Bulldozer action: Nagpur violence accused Faheem Khan’s house demolished
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 March 2025
Nagpur's Municipal Corporation Bulldozes Fahim Khan’s House.
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· Bulldozer action: Nagpur violence accused Faheem Khan’s house demolished
· How India’s $14bn Muslim endowments are being plundered, even by government
· Many booked in Karachi as police break up BYC protest
· Israel strikes Syria bases again despite EU warning
· Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
· Zelensky’s office like a ‘psych ward’ – Moscow
· FBI launches ‘domestic terrorism’ task force over Tesla attacks
· Clashes displace 15,000 families in Sudan’s North Darfur: UN
· Islamic group slams religious authorities over proposed book ban
· WHO reports over 50,000 TB Cases in Afghanistan last year
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India
· 'Dhokhebaaz' poster targeting Nitish Kumar over Waqf bill appears outside Rabri Devi's home
· Muslim bodies only target: J&K CM Omar Abdullah criticises BJP over Waqf Bill
· Gujarat’s lone Muslim MLA flags ‘insulting’ references to his religion in Assembly
· FIR against Sambhal mosque panel chief has sections with provision for life in jail
· Iftar politics hurt JD (U) in Bihar; Lalu, Chirag try to reach out to minorities
· Explained: Five contentious changes proposed by the Waqf Bill, 2024
· ‘Congress should clarify’: In Rajya Sabha, Kiren Rijiju targets Shivakumar over Muslim quota
· 'Vote bank politics is being played': BJP MP K Laxman criticizes Telangana Government's OBC categorization
· Gauhati HC grants interim bail to USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque after weeks in custody
· DKS 'Muslim quota remark' sparks BJP-Congress Parliament clash
· Mob claim on mosque chief: Sambhal shrine official cries police instigation
· MK Stalin reminds Muslims AIADMK's CAA stance, vows to safeguard minority rights
· As BJP stokes fire over Shivakumar’s remarks about ‘changing Constitution’, Congress high command asks Karnataka leader to clarify
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Pakistan
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· Met Office warns of drought in three provinces
· Imran allowed twice-a-week meetings, sans press talks
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Mideast
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· Jordan condemns Israeli violations in Gaza, pledges to continue diplomatic efforts
· UN reduces its presence in Gaza after staffer killed and amid ongoing Israeli block on aid
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· Israeli military intercepts missile launched from Yemen
· One killed in southern Lebanon by Israeli strike: state media
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· Two evenings in Washha& Yemen succeeded in commemorating martyrdom of Imam Ali - peace be upon him
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Arab World
· Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
· Saudi Arabia readies for Eid Al Fitr: Prayer to be held 15 minutes after sunrise
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Europe
· Rubio accuses ‘other countries’ of blocking peace in Ukraine
· Russia accused of 'hollow' peace talks as strike injures dozens
· Greenland condemns planned visits by Usha Vance and Trump adviser
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· Faisal Islam: No tax rises and no return to austerity but will it last?
· Work begins on new £2.5million Dalton Islamic centre
· Mahtab Hussain review – smoking mums, hidden mosques … and Rishi Sunak
· Oldham Academy North celebrates with community Iftar event
· Moscow condemns Kiev’s ‘terrorist attacks’ on journalists
· Tate brothers report to Romanian police after return from US
· Government to drop asylum hotel provider
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North America
· Judge: US treated Nazis better than Venezuelan migrants who were deported
· Video shows attempted abduction of imam outside NYC mosque
· CAIR Calls on Media Outlets to Condemn Israel’s Assassination of Al Jazeera, Palestine TodayJournalists in Gaza
· Top US officials shared Yemen strike plans with journalist in group chat
· Trump's national security team's chat app leak stuns Washington
· Trump looms over Canada's election as campaign begins
· Trump bemoans a portrait of him - but gets a new one from Putin
· Greenland condemns planned visits by Usha Vance and Trump adviser
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Africa
· ‘No bastard among us,’ Onikijipa family tackles popular Islamic cleric over comment
· A restored ancient museum palace showcases treasures from the Islamic world
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· Makinde plans suit as Oyo Sharia panel begins sitting
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· Drought-hit Morocco to extend wheat import subsidies to year-end
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· Angry Youths Loot Seyi Tinubu’s Ramadan Palliative To Northern State
· Abiru hosts Lagos East CAN for lent sermon, prayers
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Southeast Asia
· Malaysia Hindu Sangam calls for regulatory body to oversee temple land, legal status
· Official: Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple to relocate within Jalan Masjid India
· ‘Only a matter of time’: Sultan tells Pahang govt to act urgently on worsening coastal erosion
· Anwar: Jakel groundbreaking ceremony to proceed on temple site, new mosque needed as nearby ones crowded
· Selangor Sultan receives RM2.33m in business ‘zakat’, presents RM229,000 to Klang recipients
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South Asia
· Eid congregations to be held in four regions across GMR
· 3 to die for killing teenager after rape in Keraniganj
· Medical Faculty Approved at Ghazni University
· Needy families in Nangarhar receive Ramadan aid from Bayat Foundation
· Imam-Muazzins to get profitless small loans
· IEA controls power in Afghanistan, security prevails: Araqchi
· ICAB holds webinar on ‘Evolving Role of Accountants in AML Compliance’
· Northerners may hit snags on roads this Eid holiday
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· All-out measures taken for safe Eid celebration: DMP chief
· National Spring Sapling Planting Campaign Launched in Paktia
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/bulldozer-nagpur-violence-house-demolished/d/134975
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Bulldozer action: Nagpur violence accused Faheem Khan’s house demolished
March 24, 2025
Nagpur's Municipal Corporation Bulldozes Fahim Khan’s House.
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The Municipal Corporation of Nagpur on Monday carried out a bulldozer operation at the residence of Faheem Khan, the alleged mastermind behind the March 17 violence that erupted in response to Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
A team from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation arrived at Khan’s residence with bulldozers to demolish an unauthorised structure. Authorities stated that Khan had previously been issued a notice citing multiple violations, including the absence of a valid building plan approval. Despite warnings, he failed to act, leading to the demolition.
Faheem Khan, who is also the chief of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), has been booked for sedition along with five others. He was arrested and sent to judicial custody until March 21.
The Nagpur Police have also been investigating more than 300 social media accounts in connection with the riots, with 140 found to contain objectionable posts and videos. The process of registering cases against these accounts is underway.
The DCP said the objectionable content was circulated from an account outside Nagpur. “Support for the riots has been expressed through some posts. This account is being investigated, and it is also being looked into if they are from outside the country. Along with this, the social media account of the main accused, Faheem Khan, has also been investigated. Objectionable content was found on his account, and the cyber department has registered a case in this regard also,” he added.
So far, four FIRs have been registered in the Nagpur riots case, listing over 50 allegations. Authorities have indicated that more FIRs will follow as the investigation progresses.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, has taken a firm stance on the matter. He announced that the cost of properties damaged during the violence would be recovered from the rioters. If they fail to pay, their properties will be seized and auctioned to cover the losses.
“My government will not rest until those responsible for attacking the police are found and dealt with sternly,” Fadnavis asserted, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to law and order.
What happened before violence?
In a protest organised by VHP in the afternoon of March 17, amidst slogans like ‘Jai Shree Ram’, ‘Jai Bhavani’ and ‘Jai Shivaji,’ an effigy of Aurangzeb was burnt along with a Chadar which had Kalima and other holy words written on it. This triggered Muslims who staged a protest in front of the police station. The protest was led by a local party — MDP. Faheem Khan who is now labelled as the mastermind behind violence had led the protest.
The Dargah management in a video confirmed that the Chadar had Kalima inscribed in it. Many locals have also responded in the affirmative. However, police have denied the claim.
Protesters demanded action against the members of the right wing who burned the Chadar despite police’s presence. Upon seeing a tense situation around the police station, senior officials reached and registered an FIR. However, the burning of chadar was not included, confirmed locals. This further enraged the crowd.
“They didn’t stop after burning the Chadar, they gathered around a nearby mosque and continued to raise provocative slogans. When Muslims came outside the mosque after offering prayers, they tried to provoke Muslims. This escalated the situation,” says Shafique recalling the incident.
“If the mistake is from both sides, why did police lathi-charge on Muslims? Initially the police did nothing to resolve the matter. They knew Muslims were offering prayers inside, they could have stopped them from provoking the crowd and the situation wouldn’t worsen. Why didn’t the police act swiftly?” he questions. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/bulldozer-action-nagpur-violence-accused-faheem-khans-house-demolished/
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How India’s $14bn Muslim endowments are being plundered, even by government
By Kashif Kakvi
25 Mar 2025
Nizamuddin Colony, built illegally on on 5.27 acre of Waqf land in Ujjain, India. Now the government has taken over this riverside land [Kashif Kakvi/Al Jazeera]
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Bhopal, India – In January this year in Ujjain, a city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, authorities bulldozed nearly 250 properties, including homes, shops and a century-old mosque, to clear a sprawling 2.1 hectares (5.27 acres) of land.
The land belonged to the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board. Derived from Arabic, “waqf” refers to moveable or immoveable properties – mosques, schools, graveyards, orphanages, hospitals and even vacant plots – donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes to God, thereby making such property transfers irrevocable and prohibiting sale and other uses.
But the Ujjain waqf land was cleared for a so-called Mahakal Corridor, a $1bn government project surrounding the city’s famous Mahakaleshwar Temple.
India, home to more than 200 million Muslims, has the largest number of waqf assets in the world – more than 872,000 properties, spanning nearly 405,000 hectares (1 million acres), with an estimated value of about $14.22bn. They are managed by waqf boards in every state and federally-run territory.
Together, waqf boards are the country’s largest urban landowners and the third-largest overall, after the army and the railways respectively.
The Indian parliament is expected to discuss – possibly this week – amendments to the decades-old Waqf Act that has governed these waqf boards, and which has, over the years, entrenched more and more power in their hands. The amendment bill, proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu majoritarian Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), could give the government unprecedented control over what happens with waqf properties.
Muslim groups allege that the Modi administration is using its parliamentary strength to further marginalise the minority community.
But even as the debate dominates television studio conversations, some activists and lawyers cite the Ujjain case as an example of a deeper set of problems that have long plagued waqf properties: years of mismanagement leading to encroachments, which the amended law might make worse.
‘A direct violation’
Madhya Pradesh, India’s second-largest state by size, has been governed by the BJP for most of the past 22 years, except for a brief period from December 2018 to March 2020 when the centrist Congress party was in power before it lost a majority in the state assembly.
Since being appointed the state’s chief minister in December 2023, Mohan Yadav, a BJP politician from Ujjain, has been preparing for Kumbh 2028, a Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years on the banks of the city’s Shipra River. The demolition of waqf properties around the Mahakaleshwar Temple is widely viewed as part of the government’s acquisition of lands for the Kumbh pilgrimage, expected to draw millions of devotees.
Critics allege that state officials overlooked a 1985 government document that established that the Ujjain site was a Muslim graveyard where a historic mosque – large enough to accommodate 2,000 devotees – also stood. Over the years, influential builders with political connections illegally sold plots for a residential colony there, resulting in more than 250 permanent structures that were razed in January.
The government’s acquisition document, obtained by Al Jazeera, reveals that in June 2023, a revenue department officer in Ujjain objected to the state administration’s plan to take over the waqf land. In his note, the officer wrote that residents had shown him a 1985 gazette notification, proving that it was a waqf land.
The officer suggested that a “No Objection Certificate” should be obtained from the state waqf board to acquire the land. A month later, however, the Ujjain district administration issued an order, saying there was “no permission required when [land is] acquired for social cause”.
“The acquisition is a direct violation of the Waqf Act,” said lawyer Sohail Khan, who has challenged the Ujjain takeover in court.
Though the government paid 330 million rupees ($3.8m) as compensation to people whose houses or shops were demolished in January, many in the city asked why the Waqf Board had not claimed that amount – as opposed to people who had purportedly occupied the plot illegally to set up homes and shops there.
When Al Jazeera asked Sanawar Patel, chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board and a BJP leader in Ujjain, why he did not oppose the acquisition or claim compensation, he said: “I would do what the party orders because I am here because of the party.”
He said that the Waqf Board wrote a letter to the Ujjain district administration asking it not to disburse the compensation to the residents of illegal homes on the land, but did not explain why he did not challenge the administration in court. Patel also conceded that more than 90 percent of waqf properties in the state have either been encroached upon or are under litigation in courts.
Ashish Agarwal, a BJP spokesman in Madhya Pradesh, meanwhile, claimed that the state government acquired the Ujjain land “based on its requirement and following the laid down laws”. He refused to speak further.
‘History will not forgive us’
India’s waqf boards are set up under the 1954 Waqf Act, and since then, Muslims have been running the bodies with the help of the government. More laws passed in subsequent years – 1995 and 2013 – gave more powers to the waqf boards and even set up waqf tribunals, which are alternate courts meant to settle disputes related to waqf properties.
But late last month, Modi’s cabinet cleared the draft Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes 14 amendments to the old law.
Some of the controversial proposed amendments include the appointment of non-Muslims as waqf board members and mandatory registration of properties deemed to be “waqf” with the district administration.
“This is the beginning of capturing land of mosques and dargahs [shrines]. History will not forgive us,” said Sanjay Singh, a parliamentarian from the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who is one of the 31 members of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed to discuss opposition objections to the proposed amendments before the full parliament debates the changes this week.
Supreme Court lawyer Anas Tanwir told Al Jazeera that the Ujjain case “reflects a broader national concern of political interference and degradation of waqf lands”.
“The management of waqf properties in India has long been plagued by mismanagement and encroachment,” he said. “The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 potentially exacerbates the problems.”
But Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman Patel claimed the amendments have been brought by the government “to root out the existing problems and fix the anomalies”.
Deliberate dispossession
While the planned amendments have sparked concerns about how they might give the government greater control over waqf properties, many Muslim community leaders and lawyers say these lands have been widely encroached upon even under the current law.
Experts cite a decades-old pattern of deliberate dispossession, mismanagement and corruption in the government’s handling of waqf properties. They complain of a systematic diversion of waqf properties by district revenue officials and other authorities, and the widespread illegal occupation and conversion of waqf land to private ownership.
Most waqf lands or properties, they say, have been declared non-waqf by the government’s revenue department, the state body that maintains land records and collects taxes on them.
The Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board has conducted two surveys of its properties so far, in the late 1960s and the 1980s, and found that it had control over more than 23,000 properties. In subsequent years, it digitised its records and geotagged them for better identification.
Experts, however, also allege that the government’s revenue department has outdated land records, often based on pre-independence surveys. Despite the 1954 Waqf Act making it mandatory for the department to make relevant changes in its land records based on the waqf board surveys, revenue records were not updated. For example, Ujjain had 1,014 waqf properties as per the 1985 gazette, but none of them are listed as waqf assets in revenue records.
“Out of those 1,014 assets, 368 are listed as government-owned, 454 as private, and records for 192 properties are either incomplete or missing entirely,” says a public interest litigation filed in December by Ujjain-based lawyer Aashar Warsi in the Madhya Pradesh high court.
Digitisation of land records, which started in the late 2000s, compounded the problem. Since the software only had two columns – government and private – lands mentioned as waqf-owned in revenue records were often moved to the government column.
“Because of this, Bhopal’s historic Moti Mosque that was built in 1857, is registered as a government property, which is absurd,” says Masood Khan, a member of a community group campaigning for the restoration of waqf lands. Khan has filed a complaint with the waqf tribunal, requesting it to direct the revenue department to make corrections regarding the mosque in its records.
Al Jazeera asked Madhya Pradesh’s Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma why revenue records were not updated in government records. “Since it’s a prolonged issue, the minister doesn’t know much about it. We will look into the matter,” his office replied.
Mismanagement and corruption
Muslims say the Ujjain takeover is not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern seen across Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India.
Warsi’s petition says there is a “systematic and deliberate loot of waqf properties under the watchful eyes of the governments and its officials”. It adds that despite multiple letters from the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board and the federal Ministry of Minority Welfare between 2001 to 2023, advising the Madhya Pradesh government to make corrections in its revenue records, it “turned a deaf ear” to the issue, allowing the “plundering of waqf properties to continue unabated”.
“The mismatch of waqf land records with revenue records is a common phenomenon across the country that is feeding the encroachers,” Supreme Court lawyer and waqf law expert Mehmood Pracha told Al Jazeera.
In January 2021, the Madhya Pradesh government authorised an NGO that had BJP leaders as its trustees to acquire 1.2 hectares (2.88 acres) of waqf land in Bhopal. The site in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood was designated as a graveyard in state records and had half a dozen graves on it.
Before the waqf board’s tribunal or a court could order a stay on the acquisition, the NGO built a wall around it in 2021, and then announced plans to construct a community hall there. Authorities imposed a curfew in the area and deployed a large contingent of policemen to preempt any protest.
“The Waqf Act obligates the district administration or the government to remove unauthorised constructions, but when the government itself indulges in encroachment, who is going to uphold the law?” asked activist Khan.
Waqf Board members say hundreds of waqf properties in Bhopal, Indore and other cities of Madhya Pradesh have either been encroached upon by the state government or are held by influential private individuals.
“The Madhya Pradesh Police headquarters, Bhopal Police control room, traffic police station and many other government offices are constructed on prime land owned by waqf,” a Waqf Board member, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Al Jazeera, adding that more than 100 graveyards have disappeared from the state capital, which once had nearly 140.
Often, the “mutawallis”, caretakers of a property appointed by the waqf board, have been found to be involved in the fraudulent sale of waqf land or unauthorised construction at a waqf property.
In December 2024, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested a man called Nasir Khan, a former caretaker of a waqf property in Indore, for allegedly forging waqf documents for personal gain and selling a multimillion waqf property in the city. Police found fake letterheads and official waqf board stamps in his house.
Experts say years of government and private encroachment, corruption and mismanagement have made waqf properties vulnerable. With the new amendments, they say, the government wants to legally take them over.
“With growing population, the values of lands are skyrocketing. Since waqf boards own massive properties on prime places across India, the government, by using the latest amendment, wants to get control over these lands in one go,” lawyer Pracha told Al Jazeera.
Source:aljazeera.com
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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/25/government-encroachment-of-indias-waqf-lands-a-madhya-pradesh-example
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Many booked in Karachi as police break up BYC protest
Imtiaz Ali | Saleem Shahid
March 25, 2025
Police personnel detain activists from Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and civil society during a protest demanding the release of Mahrang Baloch, along with missing Baloch persons, in Karachi on March 24, 2025. — AFP
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KARACHI/QUETTA: As the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) continued its protests against rights violations and the arrest of its supporters, Karachi police on Monday detained BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch and several others for violating Section 144 and used force to break up their demonstration.
On the other hand, BYC Chief Organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch was not produced before a court, despite the lapse of more than 24 hours since her detention, while protests against her arrest continued in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, with police using tear gas to disperse protesters in some cases.
In Karachi, Artillery Maidan police booked Sammi Deen Baloch and five other detained activists under Section 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) for violating Section 144, South DIG Syed Asad Raza told Dawn.
Other detained protesters were identified as Abdul Wahab, Mustafa Ali, Shahzad Rab, Hamza Iftikhar and Sultan Hamal.
The FIR registered on the complaint of a policeman stated that about 35-40 men and women arrived at Fawara Chowk and attempted to enter the Red Zone. The complainant said the police tried to prevent them, but the protesters allegedly entered the sensitive area forcibly.
The police took action and detained Sammi Deen Baloch, Abdul Wahab and four other nominated persons, while others fled.
Ahead of the protest, the commissioner imposed Section 144, and all roads leading to the Karachi Press Club — the venue of the protest — were blocked with the help of temporary barriers. This caused massive traffic jams in the city centre, where citizens remained stuck for hours and many of them were seen breaking their fast on the road.
Counter-protests
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s Qazi Khizar, one of the participants of the protest, told Dawn that the civil society groups, certain political figures and a large number of young people, particularly women, arrived near the press club, but three routes leading to it were blocked.
Thus, they were compelled to gather at Fawara Chowk near Zainab Market, he said, adding that when they attempted to move further, the police contingents prevented them from moving forward in light of Section 144.
The HRCP activist claimed they agreed to disperse, but suddenly, the police started manhandling the activists, including women.
“The police adopted a brutal way to deal with the protestors,” he alleged, adding that 13 women were taken away and the number of men arrested by police was unknown.
He said it was strange that in contrast to their peaceful protest, there were several persons who claimed to represent a religious group and others were seen chanting slogans and demonstrating against the Baloch activists under police protection. The counter-protests were held at the KPC and in the vicinity of the same area.
Talking about counter-protests that were also staged alongside the BYC’s demonstration, the DIG said that ‘pro-state’ groups had also organised a counter-protest at Fawara Chowk. They were also dispersed, he claimed, adding that no one was allowed to organise public protests or assemblies in light of the commissioner’s notification.
Protests in Balochistan continue
In Balochistan, protests and sit-ins against the arrest of BYC leaders and supporters continued in some areas. In Quetta, the BYC activists tried to block Brewery Road, but police dispersed them using tear gas.
The BYC claimed that some workers were arrested during the crackdown, but police said they had not arrested anyone. The BYC workers later gathered in the Qambrani Road area and staged a sit-in while blocking the road, but police used tear gas and vacated the area.
BYC claimed that the police picked a woman activist, but the police denied this claim too.
Meanwhile, a constitutional petition has been filed in the Balochistan High Court against the arrest of Dr Mahrang under MPO, her lawyer Imran Baloch said. He added that the court would take up the petition today.
“All BYC activists, including Dr Mahrang and others people were arrested under 3-MPO,” Advocate Imran Baloch said, adding that the BYC leader was detained in the district jail, Quetta.
Meanwhile, Advocate Nadia Baloch, the sister of Dr Mahrang Baloch, had a meeting with her in the district jail on Monday. She said, “She went to jail to meet Dr Mahrang along with my brothers, but the jail authorities refused to give permission, but after two hours of protest, they allowed me to meet the BYC chief organiser.”
In Panjgur, a shutter-down strike continued on the third day.
In Turbat also a protest rally was organised by the BYC which marched on various roads in the town before its culmination.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1900115/many-booked-in-karachi-as-police-break-up-byc-protest
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Israel strikes Syria bases again despite EU warning
March 25, 2025
Above, army personnel patrol the ancient city of Palmyra, where some Syrian military bases are located, on May 6, 2016. (AFP file photo)
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JERUSALEM: The Israeli army said Tuesday that it had again struck two military bases in central Syria, a day after the European Union’s foreign policy chief warned strikes there and in Lebanon risked escalation.
“A short while ago, the IDF struck military capabilities that remained at the Syrian military bases of Tadmur and T4,” the Israeli military said, referring to bases in Palmyra and another 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of the city.
“The IDF will continue to act in order to remove any threat posed to the citizens of the State of Israel,” it added.
Israel said Friday it struck the same bases after a war monitor first reported the raids.
On Monday during a visit to Jersalem, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Israeli strikes on Syria and Lebanon were threatening to worsen the situation.
“Military actions must be proportionate, and Israeli strikes into Syria and Lebanon risk further escalation,” Kallas said at a joint news conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
“We feel that these things are unnecessary because Syria is right now not attacking Israel and that feeds more radicalization that is also against Israel,” Kallas told journalists.
In Syria, Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on military sites since Islamist-led rebels overthrew Bashar Assad in December.
Israel says it wants to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of new authorities it considers militants.
And despite a ceasefire, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on Lebanon — with both sides repeatedly accusing the other of violating the truce.
Israel launched air strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing eight people, in response to rocket fire that hit its territory for the first time since a ceasefire took effect on November 27.
No party has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.
The Israeli military has also deployed to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the demilitarization of southern Syria.
Syria’s foreign ministry has accused Israel of waging a campaign against “the stability of the country.”
When asked about Israel’s stance toward Syria’s new leaders, Kallas said: “Of course our worries are the same. They say the right things, will they do the right things?”
“But we have discussed this in the European Union and among all the member states, and our view is that we need a stable Syria,” she added.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2594748/middle-east
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Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
March 24, 2025
Palestinian families leave the eastern sector of the Gaza Strip on the border with Israel following Israeli airstrikes that targeted northern and other parts of Gaza, Mar. 18, 2025. (AFP)
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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s recognition of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank and the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on Monday.
The ministry said it categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
“(Saudi Arabia condemns) Israeli occupation authorities’ announcement of the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.
Israel said it is creating a government agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip following approval from the Israeli security cabinet over the weekend.
Since late 2023, at least 50,000 people have been killed during the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, and almost 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza are now internally displaced.
Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.
