BJP: All must back National Register of Citizens (NRC) to get rid of infiltrators; TMC hits back
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 February 2025
"All political parties should support NRC. Once BJP comes to power in the 2026 Assembly polls, we will implement NRC in Bengal" said LoP Suvendu Adhikari (Express/Partha Paul)
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· BJP: All must back National Register of Citizens (NRC) to get rid of infiltrators; TMC hits back
· CAIR slams Musk for labelling US Muslim groups as 'terrorist organisations'
· 7 terrorists killed in separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s DI Khan: ISPR
· Ministry of Culture organises symposium titled "Islam: A Way of Life and an Integrated Culture"
· Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?
· Love, loss and duty: Ukraine's photojournalists share stories of war
· “Stop blaming others” – Islamic group calls out Babangida over June 12 annulment
· U.S.-leftover weapons belong to Afghans, Mujahid
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India
· RSS-backed Muslim wing holds meeting on Waqf bill and UCC
· 168 year old mosque demolished in UP‘s Meerut
· As temple-mosque disputes rise, archaeology becomes a minefield
· When the meek turn, there will be havoc
· In Attacking Waqf, the Government Is Learning from the Coloniser
· Jama Masjid committee sought permission from ASI for renovation, decoration of mosque in UP's Sambhal
· KK Muhammed’s restored temples promote social harmony. Must it be called atonement?
· Uttar Pradesh: Muazzin gives Azaan from terrace of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal
· With Jamaat banned, faction that contested J&K polls to launch new political front
· Kerala BJP leader P C George surrenders after court rejects bail in hate speech case
· Ancient prayer calendar deciphered at coastal mosque in Colachel
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North America
· CAIR-CT Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Racist Harassment Targeting Muslim Family
· Muslim Vote convener warned by his education department employer over comments made on Sydney nurses
· Trump names right-wing commentator Dan Bongino as deputy FBI director
· Key US agencies tell staff not to answer Musk email on what they did last week
· Most USAID staff laid off or placed on leave by Trump administration
· US ‘reformulating’ Russian policy – Trump adviser
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Pakistan
· Lack of Shariah compliant fintech
· PTI believes its letters have ‘conveyed the message’
· PM Shehbaz arrives in Baku to warm welcome
· More convoy attack, looting suspects held from Kurram
· Quetta-Sibi road reopened after gun battle in Bolan
· ‘Election model yielding unrepresentative results’
· IMF talks on $1bn climate funding kick off today
· Governor Kundi says KP CM trying to ‘erase province’s identity’ by renaming stadium after Imran
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Mideast
· Islamic Jihad Movement: Historic funeral of two martyrs deepened existential dilemma of enemy
· Ayatollah Khamenei pays tribute to martyrs Nasrallah, Safieddine in a message
· Israel plans to bar freed Palestinians from entering Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque in Ramadan
· Zionist enemy expels five of custodians of Ibrahimi Mosque
· White House backs Israel’s decision to delay releasing Palestinian prisoners
· Hezbollah chief vows ‘resistance’ as masses mourn Nasrallah
· Father of freed Gaza hostage says fellow Arabs should be outraged by Hamas
· Hamas refuses further talks unless Israel releases agreed prisoners
· Kuwaiti emir discusses ties with UAE national security adviser
· Syrian president invited to emergency Arab League summit in Egypt
· Netanyahu says Israel won’t allow Syrian forces ‘south of Damascus’
· Arab League reaffirms commitment to Palestinian cause
· Witkoff headed to Middle East this week to discuss Gaza peace deal
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Arab World
· Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort
· Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations
· Saudi Arabia to host regional meeting for satellite search and rescue missions
· Saudi Arabia honours winners of Tanzania Qur’an contest
· Shoura Council deputy speaker meets Saudi-Italian Parliamentary Friendship Committee Chair
· Saudi project clears 861 Houthi mines in Yemen
· KSA, South Korea sign deal for film industry growth
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Europe
· Ramadan is almost here. 5 tips to boost your wellbeing and energy levels if you’re fasting
· Southport attack yoga teacher: 'If I didn't get out, everyone was going to die'
· Godstone sinkhole to be investigated with 3D maps
· Arrest after boy stabbed in chest in Primark store
· Germany's conservatives celebrate, but far right enjoy record result
· Germany's Friedrich Merz: The risk-taker who flirted with far right
· Pope Francis remains 'critical' and has kidney problem, Vatican says
· Conservatives win German elections – early results
· Britain threatens ‘largest ever’ sanctions against Russia
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Africa
· FG Reaffirms Commitment To Transforming Nigeria’s Agribusiness Sector
· IBB: How I met my wife Maryam, converted her to Islam
· TAJBank Gets New Global Rating, Wins Islamic Bank Award
· S’West govts lack power to stop Shariah panels – Kwara judge
· Sudan army breaks siege on strategic southern state capital
· NLC Warns IMF, World Bank Against Lending To Unaccountable Governments
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South Asia
· UNICEF: Over 19 million Afghans, half of them children, receive Humanitarian Aid
· Afghan ethnics should unite; dispute in no one interest
· Sexual violence: Protests flare on campuses
· Unable to go to Malaysia, workers demo at Shahbagh
· Increasing propaganda & the need for national unity
· Investment in Solar Energy Production in Afghanistan
· Top Islamic Emirate Delegation Reports Successful Visit to Uzbekistan
· Afghan, Uzbek Central Banks Strengthen Financial Cooperation
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Southeast Asia
· Malaysia, China to continue strengthening collaboration in palm oil supply chains
· Zahid urges EC to factor in Ramadan for Ayer Kuning by-election date
· Public fund management among issues to be raised in Parliament today
· Gov’t allocates RM16.21 million for development of Orang Asli in Johor
· Sabah UMNO, BN must be dominant in state election to drive progress - Ahmad Zahid
· Azam Baki warns cyber threats may fuel ‘new breed of corruption,’ calls for united action
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/bjp-national-register-citizens-infiltrators/d/134714
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BJP: All must back National Register of Citizens (NRC) to get rid of infiltrators; TMC hits back
February 24, 2025
"All political parties should support NRC. Once BJP comes to power in the 2026 Assembly polls, we will implement NRC in Bengal" said LoP Suvendu Adhikari (Express/Partha Paul)
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Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said that National Register of Citizens (NRC) should be implemented in West Bengal and all political parties should support its implementation in the state to effectively combat issues like infiltration and “ghost” voters.
“All political parties should support NRC. Once BJP comes to power in the 2026 Assembly polls, we will implement NRC in Bengal,” he said.
Adhikari said that the BJP-ruled states are in favour of implementation of the NRC and alleged that the refusal of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal shows their lack of concern to check in “States like Uttarakhand and Gujarat are implementing it, Maharashtra has started. NRC is going on in NDA ruled states,” the BJP leader said while speaking with mediapersons in Kolkata.
He said that the implementation of NRC is the only way to weed out “infiltrators”.
“Bengal is a bordering state. Next to us are Bangladesh-Nepal-Bhutan. We need to identify who is an Indian citizen and who is not by NRC. There are illegal voters in this state, there are Rohingyas. The Election Commission has no role here,” the BJP leader said.
Alleging that there are illegal voters in West Bengal, who have infiltrated from other countries, the BJP leader said, “How did a ‘militant’ like Shad Radi, also known as Shab Sheikh cast his vote? He is part of Bangladeshi terrorist outfits like Ansarullah Bangla. What are the police and state administration doing? They are looking the other way.”
Additionally, former Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Sunday told mediapersons, “Atleast 35 to 40 lakh fake voters are in the control of the Trinamool Congress, we all know how easy it is to get enlisted in the voter list.”
Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told mediapersons that “They (BJP) should not do anything that affects the society negatively.”
“Our party’s work under the leadership of our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is to provide “Roti, kapra aur makan” that we do. And BJP as they cannot compete with us and they are enemies of Bengal so they are trying to create division amongst religion. People have rejected this,” Ghosh said.
Recently, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had raised concerns, accusing the BJP of “trying to replicate its Delhi Model in Bengal and manipulate the voter lists for electoral gains”.
Source:indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-all-must-back-nrc-to-get-rid-of-infiltrators-tmc-hits-back-9852710/
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CAIR slams Musk for labelling US Muslim groups as 'terrorist organisations'
24 Feb, 2025
Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is tasked with shutting down USAID operations. / Photo: AP Archive
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The Council on American-Islamic Relations has denounced Billionaire Elon Musk's post labelling US Muslim groups that receive USAID as "terrorist organisations", saying it fuels Islamophobia and endangers Muslim Americans.
Musk retweeted a post on Sunday that depicted American Muslim aid groups as "terrorist organisations."
"As many people have said, why pay terrorist organisations and certain countries to hate us when they’re perfectly willing to do it for free?" Musk said in his quoted retweet.
The post mentioned over a dozen US Muslim groups, including the Arab American Institute, Islamic Relief Agency, Muslim Aid, and Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
In its response, CAIR said those groups are "duly registered nonprofit organisations that have the same right to apply for federal funding as every other eligible charity", adding that many of them partnered with Trump's first administration.
"Anyone who sees the word 'Islam' in the name of an American charity and then immediately declares that the charity must be a 'terrorist organisation' is a hateful person who must know next to nothing about American Muslims and their contributions to our society, including humanitarian work," CAIR said.
'Reckless and dangerous' labelling
CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad replied to Musk in his retweet thread, saying his remarks are "reckless and dangerous."
"This kind of rhetoric fuels Islamophobia, endangers innocent lives, and undermines the values of justice and equality. Do better," Awad told Musk.
CAIR also called on Musk to stop defaming Americans and start calling out taxpayer money Israel uses to "slaughter tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza."
Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is tasked with shutting down USAID operations.
On Sunday, the Trump administration said it is firing 2,000 USAID workers and putting thousands of others globally on leave.
Source:trtworld.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/cair-slams-musk-for-labelling-us-muslim-groups-as-terrorist-organisations-18268103
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7 terrorists killed in separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s DI Khan: ISPR
February 23, 2025
File photo provided by Dawn
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Security forces killed seven terrorists in two separate operations carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation took place in the Daraban area of the district.
Security personnel engaged the terrorists and “four khwarij were sent to hell”, the ISPR said, using the descriptor designating members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In the second operation, reported in the district’s Maddi area, security forces killed three terrorists.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area,” the statement read.
The ISPR added, “Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.”
These operations come days after security forces killed six terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in KP’s Karak district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Friday.
According to the ISPR, security forces “effectively engaged” after they received information regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.
Separately, security forces killed 30 terrorists in an IBO in KP’s South Waziristan district, the ISPR said in a statement on Tuesday.
With at least 685 members of security forces losing their lives amid a total of 444 terror attacks, 2024 turned out to be the deadliest year for the civil and military security forces of Pakistan in a decade, according to a 2024 report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies think-tank.
According to the ISPR Director General, security forces conducted a total of 59,775 operations last year during which 925 terrorists were killed and 383 officers and soldiers were martyred.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1893842/7-terrorists-killed-in-separate-operations-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwas-di-khan-ispr
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Ministry of Culture organises symposium titled "Islam: A Way of Life and an Integrated Culture"
24 Feb 2025
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Culture organised on Sunday a symposium titled "Islam: A Way of Life and an Integrated Culture," as part of the fourth season of symposiums, in the presence of HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani along with a large gathering of intellectuals and the general public.
The symposium featured Kuwaiti preacher Dr. Othman Al Khamis and was moderated by preacher Dr. Youssef Ashir. The focus was on the foundations and principles of building our lives according to an integrated methodology and culture that impacts various aspects of human life.
Additionally, the symposium discussed the ethical and social values in Islam, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in Islam and its civilizational contribution, as well as the role of Islam in shaping cultural identity.
Dr. Othman Al Khamis emphasized that the true renaissance of the Islamic nation can only be achieved through adherence to Sharia knowledge. He stressed that Islam has given great importance to education since its inception, with the mosque being the first school from which the companions drew knowledge of religion and the world.
He explained that the current crisis faced by the nation is due to the decline in the status of knowledge and scholars, and the spread of intellectual chaos resulting from the misinterpretation of legal texts. He affirmed the importance of Sharia knowledge in the revival of nations.
He stated that the Islamic nation was at the forefront only when scholars led the scene and knowledge became a fundamental driver of life, citing the eras of Islamic prosperity, which were rich with scholars in various fields, including jurisprudence, interpretation, medicine, astronomy, and engineering.
Source:thepeninsulaqatar.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/24/02/2025/ministry-of-culture-organises-symposium-titled-islam-a-way-of-life-and-an-integrated-culture
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Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?
February 23, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh designed to re-establish fractured relations between Washington and Moscow and plot a course to ending the war in Ukraine.
Saudi Arabia brokered the talks on Feb. 18, signaling its emerging influence on the world stage. It comes amid a growing recognition of the Kingdom’s potential role as a mediator, positioning it as a crucial bridge between East and West. Further talks are expected on Feb. 25.
Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener.
“Saudi Arabia has taken an important position that has led to this meeting, which means Saudi Arabia originally refused to take a side — neither with the Russians nor with the Ukrainians,” Sager said.
Global media outlets have highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unique positioning, noting that it has maintained positive ties with both Russia and the West throughout the Ukraine conflict, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched what it called a “special military operation.”
CNN said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the high-stakes rapprochement meeting between US and Russian officials “underlines the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.”
The US broadcaster also speculated that “another likely aim” could be pursuing “added leverage for Riyadh in future talks on the fate of postwar Gaza.”
Radio Free Europe likewise suggested the discussions represented an opportunity for Saudi Arabia “to assert its political clout after it rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s residents while resisting any normalization of relations with Israel.”
The fact that Riyadh “originally refused to take a side” is not to say it has condoned Russia’s behavior, nor failed to play a role in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war, Sager said.
He noted that Saudi Arabia has consistently voted against the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the UN, contributed aid and participated in prisoner exchanges.
“In fact, they took a position that they vote in the UN for the decision against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the GCC countries, they have taken, also, a very firm and clear position on that subject also,” Sager said.
“They have contributed to the humanitarian issue in Ukraine. They have participated in the release of some of the prisoners also — Ukrainian prisoners from the Russian side.
“And also, they have insisted, and this was stated during the visit of the (Saudi) foreign minister to Ukraine, confirming the position of Saudi Arabia on the unity of Ukraine.”
Sager added: “Yet, Saudi Arabia never wanted to be fully on the side of either, or what the American and the European countries … (said, which was): ‘Either you are with us or against us.’
“So, they have maintained relations with Russia. They never wanted to cut relations diplomatically with Russia, because Russia has been a very important and useful partner in OPEC+.”
This balanced approach, according to Sager, has allowed the Kingdom to maintain open lines of communication with both sides, creating an environment for dialogue.
The Feb. 18 talks in Riyadh were attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and on the Russian side by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and head of Moscow’s Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.
“It was a very important meeting that took place in Riyadh, attended by both the US secretary of state and the national security adviser. It brought the American and Russians together after many years when they did not get together, and also to discuss the current situation,” Sager told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen.
“And the result of that, of course, is to create a different committee between both sides to go in depth and in detailed discussion of the whole issue.”
While Ukraine was not directly involved in the Riyadh talks, Sager noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aware of the discussions. He also pointed to subsequent meetings in Paris involving European foreign ministers, where Ukraine was likely informed of the outcomes.
However, the absence of Ukraine from the initial talks has raised questions about inclusivity and just how sustainable a resulting peace deal might be. Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out accepting a peace deal negotiated without Ukraine.
Last Monday, European leaders held a hastily arranged summit in Paris — a day before the US-Russia talks in Riyadh — amid fears that Ukraine and Europe could be excluded from peace negotiations, raising concerns about the continent’s long-term security.
However, Sager clarified the Riyadh discussions extended beyond Ukraine, encompassing broader issues related to the US-Russia relationship.
These included the status of frozen Russian assets and sanctions, with some reports suggesting the easing of restrictions on credit card usage for Russians. Such measures could be seen as confidence-building steps aimed at fostering a more constructive dialogue.
Indeed, the Kingdom may soon play host to a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Looking ahead to future talks, Sager said: “Definitely, Ukraine will participate, and I think it was clearly stated by the US side (that) there will be participation from the Ukrainian side and the Europeans.”
Turning to the situation in Gaza, Sager reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. He sharply criticized US proposals that involve the deportation of Gazan people and the conversion of the Palestinian territory into a real estate project.
“The Saudi position never changed,” he said. “The Saudi position is still insisting on the two-state solution. If you have another solution, tell us.”
He dismissed alternative solutions as unacceptable, saying that such proposals are rejected by Arab countries. This regional consensus, he said, underscores the importance of a unified approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He also speculated that the US proposals could be aimed at achieving collective recognition and normalization with Israel, which he believes is unlikely to succeed.
“I don’t think that will happen because Saudi Arabia is leading the team, and if you remember, we had the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh here, and that summit did confirm with the 57 countries attending that a two-state solution is the way forward that we will be accepting.”
Sager highlighted the widespread international support for a Palestinian state, with 149 UN member countries already recognizing it.
“The solution that President Trump presented is unacceptable,” he said. “The deportation of the people of Gaza and converting it to a real estate project — and then, there is no guarantee that they will (go) back. I don’t think this is acceptable.
“And by the way, not only Saudi Arabia but also all GCC countries along with Egypt and Jordan reject such a thing. I think he wanted to divert attention from the two-state solution, that he will put the countries in the region here in a defensive position to defend themselves from not really getting to the two-state solution that they’ve always believed in.”
Sager highlighted the importance of a unified Palestinian position, urging Hamas and other factions to participate in a unified Palestinian Authority. This call for unity reflects the belief that a cohesive Palestinian voice is essential for achieving a lasting peace.
“Definitely the Arab countries and the Arab League will ask for a unified Palestinian position, a unified Palestinian Authority,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by some countries but suggested that individuals close to Hamas could be represented in the Palestinian Authority.
This nuanced approach recognizes the need to engage with all relevant stakeholders, even those with differing ideologies.
Sager also addressed the issue of ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza, noting that they were taking place despite President Trump’s recent rhetoric. While acknowledging Trump’s tendency to escalate demands, he suggested that these threats often serve as a basis for compromise.
Regarding international legal cases against Israeli leaders, Sager affirmed the importance of pursuing justice and upholding international law.
He praised South Africa’s efforts in bringing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and emphasized the need to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.
“I think it’s worth pursuing because in the end, we need to respect international law and we need to respect the international court. And such an effort (that) has been put by South Africa (is) highly appreciated,” said Sager.
“And remember, the G7 meeting in 2025 will take place in South Africa. So, that effort has been appreciated, and I think that matter should continue because we should not give a chance for the genocide and those (who) commit such a crime to get away with it without getting to the court and getting to the legal side.”
Looking ahead, Sager expressed cautious optimism about the Middle East, citing successful ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza as positive developments.
However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
“There are many cases still open,” he said. “We have almost seven countries in an almost failed state. The situation in the Arab world, we have Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Gaza, of course, the Palestinian side, all of those, there is a huge demand for reconstruction, which can cost trillions.”
Given the uneven recovery in different parts of the Middle East and North Africa, is Sager more or less optimistic about the region’s future than he was last year?
“I’m always optimistic,” he said. “But also with optimism, with cautious optimism, I see that there is a lot of hard work (that) needs to be done to overcome a lot of those issues.”
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2591341/saudi-arabia
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Love, loss and duty: Ukraine's photojournalists share stories of war
February 24, 2025
In the three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of photographers have documented the human impact of the war on the front line and in civilian areas.
Some of them have shared stories about their photos which have appeared in BBC coverage since February 2022.
Vlada and Kostiantyn Liberov
Prior to the full-scale war, this husband and wife team worked as wedding and portrait photographers in the Black Sea port city of Odesa. They soon moved "from capturing love stories, to documenting Russian war crimes", recalls Vlada.
She knows first-hand the risks in her work. An explosion on a visit to the Donetsk region in 2023 left her with shrapnel lodged deep in her side, which doctors decided could not be removed.
This powerful shot taken by Kostiantyn Liberov in the summer of 2024 was featured in Paul Adams' report on the Ukrainian offensive over the Russian border in Kursk.
A soldier is seen consoling his desperate comrade after returning from an assault in which a fellow serviceman was killed.
For Liberov, the image mirrors some of the confusion within the military over the operation.
"To lose your friend in an attack inside Russia, rather than defending our country in Ukraine, is very difficult," he said. "I took this photo because of the emotional impact it had on me. It says a lot about the situation and how hard it was for them."
Photographing such deeply affecting scenes has taken its toll on local photojournalists. "It's not something we talk about a lot with colleagues as it's painful," says Vlada. "You are in a very hard situation, and no-one quite understands what the solution can be."
One 2023 photo of hers captures a member of Ukraine's White Angels police unit after an unsuccessful attempt to convince one of the last remaining residents to leave the eastern city of Aviidvka before Russian forces sweep in.
The story was part of a BBC article on a devastating 24-hour Russian bombardment.
A man had asked the police unit to evacuate his brother from the basement of a burnt out building, and yet he still refused to leave.
"The next day we could not return because of hard shelling," Vlada remembers. "The situation got much worse and I'm not sure he could have survived. It hurts knowing you cannot return to these places."
In documenting so much loss and suffering, the couple have found a deeper appreciation of moments of joy.
Dmytro, who has fought in Ukraine for more than a decade, was photographed after his wife gave birth in March 2024.
"We used to take photos of him in the trenches. And then you see this big, brave soldier crying while he takes his small daughter in his hands, and you understand soldiers like him fight for these moments. Not just for themselves, but for everyone in Ukraine."
Valeria Demenko
Since 2016, Valeria Demenko has chronicled the work of Ukraine's state emergency service (DSNS) in the north-eastern Sumy region, and she now joins rescue teams deployed to areas hit by Russian shelling.
"It's always difficult… you never know what danger awaits you. It is especially difficult when residential buildings come under attack".
One moment engraved on her memory involved a striking image featured in a story in March 2024 showing emergency workers at the scene of a five-storey building that collapsed after Russian shelling, with residents still inside.
Valeria recalls how emergency workers attended the site for four days straight. They found four dead, but never recovered the body of a missing girl.
"There was a doll on one of the upper floors... it meant a child was living there, and there may have been more."
Although all her colleagues are emotionally stretched, she wants the world to see their work: "We give every last ounce of strength to document Russia's crimes against peaceful Ukrainians."
Alexander Ermochenko
Alexander Ermochenko has spent the past 11 years documenting Ukraine's war as a photojournalist in the eastern Donetsk region.
He has often reported in Russian-controlled territory too and "never thought I'd be photographing war in my home".
"The fear on the face of the owner of a destroyed house is the same on both sides of the front. It is always important to show that blood has the same red colour."
The BBC has less access to photojournalists reporting from Russia, as the Kremlin restricts access to international journalists and Russian news agencies are largely state-run.
The BBC approached a Russia-based photographer to contribute to this story but received no response.
In the above picture, Ermochenko captured jubilant pro-Russian activists on 21 February 2022 after Vladimir Putin declared their eastern region independent. It was published as part of the BBC's coverage of that fateful moment.
He describes how the photo came about "accidentally" - a powerful reminder of the potential impact of a photographer's split-second decision to raise their camera.
Ukraine said 300 people were killed when Russian planes bombed Mariupol theatre in March 2022.
The following month, Alexander Ermochenko captured this image, featured in Hugo Bachega's report, in which the photographer conveys the aftermath of a massacre alongside everyday life.
"The destruction was absolute," he remembers, "with destroyed nine-storey buildings looking like a Hollywood set. But they are real, and recently inhabited by people."
"What was most surprising was that life continued, despite the fighting in neighbouring streets. People looked calm, but in fact they were deeply shocked by what was happening."
This photo, used in our live reporting of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant shelling in November 2022, illustrates the difficulty in photographing the war.
"Pictures of the plant were rare at that time," says Ermochenko. "It is constantly under guard, though the soldiers themselves perfectly illustrate the situation."
Despite the challenges he and his colleagues face, he says "the war is not only a part of my professional career, but a big part of my whole life... no matter how difficult it is, I will continue."
Alina Smutko
Based in Kyiv, Alina Smutko understands the human impact of this war through her work as a photojournalist and from personal experience.
"I've experienced Russian missiles and drone attacks on the city almost non-stop for three years. During this time, I've been constantly worried about my parents, child, friends and colleagues."
