Babri Ghost Chases UP Mosques: After Sambhal, Plea On Budaun Shrine Has Court’s Ear
New Age Islam News Bureau
3 December 2024
Policemen stand guard during the survey of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal on November 24.
PTI
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India
· After Ajmer Survey Petition, Nearby Mosque Faces Similar Demand – Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Protected By ASI
· Annual International Sunni Ijtema at Mumbai Stresses Need For Acquiring Knowledge
· Wazukhana inside Gyanvapi mosque: Allahabad HC adjourns hearing of plea seeking ASI survey
· Terrorist killed in gun battle with security forces in Dachhigam forest area of Srinagar
· Separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's rare pat for police over drug action in Jammu and Kashmir
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Pakistan
· Imran booked over Rangers’ deaths in Islamabad
· US Reaffirms Support For Pakistan In Anti-Terrorism Fight
· Remarks of Bushra's sister, spox irk PTI leadership: Marwat
· Govt picks ex-IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui as NIRC chairman
· PPP favours talks with all parties on critical issues
· PTI claims dozen supporters killed in govt crackdown
· Omar Ayub unhappy with NA briefing on IMF programme
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North America
· Trump threatens Hamas with ‘hell to pay’
· CAIR Reiterates Call for Senate to Reject Pete Hegseth After ‘Kill All Muslims’ Report
· Ontario launches major US ad campaign amid Trump's tariff threat
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Mideast
· UN Chief Says Situation In Gaza ‘Appalling And Apocalyptic’
· UN chief ‘alarmed’ by Syria violence, calls for end to fighting
· Muslim Scholars Demand International Investigation
· Israel tells residents to evacuate areas of south Gaza
· Far-right Israeli minister slams ‘coup’ after arrests
· Pres. Pezeshkian reiterates call for Islamic unity in speech
· Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
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Europe
· Mosque And Islamic Education Centre Looks To Extend Slough Base
· Wokingham: New Muslim burial plots identified amid shortage
· Offa acquires Bank of Ireland's Islamic home finance portfolio
· Femicide victim's family awaits killer's sentence, and change in Italy
· Georgia’s moment of truth: Protesters demand Western path not Russian past
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Africa
· Ghana Islamic School Students Trained In Gender-Based Violence
· ‘I Will Sack You, Withhold Your Salary If You Do Not Resume Within 72 Hours’ – APC Governor Threatens Workers
· Tinubu Arrives In South Africa After France Visit
· Work To Restore Confidence In Legal System – Osigwe To Judges
· Biden arrives in Angola for his long-awaited sub-Saharan Africa visit
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Southeast Asia
· Court Tells Muslim Preacher Firdaus Wong To Remove Child Conversion Video, Allegedly Promoting Secret Underage Religious Conversions
· Indonesian Minister Says Prabowo Asked Him To Continue As Grand Imam
· Sultan Ibrahim warns UPNM to stop linking his name with the university if bullying culture continues
· PM Anwar lauds frontline heroes, calls on private sector to assist nearly 100,000 victims
· Penang High Court awards RM400,000 to CM Kon Yeow in his defamation suit against tycoon Tan Kok Ping
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South Asia
· Dhaka Slams 'Heinous Attack' On Its Agartala Mission
· Police detain Rohingya man trying to register as Bangladeshi voter
· Afghanistan Seeks Iranian Expertise to Advance Agriculture and Livestock
· 39 Million AFN Invested in Storage Upgrades at Farah’s Key Trade Port
· 350 Million AFN Allocated for 60 Development Projects in Paktika
· UN to provide livelihood support for 200,000 families in coming year
· ECO technical meeting begins in Iran without Afghanistan’s participation
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia Hosts Military Drills At Prince Sultan Airbase
· Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century
· Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement
· What to expect from French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia
· Saudi FM participates in Cairo conference to support humanitarian work in Gaza
· Jeddah to host Hajj forum and expo in January
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/babri-mosques-sambhal-budaun-shrine/d/133911
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Babri Ghost Chases UP Mosques: After Sambhal, Plea On Budaun Shrine Has Court’s Ear
Piyush Srivastava
03.12.24
Policemen stand guard during the survey of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal on November 24.
PTI
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Days after devouring the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, the Babri bugbear has returned to haunt the Jama Masjid Shamsi in Budaun city, about 100km away.
A local court will on Tuesday hear a two-year-old petition from Mukesh Patel, regional president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which claims the 800-year-old mosque was built after demolishing a Shiva temple, and the site should therefore be handed over to Hindus.
“Qutb ud-Din Aibak razed the temple in the 12th century and built the mosque there. I have proof,” Patel, who had filed his petition on August 8, 2022, told reporters in Budaun.
“Idols, old pillars and a cave still lie below the mosque. A survey may substantiate
my claim.”
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, a cleric, said Shams ud-Din Iltutmish had built the mosque in 1223, hence the name Shamsi Jama Masjid.
“The king was a Sufi and built the mosque because Muslims had no place for collective prayer,” he said.
“Those who don’t know history can easily claim their right over any mosque in the country because the political atmosphere suits them…. They are definitely enemies of India.”
Hindutva groups have weaponised the mosque-built-over-temple theme ever since the Supreme Court in 2019 transferred to Hindus the Ayodhya site where the Babri Masjid stood.
Four people died in street clashes on November 24 in Sambhal, western Uttar Pradesh, when a court-appointed survey team arrived at the Jama Masjid to verify the claim that Mughal emperor Babur had razed a Harihar temple to build the mosque.
The Budaun hearing will start just four days after the Supreme Court had restrained the Sambhal court that had ordered the survey from continuing proceedings, and asked the mosque committee to petition Allahabad High Court against the survey order.
Asrar Ahmad Siddiqui, counsel for the Budaun mosque, said: “There is no evidence of a temple there.”
Multiple other court cases have been filed seeking surveys of various mosques and dargahs to ascertain whether they were erected over destroyed temples, the list including the famed Ajmer Sharif dargah, Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah in Mathura.
Opposition parties and Muslim groups have alleged these serial court petitions are mischievous and politically motivated, and questioned the roles played by BJP-led administrations.
In Sambhal, the local court had ordered the survey on the day the petition was moved, November 19, and the court-appointed surveyors visited the mosque the same afternoon accompanied by district magistrate Rajendra Pensiya and superintendent of police Krishna Kumar.
They came again on November 24 morning, with some people accompanying them allegedly chanting “Jai Shri Ram” — with the DM and the SP, who were present, accused of doing nothing to stop the provocation.
While an inquiry commission is probing the Sambhal violence, the administration has banned outsiders from entering the town till December 10. A Congress team led by state unit chief Ajay Rai was stopped in Lucknow on Monday as its convoy was about to set off for Sambhal.
“The BJP governments at the Centre and in the state are bent on dividing the country in the name of religion. Their only goal is to remain in power by misleading the majority community and harassing the minorities,” Rai said.
A 1991 act of Parliament mandates status quo at all places of worship apart from Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi, but it has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/babri-ghost-chases-up-mosques-after-sambhal-plea-on-budaun-shrine-has-courts-ear/cid/2067734
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Balochistan politicians demand recovery of missing persons
Saleem Shahid
December 3, 2024
QUETTA: The leaders of all political parties, expressing their concern over the forced disappearances of people, have demanded the immediate recovery of all missing persons, the withdrawal of charges against political leaders, the cessation of raids on religious seminaries, the lifting of the one-document regime at the Chaman border, and restoration of the old border-crossing system to allow people from both sides to cross.
They also called for the cancellation of land allotments to non-locals in the province. These demands were presented during a joint press conference on Monday.
Provincial emir of Jamaat-i-Islami Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, Rasheed Khan Nasar of the Awami National Party, Yusuf Khan Kakar of Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party, Ali Ahmad Langove of the National Party, Allama Walayat Hussain Jaffri of Majlis Wahdat-i-Maslimeen, JI’s Zahid Akhtar and Wali Khan Shakir attended the presser.
Maulana Rehman presented a 17-point declaration adopted at a multi-party conference held in Quetta two weeks ago. It stated that the core issue of Balochistan is the denial of the people’s right to ownership of resources, stemming from unconstitutional and undemocratic actions by powerful forces, both past and present, as well as the illegal occupation and exploitation of Balochistan’s coastline and resources.
The declaration called for announcement of the victory of ‘actual elected public representatives’, urging the de-seating of un-elected representatives. It condemned forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and abduction of political workers and youth, describing these actions as violations of basic human rights and freedom of expression.
The declaration demanded the immediate release of all missing persons and called for the repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which allows for 90 days of extrajudicial detention. It also condemned the burning of missing persons’ camps and the closure of all borders in Balochistan, including Chaman, Taftan, Gwadar, Panjgur and Mand, which has left over three million people unemployed.
It called for the immediate reopening of all borders and for future decisions to be made in consultation with political parties and elected representatives, facilitating border trade.
The declaration also demanded measures to control drug trafficking, which has led to millions of youth falling victim to this issue, and called for a ban on narcotic cultivation. It urged the government to end military operations in Balochistan and take immediate steps to curb the growing drug trade in cities like Quetta, Gwadar, and others.
Condemnation was also expressed regarding the cases filed against political leaders and workers, including Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Dawood Shah Kakar, and the ongoing raids on religious seminaries under the guise of counter-terrorism, which create fear among students and citizens.
The declaration further demanded that the illegal trawler mafia operating in coastal areas like Gwadar, Pasni, Jiwani, Ormara and Gadani be controlled, as it is destroying the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1876335/balochistan-politicians-demand-recovery-of-missing-persons
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Drunk Pete Hegseth,Donald Trump's Nomination For Defense Secretary, Shouted 'Kill All Muslims' At A Bar On Official Tour
Dec 3, 2024
Donald Trump's nomination for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth once yelled at a bar 'kill all Muslims' in a drunken state. Two non-profit advocacy groups -- Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America -- both led by Hegseth have the recording apart from other evidence of financial mismanagement and inappropriate sexual advances. New Yorker reported that Hegseth had to step down from both organizations. Reacting to the fresh claims, Hegseth's lawyers said these outlandish claims must have come from a "petty and jealous disgruntled former associate".
Hegseth has already been accused of a sexual assault incident that took place in 2017 but Hegseth said the incident was consensual. But since he was blackmailed during the Me Too movement, he had to pay the woman.
New Yorker cited a previously undisclosed whistleblower report on Hegseth's tenure as the president of Concerned Veterans for America that said Hegseth was found intoxicated while acting in his official capacity and sometimes he needed to be carried out of the organization's events.
At one such event, Hegseth had to be restrained from joining the dancers on the stage of a Louisiana strip club. Hegseth and some other members of his management team divided the female staff into two groups: the "party girls" and the "not party girls".
In 2015, at a bar, Hegseth drunkenly chanted 'kill all Muslims" during the early hours.
In January 2016, Hegseth resigned from Concerned Veterans for America under pressure. He had no other jobs at that time. On his silent departure, he said, "Sometimes it just makes sense to make a transition." But the New Yorker cited sources who claimed he was made to resign because of his mismanagement and alcohol abuse.
“I’ve seen him drunk so many times. I’ve seen him dragged away not a few times but multiple times. To have him at the Pentagon would be scary,” one person who claimed to have contributed to the whistleblower report told New Yorker.
Source:indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/when-drunk-pete-hegseth-shouted-kill-all-muslims-at-a-bar-on-official-tour/articleshowprint/115910893.cms
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Israel continues to bombard Gaza
December 02, 2024
A Palestinian boy inspects the destruction at the site of an Israeli strike that targeted a house in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Monday. (AFP)
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CAIRO: Israeli forces bombarded houses in several attacks in the northern Gaza Strip, including one airstrike that killed at least 15 people in a home sheltering displaced people in the town of Beit Lahiya, Palestinian medics said on Monday.
The three barely operational hospitals in the area were unable to cope with the wounded from the attack, and several other people were still missing, with rescue workers unable to reach them, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said.
Residents said clusters of houses were bombed and some set ablaze in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, three towns on the northern edge of the Gaza Strip where the Israeli army has been operating for weeks.
They said Israeli drones had also dropped bombs outside a school sheltering displaced families in Beit Lahiya, part of what residents have described as a campaign to scare people into leaving.
Palestinians say Israel’s army is trying to drive people out of the northern edge of Gaza with forced evacuations and bombardments to create a buffer zone.
The Israeli army denies this and says it has returned to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping in an area where it had previously cleared them out.
Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 44,400 Palestinians and displaced most of the population, Gaza officials say. Vast swaths of the enclave lie in ruins.
A former Israeli defense minister accused Israel on Sunday of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, drawing a sharp rebuke from government ranks.
Moshe Yaalon, a hawkish former general, told Israeli media that hard-liners in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet were looking to chase Palestinians from northern Gaza and wanted to re-establish Jewish settlements there.
On Monday, the Israeli military rejected Yaalon’s serious claims.
“The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) operates under international law and evacuates civilians based on operational necessity for their protection,” it said.
Palestinian and UN officials said there were no safe areas in the Gaza Strip for the 2.3 million population, most of whom have been internally displaced.
In Gaza City, two Israeli air strikes killed five people, medics said.
Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last week that halted fighting in a conflict that has unfolded in Lebanon in parallel with the Gaza war.
But the Gaza war itself has ground on with only a single ceasefire that lasted for a week more than a year ago.
Officials in Cairo have hosted talks between Hamas and the rival Fatah group led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the possible establishment of a committee to run post-war Gaza.
Egypt has proposed that a committee made up of non-partisan technocrat figures and supervised by Abbas’s authority should be ready to run Gaza straight after the war ends. Israel has said Hamas should have no role in governance.
An official close to the talks said progress had been made, but no final deal had been reached. Israel’s approval would determine whether the committee could fulfill its role.