On Monday, Saudi Arabia also condemned the approval of 13 illegal settler outposts in the West Bank over the weekend. The Saudi ministry said that the decision was made “in preparation for their legalization as colonial settlements.”
It added that lasting peace can only be achieved if the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source:arabnews.com
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Zelensky’s office like a ‘psych ward’ – Moscow
24 Mar, 2025
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has compared Vladimir Zelensky’s office to a “psychiatric hospital” over his choice of paintings.
Photos published by Time magazine on Monday show Zelensky posing in front of two war-themed paintings — one depicting Ukrainian troops fighting on Russian territory, and the other, reportedly his favorite, showing the Kremlin engulfed in flames.
The photo of Zelensky standing beside the paintings was reportedly taken as he gave Time correspondent Simon Shuster a tour of his office one evening earlier in March. The report also mentioned a third painting, showing a Russian warship sinking in the Black Sea, though it was not visible in the photo. Time said Zelensky selected the paintings himself, and that they now hang in a small room behind his main office.
Asked by TASS to comment on the images, Zakharova replied simply “a psych ward,” without further elaboration.
Her view was echoed by Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Russia’s upper chamber, the Federation Council. He said the painting of the burning Kremlin in Zelensky’s office pointed to the latter’s limited mental capacity.
“The man is sick in the head,” Dzhabarov told Lenta.ru on Monday. “Would it occur to a normal person to hang such paintings? He made his dreams come true, apparently the dreams of all Ukrainian neo-Nazis…” he said.
Zakharova has previously branded Zelensky a “monster” and a “maniac [gripped by] sick delusions” over his nuclear rhetoric and past remarks about attacking the Kremlin.
In October 2022, Zelensky called on the international community to carry out “preemptive strikes” on the Kremlin if Russia attacked Bankovaya Street, where his office is located.
Zelensky has also expressed regret that he could not strike the Kremlin using long-range weapons supplied to Kiev by Western countries. The Kremlin described the comments as “nothing else than a call to start a world war.”
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/614718-zelensky-office-psych-ward-zakharova/
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FBI launches ‘domestic terrorism’ task force over Tesla attacks
25 Mar, 2025
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has established a specialized task force to address a surge in violent incidents targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the United States. These acts, which include arson and vandalism, have been officially classified as “domestic terrorism.”
The newly formed 10-member task force includes personnel from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and intelligence analysts, the New York Post wrote on Monday. In response to the report, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency’s commitment to public safety and accountability.
“The FBI has been investigating the increase in violent activity toward Tesla, and over the last few days, we have taken additional steps to crack down and coordinate our response,” Patel said in a post on X. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become an increasingly polarizing figure since President Donald Trump appointed him to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to authorities, the attacks appear to be ideologically motivated and may be linked to an anarchist blog advocating violence against the company.
Since late January, dozens of attacks have targeted Tesla cars, dealerships and charging stations in the US and Canada, sometimes accompanied by anti-Musk graffiti. This month alone, there have been 48 reported incidents involving Tesla properties, with seven currently under active investigation, according to the Post.
The new task force has been tasked with investigating both past and recent attacks – including the discovery of incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership in Austin, Texas, on Monday – and coordinating with local law enforcement agencies to prevent further incidents.
The FBI is also monitoring a planned protest, “Tesla Takedown,” scheduled for March 29, which aims to organize demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and charging stations nationwide.
President Trump has condemned the attacks, suggesting harsh penalties, including sending perpetrators to serve 20-year prison sentences in El Salvador’s notorious mega prison.
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the president’s stance, stating that the Department of Justice will impose “severe consequences” on those involved, including individuals who coordinate or fund such crimes. As of Monday, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/614724-tesla-fbi-terrorist-task-force/
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Clashes displace 15,000 families in Sudan’s North Darfur: UN
March 25, 2025
KHARTOUM: Fighting in Sudan’s war-torn North Darfur state displaced around “15,000 households” from the town of Al-Malha within 48 hours, the United Nations’ migration agency said Monday.
From Thursday to Friday, the clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army and its allied militias forced the families to flee “primarily to other locations” within the same area, said the International Organization for Migration.
Since April 2023, the war between the RSF and the army has killed tens of thousands of people, uprooted over 12 million and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
In North Darfur alone, nearly 1.7 million people are displaced and around two million people face extreme food insecurity, according to UN figures.
The RSF claimed on Thursday to have seized Al-Malha, which lies at the foot of a mountainous region 200 kilometers (124 miles) northeast of the North Darfur state capital El-Fasher.
At least 45 civilians were killed in the attack, according to a toll shared by activists in El-Fasher.
In their statement, the RSF said they had “encircled the enemy... leaving more than 380 dead” in Al-Malha.
The town is one of the northernmost urban centers in the vast desert between Sudan and Libya, where the RSF and an army-allied coalition of armed groups known as the Joint Forces have battled for months.
El-Fasher is the only state capital still under the control of the army, which this week recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, some 800 kilometers away.
Following months of army gains in central Sudan, analysts say the RSF is determined to consolidate its hold on Darfur, where the Joint Forces have intercepted key supply lines from Chad and Libya since last year.
North Darfur is facing one of Sudan’s worst mass starvation crises, with famine already declared in three displacement camps around El-Fasher.
According to UN projections, it is expected to spread to five more areas, including the state capital itself, by May.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2594730/middle-east
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Islamic group slams religious authorities over proposed book ban
Mar 24, 2025
The publisher of two books has slammed religious authorities over a proposed ban against two of its books, saying none of them touched on Islamic creed (aqidah).
Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) founder Ahmad Farouk Musa said religious authorities in Malaysia have turned the issue of creed into a tool to suppress critical thought.
Source:malaysiakini.com
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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/738189
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WHO reports over 50,000 TB Cases in Afghanistan last year
By Fidel Rahmati
March 25, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 50,000 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Afghanistan in 2024, highlighting a persistent health challenge.
According to the WHO’s statement on Monday, March 24, TB remains a critical health issue in Afghanistan in 2024, requiring urgent attention. The country is still grappling with high infection rates.
Currently, 875 healthcare centers across Afghanistan provide free TB diagnosis and care services, supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The WHO’s efforts in Afghanistan focus not only on immediate treatment but also on long-term prevention strategies, aiming to reduce the burden of TB significantly in the coming years.
Given the high incidence of TB in Afghanistan, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring widespread access to diagnosis and treatment will be crucial in addressing this ongoing public health crisis.
Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, the WHO representative and head of mission in Afghanistan, emphasized the organization’s commitment to strengthening TB control programs in collaboration with partners. He noted that TB is both preventable and treatable.
In 2023, the WHO reported over 1.25 million global TB deaths, including 161,000 among those living with HIV. TB primarily affects the lungs and presents symptoms like coughing and sneezing.
The United Nations has reiterated that with effective health measures, TB can be controlled and eventually eradicated, emphasizing the importance of continued global efforts to combat the disease.
International organizations, such as the WHO and the Global Fund, are working together to improve TB care in Afghanistan, but challenges persist due to the country’s political and social instability.
This joint effort provides hope for better control of TB in Afghanistan, but it also calls for sustained support from the international community to overcome logistical and healthcare barriers.
Source:khaama.com
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India
'Dhokhebaaz' poster targeting Nitish Kumar over Waqf bill appears outside Rabri Devi's home
Mar 25, 2025
NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, facing a "boycott" by Muslim groups for supporting the central government's Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was targeted in a poster put up outside the residence of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Bihar's former chief minister, Rabri Devi.
The poster, put up by RJD member Sanju Kohli, accused Kumar of betraying the Muslim community on multiple issues, including the Waqf Bill and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Using lyrics from a 1996 Bollywood film "Saajan Chale Sasural," the poster labeled Kumar a "dhokhebaaz" (deceiver) who takes Muslim votes but fails to support their interests.
The JD(U) is a constituent of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the country's governing coalition. The NDA governs Bihar as well.
Kumar's support is crucial for the BJP as the latter lost its parliamentary majority in Lok Sabha polls last year.
The poster, meanwhile, comes two days after the same RJD leader, in another poster outside Rabri Devi's residence, targeted Kumar for not standing in attention while the national anthem was going on.
In a video which went viral, the Bihar CM was seen talking and making gestures while the anthem was being played at an event in state capital Patna.
Bihar is scheduled to hold assembly polls later in the year. The election will be a straight contest between the NDA and the RJD-led opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dhokhebaaz-poster-targeting-nitish-kumar-over-waqf-bill-appears-outside-rabri-devis-home/articleshow/119458215.cms
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Muslim bodies only target: J&K CM Omar Abdullah criticises BJP over Waqf Bill
Muzaffar Raina
25.03.25
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the tension over the waqf amendment bill was understandable as the BJP-led government at the Centre was “targeting only Muslim institutions”.
Omar also appeared to send out a message to the Centre on how local support, a euphemism for Muslims, was crucial in winning the war against militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. “I repeatedly say that without taking the people along, it is not possible to end militancy,” he said.
The chief minister on Monday faced questions on the tension surrounding the bill and a spike in militancy in the Jammu region.
“It (palpable tension) is obvious that there are apprehensions about that. One religion alone is made a target of it (assault). Religious institutions are linked with all religions. There is no religion which does not have its own institutions,” he said.
He said all religions also had charitable institutions and Muslim charities were largely managed through waqf. “But institutions of only one religion are selected. It is obvious there will be tensions,” Omar said.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Sunday announced a nationwide agitation against the bill. The board is planning sit-ins in front of the Assemblies in Patna and Vijayawada on March 26 and 29, respectively, as part of the first phase of the protest.
On Sunday evening’s anti-militancy operation in Jammu’s Kathua, Omar said there was no contact between the two sides. The operation was launched on Sunday after locals claimed to have spotted militants at Hiranagar in Kathua.
Although gunshots were heard, Omar cast doubts over claims of an exchange of fire between the two sides.
“So far, there has been no contact. The search and cordon are due to some suspicious movement. Let us see how the situation unfolds,” Omar said.
The chief minister said the militants could have come from across the border.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/muslim-bodies-only-target-omar-abdullah-criticises-bjp-over-waqf-bill-prnt/cid/2090597
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Gujarat’s lone Muslim MLA flags ‘insulting’ references to his religion in Assembly
by Parimal A Dabhi
March 25, 2025
Congress MLA from Ahmedabad’s Jamalpur constituency Imran Khedawala – the only Muslim legislator in Gujarat Assembly – on Monday sought protection from the Speaker against alleged “insulting” references made towards him by members of the ruling BJP while referring to him as a person “from a specific community”.
Following this, Speaker Shankar Chaudhary advised all the members of the House to refrain from making personal references.
The issue cropped up during the Question Hour when a starred question raised by Khedawala was taken up for discussion. The legislator had sought to know the details related to the proposed overbridge between Vishala Circle and Sarkhej Crossroads in Ahmedabad city. The road passes through minority dominated Juhapura and Sarkhej areas of the city.
The government replied that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the overbridge at the cost of Rs 1,295.39 crore and its work is expected to be over by 2027 after getting necessary approvals.
In his supplementary question, Khedawala sought to know when work on the bridge will be commenced and completed.
In reply, Minister of State Jagdish Vishwakarma said that initiating the work and its completion depends on a number of factors, including the number of encroachments on the road.
Vishwakarma then said, “I want to say that if the work on the road is to be completed expeditiously, then I will have to take help of Imranbhai. On that single road, there are more than 700 non-veg lorries, shops, kiosks; more than 1,200 rickshaws lie on that road, around 11 garages of a particular community are there and all of them are illegal. Around six religious encroachments of a particular community are there.”
He further said, “I need Imranbhai’s help because all these encroachments are on approximately 6,000 square meter area…When only a particular community does encroachments in the entire state, then, honourable Imranbhai, it is your duty that your community does not do wrongful encroachment. As an MLA of the community, it becomes (a matter of) your concern.”
Khedawala immediately registered his protest and said, “(They) always talk about a community.” He also raised a Point of Order.
However, Speaker Chaudhary told him to do so after the Question Hour.
Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar joined the discussion and said that if the government is saying that so many encroachments are present on that road, it is the responsibility of the ruling dispensation to remove them.
Vishwakarma, in reply, alleged that Khedawala’s “unauthorised” office in Jamalpur was recently razed.
He said, “Whenever the state government demolishes encroachments, members of the Opposition conspire to defame the government with political malaise. And whenever the state government removes encroachments, all the members of the Congress conspire to defame the government with an intention to be visible on social media and TV (channels)…Therefore, I am saying that when the government does the encroachment removal, please support it and do not prevent it.”
Refusing the allegations of unauthorised office, Khedawala offered to show legal documents. After the Question Hour, he raised the Point of Order in the House.
Addressing the Speaker, he said, “The manner in which insulting talks are being done while referring to (me) as a person from a community; Amitbhai (Amit P Shah, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Ellisbridge constituency) had talked in an insulting manner the other day… Here, I am a Muslim MLA among the 182 MLAs. So, I seek your protection. I raise issues of the society and of Gujarat within the limits of the Constitution. So, the kind of sentences being used in the Assembly, it should not be done now onwards. I feel sad about this.”
On March 19, while speaking on budgetary demands of the Home department, Shah, while referring to Khedawala, said in the House that, “People from your minority community were the killers of Haren Pandya (former BJP minister killed in 2003)”. Shah had made the comments while cross-talking with Khedawala during his speech over the issue of law and order.
On his part, among other things, Vishwakarma said that his point was that people should cooperate when illegal encroachments are being demolished.
Speaker Chaudhary then requested all the ministers and MLAs to be respectful of each other and added that it is a duty of all the members. “As a Speaker of this Assembly, it is my responsibility to give protection to every member. Every member does get protection (in the Assembly) and will continue to do so … I tell honourable minister as well not to make personal references using somebody’s name,” he added.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarats-lone-muslim-mla-flags-insulting-references-to-his-religion-in-assembly-9904181/
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FIR against Sambhal mosque panel chief has sections with provision for life in jail
by Amit Sharma
March 25, 2025
Zafar Ali, the chairman of the managing committee of Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid, who was arrested Sunday in connection with the violence in the town on November 24, has been booked under nearly a dozen sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including some which have provision for sentence to life in jail.
Those BNS sections providing for life in jail are 230 (crime of giving or fabricating false evidence) and 231 (act of giving or fabricating false evidence with the intent to cause someone’s conviction).
Zia ur Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, and Sohail Iqbal, the son of six-time SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood, who is also the deputy leader of the party in the UP Assembly, have also been booked under the same sections.
Barq, Iqbal and others were named in the FIR lodged by a policeman after the November 24 violence in the wake of a court-ordered survey of the mosque whether a temple existed there.
Zafar Ali is the first member of the mosque committee arrested for the violence after being interrogated for four hours at the SambhalKotwali police station on Sunday. He was produced in a Chandausi court which sent him to remand for two days.
“I have been falsely implicated. I did not incite people for the violence on November 24. I have been arrested because I had held a press conference on November 26, and said that deaths during the violence occurred in police firing,” Ali told mediapersons while being taken to the jail in Moradabad.
Four people had died and many, including 29 police personnel, sustained injuries in the violence in Sambhal on November 24.
Ali was detained by the police on November 25, 2024, a day after the violence outside the mosque, and was released after questioning.
In November, Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar had alleged that Ali informed “miscreants” about the survey team’s visits to the mosque on November 19 and 24, leading to the protests. The survey team left without completing the survey on November 19 due to the protest.
Another officer said Zafar Ali was inside the mosque with the survey team on November 24, but his information allegedly led to a large crowd gathering and engaging in violence.
Sambhal Additional SP Shirish Chand said on Sunday that Ali had been on the police’s radar since the day of the violence. “… that was why we picked him up for interrogation last year. Due to lack of proper evidence, we had to release him. But we have been gathering more clinching evidence since then,” he said.
Zafar Ali’s elder brother Tahir, however, said the police picked him up to prevent him from appearing on Monday before the judicial commission set up to investigate the Sambhal violence.
Tahir also said his brother will stand firm on his allegation that the four deaths in the violence were “caused due to police firing”. He said they would challenge his brother’s arrest in the Allahabad High Court.
So far, 80 people, including Zafar Ali and three women, have been arrested. No one has been granted bail.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/fir-against-sambhal-mosque-panel-chief-has-sections-with-provision-for-life-in-jail-9904192/
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Iftar politics hurt JD (U) in Bihar; Lalu, Chirag try to reach out to minorities
Mar 24, 2025
With the countdown to Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, Iftar politics has maintained their traditional charm for political parties. They have even added some spice to the poll momentum. After Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, RJD President Lalu Prasad hosted an Iftar party at the residence of former minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui on Monday.
Another iftar party was held at the party office of Union minister and LJP (RV) national president, Chirag Paswan, on Monday which was atttended by CM Kumar and other NDA leaders.
The Iftar hosted by the CM ran into controversy after seven Muslim organisations, including Jamiat Ulema e Hind (Arshad Madni faction) and Imarat e Shariah, Bihar’s most influential Muslim outfit, exhorted common Muslims and leaders to boycott it owing to Nitish Kumar-led JD(U)’s support to the Central government’s upcoming Waqf Bill which Muslims are opposing throughout India. It left JD(U) fuming. “Politics in the name of worship is not right. The CM has been organising iftaar parties for long. Some are doing politics and those opposing it should remember that he (CM) has done a lot of work for the upliftment of minorities,” said Rajya Sabha MP and JD(U) working president, Sanjay Jha.
JD(U) leaders feel that people associated with RJD and Congress were being the opposition to CM’s iftar. “Those who opposed it are the ones associated with the RJD and Congress... They are doing their politics... Iftar party is a worship, and there cannot be politics in it... They just wanted to do politics; they have nothing to do with the welfare of Muslims,” said Union minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh.
However, despite the boycott, a large number of Muslims turned up for the iftaar. “The arrival of such a large number of people from all sections and communities at the Iftar Dawat organised at the CM’s residence on Sunday clearly means that Nitish Kumar’s popularity has increased in the Muslim community. The devotion with which people offered Namaz there and prayed for the common man was significant. The message of his massive presence was that he is not a slave of any political party. He likes only those who work for him,” argued Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.
There is a tradition of political parties hosting Iftar parties during the month of Ramzan. Over the years, with Muslim votes becoming a source of road to power, the Iftar parties have become a sina quo non in political circles.
According to the Bihar caste survey in 2023, Muslims make up a significant 17.7 per cent of the state’s population. While the community is often viewed as inclined against the BJP, Nitish has sought to chip away at that opposition through targeted welfare schemes. By extending reservations and government benefits, such as scholarships, to the OBC (Other Backward Classes) and EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) sections among Muslims, he has attempted to change the notions of a monolithic Muslim identity.
The RJD, a foremost beneficiary of Muslim support, had lost the community’s favour in 2020 election and the party had managed to win only one out of 24 seats scattered in Muslim-majority Seemanchal region. Now, the party doesn’t want to risk to lose out on any plank to woo back the community. Hence, the boycott of CM Kumar’s Iftar was a music to its ears. Its cadres were quick to spread words for enthusiastic gathering for RJD supremo’s Iftar.
“Leaders of all the constituent parties of the Grand Alliance have been invited to attend the Iftar party organised by Lalu Prasad. Apart from this, intellectuals, people from all sections of society and fasting people have been requested to attend the Iftar party,” said RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed.
Lalu Prasad’s iftar party was however, was marked by absence of Congress newly-appointed president Rajesh Kumar, state Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru and VikashsheelInsaan Party leader Mukesh Sahni. RJD leader Abdul Bari Siqqidui defended the absence by saying that “Ramzan is in last phase and they must be attending other Iftar programmes. Some Congress MLAs however came.”
“Lalu Prasad has been organising Iftar parties every year since he became the CM of Bihar in 1990. Minority voters are counted among Lalu Prasad’s core voters. From 1990 till now, RJD’s vote bank has been Muslim-Yadav i.e. MY equation,” said Gyanandera Yadav, associate professor of Sociology, College of Commerce. “Every year, on the pretext of Iftar party, Lalu Prasad tries to give the message to Muslim voters that he is their true sympathiser. And this year crucial assembly elections due, the party has more meaning for him,” he added.
RJD’s alliance partner has also tried to reach out to minorities through the entry of former MP Ali Anwar Ansari, a leader with grassroots connections among Pasmanda Muslims, which make up 80 per cent of Bihar’s Muslim community. Anwar is now with the Congress party.
The RJD has also intensified its politics of Muslim appeasement in Bihar’s Seemanchal region with Tejashwi Yadav attending an iftaar party in Seemanchal on Saturday.
In Seemanchal, Muslims now make up 40-70% of the population in several districts, with Kishanganj recording the highest proportion. This shift has prompted RJD, Congress and AIMIM to vie for dominance in the region, banking heavily on Muslim-majority constituencies.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/iftar-politics-hurt-jd-u-in-bihar-lalu-chirag-try-to-reach-out-to-minorities-101742825942253.html
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Explained: Five contentious changes proposed by the Waqf Bill, 2024
by Asad Rehman
March 25, 2025
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has elicited widespread criticism across India.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Sunday announced a nationwide agitation against the Bill, while the Imarat-e-Shariah, a prominent Muslim organisation in Bihar, boycotted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s iftar. The Congress called the Bill an assault on the Constitution, and an attempt by the BJP to keep society in a state of “permanent polarisation” for electoral gains.
What exactly makes the Waqf Bill so controversial? Here are five of its most contentious provisions.
Representation matters
The 2024 Bill proposed allowing a non-Muslim Chief Executive Officer, and at least two non-Muslim members to be appointed by state governments to their state’s waqf board. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) allowed two amendments to this provision — that the appointee shall be an officer at the Joint Secretary-level or higher, and that she shall have knowledge of Muslim law and jurisprudence.
But the fundamental contention remains, namely, that non-Muslims should not be a part of waqf boards, given it is a religious matter.
Power to government
The 2024 Bill gave the District Collector the power to determine if a disputed property is a waqf or belongs to the government. This determination is currently made by the Waqf Tribunal. The JPC accepted an amendment to the provision, which now gives this power to a state government officer who is more senior than the district collector.
However, it will still be a state government officer judging the state’s own case against a waqf. Critics fear that the officer is likely to rule in favour of the government in such disputes.
Removal of ‘waqf by user’
The 2024 Bill does away with the concept of “waqf by user”, which is a part of the 1995 law. This refers to a property that is treated as waqf based on its long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation. Several mosques and graveyards could fall in this category.
By omitting provisions related to “waqf by user”, the Bill can potentially create disputes surrounding long-time waqf properties which, for whatever reason, do not have a valid waqfnama.
Waqf database
The 2024 Bill required every waqf property to be registered on a central database within six months of the law’s commencement. Any “government property” in this database would be flagged to the District Collector, who would then make an inquiry into the matter. Notably, the Bill effectively ensured that not registering on the portal would result in forfeiting the right to move a court in case of an encroachment or dispute involving the waqf land.
While the JPC accepted amendments giving the Waqf Tribunal power to extend the timeframe of registration in some circumstances, what these circumstances could be was left to the Tribunal’s discretion.
Tribunal decision not final
The Bill has also changed how the Waqf Tribunal will be formed. It states that it will comprise a District Judge, and a state government officer of Joint Secretary rank as its members. Another crucial change in the new Bill is that it has removed the provision that made the Tribunal’s decision final. The Bill allows Tribunal decisions to be challenged in the High Court.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-five-contentious-changes-proposed-by-the-waqf-bill-2024-9904138/?utm_source=Taboola_Recirculation&utm_medium=RC&utm_campaign=IE&tbref=hp
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‘Congress should clarify’: In Rajya Sabha, Kiren Rijiju targets Shivakumar over Muslim quota
24.03.25
The ongoing tussle involving the Opposition NDA and the ruling Congress in over Muslim quota in Karnataka has taken another limelight-grabbing turn.
Earlier today in the Rajya Sabha, minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju took a potshot at Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and said, "One of the senior member of the Congress party, who is holding a constitution post has made a statement that they’re going to change the constitution of India…he has stated that Congress party will provide reservation to the Muslim community and for that they (Congress) will change the Constitution of India. This statement cannot be taken lightly."
Ruckus ensues in Parliament
The Parliament resumed on Monday with discussions expected on various bills in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. However, chaos erupted within a few minutes of the proceedings, after BJP MPs created ruckus over issue of reservation to Muslims in public contracts in Karnataka, resulting in both Houses being adjourned.
"How can the House watch in silence? Congress should clarify … the person should be sacked. You claim to give reservations to Muslims and resort to theatrics of carrying a photograph of Babasaheb Ambedkar and a copy of the Constitution in your pocket," Rijiju added.
