential vote, the percentage for Harris is a boost for the Democrats compare to what Joe Biden was predicted to receive from Muslims (7.3%), but still represents a huge drop in Muslim support for the governing party amid U.S. backing of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The August 25-27 presidential poll of over 1,000 Muslim voters also found:
69.1% generally vote for the Democratic Party, yet 59.7% plan to vote for “other” parties in the 2024 Presidential election.
94% percent of Muslim voters disapproved of President Joe Biden and Congress’ recent performance, with 98.2% dissatisfied of Biden’s handling of the Israeli regime’s genocide in Gaza.
4.2% of Muslim voters favoured Dr. Cornel West of the People’s Party, while less than 1% favoured Chase Oliver of the Libertarian Party.
16.5% of Muslim voters remain undecided.
The most pressing concerns for Muslim voters include international human rights, religious freedom, healthcare access, and hate crimes. On foreign policy, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China are top priorities.
Despite this discontent, Muslim voters remain highly engaged, with 82.1% indicating they are “very likely” to vote in the upcoming Presidential election.
CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said: “Our latest survey reveals that American Muslim voters are highly engaged in the upcoming presidential election, open to supporting a diverse range of candidates and political parties, and deeply dissatisfied with the current state of the nation, particularly U.S. support for the war on Gaza.
“The poll also shows that an unusually high number of American Muslims planning to vote for third party candidates. With over 2.5 million American Muslim voters eligible to turn out in November, including in key swing states, elected officials and political candidates should engage with their Muslim constituents in the coming weeks.”
Source:5pillarsuk.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://5pillarsuk.com/2024/08/30/poll-29-of-american-muslims-intend-to-vote-for-kamala-harris/
--------
Kurdish Sunni Cleric Receives Over a Year in Prison for Anti-Government Stance
AUGUST 30, 2024
Iranian authorities have sentenced a Sunni Muslim cleric to over a year in prison.
Saber Khodamoradi, the Friday prayer leader of Qavah city in western Kurdistan, has been sentenced to 15 months by the Special Clerical Court of Hamedan.
The sentence, communicated to Khodamoradi via a phone call, adds to previous punishments imposed on him.
In May 2023, Khodamoradi had already been sentenced by the same court to seven months of discretionary imprisonment and 72 lashes, according to the Hengaw human rights organization.
The cleric’s sentencing comes amid ongoing tensions, as Khodamoradi had reportedly been threatened by the Intelligence Department that his sentence would be enforced if he continued to voice criticisms during mosque sermons.
Khodamoradi’s legal troubles stem from his outspoken protests against the government and his support for the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.
He was summoned to the Special Clerical Court in both May 2022 and February 2023 for his critical stance during Friday prayer sermons.
Source:iranwire.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://iranwire.com/en/news/133403-kurdish-sunni-cleric-receives-over-a-year-in-prison-for-anti-government-stance/
-------
No, Minnesota Law Approved by Walz Doesn't Ban Christians, Jews or Muslims from Teaching
Alex Kasprak
Aug. 30, 2024
In late August 2024, several far-right media outlets rehashed an old talking point about Democratic vice-presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz: That he passed a law that "bans Christians, Jews, Muslims from teaching."
Given such bold headline claims, one might be led to believe that Tim Walz passed a law that bans Christians, Jews, or Muslims from teaching at Minnesota public schools. He did not. These headlines are an aggressive and inflammatory reading of teaching licensure guidelines set to take effect in July 2025. In part, these updated regulations require teachers to:
The argument that such a requirement bars Christians or other religious individuals from receiving a teaching license in Minnesota is that it supposedly forces teachers to "reject their faiths' declaration that God has created only two sexes, male and female." These are talking points that have been pushed aggressively by Koch-linked, dark money conservative legal groups opposed to teacher licensing requirements.
The most recent round of headlines originated with a story in The Federalist written by Joy Pullman — author of a book arguing that "queer politics mean the end of America." Pullman published a nearly identical article about the new licensing requirements in January 2023. Her sources included the Koch-linked Upper Midwest Law Center, and the Minnesota-based Child Protection League, described as an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The claim that the new Minnesota licensing requirements ban religious individuals from teaching is a politically motivated, bad-faith talking point. Because the law does not ban Christians, Jews, or Muslims from teaching in Minnesota, the claim is False.
Source:snopes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/tim-walz-bans-christians/
-------
Federal agency cracks down on a predatory lending practice that hurts Somali Muslims
August 30, 2024
For years, Fartun Weli has been frustrated with the way low-income Somali Muslims in Minnesota have been targeted by shady home sellers edging their way into the community — by exploiting a principle of Islam meant to protect the poor.
Weli says many are refugee immigrants who know little about the formal homebuying process and often have little or bad credit. Even when they qualify for traditional mortgages, they’re uncomfortable with the typical financing options because Islamic law forbids interest on loans.
In comes a private seller who offers them seemingly low-priced homes without interest. In such sales, the two sides agree on a price outright, with a sizeable down payment and monthly installments. The seller claims there’s no interest payment because no banks are involved. But no banks also mean no appraisals, allowing the seller to inflate prices with no questions asked on the condition of the home.
Typically, the seller legally owns the home until the entire loan is paid off and all the seller’s conditions are met, while the buyer takes on ownership responsibilities like paying the property taxes, fixing it up to livable standards and all ongoing maintenance.
“This is a community that has been scammed,” said Weli, who leads Isuroon, a community nonprofit that supports Somali refugee immigrant women and their families resettling in Minnesota. “There are so many of them that just folded quietly. Most of our families are not even talking about it.”
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now pledging to scrutinize bad deals in this format, known as contracts for deed. It is also urging people to report such deceptive and predatory loans.
Contracts for deed are a form of alternative or seller financing in which a private seller or investor group comes to a loan agreement with a buyer without many of the typical banking and mortgage regulations and protections. But the federal watchdog agency declared earlier this month that they must now play by the rules – effectively putting private sellers on notice that they too are subject to the Truth in Lending Act as banks, lenders and brokers are.
At a field hearing in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 13, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra highlighted how predatory lending has especially affected the Somali Muslim community in Minnesota, where many have resettled from the Somali Civil War in recent decades, describing how families’ housing situations could be derailed by hidden balloon payments and uninhabitable properties.
Chopra said it’s become a trap and churn system, where the buyers are set up to fail and the sellers can re-sell the home on their terms to another family.
“We actually need to make sure that when people are struggling financially, they can sometimes know who to go for help, when to report and what we can do to make them feel comfortable and safe when it comes to speaking up,” Chopra said.
The Pew Charitable Trusts reports about 1.4 million Americans were using contracts for deed to buy a home in 2022. Tara Roche, who leads Pew’s housing policy initiative, said part of the problem of trying to regulate them is that some states view them as falling under contract law rather than housing law, and some lawmakers see such home sales as merely private contracts between two people with no need for government oversight.
“The reality is that the seller has all the power on the requirements and the terms of the contract,” Roche said. “It’s not balanced through legal framework.”
The National Association of Realtors said while they appreciate the crackdown on predatory lending, they want to ensure that buyers who had traditionally used contracts for deed - also known as land contracts - won’t be affected.
Source:washingtontimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/aug/30/feds-crack-down-on-predatory-lending-practice-that/
--------
Europe
Despite Moscow’s Denials, Schools in Muslim North Caucasus So Overcrowded that Many Operate on a Three-Shift Schedule
August 30, 2024
Staunton, Aug. 28 – Since Putin came to office in 2000, Russia has closed 28,000 of the 68,000 schools it had then. Most of these closures are in predominantly ethnic Russian areas where birthrates are low, and consequently, such schools have too few students to justify keeping them open.
Every fall when a new school year starts, this phenomenon attracts enormous attention in the Russian media especially because of the way in which Moscow closes these schools down – first threatening closure, then not providing sufficient funds to maintain them, and then arguing that they must be closed for safety reasons (okno.group/school-selo/).
But while schools in Russian regions are emptying out and being closed, schools in Muslim regions of the Russian Federation and especially in the North Caucasus are busting at the scenes with the number of pupils up dramatically, class size increasing far beyond the norm, and the schools themselves forced to operate in shifts, often two and sometimes even three.