Egyptian security officials have also held talks with Hamas on ways to reach a ceasefire with Israel.
A Palestinian official close to the mediation effort said Hamas stood by its condition that any agreement must bring an end to the war and involve an Israeli troop withdrawal, but Hamas would show the flexibility needed to achieve that.
Israel has said the war will end only when Hamas no longer governs Gaza and poses no threat to Israelis.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday there was some indication of progress toward a deal to free Israeli hostages but that Israel’s conditions for ending the war had not changed.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the chances of a ceasefire and hostage deal were now more likely.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2581559/middle-east
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Black British Muslims Celebrated At Special Award CeremonyFor Their Outstanding Contributions To Various Fields Across The Country
2nd December 2024
WINNER: Premiership rugby player, Zainab Alema, won the sportsperson of the year award. (Pic Credit: Supplied)
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INFLUENTIAL BLACK British Muslims have been celebrated at a special award ceremony held in London.
Now in its seventh year, the UK Black (African/Afro Caribbean) Muslim Awards honoured the achievements of Muslims of African and Caribbean heritage for their outstanding contributions to various fields across the country.
The sold-out award show was a collaborative project of various African and Caribbean Muslim organisations to celebrate the winners which included artists, tech professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes, philanthropists, community activists, innovators, professionals and academics.
Those who scooped awards at the ceremony at the Chelsea Theatre in central London, earlier this month, are hoping it continues in the future to provide essential representation for the community.
‘Beautiful initiative’
Actor, Ashley ‘Muslim Belal’ Chin, won the award in the actor and poet category.
He said: “It’s a beautiful initiative and I pray it grows!”
Premiership Rugby player Zainab Alema said: “A fantastic turn out. Thank you to the organisers and may the organisers be blessed for their efforts.”
The curators who were Amina Adwoa Fetuga, from Sunlight Life Coaching, Ismael Lea South at The Salam Project & Jamal Sealey.
Ismael from The Salam Project stated: “This event is a celebration of being Black British and Muslim in the UK.”
Amina Adwoa Fetuga, the production director emphasised the support from the community helped to make the event a success.
“Such lovely support from our communities – it was a good event overall.’
Attendees Yasmin Kaaba and Saadat Yusuf added: “These awards events bring people from various communities, school of thought and denominations together for a positive purpose.”
Hassan Judi of the MCB supported the event and described the event as “really good” and said the “vibes and energy was excellent.”
The event celebrating Black Muslim trailblazers was hosted by award-winning spoken word poet and author, Muneera Tanya Williams, and Ali Kamara, a host at Islam TV.
Motivational talks, comedy and spoken word poetry also featured on the night, much to the delight of the attendees.
Source:online.co.uk
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https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news/2024/12/02/black-british-muslims-celebrated-at-special-award-ceremony/
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India
After Ajmer survey petition, nearby mosque faces similar demand – Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, protected by ASI
by Hamza Khan
December 3, 2024
An Ajmer court admitting a petition seeking survey of Ajmer Sharif Dargah has renewed similar demands for the historic Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, said to be one of the oldest mosques in the state and the country.
In a statement, Ajmer’s deputy mayor Neeraj Jain claimed, “There has been evidence of a Sanskrit college and temple in the Jhonpra. It was demolished by the invaders the same way they demolished (historical education sites of) Nalanda and Takshila. There was an attack on our culture, our civilisation, our education and this (Jhonpra) too was among them.”
Barely 5 minutes’ walk away from the Ajmer Dargah, the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monument. Jain claimed that the ASI has over 250 statues from the site and that “there is swastika and bells and Sanskrit shlokas on the site, which is originally over 1,000 years old” and has been mentioned in historical books. He said, “We have demanded this in the past too, that existing religious activities should be stopped and the ASI should ensure the return of the college’s old glory.”
As per the ASI, which has possession of the site, its name came to be “possibly from the fact that a fair (Urs) used to be held here for two and a half days.” In his 1911 book, Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive, Har Bilas Sarda wrote that the name was “given to it in the latter half of the eighteenth century” when fakirs began to assemble here to celebrate the two and a half day Urs anniversary of the death of their religious leader, Panjaba Shah, who had migrated to Ajmer from Punjab. As per Sarda, Seth Viramdeva Kala built a Jain temple in celebration of the Jain festival Panch Kalyan Mahotsava in 660 AD. “As there was no place in Ajmer for Jain priestly class to stay in Ajmer, this temple was built,” Sarda wrote.
However, the structures at the site were allegedly destroyed by Afghans of Ghor, led by Muhammad Ghori, in 1192, and the structure was converted into a mosque as per Sharda. “It was commenced by Qutubuddin Aibak in about 1200 AD with carved pillars used in colonnades… The pillared (prayer) chamber is divided into nine octagonal compartments and has two small minarets on top of the central arch. The three central arches carved with Kufic and Tughra inscriptions make it a splendid architectural masterpiece,” the ASI says.
In May, Rajasthan Assembly speaker Vasudev Devnani, who is the MLA from Ajmer North, had demanded an ASI survey of the site following claims and a visit by some Jain monks – accompanied by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad – who said that a Sanskrit school and a temple had once existed at the site.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ajmer-survey-petition-mosque-adhai-din-ka-jhonpra-protected-by-asi-9702679/
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Annual International Sunni Ijtema at Mumbai Stresses Need For Acquiring Knowledge
Dec 2, 2024
MUMBAI: The third and last day of the 32nd annual International Sunni Ijtema of Sunni Dawate Islami, the worldwide organisation of Sunni Muslims, saw thousands turning up at the Azad Maidan to hear speeches, get guidance, and pray together.
The Sunni Dawate Islami President, Maulana Allama Shakir Noori, emphasised the need to strengthen faith through acquiring sacred knowledge, being in the company of righteous people, and employing deep thinking and reasoning about the signs of Allah in creation.
"Material things can only give aaraam like physical rest, but the spirit and heart remain in a state of agitation and stress; hence one is not able to find tranquillity (sukoon) in life," said Maulana Noori.
Mufti Nizamuddin Sahab, Head Mufti from Islamic University Ashrafiya Mubarakpur, answered many questions at the 32nd annual International Sunni Ijtema.
Is it permissible to do share trading in Islam?
Answering this question, Mufti Nizamuddin said: "Share trading is allowed for equity shares only with certain terms and conditions. The person doing it should be well-versed with the risks associated with it and should do it only after a thorough study. People not having knowledge of it should not venture into it."
Is it permissible to invest in mutual funds as per Islamic law?
It's permitted to invest in mutual funds through fund managers investing only in equity shares which are Sharia-compliant, like doing ethical business.
Is it permissible to have a mediclaim policy as per Islamic law?
Yes, it's permitted to have a mediclaim policy as medical expenses have increased way beyond the reach of the common man. In case there is no claim raised during the year, the person taking the policy should have the intention of giving the amount in public welfare.
UK-based renowned scholar Allama Qamruzzaman Azmi Sahab, in his speech, said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came with the message to read. Allah Almighty revealed to him to ask for an "increase in knowledge."
The followers of the Prophet should strive for knowledge. "Spend less on your clothing, food, and other things, but ensure that every child is educated. Islam is the religion of knowledge," he said. "The Prophet said, 'Be a scholar or be a student. Don't become the third one,'" he said.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/annual-sunni-conference-stresses-the-need-for-acquiring-knowledge/articleshow/115889185.cms
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Wazukhana inside Gyanvapi mosque: Allahabad HC adjourns hearing of plea seeking ASI survey
Dec 02, 2024
The Allahabad high court on Monday adjourned till December 10, hearing of a petition challenging the Varanasi district judge’s order whereby he had refused to direct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake a survey of the “wazukhana (ablution)” area except for the structure which the Hindu side calls a Shivalinga and the Muslims describe as a fountain, inside the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.
The order was passed on October 21, 2023 by the district judge of Varanasi. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal was hearing the civil revision filed by Rakhi Singh--one of plaintiffs in Shringar Gauri worshipping suit before the Varanasi court.
In the revision petition, it has been said that the ASI survey of the “wazukhana” area is necessary so that the religious character of the entire property could be determined. As per the petitioner, it is possible to survey the “wazukhana” area (except for the Shivalinga) using non-invasive methods as directed by the Supreme Court.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/wazukhana-inside-gyanvapi-mosque-allahabad-hc-adjourns-hearing-of-plea-seeking-asi-survey-101733158481047.html
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Terrorist killed in gun battle with security forces in Dachhigam forest area of Srinagar
03.12.24
A terrorist was gunned down in an encounter with security forces in the Dachhigam forest area of Srinagar on Tuesday, according to the Army.
Officials in Srinagar said that acting on specific intelligence inputs, the security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the upper reaches of Dachhigam which turned into a gunfight when terrorists opened fire on a search party.
The security personnel retaliated and a terrorist was neutralised in the exchange of fire, the Army said.
In a post on X, the Army's Northern Command said, "Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, compliments Chinar Warriors and Jammu and Kashmir Police for their excellent synergy, swift action, and precise execution in Operation Dachhigam, neutralizing one terrorist." Police officials in Srinagar said the exchange of fire was going on.
Dachhigam, a national park on the outskirts of Srinagar, covers an area of about 141 square kilometres.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/terrorist-killed-in-gun-battle-with-security-forces-in-srinagar/cid/2067830
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Separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's rare pat for police over drug action in Jammu and Kashmir
Muzaffar Raina
03.12.24
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday lavished rare praise on Jammu and Kashmir police for its campaign against drug peddlers, supporting their arrests and confiscation of their properties.
The Mirwaiz said an inter-state cartel of drug peddlers that was at play needed to be dealt with a firm hand.
The Jammu and Kashmir police have rarely got appreciation from separatists and have been accused of committing grave atrocities in both Kashmir and Jammu.
The Mirwaiz’s praise has come despite efforts by the lieutenant governor's administration, security forces and the police to connect the rising drug menace to militancy in recent years. They allege a narco-terrorism and cross-border drug smuggling racket, claiming that contraband is pushed into the Union Territory by Pakistan to fund militancy.
Though the Mirwaiz did not make such claims, he described it as a deeply troubling trend for the people. He launched a campaign against narcotics in Jammu and Kashmir after he was released this year from house detention.
“We are not negligent in acknowledging that for the past two to three weeks we have been watching that the police have activated itself (on the drug front). They have arrested many drug dealers, their properties have been confiscated, cases have been filed against them,” he told a gathering. “If the police work in the same way, people will support them. We are thanking them for this.”
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/separatist-mirwaiz-umar-farooqs-rare-pat-for-police-over-drug-action-in-jammu-and-kashmir/cid/2067746
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Pakistan
Imran booked over Rangers’ deaths in Islamabad
Malik Asad | Munawer Azeem
December 3, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan was booked in a murder case in connection with the death of paramilitary personnel who were run over by a speeding vehicle on the Srinagar Highway last week during a protest by the PTI.
With this new case, the PTI founder, already imprisoned in Adiala Jail in different cases, has joined an exclusive club of two — alongside PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto — as the second ex-PM to be booked for murder.
In November 1974, then-prime minister Z.A. Bhutto was booked in a murder case, which eventually led to his hanging, two years after his government was ousted by military dictator Ziaul Haq in 1977.
The case registered at the Ramna police station against the PTI founder and other leaders includes Section 302 (murder), Section 324 (murder attempt) Section 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy), Section 114 (abettor present when offence is committed), and other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, besides terrorism charges.
Police officials, while quoting the FIR, told Dawn that at the behest of Imran Khan and other PTI leaders, an unidentified driver of a Land Cruiser rammed into the Rangers’ personnel with the intention to kill them. As a result, three personnel were martyred while two were injured.
Sources in the prosecution department and lawyers, on condition of anonymity, said that it was a case of a road accident, and not murder, and that the FIR should have been registered under Section 322 of the PPC instead of Section 302.
They added that the murder charges could be added to the FIR in light of supplementary statements after the investigation was able to establish that there was concrete evidence that the driver intended to kill the security personnel.
Apparently, the deaths were caused by negligence and reckless driving, they said, claiming that some reports suggested that the driver was under the influence of drugs, and even if it was true then it was still a case of Section 322.
The police officials quoted the driver — a resident of Islamabad’s F-10 sector — as saying that he was not able to see the personnel as they suddenly appeared in front of his vehicle. After the incident, the police arrested the driver near Shaheen Chowk and shifted him to Margalla police station along with the vehicle. Later, he was shifted to an unknown location, they added.
In June 2023, the Balochistan police booked Imran Khan in a murder case registered over the killing of Advocate Abdul Razzaq Shar. In August 2023, he was discharged from the case.
Meanwhile, the number of cases against PTI protesters, including leaders and workers, rose to 19. Hitherto, two cases each have been registered at Secretariat and Kohsar, Margalla, Karachi Company, and Tarnol police stations, while one case each has been registered at Aabpara, Shahzad Town, Sihala, Khanna, Noon, Nilore, Shams Colony, Ramna and Banigala police stations.
Bushra Bibi to attend next hearing
Separately, the counsel representing the ex-PM and his wife assured the accountability court that Bushra Bibi would rejoin the £190 million corruption reference on the next date, as the accountability court deferred recording of their statement till December 5.
Accountability Judge Nasir Javed Rana resumed proceedings in the corruption reference in Adiala Jail. During the hearing, Mr Khan appeared in court but the proceedings saw little progress as statements of the ex-premier and his wife Bushra Bibi under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code could not be recorded.
Defence counsel Barrister Salman Safdar, representing Bushra Bibi, filed a petition requesting she be exempted from appearance. He assured the court that Bushra Bibi would attend the next hearing.