Shivakumar's response
On the issue of handing 4 per cent Muslim reservation in the state, Shivakumar said, “I am sensible, senior politician than (JP) Nadda. I have been in the Assembly since last 36 years. I have basic common sense. I have not said that there will be any… I have said casually that there will be so many changes after various judgments. I have not said that we are going to change the Constitution. Whatever they are quoting is wrong. They are misquoting it. We are a national party, we know what Constitution is. I will take breach of privilege on this. I will fight a case; they are misquoting me.”
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cong-should-clarify-in-rajya-sabha-kiren-rijiju-targets-shivakumar-over-muslim-quota/cid/2090524
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'Vote bank politics is being played': BJP MP K Laxman criticizes Telangana Government's OBC categorization
Mar 25, 2025
NEW DELHI: K Laxman, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and National President of BJP OBC Morcha, has criticized the Telangana government for including 90 percent of Muslims in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, accusing them of vote bank politics and undermining OBC rights, while also addressing recent statements about judicial reservations made by Congress leader Udit Raj.
The BJP leader expressed strong opposition to the Telangana government's decision regarding Muslim inclusion in OBC category.
"Since Congress has come to power in Telangana, Rahul Gandhi had said during the Telangana caste census that this will become a roadmap for the whole country. But now, 90% of the Muslims have been included in the OBC category. This way, the rights of OBC are being taken away," said Dr. Laxman.
He accused the state government of manipulating the reservation system for political advantages, emphasizing how such moves were aimed at securing votes rather than helping backward communities.
Dr. Laxman also highlighted recent comments by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar regarding Muslim reservations."Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar said that they will even change the Constitution, but will give 4% reservation to Muslims," Laxman noted.
The controversy extended to the judicial system when Congress leader Udit Raj proposed implementing reservations in the judiciary to address corruption and inefficiency.
"Reservation should be implemented to reduce corruption and inefficiency in the judiciary. This will reduce the number of judges from one family and one caste. A corrupt judge will be afraid that there will be fewer people from his caste and kin to protect him. He will give judgment after careful consideration," Raj stated on social media platform X.
Raj further elaborated on his position regarding judicial representation.
"Judges from Dalit, OBC, Minorities and Tribal communities will not show bias in hearing cases because there will be pressure from the upper caste judge. There will be no one to protect them if they commit a mistake," he said.
The Congress leader criticized the current judicial collegium system, suggesting it is dominated by upper-caste judges.
Raj also addressed concerns about fairness in legal proceedings.
Political people will get justice and the situation of Lalu getting jail and Mishra getting bail will reduce. At present, checks and balances have deteriorated and will be automatically established with reservation," he added.
The discussion highlights ongoing debates about reservation policies in India, spanning both administrative and judicial domains.
Source:indiatimes.com
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Gauhati HC grants interim bail to USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque after weeks in custody
March 24, 2025
On Monday, the Gauhati High Court granted interim bail to Mahbubul Hoque, a renowned educationist and Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).
Hoque had been arrested in connection with the Dhekiajuli case, which stemmed from a targeted campaign by the BJP-led Assam government. The arrest followed allegations leveled by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, including claims of a ‘flood jihad’ and accusations that Hoque had promised higher marks to students in exchange for favors.
The court observed that Hoque had presented strong grounds for the grant of bail. However, it emphasized the need to review the Case Diary before making a final decision. Justice Mitali Thakuria, who issued the interim bail, placed specific conditions on Hoque.
These included full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, mandatory appearances before the Investigating Officer when required, and a prohibition on influencing individuals involved in the case in any way. Hoque must not attempt to dissuade anyone from revealing facts related to the case.
The court also set the bail amount at Rs. 50,000, with a surety of an equal amount required. The bail, however, is temporary, valid only until the next hearing on April 9, 2025.
Hoque, a prominent social worker, was arrested by Assam police in February from his residence in Guwahati. He faces charges under Sections 318(4)/316(5)/336(3) of the BNS and Section 11(1) of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The police cited a “law and order” situation that allegedly erupted during the CBSE Class 12 physics examination at the Central Public School in Patharkandi, Sribhumi district.
The arrest came shortly after a series of hate campaigns led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accused Hoque and his institution of manipulating CBSE results. Sarma also raised concerns about the alleged “flood jihad,” a term used to describe the suspicion of religiously motivated manipulation within the education system. In response, Hoque and his institute have faced heavy scrutiny from the state government.
The arrest has sparked widespread criticism, with many observers asserting that the move was politically motivated and aimed at targeting the Muslim community. The criticism also suggests that the Assam government’s actions against Hoque reflect a pattern of hostility towards minorities, particularly Muslims. As the case unfolds, it remains a subject of intense public debate and legal scrutiny. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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DKS 'Muslim quota remark' sparks BJP-Congress Parliament clash
Mar 25, 2025
NEW DELHI: The treasury and opposition benches clashed in both Houses of Parliament on Monday over Karnataka deputy CM D K Shivakumar's purported statement suggesting reservation for Muslims by changing the Constitution. BJP members reacted vociferously to what they called Congress's conspiracy to change the Constitution to give religion-based quota to appease the minority community.
Congress and Shivakumar denied that he had made such a statement and said govt functionaries were peddling lies to stall Parliament, but BJP's protests continued.
Raising the issue in Lok Sabha, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said, "A senior member of Congress, who is sitting on a constitutional position, has said that Muslims will be given reservation by changing the Constitution." Amid uproar from opposition benches, the speaker adjourned the House for the second time since it assembled in the morning, till 2 pm.Rijiju said there was no place for reservation in the Constitution based on religion, and cited the demands made by the Muslim League in 1947 when Sardar Patel and the entire House had rejected religion-based quota. The minister demanded removal of the Congress member. .
Ruckus continued in Rajya Sabha post-lunch as leader of the House J P Nadda and leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge engaged in a verbal duel over the issue.
Nadda accused Congress of trying to create reservation for Muslims through the back door by cutting into the OBC quota, an allegation denied by Kharge, who said Shivakumar had never made any such statement.
In a way, it was a re-run of the fight between the two sides during the campaign for 2024 LS polls where PM Modi had alleged that Congress was planning to smuggle in a Muslim quota, while Congress had accused of him of seeking a 400-plus tally so that the Constitution could be amended to get rid of caste quotas.
The post-lunch sitting of RS, which followed two adjournments in the first half, started with Congress MPs raising a din and accusing the govt of misleading the House and twisting Shivakumar's words.
An incensed Nadda got up to protest Karnataka govt's decision to give Muslims 4% reservation in public contracts, reminding the opposition benches that both B R Ambedkar and Sardar Patel had spoken against extending reservation on the basis of religion.
"Earlier, Telangana assembly approved quota for Muslims by depriving SCs/STs/OBCs of their entitlement. They tried to create a back door entry for Muslims into the OBC quota. History is witness. And now they are introducing a quota for Muslims even in public contracts," Nadda said.
The row was triggered by Shivakumar's purported reply at a media event where he was asked whether the Constitution allowed reservation based on religion. In response, Shivakumar purportedly said, "Let's wait and see what the court decides. We have started something. I know everyone will go to court... A good day will come. Many changes are happening. The Constitution will change. There have been judgements that have altered the Constitution as well."
Source:indiatimes.com
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Mob claim on mosque chief: Sambhal shrine official cries police instigation
Piyush Srivastava
25.03.25
Sambhal police on Monday claimed that they have enough evidence against the head of the Shahi Jama Masjid’s management committee to send him to jail.
Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, superintendent of police of Sambhal, said Zafar Ali was arrested for criminal conspiracy. “He had called the mob in front of the Jama Masjid on November 19 and November 24 when the survey of the shrine was underway,” he said.
Ali was arrested after a daylong interrogation at Kotwali police station on Sunday, a day before he was to travel to Lucknow to depose before the judicial commission probing the November 24 violence outside the mosque. He was produced before a local court and sent to judicial custody for 14 days on Sunday and shifted to Moradabad jail on Monday.
Ali, who had earlier alleged that Hindutva groups had provoked a Muslim mob into violence that day, was detained on Sunday after refusing to parrot a police-dictated statement before the commission, his family said, alleging “intimidation”.
On his way to the court, Ali told reporters that he would contest and win the case “because the police have implicated me without any evidence”.
“I was with the survey team and senior policemen inside the mosque when some policemen misbehaved with the people standing outside and then killed them (on November 24). The police didn’t want me to say all this to the judicial inquiry commission,” Ali claimed.
The clash between a mob and the police had broken out during a court-ordered survey of the mosque to ascertain whether it stood over the remains of a destroyed temple. Hindu petitioners had claimed that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had demolished a temple and built the mosque at the site.
Ali had said four people had died in police firing but the police have claimed the deaths resulted from a gunfight between two rival groups within the mob.
A source close to Ali told this newspaper that his arrest was aimed at preventing him from testifying before the commission.
“We believe that a member of the commission gave the idea to the SIT and Sambhal police to arrest the head of the masjid committee to prevent him from recording his statement before the panel. It would have become obligatory for the commission to mention Ali’s statement and produce the electronic evidence furnished by him to support his claim that the police instigated the crowd and then opened fire on them. Therefore, they decided to arrest him,” the source said.
“Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has made it clear several times that he was against the mosque. He has appointed the commission to prove that whatever happened on November 24 was planned by the members of the mosque,” he added.
Lawyers’ strike
A section of lawyers in Sambhal district observed a one-day pen-down strike on Monday to protest the arrest of Ali, a “senior lawyer”.
Mohammad Nazar Qureshi, president of the Chandousi District Court Bar Association in Sambhal, told PTI: “All courts in Sambhal, Chandousi and Gunnaur remained closed today as part of the strike.”
“There was no FIR against Ali, yet he was sent to jail under unspecified charges. This is a wrongful act by the police,” Qureshi said. “We strongly oppose this action and will soon decide on our next course of action against the administration.”
Additional reporting by PTI
Source:telegraphindia.com
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MK Stalin reminds Muslims AIADMK's CAA stance, vows to safeguard minority rights
Mar 24, 2025
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Monday asserted that his party, the DMK, has been protecting the Muslims from political threats such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) ‘like a bastion’.
He also promised that the party would continue to safeguard the rights of Muslim minorities in the future as well.
Speaking at an Iftar party hosted by the ruling party's minority wing at Thiruvanmiyur in the state capital Chennai, Stalin also hit out at the opposition AIADMK for supporting the CAA
"When the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was introduced, the DMK voted against it because the CAA was against the Muslims. But the AIADMK MPs supported it," PTI quoted the CM as saying.
Stalin also took a jibe at the leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami for participating in an Iftar party recently after his ‘betrayal’ to the minority community on the CAA issue.
"Palaniswami had then said not a single Muslim would be affected by CAA. Minorities will never forget or forgive him for the betrayal. After going against the Muslims during the crisis, he now participated in the Iftar without any guilt or shame," the chief minister added.
Tamil Nadu will go to polls next year with the DMK trying to hold onto power in the state where voters have traditionally oscillated between the two biggest parties.
Stalin unites opposition CMs against delimitation
Keeping in mind the Tamil Nadu State assembly elections and the delimitation of constituencies, both scheduled for next year, the state chief minister MK Stalin hosted the first meeting in Chennai of states over delimitation issue on Saturday.
According to Stalin, the day will be “etched in history”.
He welcomed CMs of several states and political leaders to the meeting on Saturday morning, saying they were “united” in their “commitment to fair delimitation”.
“Today will be etched in history as the day when states that have contributed to our nation’s development came together to safeguard its federal structure by ensuring #FairDelimitation. I warmly welcome all Chief Ministers and political leaders to this meeting, united in our commitment to #FairDelimitation,” Stalin said in a post on X.
The chief ministers of Kerala, Telangana, and Punjab: Pinarayi Vijayan, Revanth Reddy, Bhagwant Singh Mann, and working president of Shiromani Akali Dal Balwinder Singh Bhunder, and general secretary of Indian Union Muslim League Kerala PMA Salam, were among the leaders who reached Chennai to take part in the meeting.
Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal and Punjab are the seven states the DMK has reached out for the meeting.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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As BJP stokes fire over Shivakumar’s remarks about ‘changing Constitution’, Congress high command asks Karnataka leader to clarify
March 24, 2025
As both Houses of Parliament saw adjournments Monday after BJP MPs created a ruckus over a purported remark by D K Shivakumar about “changing the Constitution”, the Congress high command asked the Karnataka deputy chief minister to issue a clarification.
As the Lok Sabha convened at 11 am, BJP members were on their feet, apparently raising the issue of reservation for Muslims in government contracts in Karnataka. When the House re-convened, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the remarks by a person “sitting on a Constitutional post” to change the Constitution to facilitate four per cent reservation for Muslims is unacceptable.
“One of the senior members of the Congress party, who is holding a constitutional post, has made a statement that they’re going to change the Constitution of India. He has stated that the Congress party will provide reservation to the Muslim community, and for that, they (Congress) will change the Constitution of India. This statement cannot be taken lightly,” said Rijiju in a veiled reference to Shivakumar.
As the issue seemed to be blowing out of proportion, AICC general secretary-in-charge for Karnataka Randeep Surjewala spoke to Shivakumar and asked him to clarify his stand on the purported statement by him, said sources in the party.
Amid the row, Shivakumar spoke to media persons and said that the BJP was “misquoting him”.
“I am a more sensible and senior politician than Mr (JP) Nadda. I have been in the Assembly for 36 years. I have basic common sense. I have casually said that there will be so many changes after various judgements. Whatever reservation has been given as per the quota for the backward classes. I have not said that we are going to change the Constitution. Whatever they are quoting is wrong. They are miscarrying it. We are a national party and know what the Constitution is. I will take a breach of privilege on this. They are misquoting it… On the basis of judgements, some Constitutions change. I have not referred to this issue,” said Shivakumar.
He claimed that the “media was not misquoting him but the BJP was”.
“You see the record. I saw it right now… They are political people who try to misguide the country. Where have I said that I will change the Constitution? Every day their (BJP) graph is dipping,” he said.
In a post on X, Shivakumar further said that he was not present in the Assembly when the discussion on the Bill providing 4 per cent reservation to Muslims in government contracts took place. He said he had never stated that the Constitution would be amended in any manner to give religion-based reservation.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, Surjewala said that the BJP and the government “forced an adjournment” in both Houses to “divert attention from the recovery of cash from the house of a Delhi High Court judge”.
“The string of it (cash recovery) is now reaching the doorsteps of the ruling dispensation. So, in order to douse that fire, an adjournment was forced in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. D K Shivakumar has been a legislator for the last 36 years and is a senior leader of Congress. He has already made his statement that a fake narrative is being attributed to him for manufacturing an adjournment in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,” said the senior Congress MP.
Source:indianexpress.com
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Pakistan
Bilawal urges PM to call another meeting of national security forum
Amjad Mahmood
March 25, 2025
LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to convene another meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, even if after a month, to build national consensus for combating terrorism.
Speaking at an Iftar reception at Governor House here on Monday, he stressed the need for national unity to counter the rising tide of terrorism and called upon the prime minister to take on board all political parties, including those who skipped the earlier sitting of the committee.
He also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for boycotting the in-camera PCNS meeting in a display of preference of their incarcerated leader over the national interest. The parliamentary committee’s meeting, also attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir and DG ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik, was held against the backdrop of rising terrorism, including hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Bolan district of Balochistan.
But the PTI-led major opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan, had chosen not to attend the meeting, citing the absence of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Declaring consensus on national issues as inevitable in the present circumstances, the PPP chairman said that special attention must be given to law and order in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The former foreign minister said that Pakistan is once again facing global conspiracies and all must stand firm against them. Highlighting the ongoing security concerns, he said that the country is dealing with serious difficulties due to terrorism. “There may be international forces behind the terrorist organisations active in Balochistan and KP. And we must have to stand united and firm to defeat these forces.”
Reaffirming his commitment to combating terrorism, Mr Bhutto-Zardari pledged to confront both terrorists and their facilitators.
Regretting the division in national politics, he admitted that building consensus on national issues has become difficult but said “we must unite to fight terrorists. All political stakeholders must come together for the country and nation instead of preferring personal interests”.
Inviting the opposition to move beyond “narrow-minded politics,” he urged the political parties to set aside their differences and unite for the greater good of the nation.
Stressing the importance of collective decision-making, the PPP chairman said he had informed the prime minister that the PPP is ready to play its role in facilitating a dialogue among political parties.
Addressing the Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub, he said the PTI may have political grievances but regrettably it tends to focus on a single issue only. “The people of Pakistan are facing multiple challenges, including terrorism and economic instability, and are looking towards political forces for their solution.”
He urged the opposition to prioritise national issues over seeking relief for its incarcerated political leadership.
Mr Bhutto-Zardari clarified that his party is neither part of the government nor of the opposition. However, he said that this unique position makes the PPP open to dialogue both with the government and opposition.
He said that his party is ready to facilitate constructive discussions between the government and the opposition.
Source:dawn.com
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FM Dar backs talks with Kabul on security, trade
Baqir Sajjad Syed
March 25, 2025
• Calls for sustained dialogue with Afghan govt to address Pakistan’s concerns
• Special representative briefs meeting on his three-day visit to Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday endorsed the understanding reached with Kabul on continuing diplomatic engagement to resolve outstanding issues between the two countries.
“DPM emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue with the interim Afghan government to address Pakistan’s concerns and promote bilateral relations,” the Foreign Office said after Mr Dar chaired a meeting on ties with Afghanistan.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch and other senior officials of the foreign ministry, during which Special Representative on Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq provided a detailed briefing on his just concluded three-day visit to Kabul.
Mr Sadiq, during the trip, met key Taliban officials, including Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Trade Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, to discuss critical issues affecting the bilateral relations.
Differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan are primarily centered on security and border disputes. Pakistan has made terrorism its central concern in ties with Kabul, citing a sharp increase in attacks by the banned TTP and other militant groups operating from the Afghan territory. The closure of the Torkham border, which lasted nearly a month, further underscored the significance of border disputes in the overall relationship. The border was reopened under a temporary arrangement that will remain in place until April 15. During visit, Mr Sadiq and Mr Muttaqi agreed to continue discussions on border management and security cooperation.
The Afghan leadership, while acknowledging Pakistan’s concerns, highlighted the importance of trade and transit for Afghanistan, which is a landlocked country dependent on regional connectivity.
Mr Muttaqi urged Pakistan not to link trade and transit with other disputes, a stance that Afghanistan has consistently maintained.
Economic cooperation emerged as a key topic during Mr Sadiq’s engagements in Kabul. Speaking at a ceremony at the Pakistan Embassy before concluding his trip, Mr Sadiq reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering economic collaboration, stating that Pakistan and Afghanistan’s economic interests are intrinsically interlinked and that peace and progress in Afghanistan are essential for regional stability.
Mr Sadiq on that occasion stressed that both countries must work together to enhance bilateral trade and promote regional connectivity, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan.
As a result of Mr Sadiq’s visit, both sides agreed to convene a Joint Coordination Committee meeting potentially before April 15 to focus on strengthening trade and economic ties.
Trade ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold consultations before Eidul Fitr, and Afghanistan’s commerce minister is expected to visit Pakistan after Eid. The plan for Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul, which had previously been on hold, was also revived and discussed during the meetings.
The importance of trade was further emphasised during Mr Sadiq’s discussions with Afghan Trade Minister Azizi, where they addressed trade and transit challenges, the need to prevent political tensions from disrupting economic ties, and the resolution of key economic issues.
Both sides, during Mr Sadiq’s meeting with Mr Azizi, agreed to hold frequent bilateral meetings, normalise trade relations, finalise the Preferential Trade Agreement, and address outstanding matters under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit and Trade Agreement.
Source:dawn.com
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Court sentences 2 men to death for killing woman of their family in Toba Tek Singh
Rana Bilal
March 24, 2025
An additional sessions judge in Toba Tek Singh on Monday sentenced to death two men involved in murdering a woman in their family.
Maria Bibi was murdered by her father Abdul Sattar and brother Faisal at Chak 477-JB Allowal on March 17, 2024. Her body was exhumed for autopsy on March 28 after a video of the crime went viral on social media and received large-scale outcry.
The main accused, Faisal, had confessed to the killing on camera, recorded by media persons while he was in police custody on March 31, a day after his arrest. He said that that he had raped and strangled his sister to cover up an incestuous relationship with her. However, a DNA report had shown that the girl was neither raped nor was she pregnant as it was earlier alleged.
The police had subsequently mentioned in the first information report (FIR) and challan of the case that the girl was murdered by her father and brother in the name of honour and the FIR previously registered under Sections 34 (common intention), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) and 302 (murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) had been amended and Section 311 (honour killing) had also been inducted in it.
Faisal’s brother Shahbaz and his wife Sumaira were also arrested in a separate case on the charge of hiding the murder from police. They had told the police that Maria had informed them a day before her killing that Faisal and their father had raped her. Shahbaz had claimed that he had secretly made a video of the murder by pretending to be talking to his other sister, Kausar, on the phone.
Additional Sessions Judge Abdul Hafeez Bhutta presided over a hearing for the case today and delivered his verdict.
A short order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, said Shahbaz and Sumaira were acquitted by extending the benefit of the doubt to them and ordered the former’s release with the latter already on bail.
“The prosecution has successfully proved its case against accused persons Muhammad Faisal and Abdul Sattar beyond reasonable doubt. Therefore, I convict accused Muhammad Faisal under Section 302(b) PPC and sentenced him to death as tazir for committing the murder of Maria Bibi.
“I also convict accused Abdul Sattar under Section 302(b) PPC read with 34 PPC and sentenced him to death as tazir for his shared common intention in the murder of Maria Bibi. They be hanged by their necks till they are dead,” the order reads, adding that the sentence was subject to the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) confirmation.
It also ordered them to pay compensation of Rs10,000,000 each to Maria’s legal heirs under Section 544A of the Criminal Procedure Code, to be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
It added that they would undergo six months of simple imprisonment in case of non-payment. The order directed that the convicts be sent back to the district jail for commitment warrants for the execution of the sentence awarded to them and that the case record be forwarded to the LHC to confirm the death sentence.
It lastly said that the convicts could appeal against the verdict within 30 days.
A statement by the office of Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah explained how the authorities had taken quick notice of the case and assigned it high priority to see it to sentencing.
“It is the responsibility of the prosecution to bring the accused to justice which the prosecutors of Punjab are doing well by utilising all their capabilities,” Shah was quoted as saying.
Talking to Dawn.com, he said the results of the high-profile cell set up by him were coming to fruition, adding that the prosecution office monitored a case at every stage from its registration to the verdict.
“The investigation was completed under the Anti-Rape Act. Sentences are being handed down in the cases after full implementation of the Anti-Rape Act rules. The verdict in the Maria murder case is proof that the high-profile cell of the Punjab Prosecutor General Office is fully active,” he said.
Source:dawn.com
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Man, pregnant wife killed as water tanker hits bike on Karachi’s Sharea Faisal
Imtiaz Ali
March 24, 2025
A man and his pregnant wife were killed in an accident when a water tanker hit them on Karachi’s main Sharea Faisal road on Monday, according to police and hospital officials.
Karachi Traffic Police Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Pir Mohammed Shah told Dawn.com that the water tanker was on its way from Model Colony towards Sharea Faisal but did not take a left turn.
He said cemented barriers were recently erected on the spit but the driver breached them as the vehicle’s brakes failed and came on the other side of Sharea Faisal where it hit the bike-riding family.
“As a result, the couple and their newborn baby were killed,” the Traffic DIG said. He said traffic police officials present at the scene caught the errant driver and seized the tanker, handing them over to the police for investigation.
Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammed Tariq Nawaz confirmed that the full-term pregnant woman gave birth to a baby after the tragic accident but the newborn could not survive. He said the husband was reportedly taking his wife for a medical checkup to a hospital when the accident occurred.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed told Dawn.com that Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) received the bodies of the couple and their newborn baby boy.
Dr Summaiya said the mother was badly crushed in the accident but there was not a single injury mark on her baby’s body. The deceased were identified as Abdul Qayum, 25, and Zainab, 19.
Meanwhile, the police surgeon said another man identified as Asif, 32, was killed when a heavy vehicle hit and killed him in Quaidabad with his body brought to JPMC for legal formalities.
An alarming increase was registered in road accidents in Karachi as nearly 500 people were killed while 4,879 were injured in 2024 due to a host of reasons ranging from reckless driving to construction activities, according to hospital data.
Rules restricting the movement of heavy vehicles were recently implemented in the metropolis amid rising traffic accidents involving dumpers and tankers and protests over the deaths of citizens.
Last month, the provincial government banned the entry of heavy vehicles into the city during the daytime, only allowing them to operate from 11pm to 6am.