Moscow officials deny that there are any schools operating with a schedule of three shifts a day, although reports from the North Caucasus suggest that such schools are a commonplace there, with two shifts rather than the normal one being the standard that overworked teachers have to cope with (newizv.ru/news/2024-08-28/rozhayte-a-gde-shkoly-na-yuge-rossii-deti-opyat-budut-uchitsya-v-tri-smeny-432877).
Sadly, the Russian government in Moscow shows no interest in transferring money to regions where the number of pupils is rising and where they must study at odd hours required by a two-shift or three-shift schedule. Instead, the quality of education in such regions continue to deteriorate.
Instead, as Novyye izvestiya reports, officials there are happy to continue to lie because to do otherwise would call attention to something that is even more disturbing to the Kremlin than the schools – a demographic divide between the declining number of ethnic Russians and the rising number of Muslim citizens in the Russian Federation.
Source:blogspot.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2024/08/despite-moscows-denials-schools-in.html
-------
Plans to rebuild mosque set to be approved
Alice Cullinane
31 August 2024
Plans to demolish a West Bromwich mosque and rebuild it are set to approved.
Jami Masjid and Islamic Centre in Dartmouth Street would be redeveloped into a two-storey building with a community hall, prayer halls and classrooms under the proposals.
The applicant stated the current building was "no longer fit for purpose" and the new development would provide the congregation with "improved facilities".
A car park would be built on Duke Street with parking also available at the back of the mosque, creating a total of 16 spaces.
Sandwell council planning officer Carl Mercer said the proposal was "compliant with relevant policies" and there were "no material considerations that would justify refusal".
A condition which limits the capacity of the building by not allowing prayer at the same time as community events has been added to the recommendation.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c703ny31pngo
--------
Local Hero: Offering hope and hot meals, Sufian Ali and Aberdeen Muslims’ Foodbox
by Lindsay Bruce
August 31 2024
He’s a self-confessed “Torry loon through and through” and in his spare time Sufian Ali helps lead Foodbox – an Aberdeen project providing hot meals to those in need.
The chairman and trustee of Aberdeen Muslims has been an integral part of the food scheme since it began in 2016, but since its post-Covid relaunch, it’s become his passion.
But why does a 25-year-old working full-time devote himself to helping others?
“I’m lucky enough to not know what it’s like to go without a hot meal. That’s not the case for everyone,” the 25-year-old former North East College student said.
“If we can do something, we should. And so we do.”
‘It’s for anybody, from any faith and any background’
When the project started eight years ago Foodbox partnered with local homeless charities to deliver the free food service.
Currently, it still works with Aberdeen Community Outreach Group (COG).
But it’s not just “another scheme for homeless people.”
“We help anyone who needs it. You could arrive in a Benz from a big house but that doesn’t mean you’re not struggling behind the scenes,” Sufian explained.
“And it’s not just for Muslim people either. It’s for anybody, from any faith and any background.
“Aberdeen Muslims is committed to doing what we can to support our community. It’s important to us that we reach out and help anyone who needs help.”
Hundreds of hot meals every month
Situated outside Marks and Spencer on the last Wednesday of every month, 6.30-7.30pm, the Foodbox black gazebo is a familiar sight.
Always located in the St Nicholas area of the city, the team provides an in-demand service.
“When we started we maybe handed out around 100 meals. Then it just grew and grew to 400 dishes at times. We cap it now at 200 to ensure we have enough food to go around.”
‘More help would be amazing,’ says Sufian
It’s clearly labour and cost intensive.
“It does cost a lot to provide such a service, but we feel it’s important that we work hard to find ways to keep resourcing Foodbox,” added Sufian who is part of Crown Terrace Mosque.
To that end the team is currently seeking sponsors and food providers to partner with Foodbox.
“This month Torry’s Bombay Palace is providing us with curry and rice. It would be amazing if others came forward to help us,” Sufian added.
Not just one ‘local hero’ but an entire team
Keeping the service going amidst higher food and utility costs could easily be described as heroic but Sufian insists the limelight shouldn’t just be on him.
“There’s no one hero here,” the former Torry Academy pupil added. “There’s a team of heroes giving up their time and resources to help others.
“They all deserve thanks. We’re all better when we work together to make a difference.”
‘We’re Aberdonians, and we’re here to help’
Motivated both by need and their Islamic faith, Foodbox is not affiliated to any one mosque.
“In our religion the Prophet Muhammad gave out food to the poor and needy. And we’re instructed to do the same,” Sufian said.
“We are Aberdonians and we are Scottish. I’m old enough to have lived in Torry that long all the schools I went to have closed,” he joked. “So we’re pleased to be able to serve our city in this way, helping where help is needed.”
The dream is to help more people
Currently, Sufian’s day job is with an organisation working to reduce anti-social behaviour.
But he has a dream to develop Aberdeen Muslims further.
“We want to extend beyond what we do now to partner with other charities, churches and communities. The hope is that we can create more initiatives to benefit the wider community.”
Source:pressandjournal.co.uk/
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/6562005/local-hero-sufian-ali-offering-hot-meals-and-hope-with-aberdeen-muslims-foodbox/
-------
Fulwood Islamic centre and food bank to be turned into bedsits
30 AUG 2024
ByPaul Faulkner
An Islamic education facility in Preston is set to be turned into bedsits after the operation moves into a former pub nearby. Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of the Noorani Education Centre on Garstang Road in Fulwood.
The building will become an 11-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) after the plans were given the go-ahead by Preston City Council. The property, known as “Withy Trees House”, stands just yards from the former Withy Trees Hotel – around the corner on Lytham Road – which the Noorani Education Trust charity successfully applied to convert into an education and prayer establishment back in 2020.
At the time, the organisation said its Garstang Road base – which also functions as a food bank – was inadequate as a result of limited parking and a restricted internal layout. A fundraising page was set up inviting donations from the local community towards the cost of refurbishing the pub for its new purpose, which was then estimated to total £200,000.
The Withy Trees Hotel called time for the final time in July 2019 after 170 years as a hostelry. Greene King sold the site – which was said to have had the largest beer garden in Preston and was once a popular haunt of Preston North End players – following a fall in trade.
The new Noorani facility is due to open in the former pub in late September, once the Garstang Road site has been vacated.
Source:lancs.live
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/fulwood-islamic-centre-food-bank-29836718
--------
Boy named Akid Muslim abducted by the SDF in E. Aleppo, August 28, 2024
August 30, 2024
A boy born in 2011, identified as Akid Khaled Muslim from Zyara village, administratively a part of Ein al-Arab in eastern rural Aleppo governorate, was abducted for military conscription on August 28, 2024, by the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) al-Shabiba al-Thawriya, (Revolutionary Youth) faction, also known as the ‘Joanne Schurchkar’, near his house in Zyara village. He was then taken to an SDF recruitment camp.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) notes that Akid’s family has not been notified of what has happened to him, and he is forbidden to contact them or receive any visits from them. We are concerned that he will be forced to participate in direct and indirect military action.
It should be noted that approximately 364 children are currently conscripted in SDF military training camps.
Source:snhr.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://news.snhr.org/2024/08/30/boy-named-akid-muslim-abducted-by-the-sdf-in-e-aleppo-august-28-2024/
------
ICC orders Asian country to arrest Putin
30 Aug, 2024
Mongolia must detain Russian President Vladimir Putin because it is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), a spokesman for the Hague-based body has said.
Putin is scheduled to visit Russia’s neighbor on Monday, to mark the 85th anniversary of a major World War II battle. This would theoretically put him at risk of arrest on the ICC’s “war crimes” warrant, as Ulaanbaatar recognizes the court’s jurisdiction.
All states that signed the Rome Statute “have the obligation to cooperate in accordance with Chapter IX,” ICC spokesman Fadi el-Abdallah told the BBC on Friday. The Rome Statute is an international treaty that set up the court, which Mongolia ratified in 2002.
“In case of non-cooperation, ICC judges may make a finding to that effect and inform the Assembly of States Parties of it. It is then for the Assembly to take any measure it deems appropriate,” el-Abdallah said.
The Rome Statute provides for exemptions when arresting someone would “breach a treaty obligation” with another country or violate the “diplomatic immunity of a person or property of a third state.”
Ukraine has also filed an official demand with Mongolia to arrest Putin, according to the government in Kiev.
Moscow “has no concerns” about the ICC warrant, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters earlier on Friday, noting that all possible issues concerning Putin’s visit have been “worked out separately” in advance.