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) sent Mr Khan to jail on judicial remand following the completion of his physical remand in a case registered at Rawalpindi’s New Town police station related to September’s protest. The court approved the request for judicial remand in six additional cases, linked to incidents that occurred on Sept 28 and Oct 5.
Arrest warrants
Separately, an ATC issued arrest warrants for 96 PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, his spouse Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra approved the warrants in connection with a case registered at the Kohsar police station.
The case involves allegations of incitement, unrest, and other charges under the anti-terrorism law. Prominent accused include PTI leaders Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari, Omar Ayub, Zulfi Bukhari, Faisal Javed, Asad Qaiser, and former president Dr Arif Alvi.
Furthermore, Judge Sipra granted a four-day physical remand for 19 PTI workers in a case related to the D-Chowk protest. Additionally, the court ordered that 93 workers arrested in a separate case be sent to jail for an identity parade. A total of 112 PTI workers were presented before the court during the hearing.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1876337/imran-booked-over-rangers-deaths-in-islamabad
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US reaffirms support for Pakistan in anti-terrorism fight
By Web Desk
December 03, 2024
The United States Monday reiterated its unwavering support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and extremism.
"We continue to stand with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism," Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, said while addressing a weekly media briefing in Washington on Monday.
Responding to a question regarding deaths during a protest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Pakistan, Miller highlighted the importance of holding peaceful demonstrations globally, including in Pakistan.
He remarked that protests around the world, including in Pakistan, should remain peaceful, calling on the Pakistani government to engage and deal with protesters peacefully.
During the protest demonstration which was launched by the former ruling party on November 24, at least three Rangers personnel and two cops were martyred in violent clashes.
The Imran Khan-led party also claims that the lives of at least 20 members were also lost during the crackdown by the security forces.
Law enforcers arrested more than 1,000 PTI workers, including over three dozen Afghan nationals.
Answering a question, the State Department's spokesperson said the US officials regularly raised the issue of the alleged conspiracy to assassinate a Sikh leader in conversations with their Indian counterparts.
Replying to a question regarding President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about threatening allied nations, the spokesperson refrained from commenting saying: "I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment on the policies of an administration that has not yet taken office."
"We have one president of the time and I'm glad to stand up here and take questions about President Biden's foreign policy and presumably a new State Department spokesperson on January 21 who can take questions about President Trump's foreign policy."
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1257645-us-reaffirms-support-for-pakistan-in-anti-terrorism-fight
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Remarks of Bushra's sister, spox irk PTI leadership: Marwat
December 03, 2024
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat on Monday said the party leadership was concerned about the narrative that sister and spokesperson of Bushra Bibi, Maryam Riaz Wattoo and Mishal Yousafzai, respectively, tried to build.
This Marwat said speaking on Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath'. The party leadership found that the remarks made by Wattoo and Yousafzai were in poor taste, he added.
He further highlighted that certain individuals within the PTI are reportedly connected to former operatives of agencies, creating divisions within the party.
The language and accusations being used have led to widespread frustration and helplessness among the leadership, discouraging members with constant complaints and allegations, he claimed.
Marwat urged PTI's founder, Imran, to intervene immediately and address the situation, emphasising that this is not the time for internal disputes, as raised by Qasim Suri.
He suggested that instead of hesitating, PTI should have swiftly called for protests across the country and resumed its march to Islamabad.
It is worth noting that Wattoo and Yousafzai recently claimed that Khan places greater trust in Bushra Bibi than in his party's “compromised” leaders.
Speaking to The Guardian, they alleged that PTI leaders often fail to follow the founder’s directives, prompting Bushra Bibi to step into a more active role.
Wattoo accused some close associates of Khan of having dubious intentions, appearing to play both sides for personal benefit. She also revealed that Bushra Bibi faced pressure not to proceed to the centre of Islamabad during the protest.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1257653-remarks-of-bushras-sister-spox-irk-pti-leadership-marwat
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Govt picks ex-IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui as NIRC chairman
By Web Desk
December 02, 2024
The federal cabinet on Monday appointed former Islamabad High Court (IHC) senior puisne judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui as National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) chairman.
The notification of Siddiqui's appointment as chairman for the next three years was issued after the cabinet's nod.
The development comes months after President Asif Ali Zardari gave his nod to issue a retirement notification to the former IHC judge in light of the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Siddiqui was sacked by former president Arif Alvi as judge of the IHC on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council (SCJ) in October 2018.
However, in March this year, the top court declared the removal of Justice Siddiqui illegal, directing that he may now be considered as a retired judge.
The decision was announced by a five-member bench of the apex court headed by then chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Fazi Isa in a 23-page judgment.
The bench noted that the SJC proceeded against Justice Siddiqui on the "assumption that the truth or falseness of the allegations levelled" by the former judge was "irrelevant".
Justice Siddiqui's removal
The SJC had moved against the judge over a controversial speech before the District Bar Association, Rawalpindi on July 21, 2018.
Justice Siddiqui in his speech blamed the higher judiciary for the country's "deplorable" state of affairs.
The judge had also alleged that then-Major General Faiz Hamid and his subordinates wanted cases related to Faizabad sit-in, Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam be decided in a "particular manner".
The army had also reacted to the speech and had requested the Supreme Court to initiate "appropriate process to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and take actions accordingly".
In October 2018, then-president Alvi removed Siddiqui from the post of IHC judge in light of a recommendation by the SJC.
The recommendation stated: “Mr. Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Judge, Islamabad High Court, Islamabad had displayed conduct unbecoming of a Judge of a High Court and was, thus, guilty of misconduct and he is, therefore, liable to be removed from his officer under Article 209(6) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.”
Justice Siddiqui then challenged the SJC decision in the Supreme Court in the October of the same year.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1257434-govt-picks-ex-ihc-judge-shaukat-aziz-siddiqui-as-nirc-chairman
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PPP favours talks with all parties on critical issues
Imran Ayub
December 3, 2024
KARACHI: Amid escalating political tensions at the Centre, the PPP on Monday decided to engage with all parties, including its rival PTI, to foster national consensus on critical issues such as security, digital economy and agriculture.
The decision was made during a meeting at Bilawal House, where party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari directed PPP’s Rabta committee to engage with political parties to determine on what issues political consensus can be formed.
The direction indicates that the mandate of the Rabta committee, which was established to address PML-N’s unmet promises, has further been expanded.
The key ally of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seems to have intensified its efforts to engage with opposition parties in parliament to present its case more assertively, as committee members at the meeting highlighted ‘lack of timely consultation’ by the federal government on political, policy, and legislative matters, identifying it as a key obstacle that needs to be addressed.
A statement issued by Bilawal House, following the meeting, explained that members [of the Rabta committee] recounted their “ongoing and unresolved issues from Punjab, south Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh as well as political, policy and development challenges at federal level.
The policy issues such as flood rehabilitation, water management controversies, challenges to the agricultural and digital economy, public interest legislation were discussed in detail. On reservations with the federal government, lack of timely consultation on political, policy and legislative matters, inability to implement commitments were identified as key stumbling blocks to be addressed.“
The meeting, it said, noted a recent surge in terrorism and the absence of a new consensus to combat the new challenges resulting from new ground realities.
“The PPP chairman directed committee members to engage with political parties to determine on what issues political consensus can be formed in order to present recommendations before Party’s Central Executive Committee later this month,” the statement added.
Frustrated by what it perceives as continued ‘disrespect’ and ‘unmet commitments’ despite being a key ruling coalition partner, the PPP a couple of weeks ago had formed a high-level committee to take up the issues with Islamabad, delivering a clear message to PM Shehbaz Sharif that the PML-N could no longer get such unconditional support.
The committee comprises Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmoud, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Hyder, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Haider Gilani.
At the party meeting, a participant shared insights on the committee’s approach to reach out to all parties in parliament. “On every significant issue, or those that require national consensus, we have always engaged with all parties, whether it’s PTI or any other,” the PPP leader said. “This time, too, we will consult everyone. The issues discussed in the meeting are not specific to any single party; they are matters of national importance.”
The leader pointed to issues like the digital economy and the growing crisis in the internet sector as prime examples.
“The internet issue in the country is not only becoming a nuisance for every Pakistani, but it’s also causing embarrassment on the global stage,” the PPP leader said, highlighting the urgency of addressing these challenges in the context of modern technology.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1876382/ppp-favours-talks-with-all-parties-on-critical-issues
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PTI claims dozen supporters killed in govt crackdown
Ikram Junaidi
December 3, 2024
• Leaders meet Imran for first time after ‘final call’ protest
• Barrister Gohar says issue of casualties to be placed before parliament
ISLAMABAD: The PTI has officially claimed the death of 12 of its supporters during the party’s recent protest in the federal capital, and “distanced” itself from the “exaggerated” toll of casualties being bandied about on social media.
Top PTI leaders met incarcerated party founder, Imran Khan, in Adiala Jail on Monday for the first time since the protest in Islamabad last week.
Addressing the media after the meeting, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said the party has information about 12 people who were shot and killed during the protest. He said PTI is a democratic party and doesn’t give irresponsible statements.
“We have only given the figure for which we have the details,” he said while talking about the death toll.
“We have said on record that we disown claims about the exaggerated death toll as long as we don’t have the proof to corroborate those claims.”
There were unconfirmed reports about the number of PTI supporters killed during the protest in Islamabad. While the government claimed zero casualties, social media reports and statements by some PTI leaders had put the toll between 20 and 300.
Mr Gohar said the debate over the number of casualties was not important, as even one person shouldn’t have been killed.
The PTI chairman said that Mr Khan expressed sorrow over the deaths of party workers and directed the leadership to take up the issue in parliament.
According to Mr Gohar, the PTI founder was not aware of the developments during the protest as he didn’t have access to newspapers and television.
Mr Khan has asked the leadership to “maintain unity among the ranks” and not pay heed to the detractors.
He will soon announce a strategy for the future, Mr Gohar said.
When asked why PTI workers went to the D-Chowk in the Red Zone when Mr Khan agreed to divert the protest to Sangjani, he said the workers and leadership tried to reach a venue where the protest would have had the most impact.
He claimed there was no plan or directive to reach D-Chowk by all means.
According to Mr Gohar, the debate over the protest venue was futile and “has been triggered to divert the attention from deaths of PTI workers”.
Mr Gohar said that although PTI was facing restrictions and efforts were being made to ban the party, it would continue the political struggle.
About Mr Khan’s health, the PTI chairman dispelled rumours and claimed that the incarcerated leader is perfectly alright.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1876383/pti-claims-dozen-supporters-killed-in-govt-crackdown
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Omar Ayub unhappy with NA briefing on IMF programme
Khaleeq Kiani
December 3, 2024
• Aurangzeb announces 10-year Country Partnership Framework with World Bank to address population growth, stunting, climate change
• Opposition leader questions need for in-camera briefing on finance, energy; says IMF programme should be open to public
ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, on Monday accused the government of being non-transparent with details about a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission, that visited the country last month.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the NA Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, which was partially held in-camera, the opposition leader — who hails from the PTI — said there was nothing secret about the IMF programme and journalists had reported everything, but the government merely wanted to avoid embarrassment over questions from parliamentarians.
Mr Khan said he had served as minister of state for finance and revenue and also the federal minister for power, but he had never seen in-camera sessions on the finance and energy sector, adding that he was not satisfied with the briefing given by the government team. The IMF programme is always open to public, he said, adding that parliamentary sessions are also meant to be open to the media.
He said members of the panel asked questions about the commitments made with the IMF to ensure reducing the government footprint and declaration of assets and income of civil servants.
He said the members also questioned tax targets from agriculture sector, almost three times higher in the first go, which was next to impossible. He claimed the government did not take the panel into confidence over the IMF staff mission’s recent visit, either.
After an initial presentation on structural benchmarks, indicative targets and qualitative performance indicators required under the IMF programme, committee chairman Naveed Qamar asked journalists to leave the meeting for an in-camera question-answer session amid protest by Omar Ayub Khan.
In-camera session
Earlier, during the portion of the NA committee meeting that was open to journalists, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that Pakistan was entering into a 10-year Country Partnership Framework with the World Bank to address “existential challenges” like population growth, child stunting and climate change.
Mr Aurangzeb, who has long termed these three areas as ‘existential issues’ facing the country, said Pakistan would have to push through the long delayed structural reforms and there was no room for complacency.
The only option, he said, was to stay the course with reforms committed with the IMF for correcting the taxation system, energy and state-owned entities and public finances.
Testifying before the NA Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, presided by Syed Naveed Qamar, the finance minister said the government was committed to these reforms for sustainable development, but warned that without controlling the growing population, economic reforms were meaningless as this was “one of the biggest challenges undermining Pakistan’s long-term economic stability”.
Circular debt
In his remarks after the meeting, Mr Ayub termed the government’s target of privatisation of two distribution companies ‘unrealistic’, given the fact that it had ‘miserably’ failed in a straightforward privatisation transaction of PIA, whose assets, routes, financials and other factors were known to everybody.
Besides, he added, the investment climate for power sector was also not favourable. He claimed that the finance minister had smiled at his comments on the power sector and investment climate, and agreed they were true.
Mr Khan said the government had made commitments for stopping the flow of circular debt which had in recent months grown at the rate of Rs45-55 billion per month while fixed capacity payments were increasing because of fall in electricity consumption.
He said four LNG plants set up on the ‘take or pay’ contract for LNG procurement from Qatar entailed outflow of $750-850 million on a monthly basis. He alleged that the government was trying to delay LNG cargos or terminate their contracts while the LNG power plants must run.
Given the sovereign contracts, additional LNG inflows were adding pipeline pressures and increasing gas sector circular debt. He said Ogra was asking for increasing gas rates while the government would be forced to pump LNG to the domestic sector to meet gas shortfall at lower rates.