The Sindh government has also made it mandatory for all heavy vehicles in Karachi to have a physical fitness certificate amid the rising number of traffic accidents involving dumper trucks.
Rights activists and members of civil society have said that the increasing number of fatal road accidents in the city and the poor state of traffic law enforcement are violations of human rights, which the state has failed to safeguard.
Source:dawn.com
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No option but to plead guilty to May 9 violent protests, Talal tells PTI
March 24, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has asserted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its founder Imran Khan has no option other than pleading guilty to the events of May 9, 2023, which saw military installations being vandalised across the country in riots triggered after his arrest.
"Apology is not enough… they [PTI] do not have any option other than confessing to the crime," he said while speaking on Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath'.
His remarks came days after Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah hinted at Imran's release if the latter offers a wholehearted apology for the events of May 9, 2023, which saw military installations being vandalised across the country in riots triggered after his arrest.
The then Pakistan Development Movement (PDM) government as well as the current one have held PTI responsible for the riots — something which the former ruling party vehemently denies.
The former ruling party, ever since its negotiations with the government reached a stalemate, has been reaching out to opposition parties to launch a protest against the ruling coalition with an aim to "restore" the supremacy of the rule of law and Constitution and secure the release of "political prisoners" in the country.
Speaking during today's programme, Chaudhry noted that if PTI and its founder believe they would not apologise, despite evidence and testimonies against them, the people of Pakistan know the truth.
"They have attacked the establishment… they attacked defence installations across the country," he said, adding that it was a larger conspiracy in which the PTI founder was involved.
Referring to the recent session of Parliamentary Committee on National Security (NSC), Chaudhry said that every effort was made to ensure broader participation. However, he questioned why the former ruling party chose not to attend the crucial meeting.
He further said that operations under the National Action Plan (NAP) were underway, with hundreds of intelligence-based operations being conducted daily to maintain security.
'No chance'
Meanwhile, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja ruled out any possibility of Imran tendering an apology on May 9 events, saying that such a notion is completely impossible.
He asserted that there is no chance of an apology, and those expecting otherwise are mistaken.
Raja noted that talks with opposition parties were progressing well and would continue through mutual consultation. He added that PTI was making headway across the political spectrum, including with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and parties from Sindh.
He also criticised the government’s "crackdown" on March 23, saying that while it was supposed to be a day of celebration, homes were raided, and in Lahore, even a simple cake-cutting ceremony was not allowed.
He further claimed that during an event he attended, the police intervened and shut down the sound system. Raja condemned these actions, saying that they not only violate the Constitution but also disregard basic decency.
He accused the MuttahidaQaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of benefiting from the current situation.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Met Office warns of drought in three provinces
Aamir Yasin
March 25, 2025
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a drought alert for Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab due to scant rainfall.
According to the alert issued on Monday, drought conditions would persist in Sindh, southern parts of Balochistan and lower eastern plain areas of Punjab.
This was despite the recent rainfall spells that have improved drought conditions in central and upper parts of the country.
The mean temperature during March 2025 in the lower half of the country was 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal.
The consecutive dry days in some areas of the southern region even exceeded 200 days.
The current weather and seasonal climate outlook were likely to exacerbate and intensify the drought situation in the affected areas.
In Sindh, a moderate drought situation is likely in Padidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin and Karachi, while mild situation will be in Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur and Sanghar.
In Balochistan, the drought conditions will be moderate in Gwadar, Kech, Lasbela, Panjgur and Awaran, with mild conditions in Chagai, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sibbi, Nushki and Washuk.
In Punjab, the affected areas will be Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. The alert stated that PMD’s National Drought Monitoring & Early Warning Centre (NDMC) was monitoring the situation.
The emergence of flash drought — which intensifies rapidly due to changes in precipitation, temperature, wind, and radiation — is also anticipated in upcoming months due to the rainfall deficit and rising temperatures.
Keeping in view the current weather situation and seasonal climate outlook, the drought situation is likely to exacerbate in Sindh and parts of Balochistan and Punjab.
Less rainfall
Overall rainfall from September 1, 2024, to March 21, 2025, was 40 per cent below normal.
The rainfall deficit across the country was Sindh (-62pc), Balochistan (-52pc), Punjab (-38pc), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (-35pc), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (-29pc) and Gilgit-Baltistan (-2pc).
As per the PMD, there was an acute shortage of water in Tarbela and Mangla dams and water flowing in different rivers was at an extremely low level.
The current level of Tarbela Dam is 1,402 feet and 1,061.75 feet in Mangla Dam. Both dams are at a dead level.
In a recent report, the NDMC said the average temperature recorded during the week from March 15 to 21 was 1 to 7 degree above average, which could lead to decreased soil moisture levels.
“This rise in temperature is expected to increase water demand, adversely affecting crops and putting extra pressure on already strained water resources,” it added.
It said that dry weather is expected in most parts of the country from March 24 to 30, with rain, wind/thunderstorms and snowfall on mountains likely in upper KP, GB, Azad Kashmir and north Balochistan on March 26.
Isolated rain, windstorms, thunderstorms and hailstorms are expected in lower KP and upper/south Punjab.
Source:dawn.com
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Imran allowed twice-a-week meetings, sans press talks
Malik Asad | Ikram Junaidi
March 25, 2025
• PTI founder will be able to meet visitors every Tuesday and Thursday; Salman Akram Raja to coordinate visits
• At jail admin’s request, IHC imposes restrictions on interactions with media
• PTI spox says party ‘satisfied’ with decision; Asad Qaiser terms it ‘against Constitution’
ISLAMABAD: A three-judge larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday reinstated the twice-a-week meeting schedule for former prime minister Imran Khan while restricting media interactions following these meetings.
The decision was announced by the bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, and Justice Mohammad Azam Khan.
According to the court order, the PTI founder will now be allowed to meet designated individuals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, attendees are prohibited from making any media statements outside the jail premises.
The court emphasised that only persons approved by Mr Khan’s coordinator, Salman Akram Raja, will be permitted to meet him in jail. Furthermore, the PTI founder has been advised to apply to the trial court to seek permission for telephonic contact with his children.
During the hearing, PTI lawyers, including Salman Akram Raja and Chaudhry Zaheer Abbas, appeared in court to contest the limitations imposed on meetings.
The additional superintendent of Adiala Jail submitted a detailed response regarding the matter. PTI’s legal team argued that their meetings were not being conducted as per established standard operating procedures (SOPs), with lawyer Zaheer Abbas stating that even on March 20, a scheduled meeting did not take place.
The court deliberated on the security concerns raised by the jail authorities. Jail Superintendent’s lawyer Naveed Malik informed the bench that prior to December, the PTI founder was allowed biweekly meetings. However, after his conviction in January, security concerns led to a modification of the schedule, reducing the meetings to one day with two sessions. “According to the jail rules, the superintendent of Adiala Jail has the authority [to schedule the meetings accordingly],” he added.
He further argued that these meetings were being misused for political purposes, with statements being made to the media after each session.
Acting Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar questioned the necessity of media briefings following these meetings. He remarked that the court was willing to reinstate the two-day meetings provided there were assurances against political statements.
Advocate Naveed Malik expressed concerns that previous commitments were not honoured, citing the disposal of 98 applications on the issue.
“If you had implemented it, 98 applications would not have been filed,” Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir retorted.
To address these concerns, the high court ruled that an undertaking be provided, ensuring that no media interactions take place after meetings.
The IHC administration had constituted a three-member larger bench — headed by newly appointed Acting Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar — to hear all 26 petitions related to visitation rights and jail conditions.
PTI ‘split’ over decision
The PTI, however, appeared split on the court decision. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, while talking to Dawn, said that as per his understanding, the court has only stopped visitors from holding media talks outside Adiala Jail.
“The decision has been given due to security reasons. However, those who will meet Imran Khan will be able to hold press conferences at the press club or the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House or will give comments on talk shows or they will post the details on social media,” he said.
“We take it as our victory because party leaders were not being allowed to meet the founding chairman for the last six months. Because of the decision, now we will be able to meet him without any hurdle. We are satisfied with the decision and we accept it,” Mr Akram said.
PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser said the decision was against the spirit of the Constitution. “It is our constitutional right to meet Imran Khan and share the details of meetings with the masses,” he told Dawn.
He also mentioned that it was his “personal opinion”.
“We will discuss it within the party and input will be taken from the lawyers if we should challenge the decision or cope with it,” he added.
Source:dawn.com
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Deportation of illegal immigrants discussed
Iftikhar A. Khan
March 25, 2025
ISLAMABAD: A high-powered state panel mandated to steer national campaign against illegal spectrum discussed matters related to illegal immigrants’ expulsion, human smuggling, harsher punishment for beggars and digitisation of the FBR.
The Harden the State Committee, which met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in the chair on Monday, is also tasked with evolving and implementing relevant laws.
This was the second session of the high-powered body since it was constituted on Jan 28, in pursuance of the directions of the Apex Committee meeting held on Jan 3.
The meeting took place a week before the expiry of deadline set for the illegal aliens to voluntarily leave the country.
According to informed sources, matters related to the expulsion of illegal immigrants, human smuggling, harsher punishment for beggars as well as FBR’s digitisation came under discussion.
Other members of the committee include home ministers of all the four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Secretaries of interior and petroleum divisions, chairman of FBR, and representatives of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Military Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau, Military Operations’ directorate, Federal Investigation Agency and provincial counterterrorism departments are also part of the committee as its members.
Source:dawn.com
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President, PM express condolences over demise of army chief Gen Munir’s mother
March 25, 2025
The mother of Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has passed away, with leaders across the country expressing their condolences, state media reported on Tuesday morning.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed their heartfelt condolence to the army chief, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.
“We share the grief of General Syed Asim Munir over his mother’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the president said in a statement.
He prayed for the departed soul and strength for the military chief’s family to bear the loss.
In his statement, PM Shehbaz also extended his condolences and prayed for the “eternal peace of the departed soul”.
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also prayed that the deceased gets the highest rank in Jannah, according to a post on X by his party.
Fazl noted that losing a “compassionate and loving person such as one’s mother is surely a big shock”. “There is no alternative for a mother.”
The JUI-F chief said passing away in the holy month of Ramazan would “surely be a reason for elevated ranks”.
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COAS General Asim Munir’s mother breathes her last
March 25, 2025
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir’s mother passed away on Monday night. Political and religious leaders have expressed their condolences and prayers for the departed soul.
President Asif Ali Zardari in his condolence message said that he equally shared the grief of Gen Munir and his family. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his sympathies, saying that he shares the grief of the bereaved family and prayed for the deceased's high rank in paradise.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences and support to the grieving family.
Condolences also came from Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon, Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Shah, and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. Memon and Shah prayed for divine mercy for the deceased and patience for the family.
Religious leader Allama Kokab Noorani Okarvi and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also expressed their sorrow. Fazl described a mother’s passing as a great loss and prayed for her forgiveness and strength for the army chief's family.
Meawnwhile, MuttahidaQaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui urged his party members to offer special prayers for the forgiveness of Gen Munir's mother.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Protest call: Roads around KPC reopened after hours-long blockade
By Web Desk
March 24, 2025
The authorities on Monday night restored traffic on roads around the Karachi Press Club (KPC) and surrounding areas as city residents suffered hours-long severe traffic jam amid protest call by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) against the recent arrest of the group's leadership in Quetta.
Roads around the KPC were closed to all traffic in order to counter an expected protest by the BYC.
Authorities in the port city also imposed Section 144 and banned all public gatherings.
BYC leader Dr Mahrang Baloch along with 17 others were taken into custody during a police raid on their protest camp in Quetta on Saturday. The BYC had announced a protest demonstration at the KPC against the detention of its leaders.
Earlier in the day, both tracks from Deen Muhammad Wafai Road to Fawara Chowk were blocked for traffic.
Meanwhile, KPC President Fazil Jamili strongly condemned the closure of roads around the club and the restriction on movement of journalists.
In a statement, the KPC president urged the Sindh IG to take notice of the “illegal act”. He demanded Sindh’s police chief to issue orders for clearing the roads around the KPC.
It is pertinent to mention here that Dr Mahrang, along with 17 others, is currently being held at the Quetta District Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
She was named among 150 individuals, including prominent leaders from the BYC, facing charges encompassing various serious offences such as terrorism, incitement to rebellion, and murder.
A first information report (FIR), lodged at the Saryab Police Station on Saturday, also named Beebow Baloch, GulzadiSatakzai, Sabiha Baloch, Sabatullah Baloch, Gulzar Dost, Riaz Gashkori, Dr Shali Baloch, and others among the accused.
Charges against these individuals include violations of Sections 7 and 11W of the Anti-Terrorism Act, as well as 16 sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
These charges cover terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence and rebellion, creating disorder, promoting racial hatred and damaging property.
The case accuses Mahrang and the BYC leadership of assisting rioters in shooting police officers, passersby, civilians, and their protesting colleagues, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left 15 police officers injured.
The group is also facing charges for their involvement in a chaotic attack on the Civil Hospital and forcibly taking the bodies of Jaffar Express attackers.
The FIR related to the Civil Hospital incident, which was lodged at the Civil Lines Police Station in Quetta last week, states that 100 to 150 people had stormed the medical facility and forcibly took the bodies of attackers involved in the Jaffer Express train attack from the hospital's morgue upon the instigation of the BYC leadership.
The FIR states that the accused stopped a private ambulance at Hockey Chowk, beat the driver, and loaded the bodies into the ambulance.
Additionally, another FIR was filed against BYC leaders Gulzadi Baloch, Ali Jan, Shoaib, Syed Noor Shah, Waheed, Jahanzeb, Zohaib Baloch, and over 100 other individuals, at the Brewery Police Station in Quetta.
This case accuses the individuals of blocking the Western Bypass Road on Saturday while chanting slogans against the state and its institutions, inciting public unrest.
It is worth noting that under the leadership of Mahrang, protesters began a sit-in by placing bodies on Saryab Road on Friday night. Later, on the next day, the police launched a crackdown on the protesters, arresting Mahrang and several others.
According to police, Mahrang’s arrest has not been officially disclosed yet, and she is not in the custody of the Civil Lines Police but is being held in District Jail, possibly under Sections 3 or 16 MPO.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Mideast
Palestinian children denied access to quality education by Israeli violence and repression
March 25, 2025
BEIRUT: A lost generation of Palestinian children is being denied an education by Israeli violence and repression, experts said on Monday.
In the occupied West Bank and annexed East Jerusalem, constant fighting has paralyzed movement and more than 800,000 young people had their access to school restricted in 2024, according to a new report by the Occupied Palestinian Territory Education Cluster, which includes UN agencies.
In Gaza, where almost every school has been reduced to rubble by Israeli bombing, children had just begun to return to classes in bombed-out buildings when Israeli airstrikes resumed on March 18. Nearly half of the 400 people killed that day were children.
“The ability of Palestinian children to access quality education in the West Bank or in Gaza has never been under more stress,” said Alexandra Saieh, global head of humanitarian policy and advocacy at the charity Save the Children.
The Palestinian Ministry of Education recorded more than 2,200 incidents of violence targeting the education system in the West Bank in 2024, according to the new report. These included attacks on schools by armed settlers and the detention of students or teachers by Israeli security forces.
At least 109 schools were attacked or vandalized. More than half of Palestinian students reported being delayed or harassed on their way to school, and many were physically assaulted. Every day, children in the West Bank run the gauntlet of Israeli roadblocks, checkpoints and settler attacks on their way to school.
"Checkpoints are also increasing risks of violence for students, their caregivers and teachers from Israeli forces or from settlers who, in some areas, have taken advantage of the fact that cars are not able to move to damage them and attack passengers,” the report said.
Since January, thousands of Israeli troops have swept through refugee camps and cities and demolished houses and infrastructure, including roads children use to get to school.
Source:arabnews.com
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Jordan condemns Israeli violations in Gaza, pledges to continue diplomatic efforts
March 24, 2025
AMMAN: Jordan’s minister of foreign affairs said on Monday that the kingdom remained steadfast in its efforts to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza and unlawful actions targeting the occupied West Bank, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Speaking to lawmakers, Ayman Safadi accused Israel of violating the prisoner exchange agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
He added that Israel had resumed hostilities in Gaza while restricting the entry of humanitarian and medical aid since the beginning of March, calling it a “clear violation of the agreement.”
According to Safadi, a joint Egyptian-Qatari operations room, established to monitor compliance, has recorded more than 900 Israeli breaches of the truce in the past 40 to 50 days. These violations include military actions that have resulted in the deaths of more than 70 Palestinians in Gaza and the continued blockade of essential supplies, including tents and caravans needed for displaced persons.
Safadi said: “Since Israel has destroyed more than 70 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure — including homes, schools, streets, and places of worship — it has also cut off electricity to Gaza, which is already suffering from a severe water shortage due to Israel’s targeting of water stations.”
He emphasized Jordan’s commitment, under the leadership of King Abdullah II, to press Israel to cease its military actions and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“Denying the entry of aid is not only a breach of the exchange agreement but a stark violation of international law,” he said, condemning the withholding of food and medicine as a “war crime.”
Jordan has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts, including participation in the Arab-Islamic Committee, which recently convened in Cairo.
Safadi highlighted an Egyptian initiative, backed by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to support the reconstruction of Gaza while preventing the displacement of its residents.
Safadi reaffirmed Jordan’s firm opposition to forced displacement, warning of its severe implications for regional security and stability.
“Forced displacement is not just about physically moving people; it is about creating conditions that make life unsustainable,” he said, adding that Jordan was coordinating efforts with the US, the EU, and other international partners within a joint Arab-Islamic framework.
He also expressed concern over escalating tensions in Lebanon, the West Bank, and the Syrian Arab Republic, blaming Israel for heightening instability, and added: “Israel’s unjustified actions in Syrian territory and its disregard for the 1974 agreement undermine efforts for peace.”
Safadi urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its violations and to uphold the terms of the ceasefire agreement. He stressed that the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza would intensify diplomatic outreach in the coming weeks to push for an end to the hostilities.
“The priority now is to halt the aggression, and this can be achieved through the enforcement of the mediated agreements,” he said. “Israel’s continued non-compliance is escalating tensions across the region.”
He reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to sovereignty, saying that a just and lasting peace could only be achieved through the establishment of a Palestinian state, adding: “Though we are in a complex and dangerous phase, Jordan remains dedicated to defending Palestinian rights and working toward a peaceful and stable region.”
Source:arabnews.com
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UN reduces its presence in Gaza after staffer killed and amid ongoing Israeli block on aid
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
March 24, 2025
NEW YORK CITY: The UN said on Monday it is reducing its presence in Gaza. It comes after Israeli authorities resumed military strikes in which hundreds of civilians have been killed, including UN personnel, and blocked all deliveries of humanitarian aid to the enclave.
Israel has prevented all aid from entering Gaza since the beginning of March, amid demands that Hamas agree to a US plan for a ceasefire extension. Aid agencies have confirmed that no trucks with humanitarian supplies have been allowed into Gaza since then. The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that border crossings have remained closed for cargo since March 2, sending prices of food and other essential goods soaring. It is the longest such total suspension of aid deliveries since the Oct. 7 attacks in 2023.
On Sunday, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that “every day without food inches Gaza closer to an acute hunger crisis.” The UN has also reported that 90 per cent of Palestinian civilians in Gaza did not have sufficient access to water in recent weeks, with many going several days without even the ability even to wash their hands.
Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has taken “the difficult decision to reduce the organization’s footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies.”
The UN is not leaving Gaza, he added, and remains “committed to continuing to provide aid that civilians depend on for their survival and protection.”
The organization will reduce the number of international staff in the territory by about a third this week, with “maybe a bit more likely to come,” Dujarric said.
“It's a temporary measure,” he added, and he expressed hope that the workers will be able to return to Gaza “as soon as practicable.”
He continued: “There are about 100 international staff in Gaza currently. All of this is being done for security reasons and for operational reasons.”
The decision to reduce the number of staff comes just days after a strike on a UN compound in Deir Al-Balah on March 19 that claimed the life of a UN employee from Bulgaria, and left six others, from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine and the UK, with severe injuries, some of them life-altering.
“Based on the information currently available, the strikes (were) caused by an Israeli tank,” said Dujarric, and the location of the compound was well known to both sides in the war.
“I reiterate that all parties to the conflict are bound by international law to protect the absolute inviolability of UN premises. Without this, our colleagues face intolerable risks as they work to save the lives of civilians.”
Guterres strongly condemned the strikes on the UN compound and called for “a full, thorough and independent” investigation into the incident.
The UN also reiterated that all those involved in the conflict must comply fully with the rule of international law at all times, that the protection of civilians is paramount, and the denial of life-saving aid must come to an end.
Guterres also once again demanded that all hostages still held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza be released immediately and unconditionally, and that the ceasefire agreement be restored “to bring an end to the anguish.”
Dujarric said: “The denial of lifesaving aid must end.” He called on all states to use any and all leverage to help end the conflict and ensure respect for international law “by applying diplomatic and economic pressure and combating impunity.”
Source:arabnews.com
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US airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthis kill at least 2 people, group says
March 25, 2025
DUBAI: US airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi militia pounded sites across the country into early Tuesday, with the group saying one attack in the capital killed at least two people and wounded more than a dozen others.
The American strikes on the militia, who threaten maritime trade and Israel, entered their 10th day without any sign of stopping. They are part of a campaign by US President Donald Trump targeting the rebel group while also trying to pressure Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor.
So far, the US has not offered any specifics on the sites it is striking, though Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz claimed the attacks have “taken out key Houthi leadership, including their head missileer.” That’s something so far that’s not been acknowledged by the Houthis, though the militia have downplayed their losses in the past and exaggerated their attacks attempting to target American warships.
“We’ve hit their headquarters,” Waltz told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “We’ve hit communications nodes, weapons factories and even some of their over-the-water drone production facilities.”
An apparent US strike Sunday hit a building in a western neighborhood of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, killing at least two people and wounding 13 others, the rebel-controlled SABA news agency said, citing health officials. Footage released by the militia showed the rubble of a collapsed building and pools of blood staining the gray dust covering the ground.
A building next to the collapsed structure still stood, suggesting American forces likely used a lower-yield warhead in the strike.
The Houthis also described American airstrikes targeting sites around the city of Saada, a Houthi stronghold, the Red Sea port city of Hodeida and Marib province, home to oil and gas fields still under the control of allies to Yemen’s exiled central government. Those strikes continued into early Tuesday as the Houthis separately launched a missile attack on Israel.
The campaign of airstrikes targeting the militia, which killed at least 53 people immediately after they began March 15, started after the Houthis threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The militia in the past have had a loose definition of what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning other vessels could be targeted as well.
The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors during their campaign targeting ships from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships, though none have been hit so far.
The attacks greatly raised the Houthis’ profile as they faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting any dissent and aid workers at home amid Yemen’s decadelong stalemated war that has torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.\
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Israeli military intercepts missile launched from Yemen
March 25, 2025
SANAA: The Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile over Israel on Monday that had been launched from Yemen, according to a statement.
The Houthis, undeterred by waves of US strikes since March 15, fired two ballistic missiles toward Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, the group’s military spokesman said in a televised statement early on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump also threatened to punish Iran over its perceived support for Yemeni Houthi militants.
Earlier, warning sirens sounded in several areas of Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
The Houthis have vowed to escalate attacks, including those targeting Israel, in response to the US campaign.
Houthis spokesman Yahya Saree said the group also targeted “the US aircraft carrier Truman, using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones.”
The Houthis have carried out over 100 attacks on shipping since Israel’s war with Hamas began in late 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Gaza’s Palestinians.
The attacks have disrupted global commerce and prompted the US military to launch a costly campaign to intercept missiles.
The Houthis are part of what has been dubbed the “Axis of Resistance” — an anti-Israel and anti-Western alliance of regional militias including Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and armed groups in Iraq, all backed by Iran.
Source:arabnews.com
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One killed in southern Lebanon by Israeli strike: state media
March 25, 2025
BEIRUT, Lebanon: One person was killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon late Monday, after a wave of intensive air attacks in the region over the weekend, state media reported.
“A raid by an enemy Israeli drone on a vehicle in the area of Qaqaiyat Al-Jisr left one dead,” the National News Agency (ANI) said, attributing the toll to the Lebanese health ministry.
Israel launched air strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing eight people, in response to rocket fire that hit its territory for the first time since a ceasefire took effect on November 27.
No party has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, which a military source said was launched from an area north of the Litani River, between the villages of Kfar Tebnit and Arnoun, near the zone covered by the ceasefire agreement.
The agreement stipulates that only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers may be deployed south of the Litani River, with Hezbollah required to dismantle its infrastructure and withdraw north of the river.