The ICC issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest in March 2023, accusing the Russian president of “unlawful deportation of population (children)” and “unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.”
Moscow has rejected the claims as ridiculous, noting that the evacuation of civilians from combat zones was not a crime. Moreover, neither Russia nor Ukraine is party to the Rome Statute, meaning that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the matter.
Putin is expected to attend a ceremony commemorating the 1939 Battle of Khalkhin Gol. The decisive victory of the Red Army and its Mongolian allies over the Imperial Japanese Army secured the Soviet Union’s eastern flank until 1945.
Source:rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/603325-icc-demands-mongolia-arrest-putin/
-------
Ukrainian cluster bomb attack on Belgorod kills five – governor
30 Aug, 2024
Five civilians have been killed and 37 wounded, including six children, in a Ukrainian missile attack on Russia’s Belgorod Region, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has said.
Belgorod is north of Kharkov, Ukraine's second city. It has endured frequent attacks by long-range Ukrainian artillery, which often fire projectiles supplied by NATO.
“Our air defense system worked over Belgorod and several targets were shot down as they approached the city,” Gladkov said on Telegram on Friday evening. “To our great sorrow, one person died as a result of a direct hit on a passenger car.”
In addition to the vehicle, an apartment building and several commercial buildings were struck, Gladkov said.
The governor later updated the death toll to five.
“One woman and four men died on the spot from their injuries before the ambulances arrived,” he said. Among the injured, seven adults and three children are in serious condition.
According to Gladkov, the attack was carried out with cluster munitions launched by the Vampire multiple-launch rocket system. The same weapon, provided to Ukraine by the Czech Republic, was used in the Christmas market massacre last December, when 25 Russian civilians were killed and 100 more wounded by Ukrainian cluster munitions.
The attack also caused property damage to three apartment buildings in the city, as well as two commercial buildings. Two houses in the nearby village of Dubovoye were set on fire by the incoming missiles, but it was quickly extinguished by emergency services.
Source:rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/603327-ukrainian-attack-on-russian-region/
-------
Arab World
Fatwa symposium attended by distinguished scholars
August 30, 2024
MADINAH: The second edition of “Fatwa at Two Holy Mosques and its Impact on Facilitating Procedures for Visitors” symposium at the Prophet’s Mosque has concluded.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their approval to hold the symposium.
He emphasized that this reflects the leadership’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims and enhancing their religious experience and knowledge.
The symposium, he noted, is a continuation of the efforts and services that the Kingdom provides to conveying the true message of Islam, and the religious mission of the Two Holy Mosques, to Muslims and humanity in the most complete way.
The event was attended by several distinguished scholars and was organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, in cooperation with the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, with the Saudi Press Agency as media partners.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569469/saudi-arabia
-------
The Governing Framework for Gulf Acquisitions in Egypt
30 August 2024
From 2022 to 2024, Egypt suffered from a deep sovereign debt crisis that had various effects extended to all sectors of the Egyptian economy. The crisis, and the subsequently high debt payments over the past two years, led to dollar scarcity, successive currency devaluations, and a severe import crisis; these effects further resulted in inflation rising to record levels of over 40% year-on-year in June 2023.1 The debt crisis is a direct product of the heavy borrowing policies that began in Egypt after 2016 and took root after the devaluation of the Egyptian pound in November 2016. The devaluation made Egyptian bonds and treasury bills more attractive to international capital, especially to portfolio investors or hot money, which in addition to global variables has continuously exposed Egypt to outflows. Egypt has suffered three crises driving out hot money investors: in 2018 with the Fed raising interest rates; in 2020 with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic uncertainty of that time; and in 2022, after the Russia-Ukraine war, which was the final nail in the coffin for Egypt’s reliance on hot money to keep the exchange rate and inflation at acceptable levels.2
The scope of the crisis began to widen at the end of 2021 due to Egypt’s debt payments, as debt installments without interest jumped from approximately $10 billion in 2019 to about $21.7 billion in 2022, according to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) data. During the three years, from the beginning of 2021 to the end of 2023, Egypt was in dire need of the Gulf region support, long-delayed partly for political reasons.3 The relative independence with which Egypt tried to formulate its foreign policy toward Libya, for example, led to it being on the opposite side of the issue from the UAE, the largest investor in Egypt. Saudi Arabia was preoccupied with the aftermath of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its relationship with the US, and Egypt had taken a largely neutral stance on the war in Yemen by not getting directly involved.
But by 2022, Egypt was in dire need of financial rescue to control the consequences of its economic crisis. At the end of 2021, it began negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other regional partners on a major financial bailout. However, the IMF only approved a $3 billion loan beginning in 2023. The loan agreement obligated the government to raise another $14 billion through a number of other financings, sell several state-owned assets, and secure Gulf support. The process of securing Gulf support has not been easy, and many supposed Gulf acquisitions of various Egyptian companies have stalled.
The Gulf support, slightly delayed in 2023 during which the economic crisis intensified, came in February 2023 with the Ras al-Hikma deal, which guaranteed new dollar inflows to the Egyptian government estimated at $24 billion, in addition to the UAE’s waiver of $11 billion of its deposits in the CBE.
In this paper, which begins by emphasizing the dual nature (political and economic) of Gulf support, especially after 2013, we examine the Gulf itself and its premises for this support, both economic and political. The paper will attempt to draw a broader picture of Gulf investments in Egypt and their role in the Egyptian economy, especially in relation to the Egyptian private sector in the Gulf, as well as how the nature of capital accumulation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE – the two major Gulf countries – affects the structure of the Egyptian economy in general.
In the first section, we will review recent acquisitions and examine why Saudi Arabia and the UAE are interested in acquiring these types of assets and the reasons behind the major financial support – namely the Ras Al-Hikma deal – was delayed, and how it finally materialized.
In the second section, we explore the complex relationship between capitalism in Egypt and capitalism in the Gulf. The organic link between the two has deepened over the past decade through a regional structure of economic accumulation, in which the Gulf has played an important role through its oil surpluses. The third section looks at what Saudi Arabia and the UAE aim to gain from these acquisitions.
Gulf Acquisitions from April 2022-April 2024
The wave of acquisitions of Egyptian companies by Gulf sovereign funds began in April 2022 with the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Fund, buying stakes in five Egyptian companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange in a one-day transaction. The acquisitions included a 32% stake in Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company, valued at $186 million, and the government’s 12% stake in Fawry Digital Payments, valued at $68.6 million. ADQ also acquired 18.5% of Commercial International Bank Egypt (CIB) in a $911 million transaction; the stake was previously held by Al Ahly and Banque Misr, Egypt’s largest state-owned banks. The ADQ also bought part of the Ministry of Finance’s 20% stake in Misr Fertilizers Production Company, worth $266.6 million, and the National Investment Bank’s 21.52% stake in Abu Qir Fertilizers, worth $391.9 million.4
The first wave of acquisitions drew much criticism from financial experts due to the low value of the shares, as they were significantly undervalued on the stock exchange. These were the prices at which the majority of the acquisitions were carried out and were explained due to the urgent need for dollars to face the severe currency shortage.
In August 2022, another wave of Saudi acquisitions began, during which the Saudi Egyptian Investment Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, acquired a number of Egyptian companies, including 25% of e-Finance for Financial and Digital Investments, 19.82% of Abu Qir Fertilizers and Chemical Industries, 25% of Misr Fertilizers Production Company, and 20% of Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company.5
In June 2023, the ADQ announced its acquisition of stakes in three other Egyptian companies: the National Drilling Company, of which it acquired 25% for $330 million; about 30% of Ethydco; and 35% of the Egyptian Linear Alkyl Benzene Company (ELAB). The three companies were not listed on the stock exchange, but were instead part of the “pre-IPO” fund established by the Egyptian Sovereign Fund that prepares companies before they are listed on the stock exchange; in the current phase of the acquisitions, the Egyptian Sovereign Fund plays the role of an intermediary between Gulf companies and the Egyptian government.6
The following table shows the companies acquired by the Saudi and Emirati sovereign funds; it does not include acquisitions made by private sector companies.7
Source:arab-reform.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arab-reform.net/publication/the-governing-framework-for-gulf-acquisitions-in-egypt/
------
Hardy Al-Atam tree gains prominence in Saudi highlands
August 30, 2024
RIYADH: The Al-Atam tree, a hardy species known as “wild olive,” has gained a special importance among the people of Sarat, southwestern Saudi Arabia, due to the quality and strength of its wood.