Internet woes
Omar Ayub said the government also talked about increase in IT exports but was told by the members that even Monday’s newspapers and television channels were full of complaints against “internet policing”, and digital control where every byte and megabyte was being checked.
He claimed the FBR chief was warned that PTA and Nadra were run by officers in uniform and soon he could also lose job to another security officer.
He alleged that the government had “zero plan for tax”. He said the committee was told by the FBR that its target for revenue from cigarettes was impacted by smuggling.
Mr Khan said the government boasted about stock market progress but could not justify this “pump and dump show” given the fact that initial public offerings since last year were unnoticeable.
“Ask anybody in the street about economy and you will know the truth. The engine is out of order but the vehicle is being manually pushed.” he said.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1876373/omar-ayub-unhappy-with-na-briefing-on-imf-programme
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North America
Trump threatens Hamas with ‘hell to pay’
2 Dec, 2024
US President-elect Donald Trump has warned that there will be “all hell to pay in the Middle East” if Hamas does not release its remaining Israeli hostages before he assumes office. Trump has pressed both Israel and the Palestinian militants to end their conflict before his inauguration.
Hamas militants captured more than 250 hostages during their assault on Israel last October. While 105 were freed during a short-lived truce the following month and several others rescued this year, around 100 are believed to remain in Gaza, with Hamas tying their release to an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave – a condition that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to accept.
”Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday.
The incoming president then declared that “if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.”
“Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America,” he concluded.
Trump has promised to settle multiple global crises upon his return to the White House, most notably the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While he has offered few specifics as to how he will do this, he previously forced foreign powers to the negotiating table with threats of violence or economic punishment. Before holding a series of cordial meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his first term, Trump threatened Pyongyang with “fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before.”
Before winning last month’s presidential election, Trump reportedly told Netanyahu that he wants Israel’s war on Hamas wrapped up before inauguration day. While Trump has not acknowledged making these comments to Netanyahu, he has publicly called on Israel to “finish up your war” several times this year.
Speaking to Axios on Friday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham claimed that Trump is “more determined than ever to release the hostages and supports a ceasefire that includes a hostage deal.” Graham, a foreign policy hawk, explained that Trump wants to reach a deal on Gaza so he can focus on other issues, including the normalization of Israeli-Saudi relations and building a regional coalition against Iran.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/608598-trump-hamas-threat-hostages/
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CAIR Reiterates Call for Senate to Reject Pete Hegseth After ‘Kill All Muslims’ Report
December 2, 2024
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today reiterated its call for the Senate to reject the nomination of Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense after reports that he repeatedly shouted “kill all Muslims” in “a drunk and a violent manner” in 2015.
CAIR previously called for the Senate to reject Hegseth due to his calls for the destruction of Al-Aqsa Masjid, support for war crimes, and over his past smears targeting Muslims and Islam.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Based on his current views and past actions, it is clear Mr. Hegseth is totally inappropriate as a nominee for secretary of defense. Anyone who – even in a drunken state – would call for the slaughter of all members of a faith has disqualified himself from holding an important position that would inevitably interact with representatives of Muslim-majority nations.”
He noted that Hegseth has a tattoo stating “”Deus Vult,” Latin for “God wills it.” That phrase was the battle cry of the First Crusade.
In the coming weeks and the next session of Congress, CAIR plans to call on members of the U.S. Senate to scrutinize and reject extremist cabinet nominees based on each individual’s public record and positions that reveal a history of intolerance, extremism, or allegiance to foreign interests over American priorities.
CAIR has welcomed the Trump administration’s decision not to appoint former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to roles in the new administration and urged President-elect Trump to appoint foreign policy officials who will respect international law and prioritize American interests over those of any foreign nation, including Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Source:cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-reiterates-call-for-senate-to-reject-pete-hegseth-after-kill-all-muslims-report/
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Ontario launches major US ad campaign amid Trump's tariff threat
DECEMBER 3, 2024
Jessica Murphy
Ontario has launched a multi-million dollar US ad campaign, touting itself as an "ally to the north" following Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on all Canadian goods.
President-elect Trump has said he would impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods on his first day in office unless both countries secured their shared borders with the US.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the tariff threat similar to “a family member stabbing you right in the heart”.
The province, which is at the heart of the highly integrated auto industry in Canada, would be especially hard hit by the threatened levy. Trade between Ontario and the US totalled more than C$493bn ($350bn) in 2023.
The 60-second ad launched on Monday will run throughout the holiday season in the US, including on Fox News and during National Football League games.
It will also appear at Washington DC airports and later on billboards and digitally on the Fox Sports app in key US states.
The ad opens with the line: “For generations, this ally to the North has been by your side: Ontario, Canada, a partner connected by shared history, shared values and a shared vision for what we can achieve together."
It notes that Ontario - which has a population of 16 million people - is the third largest trading partner with the US and the primary export destination for 17 states.
The provincial trade minister, Vic Fedeli, told Global News on Monday that 100 million viewers are going to see the commercial "and even more on Monday Night Football".
The ad campaign has been in the works for months, Ontario officials said, and is part of an outreach to US lawmakers.
Trump's tariff threat has set off alarm bells in Canada, and experts warn that it would also have serious implications for American industries, including auto manufacturers, farmers and food packagers.
Mexico, China and Canada together account for more than a third of the goods and services both imported and exported by the US, supporting tens of millions of American jobs.
It remains unclear whether the incoming administration will move ahead with the tariffs, as analysts note that Trump has been known to use such threats as a negotiating tactic.
On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had dinner with Trump at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago resort as he seeks to head off the hefty tariffs.
Trump called the dinner a "very productive meeting" and Trudeau described it as an "excellent conversation".
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx9ldp7nqlo
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Mideast
UN chief says situation in Gaza ‘appalling and apocalyptic’
December 02, 2024
CAIRO: The United Nations chief said Monday the situation in war-torn Gaza was “appalling and apocalyptic,” warning conditions faced by Palestinians in the territory may amount to the “gravest international crimes.”
In remarks read out on his behalf at a Cairo conference aimed at increasing humanitarian aid, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to “build a foundation for sustainable peace in Gaza and across the Middle East.”
The war in Gaza broke out when Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed 44,429 people in Gaza, according to figures from the territory’s health ministry that the UN considers reliable.
Guterres highlighted the devastating toll of the conflict and the urgent need for international action.
“Malnutrition is rampant... Famine is imminent. Meanwhile, the health system has collapsed,” he said.
The UN chief added that Gaza now has “the highest number of children amputees per capita anywhere in the world,” with “many losing limbs and undergoing surgeries without even anesthesia.”
The secretary-general also criticized the severe restrictions on aid delivery, calling the current levels “grossly insufficient.”
According to the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) count, only 65 aid trucks per day had been able to enter Gaza this past month, compared to a pre-war average of 500.
International aid organizations have repeatedly raised alarm over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, warning that civilians are on the brink of famine.
They have said aid shipments reaching the enclave are now at their lowest since the start of the war.
Israel, which early in the conflict imposed a complete siege for a period on the Hamas-ruled territory, has blamed aid issues on what it says is the inability of relief organizations to handle and distribute large quantities of aid.
UN’s Guterres said on Monday that the blockade of aid to Gaza “is not a crisis of logistics” but rather “a crisis of political will and of respect for fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.”
UNRWA said all the attempts it has made to deliver aid into northern Gaza have either been “denied” or “impeded” between October 6, 2024 and November 25, amid fierce fighting in the area.
Guterres said “if UNRWA is forced to close, the responsibility of replacing its vital services ... would rest with Israel.”
In his speech at the conference, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said that the agency “remains the backbone of humanitarian response” in Gaza.
He also called for the use of “a robust international legal and political framework” to ensure the continuation of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Without this, humanitarians, however selfless and courageous, cannot stay and deliver,” he added.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2581532/middle-east
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UN chief ‘alarmed’ by Syria violence, calls for end to fighting
December 02, 2024
NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “alarmed” by the escalation of violence in Syria and is calling for an immediate end to fighting, his spokesman said on Monday.
“All parties must do their utmost to protect civilians and civilian objects, including by allowing safe passage to civilians who are fleeing hostilities,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
“Syrians have endured the conflict for nearly 14 years. They deserve a political horizon that will deliver a peaceful future, not more bloodshed,” he added.
UN peacekeeping operations in the country have been “largely suspended” across Aleppo, Idlib and Hama due to security concerns, Dujarric said.
“This has led to severe disruption in people’s ability to access lifesaving assistance,” he said, adding that the United Nations remains committed to delivering humanitarian aid.
Dujarric warned that “the presence of unburied bodies and lack of drinking water” in Syria threatens public health and said that damage to Aleppo’s university hospital had left hundreds of patients without care.
“Syria is also already one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with 16.7 million human beings in need of assistance and over 7 million people internally displaced,” he said. “More than half a million people have also fled from Lebanon to Syria in recent weeks, and winter conditions will only make the needs in the coming weeks even more acute.”
Syrian President Bashar Assad has branded the militants’ offensive an attempt to redraw the regional map.
“The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map,” a statement from Assad’s office quoted him as saying.
At a news conference in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan blamed the recent flare-up of the conflict on the Syrian government’s refusal to enter a dialogue with the anti-government forces that Turkiye supports. “Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people,” the Turkish minister said. “Turkiye is ready to make all the necessary contributions toward this.”
Turkiye has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security threats from groups affiliated with Kurdish militants along its southern border and to help ensure the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees.
Assad has insisted that Turkiye’s withdrawal of its forces from northern Syria be a condition for any normalization between the two countries.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2581558/middle-east
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Muslim Scholars Demand International Investigation
03 Dec 2024
Doha - Saba: The International Union of Muslim Scholars called for the formation of an international investigation committee into the internationally banned weapons used during the Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip.
According to the Palestinian Media Center, the union called in the final statement of the fourth meeting of the Board of Trustees of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, which concluded in Doha, to announce the criminal weapons used to burn and fumigate bodies to hide the crime.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3404715.htm
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Israel tells residents to evacuate areas of south Gaza
December 03, 2024
JERUSALEM: The Israeli army called on Monday for some areas of the southern Gaza Strip to be evacuated, warning that Palestinian militants were launching rockets from there.
It is the first such call in weeks relating to the south of the embattled Palestinian territory after the military turned its attention to the north in October.
“Terrorist organizations are once again firing rockets toward the State of Israel from your area,” military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post in Arabic on X, addressing residents of the Khan Yunis area.
“For your safety, you must evacuate the area immediately and move to the humanitarian zone,” he said, sharing a map of the area in question.
Earlier on Monday, the Israeli military said in a statement that “one projectile that crossed into Israeli territory from Khan Yunis was intercepted” by the Israeli air force.
Hamas’s armed wing later claimed responsibility, saying it had fired rockets toward southern Israel.
Israel has destroyed large swathes of Gaza since it launched a retaliatory military offensive following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack.
The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
At least 44,466 Palestinians, a majority of them civilians, have been killed in Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to data provided by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The UN has acknowledged these figures as reliable.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2581566/middle-east
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Far-right Israeli minister slams ‘coup’ after arrests
December 03, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir condemned Monday the arrests of a senior prison official and two police officers linked to him as an attempt to oust him.
The three, who media say are close to Ben Gvir, were arrested on suspicion of bribery, abuse of office and breach of trust, according to reports.
Police have not commented on the arrests.
“This is a coup d’etat... a political decision,” Ben Gvir said in televised comments.
He called the arrests “an attempt to bring me down, me, the government and the prime minister,” Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The decision to investigate police officers and a senior prison service official who are clearly and fully implementing my policy... is a political decision,” Ben Gvir added.
Israeli media said on Monday the prison service official questioned by police was the chief, Kobi Yaakobi, a close friend of Ben Gvir who was appointed in January.
Ben Gvir on Monday posted on his Telegram channel a photo with Yaakobi and the words: “Kobi, we love you.”
Last week the minister gave his “full” support to four people working in his office, who Israeli media said were questioned by police as part of a probe into the alleged issuing of weapons permits illegally.
Ben Gvir also directly attacked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who had previously provoked the ire of some ministers in the current government.
“In order for the right-wing government to function, without the legal adviser preventing it, we must stop this crazy campaign and legal coup,” Ben Gvir said.
He urged Netanyahu to discuss in Sunday’s cabinet meeting ending Baharav-Miara’s mandate.
In March last year, it was Baharav-Miara who deemed “illegal” one of Netanyahu’s public interventions on proposed judicial system reforms then dividing the country.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2581569/middle-east
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Pres. Pezeshkian reiterates call for Islamic unity in speech
December 02, 2024
President Pezeshkian briefed the nation in 2nd TV interview on Monday evening. The interview was broadcast live on Iran's national TV.
Pezeshkian said that has had nearly 100 meetings with officials of other countries since he took office last summer.
The president said that his administration is seeking to develop relations with all countries in the world, while prioritizing broadening ties with Muslim and neighboring nations.
He reiterated Iran's call for Islamic unity, stressing that "We are like brothers with all our neighbors.... The colonialists want to provoke us into a fight, but we must be vigilant."
"In my talks today with officials from various countries, including Russia, Syria, and Qatar, we agreed on an important point that we should not let terrorists shed blood again in the region."
On recent talks between Iranian and European diplomats, the president said that, "We were planned to have talks with the Europeans .... but they sanctioned us again."
"Representatives of the foreign ministers held talks in Europe. The Europeans sanctioned our planes and ships," Pezeshkian said.
"Despite all this, we are seeking peace and security. The mischief of the Europeans is what prevents us from solving our problems in the country," he highlighted.
Pezeshkian also noted that he had very constructive talks with European officials in New York.
"US-Israeli escalation of conflicts in the region disrupted Iran-EU talks," he continued to say.