But the war has severely weakened Hezbollah, which remains a target of Israeli air strikes despite the ceasefire.
Over the weekend Lebanese officials held discussions with Washington and Paris to prevent Israel from bombing Beirut, a source told AFP on Monday on condition of anonymity.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday that following rocket fire on Metula, a town in northern Israel, “Metula’s fate is the same as Beirut’s.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Tunisia probes ride-hailing apps for money laundering
March 24, 2025
TUNIS: Tunisia has launched an investigation into alleged money laundering and tax fraud involving ride-hailing applications, the interior ministry said on Monday.
Authorities also said they were suspending the apps.
“The financial division of the National Guard has uncovered suspicions of money laundering and tax evasion among operators of private taxi ride-hailing apps,” the ministry said in a statement.
The statement did not name the apps, but a source familiar with the matter told AFP the main company under scrutiny was the Estonia-based Bolt.
The ride-hailing app, operating in more than 500 cities from over 45 countries, is widely used in Tunisia, where public transportation infrastructure is inadequate.
Tunisian authorities said they have seized about 12 million dinars ($3.8 million) from accounts linked to multiple ride-hailing apps.
They said the companies had been removed from the commercial registry and their offices shut for allegedly operating without proper licenses and using fraudulent authorizations.
They were also accused of using bank accounts to illegally funnel funds abroad.
Tunisians have increasingly relied on ride-hailing services amid a deteriorating public transportation system.
Even the capital Tunis, home to over two million people, has suffered from years of public transit underinvestment and neglect.
President Kais Saied has repeatedly denounced corruption within the public transportation sector.
Source:arabnews.com
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Testing time for Lebanon’s foreign aid-reliant education system
NADIA AL-FAOUR
March 24, 2025
DUBAI: Thousands of students in Lebanon, where public institutions including schools and universities are heavily reliant on international assistance, have been badly hit by the new US administration’s suspension of foreign aid.
The executive order issued in January to ensure all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) projects align with US national interests has plunged students and academic institutions in Lebanon into uncertainty.
“My parents cannot afford to keep me enrolled if I lose my scholarship,” Rawaa, an 18-year-old university student attending the Lebanese American University, told Arab News. “Even if I worked day and night, I would not be able to cover a fraction of my tuition.”
According to USAID, some 16,396 students in Lebanon have previously benefited from the agency’s support as part of its higher education capacity building initiative.
Soon after the suspension was announced, students in Lebanon received official emails notifying them that their scholarships had been discontinued for 90 days. No further clarification has been sent.
“I have been obsessively refreshing my inbox and my news feed to see if there are any updates concerning the continuation of the USAID scholarship,” said Rawaa, but to little avail.
Lebanon received $219 million through USAID in 2024 alone to support nongovernmental organizations, water management and development projects in rural areas, educational and economic opportunities, and humanitarian assistance.
The US administration has said it is eliminating more than 90 percent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall assistance around the world. An internal memo said officials were “clearing significant waste stemming from decades of institutional drift.”
More changes are planned in how USAID and the State Department deliver foreign assistance, it said, “to use taxpayer dollars wisely to advance American interests.”
Many Republican lawmakers believe USAID has been wasteful and harbors a liberal agenda. US President Donald Trump himself has promised to dramatically reduce spending and shrink the federal government.
The dismantling of USAID by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, overseen by Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk, has seen pushback by unions, aid groups, and foreign policy analysts, who tout the agency’s “soft power” credentials.
Samantha Power, the USAID chief under former President Joe Biden, called the agency “America’s superpower” in an opinion piece for the New York Times. “We are witnessing one of the worst and most costly foreign policy blunders in US history,” she wrote.
“Future generations will marvel that it wasn’t China’s actions that eroded US standing and global security but rather an American president and the billionaire he unleashed to shoot first and aim later,” she added, in reference to Musk.
In 2023, Power allocated $50 million to support educational opportunities for Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian students in Lebanon. Some $15 million was earmarked for 140 university students, while the remainder went to thousands of younger disadvantaged students.
The 90-day suspension of USAID’s work while its programs are reviewed has resulted in thousands of Lebanese losing their jobs and as many as 500 students, who relied on American-funded scholarships, have been forced to drop out.
Teacher training programs have been cut and US-affiliated institutions such as the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, and Haigazian University have also seen their budgets slashed.
USAID is an independent agency established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. It has long been a lifeline for programs in health, disaster relief, environmental protection, development, and education across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The decision to suspend its operations is already having an impact on the work of UN agencies in the Middle East. The World Food Programme’s cash assistance scheme in Lebanon is expected to end for 170,000 Lebanese citizens and approximately 570,000 Syrian refugees.
The UN children’s fund, UNICEF, has also been forced to suspend or scale back its assistance, with just 26 percent of its donor appeal for Lebanon funded for the year ahead.
Ettie Higgins, UNICEF’s deputy representative in Lebanon, said an initial assessment had shown the agency must “drastically reduce” many of its programmes, including those related to child nutrition.
“The assessment revealed a grim picture of children’s nutrition situation, particularly in Baalbeck and Bekaa governorates, which remained densely populated when they were repeatedly targeted by airstrikes,” Higgins said in a video statement from Beirut.
She was referring to the recent war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, whose strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon came under intense bombardment during the 15-month conflict.
Higgins said approximately 80 percent of families residing in these areas are in need of support, with 31 percent lacking sufficient drinking water, putting them at risk of contracting waterborne diseases.
“More than half a million children and their families in Lebanon are at risk of losing critical cash support from UN agencies,” she added, highlighting how these cuts could deprive the most vulnerable of their “last lifeline” to afford basic necessities.
Meanwhile, infrastructure and energy programs in rural areas have been halted, while support for small and medium-sized enterprises has stopped, leaving many families struggling.
Civil society groups and nongovernmental organizations reliant on USAID grants have also been forced to place social programs on hold, while countless employees have lost their jobs.
Once home to some of the best academic institutions and programs in the Middle East, the combined impact of economic crisis, political paralysis, the coronavirus pandemic, the Beirut port blast, and conflict with Israel has left Lebanon’s education system a shadow of its former self.
Poverty rates have skyrocketed since the financial crisis hit in 2019, with countless children forced to abandon their studies to seek work in order to support their families.
Furthermore, the war between Israel and Hezbollah forced many schools to postpone their academic terms, as at least 500 state institutions were converted into makeshift shelters to house displaced families.
Now another generation of young people is destined to miss out on higher education having lost access to US-funded scholarships.
“I don’t know what I will do in the case of scholarship suspension,” said Lebanese American University student Rawaa. “I had dreams of becoming an architect and now it’s been taken away from me.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Lebanese Army seizes weapons smuggled from Syria
NAJIA HOUSSARI
March 24, 2025
BEIRUT: The Lebanese Army Command announced on Monday the arrest of several Lebanese and Syrians suspected of involvement in smuggling operations and the reopening of illegal border crossings in the Masharih Al-Qaa area of eastern Lebanon.
In an official statement, the Army Command said that a patrol from the Directorate of Intelligence foiled an attempt to smuggle weapons from Syrian territory into Lebanon, seizing several handguns and other smuggled goods in the Zahle area in the Bekaa.
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend others suspected of involved in the operation.
UN Resolution 1701, which Lebanon is required to implement, highlights the importance of the Lebanese government’s complete control over all Lebanese territory.
This is outlined under UN Resolutions 1559 and 1680, as well as the relevant provisions of the Taif Agreement.
It stipulates that no weapons should exist without the approval of the Lebanese government, which should be the soul executor of authority in the country.
The resolution urges the Lebanese government to strengthen security at its borders and entry points to stop the unauthorized influx of weapons and related materials into Lebanon.
Meanwhile on Monday, Israeli artillery resumed its shelling of Lebanese border areas, targeting the outskirts of Shebaa.
Throughout the day, Israeli reconnaissance aircraft flew over southern Lebanon, extending as far as Beirut’s southern suburbs.
On Sunday, the Israeli Army killed Hezbollah member Hassan Al-Zein in a drone strike that targeted his vehicle in his hometown of Aita Al-Shaab, near the border.
On Monday morning, the Lebanese Army, in coordination with UNIFIL forces, removed an earth barrier an Israeli armored unit had put up.
The Israeli Army’s spokesperson, AvichayAdraee, stated that the targeting of a Hezbollah member was part of ongoing military operations to address the threats posed by the group in the region.
The Israeli Army will continue to implement necessary measures to ensure the security of Israel and protect it from any potential threats arising from Lebanese territory, he said.
Intensive diplomatic communications carried out by President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji helped to contain the situation, their respective media offices stated.
The military escalation came after unidentified individuals launched five rockets from an area north of the Litani River toward the Israeli settlement of Metula on Saturday.
This incident resulted in multiple casualties, and at the time, Israeli officials warned of a “Beirut for Metula” equation.
Aoun will travel to Paris in four days for a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
The discussions will focus on developments in Lebanon and aim to advance three key issues: the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israel, urging Israel to withdraw from five strategic hills it currently occupies along the southern border, and addressing the disputed land border points with Israel.
At the same time in Beirut, parliamentary and party statements urged the government to reveal the findings of the investigation aimed at identifying the party responsible for launching the rockets from southern Lebanon.
Independent MP Fouad Makhzoumi inquired about the steps the government plans to take to identify those responsible for the launches and their backers.
He also inquired about measures to ensure that Lebanon is not held hostage by their actions.
He stated that it was not permissible to classify the incident as an unidentified act, considering the risk of renewed Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
In a related development, the Lebanese Forces Party issued a warning in a statement that if the ceasefire agreement was not upheld, tensions and instability along the southern border would persist, turning Lebanon into a battleground.
The party stated: “While the prime minister and foreign minister urge adherence to international commitments for Lebanon’s protection from military escalation, those advocating for the implementation of international resolutions and ceasefire agreements face accusations of treason. This is a desperate attempt to silence calls for stronger security and sovereignty in Lebanon.”
The Lady of the Mountain Gathering political group stated that the recent rocket attacks on Israel represented a perilous escalation.
It urged the Lebanese Army to identify the party responsible for launching the rockets and to assert the state’s sovereignty over all Lebanese territory under the constitution, the oath of office, and the ministerial statement.
Source:arabnews.com
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Ramadan evening in Kuhlan Afar commemorating martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him)
25 Mar 2025
A Ramadan evening was held in the Barak area of Kahlan Afar, Hajjah Governorate.
Mohammed Al-Qadmi, Director of the Geological Survey Branch, stressed the importance of commemorating this anniversary to renew the pledge to adhere to Imam Ali's approach in confronting the forces of arrogance, calling for seizing the remaining Ramadan to promote social solidarity and help the needy.
For his part, Khalid Al-Dalai, the head of guidance in the mobilization, pointed to the deep connection of the people of Yemen to Imam Ali, highlighting his virtues and attempts to obscure his role in history to separate the nation from its flags.
The attendees also stressed the importance of following the path of Aal al-Bayt, supporting brothers in Gaza, and encouraging students to enroll in summer courses to acquire useful sciences.
Source:saba.ye
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Radio Saada concludes sixth "Martyr of the Qur'an" competition
25 Mar 2025
Sa'ada Local Radio concluded its annual Ramadan competition "Martyr of the Quran" by memorizing and reciting the Holy Quran, which was dedicated to the children of martyrs in its sixth consecutive season.
At the closing ceremony, Saada Governor Mohammed Jaber Awad praised the efforts made to support the children of the martyrs, stressing the importance of caring for and educating them, especially in the field of memorizing the Holy Quran.
For his part, the director of the radio Abdul Razzaq Al-Razhi explained that the competition lasted throughout the month of Ramadan with the participation of dozens of contestants from various directorates of the governorate, and two of them qualified for the final qualifiers.
Results:
- First place: Bader Al-Hatfi (received a cash prize and an automatic weapon provided by the Sixth Military Region).
- Second place: Amin Al-Awsji (cash prize from the radio).
The event came within the framework of religious and social interest in the children of martyrs and encouraging the memorization of the Holy Quran.
Source:saba.ye
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Two evenings in Washha& Yemen succeeded in commemorating martyrdom of Imam Ali - peace be upon him
25 Mar 2025
In the Washha district of Hajjah governorate, a Ramadan evening was held on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali, peace be upon him, where the deputy governor Muhammad Al-Qadi stressed the importance of drawing inspiration from the biography of Imam Ali and his role in supporting Islam and the Holy Prophet, stressing the need for mobilization and preparation for fateful confrontation with the forces of tyranny.
The participants also called for mobilization to actively participate in the International Quds Day in support of the Palestinian resistance, while stressing the continuation of marches against the American and Israeli aggression. On the other hand, mobilization officials in the region addressed the importance of seizing the days of Ramadan to get closer to God and do good, while urging the payment of zakat and supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.
In a related context, activists reviewed the status of Imam Ali's jihadism and his role in confronting tyrants, drawing lessons from the Great Battle of Badr, while stressing the need for mass mobilization to participate in the activities of International Quds Day.
Source:saba.ye
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Cultural Evening in Manakha District on Anniversary of Imam Ali’s Martyrdom
25 Mar 2025
A cultural evening was held in Manakha District, Sana’a Governorate, to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) under the slogan "By the Lord of the Kaaba, I have succeeded."
During the event, Faiz Al-Hanami, the Public Mobilization Officer in the governorate, emphasized that the Yemenis’ commemoration of this occasion reflects their deep connection to Imam Ali and their desire to follow his example. He also highlighted Imam Ali’s heroic stances in confronting oppression and spreading Islam, noting his sacrifice in protecting Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) during the migration to Medina.
Al-Hanami called for active participation in the International Quds Day events in Sana’a, reaffirming commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Additionally, Khaled Al-Qasimi, the Public Mobilization Officer in the district, and Abdul-Alim Al-Mutawakkil, a cultural activist, discussed Imam Ali’s virtues and his deep connection with the Quran. They stressed the importance of drawing lessons from his life to strengthen the bond with the Prophet and his pure household.
Source:saba.ye
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Arab World
Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
March 24, 2025
RIYADH: The Social Responsibility Association in Riyadh organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030.
The event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth.
It aimed to strengthen the role of companies in fostering this culture and contributing to societal, economic, and environmental development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility.
He highlighted the complementary roles of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in creating a positive impact on society and the economy, while promoting a culture of giving.
Abdullah Al-Muhanna, CEO of the association, noted its commitment to building effective partnerships and spreading social responsibility.
He said that the occasion serves as an opportunity to instil values of generosity and solidarity, while enhancing institutional contributions to community service.
Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show that the percentage of major companies implementing social responsibility programs increased from 30 percent in 2019 to 65 percent by the end of 2023.
The forum featured two panel discussions on the role of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in activating social responsibility.
The discussions also covered national experiences, governance of community work, and ways to instill a culture of social engagement among future generations.
Additionally, the forum addressed methods for measuring social responsibility outcomes and adopting impactful programs.
During the event, the Princess Al-Anoud Charity Foundation was honored for its contributions to community initiatives and sustainable development.
Several institutions, private sector entities, and individuals were also recognized for their work.
This year’s Saudi Social Responsibility Day, under the theme “We Commit to Our Social Responsibility,” reaffirmed the role of all entities in fostering a culture of generosity and citizenship.
The event is vital for entrenching the culture of giving and enhancing collaboration across sectors, contributing to sustainable development and raising awareness of commitments toward individuals and institutions.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia readies for Eid Al Fitr: Prayer to be held 15 minutes after sunrise
March 24, 2025
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, has directed all ministry branches to hold Eid Al Fitr prayers 15 minutes after sunrise at designated locations.
The prayers will also take place in mosques, except for those adjacent to Eid prayer grounds or those not typically used for Eid prayers in certain towns and villages, where residents will gather at local prayer grounds instead.
His Excellency Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, has issued a circular to the ministry’s branches across the Kingdom, outlining a set of instructions regarding the performing of #Eid_Alfitr prayer for the year 1446… pic.twitter.com/zWCQCtiYDF
The ministry's circular, detailing the instructions for performing Eid Al-Fitr prayers specifies:
Eid prayer should be held in designated Eid prayer mosques as well as in all mosques in the region, except for those close to Eid prayer mosques or those rarely used for Eid prayers in certain areas, where local mosques will suffice.
Maintenance and operations companies have been tasked with ensuring that mosques are fully prepared in advance for the occasion.
Designated imams are instructed to lead the Eid Al Fitr prayer 15 minutes after sunrise, according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, across all regions.
Additionally, the circular emphasises that in case of rainfall, prayers should be conducted inside designated mosques for the safety and comfort of worshippers, allowing them to pray in a calm, spiritual environment.
Preparations for Eid Al Fitr prayer
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has made extensive preparations to ensure all mosques and open-air prayer areas are ready for the Eid Al Fitr prayer.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that these efforts reflect a commitment to creating a welcoming and spiritually fulfilling experience for worshippers.
Across the Kingdom, hygiene protocols such as cleaning and sterilisation have been strictly implemented. Additionally, maintenance work has been carried out on electrical systems, air conditioning, and audio equipment to ensure the optimal comfort of all those participating in the prayer.
Source:gulfnews.com
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Saudi deputy minister receives US embassy official
March 24, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji recently received in Riyadh Alison Dilworth, the charge d’affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in the Kingdom.
The parties reviewed bilateral relations between the countries, as well as the latest regional and international developments, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
Al-Khuraiji also met Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler, the parties focusing on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it in various fields.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
WAAD HUSSAIN
March 24, 2025
RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Vice Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ihab Ghazi AlHashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project’s success.
AlHashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: “The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”
The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout.
“The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.”
Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles.
The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity through its built environment.
The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities.
“We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,” he said.
AlHashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch.
“We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.”
He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. “There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,” he added.
Addressing the evolution of design influences, AlHashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach.
“Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it’s more covering the entire area of the central region.”
Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground.
He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: “There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.”
To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. AlHashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role.
“Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.”
Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. AlHashani underscored the breadth of the ministry’s reach through its extensive municipal network.
“The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen.
“You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.”
He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards.
“More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.”
Looking to the future, AlHashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative.
He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with “major (key performance indicators).”
With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.
Source:arabnews.com
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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
March 24, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
In the Syrian Arab Republic, 389 food packages were distributed to families in need in Homs governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan project. KSrelief also distributed 160 parcels in Al-Dumayr, Rif Dimashq governorate.
In Yemen, 594 food baskets were provided to vulnerable groups in Shabwah governorate, benefiting 4,158 people.
In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,200 packages to impoverished families in Baidoa, benefiting 7,200 people.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).
Additionally, KSrelief distributed 2,812 cartons of dates in Tal Shihab, Daraa governorate, Syria, benefiting 2,812 families.
The Saudi aid agency also provided 630 food baskets in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,561 impoverished and displaced people.
Source:arabnews.com
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Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers
March 24, 2025
MAKKAH: A cardiac team at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, performed a three-hour emergency open-heart surgery to save the life of a 59-year-old Iraqi Umrah pilgrim suffering from a severe coronary artery clot.
After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he was quickly weaned off ventilators and made a steady recovery, stabilizing his condition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The case highlights King Abdullah Medical City’s ability to provide exceptional specialized care for Umrah and other pilgrims, the SPA added.
Meanwhile, the cardiac catheterization team at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, also part of the Makkah Health Cluster, saved the life of an 86-year-old Libyan Umrah pilgrim who suffered a heart attack and required urgent intervention.
The hospital’s heart center is fully equipped for such cases, with highly qualified medical teams committed to delivering advanced healthcare in line with the highest standards, according to the SPA.
The team at Al-Noor also treated a 68-year-old Egyptian woman performing Umrah, through a cardiac catheterization procedure on her right coronary artery.
The patient arrived at the emergency department with severe chest pain, low blood pressure, and a weak pulse, the SPA reported. Examinations revealed a blocked coronary artery and a heart attack, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Source:arabnews.com
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Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday
March 24, 2025
RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as heavy rains are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Friday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense.
Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods. Similar conditions are expected in the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions.
The directorate indicated that moderate rain may fall in the Najran region, while light rain is expected in the Madinah region, the SPA reported.
The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.
Source:arabnews.com
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51 beggars arrested in Ras Al Khaimah
March 25, 2025
Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Police have arrested 51 beggars as part of the “Combat Begging and Help Those in Need” campaign, launched by the Media and Public Relations Department in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department.
Since the beginning of Ramadan, authorities have arrested 34 men and 17 women in connection with begging.
Police officials highlighted that while Ramadan is a time of generosity and charitable giving, it also attracts individuals who exploit people’s goodwill. They urged residents to donate only through official charities and accredited institutions to ensure aid reaches those who genuinely need it.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about deceptive begging tactics used to manipulate emotions during Ramadan. Authorities warned that begging not only tarnishes the country’s image but is also often linked to criminal activities, including theft and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Ras Al Khaimah Police urged the public to report beggars to the authorities by calling 901.
Source:gulfnews.com
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Prince Khalid Al-Faisal reviews government performance during Ramadan in Makkah
March 25, 2025
JEDDAH – Emir of Makkah Prince Khalid Al-Faisal received his deputy, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, who presented a report detailing the performance of government agencies during the holy month of Ramadan.
During the meeting, Prince Khalid commended the work of various entities involved in facilitating services for worshippers at the Grand Mosque.
He praised their efforts in ensuring smooth operations and supporting visitors in performing their religious rituals.
Authorities in Makkah implemented several measures throughout Ramadan to manage crowds, enhance security, and improve services at the Grand Mosque. The discussion highlighted the importance of continued coordination to maintain operational efficiency during the peak season.
On Friday, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque launched its operational plan for the last ten days of Ramadan, a period expected to witness the highest influx of worshippers.
The plan includes a wide range of services such as preparing prayer areas with clean carpets, ensuring sanitation and cleanliness, carrying out regular fumigation, and maintaining a steady supply of Zamzam water. It also covers environmental protection services, restroom maintenance, and the provision of carts for those in need.
To support these efforts, a monitoring and reporting system has been activated to oversee crowd movement, maintain order, and ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all visitors.
Source:saudigazette.com.sa
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150,000 Umrah pilgrims benefit from hair cutting service to exit from Ihram during Ramadan
March 25, 2025
MAKKAH — As many as 150,000 Umrah pilgrims have benefited from the hair cutting service, introduced by the General Presidency for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, to exit from Ihram during the holy month of Ramadan.
The authority has launched the trial operation of the ritual of exiting from the state of Ihram after completion of Umrah rituals on the courtyard of the Grand Mosque for the first time from the first day of Ramadan.
The service enables both male and female pilgrims to exit from Ihram after completing the rituals through cutting their hair at 12 designated locations opposite the Marwa area. Mobile salon units equipped with 112 personnel and fully sterilized tools are available to accommodate an increased number of pilgrims.
During the last days of Ramadan, the authority, in cooperation with the relevant agencies, has made available foolproof facilities and meticulous services to enable the huge number of pilgrims and worshipers to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.
The authority reported that the number of beneficiaries of the cart services during the 21 days of Ramadan reached 836,574, including 643,364 beneficiaries of the electric golf cart, 168,228 beneficiaries of the advanced paid carts, and 24,982 beneficiaries of the free manual carts.
Source:saudigazette.com.sa
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Europe
Rubio accuses ‘other countries’ of blocking peace in Ukraine
24 Mar, 2025
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that unnamed foreign governments are obstructing efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, crediting President Donald Trump with leading negotiations to mediate peace between Moscow and Kiev.
Senior Russian and US officials held marathon 12-hour talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday, focused on resolving the Ukraine conflict and ensuring maritime security in the Black Sea. However, the two sides have yet to release details or announce the outcome of the discussions.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House before the talks concluded, Rubio stressed that the conflict “needs to be brought to an end” through negotiations, not military means, and praised Trump as “the only one leader in the world that’s capable of bringing two sides to a table.”
According to Rubio, Trump’s diplomatic initiative has faced resistance from other governments, although he did not name any specific countries.
“You’ve done it despite impediments from other countries and others who maybe have different opinions about how this should go,” Rubio said, addressing Trump directly. “Ultimately, I think that the only chance we have for peace is through the President’s leadership.”
Following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart last week, Moscow and Kiev agreed to a partial ceasefire and pledged to suspend strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days.
However, the Russian Defense Ministry has since reported multiple Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stressed that despite Kiev’s violations, Moscow will continue to uphold the energy strike truce.
In an interview on Sunday, Peskov also remarked that instead of seeking peace and addressing the root causes of the conflict, EU member states are now discussing the deployment of NATO contingents to Ukrainian territory. “This rampant militarist policy of Europe – there is no other way to describe it – is hard to comprehend,” he said.