She feels lucky that her home is intact and her loved ones alive, after witnessing a missile attack on her neighbourhood from her bedroom window.
Initially, she and her friends and family would check in with each other on a daily basis after the full-scale Russian invasion.
But the frequency of attacks has forced residents to learn to live with the war and maintain as normal a life as possible.
The toll on her profession has been hard.
"We see how our colleagues - photojournalists in particular - were killed or wounded during this invasion. We lost one of our team members, and another colleague has been badly wounded."
Smutko tries not to "overthink" what she does, but believes it is important to share the effects of the war with the world.
"I think it helps somehow, but I don't believe in the idea that a picture can stop a war. If it could, we would not have lost so many lives here."
"I still believe that documenting is important. Because if something hasn't been photographed, it hasn't happened."
"This work has to be done… I just do my best."
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5g6q5wnz3o
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“Stop blaming others” – Islamic group calls out Babangida over June 12 annulment
Jerry Wright-Ukwu
February 23, 2025
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly rejected attempts by former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), to absolve himself of responsibility for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 23, 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, criticized Babangida’s claims in his newly launched memoir, A Journey In Service, where he blamed the late General Sani Abacha for the election fiasco.
The book, launched on February 20, 2025, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, describes the annulment as an “accident of history,” with Babangida expressing regret over the decision.
He claimed that Abacha, then Chief of Defence Staff, led the opposition against the June 12 election, forcing his hand.
However, MURIC dismissed Babangida’s account as an attempt to rewrite history.
“We totally reject all attempts by the former military dictator to exonerate himself. The buck stops at IBB’s table,” the statement read.
MURIC accused Babangida of destroying Nigeria’s democratic foundation by annulling what was widely regarded as the country’s freest and fairest election, won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
The group also condemned the fanfare surrounding Babangida’s book launch, calling it “a disgraceful celebration of impunity.”
“It was a sad day for patriotic Nigerians. A dictator responsible for the death of democracy was being hero-worshipped,” the statement continued.
MURIC further accused Babangida’s regime of plunging Nigeria into a cycle of instability, listing human rights abuses, political assassinations, and the wrongful detention of opposition figures as part of his legacy.
The group concluded by honouring late pro-democracy heroes such as MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and Alfred Rewane while calling on Nigerians never to forget the injustice of June 12.
Source:politicsnigeria.com
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https://politicsnigeria.com/stop-blaming-others-islamic-group-calls-out-babangida-over-june-12-annulment/
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U.S.-leftover weapons belong to Afghans, Mujahid
February 24, 2025
KABUL: The spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Sunday in a statement on his X page that the U.S.-leftover weapons belong to Afghan people and are not linked to the Americans. “U.S.-left over weapons are considered spoils of war, and will be used to defend religion, the country, and independence,” Mujahid said. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed hope that they will return the seized weapons in Afghanistan to Washington. The Islamic Emirate has firmly rejected the return of the weapons, declaring them the property of the Afghan people. The Kabul Times
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/u-s-leftover-weapons-belong-to-afghans-mujahid/
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India
RSS-backed Muslim wing holds meeting on Waqf bill and UCC
Rajesh Kumar Thakur
24 Feb 2025,
NEW DELHI: The All India Executive Meeting of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), held on Sunday, brought together over 100 office-bearers from across the country. The meeting, chaired by MRM’s mentor Indresh Kumar, focused on promoting unity, brotherhood and greater participation of the community in nation-building.
The RSS-affiliated group also passed significant resolutions on Waqf reforms, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), equal rights, de-addiction and an Imdad Fund for the underprivileged.
Key figures at the meeting included former ministers Dr. Shahid Akhtar, Abu Bakar Naqvi, S.K. Muddin, Mazahir Khan, Bilal Ur Rahman, Dr Shalini Ali, Dr. Majid Talikoti, Hasan Noori and others.
Speaking after the meeting, Shahid Sayeed, national convener and media in-charge, said, “The meeting had serious deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, communal harmony, equal civil rights for Muslims and the need for transparency in the use of Waqf properties. Discussions also touched on the resolution of disputed religious sites like Kashi and Mathura and the launch of a de-addiction campaign for Muslim youth.” Indresh Kumar said, “A Uniform Civil Code is necessary to ensure equality and justice for all communities. Different laws for different groups create discrimination and a single code will guarantee equal rights for everyone, including Muslim women.” He added, “India’s soul lies in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family), where every religion enjoys equal rights.”
On the Waqf properties, Kumar said, “These assets should serve the public good and not be exploited for personal gains.” He called for an end to illegal encroachments and corruption on Waqf land, advocating for their use in education, healthcare, and social services. Regarding religious site disputes, he said, “The issues of Kashi and Mathura can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. Today’s Muslims should not be burdened by historical actions.”
The meeting unanimously supported the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, the officials said. Former Jharkhand minister Dr Shahid Akhtar also emphasised that problems should be resolved through dialogue, not conflict.
Source:newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Feb/24/rss-backed-muslim-wing-holds-meeting-on-waqf-bill-and-ucc
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168 year old mosque demolished in UP‘s Meerut
February 23, 2025
A decades-old mosque located on Delhi Road in Meerut was demolished to make way for the construction of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor.
The demolition of religious sites in Uttar Pradesh, particularly those belonging to the Muslim community, has sparked growing concerns and protests. One such instance occurred on Friday, February 21, when authorities bulldozed a 168-year-old mosque on Delhi Road in Meerut.
This action was carried out under heavy police presence, and the local community is deeply troubled by the event. The authorities defended the demolition, stating that the mosque was obstructing the construction of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), a project promoted by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration has also backed the demolition, emphasizing that it was part of the larger plans for the rapid rail network. According to local officials, the removal was carried out with the full consent of the Muslim community.
Senior officials, including the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) City, NCRTC representatives, and mosque management members, reportedly had a meeting on February 20 to discuss the matter. Superintendent of Police (SP) City, Ayush Vikram Singh, stated that the mosque’s demolition followed this meeting.
The local police maintained that the Muslim community was involved in the decision-making process.
Haji Swale Heen, a representative from the mosque, confirmed that the mosque was demolished with the community’s participation but insisted that it had significant historical value. He pointed out that the mosque had existed for over 168 years, with documentation from 1857 proving its antiquity.
Despite this, the authorities have claimed the mosque was only 80 years old, citing different opinions from local residents.
This demolition is not an isolated incident. Muslim residents in the area have voiced strong condemnation, arguing that it is part of a broader pattern targeting Muslim religious structures in the state. On February 9, the Madni Masjid in Hata Nagar was demolished after the expiration of a High Court stay order, in a similar manner with bulldozers and a large police force present.
Local Muslims view these actions as systematic efforts by the state government to undermine and erase Muslim religious landmarks under the guise of development.
These incidents have raised alarm among many who believe that the demolition of religious sites is part of a more significant effort to marginalize the Muslim community, raising questions about the protection of minority rights and historical heritage in the region.
The debate continues to fuel tensions in Uttar Pradesh and across India, as many view the demolitions as politically motivated. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/168-year-old-mosque-demolished-in-ups-meerut-for-rapid-rail-project/
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As temple-mosque disputes rise, archaeology becomes a minefield
Feb 24, 2025
In 1861, the British Raj had an epiphany. To better assert their control over the Indian population, they felt they needed to know more about the region’s history and culture. This, combined with the passion of a young army engineer named Alexander Cunningham for mapping and restoring India’s historical remains, led to the establishment of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Cunningham went on to become its first head.
The ASI, which holds guardianship of over 3,600 monuments across the nation today, was initially tasked with preserving historical landmarks as well as studying the history of the Indian subcontinent through archaeological discoveries and excavations. In later years, its role expanded to include boosting India’s image as a prime tourist destination with vast historical assets.
Of late though, ASI has waded into fraught terrain by investigating contentious claims that ancient mosques were built over pre-existing Hindu temples. The most recent is Sambhal where ASI is conducting surveys in the Shahi Mosque vs Harihar Mandir case. Last month, it submitted a report saying it had found evidence of a temple at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. While the survey on the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura has been put on hold by the Supreme Court, the ASI has been directed to conduct surveys and excavations following a petition claiming a temple exists below the famed Ajmer Sharif.
As ASI lines up archaeologists, surveyors and field experts to dig deep into each case, it also raises questions as to whether the custodian of monuments has lost its original focus on protecting cultural heritage, and become more aligned with resolving centuries-old religious disputes on the pretext of archaeological research.
Most ASI officials declined to comment, saying it was a politically and legal ly sensitive issue. “ASI’s role is to discover the truth. We are not driven by any local or political pressure. Our job is to explore archaeological evidence in the disputed sites and present our findings to the courts. Excavations have always been a mandate of ASI and well within our designated purview,’’ says an ASI official.
However, some archaeology officials who spoke on condition of anonymity stressed the importance of ASI maintaining its secular image and felt it should not become involved in religious disputes. Former ASI director K N Dixit, who was recently honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to archaeology, was of the viewpoint that history should never be influenced by politics, a perspective shared by many officials of the organisation, former and current.
Dr B R Mani, senior archaeologist, former ADG, ASI, and currently DG, National Museum, observed that avoiding an ideological and communal battle between Hindu and Muslim stakeholders is a tricky task. “Ultimately, you can’t please both contesting parties, and this is where ASI’s role becomes crucial. ASI is a government body and any verdict delivered by them on a disputed site becomes the official mandate. So, one has to be careful to ensure the powers of ASI are not misused on the behest of any faction,’’ he says.
Mani pointed out that the Ayodhya case set a precedent. “The Ayodhya case should ideally have been treated as an exception, but now all courts are asking ASI to do similar archaeological excavations in other disputed religious sites. Resolving religious disputes was never the mandate of ASI, but when the courts give directions to carry out surveys at these sites, ASI has to follow,’’ he says.
Alok Tripathi Silchar, who led a team of surveyors to examine whether Gyanvapi mosque was built on the remains of a demolished temple, was also clear. “The survey has been done in compliance with court orders. There can be no other interpretation and we do not comment on legal issues,’’ he says.
Within ASI, there are differing views on the controversial excavations in the current political climate. The more popular view is that archaeological excavations at any site (religious or not) will yield new findings which can be an asset to the nation. The contrary view is that almost every Indian structure has layers of history associated with it and excavations should take that into account. “At one time, the country was a majority Hindu civilisation. Then Islamic rulers started to invade the Indian sub-continent and brought their own beliefs, philosophy, and teachings.
There was widespread destruction of temples across the country and they built their own structures over them. This has been widely documented in many instances. But at the end of the day, all such relics, irrespective of when they were constructed, are a part of Indian history. So, which chapter of history do we want to preserve,” asks an official.
A number of archaeologists and historians also wonder why ASI is no longer prioritising excavations at historically rich places like Rakhigarhi or other sites of Harappan and Indus Valley civilisations. Conservation work is also suffering, they say, with the ministry of culture itself admitting last year that over 50 monuments had gone missing. “The focus now seems to be primarily on excavating sites of Islamic structures to prove the existence of temples. Where does it end? There is documented proof that World Heritage Site Qutub Minar was built on the ruins of 27 temples. Are we ready to revisit history here as well,’’ asks an expert. In fact, cultural appropriation began in the Indian sub-continent long before the arrival of Islam or Hinduism. “India had a rich Buddhist history before the arrival of Hindu kings. Some believe that notable sites like Jagannath temple in Puri were built over Buddhist and Jain sites. There may or may not be archaeological evidence, but can we go on excavating every historic structure to find what predates it? At some point, we need to accept history as it stands today,’’ says a historian, requesting anonymity.
Historian Swapna Liddle said the problem was not surveys but the motives behind them. “The purpose of archaeological excavation or any kind of scientific investigation is to further our knowledge and understand the site and the history. It is always done with an open mind. But it becomes problematic when these investigations are done with a preconceived notion. If we are not open about our motivations, then what are we even doing,” asks Liddle. She gave the example of Delhi’s Purana Qila monument, which is widely believed to be the original site of ancient Indraprastha. “There is an incessant need to prove it is there, despite no concrete evidence unearthed after decades of excavations. How long will we keep digging?’’ says Liddle.
Reacting to the archaeological surveys at disputed mosque sites, conservationist AGK Menon questioned what purpose they served. “As per my understanding, these recent court-ordered surveys are in contravention of the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict, which clearly stated that you cannot disturb any existing place of worship anymore. But what’s been happening of late is setting a dangerous precedent,” he says. The recent SC order may have put a temporary pause on new pleas for excavations but there is no telling what the future might dig up.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/as-temple-mosque-disputes-rise-archaeology-becomes-a-minefield/articleshow/118516422.cms
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When the meek turn, there will be havoc
Renuka Narayanan
24 Feb 2025
Despite being discouraged by ever so many people, I went to the Mahakumbh last week. The experience was well-curated by the friend who invited me to accompany her. We did not stay in the tent city but a private hotel in town. So we did not face a traffic jam while getting there. Through the hotel owner, my friend pre-arranged a driver and boatman. Coordinating the two, we went straight for our dip after reaching our hotel.
Instead of going to the busy side of the Ganga, our driver took us to the Yamuna. Our boatman, Bablu, met us on the road and took us to a small, sandy bank of the Yamuna, where his rowboat was moored. Rowboat, not a motorboat. So, it was hard work for Bablu and his helper, and a blissful lack of ugly engine noise for us.
We approached the Sangam by the Yamuna, and it was exhilarating to see how full and clean she was, unlike her miserable plight in Delhi. Unsurprisingly, this queenly river was considered holy by the ancients.
I asked Bablu if he was from Uttar Pradesh, and he drew himself up proudly and said he was a Nishada, “Ramji ke dost”, the friend of Sri Rama. He meant he was a descendant of Guha, chief of the Nishadas, who rowed Rama, Sita and Lakshmana across the river into exile. He was living history. And he was so kind, carrying my bag, helping me on and off the boat, and into and out of the Sangam. The water was clean and flowed fairly fast, and I suffered no after-effects.
On the flight home, I was surprised to see my next-door neighbours, a retired Air Force officer and his very smart wife. They told me why they went to Prayagraj: “The opposition spoke so badly about it that we decided to go. Who are they to tell us what to do?” The lesson seemed evident: don’t push peaceful, live-and-let-live Hindus to the wall like this. The Tamil saying goes, “Sadhu mirandaal kaadu kollaathu”. ‘When the meek turn, there will be havoc’, meaning there will be consequences if a normally soft-natured person is provoked beyond endurance.
But how sweet were these people that, instead of saying or doing something bad, went and offered themselves to the Kumbh in solidarity with other pilgrims? It was a deep cultural response in the spirit of tapasya that they did parishram, and threw themselves like ahuti into the havankund. I respect that response.
The religion teaches believers not to flinch from the truth, which is what opened the door to reforms. But you have to know where critiques are coming from. I would like to go back to the 19th-century Bengali epic Meghnad Badh Kavya in nine cantos, by Michael Madhusudan Dutt. My Bengali friends tell me it’s a brilliant read. In it, Dutt valorises Ravana’s son Indrajit or Meghnad, negatively portraying Rama and Lakshmana. We cannot really blame him for it because our religion was not doing well in the 19th century.
Dutt was a learned, sensitive person. However, instead of fighting for reforms as so many brave Hindus did from within, he took the quickest shortcut to modernity available in his day, the English church. In his new persona, he spurned Rama as a foundational figure of the faith, although it was not God’s fault but man’s that Hindu society mistreated its people. Broke in England, he was repeatedly bailed out by his benevolent reformer friend, Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar.
Dutt wrote reams in English but literary magazines in England refused to publish him. Finally, it was by writing about Ramayana in his mother tongue, Bengali, that he became famous. Epic grace touched him, although he was a critic, demonstrating the belief of devotees that just thinking about Rama works its own miracles.
As to which, a reader wrote about last week’s discussion on Eklavya, “From childhood, many of us have been brought up demonising Drona and Arjuna in the case of Eklavya, as in the story The Purpose by T P Kailasam.”
From what I’ve read about him, T P Kailasam was wayward and irresponsible, abandoning his wife and daughters. Small wonder that he did not relate to epic values.
However, his daughter Kamala Subramaniam made magnificent reparation to society with her translations of the two epics and the Bhagavatam.
Even though Kailasam is lauded for his contribution to modern Kannada literature, he cannot hold a candle to Valmiki and Vyasa, wouldn’t you say? He could only poke holes in their work.
Moreover, a reader told me that not only had Eklavya sneaked up on Drona, but also Drona noticed that Eklavya had sealed the dog’s mouth with a divya astra, learnt by stealth. It was a serious misuse of a big weapon for a small thing. Drona realised Eklavya had acquired power without responsibility and was a danger to society if let loose. So, his ability had to be reduced.
What Vyasa’s story should concern us the most is what Vyasa himself said about Eklavya––that he joined Duryodhana in the battle of Kurukshetra, espoused adharma, and died there. It was in character.
So, Kumbh critiques must be understood as mainly political, whereas it is cultural and belongs to the people. All our so-called identities dissolved there. My biggest take-home from the Kumbh was the deep unity underlying our diversity and the palpable sense of belonging. Strangers across India smiled at each other like at a big family wedding. It is a unique experience that I am grateful for.
Source:newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2025/Feb/23/when-the-meek-turn-there-will-be-havoc
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In Attacking Waqf, the Government Is Learning from the Coloniser
Fahad Zuberi
Much has been written about the dangers of The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 and its majoritarian goals. After some debate, the Bill was referred to a Joint Working Committee that approved all the government’s amendments, rejected and redacted all the objections raised by the opposition. The JWC has now tabled the Bill in the parliament to much uproar. As these conversations continue, I want to draw our attention to the encounter between the Waqf tradition and the British in the Indian subcontinent. Dismantling the waqf was a tool of dispossession for the British as well.
Control over land and property and its dispossession is central to a colonial project. The extraction of revenue and resources from the subcontinent for the British, for example, was majorly mechanised through a system of controlling land and property. The British did this by constructing the idea of property and regulating it in places where these ideas didn’t exist. In nomadic parts of the subcontinent, such as parts of Punjab, for example, the British appointed aabadkars (settlers) to settle villages and enforce organised, and therefore, taxed, farming in regions that did not comprise settled communities. In more settled regions, the British controlled land by rewriting, through law and revenue manuals, the existing relationship of societies with land. The development of zamindari, mahalwari and ryotwari systems across North India is an example of this second phenomenon.
The British sought to dismantle and weaken the Waqf system because first, it presented a resistance to the British mechanisms of controlling land and property.
For the British, Waqf was an odd object to tackle. While the British colonial state sought to redefine and control land and remake the economy in South Asia, it had explicitly left matters of religious and personal laws out of colonial jurisdiction. Waqf stood somewhere in the fuzzy boundaries between religious customs and systems of recognising and organising property. It was a religious matter that the British had committed themselves not to meddle with, and at the same time, it was a system of land ownership that the colonial project could not have sustained without controlling.
The earliest attack on Waqf was about its definitions of charity and ownership. While the Protestant and secular European ideas thought of charity as unrelated to family, Islam emphasised on charity given to one’s closest relatives as the highest form of giving alms. Scholars like Gregory Kozlowski and Eric Beverly have shown how conflicts such as these provided a window for British judges to redefine, recategorise and re-form Waqf into British law. The idea that charity could be done within family was propagated by the British as evidence of corruption in the Muslim society. This attack was met with resistance with several ‘native’ lawyers like Faiz Badrudin Tayabji challenging the British remodelling of Waqf into their morality and institutions of law.
Secondly, Waqf created autonomous public space for Indians and the British wanted to control and diminish ‘native’ public spaces. Public spaces are arenas of politics. They are used to claim belongingness to one’s own city, interact with other city dwellers, discuss problems, organise help for the community and mobilise support for socio-political movements. From the barricades on the streets of Paris during the French Revolution, to Jallianwala Bagh in India’s resistance to the British, and Ramlila Maidan, Sindhu Border and Shaheen Bagh in our time, it is clear that a people cannot have a politics without having access and control over public space. “Taking to the streets,” is an undying metaphor of people’s movements against oppressive powers.
Waqf provided (and still provides) this public space to Indians. Waqf was the only mechanism through which Indians created their own public space and infrastructure without relying on the British government. Waqf made it possible to create schools, traveler’s rest houses (sarais), homeless shelters, mosques, community halls and graveyards – all independent from the British rule and maintained and managed with complete autonomy. These spaces were mostly syncretic and provided a space for Indians to interact, trade, and build and nurture community life. In his book Causes of the Indian Revolt, for example, Sir Syed criticised the British for meddling in the public spaces of Delhi and impacting the socio-cultural and religious life of Indians – Hindus and Muslims alike. Dispossession of public space, therefore, required attacking and controlling the institution of waqf.
Thirdly, the British were uncomfortable with continued usage of existing buildings and infrastructure and Waqf provided a robust system that kept the built environment alive and thriving. This was not to the liking of the colonial occupation. Mughals had built a lot of public buildings, plazas, and infrastructure such as bridges and canals – many of which still serve their function. A continued usage of these buildings acknowledged the presence of and legitimised the rule of the Mughals in India. The British, however, viewed these buildings as either antiquarian objects that were to be museum-ised as evidence of a regime that has passed, or as infrastructure, and therefore, a regime, in decline.
Dispossession of public buildings and establishing redundance of civilian infrastructure, therefore, was central to declare the demise of the Mughal rule and announce the arrival of the new British colonial order. Architectural historiography and British institutions such as the Asiatic Societies and local Archeological Societies that led to the establishment of the Archeological Survey of India in 1861, made sure that buildings were written strictly as “stone texts” – as James Fergusson put it. That is, exclusively as dead material that can at best be historical evidence, and without the people that continue to use them. Architectural historians like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan provided a resistance to this erasure.
The British, therefore, attacked the Waqf tradition and tied it to the ideas of modern law and property. First, the British promoted the idea that a continued usage of Mughal buildings was evidence that Indians were still stuck in the past and continued to use buildings and neighbourhoods that were dirty and unhygienic, and therefore, needed to be civilised into modernity and Waqf came in the way. Historian Faridah Zaman has shown how such arguments were used to attack sacred spaces in North India and securitise them after the rebellion of 1857.
Secondly, the British painted Waqf properties – especially those under waqf-e-aulaad – as centres of economic abuse. In this propaganda, wealthy Muslims used Waqf to cement their hold on generational wealth and as a channel for corruption. These properties, in British propaganda, needed government surveillance and control to put them to better “public use.” The awqaf (assets donated for charitable causes) were already creating public spaces and promoting public good but by demonising Waqf, the British promoted their judicial and legislative interventions as a necessity for greater public good, and their control as a much-needed reform in the interest of Muslims themselves.
All of this sounds so familiar, doesn’t it? The attack on the Waqf is not new and neither are its mechanisms. The Waqf Amendment Bill, the arguments of the Indian government and public discourse and propaganda around Waqf echo the British technologies of occupation. Just like human progress happens on the shoulders of those who came before us, successive regimes also learn from regimes of the past. Unsurprisingly, then, as coordinated attacks on Muslim lives and spaces in India have intensified, the Islamic institution of Waqf has come in the saffron crosshairs. But this time, the tools of dispossessions that our colonisers used, are being used against our own people.
Source:thewire.in
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https://thewire.in/history/in-attacking-waqf-the-government-is-learning-from-the-coloniser
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Jama Masjid committee sought permission from ASI for renovation, decoration of mosque in UP's Sambhal
February 23, 2025
By: Rohit Saboo
Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid committee reached out to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), seeking permission to clean, paint and decorate the masque ahead of Ramzan. Masjid's management has sent a formal letter to ASI and requested approval for maintenance activities. Jama Masjid Committee president Zafar Ali on Sunday said we sought permission from ASI to maintain peace and harmony in the city. The caution has been taken in view of the violence that broke out in Sambhal in November 2024.
Ali emphasised that the mosque has undergone cleaning and decoration for centuries without any objections from the ASI. He further clarified that while no legal objections have been raised in the past, an issue had arisen in 2018 regarding the installation of a grill for public convenience, which was handled by the previous committee.