For centuries, people relied on the tree for many of life’s requirements, including for construction materials and as a reagent in traditional medicine.
The Saudi Press Agency said: “Al-Atam is a resilient tree that thrives in the harsh conditions of the Sarawat Mountains. It can withstand drought, extreme temperatures and rocky terrain, making it a valuable resource for communities in the region.”
One farmer, Saleh Al-Saadi, said: “It is a wonderful tree, even though it does not bear fruit. Its branches are strong and solid, and it can endure the harshest conditions.”
The species is considered one of the most important trees in the Sarawat Mountains, Al-Saadi added.
Al-Atam is characterized by its greenery and benefits, including the strength of its trunk and ability to bear huge weight.
The tree can also survive in harsh environments, similar to the Vachellia tortilis species widespread in southern Taif.
Al-Saadi highlighted the biodiversity of Saudi Arabia and said that the ideal climate for the Al-Atam tree is in the southern highlands along the Sarawat Mountains, from Abha in the southwest to Taif in the northwest.
The species offers promising opportunities for sustainable development and cultural preservation, the SPA reported. With further research and cultivation efforts, the resilient Al-Atam could play an even greater role in the Kingdom’s future.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569461/saudi-arabia
-------
Saudi king, crown prince send condolences to Al-Burhan after Sudan dam collapse tragedy
August 30, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent condolences to the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Friday following the collapse of a dam in the country, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The collapse of the Arbaat Dam on Sunday killed 30 people, with the toll expected to rise, in the latest tragedy in Sudan as this year’s rainy season wreaks havoc.
The war-shattered country is already suffering from the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises, and floods have prevented aid reaching areas most affected, which is being further disrupted by the conflict between Al-Burhan’s forces and rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569458/saudi-arabia
--------
1st Saudi Wood Expo aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s wood industry
RASHID HASSAN
August 30, 2024
RIYADH: The inaugural Saudi Wood Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from Sept. 2-4 aims to elevate the Kingdom’s wood and woodworking sectors.
With Saudi Arabia transforming rapidly under the Vision 2030 program and boosting the growth of diverse industries, the wood industry is a key sector, reflecting the broader ambitions of the national vision. The wood expo is a significant milestone in this journey by putting a spotlight on the industry.
The exhibition will bring together more than 7,500 professionals including developers, consultants, architects, interior designers and decorators, furniture manufacturers, timber traders, distributors and dealers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative products and solutions from more than 130 exhibitors from 30 countries.
“Saudi Wood Expo is a pivotal event for the woodworking industry, attracting local and international companies and providing opportunities to build partnerships essential for the success of major mega and giga projects in Saudi Arabia,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president at dmg events, which is the organizer of the expo.
He added: “The expo will not only showcase cutting-edge products and services but also facilitate collaborations that drive industry growth at a time when the demand for doors, windows, furniture manufacturing and interior design sectors is at an all-time high.”
The wood and woodworking market in the Kingdom is expected to be worth $4.1 billion by 2029, according to Data Bridge Market Research.
Mega and giga projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Trojena and Qiddiya are significantly increasing the demand for high-quality timber, as well as wood products.
In its first edition, Saudi Wood Expo will feature country pavilions from China, Canada, Egypt, Italy and Turkiye. Other participating countries include Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.
Prominent local companies such as Salem Bin Yamani Co., Salco Laminates, Kingdom Wood, Modern Wood Panels Factory, Wajahat Al Riyadh for Wooden Industries, and Riyadh Furniture Systems Workshop for Carpentry will display products.
The expo will also feature a talks program called “Wood Hala Chats,” where speakers will lead awareness sessions focused on sustainability, digitization and automation in the woodworking industry.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569472/saudi-arabia
-------
Saudi deputy foreign minister meets with Cameroon’s minister of external relations
SPA
August 30, 2024
YAOUNDE: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed El-Khereiji, met with Cameroon’s Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, on the sidelines of the 50th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Yaounde.
The two officials reviewed bilateral relations, and discussed ways to strengthen ties across various fields.
El-Khereiji also discussed topics of mutual interest with Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Ambassador Abu Bakr Hefny; Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Salem Ould Marzouk; and Bangladesh’s Acting Foreign Minister, Md Touhid Hossain.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569464/saudi-arabia
--------
King Salman, crown prince congratulate Erdogan on Turkish Victory Day
August 30, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Friday sent a cable of congratulations to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the anniversary of his country's Victory Day, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king wished Erdogan “constant health and happiness and steady progress and prosperity for the Turkish government and people,” SPA added.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable to Erdogan.
Victory Day, also known as Turkish Armed Forces Day, is a public holiday celebrated across Turkiye commemorating the decisive victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569441/saudi-arabia
-------
5.7m flock to Prophet’s Mosque in one week
August 30, 2024
Cairo: The Prophet’s Mosque, Islam’s second holiest site in the Saudi city of Medina, received last week 5.7 million Muslims amid seamless services offered to worshippers, according to official figures.
The General Authority for Care of the Prophet’s Mosque, a Saudi state agency in charge of the place, said the figures included 2.5 million worshippers, who visited and prayed at Al Rawda Al Sharifa where the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is located in the mosque.
The visits were made according to crowd-management regulations and separate schedules set for women and men.
Saudi authorities have repeatedly stressed that visitors to Al Rawda Al Sharifa must make prior reservations before arriving at the revered site, and to show up according to the fixed appointment to get smooth access.
During the same week, 26,811 worshippers of different nationalities benefitted from the multilingual communication services provided in the mosque.
Additionally, 1,590 tons of the blessed Zamzam water were provided for the faithful during the same week when more than 257,000 fast-breaking meals were distributed too.
After performing Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, many pilgrims would flock to Medina to offer prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque and visit other Islamic landmarks in the city.
More than 280 million Muslims prayed in the Prophet’s Mosque in 2023.
The mosque received 74.5 million worshippers in the first quarter of the current year, according to official figures. The cited period covered the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, which ended in April, when Umrah usually peaks.
Source:gulfnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/57m-flock-to-prophets-mosque-in-one-week-1.1725018685904
-------
UAE President allocates vaccines, funding for polio vaccination drive in Gaza
August 30, 2024
LONDON: The president of the UAE has allocated vaccines and funding for a polio vaccination drive in Gaza following the reemergence of the virus within the territory, the Emirates News Agency reported on Friday.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan announced that the vaccination campaign would be supported by a $5 million pledge from the UAE.
The two-round vaccination campaign will be delivered in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the UN Children’s Fund, and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
It will provide more than 640,000 Palestinian children in Gaza under the age of 10 with two doses of the polio vaccine, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus and prevent a wider regional outbreak.
The campaign will begin on Sunday, WAM reported, in a staggered schedule starting in central Gaza and then moving to the south and north.
Each phase will continue for three days during area-specific humanitarian pauses announced this week, to enable children and families to access health facilities, and community workers to reach children.
Some 1.26 million doses of the polio vaccine have been delivered to Gaza in preparation for distribution, with a further 400,000 doses due to arrive soon. More than 2,100 health workers, including mobile teams, will support the delivery of both rounds of the campaign, WAM reported.
At least 90 percent vaccination coverage is needed during each round to prevent the spread of polio, given the overcrowding, displacement and severely disrupted health, water and sanitation systems within Gaza, it added.
Campaign planning began after the poliovirus was detected in Gaza in July. The World Health Organization confirmed on Aug. 23 that at least one child in Gaza had been paralyzed by the variant type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.
Under the direction of the country’s president, the UAE has also delivered more than 40,000 tonnes of urgent supplies, including food, medical aid and shelter materials, since Israel’s military offensive against Hamas was launched in Gaza last October.
It has also established a field hospital in southern Gaza and a floating hospital at the Egyptian port of Al-Arish, providing medical care to thousands of injured Palestinians.
The UAE has established six water desalination plants in Rafah on the border with Egypt, with a capacity of 1.6 million gallons per day, supplying water to more than 600,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569449/middle-east
-------
Africa
Former Algerian Army Colonel On How Algeria's Secret Services Manipulated Islamist Groups During The 'Black Decade'
August 30, 2024
| By Anna Mahjar-Barducci*
What really happened during the Algerian Civil War of 1992-2002? According to Algerian media, during the "Black Decade," the Algerian army mobilized to counter the Islamists. But the truth may be different.