Source:mehrnews.com
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/225163/Pres-Pezeshkian-delivers-speech-to-nation-on-TV
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Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
02 Dec 2024
Occupied Quds - Saba:
Settlers stormed, on Monday morning, the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, under the protection of the Zionist enemy police.
According to local sources, dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in successive groups from the Mughrabi Gate, carried out provocative tours, and performed Talmudic rituals in its courtyards.
Since the start of the comprehensive Israeli aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in October 2023, the occupation forces have tightened their measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the entrances to the Old City.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3404431.htm
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Europe
Mosque And Islamic Education Centre Looks To Extend Slough Base
02 December 2024
Anaka Nair
A proposal to extend a mosque and Islamic education centre in Slough has been submitted to the council.
Manor Park Pavilion is currently home to the Ujala Foundation, and these plans are for two single-storey side extensions of the existing building.
The charity began its services at Manor Park Community Centre in 2011 before relocating to its current venue in 2018.
It has leased the 1,040sqm site on Villers Road from the council for six years and recently extended it as a base for another 20 years.
In addition to daily prayers, some activities include an elderly lunch club, a ladies' coffee morning and health and fitness class, the Ujala Walk Group, a youth club, a weekend school, Quran classes and a ladies' Tajweed class.
The charity has been ‘extremely successful’ in providing services and helping people ‘integrate [into] English society, culture and education’, the applicant added.
Furthermore, this centre has ‘reduced the burden’ on other community centres in Slough.
The applicant said in a statement: “The centre has become useful in helping and advising the Muslim youth in integrating with the British society as well as having respect for the laws of the land.”
The original building was extended more than 15 years ago but has been ‘outgrown’ by members, making this proposed extension ‘vital’ for its continued use.
“One of our key aims of Ujala Foundation is to build bridges of peace and unity across our multicultural society,” the applicant said.
“The proposal is for an Islamic Culture and Education Community Centre to provide Islamic education to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, as well as understanding about the Islamic religion.”
The site lies within a commercial and residential area, and the scale of development matches those of a similar design in the retail units next to the site.
The site is also accessible as the applicant believes 99 per cent of visitors will walk as they are largely based in close proximity to the centre.
Car parking 'has never been an issue', the applicant added with resident permit parking on neighbouring Wellesley Road and one-hour free parking for guests.
During prayer times, the centre can expect approximately 30 to 40 people daily and between 20 and 30 attendees to programs such as learning English language and culture.
Staff at the centre relay information and provide help to those who may encounter domestic, financial, housing or legal problems 'where language and culture may be a hindrance', says the applicant.
Noise-generating activities during construction will be identified sensitively with work proposed to take place between Monday and Friday from 8am until 6pm, and Saturday from 8.30am to 12pm.
Source:sloughexpress.co.uk
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https://www.sloughexpress.co.uk/news/planning/199257/mosque-and-islamic-education-centre-looks-to-extend-slough-base.html
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Wokingham: New Muslim burial plots identified amid shortage
2nd December
By Ruth Lucas
More Islamic burial spaces have been identified in the Wokingham Borough after warnings that capacity could soon run out.
Faith leaders, councillors and MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang raised concerns that spaces available in Mays Lane cemetery in Earley and Shinfield cemetery were ‘almost used up’.
The religion requires burials to be undertaken as soon as possible after death and for the graves to be dug so they are perpendicular to the holy city of Mecca.
It is also customary for the graves to be separate from other faiths.
Wokingham Borough’s Council leader Stephen Conway said the ‘critical issue’ would be met with swift action, with options to increase capacity being considered.
Now, additional spaces have been identified and are available for use, while plans have been put in place for more plots in other areas of the borough.
Nine burial plots have been identified in Shinfield Cemetery. The authority says plans have been put in place for two more, which could be delivered within a month.
Ten more spaces have been identified at St Sebastian's, where provision could be made available immediately.
The council is looking to take more medium and long-term action to ensure future provision of spaces.
MP for Woodley and Earley Yuan Yang, whose constituency’s Muslim residents make up about 10 per cent of the population, said it was a ‘deeply pressing and troubling issue’.
She met with faith leaders and councillor Majid Nagra on Saturday, November 23 to discuss the issue.
During the meeting, Shakil Khan and Faisal Mushtaq from Aisha Mosque said they were concerned about having to travel out of the borough to Reading or Bracknell, where they would have to pay higher charges than in Wokingham.
According to Councillor Majid Nagra, prices at Caversham Cemetery are currently three times more expensive than those in Wokingham.
Ms Yang wrote to Earley Town Council, which runs the Mays Lane cemetery, and Wokingham Borough Council, which manages the site at Shinfield to push for more spaces to be created.
Dignity in death is a fundamental human need for us all, regardless of religion or place of residence," she wrote.
"I am mindful of the worry this problem adds for those residents who are already dealing with the stress of family illness or bereavement."
Councillor Basit Alvi, who raised the issue to the council leader on November 21, said he was ‘delighted’ at the ‘immediate’ response from the authority.
Source:bracknellnews.co.uk
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https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/24765357.wokingham-new-muslim-burial-plots-identified-amid-shortage/
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Offa acquires Bank of Ireland's Islamic home finance portfolio
2nd December 2024
Islamic property finance fintech company, Offa, has purchased Bank of Ireland’s Alburaq Sharia-compliant home finance portfolio.
The deal includes over 350 home purchase plans.
The Birmingham based Offa team worked with law firm Norton Rose Fulbright to create a Sharia-compliant funding structure to overcome tax legislation issues affecting Sharia-compliant finance firms, becoming one of the first financial institutions to buy an Islamic home finance book in the UK.
The deal now means those transferred over to Offa will have access to a wider range of Sharia-compliant property finance products.
Amir Firdaus, CFO at Offa (pictured above), said: “It is testament to Offa’s abilities that Bank of Ireland has agreed to sell their Islamic home finance portfolio to us, this marks another chapter in Offa’s ambitious growth plans.
“Members of the Offa executive team are already very much familiar with Alburaq’s clients, having helped distribute this book almost two decades ago, and we are delighted that these customers are now coming home to us.
“Those who have been transferred as part of this purchase and are eligible will now have access to a wider range of Sharia-compliant property re-financing options.
“We are now focused on ensuring a seamless migration for customers to our servicing platform.”
David Shearer, partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, said: “Our focus is always on delivering successful outcomes for our clients and we are delighted to have aided Offa in acquiring the Alburaq portfolio via one of the first Sharia-compliant tranched private securitisations in the UK.
“It marks a significant evolution of the UK’s Islamic finance market and we expect that UK Sharia-compliant securitisations will quickly grow in volume and sophistication.”
Source:bridgingandcommercial.co.uk
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https://www.bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/article-desc.php?id=20827
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Femicide victim's family awaits killer's sentence, and change in Italy
December 03, 2024
A verdict is expected on Tuesday in a murder case that gripped Italy and sparked a heated debate on the issue of violence against women.
Prosecutors have asked that Filippo Turetta, 22, be sentenced to life in jail for stabbing to death his ex-girlfriend Giulia Cecchettin last November.
Over the last year a huge amount of detail about the killing has emerged, forming a picture of an increasingly anguished young woman harassed by her possessive ex-boyfriend who refused to accept the end of their relationship.
The case, which captivated Italians, has thrust the concepts of femicide, patriarchy and male violence into the headlines.
On 11 November 2023 Mr Turetta picked up his ex-girlfriend Ms Cecchettin, a 22-year-old biomedical engineering student from the Venice province, to take her shopping for an outfit for her upcoming graduation.
Later that evening, he stabbed her more than 70 times, and left the student's body at the bottom of a ditch, wrapped in plastic bags.
Then, he disappeared. For a week, Italians followed the search for the couple with baited breath. The discovery of Ms Cecchettin’s body on 18 November was met with an unprecedented outpouring of grief. The next day, Mr Turetta was arrested in Germany. He readily admitted to killing Ms Cecchettin and was extradited to Italy.
To raise awareness of the signs of controlling relationships, Ms Cecchettin’s family recently shared a list she wrote a few months before her death, titled “15 reasons I had to break up with him”.
In it, Ms Cecchettin said Mr Turetta insisted she had a “duty” to help him study, complained if she sent him fewer emoji hearts than usual, didn’t want her to go out with friends and needed her to text him all the time.
“They were the typical signs of possessiveness,” Giulia’s father Gino Cecchettin told the BBC. “He would deny her her own space, or demand to always be included. He always needed to know everything she said to her friends or even her therapist.”
“We realised later that she thought she was the cause of his pain, that she felt responsible for it,” he said.
In an 80-page statement written from jail in childlike handwriting, Mr Turetta said since Ms Cecchettin broke up with him he spent every day hoping to get back with her. “I didn't feel like I could accept any other outcome,” he wrote.
In his police interrogation Mr Turetta confirmed that, on the night he killed her, Ms Cecchettin had just told him he was too dependent and needy.
“I shouted that it wasn’t fair, that I needed her,” Mr Turetta said, adding that he killed her after getting “very angry” when she tried to get out of the car.
“I was selfish and it's only now I realise it,” he wrote. “I didn't think about how incredibly unfair that was to her and to the promising and wonderful life she had ahead of her.”
Mr Turetta’s lawyer Giovanni Caruso has argued that his client should be spared an “inhuman and degrading” life sentence and pushed back against allegations that the killing had been premeditated.
“He is not Pablo Escobar,” Mr Caruso said - a line of defence Giulia’s father told the BBC made him feel “violated all over again”.
Stories of femicide routinely top the news agenda in Italy, but Giulia Cecchettin’s story attracted an unusual amount of attention from the start. The week-long search for the young couple gripped people; the revelation that Ms Cecchettin had been killed just days before her graduation moved them. More than 10,000 attended her funeral.
But it was the tearful and furious interview given by Giulia’s sister Elena, in which she said that Filippo Turetta was not a “monster” but “the healthy son of a patriarchal society” which sparked a heated debate on male violence and gender roles in modern Italy.
Elena’s words reverberated. Suddenly, the patriarchy - a concept thought by many as arcane or irrelevant - was discussed widely.
“If you’re a man you’re part of a system that teaches you that you are worth more than women,” Mr Cecchettin told the BBC.
“It means that if you’re in a relationship everything needs to go through you... and so a patriarch can’t be told: ‘I don’t love you anymore’, because it goes against his sense of ownership.”
In November, at the launch of a foundation established by Gino Cecchettin in memory of Giulia, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara argued that the patriarchy no longer existed in Italy and said the rise in sexual violence was instead “linked to the marginalisation and perversion that stems from illegal immigration”.
The comments sparked outrage. “Giulia was killed by a respectable, white Italian man,” Elena Cecchettin hit back. “My father has done something to prevent violence. What is the government doing?”
Since his daughter’s death, Gino Cecchettin has thrown himself headfirst into a battle to teach teenagers how to handle emotions and relationships, touring schools to tell pupils his daughter's story.
He also hopes that sharing Giulia's own voice and words could help others - like one voice message she sent friends in which she sounds both exasperated by Mr Turetta’s insistence and riddled with guilt about his suicidal thoughts. “I wish I could disappear,” she says. “But I’m worried he could hurt himself.”
Elisa Ercoli of Differenza Donna, a charity that fights gender-based violence, told the BBC the messages had a tangible impact, with her organisation getting a high number of calls from parents who recognised similar behaviours in their daughters. "We think bruises are the problem but underhand psychological violence is the issue in many situations," she said.
A government department has also said that the national anti-violence helpline experienced a surge in calls after Ms Cecchettin’s murder, and that the number of calls is now 57% higher than last year.
But NGOs and opposition politicians are all demanding that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government take concrete steps to prevent and punish violence against women, such as “affectivity lessons” in schools.
“What the Cecchettin family is doing is a grain of sand compared to what the government would have the power to achieve,” said Francesca Ghio, a leftwing councillor in Genoa who recently publicly revealed she was raped when she was 12 - she said the decision to speak out was inspired by the “strength” of the Cecchettin family.
“They are turning their pain into love and action. We can’t just stand by.”
As the 10-week trial approached its end, Mr Cecchettin said he felt calm.
Remembering his "perfect daughter" who is now a household name, Mr Cecchettin said he thought there would be a "before" and an "after" Giulia's murder.
But while Italy has gained a symbol, his loss is incalculable. "I realised I can’t rewind life and time," he said, "and I realised that nobody can ever give me Giulia back.”
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyjnp74jldo
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Georgia’s moment of truth: Protesters demand Western path not Russian past
December 03, 2024
Night after night, Georgians have filled the broad central avenue that runs past parliament, in such great numbers there is barely space to move, on the road or the pavement either side.
They come to Rustaveli Avenue draped in flags, the blue and gold of the EU and the red and white of the George Cross, and accuse their increasingly authoritarian government of ditching their European future for a return to the sphere of their Russian neighbour.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, fervently denies any link to the Kremlin, but its actions in recent days have raised big questions about this country’s future with the West.
Not only has the party presided over a bitter fallout with the EU, it has just seen the US suspend Georgia’s hard-won strategic partnership too.
In a country of only 3.7 million people, these are dangerous as well as momentous times. One Georgian Dream supporter spoke of his country sitting at the edge of an abyss.
Through the night, whistles and the honk of vuvuzelas are occasionally punctuated by the crackle of protesters’ fireworks aimed at the imposing parliament building and the riot police standing guard with water cannon and tear gas.
For the first four nights, police waited until towards dawn before moving in to reclaim the street by force. But on Monday night they advanced far earlier, pushing protesters elsewhere.
Police have counted more than 100 injuries among their own force, while protesters in detention have endured beatings and serious facial and head injuries, according to lawyers, and dozens of TV reporters have come under attack.
“The scale of people being hunted down and beaten individually, so they have to be treated in clinics, has never been seen before here,” says Lasha Dzebisashvili, professor of politics at the University of Georgia.