Sambhal administration set to install 300 CCTV cameras
In view of the violence that happened last year, Sambhal administration is installing 300 CCTV cameras at 127 locations across the city to bolster security and surveillance. The project, funded under the 15th Finance Commission grant, will be implemented as part of the city surveillance initiative, Municipal Executive Officer Mani Bhushan Tiwari said.
In November 2024 violence, four persons were killed. The district administration proposed this plan to ensure security and monitor any future incidents effectively. The cameras will be installed at key entry and exit points, sensitive areas, and major intersections.
The system will include PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, with a total estimated cost of Rs two crore. The control and monitoring of the cameras will be managed through two centralised control rooms—one under the supervision of an additional superintendent of police (ASP) and the other operated jointly by police, municipal authorities, and the agency responsible for its maintenance, official said.
Source:indiatvnews.com
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https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/jama-masjid-committee-sought-permission-from-asi-for-renovation-decoration-of-mosque-in-up-s-sambhal-2025-02-23-977602
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KK Muhammed’s restored temples promote social harmony. Must it be called atonement?
AMANA BEGAM
24 January, 2025
Archaeologist KK Muhammed, in a recent interaction with podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, shared his views on reconstructing old temples. Former regional director of the Archaeological Survey of India and a key figure in the excavation at the disputed Ayodhya site, Muhammed said that while he is dedicated to restoring historical structures, there is a personal, philosophical stance behind his efforts.
“I admit that when Muslims came to India, they destroyed a lot of temples,” he said. “In a very subdued way, I want to atone for it.”
Muhammed rejected the argument commonly made by Marxist historians—that rulers attacked temples purely for the wealth stored in them. He said that places of worship were specifically targeted, implying that the destruction was not just opportunistic but also ideological. Perhaps this is also part of his atonement.
What is indeed admirable, though, is the archaeologist’s efforts to reconstruct over 100 temples. It is certainly a noble gesture that promotes social harmony. However, it left me with an unsettling question: Do Muslims today need to atone for the actions of invaders who destroyed temples centuries ago?
Not all Muslims came to India as invaders. Islam entered this land through diverse routes such as trade and cultural exchanges, creating a rich and complex history. To place all Muslims under one bracket and assign them the responsibility for centuries-old invasions is neither fair nor reasonable.
If Muslims today continued to benefit from systemic privileges rooted in their ancestors’ historical oppression of others, the atonement argument might hold some weight. But in this case, the burden seems misplaced.
The reality is that the majority of Indian Muslims are Pasmanda Muslims—belonging to lower castes—who have no connection to the invading dynasties of the past. If anything, they have been victims of systemic discrimination themselves, often marginalised socially and economically.
History is rife with examples of fatwas and other forms of institutionalised bias against Pasmanda Muslims, highlighting their struggles within a hierarchical system. To place the burden of atonement on them is not only illogical but also unjust. They are not inheritors of privilege but of a legacy of exclusion and hardship.
Fostering real harmony
KK Muhammed’s work should be seen as an effort to promote social harmony, rather than as a form of repentance. Beyond this, the socio-economic condition of the majority of Muslims today demands a greater focus on uplifting the community from within and working toward their integration into the mainstream.
It is also crucial for Pasmanda Muslims to acknowledge their lack of connection to the invaders of the past. The real problem lies in the widespread tendency to take pride in the conquests of ancient rulers. When Muslims today feel a sense of belonging with those distant dynasties and glorify their deeds, particularly as a way of asserting supremacy, they inadvertently validate the harm those conquests caused. This not only alienates Muslims from other communities but also risks making them complicit, in a way, in dismissing historical grievances. It becomes a vicious cycle, preventing genuine reconciliation and progress.
The fight against this mindset holds the key to fostering real harmony. At the same time, gestures of goodwill like Muhammed’s acknowledgement of historical realities are both laudable and timely. They counter populist voices that seek to paint every Muslim as an enemy of the majority, while also confronting conservative elements within the community who resist introspection.
It’s reassuring to see that the state does not align itself with divisive populist narratives. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju recently visited Saudi Arabia, where he signed a bilateral agreement for the Haj pilgrimage. This shows that the government is committed to ensuring religious fulfilment for its Muslim citizens, just as it does for every other community.
A government that doesn’t cater to populist voices, combined with individual efforts like those of KK Muhammed, will help shape a better future for India.
Source:theprint.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://theprint.in/opinion/kk-muhammeds-restored-temples-promote-social-harmony-must-it-be-called-atonement/2459643/
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Uttar Pradesh: Muazzin gives Azaan from terrace of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal
February 23, 2025
In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, a video has gone viral showing Mohammed Haji Raees, a Muazzin, offering the Jummah prayer (Azaan) from the roof of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
This act followed a police decision to remove loudspeakers that had been installed on the mosque’s roof. The police’s move came as part of a broader directive issued by the Yogi Adityanath government, which restricts the use of loudspeakers at public places.
Sambhal’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Krishan Kumar Bishnoi, explained to the Times of India that the police were simply following government orders.
He clarified that while loudspeakers were no longer allowed, the Muazzin was still free to offer prayers, as the act of reciting the Azaan did not fall under “criminal activity.”
This response highlighted the balance the police sought between adhering to government regulations and allowing religious practices.
This incident follows a series of actions taken by the Sambhal police against the use of loudspeakers at mosques. In January, two Imams, Rehaan Hussain from a mosque in Bahjoi and Rizaul Haqat from a mosque in Hayat Nagar, were booked for using loudspeakers.
These arrests were part of the enforcement of the Yogi Adityanath government’s orders, which sought to limit noise disturbances in the region.
The controversy surrounding the use of loudspeakers at mosques has been a sensitive issue, especially in light of previous tensions in the area. In December 2024, a 23-year-old Imam named Tahzeeb was arrested and fined Rs 2 lakh for using a loudspeaker at the Anal Wali Masjid in the Kot Garvi area.
The incident took place amid rising communal tensions in the city, particularly after a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, one of the oldest surviving Mughal-era mosques, sparked violence.
Complaints from Hindu right-wing groups accused the Imam of using the loudspeaker at an excessive volume, which led to his arrest. Following the fine, the Imam was released on bail with the condition that he would not use loudspeakers for the next six months.
Sambhal’s sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), Vandana Mishra, confirmed that preventive measures had been taken in response to the ongoing disturbances. These actions were part of the government’s efforts to maintain peace and order in the region while balancing religious practices with the need for public tranquility. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/uttar-pradesh-muazzin-gives-azaan-from-terrace-of-shahi-jama-masjid-in-sambhal/
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With Jamaat banned, faction that contested J&K polls to launch new political front
by Bashaarat Masood
February 24, 2025
With the ban on the J&K Jamaat-e-Islami continuing, a faction of the group that had contested the Assembly elections held in the Union Territory last year has decided to launch a new political front.
The new front, to be named Justice and Development Front (JDF), was unofficially introduced on Sunday at a convention in south Kashmir’s Kulgam – the place where the Jamaat organised its first big political rally in three decades during the Assembly election campaign.
Shamim Ahmad Thoker, the election in-charge of the Jamaat faction that contested elections, told The Indian Express, “Since the Jamaat is a banned organisation, we have decided to set up a separate political front that will work only in the political arena.”
“Jamaat is a socio-religious political outfit. When the ban is lifted, Jamaat will work on the socio-religious front while the Justice and Development Front will work on the political front,” he said.
Thoker is set to be president of the new political front. Abdul Rehamn Shalla, the Jamaat’s Baramulla candidate who did not get his election deposit back, will be the front’s vice president. The group’s Kulgam candidate, Sayyar Ahmad Reshi, will be the general secretary.
The Jamaat faction, run by an eight-member panel, had been in talks with the Centre about lifting the ban on the organisation. During talks, the Centre had made participation in elections a condition and the panel fielded 10 candidates as Independents in the Assembly polls. However, barring the Kulgam candidate, none of them made a mark.
Thoker said the new front has been set up following deliberations with the leadership at district and tehsil levels.
The front will later be officially announced in Srinagar. However, the leadership structure of the front does not include any of Jamaat’s main leadership.
The Jamaat faction that decided to engage with the Centre and contest elections has attracted serious criticism from the Jamaat cadre and leadership.
While the Jamaat’s last chief, Dr Abdul Hameed Fayaz, is in jail, the former top leadership that is out of jail has been silent on the matter and neither endorsed nor opposed the panel and its decisions.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/with-jamaat-banned-faction-that-contested-jk-polls-to-launch-new-political-front-9852552/
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Kerala BJP leader P C George surrenders after court rejects bail in hate speech case
24.02.25
BJP leader P C George surrendered before a court in Erattupetta in this district, on Monday in connection with a hate speech case.
"We have received information that George has appeared before the court," a police officer told reporters here.
George's move came as the police sought to take him into custody after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea.
On Saturday, George had requested the police for an extension until February 24 to appear before them for investigation in connection with the hate speech case.
Dismissing his petition, the High Court observed that granting bail in such a case would send the wrong message to society.
George, a former MLA, was accused of delivering a hate speech against a minority community during a TV channel discussion.
He approached the High Court after the Kottayam District Sessions Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in the case registered by the Erattupetta police. The case was based on a complaint by Muhamed Shihab, a Muslim Youth League leader, who alleged that George made remarks capable of inciting religious hatred.
He was booked under Sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the BNS, as well as Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/kerala-bjp-leader-p-c-george-surrenders-after-court-rejects-bail-in-hate-speech-case/cid/2085378
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Ancient prayer calendar deciphered at coastal mosque in Colachel
February 24, 2025
SHANKARI NIVETHITHA B
Recently decoded stone inscription from a mosque near Colachel seashore refers to a Muslim prayer calendar that begins with the Tamil month Thai.
The inscription is similar to one found years ago at Kilakarai mosque in Ramanathapuram district.
A few months ago, Asim, an activist from Colachel, reported about the presence of inscriptions on the wall of Periya Pallivasal in Colachel to Sembavalam Research Organisation in Nagercoil. A team led by Chenthee. Natrajan, an epigraphist and Managing Director of Sembavalam Research Organisation, along with researchers M. Faizal and N. Nagarajan, visited the site and deciphered the inscription and documented their findings.
The inscription is engraved within a 10-inch square on the mosque wall in a 6x5 pattern, referring to six columns and five rows.
In line with similar findings at Kilakarai mosque, the researchers highlighted the common environmental feature of both inscriptions. They noted that both mosques belonged to coastal regions and were Kallupallis, stone buildings.
Speaking to The Hindu on Sunday, Mr. Natrajan, said the Tamil Muslim community from the coastal areas in Tamil Nadu was actively engaged in trading. He emphasised the sea faring skill of the community and explained their physical endurance to row a boat over long distance for trading.
The time calculation mentioned in the inscription indicated an additional prayer beyond the five obligatory prayers. “This prayer may have been an expression of gratitude for offering strength to the joints of the body for rowing the boat and for their physical endurance at sea,” he added.
Mr. Faizal said the first row of the inscription began with the month Thai and continued to Aani, while the fifth line was from Aadi to Margazhi. The three rows in the middle contained Tamil numerical symbols, indicating the naazhigai timings. Further research was under way to decipher the time period of the inscription.
Source:thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/ancient-prayer-calendar-deciphered-at-coastal-mosque-in-colachel/article69254861.ece
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North America
CAIR-CT Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Racist Harassment Targeting Muslim Family
February 23, 2025
The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged harassment of a Muslim family in that state as a possible hate crime.
That family was reportedly harassed when shopping for groceries in Bethel, Connecticut, by a man who objected to the headscarf, or hijab, worn by the family’s mother. The man allegedly gave the mother the middle finger and told her to “go back where you came from.” He allegedly continued to make obscene gestures and hateful remarks as they walked into the store and also targeted a 10-year-old girl and “put the middle finger” in her face.
The family reported the hate incident to police, but they determined “that no hate crime (or any crime in general) had occurred.”
In a statement, CAIR-CT chairman Farhan Memon, said:
“No family of any faith or ethnicity should be targeted by allegedly hate-motivated harassment while going about their daily lives. We call on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this troubling incident as a possible hate crime and to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice.”
He noted that in Connecticut, hate crimes include acts that are committed maliciously and with the intent to intimidate or harass a person because of that person’s perceived or actual race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
Between January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
Last year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source:cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ct-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-racist-harassment-targeting-muslim-family/
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Muslim Vote convener warned by his education department employer over comments made on Sydney nurses
By Nabil Al Nashar
24 Feb, 2025
Muslim Vote convener and public servant Sheikh Wesam Charkawi has been ordered to work from home for allegedly breaching the NSW Education Departments' social media policy and code of ethics.
In an Instagram post on February 16, Sheikh Wesam, commented on the two Sydney nurses threatening harm to Israeli patients in a video.
He criticised Australian politicians, branding their response as "selective moral outrage".
The Western Sydney Imam is a support officer at Granville Boys High School and a well-established youth leader in the Muslim community.
He is also a prominent figure at the helm of the "teal-style" Muslim Vote movement, aiming to unseat Labor frontbenchers like Jason Clare and Tony Burke in the fast-approaching federal election.
In an accompanying video in his Instagram post, Sheikh Wesam said the nurses' comments were "never meant to be literal or intended to be a threat to patient care", and that "in current times, in which genocide is unfolding live on our screens, emotions can sometimes get the better of anybody".
He criticised the "hypocrisy" of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Health Minister Ryan Park for remaining "silent (or) hesitant when confronted with the most egregious acts of violence committed by Israel".
Neither the Prime Minister nor Mr Park's offices wished to comment on Sheikh Wesam's video.
The Prime Minister had described the video of the nurses as "disgusting, sickening and shameful" and later said the nurses did not deserve sympathy.
Sheikh Wesam said "the speed, intensity and coordination of the response from figures that have been otherwise largely indifferent, weak or outright complicit and enabling in the face of mass atrocities", was evidence of a "calculated double-standard".
Mr Park had called the video of the nurses "one of the most vile, shocking and appalling videos I have ever seen".
In his post he described the response of politicians and media as, "an orchestrated model framework where outrage is not dictated by the severity of an action, but by the one who commits it".
"We refuse to accept a political a media landscape when Muslims are only visible when they are being condemned but invisible when they are being killed."
The NSW Department of Education directed Sheikh Wesam to take down the post from his Instagram and TikTok accounts.
At the time of publishing this article, the Instagram post remained up.
Public servants warned
Simon Draper secretary of the NSW Premier's Department and Kathrina Lo the NSW Public Service Commissioner addressed a letter to all public sector employees a day after Sheikh Wesam's video was published.
The letter read: "You have a duty to uphold the reputation of your department and the government sector as apolitical, impartial and professional."
The letter said this duty extended to employees in a "private capacity in public forums, on social media, or when engaging in political or social issues".
It also said: "You have a right to express your views and support causes, but always with a mind to how it might impact on your role as a public servant."
In a statement, a spokesperson for the department said staff had been made aware of their responsibilities.
"All NSW Department of Education employees have been reminded of their duty to uphold the reputation of the department as apolitical and impartial."
Source:abc.net.au
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-24/sydney-sheikh-wesam-charkawi-to-work-from-home-nurses-comments/104974798
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Trump names right-wing commentator Dan Bongino as deputy FBI director
24 Feb, 2025
US President Donald Trump has appointed right-wing commentator Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI.
Trump posted on social media that Bongino was "a man of incredible love and passion for our Country" and would serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel.
Bongino, 50, has worked for the New York police department and the Secret Service - as well as having been part of the protection detail for two presidents, George W Bush and Barack Obama.
He hosts a self-titled podcast whose Facebook posts often attract more attention than those of Fox News and CNN combined.
"Thank you Mr President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel," Bongino wrote on X in a post after Trump's announcement.
Trump said in his social media announcement on Sunday that Bongino is "willing and prepared to give up" the podcast "in order to serve".
"Fairness, Justice, Law and Order will be brought back to America, and quickly," Trump added.
He said Bongino would do an "incredible job" at the FBI.
Bongino, who has run for Congress three times, hosted Trump on his daily podcast, The Dan Bongino Show, ahead of last year's election.
Episodes of his programme from the last week include titles such as "Trump Keeps Delivering And The Libs Are Seething" and "The Only People Who Love Crime Are Criminals!!!"
Talking about his career as a prolific conservative political commentator, Bongino said in 2018: "My life is all about owning the libs now."
With a combative persona, he can often be found firing back at Trump's detractors on X, including a long-running spat with horror author Stephen King.
Bongino's new FBI boss Patel was last week narrowly confirmed by the Senate to the lead the law-enforcement agency that he has long attacked.
Democrats had warned he would seek retribution against Trump's enemies, although the former prosecutor has denied any plans to pursue political vendettas and has promised to "rebuild" the bureau.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwd2qrn1e2o
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Key US agencies tell staff not to answer Musk email on what they did last week
24 Feb, 2025
Key US departments within the Trump administration have told staff not to comply with a Saturday email from Elon Musk's cost-cutting initiative asking what they accomplished in the past week.
The FBI, state department and Pentagon were among agencies that instructed employees not to answer the message. Other department heads advised staff to comply, while some told workers to wait for further guidance before responding.
Musk said failure to respond by Monday at midnight would be interpreted as the employee resigning. President Donald Trump has yet to comment on the email.
The conflicting guidance caused confusion for hundreds of thousands of government bureaucrats as Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) task force leads an outside effort to aggressively reduce government spending.
The message sent to millions of federal employees on Saturday evening came after Musk posted on his social media platform X that government staff would "shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week".
In a copy of the email obtained by the BBC, employees were asked to respond explaining their accomplishments from the past week in five bullet points - without disclosing classified information.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the federal government's human resources agency, confirmed the email was authentic.
The message did not mention whether declining to comply could affect employment status, despite Musk's social media assertion that "failure to respond will be taken as a resignation".
Newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel told his staff in a separate email later on Saturday that they should "pause any responses".
"FBI personnel may have received an email from OPM requesting information," Patel wrote in a message obtained by CBS News.
"The FBI, through the Office of the Director, is in charge of all of our review processes, and will conduct reviews in accordance with the FBI procedures."
The state department sent a similar message, saying leadership would respond on behalf of the agency.
"No employee is obligated to report their activities outside of their Department chain of command," an email from Tibor Nagy, acting undersecretary for management, said.
The Pentagon told its staff: "When and if required, the Department will coordinate responses to the email you have received from OPM."
The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency gave their employees similar instructions, according to reports.
In a sign that the OPM email may have come as a surprise to many agencies, a senior figure at the Department of Justice wrote to staff on Saturday evening to say: "Media reports indicate the email was distributed to employees throughout the federal government."
The message added that "at this point, we have no reason to believe this message is spam or malicious".
Later on Saturday evening, a follow-up email was sent clarifying that the OPM message was "legitimate" and that "employees should be prepared to follow the instructions as requested".
The justice department message also came with a warning to staff: "Do not include any sensitive, confidential, or classified information in your response. Should you have any questions about the contents of your response please contact your supervisor.
"If we receive additional guidance or information, I will update all employees, as necessary."
Agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Secret Service and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency also encouraged their staff to comply, reports said.
Other departments, including the National Security Agency, the Internal Revenue Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, requested that employees await further guidance.
OPM did not immediately respond to the BBC's inquiry about whether some staff might be exempt.
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal employees, criticised the message as "cruel and disrespectful" and threatened to sue.
It is unclear how the email affects any of the roughly three million federal workers who may not have had access their emails this weekend.
Other government employees, such as those at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, were placed on leave in the last month.
The message came hours after Trump praised Musk's work on social media, adding: "I would like to see him get more aggressive."
The Democratic ranking member on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hit out at the directive in a letter to the OPM.
Congressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia wrote that the agency should "immediately clarify that federal employees' nonresponse to this ill-conceived, weekend email does not constitute resignation".
"This threat is illegal, reckless, and yet another example of the cruel and arbitrary chaos Mr Musk is inflicting on the people's government and its dedicated public servants."
Most Republican members of Congress have been defending Musk and his broader efforts.
Congressman Mike Lawler of New York told ABC on Sunday that Musk's efforts were a "comprehensive, forensic audit of every department and agency in the federal government".
But Senator John Curtis, a Republican representing Utah, criticised Musk's methods, even as said he supported the ultimate goal of Doge.
"If I could say one thing to Elon Musk, it's like, please put a dose of compassion in this. These are real people. These are real lives. These are mortgages," Curtis told CBS.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0qrj20g5vo
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Most USAID staff laid off or placed on leave by Trump administration
24 Feb, 2025
The Trump administration has placed most United States Agency for International Development (USAID) employees back on administrative leave from midnight on Sunday and laid off hundreds more.
In addition to some 4,200 staff who are being placed on leave, at least 1,600 employees are being fired.
The move comes weeks after President Donald Trump's initial attempt to eliminate thousands of USAID employees was held up by a legal challenge.
A federal judge temporarily halted the administration's plan to gut America's foreign aid agency, but ruled on Friday that the pause would not be permanent. Founded in 1961, USAID employed around 10,000 staff until the recent cost-cutting began.
The notice to USAID employees on Sunday from the Office of the Administrator said that "designated personnel" responsible for critical functions or in leadership would be exempt from administrative leave.
It's not clear how many employees will be kept on, but USAID had previously deemed 611 personnel to be essential.
The email said USAID intended to fund voluntary return travel for overseas staff.
Around 4,200 employees will be placed on leave, according to the BBC's US news partner CBS.
The USAID website said there would be a "reduction-in-force" of an additional 1,600 personnel in the US.
That would amount to at least 5,800 USAID employees on administrative leave or laid off - or well over half the agency's workforce.
The development follows a ruling on Friday by Judge Carl Nichols in Washington DC that the Trump administration could press ahead with its plans to get rid of USAID employees.
Another federal judge said last week that the Trump administration was failing to abide by a ruling requiring the government to continue financing foreign aid already approved by Congress while legal challenges play out.
It is unclear whether those USAID staff being placed on leave will eventually be rehired, or have their positions eliminated, too.
The Trump administration is seeking to shrink the federal workforce and cut costs in a drive led by Elon Musk.
The billionaire Trump adviser asked millions of bureaucrats over the weekend to list their accomplishments from the past week.
On Saturday, from the stage at a conservative convention near Washington DC, Trump said: "We've also effectively ended the left-wing scam known as USAID.
"The agency's name has been removed from its former building, and that space will now house agents from Customs and Border Patrol."
Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), a US immigration-enforcement agency, is ready to move into the USAID building in the heart of the nation's capital.
"CBP has signed a licence agreement to occupy approximately 390,000 usable square feet in the USAID tower," a CBP spokesperson told Fox News.
Trump and Musk have been critical of America's sizable overseas spending, and USAID has become a lightning rod for their frustration. Trump and his allies have accused the agency of being too liberal and wasteful.
The cutbacks to USAID have already upended the global aid system. Hundreds of programmes have been frozen in countries around the world since the president announced his intentions in January.
The US is by far the biggest single provider of humanitarian aid around the world. It has bases in more than 60 countries and works in dozens of others, with much of its work carried out by its contractors.
Former USAID chief Gayle Smith previously told the BBC: "When you pull all of that out, you send some very dangerous messages.
"The US is signalling that we don't frankly care whether people live or die and that we're not a reliable partner."
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr42r2gw5wzo
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US ‘reformulating’ Russian policy – Trump adviser
24 Feb, 2025
The US is carrying out a complete overhaul of its approach to the Ukraine conflict and relations with Russia, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has said.
Trump, who took office last month, has reversed the Biden administration’s attempts to “isolate” Russia on the world stage, reopening direct negotiations which were suspended in 2022.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Waltz said that Trump’s focus has been “bringing multiple wars to an end,” including the conflict in Gaza and the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
He reiterated that the White House hopes to strike a “partnership” in the development of Ukraine’s critical minerals in return for the military and financial aid provided by Trump’s predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
Kiev should sign a deal “so the American people can see a return on this massive investment they’ve made,” Waltz said.
“We reformulate how the United States deals with Russia. We saw this first step with President Trump talking to both Putin and Zelensky,” he added.
Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone on February 12, paving the way for a meeting of teams led by Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last Tuesday. The parties discussed Ukraine and agreed to begin a gradual normalization of bilateral ties.
Ukrainian and EU leaders have since said that they felt sidelined by the White House and alarmed by Trump’s public criticism of Zelensky, whom he labeled “a dictator.” Unlike his predecessor, who squarely blamed the conflict on Russia, Trump has insisted that Zelensky was responsible for the hostilities.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington this week, hoping to ensure that Trump will not abandon aid to Ukraine. “We welcome their ideas for security guarantees and European leadership to take care of Europe’s security,” Waltz said.