Mohammed Samraoui, a former Algerian army colonel who deserted in 1996 and has since been in political exile in Germany, experienced firsthand the "diabolical chain of events" that plunged Algeria into horror. He wrote his book Chronique des années de sang (Chronicle of the Years of Blood, Éditions Denoël) to show how a "handful of corrupt generals" burned their country to preserve their privileges.
In the book, Samraoui, whom I met in a secret location in 2009, stated that he has no intention of denying or justifying the crimes committed by the Islamists. Nevertheless, in his eyes, "the Algerian generals and the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) leaders share responsibility for the Algerian tragedy."
"The Creation Of The GIA By The Algerian Secret Services"
Following the landslide victory of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the first round of the December 1991 legislative elections, the army urged the regime to annul the second round. As a result, the president dissolved the National People's Assembly and, in the spring of 1992, the Algerian army was also tasked with managing the state of emergency. Samraoui recounted that the army chiefs had decided that the FIS threatened their own power and had to be eliminated. However, Samraoui stressed, the fight against the Islamists was an opportunity for the Algerian regime to get rid of other "enemies," such as human rights activists and Amazigh leaders in Kabylia.
Samraoui stated: "Every day, our bosses – Smaïl Lamari [aka Hadj Smaïn (1941-2007), Maj.-Gen. and head of the 'Direction du contre-espionnage' (DCE), i.e. the Counterintelligence Directorate, a branch of the "Département du renseignement et de la sécurité' (DRS), i.e. the Department of Intelligence and Security] and also [Maj.Gen.] Brahim Fodhil Cherif (1943-2008) – reiterated that we had to stop the 'fundamentalist threat,' as it put at risk the existence of the People's National Army (PNA)... They also explained to us that people like Hocine Aït Ahmed [historic leader of the 'Front des forces socialistes' (FFS) aka Socialist Forces Front], the lawyers Ali Yahia Abnennour (head of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights) and Mahmoud Khelili (who campaigned to defend victims of repression) were "enemies" of Algeria."
To get an idea of the climate of bloodthirsty hysteria into which Algeria was sinking, Samraoui mentioned a statement made by Smaïl Lamari at a meeting attended by several DCE officers: "I am ready and determined to eliminate three million Algerians if necessary to maintain the order threatened by the Islamists."
In this context, it was difficult to be lucid about the organized perversion of the system being put in place. It took Samraoui several years to understand the full extent of the responsibility of those in charge of the DRS for the creation of the Armed Islamist Groups (GIA), which became an instrument of the most heinous crimes of the Black Decade.
"The DRS Emirs"
From February 1992 onwards, the Algerian press often mentioned Moh Leveilley, presented as one of the most dangerous Islamist terrorists. Samraoui, who had known him personally, said: "Moh Leveilley was an agent of the services, fabricated to make him an Islamist scarecrow and get him to commit attacks to terrorize citizens. He was finally killed by the security forces in Tamesguida on 31 August 1992. He was only the first of many 'DRS emirs' placed at the head of the GIA who were regularly liquidated once their missions were accomplished. It is clear that Moh Laveilley was not an isolated case. His use as a terrorist agent by the DRS was part of an overall strategy of manipulation by our leaders."
It should be stressed that in February-March 1992, "we were not yet talking about the GIA, but about djamaates (Islamic groups or armed groups)." This breeding ground, Samraoui explained, would give rise to the GIA, as it became known from autumn 1992 onwards – "a sort of federation of several existing groups that would gradually join the initial nucleus formed at the initiative of the DRS."
The Algerian Secret Services' Strategy
Explaining the strategy of the DRS over the years, Samaroui wrote: "From then on, it was no longer a question, as we had been told in the previous months, of manipulating the radical groups in order to control them better, but on the contrary, of doing everything possible to make them multiply and spread terror everywhere."
This strategy was based on several methods:
By infiltrating genuinely autonomous armed groups, through the intermediary of converted Islamist militants (most of whom were arrested by the services and then put back into circulation after being persuaded to collaborate, through blackmail or compromise), or thanks to DRS agents, such as the soldiers who posed as deserters and joined the maquis in Chréa, Zbarbar, Tablat, Beni Bouateb, Sidi Ali Bounab and Kabylia. Known for their regular attendance at mosques, they were accepted without suspicion, although they were indeed on a mission for the DRS.
Using the already manipulated groups that had turned to armed struggle in the early months of 1992 in order to attract new recruits
Favoring the creation of groups by militants who had been manipulated from the start without their knowledge (such as Saïd Makhloufi's 'Mouvement pour l'Etat islamique, i.e. Movement for the Islamic State, created in the spring of 1992).
Infiltrating, in the security camps of the south and prisons, fake Islamist criminals, who from 1993 onwards would form armed groups active in regions known for their FIS support. To give just one example, on the initiative of Smaïl Lamari, Captain Ahmed Chaker, who was Samraoui’s deputy in Chateuneuf, recruited a certain Mamou Boudouara, a notorious thug and alcoholic in Belcourt, who overnight became a fervent supporter of the creation of an Islamic State).
Creating, from scratch, armed groups led by emirs who were in fact DRS officers
All these techniques were used, sometimes in combination. Samraoui wrote: "The general idea of our leaders was to bring all these groups together to produce controlled and manageable violence. It was this delicate work that did not work so well – on the contrary, it led to chaos, because it required absolute discretion, and thus reliable officers, as well as perfect coordination between the various DRS services in charge of controlling these groups: The 'Centre principal des opérations' (CPO, i.e. the Main Center of Operations, known also as the Antar Center) led by Commander Amar Guettouchi's "Centre de recherche et d'investigation' (CRI, i.e. Center for Research and Investigation) in the city of Blida led by Commander Mehenna Djebbar; the 'Centre principal militaire d'investigation' (CPMI, i.e. the Main Military Investigation Center) led by Commander Athmane Tartag (alias Bachir); and of course the head of the DCE, Smaïl Lamari, and his colleague in the 'Direction centrale de la sécurité de l’armée' (DCSA; i.e. Central Directorate of Army Security), Kamel Abderrahmane, who oversaw these operations in liaison with Generals [Mohamed Mediène] Toufik [1939-], Larbi Belkheir [1938-2010] and Khaled Nezzar [1937-2023]."
These manipulations led to the creation of DRS-controlled GIAs. Yet at the same time, due to a lack of coordination, they got out of hand, and the violence spiraled out of control. This justified, starting in the autumn of 1992, massive intervention by the People's National Army (PNA)'s special forces, led by General Mohamed Lamari (1939-2012). "Let us say here that the fighting was carried out with incomprehensible ferocity and abomination (napalm bombing, use of artillery and helicopter gunships, massive use of torture, etc.)," Samraoui stressed.
Eradicating Any Opposition That Could 'Threaten [The Regime's] Privileges'
In his book, Samraoui also denounces the blindness of most of the international media to the true nature of the Black Decade, "because the simple observation of the Algerian political scene and the behavior of armed groups was enough to invalidate the dominant thesis of a fragile democracy threatened by Islamist fundamentalism and defended by courageous republican generals."
"In the end, who benefited from the GIA's actions? Certainly, not the Islamists... The GIA, surpassing itself during the presidency of Liamine Zeroual (1994-1998), went so far as to reproach the FIS leaders for their willingness to resort to political solutions or to seek compromises with the rulers... Thus, instead of attacking the generals and their auxiliaries, the GIA attacked the defenseless civilian population and waged a bloody war against other Islamic organizations. A simple reading of GIA pamphlets is eloquent and shows that their objectives paradoxically converge with those of the predatory Algerian generals... This attests to the determination of the sponsors who masterminded the Algerian tragedy to stop at nothing to maintain the chaos, pit Algerians against each other in a fratricidal war, and eradicate any serious opposition that might threaten [the regime's] privileges," Samraoui wrote.
Finally, Samraoui declared that he had written his book in the hope of helping to reveal the truth about the Black Decade. "One day, I am sure, history will give its verdict, and the criminals of the Algerian state will be brought to justice," he concluded.
Source:memri.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.memri.org/reports/former-algerian-army-colonel-how-algerias-secret-services-manipulated-islamist-groups-during
-------
DSS Gets Court Order To Freeze 13 More Bank Accounts Over Terrorism Charges
30 August 2024
Richard Ogunsile
In its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism within the nation, the Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully obtained a fresh order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to freeze 13 bank accounts associated with a suspected terrorist, Henry Okocha.