Georgia’s public rights defender, Levan Ioseliani, says police have engaged in “brutality” and abused their authority with impunity. Government supporters argue police have come under intolerable attack from stones and fireworks.
It is a constitutional crisis with no obvious way out, unless one side blinks first. Will the government back down, or the protests fizzle out under pressure from police?
“No negotiations,” says Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, claiming without foundation that the protests are funded from abroad.
One couple say they will turn out every night in December until Georgian Dream changes tack and calls fresh elections, to erase a vote just over a month ago marred by a string of violations ranging from bribery to multiple voting.
Both sides accuse the other of lacking legitimacy.
The protesters, spurred on by a figurehead pro-Western president and four opposition groups, say the government is illegitimate; the opposition won’t enter parliament because of the “falsified elections”.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, says it won the vote fair and square and insists it’s the largely ceremonial president, Salome Zourabichvili, who has no legitimacy. Her time in office is almost up, so why is it she is the one who plans to stay on to maintain stability, it asks.
All the while neighbouring Russia trains a close eye, comparing events to Ukraine’s “Maidan”, when its unpopular president was ousted by pro-EU protesters in February 2014 and Russian troops and their proxies moved in to seize parts of the country.
“We’re losing our country,” says Nika Gvaramia, an opposition leader from the alliance Coalition for Change, and Georgians are facing a stark choice between either a European Georgia or Russia.
As he speaks, the protests are in full swing around the corner from his party HQ, and colleagues point to a CCTV video from inside their lobby a few days ago, showing a protester being beaten by police.
“We’re shaking this government. The rallies will go on for as long as needed. We have no other option. It’s a liberation fight. We know who we’re fighting with, and that’s Russia.”
The words “No to Russia” were daubed in big black graffiti on the front of the parliament building over the weekend and you can find the same kind of message on walls all over Tbilisi in varying degrees of bluntness.
It is also a message that carries different meanings here.
Georgian Dream’s highly controversial laws targeting civil society and LGBT groups this year have been branded Russian-style as well as anti-democratic.
The president has spoken of Georgian Dream’s election win as a Russian special operation, and there was an outcry afterwards when it emerged that a Russian called Alexander Malkevich who had set up a propaganda network in occupied eastern Ukraine had been given accreditation to cover the vote.
But none of that proves Russian interference, even if the billionaire driving force behind the party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, made his money in banking and steel in Russia, and critics believe he must still have contacts there.
A high-ranking Georgian Dream figure told the BBC back in October that Georgia had said no to Moscow a long time ago and that the "Russia card" was being used by the opposition to attack her party.
“Knowing a little bit of Georgian history… no government would be that stupid to start thinking about that,” said Maka Bochorishvili. Russia did fight a war with Georgia only 16 years ago.
She has since become Georgia’s foreign minister, the new face of this country’s diplomacy.
The crunch moment for Georgia and its relationship with the West came last Thursday, when the prime minister declared that the government had “decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union” on the agenda for the next four years.
Within hours, Russia’s Vladimir Putin had seized on his comments.
“I admired their courage and character, which they showed when defending their point of view,” he said, stressing that Russia had no direct relationship with Tbilisi.
Kobakhidze has even used the same kind of language as the Kremlin, accusing the opposition of planning a Ukraine-style "Maidan" revolution.
However, his point was that Georgian police would ensure it did not happen.
Thomas de Waal, a Caucasus specialist at Carnegie Europe, believes it’s a mistake to see any kind of close friendship with Russia.
“It’s a business relationship - there’s no diplomatic relationship. Things are going on behind the scenes but they’re more afraid of Russia than wanting to join Russia.”
Whatever the extent of contacts, Moscow is bound to prefer Georgian Dream, who have within a short period trashed Georgia’s links with the EU and US, to a passionately pro-Western opposition.
The nightly protests show no sign yet of abating, despite temperatures falling close to freezing, and there is no indication yet of a resolution.
Georgia has seen protests before, but not like this, says Lasha Dzebisashvili. Public servants from all walks of life have signed letters and petitions, and several ambassadors have resigned, including Georgia’s ambassador to the US, a clear blow for the ruling party.
The long stretch of Rustaveli Avenue is where this story will play out in front of parliament in Tbilisi, but the protests are being felt in other towns and cities too, including Batumi and Poti on the Black Sea, Zugdidi in the north-west and Kutaisi.
On Sunday night, a large crowd of protesters formed outside the public broadcaster, demanding that the president be given airtime rather than the usual pro-government fare.
It didn’t happen and gradually the protesters marched towards the centre of the capital, halting the traffic and chanting “Georgia, Georgia”.
Nika Gvaramia and his fellow opposition leaders believe the clear way out is for free and fair elections, not under the existing election commission but under the auspices of the EU and US: “If Georgian Dream is sure they won the elections, let’s go with new ones.”
That seems highly unlikely as it would require an implicit admission that the original vote was unfair.
GD supporter and university lecturer Levan Gigineishvili believes they just need to hold out for a new president in the US: “I think a great way out of this will be [Donald] Trump coming to power and then everything will change.”
But 20 January is a long way ahead and this small state in the Caucasus will not be top of his agenda. And Georgia’s business sector for one will not be happy with a continuing stalemate or with the government doing lasting damage to ties with the West.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj49xg5en09o
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Africa
Ghana Islamic School Students Trained In Gender-Based Violence
Dec - 02 - 2024
Over one hundred students of Hijaz Islamic Basic School at Korle Gonno, in Greater Accra, have been educated on the manifestations of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools and their communities.
The sessions, held under the Young Voices Matter: Empowering Boys and Girls in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence project, encouraged students to speak out against GBV.
This initiative is part of the United States Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Award Project led by Regina Asamoah, a multiple award-winning journalist and Founder of Missing Children Ghana.
The project is funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with Meridian International Center as the implementing partner.
Moderating the interactive sessions, Regina Asamoah emphasised that GBV in schools and communities was stifling children’s potential and childhood experiences. “Knowledge is power, and that is why we are here—to equip you with knowledge to empower you. Do not let cultural norms force you into silence. Silence hides violence,” she urged.
Criminal implications
ACP (retd) Dr Patience Ashorkor Quaye provided insights into GBV, its criminal implications and various forms, including bullying, sexual harassment and teasing.
Dr Quaye, who is also a Fellow of Missing Children Ghana, cautioned students against engaging in such behaviours and encouraged them to respect the rights of their peers.
Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, addressed Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).
He highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying, sextortion, deepfake and cyberstalking, advising students to think critically before sharing content online to avoid victimisation.
Emotional trauma
Dr Dzifa Abra Attah, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, delved into the emotional trauma caused by GBV.
She led students in a practical session on emotional resilience and urged them to seek guidance from trusted adults when dealing with GBV-related issues.
Dr Attah, who is also a Fellow of Missing Children Ghana, encouraged teachers to identify and support students who might be suffering silently.
The U.S. Embassy Ghana Alumni Coordinator, Chantel Bekoe, used the occasion to inform students about various educational opportunities offered by the embassy. She encouraged them to utilise the knowledge gained, noting that such opportunities were rare for students their age.
The headmistress of Hijaz Islamic Basic School, Ellen Adjaye-Gyamfi, expressed gratitude to the project team for selecting their school located in a community vulnerable to GBV.
She advocated similar sessions for the entire community.
Martha Breh, the Municipal School Improvement Support Officer, echoed this call, emphasising the need to extend such educational initiatives to other schools within the municipality to address the harmful effects of bullying, harassment and teasing.
To commemorate the sessions, the project team, assisted by Chantel Bekoe, presented a certificate of participation to the school and provided over 100 different educational posters on GBV for display in the school. These posters aim to reinforce learning and serve as a constant reminder to students to stand against GBV.
Source:graphic.com.gh
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-islamic-school-students-trained-in-gender-based-violence.html
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‘I Will Sack You, Withhold Your Salary If You Do Not Resume Within 72 Hours’ – APC Governor Threatens Workers
2 December 2024
Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has given the state striking workers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume work or face dismissal.
Naija News reports that the action of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor followed a seven-day warning strike embarked on by the Ebonyi State wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The NLC, Ebonyi State, had commenced a seven-day warning strike on Sunday over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.
While addressing journalists on Monday in his office at the new Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, Nwifuru threatened to withhold the workers’ salaries and replace them after their dismissal.
The Governor said the state government does not owe any worker, stressing it has also approved ₦75,000 as minimum wage and has already started paying.
Nwifuru said, “If you didn’t go to work, not only that I will not pay you salary, but I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.
“If I don’t see you in your office, consider yourself sacked. So far I am not guilty, I am not owing you.
“I am paying you what is supposed to be paid. And according to the agreement and the Constitution, I am not owing you. If you don’t go to work within 72 hours I will replace you.
“And I have called the state chairman of the Civil Service Commission. I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices. All the agencies, all the departments of government must be in their office and record the people that come to work. And that is the people I will pay through table payment.
“I will pay you by the number of days you attended to your duty in your office. If you don’t want to come to work, you will forget about the state government.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/02/i-will-sack-you-withhold-your-salary-if-you-do-not-resume-within-72-hours-apc-governor-threatens-workers/
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Tinubu Arrives In South Africa After France Visit
3 December 2024
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in South Africa to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Naija News reports that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Frederick Nwabufo, made this known in a terse statement via X on Tuesday.
The Presidential aide said Tinubu was received at the airport by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Roland Lamola, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The statement read, “President Tinubu in Cape Town, South Africa, for the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission meeting. He was received by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Roland Lamola, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.”
The President’s journey comes on the backheel of his recent state visit to France.
According to a statement on Sunday, December 1, by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader, would leave France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa.
He added that the presidential BNC, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.
During the visit, the two leaders will discuss topics bordering on political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments between Nigeria and South Africa.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/03/tinubu-arrives-in-south-africa-after-france-visit/
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Work To Restore Confidence In Legal System – Osigwe To Judges
2 December 2024
By Udeze Ekene
The President of Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, has called on judges to work towards restoring confidence of the citizens in the legal system.
Afam Osigwe said the judiciary remains the backbone of a just society. He charged judges to remain steadfast in delivering justice that is accessible swift, and impartial.
He stated this on Monday while addressing a Special Court Session marking the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year of the Federal High Court.
He noted that the judiciary had to reflect, renew, and recommit to the ideals of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
“Our judiciary, the backbone of a just society, must remain steadfast in delivering justice that is accessible, swift, and impartial. While challenges persist, from public perceptions of judicial performance to infrastructural and procedural inefficiencies, we must work together to bridge these gaps and restore trust in our legal system,” he said.
The NBA President emphasized the urgent need for reforms, including modernizing court filings system, addressing delays, enhancing judicial independence, and ensuring the welfare of judges and judicial staff.
He highlighted the importance of combating unethical practices like forum shopping in the legal system and commitment to fostering a justice system that Nigerians can rely on and trust.
“As we begin this new legal year, let us collectively strive to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Together, we can build a judiciary that truly serves as the last hope of the common man,” Osigwe stated.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/02/work-to-restore-confidence-in-legal-system-osigwe-to-judges/
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Biden arrives in Angola for his long-awaited sub-Saharan Africa visit
2 December 2024
President Joe Biden arrived in Angola on Monday for his long-awaited first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa .
Thousands of people lined the streets as Biden entered Angola's capital, Luanda.
Biden first stopped in the Atlantic Ocean island nation of Cape Verde for a brief, closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva. In Angola, Biden plans to meet with Angolan President João Lourenço, visit the National Slavery Museum and travel to the port city of Lobito for a look at the rail project.
His visit comes with weeks left in his presidency, as Republican Donald Trump prepares to take office on Jan. 20.
Biden promised to visit Africa last year after reviving the U.S.-Africa Summit in December 2022. The trip was pushed back to 2024 and delayed again this October because of Hurricane Milton, reinforcing a sentiment among Africans that their continent is still low priority for Washington.
The last U.S. president to visit sub-Saharan Africa was Barack Obama in 2015. Biden did attend a United Nations climate summit in Egypt in North Africa in 2022.
“I just kind of push back on the premise that this is some Johnny-come-lately trip at the very end,” national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters on board Air Force One on the way to Angola, noting that top administration officials had visited Africa, including Vice President Kamala Harris. “This is something he (Biden) has been focused on since he became president of the United States.”
A new strategy
Critical minerals are a key field for U.S.-China competition and China has a stranglehold on Africa’s critical minerals.
The U.S. has for years built relations in Africa through trade, security and humanitarian aid. The 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) railway upgrade is a different move and has shades of China’s Belt and Road foreign infrastructure strategy that has surged ahead.
The Biden administration has called the corridor one of the president’s signature initiatives, yet Lobito’s future and any change in the way the United States engages with a continent of 1.4 billion that’s leaning heavily toward China depends on the incoming administration of President-elect Trump.
“President Biden is no longer the story,” said Mvemba Dizolele, the director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. “Even African leaders are focused on Donald Trump.”
A fit for Trump’s vision?
The U.S. has committed $3 billion to the Lobito Corridor and related projects, administration officials said, alongside financing from the European Union, the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, a Western-led private consortium and African banks.
“A lot is riding on this in terms of its success and its replicability,” said Tom Sheehy, a fellow at the United States Institute of Peace, a nonpartisan federal research institution.
He called it one of the flagships for the G7’s new Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which was driven by Biden and aims to reach other developing nations as a response to China’s Belt and Road.
Many are optimistic that the Lobito project, which isn’t due for completion until well after Biden has left office, will survive a change of administration and be given a chance. It goes some way to blunting China, which has bipartisan backing and is high on Trump’s to-do list.