Speaking to reporters after the talks in Riyadh, Lavrov said he saw signs that “the American side has begun to understand our position better.”
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/613200-us-reformulating-russia-policy/
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Pakistan
Lack of Shariah compliant fintech
Nasir Jamal
February 24, 2025
Pakistan’s progress on digital banking has been woefully slow; it is even more distressing in the Islamic fintech space despite the growing demand for Shariah-compliant digital banking solutions.
While several other Muslim and non-Muslim countries are making strides in the fast-emerging Islamic fintech market, Pakistan is falling behind this global trend, a strong appetite for Shariah-compliant digital finance notwithstanding.
The policymakers’ failure to get even a single fully operational digital bank aligned with Islamic financial principles off the ground is even more surprising given the fact that the entire banking industry is to completely convert itself into being Shariah-compliant by the end of 2027.
Over the last few years, Islamic banking, largely driven by individual consumers seeking Shariah-compliant financial solutions, has grown rapidly. Currently, it constitutes nearly a fifth of the country’s entire banking industry, with assets surging to Rs9.9 trillion and deposits increasing to Rs7.6tr. The net financing by six Islamic banks and 16 conventional banks that have standalone Islamic banking branches has reached Rs3.25tr and their net investments rose by 22.3 per cent to Rs4.8tr.
However, this growth momentum in the Islamic banking industry has not convinced policymakers to create an ecosystem for digital Islamic banking, as is the case in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, despite the interest of many investors amid a notable demand growth.
Though Islamic banks operating in the Pakistan market have mobile apps, there is a fundamental difference between an Islamic bank’s mobile app and a fully digital Islamic bank. The apps serve as extensions of traditional banking services rather than fully digital banking ecosystems.
In online banking, only certain aspects of banking, such as money transfers and payments, are digitised, but in digital banking, every programme, function, process and activity undertaken by the banks and their customers is fully digitised.
A digital bank, on the other hand, offers all kinds of financial products and services primarily through digital platforms or electronic channels instead of physical branches. Digital banking is not just online or mobile or internet banking; it goes way beyond that and involves complete automation of the front end and back end of a bank and everything in between.
None of the existing Islamic banking apps allow for account opening online, nor do they provide an entirely digital end-to-end experience. Customers must still visit physical branches for verification, documentation, and onboarding, defeating the very purpose of digital banking.
Even though the State Bank rolled out a Digital Retail Banks (DRBs) framework by issuing digital banking licences to five banks — Hugo Bank, KT Bank Pakistan, Mashreq Bank Pakistan, Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, and Easypaisa Bank — in January 2023, the progress on this front has been extremely slow.
Easypaisa Bank was authorised by the State Bank last month to become commercially operational as a fully digital bank. Even Easypaisa has built on its existing wallet infrastructure rather than being an entirely new digital bank. Last week, Mashreq Bank was awarded a pilot licence to operate as a digital bank. However, the remaining license holders have yet to make any significant moves, raising concerns about execution delays, regulatory bottlenecks, and market readiness.
This raises the question of whether digital banks are equipped to handle such a challenge, especially the ones that were tasked to introduce complete Islamic digital banking. Raqami, which was granted a digital banking licence, has not yet commenced commercial operations.
To many, the failure to make any headway in Shariah-compliant fintech is another “missed opportunity” for Pakistan and a setback for its ambition to be a global leader in Islamic finance.
The digital banking framework was primarily designed for setting up new digital banks. Nonetheless, the State Bank allowed traditional banks/microfinance banks to also apply for their conversion into a digital bank based on a viable business case and satisfactory digital financial services experience.
Under this framework, the SBP may grant two types of digital bank licenses: Digital Retail Bank (DRB) and Digital Full Bank (DFB). DRBs will primarily focus on retail customers, and DFBs can deal with retail customers as well as business and corporate entities.
Subsequent to completion of the transition phase, DRBs may graduate to receive a DFB licence subject to fulfilment of the applicable minimum capital requirement and completion of a two-year progression phase.
Many industry leaders insist that Pakistan urgently needs a truly Islamic DRB; one that goes beyond basic digital wallets and offers a complete suite of Islamic financial services. The gaps in the current Islamic digital banking landscape are immense, and the need for a digital bank that delivers the full potential of Islamic banking finance solutions cannot be overstated, given the vast unbanked population as well as the rapid adoption of smartphones and internet services.
The opportunity for a digital-first Islamic banking model is present, and so is investor interest in Islamic fintech. Though the existing fintech players have the potential to transition into Islamic banking, they have yet to fully integrate Shariah-compliant products like interest-free loans, Islamic saving accounts, and Takaful. Challenges such as regulatory complexities, industry inertia, and lack of incentives hinder the transition to digital Islamic banking.
The adoption and growth of digital banking services is lagging due to limited technology infrastructure and digital literacy, undermining investor confidence in the protection and profitability of their investments. Besides, a fragmented regulatory environment signified by the lack of coordination among federal and provincial agencies also deters investors from seeking a clear and predictable framework.
The depreciating dollar and declining returns have further eroded investor sentiment, while the market remains sluggish, struggling to keep pace with global fintech advancements. At the same time, Pakistan’s broader economic challenges have added further uncertainty for foreign investors, complicating investment decisions and making it even harder for fintech players to thrive.
Yet investor interest in Islamic fintech is said to be high because of the potential for its growth on notable demand from the population. Nevertheless, industry sources insist that establishing a Shariah-compliant digital banking ecosystem in Pakistan requires a clear regulatory framework, secure digital infrastructure, development of compliant financial products, market education, ethical standards, and alignment with global Islamic finance practices.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1893909/lack-of-shariah-compliant-fintech
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PTI believes its letters have ‘conveyed the message’
Imran Ayub
February 24, 2025
• Salman Akram Raja claims recipients have ‘read and understood’ Imran’s correspondence, says PTI founder ‘not seeking favours’
• Opposition alliance steps up efforts for ‘grand meeting’, scheduled to be held in Islamabad this week
KARACHI: The PTI believes that recent letters — purportedly written by its founder Imran Khan — have reached their intended recipients, and been “read and understood” by those addressed, despite denials by the military establishment.
The claim was made by the party’s top leadership on Sunday during a media interaction at the Mazar-i-Quaid, where they paid tribute to the founder of the nation.
The visit marked the final leg of their trip to Karachi under the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) banner, aiming to strengthen their preparations for a grand political meeting in Islamabad, scheduled for February 25 and 26.
The opposition alliance is organising a grand meeting of political parties and the PTI leaders were in town to invite the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to the moot.
It may be noted that the PTI chief had supposedly written multiple letters to the army chief, expressing his grievances and offering remedies to bridge the alleged gulf between the army and the public.
However, the military denied receiving any correspondence from the former premier, while also announcing that it would not entertain such letters, even if received. The PTI only shared the contents of these letters on social media platforms instead of the entire text, which raised questions about the existence of such letters.
A party insider had told Dawn that one of the letters supposedly written to the army chief “did not exist,” which was why a draft was not shared with the media.
Meet the press
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja clarified his stance during an address at the Karachi Press Club, where the opposition alliance leaders participated in the “Meet the Press” programme. He rejected the notion that the PTI chief was seeking any favours from the establishment through his letters.
“No one should be concerned about this,” the PTI secretary general responded when asked about the fate of the letters Imran Khan sent to the army chief.
“The letters have reached their intended destination. They’ve reached those who are the true force behind a party with only 17 seats. Not only have they arrived, but they’ve also been read and understood,” he claimed.
“The letters were not written to request any intervention in politics,” he stated.
“The intervention is already there. There is, in fact, a clear path that leads to the Constitution and fundamental human rights. The question is: who is obstructing that path? Those responsible for the obstruction were simply asked to step aside and focus solely on their constitutional role — nothing more was stated [in the letters] by Imran Khan.”
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, in his brief address said that the country was engulfed in a crisis due to wrong rulers.
“Pakistan was once a developing country, but it has ended up in the hands of incompetent leaders,” he said, stressing that progress can only be achieved if everything is aligned with the Constitution.
“Better late than never; we [opposition parties] have all united on one platform,” he added.
He also emphasised that without upholding the Constitution, the country cannot function effectively. He also repeated his claim that the February 8 elections were “sold out,” pointing out that it was not the people who won the elections but rather the seats of parliament that were “bought”.
“The truth about the February 8 elections is well known, with some seats allegedly being sold for amounts ranging from Rs100 million to Rs200 million,” he alleged.
“Now is the time to undo the wrongdoings of nearly all political parties, and the only way to do that is through a united struggle and mutual respect for each other’s mandate,” he added.
Hamid Raza of the Sunni Ittehad Council said that the “gravity” of the situation escalated to the point where even parliament was unable to function.
“As the chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights, I decided to call a meeting regarding the November 26 ‘massacre’ and summon all the relevant officials,” he said.
“When we issued notices to those officials, including police officers, the homes of my staff were raided, and they were harassed. Furthermore, the item regarding the November 26 incident was removed from the meeting’s agenda,” he claimed.
“Despite this, we remain committed to a peaceful and constitutional struggle. That’s why we are uniting all political forces who believe it is time to take the right side,” he added.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1893895/pti-believes-its-letters-have-conveyed-the-message
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PM Shehbaz arrives in Baku to warm welcome
Syed Irfan Raza
February 24, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Baku on Sunday for a two-day official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub Abdulla oglu Eyyubov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin and other senior dignitaries warmly received PM Shehbaz upon his arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, said an official press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the visit, the premier will hold high-level meetings with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and other senior officials.
The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, synergise efforts to deal with climate change, deepening defence collaboration, and fostering cultural exchanges.
As part of his engagements, PM Shehbaz and the Azerbaijani leadership will also address the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum on Monday (today).
Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy a long-standing bond of brotherhood, underpinned by shared values and common aspirations. The visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening bilateral ties, enhancing economic cooperation and fostering regional collaboration.
The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and other officials.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he was looking forward to productive discussions with Azerbaijan’s leadership for further strengthening deep-rooted bilateral relations.
In a post on X, he said, “Landed in the beautiful city of Baku, where the past and future converge in a vibrant embrace. The city looks even more enchanting under a blanket of snow!
“Looking forward to productive discussions for further strengthening the deep-rooted bonds between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. We also seek to enhance our trade and investment ties.”
Source:dawn.com
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More convoy attack, looting suspects held from Kurram
February 24, 2025
KURRAM: Police and law-enforcement agencies arrested 20 more people, including suspected terrorists and their facilitators, during an ongoing operation in Kurram district on Sunday.
On Monday (Feb 17), over 30 trucks carrying food supplies to Kurram were looted while 19 trucks were set on fire after a convoy came under an attack at the Bagan, Charkhel, Ochat and Mandori areas. Several people, including security personnel and drivers, lost their lives in the incident.
According to the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kohat, Abbas Majid Marwat, the operation against terrorists continued at Charkhel, Ochat, Bagan, Mandori, Dad Kamar and adjacent areas and 20 more suspected insurgents and their facilitators were arrested, raising the number of detained militants to 85.
A statement issued from the RPO office stated that heavy weapons and looted items were also recovered from the arrested terrorists.
The recovered weapons included 81 SMGs (submachine guns), 2 HMGs (heavy machine guns), 2 LMGs (light machine guns), Kalashnikov rifles, 12-bore shotguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Many of the arrested insurgents are listed in the FIRs of 57 individuals held by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the Kohat RPO added.
Additionally, four trucks containing looted goods, including medicines and other daily use items, had been recovered from the convoy. The looted items were found in houses and other locations, according to the RPO.
The statement said that the operation also involved shelling suspected hideouts of terrorists in the mountainous areas using gunship helicopters and artillery.
The police and security forces have been conducting operations against the militants involved in attacking convoys, looting food supplies, and engaging in arson and destruction in the areas of Ochat, Baggan, Mandori, and other areas in Lower Kurram.
The provincial government is also carrying out operations in the mountainous regions to arrest terrorists with bounty rewards on their heads, the RPO confirmed.
On Saturday, unknown terrorists had targeted the convoy of the Commandant of Kurram Militia, resulting in casualties among security personnel.
Door-to-door searches were also being conducted in various areas of Lower Kurram.
The police and security forces were making full efforts to secure the Kohat-Parachinar road, Abbas Majid Marwat concluded.
Informed sources said that several individuals had also been arrested from Peshawar and other regions, including Haji Karim, Nabi Gul and Maulana Shah Nawaz.
According to sources, Maulana Shah Nawaz was arrested after a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Sunday.
He was arrested for delivering provocative speeches. The sources said that Nabi Gul was taken into custody from the Peshawar airport.
Traders’ leader Haji Imdad said that the government should arrange a relief package for the trapped population of 500,000 and compensate affected traders for their losses.
Locals said that the people were facing severe difficulties due to the lack of food supplies and medicines. They said that a litre of petrol was being sold for Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500, and the residents were being forced to travel long distances on foot.
Source:dawn.com
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Quetta-Sibi road reopened after gun battle in Bolan
Saleem Shahid
February 24, 2025
QUETTA: Three militants were killed in an hour-long exchange of fire between security forces and two armed groups which had blocked the Quetta-Sibi highway at two points in Bolan district, leading to its reopening on late Sunday night.
Officials said the security forces also got released the passengers travelling between Pir-Ghaib and Aab-i-Gum areas who had been taken hostage by the militants.
“A large number of vehicles returning to Quetta from Sibi after the three-day religious congregation were stranded,” when the two armed groups equipped with latest weapon blocked the highway at Pir-Ghaib and Aab-i-Gum and started checking travellers, sources said.
They said the militants also stopped the vehicles of Parliamentary Secretary of Balochistan Mir Liaquat Ali Lehri and relieved his guards of weapons.
“Yes, a group of armed men intercepted his vehicles and guards on the highway and asked the security guards to hand over their weapons,” Mr Lehri said, adding that the guards offered resistance but handed over the arms on his instruction. He said he took the decision to avoid collateral damage, considering the precarious situation as many people were returning from the congregation. He later reached home unharmed.
Officials denied the reported killing of a tribal elder, Fareed Raisani, during the road closure, explaining that he was safe and sound at his home in Quetta.
Soon after receiving information about the situation, security forces rushed to the place and cordoned off the area before launching an offensive.
A heavy gun battle continued for more than an hour during which “three attackers have been killed”, security officials said. Vehicles of the security forces were damaged during the fire exchange, which compelled terrorists to flee.
They said security forces foiled the strategy of the terrorists and got free the passengers who had been held hostage at gunpoint.
“Security forces are chasing the fleeing terrorists in the mountains,” the officials said, adding that Quetta-Sibi highway that remained closed for four hours has been reopened for traffic.
District Police Officer Kachhi (Bolan) Rana Muhammad Dilawar, while talking to Dawn said that a dead body and four injured persons were brought to District Hospital Mach from the area where the gun battle took place. The deceased was identified as Nabi Dad while the injured were Safiullah, Amanullah, Ghulam Rasool, and Aminullah.
Source:dawn.com
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‘Election model yielding unrepresentative results’
Iftikhar A. Khan
February 24, 2025
ISLAMABAD: None of the candidates who won last year’s general elections secured the support of more than 50 per cent of voters registered in their constituencies, stated Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen), blaming the existing winner-takes-it-all model for fragmented electoral outcomes.
On only 69 or 26pc of all National Assembly seats, the winning candidates secured the support of more than half of all polled votes, said Fafen — a civil society network dedicated to strengthen democracy through oversight of electoral, parliamentary and governance processes — in its analysis ‘Representation in Pakistan’s Elections (2002-24)’.
The report underscored “systemic inadequacies” which result in legislatures that don’t align with voters’ intent.
These issues result in political instability by eroding public trust in electoral outcomes, the report stated.
Fafen called for immediate reforms to the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system to “enhance the representative aspects of elections”.
Fafen’s analysis of the last five general elections since 2002 showed “persistent representation gaps”.
The results of the 2024 general elections showed that none of the winning candidates in 265 NA constituencies got more than 50pc of registered votes.
At 202 constituencies (76pc), the winners were supported by less than 25pc of registered voters, while the proportion on the remaining 63 (24pc) constituencies was between 25pc and 50pc.
The winners in 69 (26pc) National Assembly constituencies secured more than 50pc of the polled votes, while at the remaining 196 (74pc) constitutes, winning candidates secured less than half of the polled votes.
Hence, the National Assembly resulting from last year’s elections enjoyed the support of only 21pc of registered voters and 45pc of votes who cast their ballot.
The outcome of provincial assemblies’ elections showed similar trends.
Of the 590 constituencies of all four Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, 499 or 85pc had winners securing less than 25pc of registered voters’ support.
Meanwhile, 89 constituencies (15pc) saw winners secure between 25pc and 50pc of all registered votes and only two had this proportion over 50pc.
In terms of polled votes, 466 (79pc) of constituencies had winners securing between 25pc and 50pc of votes. Winner’s share of polled votes exceeded 50pc in 107 (18pc) constituencies and only 17 (3pc) constituencies had a winner’s share of polled votes below 25pc.
Historic trends
The trend of fragmented representation due to systemic inefficiencies remained consistent during the last five general elections, the analysis revealed.
In 2002, the winners of National Assembly seats represented only 47pc of polled votes. The proportion peaked at 50pc in 2008, but fell to 48pc in 2013 and 43pc in 2018.
The proportion in the 2024 election was 45pc.
The proportion of representation in terms of registered voters paints an even dismal picture.
In GE-2002, the proportion of all members’ votes constituted 20pc of the registered voters. It increased to 22pc in 2008, 26pc in 2013 but declined to 22pc and 21pc in 2018 and 2024, respectively.
Low turnout
The report identified low voter turnout as a big concern, as the FPTP system “exacerbates the crisis” by rewarding candidates who secure the most votes in a constituency, regardless of whether they achieve majority support.
The results since 2002 showed that even though the absolute number of votes polled has increased steadily, from 30 million in 2002 to 61.2 million in 2024, voter turnout has fluctuated, peaking at 54pc in 2013 before declining to 48pc in 2024.
Voter disengagement is reflected in the growing gap between those who did not vote and those who did, the report added.
While 61m voters came out to vote, over 66m registered voters abstained from voting in 2024.
Moreover, the choices of 53pc of the 61m who voted were not represented in the assembly formed following the elections.
“These numbers highlight the representation deficits of the FPTP system,” it said.
Reforms
Fafen said the FPTP model is the simplest and most cost-effective electoral system.
However, concerns regarding its representation deficit have led to calls for reforms to enhance the representative aspects of elections.
The report added that several countries, including India and the United Kingdom, have debated the shortcomings of the system.
“Similarly, Pakistan’s FPTP system faces systemic concerns, along with the additional element of declining turnout in recent elections.”
The report added that the distribution of polled votes among all candidates shows that elections are becoming more competitive due to the rising number of political parties and independent candidates.
Due to the abundance of options on the ballot, “voters choices have become more diversified”, Fafen said adding that in its current form, the FPTP’s systemic limitations “do not account for votes cast for losing candidates”.
The report emphasised the need for an “informed and constructive debate” on the election system and urged the parliament to lead the reforms to enhance voter engagement and ensure more representative outcomes.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1893897
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IMF talks on $1bn climate funding kick off today
Khaleeq Kiani
February 24, 2025
• Fund’s team to engage with key ministries, FBR, disaster agencies, provincial govts
• Policy review to follow next week to assess govt’s performance under Extended Fund Facility
• All but one structural benchmark ‘complete as of now’, sources say
ISLAMABAD: A technical mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) begins discussions in Islamabad today (Monday) on Pakistan’s request for over $1 billion in additional financing for climate resilience.
This will be followed by a policy review early next week to assess the authorities’ performance under the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
The technical team will engage mostly with key ministries, including planning, finance, climate change, petroleum, and water resources, as well as the Federal Board of Revenue, disaster management agencies and provincial governments.
Without going into specifics, the IMF resident representative in Islamabad, Mahir Binici, confirmed the engagements spanning over three weeks from now.
“An IMF staff team is scheduled to visit Pakistan in early to mid-March for discussions around the first review under Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility-supported programme and the authorities’ request for assistance under a Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. In this regard, a technical team will be in Pakistan starting in late February to discuss technical issues related to a possible RSF arrangement,” he said.
Official sources said the relevant authorities, particularly the ministries of planning and finance, had prepared documentation for the Climate-Related Public Investment Management Assessment (C-PIMA) for coming budgets in line with policy advice of the IMF and the World Bank.
Talking about the first biannual review of the 39-month EFF, the sources said Pakistan had completed all but one structural benchmark as of now, although some indicative targets had been missed given the changing domestic and international macroeconomic conditions.
The only outstanding benchmark pertains to the required amendments to the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) by the end of December, though other sub-conditions of these entities regarding governance structure and financial safeguards have already been met.
The planning ministry has also, of late, informed all the stakeholders, including federal ministries and provinces, about the criteria and methodology for the selection of projects in the future Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects.
Starting the upcoming budget, factors to be considered for project selection for PSDP would include strategic and core ongoing projects, ongoing projects with over 80 per cent expenditure with realistic completion estimate, exceptional and high-scoring infrastructure projects, pre-scrutinised approved projects at working-party levels, foreign-funded projects with adequate rupee cover allocation and provincial projects in 20 least-developed districts. On top of this, climate-responsive and resilient projects would also be part of the PSDP.
The funding under RSF is made available to nations who commit high-quality reforms to build resilience against climate catastrophes through adaptation and is repayable over a 30-year period, including a 10-year grace period and is normally cheaper than EFF terms. In October last year, Pakistan formally requested the IMF to top up its $7bn EFF with another $1.2bn RSF.
Climate resilience funding
The Fund had already advised Pakistan to invest 1pc of GDP per year (over Rs1.24 trillion at the current year’s estimate) in climate resilience and adaptation reforms to be ready to fight repeated and increasing cycles of extreme weather conditions, particularly floods and sustain economic growth and reverse inequalities.
Such an investment in climate-adaptive infrastructure can reduce the negative growth impact of a natural disaster shock by one-third while ensuring a quicker and more complete recovery, the IMF believed.
The IMF noted that about 1pc of GDP investment in adaptation infrastructure would increase Pakistan’s climate resilience and buffer climate shocks. These investments would reduce the growth impact of a natural disaster shock by about a third and return Pakistan to its previous GDP level more quickly.
Enhancements in public investment efficiency in line with the C-PIMA Action Plan would further improve such resilience, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the shock.
The C-PIMA has been adopted by the government based on which Pakistan has already shared its desire for more financing from the IMF under the climate resilience window and is looking at international capital market options.
The IMF has assessed that the additional investment needed to bolster resilience would lead to moderately higher debt levels. A scenario in which fiscal instruments — consumption and income taxes — responded to such a shock would put public debt on a downward path following recovery, although such a policy may not be feasible or desirable in the face of a large natural disaster.
As such, further progress on fiscal consolidation and fiscal structural reforms are critical to maintaining the fiscal space that would be necessary to weather such a shock, the Fund believed.
Structural weaknesses
According to the IMF, Pakistan’s living standards have been declining for decades, and despite a similar starting point in the early 1980s, Pakistanis’ incomes had stagnated and fallen behind regional peers. At the same time, poverty rates remained elevated, and social development indicators also lagged behind those of peers.
This had been accompanied by weak human capital outcomes, low fiscal capacity, protection for favoured industries, and a large state footprint. Contributions to growth from human capital and efficiency gains were low, and health and education indicators, while improving in recent years, still lag behind regional and lower-middle-income peers. Human capital spending as a share of GDP has steadily declined.
The consequences of these structural weaknesses have been exacerbated by increasingly high climate vulnerability.
“Pakistan’s climate faces a rate of warming significantly higher than the global average. This will bring increasingly greater climate variability and extreme events, including reduced water availability, more severe and longer droughts, accelerated glacial melt, more variable and intense monsoons accompanied by floods and landslides, and sea-level rise encroaching on coastal settlements and infrastructure,” it said.
The negative macroeconomic consequences of such a shift have already been felt. Climate- and weather-related disasters, which have increasingly been exacerbated by climate change, resulted in $29.3bn in economic losses over 1992-2021, equivalent to 11.1pc of 2020 GDP, which slowed developmental gains.