Tensions between Washington and European NATO members resurfaced after Trump assumed office in January. The new administration has pushed for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict and plans to shift security responsibilities to Europe once a truce is in place.
Following an emergency summit in London earlier this month, the UK and France signaled that they are open to sending Western “peacekeepers” to Ukraine once a ceasefire is reached. Moscow has rejected the proposal, stating that it makes no difference under what pretext NATO troops enter the country. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that this could lead to a direct war between the military bloc and Moscow.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/614722-ukraine-peace-impediments-rubio/
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Russia accused of 'hollow' peace talks as strike injures dozens
24 Mar, 2025
Russia has launched a missile strike targeting north-eastern Ukraine as US and Russian officials met to push for a pause in the war.
After Monday's attack, which injured dozens in the city of Sumy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia must end strikes instead of "making hollow statements about peace".
The latest round of talks between the US and Russia concluded on Monday in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Top of the agenda was reportedly the revival of a 2022 grain deal allowing Kyiv to export across the Black Sea.
In return, Moscow is said to be seeking relief from Western sanctions, enabling it to export fertilisers.
The Russia-US talks went on for 12 hours. Russian news agencies said a joint statement would be released on Tuesday.
Late on Monday a White House source told Reuters news agency the talks in Riyadh are going "extremely well" and it expected "to have a positive announcement in the near future".
Ukrainian and US delegations will meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia for talks to follow Russia-US negotiations, Ukraine's national broadcaster Suspilne reported.
'Productive and focused'
Optimistic US ambitions for ending this war have had a head-on collision with reality. Finding common ground for even a partial ceasefire is proving a highly complex task.
This is not something that can be solved quickly. So in the current talks, the aim has been to come up with a kind of "ceasefire light", focusing on the Black Sea.
Russia stopped giving safe passage to cargo ships going to and from Ukraine in mid-2023, when it pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal complaining that sanctions were still in place.
The Ukrainian delegation is in the same building - but there are no plans for the warring sides to meet. The Ukrainians remained there after meeting American counterparts on Sunday evening.
Kyiv described talks as "productive and focused", while US President Donald Trump's special envoy said separate discussions with Ukrainian and Russian teams would bring about "some real progress" to ending the war.
Both Russia and Ukraine have continued fighting despite the ongoing talks looking to bring a halt to hostilities across the vast front line.
Ukrainian officials say 65 people, including 14 children, were injured in Monday's attack on Sumy.
The city has long been the subject of Russian strikes - it lies just over the border from the Kursk region of Russia occupied by Ukraine last year. But Monday's missile strike was exceptional.
The authorities said a school, hospital and apartment blocks were damaged. Scores were injured - including children.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the attack showed Russia was "once again showing that it wants to continue the terror".
"The international community must increase the pressure on Russia to stop the aggression and ensure justice and save the lives of Ukrainians," he wrote on X.
Sumy borders Russia's Kursk region, parts of which have been occupied by Ukrainian troops to strengthen Kyiv's hand in any negotiations, though they have been forced back in recent weeks.
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of not abiding by last week's deal for a 30-day ceasefire during which the warring parties would refrain from targeting infrastructure facilities.
Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine launched a drone attack against the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in Krasnodar, southern Russia, at 02:00 local time on Monday (23:00 GMT on Sunday), according to Russian state media.
The defence ministry said it had shot down overnight 227 Ukrainian drones in several Russian regions.
Meanwhile, a Russian air strike injured a 37-year-old man in Ukraine's Kyiv region, according to local authorities.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The current negotiations, mediated by the US, are part of Trump's plan to secure a wider ceasefire in Ukraine.
His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said he was hopeful that real progress would be made during the talks, in an interview with Fox News.
After Sunday evening's meeting between Kyiv and Washington, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said the talks were working towards securing "a just and lasting peace" for Ukraine and Europe.
"The discussion was productive and focused - we addressed key points including energy", he said in a post on X.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said ahead of Monday's meeting there were "difficult negotiations ahead".
"We are only at the beginning of this path," he told Russian State TV.
Source:bbc.com
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Greenland condemns planned visits by Usha Vance and Trump adviser
24 Mar, 2025
Greenland's politicians have condemned plans for high-profile US visits, in the wake of President Donald Trump's threats to take over the island.
Second Lady Usha Vance will make a cultural visit this week, and a separate trip is expected from Trump's National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede described the plan as aggressive, and said the duo had not been invited for meetings. Meanwhile, the island's likely next leader accused the US of showing a lack of respect.
Greenland - the world's biggest island, situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans - has been controlled by Denmark, nearly 3,000km (1,860 miles) away, for about 300 years.
It governs its own domestic affairs, but decisions on foreign and defence policy are made in Copenhagen. The US has long held a security interest - and has had a military base on the island since World War Two.
It is also thought Trump is interested in the island's rare earth minerals. His son Donald Jr visited Greenland before Trump's inauguration in January.
Announcing Mrs Vance's visit, the White House said the second lady would visit historical sites and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland's national dogsled race.
Her delegation - including her son - would be there to "celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity", the statement said.
Waltz's trip was confirmed by a source who spoke to the BBC's US partner, CBS News. He is expected to visit before Mrs Vance and to travel with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, according to the New York Times.
Outgoing PM Egede described Waltz's visit in particular as a provocation. "What is the security advisor doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us," he told Sermitsiaq newspaper.
Speaking to the same paper, Greenland's probable next PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen accused the American officials of showing the local population a lack of respect.
US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the United States has a vested interest in the Arctic, and so "it should not be a surprise the National Security Advisor and Secretary of Energy are visiting a US Space Base to get first-hand briefings from our service members on the ground".
He said that the visit is also an opportunity to " build on partnerships that respects Greenland's self-determination and advances economic cooperation" and to "learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people".
Trump appeared to escalate his campaign to take over the island during a conversation with Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte earlier this month.
Greenland was already on the defensive about Trump's talk of a takeover, but he sent further shockwaves by implying he might ask to take the island with support of Nato, a military alliance of which Denmark is also a part.
"You know, Mark, we need that for international security... we have a lot of our favourite players cruising around the coast, and we have to be careful," Trump said. "We'll be talking to you."
When asked about the prospect of annexation, Trump said: "I think that will happen."
The move prompted Greenland's leading political parties to issue a joint statement to condemn the American president's "unacceptable behaviour".
The issue took centre-stage in the recent election, during which Egede's governing Inuit Ataqatigiit party was defeated in a surprise result by Nielsen's Democratic party, which favours a gradual approach to independence from Denmark.
Earlier this month, during a speech to the US Congress, Trump said he strongly supported the people of Greenland's right to determine their own future. "If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America," he said.
According to recent polls, almost 80% of Greenlanders back independence from Denmark. But an opinion survey in January suggested an even greater number rejected the idea of becoming part of the US.
Source:bbc.com
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Man runs Manchester-Bradford ultra-marathon during Ramadan fast
25 March 2025
Will Abbott
A man has run an ultra-marathon from Bradford to Manchester while fasting during Ramadan.
Ikram Hussain took on the challenge to "test himself and challenge what it is like to put himself to a real test whilst fasting."
He was joined by his friend, Sujjy, who agreed to the challenge with only two days' notice.
Mr Hussain said: "I wanted to take this opportunity to test myself during this blessed month and see what my body is capable of.
"This was an ultra-marathon, my first ever ultra, and that was well completed with no food or drink.
"I myself like to take on new challenges from going to the gym every morning early hours at 5am to going on long runs.
"I also enjoy going on hikes too as nature is something we shouldn’t neglect.
"I am forever grateful and want to be able to inspire the youth - this is only the start."
Source:yahoo.com
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Community litter pick in Newport helps clean up streets
25 March 2025
A community litter pick was held in Newport as part of a Green Ramadan Initiative.
The event, organised by the Bengal Dragons Foundation (BDF), aimed to combine the spirit of Ramadan with environmental responsibility.
It was part of the Spring Clean Cymru campaign.
The initiative is part of BDF's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable living and environmental awareness within the Muslim community.
The group were praised by on-patrol police officers (Image: Bengal Dragons Foundation)
During Ramadan, BDF encouraged individuals and families to reflect on the importance of caring for the environment as part of their faith.
The initiative focused on simple, sustainable practices such as reducing waste, recycling, and conserving resources.
The community litter pick event was an opportunity for everyone to get involved and make an impact.
Volunteers, including local families and community leaders, joined the effort to clean up the streets of Maindee.
Nazrul Islam from BDF said: "We had an amazing turnout today.
The group took to the streets of Maindee to clean up (Image: Bengal Dragons Foundation)
"Ramadan is a time of reflection, kindness, and giving back, and this litter pick showed how we can extend that spirit to our environment.
"Seeing so many people working together to keep our community clean was truly inspiring."
Residents expressed their gratitude for the initiative, appreciating the positive impact it had on their neighbourhood.
Gwent Police officers patrolling the streets showed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in creating cleaner, safer spaces for everyone.
The event ended with a community Iftar at Mamu's Chaii on Chepstow Road, where volunteers gathered to break their fast together.
Community members of all ages got involved (Image: Bengal Dragons Foundation)
Mohammed Waseem, owner of Mamu's Chaii, said: "I am incredibly proud of how our community came together for this litter pick.
"It’s a powerful reminder that when we unite for a common cause, we can make a real difference in preserving our environment and supporting the values of sustainability, kindness, and unity that Ramadan teaches us."
The event not only helped reduce waste and litter in the area but also encouraged a broader conversation about environmental stewardship in the Muslim community.
BDF plans to continue promoting the Green Ramadan Initiative with future events and projects encouraging sustainable practices throughout the year.
Source:yahoo.com
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https://uk.news.yahoo.com/community-litter-pick-newport-helps-233000174.html
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Last week to sample Stanley House Hotel Iftar buffet
24TH MARCH
Diners have just this week to sample the MyLahore ‘luxury’ buffet at the Stanley House Hotel just outside Blackburn.
The buffet has been running on selected days in the Glass Marquee through Ramadan and will finish on Thursday this week according to the My Lahore website.
A MyLahore spokesperson said: “Set in 54 acres of idyllic Lancashire surroundings, the MyLahore Glass Marquee is a beautiful and serene location to break your fast with family, friends or colleagues.
“Each evening we’ll be serving up a wide range of dishes buffet style, including classic desi starters, mains and desserts, exciting live stations, and dedicated children’s dishes.
“Many of the items on offer are not available in our restaurants. There is free on-site parking is available as well as prayer and ablution facilities”
Then on Friday, the hotel will be hosting the Open Iftar event.
The national event invites people from all cultures and backgrounds to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and break fast with their neighbours and friends.
The event has been held at some of the iconic venues in the UK such as Albert Hall, Shakespeare's Globe and numerous Premier League stadiums, including Stamford Bridge.
Ramadan is due to end this weekend with Eid likely to take place on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday depending on the siting of the new moon.
Source:asianimage.co.uk
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Faisal Islam: No tax rises and no return to austerity but will it last?
25 March 2025
"Definitely not a Budget" is the basic message emerging from the Treasury about Wednesday's economic statement.
There will not just be no red box outside Number 11, there will only be a "thin book" of new policies with a "light scorecard" of measures with no further tax rises.
So what is the point of this Spring Statement?
It is principally a spring forecast from the government's official forecasters the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR). In that process it has had to take into account a slower economy than expected, and higher government borrowing costs.
This OBR forecast has wiped out the room for manoeuvre against the "non-negotiable" rules Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set on government borrowing in the future. She has made a number of further adjustments to keep the numbers on track.
Essentially low growth and higher borrowing costs have blown the budgetary numbers off course.
We will hear a lot from the chancellor about how "the world has changed".
The reality is this course correction is likely to have been required even before President Trump transformed global diplomacy and trade.
On Wednesday, we will find out whether the chancellor can continue to rule out having to resort to tax rises, even in this "changed world".
And if there is no return to spending austerity, then where does the money come from?
While no significant tax measures are expected, the chancellor may nonetheless leave the option on the table for the autumn Budget.
Some economists do expect tax rises in the autumn, in particular to meet rising defence spending. There is talk of a "conversation with the public" on this matter.
At her first Budget the chancellor rejected, for example, extending the Conservative freeze to income tax thresholds by another two years. The public could get a clear idea around this Spring Statement if that is back as an option.
The £5bn cut to welfare spending already announced is the biggest single welfare cut for a decade. That is likely to be the biggest saving.
On Wednesday, the number of people losing Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit, how much on average, and the split between current or future recipients should be revealed. Hundreds of thousands will lose thousands of pounds worth of health-related benefits.
There is a £2.2bn cut to civil service admin costs, including staffing by 2029-30. A 15% cut is a significant chunk of what is spent by central government on wages and consultants.
However, the chancellor suggested a loss of 10,000 roles, which is only a pruning of a workforce of over half a million - especially as it sees 30-40,000 leavers every year.
The unions say this cannot be done without harming front line services. There is a lot riding here on deployment of automation and artificial intelligence.
A further fractional trim to the rise in departmental budgets, a crackdown on tax avoidance, and the switch from aid to defence spending should all help restore the chancellor's room for manoeuvre by another few billion pounds.
It will be difficult to characterise this as "austerity" given the early injection of significant upfront sums into public spending at the Budget.
Divvying up the increase in defence spending will be a key feature of the Spring Statement.
Defence spending (for example, on jets and tanks) is more capital intensive than aid spending, so more of it is exempted from the chancellor's self-imposed borrowing rules to limit day-to-day spending only to what is raised in taxes.
Growth downgrade
Understandably there will be a lot of focus on a chunky downgrade to the OBR forecast for the economy in 2025.
The real question for the chancellor has been the extent to which that has carried through to the end of the forecast period, and so permanently dented the economy and tax revenues. It may have not, and therefore not impact the Budget numbers quite so much.
The Treasury has also been trying to get the OBR to give it credit for growth-enhancing reforms such as planning changes.
In theory, higher growth means lower forecast borrowing and more room for manoeuvre - a win-win. But the OBR may have become stricter on this after a recent external review of its methods.
There is a bigger picture here about growth and the government's strategy. Investors and business are still awaiting the infrastructure, industrial and trade strategies of this government eight months since it took power.
The new global reality means further uncertainty, but also creates a potential significant upside for a stable, rules-based advanced economy with cutting-edge frontier science, research and financial services.
This is particularly the case for a nation that can simultaneously keep its trade and investment connections with the US, Europe, China and the Gulf, even amid the tariff tumult. In Cabinet they call it "the most connected economy in the world".
Is the world hearing this? UK Government borrowing costs have risen again as markets await the new calendar of bond sales on Wednesday.
UK bond yields went up with the US in January, but when that stopped they also rose in line with Europe after massive debt-fuelled rearmament plans. It's the worst of both worlds for the borrowing forecast.
The Spring Statement might be an opportunity to project the opposite case - that the UK is uniquely placed to be the best of both worlds. Some sort of economic deal with the US is imminent, and talks over the Brexit reset are also progressing.
There are some small signs of the economy breaking out of its recent rut, especially in the service sector. Small businesses in retail and hospitality fearing the rises to National Insurance and the National Living Wage are holding out for some sort of alleviation of the pain.
So Wednesday, while definitely not a Budget, will answer some important questions about the economy.
Source:bbc.com
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Work begins on new £2.5million Dalton Islamic centre
24TH MARCH
By Matthew Holmes.
Work has started to bring the first Islamic centre to the area.
The South Lakes Islamic Centre charity has been spearheading efforts to bring a place of worship for Muslims to Dalton.
This would make it the only Masjid within a 50-mile radius, with the centre believing it will prove beneficial for hundreds of Muslim families and visiting tourists.
In the latest update, a spokesperson said: "The jobs" target="_blank">work is progressing at a very brisk pace.
"It's very critical for us to keep creating the funds, keep adding to that so work doesn't stop.
"Thanks to support so far, we've been able to keep the work going - the intention is to keep the work going, we just need support from all you out there."
In the next week it is expected that the first foundations will be laid following the instalment of drainage at the site at Crooklands Brow.
Planning approval was originally granted in December 2022 in the hope that the Masjid would be open roughly two years ago.
The group previously stated that the space would cater to the 40 to 50 practising Muslim doctors at Furness General Hospital and their families.
It is also hoped to serve 'professionals, business communities and other trade workers who will need basic prayer, burial, teaching and community facilities'.
With a cost 'in the region of £2.5million', funding for the project has come from grants from Muslims across the country, with it believed that many would like a nearby place to pray when visiting the Lake District.
Fundraisers promoted by the centre have also brought in 'hundreds of thousands' of pounds, though continued financial backing is still required.
The original plans were met with 30 objections while comments online ‘demonising the Muslim community’ were condemned by local councillors.
You can find out more about the South Lakes Islamic Centre by visiting the website here.
Source:asianimage.co.uk
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Mahtab Hussain review – smoking mums, hidden mosques … and Rishi Sunak
24 March 2025
Artist Mahtab Hussain was in his 20s in July 2005, when four terrorists detonated homemade bombs in separate, coordinated suicide attacks during rush hour in London. As a young British-born Muslim with Pakistani heritage, Hussain found himself among those on the frontline of a renewed wave of Islamophobia and racial profiling in the UK. The experiences of growing up in the post 9/11, 7/7 era as a young Muslim man instilled in him a hysterical pressure “to change myself”, he says.
Five years later, in 2010, West Midlands police started putting up CCTV cameras across Birmingham – 218 cameras were installed, some of them hidden – most in majority Muslim areas of the city. Project Champion as the surveillance scheme was known, was dismantled a year later, after complaints from the community and an independent review – but the scars remain. Hussain’s exhibition What Did You Want to See? at Ikon is his visceral response to the ignominy of Project Champion, and the catharsis of coming together as a community in its wake.
The show begins by reclaiming the gaze on the community from the suspicious, watchful eyes of the state. Hussain grew up between Druids Heath and Handsworth, and clearly remembers when the cameras went up – it was the same year he picked up the camera himself. In the summers of 2023 and 2024 he returned to photograph every mosque in Birmingham. The 160 photographs mimic the surveillance images, shot at a similar distance from the buildings as a standard security camera. But these pictures don’t pry. Arranged in a Becher-like grid, they are a typology of mosque architecture and community spaces. Some are striking for their ordinariness – housed in run-down residential terraces, and in one case, a former church. It’s in those unmarked and unrecognisable sites Hussain reveals what he means by the humility and tenacity of trying to blend in. When you turn around you notice a dusty reclaimed CCTV camera in the corner of the gallery, pointing right at you.
Hussain further explores this fraught tension between being visible and being watched in a series of new portraits. He is known mostly as a portrait photographer, and this new body of work sees him shift to more classical black and white to portray individuals from Birmingham’s diverse Muslim community. Though this exhibition proves there is much more to Hussain than portraits, this is still where he excels; particularly in depicting a certain kind of machismo. One male subject in a Canada Goose jacket scowls at the camera, his mouth curled, brow arched – Hussain doesn’t try to mollify or make his subjects appear vulnerable, knowing that these portraits allow people to be what they are, or at least what they want to be.
A young man in a white vest postures and tugs at the chain around his neck, like a 90s pop idol; a labourer in black gloves lugs a tyre on his shoulder; an older man wearing a pakol hat smiles at the camera. There is no common fashion, gesture, skin tone – only their faith that joins these subjects. Perhaps the standout is Hussain’s portrait of his mother – poised with a cigarette, commanding beauty and power. Her gaze says it – I’m here to stay. At the centre of the show is a space with video instructions on how to use the mats and say the prayers provided. It is a reminder of the spaces that remain constant, the faith that is untouched by prying eyes.
If this installation looks to the future, the lyrical new film piece next door, made with the novelist and playwright Guy Gunaratne, looks back. It’s a quick-paced, lo-fi mashup of archival and new footage, influenced by Derek Jarman and Arthur Jafa, telling the story of British Asians and Muslims. The narration is cribbed from legendary British-Pakistani actor Zia Mohyeddin’s Here Today, Here Tomorrow, a film about the plight of the Asian community in Britain, made in Birmingham in the late 1970s.
There are those searing flashes again, the sting of trying to fit in: childhood footage of Hussain’s family, performing in the school nativity play. A group of Liverpool fans belt out the Mo Salah chant: “If he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too.” The footage moves between soaring joy and shocking brutality, between racism and resistance. A young Rishi Sunak flashes up, talking about his lack of working-class friends; a man holds up the brick that smashed his face and shop windows in a racist attack. “Some of the English hope one fine morning they will wake up and find them all gone,” the archival voice of Mohyeddin says. It’s infuriating, galvanising and overwhelming.
• Mahtab Hussain: What Did You Want to See? is at Ikon, Birmingham, until 1 June, as part of the Photoworks 30th birthday programme
Source:yahoo.com
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Oldham Academy North celebrates with community Iftar event
24TH MARCH
By Calum Banister
Five hundred guests attended Oldham Academy North's (TOAN) community Iftar event on March 13, celebrating Ramadan together.
Students, staff, families, and local residents shared a three-course meal, breaking fast at sunset.
This sold-out event saw many students and staff, including headteacher Jessica Giraud, fasting in solidarity with their Muslim classmates and colleagues.
Ms Giraud said: "It was a privilege to take part in the fast and to share this experience with our students and families.
"The Iftar was a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, strengthen our sense of community, and learn more about an important tradition for many in our academy."
Described as a blend of 'reflection, storytelling, and inspiring speeches', the event enabled people to celebrate culture and traditions.
Source:theoldhamtimes.co.uk
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Moscow condemns Kiev’s ‘terrorist attacks’ on journalists
25 Mar, 2025
Three Russian journalists were killed and several others injured in what Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has described as deliberate and targeted Ukrainian attacks on media crews reporting from Russia’s Kursk Region and the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR).
According to Moscow, Ukrainian forces launched a “precision-guided artillery strike” on a civilian vehicle in the LPR marked as press transport on Monday. The attack claimed the lives of Aleksandr Fedorchak, a reporter for Izvestia; Andrey Panov, a cameraman for Zvezda TV; and their driver, Aleksandr Sirekli. Another Zvezda correspondent, Nikolai Goldin, was seriously wounded in the same incident.
In a separate attack on the same day, TASS reporter Mikhail Skuratov was injured by shrapnel while on assignment in the Sudzhanskiy district of Kursk Region, which borders Ukraine.
“The Kiev regime has once again demonstrated its terrorist, savage nature,” Zakharova said in a statement early Tuesday morning. “The series of brutal reprisals against Russian journalists by Ukrainian neo-Nazis is yet another proof of their readiness to commit any crimes against the civilian population without hesitation, including media workers, who are protected under international humanitarian law as outlined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I.”
Zakharova accused Kiev of escalating attacks on civilians as a result of its failure to achieve military success. “The number of these terrorist attacks is increasing proportionally to the neo-Nazi regime’s growing understanding of its inability to inflict any damage on the Russian Armed Forces,” she added.
Moscow called on international bodies – including the Director-General of UNESCO, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – to issue strong condemnations.
“The continued cold-blooded killings of Russian media workers demand proper attention and response from international institutions,” Zakharova stated, warning that silence or evasive rhetoric would only “demonstrate their inability to uphold their mandates impartially.”
Zvezda TV reported that their crew was allegedly targeted by two projectiles fired from a US-supplied Ukrainian HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system. Moscow has repeatedly said that Kiev cannot operate such advanced systems without direct Western assistance.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/614725-russian-journalists-ukrainian-strikes/
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Tate brothers report to Romanian police after return from US
24 Mar, 2025
British-American influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have appeared at a police station after returning to Romania from the US.
The brothers registered with the authorities in the capital, Bucharest, in a legal formality to demonstrate their compliance with an ongoing criminal investigation.
They are under investigation in Romania for forming an organised criminal group, human trafficking, trafficking of minors and money laundering. Andrew also faces allegations of rape and sex with a minor. The pair deny all accusations.
After leaving the police station, Andrew, 38, refused to say whether he would remain in Romania, but vowed to clear his name both there and in the UK.
The brothers returned to Romania on Friday nearly a month after they unexpectedly had their travel ban lifted by the authorities.
Soon after, the pair announced they flew on a private jet to Florida - where they quickly became the focus of a new investigation.
Florida's state attorney-general launched a criminal inquiry into the brothers, welcomed by the US National Centre on Sexual Exploitation, which represents one of Tate's alleged victims.
The brothers' exit from Romania led to speculation that prosecutors felt political pressure from President Donald Trump - whom they support. Trump has denied any knowledge of their release and the Tates have dismissed claims of outside influence.
Replying to a question about the US charges today, Andrew denied them and said: "I am investigated everywhere on the planet, because I am one of the most important people on the planet."
He also said there was a "witch hunt" against him.
The pair were arrested in Romania in late 2022 amid accusations of misleading women and transporting them to Romania where they were later sexually exploited and subjected to physical violence.