Naija News understands that the accounts held across seven different banks will remain frozen for 60 days, allowing the agency to conduct thorough forensic investigations into the alleged terrorist activities linked to the individual.
In a ruling on an ex-parte application supported by various exhibits, Justice Peter Lifu authorized the DSS to impose a freeze on the accounts for the specified duration to facilitate the investigation.
According to an eight-paragraph affidavit accompanying the ex-parte motion, the DSS accused Okocha of receiving substantial sums of money into these accounts, which are believed to be proceeds of terrorism.
After his arrest, Okocha was placed in the security agency’s custody for further investigation.
The DSS’s application was presented by its attorney, Yunus Ishaku Umar, who informed Justice Lifu that the freezing order was necessary to prevent the suspect from utilizing the funds for unlawful activities that could harm innocent citizens.
The attorney further explained that the account freeze would assist the DSS in identifying the individuals involved and ensuring their prosecution in court.
The ex-parte application, FHC/ABJ/CS/1036/2024, was filed under sections 5 and 81 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.
The banks involved in this matter include United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Providus Bank, Palmpay Limited, and Resolut Limited.
Justice Lifu denied the request for a 90-day freeze, granting only 60 days, which will automatically expire at the end of that period.
It is noteworthy that a similar order was previously issued against a suspected female terrorist, Aisha Abdulkarim, whose 20 bank accounts were also ordered to be frozen for 60 days by the DSS.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/30/dss-gets-court-order-to-freeze-13-more-bank-accounts-over-terrorism-charges/
-------
DRC to take Rwanda to East African Court over alleged violations
By Rédaction Africanews
30 August 2024
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) vowed to sue Rwanda at the East African Court of Justice in Arusha on September 26.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty, committing atrocities against civilians, and breaking international law in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
Tshisekedi, along with U.S. and U.N. experts, accuse neighboring Rwanda of giving military backing to M23.
Rwanda denies the claim, but in February it effectively admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.
This legal action follows efforts by Congolese Deputy Minister of Justice Samuel Mbemba, who pressured the court to take up the case. Rwanda is also facing charges before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.
The DRC is pushing for accountability and urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to speed up its investigation into Rwanda's actions. The government has launched a "Justice for the DRC" campaign to raise awareness and demand justice for the victims.
Eastern Congo has struggled with armed violence as more than 120 groups fight for power, land and valuable mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. Some armed groups have been accused of mass killings.
The violence concentrated in the eastern North Kivu province has resulted not just in arbitrary killings but also in sexual abuses.
More than one in 10 women living in displaced people camps in the region reported being raped between November 2023 and April 2024, said Doctors without Borders, or MSF, in a report released Tuesday.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/30/drc-to-take-rwanda-to-east-african-court-over-alleged-violations/
-------
Tunisian court allows prominent politician Daimi to run in presidential election
August 31, 2024
TUNIS: The Tunisian administrative court upheld on Friday an appeal by prominent politician Imed Daimi to be allowed to return to the race for the presidential election expected on Oct. 6, Daimi said.
Daimi became the third candidate to be restored to the race by the court, after Abdellatif Mekki and Mondher Znaidi, whose candidacies were previously rejected by the Election Commission due to insufficient endorsements.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569486/middle-east
--------
DSS Releases Journalist Soyinka’s Passport, Blames Arrests On Mistaken Identity
31 August 2024
Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Department of State Services (DSS) has returned the passport of award-winning investigative journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, days after it was seized during his detention at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Soyinka, who is the West Africa Regional Editor at The Conversation Africa, retrieved his passport on Friday after being accompanied to the DSS office in Ikoyi by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.
Soyinka was arrested by DSS operatives on Sunday at the airport and was held for about eight hours, during which he was interrogated at both the DSS Airport Command and the agency’s Ikoyi office.
Although he was released later that day, his passport was withheld by the DSS.
Upon his release, Soyinka stated that no specific allegations were made against him by the DSS, and he later learned that his name had been placed on a watchlist at the request of an unnamed government agency.
The DSS has since suggested that his arrest and detention may have been due to a case of mistaken identity.
Effiong, who accompanied Soyinka to retrieve his passport, confirmed that the DSS operatives apologized for the incident and returned the journalist’s passport without further issues.
He said, “I went with Soyinka to retrieve his passport today. The secret police’s decision to blame the whole incident on possible mistaken identity did not come to me as a surprise.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/31/dss-releases-journalist-soyinkas-passport-blames-arrests-on-mistaken-identity/
-------
Ogun Doctors Suspend Month-Old Strike
30 August 2024
Richard Ogunsile
The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has decided to suspend its ongoing strike for four weeks to facilitate constructive dialogue with the state government.
Naija News reports that due to this decision, association members are instructed to return to work at 8:00 AM on Monday, September 2, 2024.
This resolution was made during an emergency general meeting of the association, which took into account the difficulties experienced by the public during the warning strike that affected state government healthcare facilities.
The members actively seek to achieve wage parity between healthcare institutions in Ogun State and those at the federal level while also advocating for the overall welfare of their colleagues.
The strike lasted 25 days, significantly impacting medical services at state-owned healthcare facilities.
During a press conference held at the association’s state secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Friday, the chairman, Dr OgunJimi Luqman, stated that the emergency general meeting was convened on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to discuss the ongoing industrial unrest in the state.
“The congress went on recess and reconvened on Thursday 29th August, 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the situation, review the strike’s progress, present a comprehensive report to congress on engagements with the Ogun State government, and make a decision on the strike action,” he said.
Lukman further stated that the association initiated a strike in response to the Ogun State government’s purported inability to enforce the revised CONMESS wage, which was first disbursed to federal counterparts in June 2023.
Despite Nigerian Medical Association executives’ efforts, the issue remains unresolved.
“Congress reviewed the strike’s effectiveness and members’ compliance. The Congress acknowledges the hardship caused to the people of Ogun State due to the government’s failure to respond to doctors’ demands,” Lukman noted.
The congress, nonetheless, called upon the state government to address the association’s requests during this four-week suspension in order to prevent additional industrial discord.
The association is anticipated to reconvene on September 30, 2024, to assess the circumstances, and the assurance of industrial harmony is contingent upon the fulfilment of these demands.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/30/ogun-doctors-suspend-month-old-strike/
-------
Again, Police Summon NLC President, Ajaero, Scribe
30 August 2024
Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, have been summoned by the Nigeria Police Force to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.
This fresh summons comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero honoured a previous police invitation related to allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
This time, the police are summoning both Ajaero and Ugboaja to respond to allegations of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties.
The invitation is reportedly issued by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force.
This development signals an escalating tension between the NLC leadership and the Nigerian authorities, as the union has been at the forefront of challenging government policies and actions that it deems detrimental to Nigerian workers and the general public.
Naija News recalls that Ajaero was accompanied by Femi Falana (SAN), Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and several senior officials from the NLC to respond to the police invitation on Thursday.
The Police summons is dated August 28, 2024, entitled “Investigation activities. Invitation letter”, and signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, Force Intelligence Department, FID, Abuja.
The letter read, “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured.
“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 a.m.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Usman on GSM number 08039659139.
“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/30/breaking-again-police-summon-nlc-president-ajaero-scribe/
-------
Southeast Asia
Programme supporting Muslim couples in S'pore marks 5th anniversary, participation of 30,000 couples
August 31, 2024,
Seri Mazliana
An initiative providing support for Muslim couples in Singapore has crossed its fifth anniversary.
Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli said on Aug. 30 that close to 30,000 Muslim couples have benefited from the Bersamamu initiative since its launch in July 2019.
Speaking at the Registry of Muslim Marriages' (ROMM) Bersamamu anniversary event held at Resorts World Sentosa, he highlighted a refreshed training framework under the programme which incorporates new modules for practitioners to better engage couples.
The event was attended by more than 200 people, and recognised the contributions of Bersamamu partners including mosques, asatizah, and solemnisers.
30,000 couples have benefited, Ustaz Pasuni a catalyst
Launched in July 2019, the Bersamamu programme is a flagship initiative by the ROMM in which solemnisers, also known as the "Kadi" (solemniser) or "Naib Kadi" (deputy solemniser), reach out to Muslim couples who are getting married or are newly married.