More recently, the floods of 2022 killed 1,700 people, displaced eight million, increased the poverty rate by up to four percentage points, and brought economic losses equivalent to 4.8pc of FY22 GDP, with reconstruction needs estimated at 1.6 times the budgeted national development expenditure of FY23. The disaster was exacerbated by Pakistan’s weak urban planning, infrastructure and water resource management.
Source:dawn.com
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Governor Kundi says KP CM trying to ‘erase province’s identity’ by renaming stadium after Imran
February 23, 2025
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday said Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was trying to “erase the province’s identity” as he criticised the renaming of a stadium in Peshawar to Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.
His statements come after the KP cabinet on Friday approved renaming the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium — the lone international cricketing venue in the province — to Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.
The KP government had decided to honour former prime minister Imran’s “remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s cricketing legacy and his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s sports landscape”.
In his statement, Governor Kundi termed the stadium’s name change “extremely inappropriate”.
He accused CM Gandapur of being on a mission to “erase the province’s identity”.
The KP governor further claimed that naming the stadium after the “mastermind” of the May 9, 2023 riots “strengthens anti-state elements”.
Government officials have often alleged that Imran, whose party supporters staged violent protests and vandalised military installations throughout the country on May 9, 2023, to protest the ex-premier’s arrest, was a “mastermind” behind those incidents.
In his statement, Kundi asserted that the people of Peshawar stood “united against the renaming of the stadium”.
He also criticised the PTI for “failing to renovate and restore the Arbab Niaz Stadium despite being in power for nine years”.
“On one side, we have an incompetent government, while on the other, the federal government and PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) have transformed stadiums in Lahore and Karachi within weeks,” Kundi remarked.
Sports minister Syed Fakhar Jahan had said the move was beyond politics as Imran was the biggest name in the country’s sporting history.
The stadium, according to a summary by the KP sports department presented before the provincial cabinet, was transferred to the sports board from the municipal corporation and the provincial government undertook its development in 1986-87.
The stadium was later improved and provided with facilities when the World Cup was jointly hosted by India and Pakistan in 1996.
The summary highlighted that the government, in recognition of the services of the political figures and former national and international level sportsmen, had named some sporting facilities in the province after them, including Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium and Qayyum Stadium at Peshawar Sports Complex, Hanif Khan Sports Complex Thana, Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex Charsadda and Qazi Mohib Hockey Stadium Bannu.
Source:dawn.com
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Mideast
Islamic Jihad Movement: Historic funeral of two martyrs deepened existential dilemma of enemy
23 Feb 2025
The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine confirmed that the historic funeral of the two martyrs Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine consecrated the existential dilemma of the Zionist enemy.
The movement explained in its statement that the million-man march that went out to bury the two martyrs reflects that resistance is not just a choice, but an approach rooted in the conscience of the nation, and that the blood of the martyred leaders is fuel for the continuation of the resistance until liberation.
The statement added that the occupation tried to thwart the historic moment through hollow parades and spreading terror, but its attempts failed, which reflects its bankruptcy and violation of human values.
The movement confirmed that the blood of the martyred leaders strengthens the will and steadfastness, praising the role of the martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and his comrades in supporting the Palestinian cause and the centrality of Al-Quds.
At the end of the statement, the Islamic Jihad Movement saluted the Lebanese people who held a million-person funeral, stressing the unity of the resistance forces and the continuation of the march until the complete liberation of Palestine.
Source:saba.ye
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Ayatollah Khamenei pays tribute to martyrs Nasrallah, Safieddine in a message
February 23, 2025
The message reads:
“In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
“And all honor belongs to Allah and His Messenger and the faithful, but the hypocrites do not know” (Quran 63:8).
The great mujahid and leading commander of the Resistance in the region, Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah (may God elevate his status), is now at a position that is the height of honor. His pure body will be laid to rest in the land of jihad for the sake of God, but his spirit and his path will shine more gloriously each day, God willing, illuminating the way for those who follow him.
Let the enemy be aware that resistance against usurpation, oppression, and arrogance will never end and will continue until the ultimate goal is reached, by the will of God.
The good name and radiant countenance of Sayyid Hashem Safieddine (may God be pleased with him) is also a shining star in this region’s history. He was a close companion and inseparable part of the Resistance’s leadership in Lebanon.
May the greetings of God and His righteous servants be upon these two honorable mujahids; as well as on the other courageous, self-sacrificing fighters who have recently attained martyrdom; and upon all the martyrs of Islam. I send a special greeting to you, my dear children, the valiant youth of Lebanon.
Source:tehrantimes.com
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Israel plans to bar freed Palestinians from entering Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque in Ramadan
23.02.2025
Israel plans to prevent Palestinians freed under a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem during the fasting month of Ramadan, according to Israeli media on Sunday.
The Israeli public broadcaster KAN said police will not allow Palestinians released from jails during the past weeks to enter the flashpoint site during Ramadan, which is set to begin next week.
KAN said police will deploy 3,000 personnel every day at checkpoints leading to East Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque during the fasting month.
The broadcaster said police recommended granting only 10,000 permits for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
Permits will be given to men over 55 and women over 50, KAN said.
Every year, Palestinians face Israel's restrictive measures that limit their entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan amid military escalation in the occupied West Bank.
Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were released in return for several Israeli captives under the Gaza ceasefire deal, which came into effect last month.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the Temple Mount, saying it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.
The International Court of Justice declared in July that Israel’s long-standing occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, demanding the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Source:aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-plans-to-bar-freed-palestinians-from-entering-jerusalem-s-al-aqsa-mosque-in-ramadan/3490941
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Zionist enemy expels five of custodians of Ibrahimi Mosque
23 Feb 2025
The Zionist enemy forces expelled on Sunday five employees and custodians of the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron, south of the West Bank, from the mosque and prevented them from entering its corridors.
Director of Endowments of the Hebron province Ghassan al-Rajabi said in a statement that the enemy forces expelled five of the custodians of the Ibrahimi Mosque, and prevented them from entering it and practicing their work, which is to preserve the mosque and its corridors, and provide security and order for worshipers.
He stressed that the expulsion of the custodians of Ibrahimi Mosque by the enemy forces falls within its arbitrary and repressive measures against the holy places and Muslims, and in light of the recent escalation of the attack targeting the endowments crews and custodians of the mosque, and preventing some from entering it, which poses a great danger to the lives of employees and workers in it.
He stressed that this ban comes as part of the Zionist enemy's attempts to empty the Ibrahimi Mosque of its people and workers, following the decision to deport the mosque's director, Sheikh Moataz Abu Sneineh, as well as its workers.
Source:saba.ye
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White House backs Israel’s decision to delay releasing Palestinian prisoners
February 24, 2025
WASHINGTON: The White House said on Sunday that it supports Israel’s decision to delay releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli hostages by Hamas.
Delaying the prisoner release is an “appropriate response” to the Palestinian militant group’s treatment of the hostages, a statement from National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said.
President Donald Trump is prepared to support Israel in “whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas,” he added.
Source:arabnews.com
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Hezbollah chief vows ‘resistance’ as masses mourn Nasrallah
February 24, 2025
BEIRUT, Lebanon: Hezbollah’s leader said “resistance” was not over as hundreds of thousands mourned slain chief Hassan Nasrallah Sunday at a Beirut funeral, demonstrating continued support for the group after a devastating war with Israel.
During the funeral, women wailed as a truck carrying the coffins of Nasrallah and his chosen successor Hashem Safieddine — both killed in Israeli strikes — slowly moved through the crowd, topped with two black turbans and draped in Hezbollah’s yellow flag.
A procession headed toward Nasrallah’s burial site near the airport, where a stampede erupted. A live broadcast by Al-Manar TV showed Hezbollah members in military uniform pushing crowds away from the coffin after it was unloaded from the truck before the burial.
Safieddine will be interred in his southern hometown of Deir Qanun Al-Nahr on Monday.
The September killing of the charismatic leader who led Hezbollah for more than three decades, in a massive Israeli strike, dealt a heavy blow to the Iran-backed group.
But Hezbollah, which dominated Lebanon’s politics for decades, has long had a support base in the country’s Shiite Muslim community.
As the funeral began at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Israeli warplanes flew at a low altitude over Beirut in what Defense Minister Israel Katz said was a “clear message” to anyone who threatens Israel.
“You will specialize in funerals — and we in victories,” Katz said.
In a televised address at the ceremony, Nasrallah’s successor Naim Qassem said Hezbollah would keep following his “path,” and rejected any control by the “tyrant America” over Lebanon.
“The resistance is not over, the resistance is still present and ready” to face Israel, he said.
Nasrallah speeches were blasted as the mourners raised their fists in the air and chanted: “We are at your service, Nasrallah.”
Two Hezbollah sources told AFP that the estimated number of participants is “around 800,000” people.
Men, women and children walked in the biting cold to reach the site of the ceremony, which was delayed for months over security concerns.
“When I saw the coffin, reality dawned upon me,” said Lara, 26, adding that she had a hard time coming to terms with his killing.
“The pain is great... words cannot describe how I feel,” she added.
AFP correspondents said the stadium, which can accommodate roughly 78,000 people according to organizers, was fully packed.
As crowds gathered, the official National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s south — including one that wounded a Syrian girl — and in the east.
Israel’s military said it had struck “sites containing rocket launchers and weapons” in those areas.
Israel has carried out multiple strikes in Lebanon since a November 27 ceasefire deal with Hezbollah ended more than a year of hostilities including two months of all-out war.
The funeral comes days after the deadline for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon’s south, with Israeli troops pulling out from all but five locations. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delegated officials to attend the ceremony on their behalf.
Speaking to Iran’s delegation ahead of the funeral, Aoun said: “Lebanon has grown tired of the wars of others on its land.”
Hezbollah’s weakening in the war has contributed to the election of Aoun, seen as a favorite among Western governments, after a two-year power vacuum. He named Salam as his premier last month.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “resistance” against Israel as Hezbollah held the funeral.
He praised Nasrallah as “a great mujahid (fighter) and prominent leader” and Safieddine as “a close confidant and an inseparable part of the leadership.”
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in attendance at the funeral.
Sam Heller of the Century Foundation think-tank said it was important for Hezbollah “to demonstrate that it remains a major social and political force, despite some of the setbacks it’s been dealt.”
Since Saturday, roads into Beirut have been clogged with carloads of supporters traveling in from Hezbollah’s other power centers in south and east Lebanon.
Khouloud Hamieh, 36, came from the east to mourn the leader who she said was “dearest to our souls.”
Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television said the movement deployed 25,000 members for crowd control. A security source said 4,000 troops and security personnel were on duty.
Civil aviation authorities said Beirut airport would close exceptionally for four hours.
A founding member of Hezbollah in 1982, Nasrallah won renown around the Arab world in May 2000 when Israel ended its 22-year occupation of south Lebanon following relentless attacks by the group under his leadership.
In the decades since, Lebanese have been divided over Hezbollah, with many criticizing the group for initiating more recent hostilities with Israel in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas.
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Father of freed Gaza hostage says fellow Arabs should be outraged by Hamas
February 24, 2025
JERUSALEM: The father of Hisham Al-Sayed, a Bedouin Muslim returned to Israel after nearly a decade in Gaza captivity, on Sunday urged “the Arab world” to speak out against abuses by Hamas.
Sayed, 37, was released by the Palestinian militant group on Saturday under a fragile truce in its war with Israel. The man, who is schizophrenic according to his family, had entered the Gaza Strip in 2015 and was held hostage there since.
“At the start of his captivity, when there were four hostages in Gaza, I thought that Hamas members would keep him safe, because it was in their interest” to exchange him for Palestinians in Israeli jails, said the father, Shaaban Al-Sayed.
Speaking to journalists at a hospital in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, he said that after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, “I began to tremble with fear.”
“I saw that Bedouins and Arabs were killed, working people who weren’t soldiers or fighters,” said Sayed of some of the hundreds killed during the attack.
“The Arab world doesn’t react, doesn’t give any response to that, doesn’t take any stance,” he said.
“We want the Arab world, and particularly Arab society in Israel, to voice their opinion: What do they think about the fact that innocent people were kidnapped and murdered?“
Sayed accused Hamas of violating the teachings of Islam by exploiting his son who “has mental problems.”
“When we got Hisham back, we were relieved to see him walking on his legs,” the father added, “but as I held him in my arms, I realized I was hugging a body... not a human being.”
“He doesn’t talk. He doesn’t have a voice. He can’t remember anything. It’s like he hadn’t been with other human beings” during his years in captivity, he said.
“This makes us angry,” added the father, calling to intensify efforts to free all remaining hostages in Gaza.
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Hamas refuses further talks unless Israel releases agreed prisoners
February 24, 2025
CAIRO: Hamas will not hold talks with Israel through mediators on any further steps in the fragile, phased ceasefire agreement unless Palestinian prisoners are released as agreed, group official Basem Naim told Reuters on Sunday.
Israel said on Sunday it was delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners it had planned to free the day before until militant group Hamas met its conditions.
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Kuwaiti emir discusses ties with UAE national security adviser
February 24, 2025
LONDON: Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, discussed his country's ties with the UAE during a meeting on Sunday with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser.
Sheikh Meshal welcomed Sheikh Tahnoon at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City, along with his accompanying delegation, where they discussed relations between Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, focusing on ways to enhance and develop them, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Sheikh Tahnoon conveyed the greetings of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to the Kuwaiti emir, wishing further progress and prosperity for the Kuwaiti people, WAM added.
Sheikh Tahnoon met separately with Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, and Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait.
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Syrian president invited to emergency Arab League summit in Egypt
February 23, 2025
DAMASCUS: The President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed Al-Sharaa received an invitation from Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to take part in an emergency Arab League summit in Egypt on March 4, the Syrian presidency said in a statement on Sunday.
The upcoming Cairo meeting is set to focus primarily on Arab efforts to counter US President Donald Trump’s plan to redevelop Gaza into an international beach resort and his calls for Egypt and Jordan to resettle displaced Gazans.
Also on Sunday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit met Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi to prepare for next month’s emergency Arab summit and discuss the latest developments in Gaza.
The talks focused on consolidating ceasefire efforts and ensuring sustainable humanitarian aid delivery, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Aboul Gheit and Safadi reiterated their rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians and expressed support for Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, which would allow residents to remain in their homes.
They warned against escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank and called for an end to illegal Israeli actions. They also reaffirmed their belief that the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remained the only viable path to lasting regional peace.
Safadi and Aboul Gheit also discussed the situation in Syria and stressed the need to ensure stability and the safety of its citizens.
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Netanyahu says Israel won’t allow Syrian forces ‘south of Damascus’
February 23, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will not allow Syria’s new army or the insurgent group that led the ouster of former President Bashar Assad to “enter the area south of Damascus” as his government made clear Israeli forces would stay in parts of southern Syria for an indefinite period.
Netanyahu’s comments Sunday at a military graduation led to new concerns over the Israeli presence, and sway, in a swath of southern Syria as Damascus’ new leaders attempt to consolidate control after years of civil war.
“Take note: We will not allow HTS forces or the new Syrian army to enter the area south of Damascus,” Netanyahu said, referring to Syria’s new authorities as well as Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, the main former rebel group.
“We demand the complete demilitarization of southern Syria in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda from the forces of the new regime. Likewise, we will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria.”
There was no immediate response from Syrian authorities.
Defense Minister Israel Katz added that Israeli forces will remain on the peak of Mt. Hermon in southern Syria and in a buffer zone “for an indefinite period of time to protect our communities and thwart any threat.”
He said Israeli forces have built two posts on the mountain and another seven in the buffer zone “to ensure defense and offense against any challenge.”
After the fall of Assad in December, Israel seized the UN-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory. The zone was set up under a 1974 ceasefire agreement. Syria’s new authorities and UN officials have called for Israel to withdraw.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government has been under pressure to protect Israelis living near border areas in the north.
Katz said Israel will “strengthen ties with friendly populations in the region,” notably the Druze, a religious minority who live in both southern Syria and in Israel’s Golan Heights, where Druze navigate their historically Syrian identity while living under Israeli rule.
“We will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria,” Netanyahu said.
More broadly, Israeli forces “will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves and be present in the security zone in southern Syria from here to Damascus. And we will act against any threat,” Katz said.
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Arab League reaffirms commitment to Palestinian cause
February 23, 2025
CAIRO: The Arab League on Sunday reaffirmed its position that the Palestinian cause is a matter of both land and people and described all attempts to displace Palestinians as violations of international law.
The organization described attempts at annexation, settlement expansion and forced displacement as forms of ethnic cleansing — attempts that had repeatedly failed in the past, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The comments were made by Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Haifa Abu Ghazaleh during the opening session of the Palestine and the Role of Civil Society conference, which opened in Cairo on Sunday.
Abu Ghazaleh, who is also head of the social affairs sector at the Arab League, highlighted the critical role of civil society in Gaza’s postwar reconstruction and called for international cooperation to ensure aid delivery, accelerate rebuilding efforts and reject all forms of displacement.
She also emphasized the urgent need for relief measures and clear mechanisms to oversee humanitarian initiatives.
Also on Sunday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit met Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi to prepare for next month’s emergency Arab summit and discuss the latest developments in Gaza.
The talks focused on consolidating ceasefire efforts and ensuring sustainable humanitarian aid delivery, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Aboul Gheit and Safadi reiterated their rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians and expressed support for Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, which would allow residents to remain in their homes.
They warned against escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank and called for an end to illegal Israeli actions. They also reaffirmed their belief that the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remained the only viable path to lasting regional peace.
Safadi and Aboul Gheit also discussed the situation in Syria and stressed the need to ensure stability and the safety of its citizens.
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Witkoff headed to Middle East this week to discuss Gaza peace deal
February 23, 2025
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that he was headed to the Middle East this week to discuss an extension to phase one of the Israel-Hamas peace deal.
“We have to get an extension of phase one, and so I’ll be going into the region this week, probably Wednesday, to negotiate that,” Witkoff told CNN.
“And we’re hopeful that we have the proper time ... to begin phase two, finish it off, and get more hostages released.”
Hamas on Sunday said Israel had gravely endangered the five-week-old Gaza truce by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners under the deal because of how Israeli hostages had been freed.
The first phase of the truce ends early in March, and details of a planned subsequent phase have not been agreed.
With tensions again hanging over the deal, which halted more than 15 months of war, Israel on Sunday announced an expansion of military operations in the occupied West Bank.
Asked if he believed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to extend the ceasefire or resume fighting, Witkoff said he believed the former.
“I believe the prime minister is well motivated. He wants to see hostages released, that’s for sure. He also wants to protect the state of Israel, and so he’s got a red line,” he said.
The “red line,” he said, was Hamas having a future role in the governance of Gaza.
“I would say at this point, for sure, they can’t be any part of governance in Gaza,” said Witkoff.
“And, you know, as to existing, I’d leave that detail to the prime minister.”
Netanyahu on Sunday said that Israel was prepared to resume fighting in the Gaza Strip “at any moment” while vowing to complete the war’s objectives “whether through negotiation or by other means.”
“We are prepared to resume intense fighting at any moment; our operational plans are ready,” Netanyahu said at a ceremony for combat officers, a day after Israel halted the release of Palestinian prisoners.
“In Gaza, we have eliminated most of Hamas’s organized forces, but let there be no doubt — we will complete the war’s objectives entirely — whether through negotiation or by other means,” he added.
Netanyahu said the prisoner release would be delayed until Hamas ends its “humiliating ceremonies” while freeing Israeli hostages.
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Arab World
Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort
February 24, 2025
RIYADH: Leaders, donors, humanitarian workers, and experts from around the world are set to converge in the Saudi capital on Monday to discuss and address challenges being faced by humanitarian aid agencies, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.
Organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum is being held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the aid agency better known by its short name KSrelief.
Topics include the role of humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts and disasters, access to humanitarian aid and supply chains, and addressing displacement in an era of increasing conflicts and natural disasters, KSrelief Supervisor General Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah said during a roundtable session with media representatives on Sunday.
A mid-year report of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) last year said that at the end of June 2024, at least 122.6 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.
At the top of the list were Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Congo and Colombia.
During the two-day event, KSrelief will also sign several agreements with UN and international organizations as part of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts, said Al-Rabeeah, who is also an adviser to the Royal Court.
Another activity programmed as part of the forum is a hackathon on "Artificial Intelligence in Humanitarian Relief," organized by the KSrelief in collaboration with Alfaisal University. The hackathon "aims to leverage AI-driven solutions to address critical humanitarian challenges in healthcare," Al-Rabeeah explained.
He added that participating technology and humanitarian experts are expected "to develop innovative solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on AI, healthcare, and innovation."
Since 2015, KSrelief has implemented 2,670 projects worth more than $6.5 billion in 95 countries, in cooperation with 175 local, regional and international partners. The bulk of the support has gone to Yemen ($4.3 billion), Syria ($391 million), Palestine ($370 million) and Somalia ($227 million).
KSrelief’s programs cover food security, health, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, education, telecommunications and logistics.
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Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations
February 24, 2025
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s missions abroad hosted over the weekend citizens and visitors to celebrate the nation’s Founding Day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
At the Saudi Embassy in Cairo, presentations on the history of the state and art performances were featured, led by Ambassador Saleh Al-Husseini.
The Saudi Embassy in Kyrgyzstan hosted celebrations at the Kyrgyz State History Museum, attended by the Kingdom’s Ambassador Ibrahim bin Radi Al-Radi. Also present were several Kyrgyz officials, heads of diplomatic missions, media representatives, and mission staff.
The ceremony featured a photo exhibition, film, and pavilion highlighting Arabic calligraphy, falcons, Saudi coffee, fashion, and traditional cuisine.
In London, the cultural attache at the Saudi Embassy hosted a celebration titled “The Day We Started.”
Students from across the UK participated in the event, which featured an exhibition showcasing Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural heritage. Displays included paintings and traditional crafts, the SPA reported.
There was a section featuring traditional artifacts accompanied by explanations of local customs and clothing from different regions of Saudi Arabia.
A presentation on Saudi Arabia’s coffee, along with other activities and competitions for children, were a part of the celebration.
Saudi Arabia has declared Feb. 22 as its Founding Day. The first state was established in 1727 during the leadership of Imam Mohammad bin Saud.
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Saudi Arabia to host regional meeting for satellite search and rescue missions
February 23, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation will host a regional meeting in Jeddah on Monday to discuss search and rescue missions empowered by satellite technology.
The meeting will take place over four days, from Feb. 24 to 27, and will feature training workshops for teams from search and rescue centers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Algeria, Nigeria, and Togo.
Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of rescue missions in the region and has integrated satellite search tools for aircraft, ships, and people, which were set up by the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, also known as Cospas-Sarsat.
The Kingdom was one of the first countries in the Middle East to join the Cospas-Sarsat initiative, established in 1979 by Canada, France, the US, and the former Soviet Union, to operate satellite technology for rescue missions.
Representatives from the Saudi Arabian Mission Control Centre, along with authorities involved in rescue missions, such as the Air Force, the Border Guards, and the Ministry of Interior’s security services, will participate in the meeting.
Participants will discuss the technical and operational aspects of deploying satellites to relay alerts of distress cases, as well as aspects of cooperation in search and rescue services between regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
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Saudi Arabia honors winners of Tanzania Qur’an contest
February 23, 2025
RIYADH: The 33rd Tanzania International Holy Qur’an Award competition, which featured 25 contenders from 25 countries, ended on Sunday.
The event, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, took place at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, Saudi Islamic Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Awad Al-Anazi, Saudi Ambassador to Tanzania Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish and ambassadors from Gulf, Arab and Islamic nations attended the closing ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, Al-Anazi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving the Holy Qur’an and supporting Muslims worldwide.
“Our presence today at the crowning ceremony of the winners of the Tanzania International Qur’an Award competition is an extension of the Kingdom’s journey and its blessed efforts in serving the Qur’an and Muslims, under the care and support of its leadership,” he said.
The jury selected the top 10 winners, with this year’s competition distinguished by participants’ exceptional mastery of Qur’anic memorization and recitation.
Tanzania’s Grand Mufti and Supreme Islamic Council chairman Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ali praised the Kingdom’s role in sponsoring such events. He commended the level of competition, emphasizing its mission to highlight exceptional young talent in Qur’anic memorization.