The pair are also the subjects of a separate investigation in the UK into allegations of rape and human trafficking, which they deny.
British authorities have secured a warrant over allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012, meaning the brothers could face extradition once Romanian proceedings conclude.
Last month, Romanian authorities warned the Tates they must return for a court appearance or risk "a higher custodial measure".
Andrew, who has been banned from several social media platforms for his misogynistic views and hate speech, later told his 10 million followers on X that he had spent $185,000 (£142,800) on a private jet to "sign one single piece of paper in Romania".
The BBC asked Andrew on Monday about his inflammatory tweets in the aftermath of the Southport attack in the UK last year in which three girls at a summer holiday dance and yoga class were stabbed to death and he falsely claimed the attacker was an illegal immigrant.
Tate called the BBC correspondent "a nobody" before being driven away.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62xky7rn75o
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Government to drop asylum hotel provider
25 Mar, 2025
The Home Office is stopping the use of hotels run by one of the largest providers of asylum accommodation.
Stay Belvedere Hotels (SBHL) is responsible for providing around a quarter of asylum accommodation operated by the Home Office.
The accommodation chain has responsibility for 51 hotels across England and Wales as well as Napier Barracks, a facility in Kent housing people waiting for asylum decisions which is due to close in September.
Its provider contract was signed by the previous Conservative government in 2019, and is worth around £2 billion a year.
BBC News has approached SBHL for comment.
The chain's website boasts of offering a range of pastoral and welfare services that exceed the requirements of its contracts, ensuring guests are treated with dignity.
But an audit by the Home Office has uncovered unspecified concerns about its performance and behaviour as a government supplier.
Border security and asylum minister Angela Eagle said the decision had been taken because of greater oversight of asylum accommodation.
"We have made the decision to remove Stay Belvedere Hotels from the Home Office supply chain and will not hesitate to take further action to ensure Home Office contracts deliver for the UK," she said.
The earliest point which the Home Office can exit the contract with SBHL without payment of break cost is in September of next year.
It is unclear where those they are housing will go when it does end.
The latest published immigration statistics from December 2024 show there were 38,079 asylum seekers in hotel accommodation, lower than the peak of 56,042 at the end of September 2023.
Ministry of Justice data also shows that almost 42,000 asylum seekers are waiting for an appeal hearing after their initial claims were rejected by the Home Office.
The government is looking at plans for failed asylum seekers whose appeals have been exhausted to possibly be sent to the Balkans.
More than 5,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel on small boats so far this year, according to latest figures.
In 2024 as a whole, 36,816 were detected making the dangerous crossing in small boats.
Source:bbc.com
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North America
Judge: US treated Nazis better than Venezuelan migrants who were deported
25 Mar, 2025
A US appeals court judge on Monday said the US gave Nazis "better treatment" during World War II than it did to hundreds of Venezuelans deported this month over alleged gang ties.
The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit heard arguments over the Trump administration's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport 238 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador.
During a fraught two-hour hearing, Judge Patricia Millett questioned the government's use of the law to deport the Venezuelans without a way to challenge the allegations.
"There were planeloads of people," she said. "Nazis got better treatment under the Alien Enemy Act than has happened here."
Earlier on Monday, a federal judge refused to lift a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants with the invocation of the wartime powers.
Judge James Boasberg ruled that many of those deported dispute their gang affiliation and must be allowed to challenge their removal.
Trump proclaimed on 15 March that members of the Venezuelan crime gang Tren de Aragua were "conducting irregular warfare" against the US, justifying their deportation under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
But later that evening, Judge Boasberg issued a 14-day halt to deportations under the proclamation, verbally ordering the government to turn flights around. The White House insisted it was too late, as the planes were already in international airspace.
In a hearing on Monday, lawyers for the government sought to overturn Boasberg's original March 15 restraining order.
Government lawyer Drew Ensign called Boasberg's temporary restraining order "utterly unprecedented" and argued it intruded upon the president's foreign policy powers.
He added that the government "certainly dispute[d] the Nazi analogy" Judge Millett gave.
The claims sparked a tense back-and-forth between Mr Ensign and the judge, who argued: "Of course there's no precedent, because no president has ever used this."
"Y'all could've picked me up on Saturday and thrown me on a plane thinking I'm a member of Tren de Aragua and given me no chance to protest it," added Judge Millett, an appointee of former President Barack Obama.
She claimed the administration did not carefully review whether the Venezuelan nationals actually were gang members before they were deported.
Later on Monday, border czar Tom Homan called the Nazi-related allegation "disgusting", according to CBS, the BBC's news partner.
US Circuit Judge Justin Walker, an appointee of Trump, appeared less skeptical of the government's arguments. The three-judge panel did not say when it would rule on the issue.
The Trump administration has maintained that the Venezuelan men were "carefully vetted" and verified as gang members before being flown to El Salvador.
But some of their family members have disputed that allegation, and US officials have acknowledged "many" of the men have no US criminal record.
On Monday before the hearing, Judge Boasberg noted: "Because the named Plaintiffs dispute that they are members of Tren de Aragua, they may not be deported until a court has been able to decide the merits of their challenge."
The judge noted the Trump administration was still free to deport Venezuelans through regular immigration process.
The deportations have created tension between the White House and Judge Boasberg, who said on Friday that he had never heard lawyers for the government speak to him the way the Trump administration attorneys had.
"I will get to the bottom of whether they violated my order, who ordered this and what the consequences will be," the judge said at a hearing last Friday.
Trump has described Boasberg as a "constitutional disaster" who "doesn't mind if criminals come into our country".
The Alien Enemies Act grants the president sweeping powers to quickly deport citizens of an "enemy" nation.
The deportations have been criticised by human rights groups, which have argued the move is illegal because the US is not at war.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the government's use of the war-time law to ship the Venezuelan nations to El Salvador.
"It's modern-day warfare, and we are going to continue to fight that and protect American citizens every single step of the way," Bondi told Fox News.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3y03l1gvko
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Video shows attempted abduction of imam outside NYC mosque
March 25, 2025
By Jennifer Bisram
On Sunday night, during the holy month of Ramadan, a sacred time on the Muslim calendar, there was an attack and attempted abduction of a faith leader in the Bronx, and it was captured on nearby dash-cam video.
Police say it happened outside of a mosque on Odell Street in Parkchester.
CBS News New York has learned police are looking into two other attacks just blocks away, involving Muslim men who were wearing traditional clothing.
Worshipper stopped the attempted abduction
Worshippers said it all went down just moments after imam Omar Faruqe led them in prayer. He was leaving the mosque when three guys jumped out of a minivan, started questioning him, and forced him to identify himself before trying to force him into the vehicle.
"He tried to grab him and run in the car," worshipper Iqbal Hussain said.
Hussain kept the faith and sprung into action, blocking the men from taking the imam Faruqe.
"I saw they tried to grab him. I save him," Hussain said. "Thank God. Thank God. Thank God."
The men eventually took off.
"I got a lot of bleeding," said Hussain, who was taken to the hospital for injuries to his nose but was back at the mosque Monday night.
Now, in addition to fasting and prayer, there is fear among this Muslim community during Ramadan.
"These guys, very bad, and they come in front of the masjid, a public place and they want to kidnap the imam. Everyone is scared," said imam Abul K. Yahya, who leads the mosque in evening prayer.
Source:cbsnews.com
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https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/bronx-mosque-imam-attempted-abduction/
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CAIR Calls on Media Outlets to Condemn Israel’s Assassination of Al Jazeera, Palestine Today Journalists in Gaza
March 24, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on media outlets in the United States and worldwide to condemn the murder of Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat and Palestine Today journalist Mohammad Mansour by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Journalist and contributor to Al Jazeera Mubasher Hossam Shabat was killed in an Israeli air strike that targeted his car in northern Gaza. Earlier today, Israeli forces killed journalist and Palestine Today correspondent Mohammad Mansour in an attack targeting a house in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
“As the Israeli government resumes its indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, it has also resumed its targeted assassinations of journalists. Reporters Hossam Shabat, Mohammad Mansour and so many others like them were targeted and killed solely because they shed light on the atrocities of the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza. Media outlets in the United States and across the world must stand up in defense of their colleagues in Gaza. The lives of journalists who are Muslim, Palestinian or people of color should matter to media outlets just as much as journalists who are white, European or Christian.”
He noted that yesterday, CAIR responded to the minimum death toll in Gaza crossing 50,000 men, women and children killed by saying that the Trump administration’s support for the Israeli government’s war crimes makes it just as complicit as the Biden administration.
SEE: CAIR Says “Trump is the New Biden” After Minimum Gaza Death Toll Crosses 50,000
CAIR has previously condemned Israeli killings of journalists.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Israeli Massacre of 9 Palestinians, Including 3 Journalists
CAIR Calls on U.S. Media to Condemn Israeli Slaughter of 5 Journalists in Gaza, Attack on TV Journalist in West Bank
CAIR Condemns Latest Israeli Murder of Gaza Journalist
CAIR Calls Israeli Murder of Journalists an ‘Attempt to Cover Up Genocide’ After IFJ Report on Killings of Media Professionals Worldwide
Source:cair.com
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Top US officials shared Yemen strike plans with journalist in group chat
25 Mar, 2025
The Trump administration is facing political uproar after the White House confirmed that a journalist had been inadvertently added to an unsecure group chat in which US national security officials planned a military strike in Yemen.
The Atlantic magazine's Jeffrey Goldberg reported that he had been added to a Signal message group which apparently included Vice-President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
He said he had seen classified military plans for US strikes on Houthi rebels, including weapons packages, targets and timing, two hours before the bombs struck.
The report sparked a firestorm of criticism from opposition Democrats and concerns among several Republicans.
Critics call for investigation over leak
Goldberg said he had been added to the message chain, apparently by accident, after receiving a connection request from someone who appeared to be White House National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.
"If they were going to pick an errant phone number, I mean at least it wasn't somebody who supported the Houthis, because they were actually handing out information that I believe could have endangered the lives of American service people who were involved in that operation," he told PBS in an interview.
President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday afternoon that he was not aware of the Atlantic article.
"The attacks on the Houthis have been highly successful and effective," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
"President Trump continues to have the utmost confidence in his national security team, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz."
The defence secretary also defended the military operation discussed in the chat, citing its success. When pressed by reporters, Hegseth criticised Goldberg as a "deceitful and highly discredited" journalist and resisted questions about the content of the messages.
House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said the breach hafd been a mistake, but argued that the chat showed "top level officials doing their job, doing it well".
Democratic lawmakers demanded an investigation, casting the episode as a national security scandal.
"This is one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence that I have read about in a very, very long time," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.
Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, said his panel planned to investigate the matter.
"It's definitely a concern," he added. "It appears that mistakes were made."
Vance disagrees with Trump
Atlantic editor-in-chief Goldberg writes in his article that he received a connection request on 11 March on the encrypted messaging app Signal from an account that purported to be Waltz's.
He said he had initially wondered if the group chat messages might be a hoax until four days later, Saturday 15 March, when he was sitting in a supermarket car park, watching Signal communications about a strike.
When he checked X for updates about Yemen, he wrote, he was stunned to see reports of explosions in the capital city of Sanaa.
A Houthi official posted on X at the time that 53 people had been killed in the US air strikes.
Signal is generally used by journalists and Washington officials because of the secure nature of its communications, the ability to create aliases, and to send disappearing messages.
Two days later, Goldberg said he was added to a Signal chat entitled "Houthi PC small group".
A number of accounts that appeared to belong to cabinet members and national security officials were included in the 18-person chat, Goldberg reported.
Accounts labelled "JD Vance", the name of the vice-president; "Pete Hegseth," the defence secretary; and "John Ratcliffe," director of the Central Intelligence Agency; were among names in the chain.
Top national security officials from various agencies also appeared in it, including Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's director of national intelligence, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
At one point during the communications over the strikes, the account labelled "JD Vance" seemed to disagree with Trump, Goldberg reported.
"I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now," the Vance account wrote at approximately 8:15 on 14 March.
"There's a further risk that we see a moderate to severe spike in oil prices.
"I am willing to support the consensus of the team and keep these concerns to myself.
"But there is a strong argument for delaying this a month, doing the messaging work on why this matters, seeing where the economy is, etc."
In a statement to the BBC on Monday, Vance spokesman William Martin said the vice-president "unequivocally supports this administration's foreign policy".
"The president and the vice-president have had subsequent conversations about this matter and are in complete agreement," Martin said.
The National Security Council confirmed much of the Atlantic report.
Spokesman Brian Hughes told the BBC: "At this time, the message thread that was reported appears to be authentic. We are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.
"The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy co-ordination between senior officials."
Messages blast 'pathetic' Europe
Goldberg reported that the officials had also discussed the potential for Europe to pay for US protection of key shipping lanes.
"Whether it's now or several weeks from now, it will have to be the United States that reopens these shipping lanes," the account associated with Waltz wrote on 14 March.
The message continued, saying that at Trump's request, his team was working with the defence department and state department "to determine how to compile the cost associated and levy them on the Europeans".
At one point in the thread the Vance account griped that the strikes would benefit the Europeans, because of their reliance on those shipping lanes, adding: "I just hate bailing Europe out again."
The user identified as Hegseth responded three minutes later: "VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It's PATHETIC."
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4v3ndg28jo
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Trump's national security team's chat app leak stuns Washington
25 Mar, 2025
There are few US presidential actions more sensitive, more fraught with peril, than when and where to use American military force.
If such information were obtained by American adversaries in advance, it could put lives – and national foreign policy objectives - at risk.
Fortunately for the Trump administration, a group chat with information about an impending US strike in Yemen among senior national security officials on the encrypted chat app Signal did not fall into the wrong hands.
Unfortunately for the Trump administration, the message thread was observed by an influential political journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg.
The Atlantic Magazine editor-in-chief, in an article posted on Monday on his publication's website, says he appears to have been inadvertently added to the chat by White House National Security Adviser Michael Waltz.
Members of the group seemed to include Vice-President JD Vance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, among others.
A National Security Council spokesman told the BBC the text message thread "appears to be authentic".
Goldberg says the group debated policy and discussed operational details about the impending US military strike – conversations that provided a rare near-real-time look at the inner workings of Trump's senior national security team.
"Amazing job," Waltz wrote to the group, just minutes after the US strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen took place on Saturday 15 March.
He followed up with emojis of a US flag, a fist and fire. Other senior officials joined in on the group congratulations.
These White House celebrations may prove short-lived after Monday's revelations, however.
That an outsider could inadvertently be added to sensitive national defence conversations represents a stunning failure of operational security by the Trump administration.
And that these conversations were taking place outside of secure government channels designed for such sensitive communications could violate the Espionage Act, which sets rules for handling classified information.
"This administration is playing fast and loose with our nation's most classified info, and it makes all Americans less safe," Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, posted on X.
Democratic congressman Chris Deluzio said in a press statement that the House Armed Services Committee, on which he sits, must conduct a full investigation and hearing on the matter as soon as possible.
"This is an outrageous national security breach, and heads should roll," he said.
Criticism wasn't limited to Democrats, either.
Don Bacon, a Republican congressman from Nebraska, told the political website Axios that the administration's action was "unconscionable".
"None of this should have been sent on non-secure systems," he said of Waltz's messaging. "Russia and China are surely monitoring his unclassified phone."
With Republicans in control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Trump's own party would have to initiate any kind of formal congressional investigation into the matter.
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson appeared to downplay such a possibility as he told reporters that the White House had admitted its error.
"They'll tighten up and make sure it doesn't happen again," he said. "I don't know what else you can say about that."
Trump, for his part, pleaded ignorance when asked by reporters in the Oval Office about the Atlantic story, saying that it was the first he had heard of it.
The White House then released a statement defending the president's national security team, including Waltz.
By Monday evening, however, rumours in Washington were swirling that high-level resignations may ultimately be necessary, with attention focusing on Waltz, whose invitation brought Goldberg into the group conversation. The White House has provided no further comments even as this speculation has grown.
In its afternoon statement, the White House noted that the strikes were "highly successful and effective". That could help minimise some the political fallout from the chat-group discussions, which also revealed some divisions within Trump's national security team.
JD Vance was the highest-ranking participant in the Signal text group that discussed detailed plans about the US military strike on Yemen.
While the vice-president has typically marched in lockstep with Trump in his public comments on foreign policy, in the private discussions he said that he thought the administration was making a "mistake" by taking military action.
He noted that the targeted Houthi forces in Yemen posed a larger threat to European shipping, while the danger to American trade was minimal.
"I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now," Vance wrote. "There's a further risk that we see moderate to severe spike in oil prices."
The vice-president went on to say that he would support what the team decided and "keep these concerns to myself".
"But there is a strong argument for delaying this a month, doing the messaging work on why this matters, seeing where the economy is, etc."
This is far from the first time a vice-president has disagreed with their president on matters of foreign policy.
Dick Cheney clashed with George W Bush in the later years of his presidency over handling of the Iraq war, and Joe Biden believed that Barack Obama's covert operation to kill Osama Bin Laden was too risky.
This is also not the first time that the handling of sensitive national security material has generated headlines. Both Trump and Joe Biden were investigated for their possession of classified information after leaving office. Special Counsel Jack Smith indicted Trump for alleged violations related to his refusal to turn over material stored at his Mar-a-Lago residence – a case that was dropped when Trump won re-election last year.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server for communications while US secretary of state became a major issue during her unsuccessful presidential campaign.
Like this White House group chat, some of those messages provided insight into the inner workings of Clinton's team.
Their revelation also proved to be politically damaging. A handful of her stored messages were later deemed to contain "top secret" information.
"We can't have someone in the Oval Office who doesn't understand the meaning of the word confidential or classified," Trump said during that campaign – one of many attacks on Clinton for what he said was a clear violation of federal law.
On Monday afternoon, Clinton took to social media to posted her own, brief comment on the revelations of the White House group chat on Signal.
"You've got to be kidding me," she wrote.
Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second presidential term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
Source:bbc.com
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Trump looms over Canada's election as campaign begins
24 Mar, 2025
Canada's newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election, sending the country to the polls on 28 April.
The election comes as Canada faces a trade war with the US and calls from President Donald Trump for it to become the 51st American state, issues which are expected to be top of mind for voters.
It also comes nine days after Carney, a Liberal, was sworn in as Canada's prime minister following Justin Trudeau's resignation.
Carney must now face Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose party had been leading in national polls since mid-2023, though recent polls suggest the race is now neck-and-neck.
The two main candidates held their first rallies on Sunday. In St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Carney addressed the threat of US tariffs, repeating a favoured sporting analogy: "In this trade war, just like in hockey, we will win."
Speaking in Ottawa earlier that day, Carney said he needed a clear, positive mandate to deal with Trump.
"We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump's unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty," he said.
In a rally of his own in Toronto on Sunday evening, Poilievre said Carney's party was failing to offer change, and simply "making the same promises that they've been breaking for over 10 years".
The Liberals – once written off for this election - now have a chance of forming a government for the fourth consecutive time under Carney.
Carney, 60, the former governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, has never served as an MP and is untested politically.
Carney made the most of his short days in office, meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron and stopping in Canada's Arctic to announce a partnership with Australia to develop a new northern radar system.
He also ended Trudeau's signature carbon tax climate policy, which had faced heavy criticism by the Conservatives.
Now he will face the general electorate, which is concerned about Canada's rapidly shifting relationship with the US, its historically close ally, as well as the country's high cost of living.
In a campaign launch shortly before the election call, Poilievre, 45, sought to link Carney to the Liberals under Trudeau, who left office as a deeply unpopular leader. He called Trudeau's time in office a "lost Liberal decade".
He accused the party of weakening the country by blocking resource development, failing to fund the military, and mismanaging immigration and the economy, saying its "post-national globalist ideology" made Canada more vulnerable to Trump's trade war.
President Trump's current and threatened tariffs on Canadian goods could usher in economic instability in the country and push Canada towards a recession.
Trump placed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods on 2 March before partially pausing them for a month. On 12 March, a blanket 25% duty on all aluminium and steel imports went into effect, hitting Canadian importers.
The Trump administration plans further global tariffs on 2 April, in the campaign's second week.
Canada has retaliated so far with tariffs on about C$60bn ($42bn; £32bn) worth of US goods.
Carney on Sunday called the trade war with the US one of the "most significant threats of our lifetimes".
Referring to Trump, he said: "He wants to break us so America will own us. We will not let that happen."
Carney has promised further retaliation, though he has conceded there is a limit to Canada's tariff response given the different size of the two economies.
Poilievre said that Canada must respond firmly to threats from the White House.
"We have to convert our anger and our anxiety into action," he said. "We have to become strong, self-reliant and sovereign to stand up to the Americans."
The campaign will last just five weeks - the shortest allowed. Besides the US-Canada relationship, much of the focus will be on the economy, including cost-of-living issues.
Who else is competing?
In the Canadian federal election, voters do not cast a ballot directly for a prime minister. Instead, the leader of the party with the most members of parliament traditionally becomes PM.
Four main parties will contest the election - the Liberals, the Conservatives, the New Democrats (NDP) and the Bloc Québécois, who only run candidates in the French-speaking province of Quebec with a focus on their regional interests.
The Green Party and the People's Party of Canada are also in the running.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said on Sunday that neither Carney nor Poilievre are the right choices for Canada, accusing them of protecting the wealthy, not ordinary Canadians.
"You deserve a prime minister you can trust to make decisions in your best interest," he said.
The Bloc is facing pressure from a surge of support for the Liberals in Quebec.
Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet pitched his party as a voice for industries in Trump's sights - from aluminium to dairy and lumber - that are all significant in the province.
The Greens for the first time are running with co-leaders: Jonathan Pedneault and Elizabeth May.
"We must vote now as though our country depends on it, because more than ever before, it does," said Pedneault on Sunday.
At dissolution of Parliament at the time the election was called, the Liberals held 153 seats in the House of Commons. The Conservatives were the official opposition with 120 seats. The Bloc had 33 seats, the NDP had 24 and the Green Party held two.
Source:bbc.com
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Trump bemoans a portrait of him - but gets a new one from Putin
25 Mar, 2025
US President Donald Trump has been gifted a new portrait from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin - while trashing an existing painting of him as "truly the worst".
The new portrait has not been shown publicly. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described it as a "personal gift", adding that only Putin himself could disclose further details.
Meanwhile, Trump took to Truth Social to criticise an earlier picture of him that hung in the Colorado State Capitol building until it was removed on Monday.
The US president has paid close attention to cultivating his image, and made headlines in January by unveiling an official portrait that was variously described by critics as serious or ominous.
Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed receipt of the new work from Moscow, saying he had been asked to transport it back to Washington.
He described the work as a painting - a "beautiful portrait" by a "leading Russian artist" - but gave no further critique. Trump was "clearly touched by it", he added.
The gift was confirmed by Peskov, as American and Russian negotiators again sat down for talks in Saudi Arabia as part of Trump's drive to end the war in Ukraine.
The gift highlights the diplomatic thaw between the two nations after Trump returned to the White House in January.
In an interview, Witkoff - who met Putin 10 days ago - said the Russian president had been "gracious". Putin told him, he added, that he had prayed for Trump after an assassination attempt against him last year.
That attempt on Trump's life - which took place during a rally in Pennsylvania - gave rise to perhaps the most iconic image of him ever produced.
AP photographer Evan Vucci caught the moment that Trump, with a bloody ear, held up a defiant fist and told supporters to "fight, fight, fight". That image was further mythologised by Trump, who used it to adorn the cover of a book.
'Purposefully distorted'
Trump is yet to publicly comment on the image that was sent by Putin - but he left no doubt of the kind of portraiture he liked and disliked when delivering his views on the Colorado image.
The painting, which was presented to the building in 2019, was "purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before", he wrote on Truth Social on Monday morning.
That was unlike the same artist's depiction of Barack Obama, Trump wrote. Offering rare praise for his predecessor, Trump said Obama looked "wonderful" in his own portrait by the same artist, English-born Sarah Boardman.
Trump reportedly lost up to 30lb (13.6kg) during last year's presidential campaign. He told reporters he had been "so busy" he had not "been able to eat very much".
The Republican also used the portrait to make a political point - describing Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, as "radical" and "extremely weak on crime".
But the portrait had nothing to do with Polis, US media pointed out. It was instead the result of a crowdfunding campaign that was launched by a Republican. The portrait was reportedly commissioned to fill an empty space that had briefly been filled with an image of Vladimir Putin by a prankster.
Following the backlash, a committee of leaders from both parties ordered the painting removed on Monday afternoon, according to a spokesman for Colorado's House Democrats. It will be kept in a secure location "until further notice".