The programme aims to provide support to couples, especially in their first two years of marriage.
It started as a ground-up effort under the guidance of former ROMM registrar Ustaz Pasuni Maulan, 79.
"Ustaz Pasuni is the catalyst for the Bersamamu Programme and it was under his guidance that Bersamamu grew from a fledging initiative to a nation-wide programme," Masagos noted.
He noted that Ustaz Pasuni is a "well-respected community leader", who is "still going strong" after having served as a Muslim solemniser in Singapore for 50 years.
He also commended former Senior President of the Syariah Court Ustaz Sallim Jasman, also age 79, for his service to the Muslim community in Singapore.
Masagos also commended the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) for creating an avenue for newly married women to speak to female asatizah on "sensitive issues", in the form of the Asatizah Solace Care channel.
Masagos added that the initiative has been "well-received by many in the community".
He thanked Pergas, mosques, and agency partners for their work in improving the programme to better support couples.
Refreshed training framework and expansion to more locations
In his speech, Masagos also highlighted that a new ROMM-led initiative, namely the Bersamamu @ Heartlands, has been introduced in 2024.
The initiative came after requests by couples to have more platforms for discussion at accessible locations.
It is carried out in collaboration with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), Council for the Development of the Singapore Malay/Muslim Community (Mendaki), and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
Mosques, such as Al Nur Mosque and Al Falah Mosque, organised forums where the topics of marriage and relationships were discussed, with asatizah and counsellors providing marriage guidance.
"These Bersamamu forums were successful, well-attended and received good viewership online. We look forward to more of such forums," Masagos said, adding that two more mosques will hold such forums in September 2024.
He also noted that training under the Bersamamu initiative has a refreshed framework, incorporating new modules to ensure its relevance and enable practitioners to be more equipped to engage couples.
He noted the importance of upskilling for solemnisers and other asatizah, and highlighted that some of them have gone through courses such as psychology and couple counselling.
"Let’s keep up this spirit of lifelong learning," Masagos said, adding:
"Building our people will ultimately translate to strengthening our organisations and this is how we can progress as a community."
Source:mothership.sg
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://mothership.sg/2024/08/muslim-couples-benefited-programme/
-------
He asked but I didn’t do it: Witness says Muslim preacher Ebit Lew wanted WhatsApp sexts deleted
31 Aug 2024
TENOM, Aug 31 — A woman told the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday that Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, also known as Ebit Lew, had asked her to delete WhatsApp messages between them due to reports of sexual harassment involving the preacher.
The ninth prosecution witness, in her 40s and the complainant in the sexual harassment case against the preacher, testified that Lew had sent her a message on July 30, 2021, through the application, saying that the police would confiscate his mobile phone.
In cross-examination before Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zolhani, Lew’s lawyer, Datuk Ram Singh, asked the witness if she agreed that the forensic team could track the messages if it was true that there had been a request to delete it.
The woman agreed, stating that she had not deleted the WhatsApp message from on her mobile phone.
According to the witness, she carried on messaging Lew with a different mobile phone, meant for home use, after the request was made.
However, the woman said that she did not surrender the home phone to the police as it only had WhatsApp messages concerning the report against Lew, with no messages about the alleged sexual harassment.
The witness also agreed with Ram Singh’s question that there were no records of her sending a picture or message to Lew throughout May 2021, as the image of her exposed chest was taken in a video call and the picture of her face had been deleted.
Ram Singh: Despite not wanting a video call, you ended up having a video call exposing your body part?
Witness: That was one occasion when I was deceived by him. As I mentioned, I answered his video call and followed his request.
Lew, 38, faces 11 charges, including outraging the modesty of a woman in her 40s by sending obscenities to her phone via WhatsApp between March and June 2021.
The preacher is charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Source:malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/31/he-asked-but-i-didnt-do-it-witness-says-muslim-preacher-ebit-lew-wanted-whatsapp-sexts-deleted/148762
-------
PM Anwar hails ‘Cuci Rasuah’ as best national day performance - Fahmi
BERNAMA
31-08- 2024
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the “Cuci Rasuah” dance performance at the 2024 National Day celebrations in Dataran Putrajaya today as the best.
According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the Prime Minister praised the energy and uniformity of the over 500 members of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) involved in the special five-minute performance.
“Just now the Prime Minister said, ‘it is the best performance’ ... so he is very happy,“ Fahmi told reporters after attending the celebration.
The ‘Cuci Rasuah’ presentation, dedicated to Anwar’s efforts to combat corruption, is the brainchild of Rosnan Nordin, the Artistic and Conceptual Director for the 2024 National Day celebrations. It was accompanied by a song titled “Cuci Rasuah”, composed by Rosnan and performed for the first time today.
What made the performance even more interesting was that all the dancers used only cleaning tools --brooms and trash bins -- as instruments, symbolising the cleansing of the country from corruption.
Sharing his views, Fahmi, who is also the government spokesman, said the goal of eradicating corruption is a key element of the Unity Government, which aims to fight corruption at all levels, particularly in the public service.
However, he emphasised that the effort to combat corruption should not rest solely on the government’s shoulders but requires support from everyone in any form of action.
“This is a symbol we need to highlight, and we chose it to be part of the 2024 National Day celebrations because of the Unity Government’s determination and commitment to eliminating corruption in this country.
“We are instilling a better culture among all attendees, including public and private sector employees. I hope the message of this performance reaches the people of this country,“ he said.
Expressing his appreciation for Rosnan, Fahmi hopes that the “driving force” behind the National Day celebrations since 2008 can continue to contribute his energy and ideas in the future.
“If this is his last contribution, then I can say it is the best. We need to find a way to tap into his expertise in the future,“ he added.
The energetic dance performance was Rosnan’s last creative contribution before his retirement as JKKN deputy director-general (Culture and Arts) next year.
Source:thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/pm-anwar-hails-cuci-rasuah-as-best-national-day-performance-fahmi-IO12944581
-------
2024 National Day celebrations among the best in history - Ahmad Zahid
BERNAMA
31-08- 2024
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described the 67th National Day celebrations as among the best ever, noting significant changes made to both the opening and closing events.
He said various improvements were made to the celebration events, including the parade which highlighted the uniqueness of the country’s diverse ethnic groups through traditional attire, music and cultural dances.
In addition, Ahmad Zahid said the closing segment was also captivating and unique, featuring a dance performance titled “Cuci Rasuah”, reflecting the MADANI Government’s commitment to eradicating corruption.
“Congratulations to the Communications Minister (Fahmi Fadzil) and the 2024 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) Celebration Main Committee for producing an excellent performance,“ he said.
He told reporters this after attending the 2024 National Day celebrations themed “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka” here today.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said all Malaysians should be grateful for being able to celebrate National Day once again in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
“This country is peaceful, far from any disasters, and its people live in harmony despite being of different races, cultures, languages and religions,“ he said.
Mohamad noted that this year’s show was impressive, especially with the participation of more young people, particularly the human graphic (hand drill) performance by 2,000 secondary school students from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
“Very well coordinated and crafted. They trained for two weeks, and a good performance was delivered,“ he said.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani described this year’s celebrations as very lively and said that all Malaysians should feel proud of reaching 67 years of independence.
“What is important now is for everyone to maintain this independence in its true sense,“ he said.
This year’s celebration was graced by the presence of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as Cabinet Ministers and foreign representatives.
The 2024 National Day parade and procession were successfully carried out by 17,262 participants, 57 contingents, 22 marching bands, 343 land assets, 37 air assets, and 112 service animals.
Source:thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/2024-national-day-celebrations-among-the-best-in-history-ahmad-zahid-HO12944524
-------
PM Anwar, Cabinet ministers attend National Day celebration
BERNAMA
31-08- 2024
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Cabinet ministers attended the National Day 2024 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya here today.
Anwar, accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, arrived at the Royal Stage Platform at 7.55 am to witness the parade and performances marking this year’s celebration.
Deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived at the venue at 7.45 am, while Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, arrived seven minutes earlier.
Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is the National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) 2024 Celebration Main Committee chairman, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Yusof and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh were also present.
The event, themed “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka,“ was also attended by deputy ministers, dignitaries, and foreign delegates.
This year’s celebration featured 17,262 participants, 67 contingents, 36 bands, 534 assets from the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysian Air Force, and 100 service animals.