Finalists expressed their gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for the Holy Qur’an and its memorizers.
The competition inspires young people to memorize the Qur’an, promote Islamic values of tolerance, and honor those dedicated to preserving the holy book.
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Shoura Council deputy speaker meets Saudi-Italian Parliamentary Friendship Committee Chair
February 23, 2025
RIYADH: Vice Speaker of the Shoura Council Mishaal Al-Sulami met with Saudi-Italian Parliamentary Friendship Committee Chair Marco Osnato, and Giulio Centemero, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, as well as members of the committee, at the 19th PAM General Assembly in Italy.
Al-Sulami briefed Osnato, Centemero, and their accompanying delegation on the Shoura Council’s legislative and oversight role and highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in boosting cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Osnato stressed the significance of strengthening relations and exchanging parliamentary visits between the Italian Parliament and the Shoura Council.
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Saudi project clears 861 Houthi mines in Yemen
February 23, 2025
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 861 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included five anti-personnel mines, 44 anti-tank mines, 810 unexploded ordnances and two explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 482,637 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Source:arabnews.com
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KSA, South Korea sign deal for film industry growth
February 23, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission and the Korean Film Council have signed a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in the film sector, support cultural exchange, and foster the industry’s growth in the Kingdom and South Korea.
The partnership aims to promote knowledge exchange, production collaboration, talent development, and technological innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also highlights both countries’ commitment to supporting filmmakers and expanding international opportunities for creative professionals, the SPA added.
The agreement includes training programs, workshops, master classes and mentorship opportunities led by industry experts. These initiatives will help filmmakers refine their skills in production, animation, screenwriting and directing.
The partnership further strengthens film production collaboration, encouraging Saudi and South Korean filmmakers to develop and produce joint projects, the SPA reported.
Both sides will also facilitate cooperation and networking through major film festivals, including the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia and the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.
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Europe
Ramadan is almost here. 5 tips to boost your wellbeing and energy levels if you’re fasting
February 24, 2025
Ramadan is one of the most significant months of the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the time when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).
Almost 2 billion Muslims worldwide observe this month of prayer and reflection, which includes fasting between two prayers, Fajr at dawn and Maghrib at sunset.
Ramadan is about purifying the mind, body and soul, and practising self-restraint. It’s a time for spiritual growth and dedication to God (or Allah in Arabic). Ramadan also brings people together for meals and celebrations, with a focus on helping those less fortunate.
Depending on where you live, Ramadan can mean going 12 to 19 hours without eating or drinking anything, including water.
Our research shows choosing balanced, nutrient-dense foods and drinks can result in better wellbeing and greater energy levels than following your usual diet during Ramadan.
Here’s what to consider if you’re fasting for Ramadan.
Do you have any health issues?
Healthy Muslims are expected to fast during Ramadan once they have reached puberty.
Frail older adults are exempt from fasting, as are pregnant, breastfeeding and menstruating women. Anyone who cannot participate in fasting can make up for the missed fasting days later.
People with chronic illness or mental health may be exempt if fasting poses a risk to their health. If you suffer from chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems, and want to fast, consult your GP first.
Fasting can have severe health consequences for people with certain medical conditions and those who rely on prescription medication. Some medications need to be taken at a specific time (and some with food) to be safe and effective.
If you’re not drinking enough water during Ramadan, your body might also handle some medications differently: they may not work as well or cause side effects.
For people who can safely fast, here are five tips to maintain your wellbeing during Ramadan.
1. Plan ahead
In preparation for Ramadan, stock up on essentials. Plan your meals and hydration in advance, to stay on top of your nutritional intake.
Start reducing your caffeine gradually in the week leading to Ramadan, so your body can adjust. This can help prevent or reduce the fasting headaches that many experience at the beginning of Ramadan.
Move your meals gradually towards Suhoor and Iftar times, so your body gets used to the new mealtimes.
2. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important during Ramadan. Women should aim to drink 2.1 litres of water or fluids (such as coconut water, clear soups, broths or herbal teas) each day. Men should aim for 2.6 litres.
Limit the intake of sugary or artificially sweetened drinks and enjoy fresh fruit juice only in moderation. Sugary drinks cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. The body responds by releasing insulin, causing a drop in blood sugar, which can leave you feeling fatigued, irritable and hungry.
Increase your hydration by including water-rich foods, such as cucumbers and watermelon, in your diet.
3. Get your nutrients early
Before dawn, have a nutrient-rich, slow-digesting meal, along with plenty of water.
Select healthy nutrient-dense food with proteins and fats from lean meats, fish, chickpeas, tofu, nuts and seeds.
Choose whole grain products, a variety of vegetables and fruits, and fermented foods, such as kimchi and pickles, which can support your digestion.
When you prepare your meals, consider grilling, steaming or air frying instead of deep frying.
Stay away from processed foods such as cakes, ice cream, chips and chocolates, as they often lack essential nutrients and are high in sugar, salt and fat. Processed foods also tend to be low in fibre and protein, which are crucial for maintaining a feeling of fullness.
4. Avoid the temptation to overeat in the evening
At sunset, many Muslims come together with family and friends for the fast-breaking evening meal (Iftar). During these occasions, it may be tempting to overindulge in sweets, salty snacks and fatty dishes.
But overeating can strain the digestive system, cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
Instead, listen to your body’s signals, control your portions, and eat mindfully – this means slowly and without distractions.
Start with something small, such as a date and a glass of water. You may choose to complete the Maghrib prayer before returning for your main meal and more fluids.
5. Keep moving
Finally, try to include some light exercise into your schedule, to maintain your fitness and muscle mass, and promote sleep.
But avoid heavy workouts, sauna and intensive sports while fasting, as these may increase dehydration, which can increase your risk of feeling faint and falling.
Source:theconversation.com
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Southport attack yoga teacher: 'If I didn't get out, everyone was going to die'
February 24, 2025
A yoga teacher who almost died in the Southport attack has described for the first time the desperate moments when she helped several children run to safety, despite having been stabbed five times.
Leanne Lucas told BBC Panorama how she called 999 as the attacker chased after them. "I just knew that if I didn't get out, everyone was going to die," she said.
A 13-year-old helping to run the class, whom we are calling Sarah, also told the BBC that attacker Axel Rudakubana looked "possessed" as he stabbed her.
Leanne and Sarah are the first survivors who escaped the room to speak publicly. Ten people were injured and three children were killed in the attack last July.
Sarah - who is now 14 and whose identity is protected by a court order - was seriously wounded but managed to lead several other children, including her younger sister, to safety.
Sitting alongside her parents, she told us how another "incredible" girl, who appeared to be only about 10 years old, was keeping other children calm, telling them: "Don't worry, your parents are going to be here, everything's going to be OK."
The two survivors of the attack, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop, recounted how they had helped others escape the terrifying violence and how neighbours had rushed to their aid.
They also revealed how misinformation spread following the attack, including messages on social media blaming Leanne for the deaths. Leanne and Sarah both expressed shock at how authorities had missed warning signs about the attacker.
"It's so shocking how much evidence they had on him, how he slipped through the net," said Leanne.
"You see the best and the worst at the same time," said Sarah, who described seeing "the evil side of people" in Rudakubana's violence and "all the good of all the community coming together as well to help everyone".
With the mammoth Eras tour reaching the UK, the summer of 2024 was Taylor Swift's summer. So when children's yoga instructor Leanne Lucas and her friend, dance teacher Heidi Liddle, organised a workshop themed around the singer, it sold out within a week.
Twenty-five little girls, the youngest five years old, signed up for a morning of dancing, yoga, and making friendship bracelets at the Hart Space studio on 29 July. Sarah offered to help the two teachers and took photos at the event.
As the session was drawing to a close, Leanne gathered all of the children together. "We went round the circle and they said how they were feeling and one of the little girls said: 'This is the best day of my life'," Leanne said.
The girl, nine-year-old Alice Aguiar, died later that night. Seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and six-year-old Bebe King were also killed in the attack.
Rudakubana, the killer, had arrived by taxi, wearing a bright green hoodie and a medical face mask that covered his mouth. Dashcam footage shows him trying a locked door at the Hart Space before walking through an open doorway and heading up the stairs.
Leanne saw the attacker briefly through the window, but she had no idea who he was – or that he posed a threat. The next thing she knew, he was in the room.
"He opened the door and grabbed a child. I don't know what he was doing. I didn't see anything. He then grabbed the next child, and the next child. And then I shout: 'Who is that?'"
Sarah was one of the first to be attacked. "I saw him stab a child in front of me. And then I saw the knife coming towards me and him coming towards me," she said.
"And that's when I saw it go into my arm. And that's when I turned and he must have got my back, but I didn't feel it at the time, because of the adrenaline."
The attacker made his way through the room, before reaching their teacher.
"He moves through the girls by the table and moves next to me," Leanne told us, reliving the scene in her mind. "I just felt something go in my back and my brain just said – he got me."
Leanne suffered five stab wounds – to her spine, her head, her ribs, her lung, and her shoulder blade. Despite this, she managed to get herself and several of the girls out of the room and call the police.
"I just knew that if I didn't get out everyone was going to die," she told us, wiping tears from her eyes.
"He was bigger than me. And I just thought: I need to get some help. So we all run towards the door. We were shouting: 'Run!' I called 999 on the landing and I asked for the police."
She said she then saw a flash of green - the attacker's hoodie - "and I go into panic mode and he's chasing us".
It's clear that more children would have died if the teachers and Sarah hadn't taken the action they did.
At Rudakubana's sentencing, the judge said Leanne "tried to save as many children as she could" while being attacked, and that "she did all she could before escaping".
Leanne says: "The police said we'd all be dead if me and Heidi hadn't done what we'd done and that gives nothing for the children who did die... that doesn't take that away."
But like many of those who saved lives that day, she still torments herself.
Sarah was left with life-threatening injuries and fractures to two of her spinal vertebrae.
"I remember seeing the girls all like huddling around the stairs," she told us calmly. "So I remember shouting for them to get down and get out. So I was physically pushing them down the stairs to get everyone out.
"I thought that he wasn't going to stop until he killed everyone. I thought that he wanted to kill us all."
Despite her injuries, Sarah managed to lead several other children out of the Hart Space, up the driveway and across the street, where local resident Steve was fixing his garden wall.
Sarah told him she had been stabbed and thought she was dying, but Steve reassured her and led the children into his house. "Everyone was in a blind panic," Sarah told us.
Steve describes Sarah as "a hero". "She led all them kids away."
He and his wife began taking care of the children. One of the girls who had been stabbed was "tiny", Steve recalled, and he could see others were injured too.
Meanwhile, James Dixon had heard the screams while working at the garage next door to the Hart Space.
"As a parent, you can tell the difference between a scream of play and a scream of terror," he said. "And this was – nightmares, pain. They were terrified."
A parent was in her car, calling the police, with five or six children in the back. One appeared to be seriously injured. James ran over to another child who had collapsed.
"She asked me: 'Am I going to die?' Which just breaks your heart, but I told her no," he said. She was so badly injured he was afraid his reassurance might not be true. "I focused everything on her to make sure to keep her alive."
James saved the seven-year-old girl's life.
Two more workers from the garage, Colin Parry and Julian Medlock, had rushed over to help. They saw Leanne, leaning against a car, "completely in shock", said Colin.
He asked her if she needed help, but she told him: "Just look after the girls. Just look after the girls."
"My brain is going 100 miles an hour but my body won't do anything," Leanne recalled. "And there are people asking me questions and I am saying: 'Go and get the children.'
"I just don't know what else I could have done," she said.
At the same time, window cleaner Joel Verite had spotted Leanne as he was driving past on his round. He screeched to a halt and saw her point up to the studio, saying that a man was stabbing children up there.
Businessman Jon Hayes, who had been working in an adjoining office, had also been stabbed after confronting the attacker.
Joel raced inside, shouting as he climbed the stairs. He saw Rudakubana standing at the top of the staircase.
"We locked eyes for a brief second. He's got a knife," Joel said. "My life flashed before my eyes. Who else is with him? Who is going to come behind me?"
Steve had run over from his house, armed with hammers. He met Joel, who had stepped back from the staircase after facing off with the knifeman. "We had a little chat to ourselves and said, right, are we going to go in and do him or what?" Steve said.
But at that moment, the police arrived. They entered the studio with a Taser, subdued Rudakubana and arrested him.
Steve said he saw the police knocking on the locked door of one of the toilets. Inside was Heidi Liddle, Leanne's friend. After helping some of the children escape, she had found an eight-year-old girl hiding in a toilet and had saved her by locking them both inside.
It was now noon - the time when the workshop had been due to end - and the street had filled with distraught parents looking for their children.
Sarah's dad arrived and saw Joel carrying a child. "My initial thought was, God - and I just ran for the building," he told us. But Steve was telling parents that many of the children were sheltering at his house.
There, the door was open and his youngest daughter came out. "I just gripped tight, ever so hard. She goes, 'I'm fine. I'm fine'."
Still outside the Hart Space studio, Sarah's mum saw "blood everywhere". "There were bloody hands on cars," she said. "When I looked up, I just saw my husband at the end of the street. He was waving me over and I just ran towards him. I just tried not to look at anything or anyone."
Leanne and eight children - including Sarah - were treated for life-threatening injuries.
"I asked someone if I was going to die," Leanne said. "And she didn't say no. She's just said 'you're in the best place'." Leanne said she heard someone discuss possible paralysis and something about her lungs.
Sarah was taken to the same hospital, where her father was told they had had to operate on her lung, which had collapsed from a puncture wound.
While Leanne recovered from life-saving surgery, rioting began, first in Southport, then spreading across the UK, following false rumours that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. She said she was targeted on social media by people who blamed her for the children's deaths.
"I just was scared of everybody. And still thinking it was all my fault. If I hadn't arranged the day, if I had never advertised in certain places, if I hadn't used that studio," she said.
She saw videos of riots taking place on her own street. "I was like, are they trying to get me?"
Sarah told us "disinformation" on social media was one of the reasons she wanted to tell her story - "to get my voice and the truth out there to everyone".
Others who acted bravely on that day share Leanne's sense of disbelief and turmoil. "Those screams haunt me," says James, who saved a seven-year-old girl's life. "I'd think to myself, if I ran a little bit quicker, a little bit braver, took a weapon..."
We first met Leanne in January. She had endured six months of waiting for her attacker to be tried. But on the day his trial was due to begin, Axel Rudakubana pleaded guilty to three charges of murder and 10 of attempted murder. For Leanne, this was another act of malice.
"I found out he pleaded guilty on the news," Leanne recalled. "I felt so angry. We knew he did it. He knew he did it. Every single person knew he did it. And he waited until the day of trial to say guilty and put every single family, victim, witness - everyone in that position."
For many witnesses in the case, Rudakubana's last-minute guilty plea – however manipulative in its timing – was a relief. Many were dreading the prospect of sitting in a courtroom with their attacker while lawyers pored over the details of the injuries he had inflicted.
Sarah, however, wanted her day in court, saying she'd had all the "stress and anxiety" without the "closure".
Rudakubana was sentenced to 52 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed because he was 17 years old when he carried out the attack.
Leanne said she wanted to speak out now because, even after the court proceedings, she still did not feel the "absolute trauma" of that day had been understood. "I just feel like I am able to be the voice of people you can't hear who are involved in the story," she said.
On the day her attacker was sentenced, Leanne spoke about the survivor's guilt she lives with. "I cannot give myself compassion or accept praise, as how can I live knowing I survived when children died," she told the court. She said she was struggling to trust others and trying to see the goodness in the world. "For Alice, Elsie, Bebe, Heidi and the surviving girls, I'm surviving for you," she said.
She told us about treasured moments with each of the girls who died. She described Bebe's "pure excitement" at holding a puppy during a puppy yoga session. The day of the attack was the first time Leanne had met Alice, and the "beautiful smile" of this "confident ballerina" left an impression. And she recalled Elsie's enthusiasm for the weekly reading and writing lessons they had together.
It is clear that their memory is what keeps her going.
"These children represent goodness, I think. Just pure goodness," she told us. "Happiness. How genuine they were. Positive. The love of life and just making the best out of every single moment. That's how I remember them."
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Godstone sinkhole to be investigated with 3D maps
February 24, 2025
The Godstone sinkhole will be investigated using 3D mapping technology, a council leader has said.
Godstone Parish Council said an operation by Surrey Highways to investigate the two holes had had to be delayed until next week due to safety concerns.
The sinkholes - which appeared last week on Godstone High Street - have caused 30 households in the area to be evacuated, although six have now returned.
Tandridge District Council's leader Catherine Sayer said remote sensing called LiDAR would be used to create 3D maps instead of borehole testing.
She said: "What I have seen is information that says the borehole testing is delayed, and they're going to use less intrusive testing methods and survey methods.
"The less intrusive testing methods will be used first."
One of the alternative methods that may be used is LiDar, which stands for light detection and ranging.
It is a remote sensing technique which uses lasers to measure distances and create 3D maps, Ms Sayer added.
The technology has been around since the 1970s when it was used in meteorology, but is now used by autonomous vehicles to sense surroundings.
A source from Surrey County Council, whose highways department is responsible for the investigation, said equipment would arrive on 26 February.
He said: "We're waiting for some specialist equipment to arrive on site to carry out further comprehensive assessment to ensure any stability and repair work is safe and designed properly."
Tandridge District Council said it would be hosting a public meeting at St Nicholas Youth Centre on Tuesday evening to address concerns from residents and business owners.
Surrey Police said on Sunday that security measures in the area had been strengthened.
A spokesperson said: "The perimeter fencing of the cordon surrounding the sinkhole has been made more secure over the weekend and the site will be staffed by Ringway 24/7 on behalf of Surrey County Council.
"In addition, CCTV cameras have been installed and an overnight security guard has been provided by Tandridge District Council.
"Surrey Police is supporting partners by providing advice on additional security measures that could be put in place by the local council."
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Arrest after boy stabbed in chest in Primark store
February 24, 2025
A teenager has been arrested after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest in a Primark store in Nottingham.
Nottinghamshire Police said the victim was attacked inside the shop in Long Row at about 11:30 GMT on Sunday.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics and was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries, the force added.
At about 17:00, police said a 16-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.
Officers believe there was an altercation between a group of young people outside the store before the stabbing happened.
Det Insp Paul Shortt said: "This was an appalling act of violence carried out in full view of members of the public.
"A team of detectives is now working to understand exactly what happened in the moments before, during and after this incident."
The force asked anyone with any information to get in touch.
A Primark spokesperson said staff were assisting the police investigation and that the store would be closed until further notice.
They added: "Our thoughts are with the victim and we are focused on supporting our colleagues who were in store at the time."
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Germany's conservatives celebrate, but far right enjoy record result
February 24, 2025
Friedrich Merz's conservatives have won Germany's election, well ahead of rival parties but short of the 30% vote-share they had expected.
"Let's celebrate tonight and in the morning we'll get to work," he told cheering supporters. He said he was "aware of the responsibility that now lies ahead" of him.
The other winner was the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), who are celebrating a record second-place result of 20.8%.
The AfD's candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, did a victory lap of her supporters, but even her party had hoped for a greater result and the mood at AfD HQ was subdued.
As results came in during the early hours of Monday, it became clear the AfD was far ahead of the other parties in the east, with a projected 34% according to a survey for public broadcaster ZDF.
"Germans have voted for change," said Alice Weidel. She said Friedrich Merz's attempt to forge a coalition would ultimately end in failure: "We'll have fresh elections - I don't think we'll have to wait another four years."
But just as the election map turned light blue in the east, much of the rest of Germany turned black - the colour of the CDU.
After the collapse of Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition late last year, Merz had asked the electorate for a strong mandate to form a clear-cut coalition with one other party.
That would enable him to solve as many of Germany's problems as he could in four years, he said, from a stagnant economy to closing its borders to irregular migrants.
German voters had other ideas. They came out in big numbers, with a 83% turnout not seen since before reunification in 1990, but Merz's Christian Democrats had been looking for more than the 28.6% of the vote they and their Bavarian sister party received.
Merz has ruled out working with the AfD. There is a taboo or "firewall" preventing mainstream parties in Germany from operating with the far right.
But his most likely partner, the Social Democrats, have suffered their worst ever result with 16.4%.
Their leader, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the election results were a bitter defeat for the party, and he would not be taking part in negotiations for a coalition.
Because of the CDU's relatively lacklustre performance, there was initially some doubt that two parties would be enough for a coalition.
Germany has just been through four years of a three-party coalition and the only other realistic partner was the Greens, whose leader, Robert Habeck, Merz had ridiculed as a "representative for heat pumps" on the eve of the vote.
Merz, 69, has never held a ministerial job, but he has promised if he becomes the next German chancellor to show leadership in Europe and beef up support for Ukraine.
Most Germans have been shocked by the open backing that billionaire Elon Musk and US Vice-President JD Vance gave Alternative for Germany in the election. Vance was accused of meddling in the vote during a visit to Munich, while Elon Musk made repeated remarks on his X platform.
It did Alice Weidel and her party no harm at all, as the AfD enjoyed a 10-point increase in support on four years ago. But she also benefited from a successful TikTok campaign, that drew in big numbers of young voters.
Nevertheless, President Donald Trump welcomed Merz's victory. He said it was proof that Germans were, like Americans, tired of "the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration".
If it was an overture, Merz did not take it as one. He told a roundtable TV discussion on Sunday night that it had become clear in the past week that the Trump administration was "largely indifferent to the fate of Europe".
Trump has bizarrely described Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky as a "dictator" and he appeared to accuse Kyiv of starting the war, which Russia unleashed on its neighbour exactly three years ago.
Merz said his "absolute priority" would be to "strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that we can achieve real independence from the US step by step".
Merz's victory was quickly welcomed across much of Europe. France's Emmanuel Macron spoke of uniting at a time of uncertainty to "face the major challenges of the world and our continent", while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sought to "enhance our joint security and deliver growth for both our countries".
Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats continue to rely on older voters for their success, while voters aged 18-24 appear to be far more interested in both the AfD and another party, the Left, which surged in the polls in recent weeks.
Not long ago the Left was heading out of the parliament with poll numbers well below the 5% threshold.
But a series of TikTok videos showing co-leader Heidi Reichinnek giving fiery speeches in parliament went viral and they ended up close to 9%, and a quarter of the younger vote, according to an ARD survey.
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Germany's Friedrich Merz: The risk-taker who flirted with far right
February 24, 2025
Friedrich Merz - leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) - is predicted to become Germany's next Chancellor.
His party is projected to win around 28% of the vote. The question now is who he might form a coalition with.
Described by his supporters as an antidote to Europe's crisis of confidence, Merz, 69, is a familiar face to his party's old guard.
Politically, he has never come across as exhilarating. And yet he promises to provide Germany with stronger leadership and tackle many of his country's problems within four years.
His explosive bid last month to tighten migration rules with the support of far-right votes in parliament revealed a man willing to gamble by breaking a major taboo.
It also marked yet another clear break from the CDU's more centrist stance under his former party rival Angela Merkel.
Although Merz ultimately failed to change the law, he had launched a lightning bolt into an election campaign triggered by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government late last year.
Famously sidelined by Merkel before she became chancellor, he quit parliament entirely to pursue a lucrative series of corporate jobs and was written off as yesterday's man.
But he now looks set to clinch the job he has coveted for so long.
On 23 January, one month before Germany's snap federal election, people gathered in one of Berlin's five-star hotels to hear Merz give a foreign policy speech.
The buzz around the "ballroom" in the Hotel de Rome isn't exactly electric - but it is a far cry from 20 years ago, when his political career looked over.
Merz is also a licensed pilot, who drew criticism in 2022 for flying to the north German island of Sylt in his private plane for the wedding of fellow politician Christian Lindner.
As he takes to the stage in the Hotel de Rome, there's polite applause for the leader of Germany's conservative CDU opposition, who are consistently ahead in the polls.
Tall, slim, in a suit and glasses, Merz cuts a calm, conventional, business-like figure as he tries to project a readiness for power.
But it has been a winding journey to get to this point.
Merz was born in the west German town of Brilon in 1955 into a prominent conservative, Catholic family.
His father served as a local judge, as does Friedrich Merz's wife Charlotte to this day.