“As long as they keep labeling Lobito one of the main anti-China tools in Africa, there is a certain likelihood that it’s going to keep being funded,” said Christian-Géraud Neema, who analyzes China-Africa relations.
Kirby said the Biden administration hoped Trump and his team saw the value in Lobito but “we are still in office. We still have 50 days. This is a key major development not just for the United States and our foreign policy goals in Africa, but for Africans.”
The Lobito Corridor will be an upgrade and extension of a railway line from the copper and cobalt mines of northern Zambia and southern Congo to Angola’s Atlantic Ocean port of Lobito, a route west for Africa’s critical minerals. It also ultimately aims to extend from Zambia and Congo to Africa’s east coast through Tanzania and be a coast-to-coast rail link.
While Biden’s administration called it a “game-changer” for U.S. investment in Africa, it’s little more than a starting point for the U.S. and its partners with China dominant in the mining in Zambia and Congo. Congo has more than 70% of the world’s cobalt, most of which is heading to China to reinforce its critical mineral supply chain that the U.S. and Europe have to rely on.
Some success in Africa
Lobito was made possible by some American diplomatic success in Angola that led to a Western consortium winning the bid for the project in 2022 ahead of Chinese competition, a surprise given Angola’s long and strong ties with Beijing. China financed a previous redevelopment of the railway.
The Biden administration accelerated American outreach to Angola, turning around what was an antagonistic relationship three decades ago when the U.S. armed anti-government rebels in Angola’s civil war. U.S.-Angola trade was $1.77 billion last year, while the U.S. has a stronger stake in regional security through a strategic presence on the Atlantic Ocean, and Lourenço’s role mediating in a conflict in eastern Congo.
In Angola, Biden will announce new developments on health, agribusiness, security cooperation as well as the Lobito Corridor, White House officials said.
The visit, the first by a sitting U.S. president to Angola, will “highlight that remarkable evolution of the U.S.-Angola relationship,” said Frances Brown, a special assistant to the president and senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council.
It will also draw attention to a perennial challenge for America’s value-based diplomacy in Africa. International rights groups have used Biden’s trip to criticize the Lourenço government’s authoritarian shift. Political opponents have been imprisoned and allegedly tortured, while security and other laws have been passed in Angola that severely restrict freedoms, throwing some scrutiny on Washington’s new African partnership.
Source:africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/12/02/biden-arrives-in-angola-for-his-long-awaited-sub-saharan-africa-visit/
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Southeast Asia
Court Tells Muslim Preacher Firdaus Wong To Remove Child Conversion Video, Allegedly Promoting Secret Underage Religious Conversions
By Malay Mail
03 Dec 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — The High Court has instructed preacher Firdaus Wong to remove a video allegedly promoting secret underage religious conversions pending the outcome of a suit filed by eight non-Muslim parents.
According to Free Malaysia Today, Justice Amarjeet Singh said the video breached Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution, which stipulates that the religion of a person under 18 is determined by their parent or guardian.
The court also ordered Firdaus to pay RM5,000 in costs to the plaintiffs and fixed March 29 for a hearing on the originating summons.
Firdaus’s lawyers informed the court that the TikTok video, which surfaced in June and led to multiple police reports, had already been taken down prior to the hearing.
The plaintiffs, represented by lawyers M Visvanathan, V Pushan, and V Sanjay, are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Firdaus from making similar statements in the future.
In his defence, Firdaus denied the allegations, but police investigations are ongoing under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code for statements allegedly causing public mischief.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/03/court-tells-muslim-preacher-firdaus-wong-to-scrub-child-conversion-video/158764
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Indonesian minister says Prabowo asked him to continue as grand imam
December 2, 2024
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said on Monday that President Prabowo Subianto has asked him to continue as Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque.
"When asked about Istiqlal, he (Prabowo) said, 'Don't worry; you can hold both positions. We will arrange things so you can concurrently serve as Minister of Religious Affairs and Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque,'" Umar said.
Speaking at an event for International Anti-Corruption Day in Jakarta, he added that the conversation with Prabowo occurred before his ministerial appointment.
Umar said he had never considered serving as a minister, as he did not believe he was the right candidate to lead the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
He said there were many individuals more deserving and competent for the post.
"I said, 'We will serve you (Prabowo) even outside the (government) structure. It would be fine if you found someone more competent than me. Serving as Grand Imam of Istiqlal is enough for me,'" he recalled.
However, Prabowo remained resolute about appointing Umar as his main aide in religious affairs.
Umar affirmed his commitment to executing all directives entrusted to him by the president, including reforming the ministry, particularly by eliminating corrupt practices.
Source:antaranews.com
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/336669/indonesian-minister-says-prabowo-asked-him-to-continue-as-grand-imam
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Sultan Ibrahim warns UPNM to stop linking his name with the university if bullying culture continues
By Ben Tan
03 Dec 2024
JOHOR BARU, Dec 3 — Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today warned the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) to stop associating his name with the institution if it fails to eradicate its culture of bullying and abuse.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong expressed sadness over past cases of abuse at UPNM that caused injuries and deaths, saying commanders and officers should take responsibility.
“UPNM commanders and officers must be held accountable and resign for failing in their duties. Parents send their children here to become military officers, not to be abused,” he said during his address at his proclamation as UPNM Chancellor and the 14th convocation ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre today.
Excerpts of his speech were shared on the King’s official Facebook page and reposted by the Royal Press Office (RPO).
Sultan Ibrahim criticised the university for failing to take serious action despite previous abuse cases being brought to court.
“UPNM’s philosophy is to be a leading university in defence, military and security studies. Military discipline and culture are core to this institution,” he said.
“To produce military officers, rigorous physical and mental training is necessary, but this must never involve abuse leading to injuries or deaths,” he added.
The King, who underwent military training in his youth, described the bullying culture at UPNM as inhumane.
He urged the Defence Ministry to prioritise action on a recent bullying case where a cadet trainee suffered fractured ribs and a spinal injury after being stomped on by a senior student.
The October 21 incident, involving a 19-year-old cadet and a third-year student, is being investigated under Section 325 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
This is the third reported case of bullying-related assaults at UPNM in seven years. Another case involved a senior allegedly pressing a hot iron onto a junior’s chest.
The most tragic case was the 2017 death of cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, who was tortured and burned with a hot iron. Six UPNM trainees were later convicted of his murder.
Sultan Ibrahim urged immediate action to restore UPNM’s reputation and called for an end to its toxic culture.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/03/sultan-ibrahim-warns-upnm-to-stop-linking-his-name-with-the-university-if-bullying-culture-continues/158752
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PM Anwar lauds frontline heroes, calls on private sector to assist nearly 100,000 victims
03 Dec 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended the dedication and high spirits shown by security personnel, healthcare workers, and federal and state government agencies in managing the welfare and needs of flood victims.
“Their tireless efforts, even having to be away from their families, will be remembered as an invaluable sacrifice to the people and the nation,” Anwar said in a Facebook statement last night.
The Prime Minister also urged the private sector to join in and foster a spirit of unity by participating in aid missions to assist those in need and affected by the floods.
“All parties should step forward and help alleviate the burden of those affected so they can return to their normal lives,” he added.
As of 8 pm tonight, the number of flood victims housed in relief centres across eight states stands at 99,823. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/03/pm-anwar-lauds-frontline-heroes-calls-on-private-sector-to-assist-nearly-100000-victims/158748
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Penang High Court awards RM400,000 to CM Kon Yeow in his defamation suit against tycoon Tan Kok Ping
By Opalyn Mok
03 Dec 2024
GEORGE TOWN, Dec 3 — The Penang High Court has awarded Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow with RM350,000 in damages and RM50,000 in costs in his defamation suit against Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce life honorary president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping.
Penang High Court Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon said Chow, as the plaintiff, has successfully proven his case for defamation against the defendant, Tan.
He found that Chow’s suit had satisfied all three elements in defamation, in that the impugned statement made by Tan had referred to Chow, that the statements were defamatory and that the statements were published.
“It is also my findings that the defences of justification, fair comment and qualified privilege were not proven and I find the defendant had acted with malice and was not entitled to rely on fair comment or qualified privilege,” he said.
He said the defamatory statement, that was uttered in Mandarin, lies in three words that translated to mean incompetent, ignorant and shameless.
“The plaintiff is the chief minister of Penang and must be perceived as capable and intelligent in the performance of his duties, he must command respect from the people of Penang,” he said when reading out the grounds for his judgement.
He said when an influential figure like Tan accused Chow of being incompetent, ignorant and shameless, it has the propensity to smear Chow’s reputation.
He also said that whatever the reasons Tan had to call a press conference on October 18 last year, there was no cause for Tan to single out Chow for public humiliation by describing him with those three words.
He said the press conference was on the joint development agreement (JDA) of the BKIP2 project but at the time of the press conference, the JDA was already terminated and the BKIP2 project had ceased to exist.
“Therefore, public interest was not served when it was on something that does not exist and this statement was not made on a privileged occasion as the public has no legal or moral duty of being informed of a non-existent project,” he said.
While he said there was a project and there were a lot of questions circling the project, at the end of the day, the JDA was terminated and the project had ceased to exist.
Quay said the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had embarked on a different approach for the project so it was time to move on and not be saddled with the past.
He also found that Tan’s anger towards Chow regarding the Silver Jubilee Home issue had never subsided.
“Hence, when the opportunity arose for him to publicly humiliate the plaintiff, in respect of an issue which was unrelated to the Silver Jubilee fund, the defendant seized it,” he said.
He said a parallel can be drawn between what Tan said in his resignation letter from the Silver Jubilee trustee board and in his statement in the press conference made four months later.
“In essence, both amounted to a scathing attack on the character of Chow in his position as chief minister,” he said.
He said the circumstances under which Tan’s resignation letter was written might be different from the press conference but the nature of attack in both instances is the same.
“The attack is directed at the competency of the plaintiff as the chief minister, the statement made at the press conference and at paragraph 11 of the resignation letter bears similar connotations, thus when the defendant uttered the impugned statement, it is not wrong to postulate that he was echoing what was said four months earlier in his resignation letter,” he said.
In Chow’s suit, he had asked for damages of RM300,000 for each publication of the impugned statements made by Tan which totalled to RM2.1 million.
Quay said he is not in favour of making separate awards for each publication so he is awarding global damages of RM350,000 to Chow with interests of five per cent per annum from the date of judgement.
“In line of giving a single award, I won’t make a separate award on aggravated damages and exaggerated damages is not warranted as the defendant did not make the statement to enrich himself,” he said.
He also awarded Chow RM50,000 in costs.
“On apology, I decline to use my discretion to make an order as to forcing a public apology,” he said.
He said there was no indication from the defendant of any willingness to apologise and that a willingness to apologise should be sincere and conceived in a contrite heart.
“It is counterproductive to force an apology when he’s steadfast in his stance that the wrong he did was supposedly right,” he said.
Chow had filed the defamation suit against Tan after the latter made those remarks in a press conference regarding the proposed development project between PDC and Umech Land Sdn Bhd.
PDC had announced the termination of the JDA with Umech Land before Tan called the press conference where he called Chow incompetent, ignorant and shameless in Mandarin.
Tan’s remarks were published in six Chinese newspapers and one English daily.
Source:malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/03/penang-high-court-awards-rm400000-to-cm-kon-yeow-in-his-defamation-suit-against-tycoon-tan-kok-ping/158744
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South Asia
Dhaka slams 'heinous attack' on its Agartala mission
Dec 2, 2024
The government of Bangladesh today said it "deeply resents" the "violent demonstration and attack" by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, underlined that this "heinous attack" on a diplomatic mission of Bangladesh and desecration of the national flag of Bangladesh comes in a pattern, further to a similar violent demonstration in Kolkata on 28 November 2024.
"This particular act in Agartala stands in violation of the inviolability of diplomatic missions, as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, asks for," the ministry said.
As it is the responsibility of the host government to protect the diplomatic missions from any form of intrusion or damage, Dhaka called upon New Delhi to take immediate action to address this incident and undertake a thorough investigation into the incident.
Bangladesh sought steps to prevent any further acts of violence against the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India, including the safety and security of the diplomats and the non-diplomatic members of staff and members of their families.
"The accounts received conclusively attest that the protesters were allowed to aggress into the premises, by breaking down the main gate of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in a pre-planned manner," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In the process, in the presence of the members of the local law enforcement agencies, they vandalised the flag pole, desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh and also damaged properties inside the Assistant High Commission, the government of Bangladesh said.
Regrettably, the ministry said, the local police persons present there to protect the premises were found not to be active in containing the situation from the beginning.
All members of the Assistant High Commission are left with a deep sense of insecurity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The government of India, in a separate statement, said they are taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country.
"The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable," said the Ministry of External Affairs.
Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances, the Indian ministry said.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/dhaka-slams-heinous-attack-its-agartala-mission-3766861
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Police detain Rohingya man trying to register as Bangladeshi voter
Dec 2, 2024
Police detained a Rohingya man while he was attempting to register as a voter in Sadullapur upazila of Gaibandha yesterday.
The detainee was identified as Nurul Amin, said an Election Commission press release on Monday.
Nurul visited the Sadullapur Upazila Election Office on Sunday to register as a voter. Two Bangladeshi individuals, Tayeb Sarkar and Jibon Kresh Dipan Ujjal, recommended him for registration, it said.
When election office staff questioned him about his identity and address, Nurul could not respond satisfactorily. His inconsistent answers raised suspicions, prompting the staff to inform the police.
Police arrived at the election office, investigated the matter, and confirmed that Nuru was not a Bangladeshi citizen but a member of the Rohingya community, the release also said.