Source:thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/pm-anwar-cabinet-ministers-attend-national-day-celebration-GO12943746
-------
Lorong TAR night market closed for search ops at Jalan Masjid India sinkhole
, 31 Aug 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — The Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman night market will be closed tonight to make way for the search and rescue operation (SAR) for the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole victim and for soil tests.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said in a statement today that soil tests will be conducted around Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Masjid India to identify locations and road safety around the sinkhole area.
“The closure is to ensure the safety of the public and businesses. Failure to comply with the order will result in strict action against businesses,” DBKL said.
DBKL also said that Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) would be used in the search yesterday, which will carry on into the night, while Indah Water Konsortium is using jetting and rodding processes to clear obstructions in the sewer line.
Source:malaymail.com/
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/31/lorong-tar-night-market-closed-for-search-ops-at-jalan-masjid-india-sinkhole/148751#google_vignette
--------
South Asia
Yunus to meet political leaders at Jamuna today
Aug 31, 2024
The meetings will take place at Jamuna, the office-cum-residence of Yunus, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser's Office.
A wide range of topics are expected to be discussed.
Earlier on Thursday, the chief adviser met with a delegation of BNP -- led by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Source:thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/yunus-meet-political-leaders-jamuna-today-3690886
-------
Aug 15 Attack at Dhanmondi-32: Injured Lakshmipur AL leader dies
Aug 31, 2024
A local Awami League leader from Lakshmipur, who was injured in an attack by miscreants while paying homage to Bangabandhu at his mural in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi-32 in Dhaka on August 15, died at a hospital early yesterday.
MA Momin Patwary, 54, an executive member of Ramganj Upazila AL, succumbed to his injuries at Green Life Hospital in the capital around 4:00am, said Muntakim Patwary, nephew of the deceased.
He had been undergoing treatment at Green Life Hospital since the attack, our Noakhali correspondent reports, quoting Muntakim.
Momin was the former assistant secretary of the sub-committee of the central Awami League and a former member of the social welfare affairs committee of the Central Chhatra League.
He was also the education affairs secretary of the proposed committee of the district Awami League.
According to AL sources, Momin went to pay homage to the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32 on August 15, National Mourning Day. At that time, a group of miscreants attacked him, causing serious injuries to his legs and other parts of his body. He was later admitted to Green Life Hospital.
Meanwhile, a post on the verified page of AL blamed BNP-Jamaat men for the attack on Momin Patwary.
Source:thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/work-gain-peoples-trust-tarique-urges-party-men-3690651
-------
Pakistan PM calls Yunus, seeks to deepen ties
Aug 31, 2024
Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus over the phone yesterday, congratulating him on his assumption of the leadership of the interim government of Bangladesh.
The Pakistan PM offered his best wishes and hoped the goodwill between the two South Asian countries would translate into substantial cooperation for the benefit of their peoples, according to the chief adviser's press wing.
Prof Yunus thanked PM Sharif for the phone call and his earlier message conveying sympathy for the flood victims of Bangladesh.
Sharif expressed his willingness to provide support to the people affected by the floods in southern and southeastern parts of Bangladesh.
The Pakistan PM emphasised the need to revitalise relations between the two countries, saying there remains immense potential in expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The prime minister underscored the necessity to resume mechanisms like foreign secretary-level consultations and the Joint Economic Commission between Dhaka and Islamabad. He also stressed the need to reinvigorate the SAARC process.
Prof Yunus said he was committed to revitalising SAARC as a top regional forum to boost ties among the South Asian nations. He highlighted the necessity for holding regular SAARC summits and holding a brief meeting among the heads of state and governments of the SAARC states at the earliest.
Yunus also called for strengthening economic ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
After Prof Yunus was sworn in as the chief adviser, PM Sharif earlier congratulated him in a message.
Source:thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/pakistan-pm-calls-yunus-seeks-deepen-ties-3690581
-------
Acting Mines Minister Engages in High-Level Talks in Turkmenistan on TAPI, Rail, and Energy Projects
2024-08-31
KABUL(BNA): The Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Mullah Hidayatullah Badri, along with his accompanying delegation, recently met separately with several senior officials of Turkmenistan during his visit to the country.
The meetings included discussions with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Oil and Gas, Industry and Urban Development, and heads of the TAPI project and the Turkmenistan Railway Authority.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Mullah Badri discussed various issues, including the TAPI and TAP projects, railway expansion, fiber optic networks, and oil and gas trade, during his meeting with the Turkmenistan Foreign Minister.
Additionally, in his meeting with the Minister of Oil and Gas and the head of the TAPI project, Mullah Badri focused on discussions related to the TAPI project as well as matters concerning oil and gas cooperation. The Turkmenistan Minister of Industry and Urban Development also expressed his interest in Afghanistan’s iron ore mines.
Meanwhile, Acting Minister praised the Turkmenistan official’s interest in investing in Afghanistan’s iron ore sector and assured him of all possible cooperation.
Furthermore, during his meeting with the head of the Turkmenistan Railway Authority, Mullah Badri highlighted the importance of expanding the railway network and emphasized the need to extend the railway to the cities of Herat and Mazar.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/acting-mines-minister-engages-in-high-level-talks-in-turkmenistan-on-tapi-rail-and-energy-projects/
-------
Deputy PM Baradar Akhund and Uzbek PM Advance Plans for Fruit Exports and Transit Development
2024-08-31
KABUL(BNA) During the inauguration of the Termez International Trade Center, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, held a meeting with Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov, to discuss enhancing bilateral trade and transit cooperation, particularly the facilitation of Afghan fresh fruit exports to Central Asian countries.
According to the press office of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Prime Minister Aripov emphasized that Afghanistan holds a significant position in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. He affirmed that Tashkent is ready to expand its commercial and transit relations with Kabul by facilitating the transit of Afghan fresh fruits to Central Asian countries through Uzbekistan’s territory.
He added that Uzbekistan has deployed technical teams for extending the railway network from Hairatan to Herat and is prepared to initiate the project and gas extraction operations in Afghanistan by September.
Aripov also expressed readiness to collaborate with the Islamic Emirate in constructing a retaining wall along the Amu River’s banks.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Aripov assured the Islamic Emirate that all matters discussed during his recent visit to Kabul would be promptly implemented, with joint teams from both countries closely coordinating on these initiatives.
In response, Deputy PM, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is prepared to commence all activities that will play a constructive role in strengthening and deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-baradar-akhund-and-uzbek-pm-advance-plans-for-fruit-exports-and-transit-development/
-------
Deputy PM Baradar Akhund Reaffirms Commitment to Timely Completion of Qosh Tepa Canal Project
2024-08-31
KABUL(BNA): Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, has reiterated the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s commitment to completing the Qosh Tepa Canal project within the scheduled timeframe during an inspection visit to the project.
According to the press office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Baradar Akhund praised the efforts of the National Development Corporation (NDC) in constructing the canal.
He also directed the corporation’s employees to ensure that the construction of both the subsidiary and the canal is completed with precision, high quality, and within the set timeframe.
Furthermore, Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized the significance of the Qosh Tepa Canal for agriculture and water management, stating that the Islamic Emirate is fully committed to completing the project on schedule.
It is noteworthy that the construction of the canal and the second phase of the project are currently progressing well under the supervision of Afghan engineers, creating employment opportunities for thousands of individuals.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-baradar-akhund-reaffirms-commitment-to-timely-completion-of-qosh-tepa-canal-project/
-------
Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali Meets with Bill Gates Foundation to Enhance Health Initiatives
2024-08-31
KABUL(BNA): In an online meeting, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, the Acting Minister of Public Health, engaged with representatives from the Bill Gates Foundation to discuss strategic cooperation aimed at improving health sector initiatives in Afghanistan.
The discussions, which centered on financial support, disease prevention, and enhancing healthcare access in remote regions, highlighted critical priorities for the Ministry of Public Health.
According to a statement from the ministry, key topics included financial backing for the health sector, the prevention of infectious diseases, the eradication of polio, and the establishment of health centers in underserved areas.
Acting Minister Jalali emphasized the urgent need to provide healthcare services to remote populations and to control the spread of infectious diseases.
He called for coordinated and transparent support from international organizations to bolster these initiatives, underscoring their vital importance for the health and well-being of the Afghan population.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/mawlawi-noor-jalal-jalali-meets-with-bill-gates-foundation-to-enhance-health-initiatives/
-------