The younger Merz joined the CDU while still at school.
In an interview 25 years ago with German newspaper Tagesspiegel he laid claim to a wilder youth than his strait-laced CV might suggest.
Among his misadventures, he described racing through the streets on a motorcycle, hanging out with friends by a chip stand and playing the card game Doppelkopf in the back of the class.
A teenage party he referenced ended up with a group of students taking a collective pee in the school aquarium, according to Der Spiegel magazine.
There is some scepticism that the teenage Merz was much of a rabble-rouser. A former classmate recalled that the young Friedrich's disruptive behaviour more often amounted to simply wanting "the last word".
Whether on or off the record, people who have known him have told me he enjoys a beer and can indeed be fun, though few were able to offer an anecdote to illustrate this.
After school, he went on to military service before studying law and marrying fellow student Charlotte Gass in 1981.
The couple have three children.
For a few years, Merz worked as a lawyer but he always had his eye on politics and was elected to the European Parliament in 1989, aged 33.
"We were both quite young and very fresh and let's say unspoilt," says Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, who became an MEP at the same time for the centre-left Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).
She found the young Merz to be serious, reliable, honest and polite.
Even humorous – a quality that she feels is less obvious now: "I assume the amount of bruises over time might have hardened him a bit."
But did he come across early in his career as a potential chancellor?
"I would have probably have said no, no way. Come on, you must be kidding!"
Yet everyone knew him to be deeply ambitious and Merz soon made the switch from EU politics to Germany's national parliament, the Bundestag, in 1994.
He rose through the ranks, touted as a talent on the party's more right-wing, traditionalist faction.
"He's a splendid speaker and a profound thinker," says Klaus-Peter Willsch, a CDU member of the Bundestag who has known him for more than 30 years.
"A fighter," says Willsch, evidenced by the fact that Merz made three attempts to lead his party.
His first two failures, in 2018 and January 2021, could also be read as a sign of his struggle to woo the grassroots.
But it was back in the early noughties, when his ambitions were initially derailed, that he lost out to Angela Merkel in a party power struggle.
Merkel, the understated quantum chemist from the former communist east, and Merz, the overtly assured lawyer from the west, never much saw eye-to-eye.
Merz glosses over this bitter episode in a brief autobiographical post on the CDU website, saying that by 2009 he had decided to leave parliament to "make room for reflection".
His years of reflection involved forging a career in finance and corporate law – becoming a boardroom executive at various international firms and, reputedly, a millionaire.
It would be more than a decade before he returned to parliament, where he has since sought to rip up Merkel's more centrist doctrine on CDU conservatism.
A marked moment of political severance came at the end of January, when Friedrich Merz pushed through a non-binding motion on tougher immigration rules, by relying on votes from the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
He insisted there had been no direct collaboration with the AfD, but his move led to mass protests and was twice condemned by none other than Merkel herself.
These were rare public interventions by the woman who ruled Germany for 16 years.
Detractors said it was an unforgivable election gambit, but supporters insisted Merz was, in fact, seeking to lure people cleverly from the far right.
He has risked alienating more moderate parts of the electorate before, voting in the 1990s against a bill that included the criminalisation of marital rape.
He later explained that he considered marital rape to already be a crime, and it was other issues in the bill that he objected to.
Polls suggest he is not especially popular among young people and women - but Klaus-Peter Willsch believes the picture painted of him in German media is unfair.
"I had him several times in my constituency," he tells me. "Afterwards, women come up and say he's a nice guy."
Charlotte Merz has likewise come to his defence, telling the Westfalenpost: "What some people write about my husband's image of women is simply not true."
She says their marriage has been one of mutual support: "We both took care of each other's jobs and divided the childcare in such a way that it was compatible with our professional obligations."
Whatever the critiques, one EU diplomat told me Brussels was "anxiously awaiting his arrival".
"It's time to move on from this German deadlock and get that motor running."
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Pope Francis remains 'critical' and has kidney problem, Vatican says
February 24, 2025
Pope Francis remains in a "critical" condition, but "has not presented any further respiratory crises", the Vatican said in a statement on Sunday.
He was still receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and had undergone blood transfusions. Blood tests also showed he had "initial, mild, renal insufficiency" - a kidney problem - that is "currently under control", the statement said.
The Vatican said he "continues to be alert and well oriented".
The Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on 14 February after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days, where he was first treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
On Sunday, the Pope's thrombocytopenia - a condition that occurs when the platelet count in the blood is too low - was stable, the statement said.
In the morning, the Pope "participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who are taking care of him during these days", the statement continued.
The Vatican did not offer a prognosis given the "complexity of the clinical picture".
The new statement comes after the Vatican said on Saturday that the Pope had experienced a respiratory crisis and was in a "critical" condition.
Earlier on Sunday, the Pope issued a statement asking Catholics to pray for him after he was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second week running.
The pontiff is particularly susceptible to pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, after he contracted pleurisy - an inflammation of the lungs - as a young man and underwent a partial lung removal.
The leader of the Roman Catholic church has been admitted to hospital multiple times during his 12-year tenure, including being treated for bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023.
From Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Latin American, and first Jesuit, to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
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Conservatives win German elections – early results
24 Feb, 2025
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and is sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have won the snap elections in the German Bundestag, defeating Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SDP). The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was the second strongest-performing contender and is projected to obtain more seats in the federal parliament than at any time in its history.
According to preliminary results released by Germany’s top electoral body on Monday, the CDU and CSU together received 28.6% of the votes, which means that CDU leader Friedrich Merz will likely become the next chancellor.
The AfD has received 20.8% of the votes, while the SDP placed third with 16.4% and the Greens came in fourth with 11.6%.
The early election was called last year after the collapse of the ruling ‘traffic light’ coalition made up of the SPD, the Greens, and the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP). FDP leader Christian Lindner pulled his support due to disagreements over the budget. His party received only 4.3% of the votes, prompting Lindner to announce his retirement from active politics.
The AfD performed the strongest in the eastern part of the country, winning elections in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Despite becoming the second-most popular political force across the country, it will be hard for the AfD to enter a government coalition because other major parties consider its policies “extremist” and have ruled out any partnership.
In a post on X on Sunday night, Merz promised to “strive to form a government that would represent the entire German population and would solve the problems of our country.” He expressed hope that Germany will have a new government by Easter.
AfD co-leader and candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, has thanked the voters. “The AfD was able to double its result. The incredible success makes it clear: citizens want political change,” she wrote on X.
Source:rt.com
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Britain threatens ‘largest ever’ sanctions against Russia
24 Feb, 2025
The UK is preparing to introduce its “largest ever” sanctions package against Russia ahead of the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced.
“This is also the time to turn the screws on Putin’s Russia,” Lammy said in a statement on Sunday. “Tomorrow, I plan to announce the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the war – eroding their military machine and reducing revenues fueling the fires of destruction in Ukraine.”
Lammy stated that the new restrictions would be unveiled at a “critical moment” for Ukraine. “We remain committed to providing £3 billion ($3.78 billion) of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible,” he said. Lammy added that the UK is “ready and willing” to contribute troops as part of peacekeeping forces if necessary.
Since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, the UK has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia, targeting 1,900 individuals and organizations, as well as key industries and energy exports.
Alluding to US President Donald Trump’s decision to start direct talks with Russia, Lammy insisted that “there can be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington this week, reportedly to attempt to persuade Trump not to end military aid to Kiev and to commit to a potential peacekeeping mission. According to the Wall Street Journal report, London and Paris have agreed to send 30,000 troops to Ukraine, but the plan will face “a difficult path” without Trump’s support.
Trump has reversed the Biden administration’s policy of “isolating” Russia on the world stage and angered Ukrainian and EU officials when he arranged talks with Moscow without their approval.
On Friday, Trump claimed that Macron and Starmer “haven’t done anything.” He previously labeled Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky “a dictator” and blamed him for starting the conflict with Russia. Trump also questioned whether Zelensky should have a seat at the table during future talks.
“I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings,” Trump said on Friday, adding that Zelensky “has no cards” in the negotiations.
Russia has stated that Western sanctions will not stop it from achieving its aims, and has warned that it would treat any foreign troops in Ukraine without a UN peacekeeping mandate as legitimate military targets.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/613199-britain-threatens-largest-ever-sanctions/
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Africa
FG Reaffirms Commitment To Transforming Nigeria’s Agribusiness Sector
By Dalhatu Liman
24 Feb 2025
The federal government has once again committed to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a thriving agribusiness hub, with the aim of driving economic growth and positioning the country as a key player in both regional and global food markets.
This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at the Presidential Roundtable on Agribusiness held in Abuja on Friday.
Kyari underscored the government’s vision to move beyond subsistence farming, focusing on developing a robust agribusiness ecosystem that will empower farmers and foster private sector-led growth.
He explained that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, agriculture has been elevated to a vital economic sector, with the declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture seen as a call to action.
“Food security is national security,” Kyari said, while stressing the importance of a structured agribusiness sector to ensure national stability and social prosperity.
Kyari also highlighted the abundant agricultural potential in Nigeria, citing the country’s vast arable land, favourable climate, and youthful, entrepreneurial population.
He noted that with a domestic market of over 200 million consumers and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria stands as an attractive destination for agribusiness investment.
The minister further discussed Nigeria’s strategic partnerships with international development institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
These collaborations, he stated, are aimed at financing large-scale agricultural projects and enhancing food systems resilience amid global economic and climate challenges.
Arch Kabir Ibrahim, President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), reiterated the private sector’s commitment to supporting the government’s agribusiness goals.
He pointed to the importance of mechanisation, year-round farming and access to credit through the Bank of Agriculture as key drivers of the sector’s growth.
The roundtable also featured Kingsley Uzoma, the Senior Special Assistant on Agribusiness to the Vice President, who stressed the role of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable growth within the sector.
All the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to implementing strategies that will not only ensure food security but also position Nigeria as a dominant force in African agribusiness.
Source:dailytrust.com
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https://dailytrust.com/fg-reaffirms-commitment-to-transforming-nigerias-agribusiness-sector/
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IBB: How I met my wife Maryam, converted her to Islam
BY PELUMI BOLAWA
FEBRUARY 23, 2025
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Nigeria’s former military president, has opened up about his marriage to his late wife Maryam in his newly released autobiography.
The book, titled ‘A Journey in Service‘, was launched on Thursday. The event also featured a fundraiser for his presidential library.
In the memoir, Babangida said he first met Maryam, formerly Maria Okogwu, during their younger years in Kaduna.
He said at the time, they were both living in the unmarried officers’ quarters on Kanta Road.
The former military ruler said he was immediately drawn to Maryam’s striking beauty, and their friendship blossomed over time.
IBB said despite his training stints abroad, including in India and the United Kingdom, their bond endured.
The 83-year-old statesman said he would often visit Maryam at the home of his close friend and cousin Garba Duba, whose father was fond of him.
He said the connection allowed him to spend more time with Maryam and their friendship continued to grow.
“I first met Maria Okogwu (as she then was). As young officers, we shared digs in the unmarried officer’s quarters by Kanta Road in Kaduna, and I was now seeing more of Maria,” he wrote.
“She was stunning. Her ebony beauty set off enchanting eyes, and her dazzling smile showed off a lovely set of teeth; when she smiled – and she often smiled – her face lit up, and her eyes danced. Duba was as much a brother as a cousin to her, and, on the back of that, I often saw Maria at Duba’s house and when she visited us at Kanta Road.
“I was very fond of Maria, and she, eventually, of me. There was more than an element of predestination in our relationship.
“It was at NMTC that I began to notice Maria more. Duba’s father was fond of me, so I was mindful that my bonds with the family meant that I had to be more cautious than usual, a factor that synced with my natural shyness.
“She and I remained friends and maintained that friendship through my early years in the army, which included sojourns abroad for training in India and the United Kingdom.”
IBB recalled how his near-death experience at age 28 sparked his desire to get married. He said after being shot in battle, he was left with a piece of shrapnel lodged in the right side of his chest.
The former head of state said while receiving treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi-Araba, Lagos, he felt a sense of urgency to settle down.
IBB added that as his parents’ only surviving male child, he felt the weight of responsibility to start a family and secure his legacy.
“This was the first time I recall seriously thinking it was time to find a wife as a life partner. I was 28, and it seemed to me that it was time to settle down,” he wrote.
“While I was in the hospital, the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Yakubu Gowon, had gotten married to his lovely wife, Victoria, with much pomp and military pageantry.
“I cannot deny that their marriage and the accompanying ceremony further focused my mind on getting married myself.
“Lying in my hospital bed, I had lots of time to run through the various relationships I had had and try to decide which of them would best stand the test of time. Time and again, Maria Okogwu kept popping into my mind with her ageless beauty and enchanting smile.
“I had settled on Maria as the woman I would wed before being discharged from the hospital, and as soon as I was discharged, I made my way to Kaduna, where she lived with her mother and uncle. I was anxious to share the good news with her: I had decided we were destined for a life together. I admired her greatly for her reserved nature and the fact that she was well brought up.
“I wanted to make my intentions known to her and was determined not to accept No for an answer. Fortune favours the bold, and it smiled upon me; I counted and still count myself lucky. Initially, Maria was highly sceptical of me as marrying material.
“She knew that I had a track record of being something of a man about town, and those were not the qualities she wanted in a husband. She was unconvinced of my capacity to be serious, and many people said as much to her.”
IBB said with the support of Muhammadu King, Garba Duba’s father, he was able to win Maryam’s heart.
He revealed that his faith was an integral part of his life so he asked her to convert from Christianity to Islam.
Babangida said he also promised Maryam that he would not take multiple wives, a practice he had seen cause turmoil in other families.
“I shared with her the fact that my faith was an integral and essential part of my life and that I would require her to convert to Islam,” he said.
“Praise be to Allah; this was not a difficult decision for Maria. Being part-Christian and part-Muslim at birth and already living in a Muslim household, it was never going to be wholly uncharted territory for her.
“She adapted with relative ease to married life as a Muslim. In proposing to Maria, I assured her that, though a Muslim, I did not intend to take multiple wives and bring up children from different women. I knew full well that my chances of a stable family life would be significantly improved if I avoided polygamy. I had witnessed close up – both among professional colleagues and in my extended family – the headaches and heartaches this led to, and that was not the life I wanted to live or to share with her.”
Maryam died from ovarian cancer in a Los Angeles hospital on December 27, 2009, at the age of 61.
Babangida said coping without her had not been easy, but the memories of their life together provided solace.
IBB married Mariam on September 6, 1969. They have four children together — Aisha, Muhammad, Aminu, and Halima.
Source:thecable.ng
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https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/ibb-how-i-met-my-wife-maryam-converted-her-to-islam/
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TAJBank Gets New Global Rating, Wins Islamic Bank Award
FEBRUARY 24, 2025
Nigeria’s fastest growing non-interest banking services provider, TAJBank Limited, has again consolidated its frontline position as Nigeria’s most innovative and value-driven non-interest lender, has won an award at the just concluded IFN Awards in Dubai.
The ‘Best Islamic Bank in Nigeria’ award was won by TAJBank through a global survey/poll conducted by the IFN.
Speaking shortly after the conferment of the Best Islamic Bank Award on TAJBank inDubai, which is considered as one of most highly rated awards in the Islamic Finance Industry, the bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Hamid Joda, attributed the global recognition to “our Board, management and staff’s commitment to best industry standards in products and services’ packaging and delivery to our highly cherished and growing customers.
“We want to thank IFN for the very credible poll that indicated that TAJBank is leading the non-interest banking segment of Nigeria and also assure our growing customers that, as our mantra says, TAJBank’s only interest is the customers,” Joda added.
In his brief comments, the bank’s Co-Founder/Executive Director, Sherif Idi, described the IFN award, “as a testament to our relentless efforts to ensure that TAJBank is the preferred choice for customers that are looking for the best in service standards powered by a well-groomed professionals and powered by world class technological assets.”
Source:thisdaylive.com
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/02/24/tajbank-gets-new-global-rating-wins-islamic-bank-award/
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S’West govts lack power to stop Shariah panels – Kwara judge
24th February 2025
By Uthman Salami
The Qadi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Kwara State, Justice Abdurraheem Sayi, has stated that approval of state authorities or traditional rulers is not needed for Muslims to establish and operate Shari’ah arbitration panels in the South-West.
He described the objections to Shari’ah arbitration panels in the South-West as “legally baseless, an embarrassment to legal minds, and a mere expression of Islamophobia syndrome” that had been deliberately ignored by the affected states.
Justice Sayi made the assertion while delivering a lecture on “Shari’ah in South-West Nigeria” at the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni 30th Pre-Ramadan Lecture, themed “The Transformative Power of Ramadan,” which was held at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, on Sunday,
The lecture, attended by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, Ogun Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako, and other dignitaries, aimed to dispel misconceptions about Shari’ah law and arbitration in the region.
Justice Sayi emphasised that arbitration is a contractual matter that does not require government approval, stating, “There’s no confusion in the Nigerian Constitution. Arbitration is by contract.
“Nobody needs the approval of the Federal Government to operate it. As powerful as the President is, his authority does not extend to approving the Constitution of an arbitration panel. It is purely contractual.”
He further asserted that Muslims do not need permission from religious bodies or traditional rulers to operate Shari’ah panels, as the law grants private citizens the right to do so.
He said, “We don’t need the approval of any state authority, let alone a monarch. Associations, including political parties, can establish small committees to resolve disputes involving their members.
“All the Muslim panels that I know of always hold their sittings inside mosques. What business do pastors or monarchs have in this matter? Somebody should tell the monarchs to know their boundaries.”
Citing the Arbitration and Mediation Act of 2023, the judge explained that the law not only allows private citizens to form arbitral panels but also grants them the authority to determine the legal framework governing such panels.
Justice Sayi highlighted the effectiveness of Shari’ah arbitration in Lagos, revealing that “there have been multiple instances where High Court judges informed litigants that they were helpless and, as a result, referred cases to the Independent Shari’ah panel.”
He questioned why Muslims in Lagos, Osun, and Ogun—where they form a significant part of the population—are denied legal structures such as Shari’ah courts that address their personal and family matters.
Clarifying the role of Shari’ah panels, the judge stated that they are “not substitutes for courts but function by contract, where attendance is voluntary; however, once a person participates in the proceedings, the decision becomes binding.”
Addressing the broader legal framework, Justice Sayi argued that while the law mandates inclusivity and national unity over sectional loyalties, Muslims in the South-West Nigeria remain excluded from the region’s family law system.
He urged the South-West governments to allow the establishment of Shari’ah courts to give Muslims a sense of belonging and provide a legal framework for resolving matters such as child custody, marriage dissolution, and others.
He said, “There is no single provision for Muslims in the family laws of the South-West. It’s as if we are second-class citizens or do not belong to these states.
“There is no single court in the region competent to dissolve an Islamic marriage or handle child custody cases following Islamic law. Shari’ah is a fundamental right of Muslims.”
Also speaking at the event, Professor Mashood Baderin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, delivered a lecture on “Islam at the Intersection of Humanity and Religion,” urging Muslims to manifest their faith in ways that positively impact society, including the observance of their five daily prayers.
Source:punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/swest-govts-lack-power-to-stop-shariah-panels-kwara-judge/#google_vignette
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Sudan army breaks siege on strategic southern state capital
February 23, 2025
PORT SUDAN: The Sudanese army said Sunday it had broken the siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on a key southern Sudanese state capital since the war began in April 2023.
Army spokesman Nabil Abdallah said in a statement that forces in North Kordofan state had “managed to reopen the road to El-Obeid and merge” with soldiers east of the city.
El-Obeid — the heart of Sudan’s Kordofan region — sits at a crucial crossroads connecting Khartoum to the country’s western region of Darfur, which the RSF has all but conquered.
“El-Obeid’s strategic importance, especially its airport and its position linking western Sudan with the center and south, makes today’s operation one of the most critical militarily,” a military source said.
Sudan’s finance minister in the government described breaking the siege as a turning point in the conflict.
“This strategic victory represents a qualitative shift in the path of a larger triumph,” Gibril Ibrahim said in a post on Facebook.
He added that it is also “a significant step toward lifting the siege” on North Darfur’s besieged capital of El-Fasher, which has been under RSF siege since May.
Reopening the routes would allow the delivery of essential food and medicine to the Kordofan region, he added.
Witnesses said that thousands of residents had taken to the streets of El-Obeid to celebrate.
The war, which has pitted army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan against the RSF for nearly two years, has killed tens of thousands, uprooted over 12 million, and created the world’s largest hunger crisis.
Famine has been declared in three displacement camps in the western region of Darfur and parts of the Nuba Mountains in the south.
According to a UN-backed assessment, it is expected to spread to five more areas by May.
Sudan “will not accept” any recognition of a parallel government, Foreign Minister Ali Youssef said on Sunday at a press conference in Cairo.
“We will not accept any other country recognizing a so-called parallel government,” Youssef said, a day after the RSF and a coalition of political and armed groups signed a charter to form a rival administration in rebel-held areas.
Among those who agreed to the charter was a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdelaziz Al-Hilu, which controls parts of the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in the country’s south.
Abdel Rahim Dagalo, deputy and brother of RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo — who was notably absent — also signed.
The charter calls for “a secular, democratic, decentralized state based on freedom, equality, and justice, without bias toward any cultural, ethnic, religious, or regional identity.”
It also outlines plans for a “new, unified, professional, national army” with a military doctrine that “reflects the diversity and plurality characterizing the Sudanese state.”
The proposed government aims to end the war, ensure unhindered humanitarian aid, and integrate armed groups into a single, national force.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2591358/middle-east
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NLC Warns IMF, World Bank Against Lending To Unaccountable Governments
24 February 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) to stop lending money to governments that lack accountability to their citizens, warning that such loans exacerbate governance crises and push nations deeper into debt and underdevelopment.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this demand during a high-level meeting between the global labour movement, IMF, and WB at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C.
In his presentation titled “Progressive Taxation and Fiscal Consolidation,” Ajaero criticized the economic policies imposed by the Bretton Woods institutions, arguing that their prescriptions have worsened poverty and undermined Nigeria’s economic development.
“The IMF and World Bank have, for decades, prescribed austerity measures and structural adjustment programs that prioritize debt servicing over human development.
“These policies have eroded public services, weakened labour rights, and deepened poverty. Yet, the question we must ask is: Why do these institutions continue to lend to profligate and dictatorial governments that are unaccountable to their citizens?,” Ajaero said.
Naija News reports that he argued that fiscal challenges caused by rising debt burdens have led developing nations to impose unfair taxes on workers and the poor while multinational corporations and the wealthy evade taxation.
“Nigeria’s proposed tax bills, for instance, seek to impose levies on individuals earning as little as ₦800,000 per year (approximately $500).
“If that is not a regressive tax policy, then nothing else qualifies,” Ajaero said.
‘IMF, World Bank Must Stop Funding Corrupt Governments’
Ajaero further insisted that lending to governments that do not prioritize citizens’ welfare is not development but exploitation.
“Such financial support entrenches corruption, fuels inequality, and undermines democracy. The workers and citizens of these nations bear the brunt of these policies, while the elite and their foreign enablers profit,” he stated.
He urged the IMF and World Bank to rethink their approach and support nations in designing progressive tax policies that protect the vulnerable, rather than imposing blanket austerity measures.
“Instead of prioritizing debt repayment over citizens’ welfare, the IMF and WB should support inclusive tax systems that consider the input of key national stakeholders, especially workers,” he emphasized.
Calling for tax justice, Ajaero insisted that economic policies should focus on taxing wealth instead of deepening poverty.
“The IMF and World Bank must advocate higher taxes on luxury goods, capital gains, and the ultra-wealthy instead of increasing taxes on food, energy, electricity, telecommunications, and informal economy workers,” he stated.
He also urged the institutions to ensure multinational corporations pay their fair share of taxes and stop shifting profits to tax havens.
“Fiscal consolidation must not come at the expense of the poor but must be rooted in equity and justice,” Ajaero asserted.
Call For Global Tax Reforms
The NLC President also backed the proposed United Nations Convention on Tax, which seeks to introduce global tax frameworks for taxing digital corporations operating in multiple countries.
He concluded by urging the IMF and World Bank to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the protection of workers’ rights instead of enabling debt dependency.