Sadullapur Upazila Election officer filed a case at the local police station and handed Nurul over to the authorities.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/police-detain-rohingya-man-trying-register-bangladeshi-voter-3766771
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Afghanistan Seeks Iranian Expertise to Advance Agriculture and Livestock
2024-12-03
KABUL(BNA): A delegation from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, led by Deputy Minister Mawlawi Sadr Azam Osmani, has traveled to Iran to enhance agricultural collaboration and attract investment.
According to a statement from the ministry’s media office, the delegation plans to introduce Afghanistan’s agricultural and livestock opportunities to Iranian investors, offering assurances to encourage their investments in the sector.
The delegation is also scheduled to meet officials from Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture Jihad. Discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral relations in agriculture and addressing existing challenges to foster mutual cooperation.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-seeks-iranian-expertise-to-advance-agriculture-and-livestock/
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39 Million AFN Invested in Storage Upgrades at Farah’s Key Trade Port
2024-12-02
FARAH(BNA): Two warehouses and a tower have been constructed and inaugurated at the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi Port in Farah province, with an investment of 39 million Afghanis aimed at improving the safety and storage of commercial goods.
Eng. Ubaidullah Ubaid, the Director of Customs Projects at the Ministry of Finance, informed Bakhtar News Agency that these warehouses were funded through the development budget of the Ministry of Finance. Each warehouse has a storage capacity of 100 metric tons of commercial goods.
He added that during the construction phase, employment opportunities were created for 50 local workers, supporting the community economically.
Local traders and officials, however, have emphasized the need for additional warehouses, stating that the current facilities do not meet the growing demands for storage at the port.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/39-million-afn-invested-in-storage-upgrades-at-farahs-key-trade-port/
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350 Million AFN Allocated for 60 Development Projects in Paktika
2024-12-02
KABUL (BNA): Work on around 60 development projects, with a total cost of 350 million Afghanis, has commenced in five districts of Paktika province.
During the inauguration ceremony, Paktika Governor Alhaj Mullah Abdul Khaliq Abid emphasized the commitment of the Islamic Emirate leadership to implementing impactful projects aimed at addressing the essential needs of citizens across the country.
The projects, set to be executed in Bermal, Shkin, Nematabad, Warmami, and Tarwa districts, include the construction of roads, schools, madrasas, mosques, and water supply networks.
Local elders and residents welcomed the initiative, expressing gratitude, stating that this long-standing aspiration of over 20 years has been realized under the leadership of the Islamic Emirate.
Moreover, these projects are expected to create employment opportunities for dozens of people from the respective regions.
It is worth noting that work has already commenced in Bermal and Shkin districts, with activities in the remaining districts scheduled to start soon.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/350-million-afn-allocated-for-60-development-projects-in-paktika/
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UN to provide livelihood support for 200,000 families in coming year
By Fidel Rahmati
December 2, 2024
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced that by 2025, it will provide livelihood support to over 200,000 families across eight provinces in Afghanistan.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 1st, the FAO mentioned that 45,000 of these families are led by women. The aid will be distributed in the provinces of Parwan, Badghis, Jowzjan, Nimroz, Paktika, Nuristan, Badakhshan, and Bamiyan.
According to the FAO, the support will include poultry and beekeeping packages, designed to help these families generate income through the sale of honey and eggs in local markets.
The United Nations has described this initiative as a “transformative change” in the lives of the affected communities.
Yesterday, the World Food Program (WFP) also warned of the worsening food crisis in Afghanistan, particularly as winter approaches. The WFP report highlighted that a quarter of the population in the country lacks the ability to secure enough food to survive.
According to United Nations statistics, more than 23 million people in Afghanistan are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The FAO’s efforts are part of a broader international initiative to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Despite challenges, organizations like the FAO continue to play a critical role in alleviating the hardships faced by vulnerable families in the region.
The global community is urged to support these initiatives, as the ongoing food insecurity continues to threaten the livelihoods of millions. Enhanced cooperation and timely assistance can help improve the situation, but sustained efforts are necessary to bring about lasting change.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-to-provide-livelihood-support-for-200000-families-in-coming-year/
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ECO technical meeting begins in Iran without Afghanistan’s participation
By Fidel Rahmati
December 2, 2024
The 28th technical meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has begun in Mashhad, Iran.
According to Iranian media reports on Monday, December 2, the meeting aims to prepare the agenda for the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers from member states of the organization.
The official meeting of the foreign ministers of the ECO member countries will begin tomorrow.
Iranian media reports indicate that the foreign ministers of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and the Secretary-General of the ECO have already arrived in Tehran.
Iran has not invited the Taliban to the meeting due to the lack of formal recognition of their regime.
The absence of the Taliban from this critical meeting underscores the continued lack of international recognition of their governance in Afghanistan. As ECO members gather to discuss regional cooperation, Afghanistan’s exclusion highlights the complex political dynamics in the region.
The meeting in Mashhad is expected to focus on economic cooperation, regional trade, and efforts to enhance the collective development of the member states, all while addressing key challenges, including security and infrastructure.
It is worth mentioning that the ECO was established through an initiative by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. Later, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan joined the organization.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/eco-technical-meeting-begins-in-iran-without-afghanistans-participation/
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase
December 03, 2024
RIYADH: Prince Sultan Airbase is hosting Tuwaiq 4 military drills with the air forces from eight other countries.
Alongside the Royal Saudi Air Force, combat pilots and military servicemen from Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, the UK, the US, Greece, and the UAE participated on Monday in aerial drills at the base near Al-Kharj, southeast of Riyadh.
Forces from Egypt and Bahrain will be joining as observers in the two-week military exercise.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Khanfour, a Saudi colonel pilot, said that Tuwaiq 4 drills looked to enhance cooperation, raise the level of readiness, and improve the combat efficiency of aircrews, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Drills will also focus on tactical landing, flying at high and low altitudes, operating in challenging scenarios, carrying out search and rescue operations, and enhancing ground technical support.
Tuwaiq 4 also includes lectures about prominent air combat technologies and theories of planning and commanding an air operation.
Source:arabnews.com
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Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century
December 02, 2024
RIYADH: In a significant advancement for wildlife conservation, Saudi Arabia has reintroduced the onager to its native habitat after over a century of absence, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature from Jordan.
Earlier this year, seven Persian onagers were brought from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan to the royal reserve.
The animals have reportedly adapted well to their new environment, with the birth of the first foal marking a pivotal moment in the rewilding process. The reintroduction highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems and creating a sustainable environment for endangered species to thrive.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis said in a statement: “The reintroduction of the onager, a species historically celebrated by Arabic poets, is a transformative step for their conservation and a major milestone in the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts.”
He emphasized that the Persian onager, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is now free to roam Saudi Arabia once again.
The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program.
The royal reserve is actively working to restore ecosystems, ensuring the species can flourish while maintaining biodiversity. The onager serves as an ecological asset and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Arabian history and tradition.
This collaborative endeavor with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature underscores the importance of cross-border conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.
The president of the Jordanian organization’s board of directors, Batoul Ajlouni, expressed her delight at the reintroduction, emphasizing the importance of fostering real collaboration in conserving ecosystems and habitats through effective protected area management and capacity-building programs.
The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.
In addition to the onager, the reserve has reintroduced several other species, including Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, and various bird species.
These efforts form part of the Kingdom’s broader mission to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
As the onager thrives in its natural habitat, it stands as a symbol of hope and the importance of wildlife conservation in Saudi Arabia.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement
December 02, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Lithuania signed an agreement on Monday to cooperate in civil aviation and air transport services.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, and Ramunas Davidonis, the Lithuanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, signed the agreement in Riyadh.
The two countries will work to develop regulatory frameworks for air transport traffic and expand the operational network of their national air carriers.
The cooperation will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics center for civil aviation and air transport services, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to position the country as a hub for aviation connectivity to 250 international destinations, serving an expected 330 million passengers annually by 2030.
Source:arabnews.com
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What to expect from French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia
ARLETTE KHOURI
December 02, 2024
PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a landmark three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, where a one-on-one meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman anchors an intensive diplomatic schedule.
Arriving in Riyadh on Monday evening, Macron was welcomed with an official ceremony. The Elysee Palace has dubbed the Dec. 2-4 visit “exceptional,” signaling the strategic importance the French government ascribes to Franco-Saudi relations.
It is the latest of several high-profile exchanges between the two nations, building upon the crown prince’s visit to France in April 2018, which laid the foundation for a new era in bilateral relations, Macron’s Gulf tour in December 2021, which concluded in Jeddah, and the crown prince’s return to Paris in June 2023.
According to the Elysee, Macron will first participate in expanded bilateral talks aimed at implementing a new strategic partnership framework. These discussions will establish joint sectoral committees between the two governments.
He will then hold private talks with the crown prince, followed by a working dinner bringing together both leaders and associated government officials from both countries. The two leaders are expected to focus on forging joint diplomatic initiatives to address mounting regional tensions.
Lebanon will take center stage in the talks, reflecting both nations’ longstanding influence in the country’s affairs. “Both France and Saudi Arabia have historically played crucial roles in supporting Lebanon,” a diplomatic source noted.
According to the Elysee, the leaders will explore joint initiatives to bolster the ceasefire agreed last week between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and to address Lebanon’s long-running political deadlock.
“We aim to chart a path forward together — not only to secure a presidential election but also to establish a framework for implementing essential reforms demanded by both the Lebanese people and the international community,” the source added.
Building on commitments made during Macron’s December 2021 visit to Riyadh, the two governments have established a joint humanitarian fund targeting Lebanon’s pressing needs, so as to help the Lebanese population navigate through multiple, overlapping crises.
The Gaza conflict will be another critical focus of discussions. Since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, the Palestinian territory has come under intense Israeli bombardment, leading to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
French officials have noted Riyadh’s prominent role in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, participating in talks with French counterparts and leading a contact group through the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“Both nations share common ground on Gaza,” an Elysee spokesperson said. “We are aligned in our urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in the region.”
The talks will also encompass broader regional security concerns, according to French officials.
“Syrian developments must be addressed given their impact on regional stability,” the Elysee said, highlighting that discussions will also focus on monitoring Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah via Syrian regime-controlled territory.
Beyond foreign policy matters, Tuesday’s agenda will focus on economic and environmental initiatives. Macron will tour Riyadh’s newly inaugurated elevated metro system, which features significant French technical involvement.
Saudi-French cooperation is already expanding into previously unexplored or underdeveloped sectors, spanning tourism, fintech, cybersecurity, renewable energy, telecommunications, space technology and artificial intelligence.
Macron will join world leaders at the One Planet Summit’s plenary session, where sovereign wealth funds will convene to discuss climate initiatives. He will co-chair talks with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Afterward, Macron will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, where he will share a lunch with Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, in the presence of his counterpart Rachida Dati and various French and Saudi cultural sector representatives.
The day will continue with Macron attending the Saudi-French Economic Forum, where he will review key outcomes before joining the One Water Summit. The summit, co-chaired by the Saudi crown prince and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will bring together world leaders to tackle pressing water challenges.
During the summit, leaders will participate in a series of roundtable discussions exploring water security, resource management, and their broader implications for global politics and economics.
Macron’s visit also coincides with Saudi Arabia hosting COP16, a global platform addressing desertification under the theme “Our Land. Our Future.”
Cultural ties will take center stage on Wednesday at the historic AlUla archaeological site in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where Macron will travel with a delegation of cultural officials.
He will tour the site before meeting with French-Saudi cultural cooperation stakeholders in the presence of Jean-Yves Le Drian, president of the French Agency for AlUla Development, and his counterpart Abir Al-Akel, who chairs the Royal Commission for AlUla.
AlUla stands as an example of Saudi-French partnership, showcasing collaborative expertise in culture, archaeology, construction, tourism and hospitality.
The state visit will conclude with Macron presiding over the groundbreaking of Villa Hegra, a new cultural hub designed to foster artistic collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia.
This symbolic project, establishing a dedicated artists’ residence, will mark a poignant final event of Macron’s three-day diplomatic mission.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi FM participates in Cairo conference to support humanitarian work in Gaza
December 02, 2024
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chaired Saudi Arabia’s delegation at Monday’s Cairo Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza.
Prince Faisal said during his speech that the humanitarian crisis in Palestine had “reached an unbearable limit, and in no way can the deterioration of the situation in the region be allowed any more.”
At least 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, and more than 100,000 have been injured.
Prince Faisal said that Israeli actions against children, women and the elderly; the destruction of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip; the forced displacement of 2 million Palestinians and the confiscation of their lands would “perpetuate suffering, fuel extremism in the region … and undermine the chances of coexistence and sustainable peace.”
He said that Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and government policies to affect the legal and historic status of Jerusalem “represent direct attacks on international law and threaten the two-state solution.”
Prince Faisal stressed the importance of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He also warned that the Israeli-approved law to prohibit the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees from working inside Israel “would have catastrophic consequences for the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”
Saudi Arabia has provided more than 6,600 tonnes of food, shelter equipment and medical supplies, including ambulances, to Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023.
Prince Faisal said that the “brutal genocide in Gaza is the biggest test of the international order,” and called for the recognition of the Palestinian state and the respect of all UN resolutions.
Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, also attended the conference.
Source:arabnews.com
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Jeddah to host Hajj forum and expo in January
December 02, 2024
RIYADH: Under the patronage of King Salman, the fourth Hajj Conference and Exhibition will be held from Jan. 13-16 in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the event aims to enhance pilgrim services, promote innovation, and foster transparency and competitiveness in Hajj-related industries.
The conference will bring together ministers, diplomats, academics, Hajj service providers, and representatives from 250 entities across 87 countries.
It will feature 47 panel discussions, 50 workshops, and a specialized exhibition with 280 exhibitors showcasing the latest Hajj technologies and services.
The ministry invites global experts and participants to join the event. Registration details are available at hajjconfex.com.
Source:arabnews.com
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