“The path to sustainable development is not through debt traps and regressive tax policies.
“The IMF and World Bank must stop pushing developing nations into economic hardship. The time for change is now,” Ajaero stated.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/24/nlc-warns-imf-world-bank-against-lending-to-unaccountable-governments/
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South Asia
UNICEF: Over 19 million Afghans, half of them children, receive Humanitarian Aid
By Fidel Rahmati
February 23, 2025
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that over 19 million people in Afghanistan benefited from the organization’s humanitarian aid last year, with more than half of them being children.
In a recent report, UNICEF stated that the aid provided covered various sectors, including health, education, nutrition, water sanitation, social protection, and child protection.
Tajuddeen Oyewale, the head of UNICEF’s office in Kabul, announced on Sunday, February 23 that in 2024, approximately 23.7 million people in Afghanistan, including 12.6 million children, would require humanitarian assistance due to issues such as prolonged conflicts, the return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, climate change, and the economic crisis.
The report also mentioned that UNICEF provided vital medical services to 628,000 children under the age of five suffering from severe malnutrition, resulting in an 80% improvement in their conditions.
UNICEF emphasized that the restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan have exacerbated humanitarian challenges. The organization warned that excluding women from various aspects of life, including education and the labor market, has not only worsened the economic crisis but also increased social and security risks.
According to the UNICEF report, the organization requested $1.44 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan from the international community in 2024, but only 56% of this budget was fulfilled.
Despite ongoing needs, international aid to Afghanistan has decreased, raising concerns about the continuation of humanitarian programs in the country.
UNICEF’s report highlights the critical and growing humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, especially among children, and underscores the challenges faced by international aid organizations. With continued restrictions and a decline in global funding, the future of humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan remains uncertain, and further support from the international community is urgently needed.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/unicef-over-19-million-afghans-half-of-them-children-receive-humanitarian-aid/
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Afghan ethnics should unite; dispute in no one interest
February 24, 2025
Local media have recently reported an initiative from the country’s tribal elders to travel to the nearby and remote provinces of the country to address disputes among different ethnic groups of the country. Reports suggest that dozens of tribal elders from the eastern provinces of the country have traveled to Herat and Nimroz provinces to bring ethnic groups closer together and resolve disputes among some ethnic communities According to the media, the elders emphasized that all ethnic groups residing in Afghanistan are the rightful owners of this land and have always stood against invaders throughout history. “The ethnic groups of Afghanistan have experienced many wars and hardships, and now it is time for us to unite. We should no longer say that one person is from Herat, and another from Laghman, Kunar, Kunduz, or Panjshir. All our ethnic groups are one, and we must unite more than ever,” said Ahmad Jan, a tribal elder from Kunar, as quoted by TOLOnews TV. Amanullah Malikzada, a tribal elder from Herat, said: “If there is any conflict in the east of the country, we are ready to take action to ensure peace and bring people closer together. The tribal elders who have come here have declared that if there are disputes among ethnic groups, they will work to reconcile them.” At the same time, another group of tribal elders from the eastern provinces has traveled to Nimroz. They stress that Afghanistan is the common home of all Afghans, and solidarity and unity among different ethnic groups must be strengthened. “According to Sharia, defending Islam and our land requires the unity of Afghanistan’s ethnic groups. If the ethnic groups of our country are not united, enemies will attack us from all sides,” stated Mohammad Qasim Khalid, the governor of Nimroz. “We Afghans have always lived alongside each other. Our fathers and ancestors lived together in this common land, and it is part of our culture and tradition for different ethnic groups to be united,” said Ebadullah Momand, a tribal elder from Nangarhar Some tribal elders who visited Herat’s recreational sites say that now that security has been ensured across the country, citizens should travel to different provinces to learn more about each other’s cultures and traditions. “When we return to our province, we will convey the message of the people of Herat to them. Surely, they will also come here and see its beauty. In the past, such security did not exist, and we could not travel freely, but now security is established, and we can travel anywhere in Afghanistan, day or night,” stated Abdul Wali, a tribal elder from Laghman. “I am 42 years old, and in my entire life, I have never experienced such security, stability, and peace. Since the Islamic Emirate came to power, security has greatly improved, and this is the first time I am visiting Herat,” Mohammad Dawood, a tribal elder from Nangarhar, expressed In recent months, tribal elders from different parts of the country have started traveling to other provinces to resolve ethnic disputes and strengthen unity and harmony among Afghan citizens. In the country’s eastern provinces, such as Jalalabad, Laghman, and southern provinces of Khost and Paktia provinces, dozens of tribal elders in cooperation with the related organs of the Islamic Emirate resolved many ethnic disputes with lots of families ending enmities of long years. Inam Hashemi
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/afghan-ethnics-should-unite-dispute-in-no-one-interest/
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Sexual violence: Protests flare on campuses
Feb 24, 2025
Students across the country took to the streets yesterday, outraged by the "government's inaction" amid a series of incidents of rape and sexual violence against children in recent days.
Holding placards, they chanted slogans like, "Wake up government!", "End the silence, punish the rapists!", "Stop the violence, protect women!" and "Hang the rapists!".
In Dhaka, the protests have been widespread, taking place at prominent educational institutions such as Jagannath University, Eden College, Government Titumir College, the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and BRAC University.
At BRAC University, students held a demonstration on campus in front of the university's main gate in the morning.
They presented a 13-point demand that included stricter law enforcement, the establishment of special tribunals for rape cases, increased police presence and enhanced protection for victims.
They also called for the implementation of capital punishment for convicted rapists, the creation of a confidential investigation system for victims reluctant to report crimes and government-funded psychological rehabilitation services for survivors.
Additionally, they urged the authorities to deploy armed patrol teams in high-crime areas, ensure police stations are fully staffed and install CCTV surveillance nationwide.
The students also demanded that the home affairs adviser resign, citing the administration's failure to prevent crimes.
Samiha Chowdhury, an English and humanities student, expressed a sense of fear gripping the nation.
"With rape cases surging, we are afraid to step outside. Even going to university feels unsafe. We want immediate action from the government," she said.
Meanwhile, on Mirpur Road in Dhaka, a separate protest led by students and activists disrupted traffic for three hours.
The demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Wake up, government, we demand justice for the rapists".
Nur Mohammad, a protester, reiterated their demand for capital punishment for rapists.
At Eden College, students gathered at Bakultala and brought out a torch procession. They demanded that no one in the "new Bangladesh" should ever fall victim to rape again.
Sumaiya Saina, a student, criticised the state's failure to ensure women's safety.
"Women who led the revolution now find themselves unsafe at home and on the streets. The state has failed them," she said.
Another student said the state has failed to protect them.
"A child was raped while picking flowers to pay respect to Language Movement martyrs. Women are violated by their neighbours, assaulted on buses. Nowhere is safe," she added.
Students at Titumir College held a human chain and protest march, warning of tougher actions if the perpetrators were not brought to justice within 72 hours.
They have called for the immediate identification and prosecution of offenders.
At Jagannath University, a protest rally by the "Jagannath University Student Forum" gathered momentum.
The protest began with a march through key areas of the campus and concluded at the 1971 Genocide Sculpture.
"The government that came to power through a mass uprising seems to be betraying the revolution -- it must ensure public safety, or admit its failure and step down," said Shatabdika Urmi, a Bangla student.
Students of ULAB also held a "Human Chain Against Rampant Crimes" at their permanent campus, highlighting the growing concerns over unchecked criminal activities.
Meanwhile, in Tangail, students staged a day-long sit-in protest under the banner of the Women and Children Anti-Sexual Abuse Forum, demanding justice for sexual violence victims.
The protest, which began at 9:00am at Tangail Central Shaheed Minar, culminated in a call for thorough investigations and the maximum punishment for offenders.
They cited the alarming number of rape incidents in the past 48 hours, describing it as evidence of extreme lawlessness.
Elsewhere, Biplobi Chhatra Maitri members staged a protest outside the National Museum in Shahbagh on Saturday, condemning child rape and ongoing violence against women.
The protesters expressed frustration at the government's failure to ensure women's safety and questioned the commitment of Women and Children's Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid.
She was once known as a feminist activist, but her class allegiance has become clear since assuming power, said Nuzia Hasina Rasha, president of the Dhaka University unit of Biplobi Chhatra Maitri.
"Has she gone deaf? Why is she not hearing the cries of oppressed women? What concrete steps has this so-called interim government taken to ensure women's equality and safety? Have they introduced new plans to protect women?" she asked.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, expressing serious concern over these incidents, said such crimes are increasing, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for women.
It also questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement, stressing that violence against women hampers their ability to lead normal and progressive lives.
The organisation called for impartial investigations and strict punishment for the perpetrators, and urged the authorities to prioritise women's safety through immediate and effective measures.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/sexual-violence-protests-flare-campuses-3831871
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Unable to go to Malaysia, workers demo at Shahbagh
Feb 24, 2025
Hundreds of workers, who failed to travel to Malaysia on a calling visa despite paying recruiting agencies, are staging a sit-in at Shahbagh since this morning.
The workers started their protest around 9:30am.
Meanwhile, The Daily Star photographer visiting the area reported that the protest programme has created traffic congestion on the road.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Increasing propaganda & the need for national unity
February 24, 2025
I n recent weeks, a number of regional and international media outlets have once again increased their propaganda against the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Their propaganda is mostly based on fake news, confuses the minds of the people, and seeks to undermine national stability. The people of Afghanistan must be vigilant against any kind of false propaganda, remain committed to their national unity, and thwart the conspiracies of the enemy. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is united as always, has a clear and united leadership, and has full sovereignty over every part of the country. This proves the false claims of some regional and international media outlets trying to highlight internal differences or create an atmosphere of instability. The nation must understand that such propaganda is designed by foreign circles, whose aim is to harm the development of Afghanistan. In such circumstances, the media, religious scholars, teachers, and all conscious people committed to national values need to fulfill their responsibility against the ongoing propaganda war. The country’s national media should play an active role in clarifying the truth, scholars should go and preach to the people the value of unity and brotherhood based on Islamic principles, and teachers should give the younger generation a sense of national unity and understanding of the enemy’s plots. We as Afghans have suffered from more than four decades of wars and violence, from the attacks of international invaders both the East and the West that have so severely damaged our country and nation culturally, economically, and socially. Due to the continued wars and violence, we did not get the chance to work for the development and betterment of the country.Considering the past situation and ongoing challenges facing the country and nation, every Afghan living inside and outside the country has a religious and national duty to stand by his current national sovereignty and make every effort towards the country’s all-round development, prosperity, and freedom from the needs of others. It is time that our educated people, intellectuals, politicians, teachers, religious scholars, and other influential people in society should understand the evil of their enemies and not be deceived by their cunning and lies. They should make sincere efforts to the utmost to achieve mutual unity and strengthen the system. The people of Afghanistan have always proven in the past years that they are united in the face of instability, internal disputes, and external pressures. Today, Afghans need to continue to maintain their united front, not be influenced by false propaganda, and work to further strengthen its Islamic system. With national unity, political stability, and mutual trust, we can lead Afghanistan towards development and move it to a bright future. Sayed Sharif
Source:thekabultimes.com
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Investment in Solar Energy Production in Afghanistan
2025-02-23
KABUL(BNA): Three companies, two from Iran and one from Afghanistan, have expressed their keen interest in investing in solar energy production within the country.
Officials from Ariana Electricity Development Company, Atlas Mahdiar Asman Hashtam of Iran, and Atlas Modern Noor Electricity Services of Afghanistan held a meeting with Mullah Abdul Hadi Yaqoob, the Deputy Minister of Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Water.
During the meeting, the representatives lauded the potential of solar power in Afghanistan and highlighted their commitment to contributing to the nation’s energy needs.
The Deputy Minister welcomed the companies’ interest, emphasizing the government’s readiness to support and facilitate investments in solar energy projects. This initiative aligns with Afghanistan’s goals to enhance its energy infrastructure and promote sustainable development.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Top Islamic Emirate Delegation Reports Successful Visit to Uzbekistan
2025-02-23
KABUL(BNA): A senior delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, held a press conference today to share the outcomes of their recent two-day visit to Uzbekistan.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in significant discussions with Uzbek officials, focusing on various sectors including trade, electricity, transport, agriculture, and railways.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar highlighted that the talks resulted in key commitments, particularly concerning the transfer of a 500kV electricity line to Afghanistan. This negotiation successfully reduced the contract value from $252 million to $222 million.
Moreover, the Uzbek authorities agreed to conduct studies on the railway line from Hairatan Port to Herat, with practical work set to commence ten days following the completion of these studies. The discussions also included promises to increase the electricity supply to Afghanistan during the summer months and to lower tariffs, as well as to lift restrictions on Afghan agricultural exports.
Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi described the visit as highly productive, noting that the delegation held seven essential meetings with Uzbek officials. These discussions aimed to enhance trade relations and banking connections, facilitating smoother business transactions between the two nations.
Azizi further mentioned that the Afghan delegation sought support for increasing export levels, exempting Afghan products from customs duties, and organizing exhibitions, with Uzbek officials pledging full cooperation in these efforts.
The delegation included several high-ranking officials, such as the Acting Ministers of Mines and Petroleum, Transport and Aviation, and Agriculture, as well as representatives from various sectoral agencies. They returned to Kabul this afternoon, optimistic about the strengthened ties and future collaboration between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Afghan, Uzbek Central Banks Strengthen Financial Cooperation
2025-02-23
KABUL(BNA): Afghanistan’s Acting Central Bank Governor, Noor Ahmad Agha, met with Timur Ishmetov, Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Central Bank, in Tashkent to explore ways to strengthen financial ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, both sides discussed streamlining cross-border banking transactions, expanding the use of national currencies in trade, and integrating their payment systems. Talks also covered capacity-building efforts to modernize Afghanistan’s financial sector.
Agha emphasized the importance of closer banking cooperation, stating that stronger financial links with Uzbekistan could significantly boost trade and economic activity. He reaffirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to forging international banking partnerships to enhance both domestic and global financial infrastructure.
For his part, Ishmetov pledged Uzbekistan’s full support, highlighting the critical role of the banking sector in deepening economic cooperation. Technical teams from both nations will continue working on joint initiatives to modernize financial systems and facilitate trade.
The discussions come as Kabul and Tashkent seek to expand economic collaboration, including key regional infrastructure and energy projects.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Southeast Asia
Malaysia, China to continue strengthening collaboration in palm oil supply chains
BERNAMA
24-02- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China will further strengthen collaboration in palm oil supply chains, technological innovation, and market expansion this year, said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
He elaborated that both countries would also work together to enhance industry upgrading and expand the value of palm oil applications in food, high-end personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
“Particularly in research and development and market transformation, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is deepening cooperation with Chinese universities, research institutions, and enterprises.
“Our joint efforts are developing more nutritious edible palm oil, healthier personal care products, and more environmentally friendly biofuels, ensuring these innovations reach the market swiftly,” he said in his speech at the official opening of the Malaysia-China 30 Chief Executive Officers Forum on Oils and Fats yesterday.
The forum was organised by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities in partnership with Beijing Heyirong Invest Group, co-organised by the China- Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park and supported by the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) and Shanghai Bairong Industrial Co Ltd.
The forum provided a platform for top business leaders and experts to exchange insights and foster deeper cooperation in the oils and fats industry.
Beijing Heyirong Invest Group is one of the largest palm oil importers among Chinese local companies, with an annual import volume of 300,000 tonnes of refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palm olein and RBD palm stearin.
Chan also said that through co-development with China’s food processing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and renewable energy companies, the ministry aimed to accelerate the commercialisation of high-value palm oil products, allowing Chinese consumers to enjoy superior-quality palm oil products sooner.
“Malaysia remains committed to providing Chinese enterprises with a stable and high-quality supply, and the business leaders present today are the driving force behind the growth of Malaysia-China palm oil trade.
“Thus, we hope to further enhance supply chain collaboration, whether in long-term procurement strategies or brand promotion in China’s consumer market, working together to broaden the application of palm oil products across China,” the deputy minister added.
Citing a report on palm oil, Chan pointed out that in 2024, Malaysia’s exports of palm oil and palm-based products to China reached a value of RM10.57 billion.
“Among these, the export volume of palm kernel oil saw a significant increase of 40 per cent, mainly supplied to China’s oleochemical industry to produce surfactants. We sincerely appreciate the long-term support from China’s oil and fat industry,” he concluded.
Source:thesun.my
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Zahid urges EC to factor in Ramadan for Ayer Kuning by-election date
24 Feb 2025
TAWAU, Feb 24 — Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hopes that the Election Commission (EC) will consider the upcoming Ramadan month when setting the date for the Ayer Kuning by-election.
“We (UMNO and Barisan Nasional) are not in a rush to have the by-election as Ramadan is approaching. Of course, we hope the EC will choose a date that fits well with the circumstances of the holy month,” he said last night.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, spoke to reporters today after attending the Sabah UMNO 34th anniversary celebration here.
He was commenting on the Ayer Kuning state seat vacancy following the death of its incumbent, Ishsham Shahruddin of UMNO.
The late Ishsham lost consciousness after participating in a friendly football match at the Penang City Stadium yesterday. He was 59.
In a separate development, Ahmad Zahid said he would visit former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is being hospitalised after he fainted at home on Saturday, as soon as possible.
“I knew about it yesterday, but haven’t got the chance to visit him...due to prior engagements. Today, I am in Tawau, and tomorrow, I will be in Kota Kinabalu,” he said.
During his one-day working visit today, Ahmad Zahid, who is the Rural and Regional Development Minister, officiated the closing ceremony for the Sentuhan Kasih Desa@Tawau 2025 programme, hosted by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and the opening of the Kalabakan UMNO division office. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Public fund management among issues to be raised in Parliament today
BERNAMA
24-02- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Public fund management and bullying at the Royal Military College are among the issues set to be discussed in the Dewan Rakyat today.
According to the Order Paper on the Parliament’s website, Jamaludin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak) will ask the Prime Minister during the Questions for Oral Answers session how the government ensures that public fund allocations announced in the budget are not misappropriated, as the Auditor-General’s Report continues to highlight weaknesses in financial management across various government agencies.
During the same session, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar) will pose a question to the Defence Minister on measures taken to curb bullying at the Royal Military College.
After the session, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said is scheduled to table the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 for first reading.
Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the government spokesperson, said in a statement that the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 was a first step towards institutional reform and improvements to the country’s key democratic institution, namely Parliament.
He said the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to enable the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and Dewan Negara President to be part of the Parliamentary Council.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting will then proceed with the winding up of the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address, involving several ministries.
Source:thesun.my
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Gov’t allocates RM16.21 million for development of Orang Asli in Johor
BERNAMA
23-02- 2025
JOHOR BAHRU: The government, through the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), has allocated RM16.21 million this year for the development of the Orang Asli community in Johor.
State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the allocation would benefit more than 18,000 Orang Asli from five tribes, namely Seletar, Kanaq, Jakun, Kuala and Temuan.
He said the allocation covered the implementation of various programmes, including economic and entrepreneurship development, housing assistance, infrastructure projects, road upgrades, treated water supply projects, human capital development, as well as cultural and heritage empowerment initiatives.
“The state government is committed to implementing various initiatives to ensure that no target group is left behind in the development agenda, particularly the Orang Asli community, as we work towards achieving developed state status by 2030,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Zahari, state JAKOA director Faisal Long, together with Johor Orang Asli community leaders, visited the Orang Asli village of Desa Teluk Setimbul in Indonesia as part of the Johor Orang Asli Leadership Programme in Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands, today.
According to Zahari, the Orang Asli community in Desa Teluk Setimbul had become more self-reliant in many aspects, as they did not receive specific government assistance, unlike the Orang Asli community in Johor.
“We hope that the experience and knowledge gained through this programme can be applied in their respective villages,” he said.
Meanwhile, Batin Ayob Amran from Kampung Orang Asli Senggarang, Batu Pahat, in the same statement expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the state government and JAKOA for their commitment to improving the lives of the Orang Asli through various initiatives.
The same sentiment was echoed by Mohd Shafiee Noore from Kampung Orang Asli Simpang Arang, who highly valued the opportunity to participate in the programme and expressed his gratitude for the state government’s continuous efforts in prioritising the development of Orang Asli youths.
Source:thesun.my
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Sabah UMNO, BN must be dominant in state election to drive progress - Ahmad Zahid
BERNAMA
23-02- 2025
TAWAU: UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) must regain their dominance in Sabah in the upcoming state election to drive greater development and progress for the state, said UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman said that for UMNO and BN to be dominant, they must win more seats in the 17th state election compared to the previous one.
“As the second-in-command in Putrajaya, I will continue to bring up the need for more development in Sabah to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim). That is why, as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), I have ensured that Sabah receives the largest allocation from KKDW.
“Even before we face the election, I have done my best for Sabah, and even more will be done if we become dominant,“ he said in his speech at the 34th anniversary celebration of Sabah UMNO here today.
Also present were BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said he would personally oversee the preparation of Sabah UMNO and BN’s manifesto for the state election, stressing that the party would not make lofty promises but would focus on resolving basic infrastructure issues such as roads, electricity, and water supply.
“The Pan Borneo Highway (Sabah) must be completed quickly. We want more investments to flow into Sabah, more tourists, and for Sabah’s security to be prioritised. The state’s potential is immense, and this will be part of our manifesto,” he said.
He added that Sabah UMNO and BN are not completely closing the door to cooperation with other parties but first aim to establish their dominance.
“We will work with parties that share the same spirit and objectives, with the ultimate goal of prioritising the interests of the people of Sabah,“ he said, adding that the party would consider fielding candidates from various ethnic groups in Sabah, including increasing the number of women candidates.
Ahmad Zahid also pledged to closely monitor the performance of party candidates, especially those who win in the Sabah state election, to ensure they serve the people effectively.
Source:thesun.my
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Azam Baki warns cyber threats may fuel ‘new breed of corruption,’ calls for united action
24 Feb 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 24 — Technology abuse such as cyber threats could create a new breed of corruption, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Therefore, he said, Malaysia needs to strengthen cooperation with various stakeholders to develop technological solutions and best practices in transparency and governance.
He said stronger collaboration is needed from all stakeholders including business and corporate entities, investors, traders, academicians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) in the fight against the threat of corruption.
At the same time, Azam said there is a need to increase competencies and institutional capacity to address current challenges and crises.
“The world in the next decades would be significantly different from today. Technology abuse such as cyber threats can create a new breed of corruption,” he said in a recorded speech in conjunction with the opening of the Good Governance Conference (GGC) 2025, here today.
Azam said Malaysia must keep its long-term vision in positioning the country’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking among the top 25 countries globally by 2033, in line with the national target outlined in the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
“Achieving this goal requires Malaysia to reach a score of 68 to 70 points, thus aiming for a steady annual progress of at least two points.
“This long-term aspiration and journey demand not only strategic and bold governance reforms but requires a shared commitment that will propel us toward this transformative national goal,” he said.
Malaysia’s rank in the 2024 CPI remained unchanged at 57th place out of 180 countries, the same as in 2013.
To achieve a leap in performance, Azam said a Special Task Force on CPI was established by the government in May 2024. It is led by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
“To enhance Malaysia’s CPI, this task force is mandated to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the nine CPI surveys and to provide recommendations for strategic improvements,” he said.
The CPI Special Task Force is further supported by the establishment of six focus groups, with each dedicated to relevant CPI survey sectors, namely enforcement, legislation, public fund management, business competitiveness, investment and strategic communications.
Azam said Transparency International’s (TI) concern about the devastating effect of global corruption on the fight against climate crisis was genuinely valid.
He said corruption affects biodiversity loss and pollution, undermines access to better healthcare, education, and the justice system, as well as weakens the quality of public investments, resulting in poor public infrastructure and contributing to the erosion of public trust.
Citing the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2023, Azam said a widening annual investment deficit that developing countries face as they work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
He said the gap now stands at about US$4 trillion per year, up from US$2.5 trillion in 2015 when the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) were adopted.
On the GGC 2025, he said, the insights shared by the panellists would gain a deeper understanding of the government’s efforts and initiatives in promoting good governance and combating corruption.
Themed “Advancing Country’s Image Through Governance Reforms: Policy-Performance-People”, the conference was jointly organised by MACC and the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (lIM). — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/bjp-national-register-citizens-infiltrators/d/134714