The BBC has contacted Ms Boardman for comment. Discussing her work with the Colorado Times Recorder in 2019, she acknowledged that there would "always be anger at a president from one side or the other. It is human nature."
Another portrait artist told the BBC he "would have painted things slightly differently", but that presidential portraits were nuanced, and he had sympathy for the artist.
Robert Anderson, who created the official portrait of President George W Bush which hangs in the US National Portrait Gallery, said viewers tended to bring "baggage" depending on their feelings about the painting's subject.
For that reason, the reaction to an artwork often had "very little to do with the quality of art", he said.
Of Trump, Mr Anderson said: "I think it would be very difficult to paint him because he has a particular impression of himself which might be very different to that of many others – probably at least half of the country."
A spokesman for Polis told 9News said the governor was "surprised to learn the president of the United States is an aficionado of our Colorado State Capitol and its artwork".
The statement continued: "We appreciate the president and everyone's interest in our capitol building and are always looking for any opportunity to improve our visitor experience."
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62xyrr20dxo
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Greenland condemns planned visits by Usha Vance and Trump adviser
25 Mar, 2025
Greenland's politicians have condemned plans for high-profile US visits, in the wake of President Donald Trump's threats to take over the island.
Second Lady Usha Vance will make a cultural visit this week, and a separate trip is expected from Trump's National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede described the plan as aggressive, and said the duo had not been invited for meetings. Meanwhile, the island's likely next leader accused the US of showing a lack of respect.
Greenland - the world's biggest island, situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans - has been controlled by Denmark, nearly 3,000km (1,860 miles) away, for about 300 years.
It governs its own domestic affairs, but decisions on foreign and defence policy are made in Copenhagen. The US has long held a security interest - and has had a military base on the island since World War Two.
It is also thought Trump is interested in the island's rare earth minerals. His son Donald Jr visited Greenland before Trump's inauguration in January.
Announcing Mrs Vance's visit, the White House said the second lady would visit historical sites and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland's national dogsled race.
Her delegation - including her son - would be there to "celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity", the statement said.
Waltz's trip was confirmed by a source who spoke to the BBC's US partner, CBS News. He is expected to visit before Mrs Vance and to travel with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, according to the New York Times.
Outgoing PM Egede described Waltz's visit in particular as a provocation. "What is the security advisor doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to show a demonstration of power to us," he told Sermitsiaq newspaper.
Speaking to the same paper, Greenland's probable next PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen accused the American officials of showing the local population a lack of respect.
US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the United States has a vested interest in the Arctic, and so "it should not be a surprise the National Security Advisor and Secretary of Energy are visiting a US Space Base to get first-hand briefings from our service members on the ground".
He said that the visit is also an opportunity to " build on partnerships that respects Greenland's self-determination and advances economic cooperation" and to "learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people".
Trump appeared to escalate his campaign to take over the island during a conversation with Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte earlier this month.
Greenland was already on the defensive about Trump's talk of a takeover, but he sent further shockwaves by implying he might ask to take the island with support of Nato, a military alliance of which Denmark is also a part.
"You know, Mark, we need that for international security... we have a lot of our favourite players cruising around the coast, and we have to be careful," Trump said. "We'll be talking to you."
When asked about the prospect of annexation, Trump said: "I think that will happen."
The move prompted Greenland's leading political parties to issue a joint statement to condemn the American president's "unacceptable behaviour".
The issue took centre-stage in the recent election, during which Egede's governing Inuit Ataqatigiit party was defeated in a surprise result by Nielsen's Democratic party, which favours a gradual approach to independence from Denmark.
Earlier this month, during a speech to the US Congress, Trump said he strongly supported the people of Greenland's right to determine their own future. "If you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America," he said.
According to recent polls, almost 80% of Greenlanders back independence from Denmark. But an opinion survey in January suggested an even greater number rejected the idea of becoming part of the US.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0718g3jwo
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Africa
‘No bastard among us,’ Onikijipa family tackles popular Islamic cleric over comment
24 March 2025
By Adekunle Sulaimon
The family of Onikijipa in Ilorin have called on stakeholders in the Ilorin Emirate Council to call the Mudir (leader) of the Markaz Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Agege, Lagos State, Sheikh Mohammed Adam (El-Ilory) to order following his persistent attacks on the personality of the Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq (Onikijipa).
The notice was conveyed in a statement by the Magaji of the Onikijipa compound, Abdulrahman Onikijipa, and a copy was made available to our correspondent on Monday.
The statement was titled “No bastard among the Onikijipa: A Rejoinder to Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory”.
Onikijipa, on behalf of the family, said there is no distinction between the descendants of Onikijipa as they remain an indivisible entity.
It clarified that the statement credited to Adam that the father of the Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, was not a member of Onikijipa was not only false but also a lie.
The statement said that the Markaz leader had alleged an unsubstantiated claim which was borne out of mischief and a ploy to create a wedge among the Onikijipa family, insisting that the family does not harbour a bastard.
It was recalled that this was not the first time the revered cleric would try to rewrite the history of Onikijipa, even in explicit contradiction to his father, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory’s narrations, in his usual bid to claim the “all-knowing.”
It described as bogus the claim attributed to Adam that only Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa and maintained that both Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa, the father of the Mufty of Ilorin, are brothers and one family.
“We are compelled to release this statement in view of the recent shenanigans being displayed by Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory. We would not have responded to the story he put up in his head for reasons best known to him, but for the important need to set the record straight so that in the future people will not doubt our history as one strong Onikijipa family. This is not the first time this individual has tried to rewrite history, even in explicit contradictions to his father’s narrations, in his usual bid to claim the “all-knowing”. He is the only one who can help us understand the reasons for doing that. As far as we are concerned, he is just being mischievous.
“On Friday, 22nd of Ramadan, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory informed his listeners that he wanted to attack the Onikijipa family. During his daily tafsir, he went astray to attack our family in his usual manner, an attempt to create disunity among us. But for his information, we are one strong indivisible family.
“There are some points that need to be addressed. Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory claimed that our illustrious son, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, the grand Mufti of Ilorin, is angry with Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory, Habibullah’s father, because the sheikh did not mention Sheikh Suleiman Faruq’s father in his book. This is not only laughable but a lie from the pit of hell. Habibullah should inform us of the point at which Sheikh Suleiman said this and in what context. We believe this is just another lie to discredit the Mufty’s good image. That is Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory’s trade mark: he attacks everyone. He recently did the same to the people of Agbogunmati.
“As if that was not enough, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory narrated that Sheikh Suleima’s father is not a member of Onikijipa. This is another nonsense! His theory is that any house or household in Ilorin that is situated outside the main compound is not part of the family. Such a household, according to his theory, must have been given or gifted to the land. They are not originally part of the family. One begins to wonder if Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory remembers where his own family house is situated in Ilorin. It is there for everyone to see.
“Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, in his desire to create disunity among us, claimed that Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa. If we had not heard this ourselves, we would not have believed it to be coming from a man who is expected to know better. But it is not surprising; that is his way. He attacks without a reason. He comes up with all sorts of theories just to prove anything! There are instances out there. But this is our story; Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa are brothers and one family. There is no separation among us. It is even more worrisome that such a respected scholar is using the “show me your father’s grave” theory as proof of originality. Pathetic!” the statement read.
Earlier, The PUNCH reports that Adam had alleged that the Kwara-based cleric who is always addressed as mufti (an Islamic jurist) had always pointed an accusing finger on his father (late Sheikh Adam) for not including his father’s name in the list of the noble clerics he mentioned in one of his books.
Before the lecture, Adam had challenged Onikijipa to be his subordinate while claiming that the latter came to his father’s institution to learn when he was already lecturing there.
Source:punchng.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://punchng.com/no-bastard-among-us-onikijipa-family-tackles-popular-islamic-cleric-over-comment/
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A restored ancient museum palace showcases treasures from the Islamic world
24 March 2025
In the heart of Fez, there is Al Batha Museum of Islamic Arts, one of the oldest museums reflecting Moroccan history and its diversity.
It was a palace built by Sultan Moulay Hassan I between 1873 and 1894.
In the past it was used as a summer residence for official receptions.
In 1897, the palace was redecorated and further improvements were added by Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz.
Upon entering the museum courtyard, there are numerous arches, doors, and rooms housing a variety of exhibits, including a collection of 19th-century woollen carpets.
They are iconic examples of the traditional craftsmanship of Fez and its surroundings.
Close by are traditional musical instruments and kaftans embroidered with gold and silver thread, hinting at a rich and luxurious past.
In one of the halls is an embroidered cover from the tomb of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, dating back to the Alaouite dynasty.
It's leather and embroidered with silver thread.
A 14th-century Marinid-era zellij tiled wall features a variety of decorative styles.
"It was a royal palace and became a museum in 1915 AD, hosting the first permanent exhibition about the popular arts and traditions of the city of Fez and its surrounding areas. After the museum's restoration, we decided to change its name to focus on Islamic arts, given its strategic location in Fez, one of the oldest Islamic cities that still preserves its cultural heritage," says Alae Fechtali, the curator.
Visitors wander among the artifacts with interest and wondering at the rare Qur'ans from the Almohad and Marinid periods.
The hall also displays a collection of planetary astrolabes, the oldest of which dates back to 1217.
These are early scientific instruments used to observe the planets, and stars, but as well as astronomy they were used to navigate the seas, plotting the sailor's latitude.
In the Middle East they were used by Muslims to locate and pray facing Mecca.
The palace is also home to this famous hydraulic clock.
It's made of 13 bronze gongs, which adorned the Bu'inaniya madrasa in Fez. It was crafted in 1357, and only eight of these are on display.
"When visitors come, they discover the heritage left behind by their ancestors, which inspires them to create new creations based on the ancient objects they inherited from their ancestors in Morocco. The museum also plays a fundamental role in education and scientific research," says Fatima Zahra, assistant curator.
The minbar (pulpit) of the Al Andalus Mosque, dating back to 985 AD, is one of the rarest exhibits in the museum.
The Bab Al-Sbitriyin, which was transferred from the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, is a stellar example of carpentry and engraving.
"We displayed artifacts from various archaeological sites, such as Thamusida, Volubilis, and Chellah, as well as other pieces dating back to the dynasties that ruled Morocco during the Islamic period. Here, we mention one of the most remarkable pieces: a minbar dating back to the tenth century AD, which is unique in its kind," says Alae.
The palace was transformed into a museum in 1915, housing the first permanent exhibition.
After a three-year restoration, it's reopened with a new look and a new name that shows its Islamic identity, taking advantage of its strategic location in the centre of Fez.
The restoration work undertaken at the Al Batha Museum was a major challenge, requiring meticulous attention to preserving the building's architectural authenticity while simultaneously updating it meet the needs of modern visitors.
The restorers have taken into account every detail that connects the museum to the past as well as the present.
Alae says: "It was necessary to preserve the authenticity of the museum while adapting it to the latest updates, we have been restoring this museum for three years, relying on experts and traditional craftsmen, as well as traditional building materials, for a complete restoration."
The exhibition currently houses 777 pieces from eras spanning many centuries.
The atmosphere and spirituality of Ramadan are in keeping with the atmosphere inside the museum.
"This month is characterized by a very high spirituality among Moroccans, and it is also an opportunity for foreigners to experience this atmosphere with us. During this period, we always return to ancient traditions and cling to them more closely," says Fatima Zahra.
Katia Wassaos and her husband from Holland say their journey here has been well rewarded.
"In this museum, it's so nice to see all the history here, the rich history. And what I read there, it's about encounters of civilizations. And, yeah, this country, Morocco, is for me, it's exactly like that. I can see so many influences everywhere," she says.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2025/03/24/a-restored-ancient-museum-palace-showcases-treasures-from-the-islamic-world/
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Muslim Students Debunk MURIC’s Allegations against Adeleke Varsity
24 March 2025
The Muslim Students Association chapter of the Adeleke University has debunked a statement credited to MURIC which alleged the suspension of a Muslim student over last Friday prayer, describing the reports as fake news.
In two separate letters to the management of the university, the association in a statement signed by its Ameer, Imran Adigun AbdulHakeem, said the MURIC’s reports circulated on social media was a misrepresentation of happenings within the university, saying our faith is respected by the management.
In the second letter, the association apologised to a director and facilitator of the university, Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Adeleke- Sanni, whom the association credited with providing a conducive atmosphere for the Muslim students to practice their faith.
The letter read as follows: “On behalf of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University chapter, we write to address the ongoing misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms regarding the suspension of Muslim students for praying on cam
“On March 14, 2025, we were temporarily suspended from observing our Night Ramadan Prayers (Taraweeh) and Jummat prayers on campus on the orders of the Director of Security Service (DSS).
“However, on March 18, we met with Dr. Mrs. Modupe Adeleke regarding these challenges.
“She provided us with a place where we could observe Ramadan, Jummat prayers, and the five daily prayers which we accepted. As a result, the suspension has been lifted, and we have resumed prayers at the new location provided by the university on the orders of Dr. Modupe Adeleke.
“At no time have Muslim Students been forced to change their beliefs. While challenges may arise in any diverse academic institution, the university management has always been open to dialogue, and we have continued to receive support in practicing our faith.
“Adeleke University has provided a peaceful and respectful environment for all faiths, and we continue to practice our religion freely.
“We urge the public to disregard the misinformation that may have been spread regarding this matter as they do not reflect the reality of our experiences”, the letter to the university management noted.
The second letter tagged letter of apology to Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, read as follows: “As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you). On behalf of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University chapter, I apologise for any distress caused by the false social media reports.
“We assure you that we had no hand in spreading the misinformation. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, guidance, and kindness towards us.
“Your commitment to our well-being and academic success is invaluable, and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us. May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly for your good deeds. Jazakumullahkhairan (may Allah reward you with goodness).
“Thank you for being an exceptional mother and mentor. We are blessed to have you.”
Source:thisdaylive.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/03/24/muslim-students-debunk-murics-allegations-against-adeleke-varsity/
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Makinde plans suit as Oyo Sharia panel begins sitting
25th March 2025
Wale Akinselure and Ademola Adegbite
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that the state government plans to challenge in court the legality of the recently established Sharia panel in the state.
Makinde, through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said this on Monday in response to inquiries from The PUNCH regarding the commencement of the Sharia panel’s sittings in Oyo town.
“The governor was so clear about this matter right from the outset, that if it is a constitutional matter, we have to refer to the constitution. Does the Constitution allow that? That is what will determine the actions that will be taken by the state because we cannot do anything other than the Constitution,” Olanrewaju said.
He continued, “So, does the Constitution allow the establishment of a Sharia panel or Sharia court? If they say it does, it will be tested in court. I don’t think it does. The Constitution does not allow anyone to establish a court. You can’t just set up a court in a state.”
The Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, Dr. Rafiu Bello, confirmed to The PUNCH on Monday that the Sharia panel had been established and had already commenced sittings in Oyo town.
Bello explained, “The Sharia panel in Oyo has now been established and it sits at Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo. Sittings are held on Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm.”
He further stated, “Those knowledgeable in Sharia preside over the panel, and people are already approaching the panel regarding different issues. Nigerian law allows us to establish Sharia. The law allows us to establish a Sharia panel. Observers are welcome to the panel’s sittings.”
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Oyo chapter, had in January suspended the planned inauguration of the panel in Oyo town, following widespread public outcry.
Reacting to the issue then, Makinde had said his administration would be guided by the Constitition on the issue.
Reaffirming the stance in the interview with The PUNCH on Monday, the CPS said, “Even if it is a panel, a panel must have the backing of a state.”
The Federal Government can set up a panel; the state government can set up a panel. Individuals and groups cannot set up a panel. A panel that will determine the fate of people, a panel that will sit in judgment over people, must have the backing of the state. So, if anybody does that, it will be illegal.”
Olanrewaju added, “And of course, in Oyo State, we are known for following the rule of law. We obey the rule of law. If anybody does that and it gets to our notice, it will be tested in court, and the court will determine which way, one way or the other, whether it is legal or not. But for us in Oyo State, we are being guided by the constitution and its provisions.”
Opposition to the establishment of Sharia panels has been widespread, particularly from Christian groups, who have raised concerns over what they perceive as an attempt to Islamize the South-West region.
Despite this opposition, proponents have insisted that the decision to set up the panel is non-negotiable and necessary for adjudicating disputes among the South-West Muslim Ummah.
Bello noted that Sharia panels already exist in other parts of Oyo State, including Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan.
He also indicated that a new date for the inauguration of the panel in Oyo town would be announced.
On Monday, Bello confirmed that the Oyo Sharia panel, which has begun sittings at the Central Mosque, Akesan, is already hearing cases related to marital disharmony, inheritance, breach of agreements, land disputes, and other matters.
Bello clarified that the panel is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, though it is specifically designed for Muslims seeking to resolve issues according to Sharia law.
He emphasised, “Sharia is beneficial to Muslims, even non-Muslims. It’s also voluntary for Muslims. Sharia is a law of Allah relevant to all humans. It is to guide conduct.”
During the panel’s inaugural sittings, Bello explained, “When people approach us with unresolved cases, we offer them advice using God’s words and Islamic teachings. We tell them to suppress their thoughts for the fear of God. By this, we settle many cases. Sharia is concerned about marital harmony. We admonish couples, but it’s up to them to accept the recommendation or not. We should be allowed to practice our religion freely.”
When contacted, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed that he was not aware of the panel’s establishment or any sittings in Oyo town.
Akinyemiju stated, “I’m not aware of that. I’m not aware of the establishment of Sharia in Oyo town. I knew they wanted to do that but when there was an outcry against it, they postponed it indefinitely. So, I’m not aware that they’ve reconvened.”
He added, “Well, we will find out. Let me find out, because I never heard anything about that. They didn’t publicize it. Maybe they did it secretly. So, I can’t confirm it now.”
Source:punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/makinde-plans-suit-as-oyo-sharia-panel-begins-sitting/
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Turkiye foundation fetes over 4,000
March 25, 2025
by Tajudeen Adebanjo
The TurkiyeDiyanet Foundation (TDV) has carried out several humanitarian interventions in some parts of Nigeria.
The foundation distributed over 4,000 food packs in Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna, Lagos, Oyo states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, through its Ramadan assistance programmes.
It was learnt that the foundation which is being supervised by Counsellor for Religious Affairs office, Turkiye Embassy in Nigeria, Sheikh HuseyiniOrtac, also supported various orphanages in Abuja and Nasarawa with school bags, writing materials and food items that can last six months.
In a related event, TurkiyeDiyanet inaugurated 16 boreholes in communities of Adamawa, Gombe and Bauchi States.
It hosted iftar (breaking of fast) at the National Mosque Abuja on the third day of Ramadan, where at least 300 people benefited.
The Iftar programme was held in some villages of Niger, where 200 people were catered for.
Beneficiaries of the gesture have expressed appreciation to Turkiye, which they said would go a very long way to provide relief during the Ramadan.
In Lagos, beneficiaries of the Ramadan food packages included students in Yaba College of Technology, Yaba; Federal College of Education (Technical), FCET, Akoka; and others.
Director of Studies, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, FCET Akoka, Abdulwasiu Alaka, said the relief would help the student community a lot.
“This relief will go a very long way. It is a great thing to do. I want to thank the organisers,” he said.
Alaka said he learnt about the programme from friends at the school mosque. He prayed Allah to reward TurkiyeDiyanet with good.
“We have rice, beans, vegetables, and all sorts given to us. It will cater for a lot of things in Ramadan. May Allah reward them,” he said.
Abdul Gafar Adeyi from Iwaya said he felt honoured to be among the beneficiaries of the relief package.
He said the package comes as a succour considering the economic situation of the country and the special period of Ramadan.
“We are confident that throughout Ramadan and even beyond, we have something to eat. We pray Allah rewards the foundation and donors abundantly,” he said.
Abdulgafar also commended the distribution process, saying it was stress-free.
“I just submitted my name, then I received a call to come and pick up the package, and that’s all. No stress at all,” he said.
The Amirah of MSSN FCET Akoka, Aminah Abdulwahab, said it was highly commendable to see organisations coming up with beautiful initiatives as this.
“I feel honoured and I am happy for myself and my colleagues who have benefited from this as well. I pray Allah will bless the organisers and accept it from them as an act of Ibadah,” she said.
For his part, Tohir Ismail of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) urged TurkiyeDiyanet to continue the good work.
He said feeding people, especially fasting Muslims, is a rewarding act.
“We all know the situation of the country now. So, to get these food items is a lot. I therefore want to say Jazzakumullahkhayran to the organisers. It will really go a long way to cover some expenses, especially in this holy month of Ramadan,” Ismail added.
Source:thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/turkiye-foundation-fetes-over-4000/
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Drought-hit Morocco to extend wheat import subsidies to year-end
March 24, 2025
PARIS: Morocco will extend its current subsidy program for soft wheat imports until December 31, state grains agency ONICL said on Monday, indicating the drought-affected country will need to import throughout the year.
Citing a decision by Morocco’s finance and agriculture ministries, ONICL said in a statement on its website that the new round of subsidies for importers would run from May 1 to December 31, with details to be announced subsequently.
The authorities had previously announced a subsidy program running up to the end of April.
The continuation of the program for the whole of 2025 suggests the upcoming harvest will be insufficient to replenish supply. In the past, Morocco shut its market to imports at times during good crop years to protect domestic supply.
Morocco has imported wheat heavily in the past two years after prolonged drought led to successive poor crops. Last year, Morocco’s output of soft wheat, durum and barley was 3.1 million tons, down 43 percent compared with the previous crop.
The country has become a major wheat export outlet for the European Union and, increasingly, Russia.
ONICL also said the authorities would provide subsidies between April 1 and December 31 for importers to hold stocks of soft wheat.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2594727/middle-east
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Ramadan: Wike Donates 10,000 Bags of Rice to FCT Muslims
March 25, 2025
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has provided over 10,000 bags of rice to be distributed to various religious leaders, associations and groups for the Ramadan fasting period.
The provisions were donated yesterday at Gwagwalada on behalf of the minister by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi.
Amadi said he was representing the minister to ensure compliance with his directive that the provision was formally handed over to the recipients.
He urged the religious leaders to identify the needy and the less privileged in the society and ensure that the relief was well distributed among them.
“The season of Ramadan, like I have said, is defined by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Minister, in his own little way, is trying to identify with the religious community here in FCT by ensuring that as they go through fasting, as they go through prayers, that at the end of the day there’s something they will use to break their fast, and this is part of the almsgiving that the Minister is carrying out today to ensure that we identify with them,” he said.
While receiving the foodstuffs, the Chief Imam of FCT Minister’s residence and the representative of all the FCT imams at the occasion, Lawal Mustapha, thanked the minister for distributing the food items to the citizenry.
He noted that such benevolence was one of the things that leaders should be doing to forge understanding between them and their subjects.
The Principal, School for the Deaf, AbdulRazzak Surajo, expressed gratitude to the minister for the gesture during the Ramadan, saying the Special School will have a good celebration of this Salah with happiness.
Source:thisdaylive.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/03/25/ramadan-wike-donates-10000-bags-of-rice-to-fct-muslims/
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Lagos Public Service Club holds Ramadan lecture
March 25, 2025
by Zainab Olufemi
The Lagos State Public Service Club has held a Ramadan lecture.
The club seized the opportunity of the occasion to
unveil its official website and inaugurated Snooker section.
The club also laid foundation for a table tennis section.
The four-in-one event featured Ramadan lecture.
President of the club, Olukayode Odunuga, emphasized the importance of holding Ramadan lecture as the Holy Month coincided with Lent. This, he said, is a blessing for the country.
He enjoined Nigerians to pray for the development of the country
Odunuga said the recreation areas were to provide spaces where government staff can relax, engage in sports, and network.
He emphasized the club’s role in improving members’ well-being through structured sporting activities and health programmes such as medical checkups and wellness talks.
According to him, the club is not just a place for recreation but a hub for professional and social connections.
Odunuga emphasized the importance of the Ramadan lecture, stating that it was a time for both Muslims and Christians to come together in prayer for the success of the club and its leadership.
He noted that organizing the lecture during the holy week was intentional, as it allows members to seek divine guidance and blessings.
He spoke on increasing the annexes to five covering all five IBILE divisions – Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe. This expansion, he said, aimed to make the club’s facilities more accessible to members across different parts of the state.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, said the club is meeting its objective – to create a conducive environment for public servants to engage in sports, interact, and build relationships beyond the workplace.
He commended the administration’s rapid progress and noted that the achievements within the first 100 days of Odunuga’s administration were an indication of greater things to come.
He further praised the leadership for setting a strong foundation for future development.
“You can see the significant steps taken within the first hundred days. The administration is expanding the table tennis section, and the Chairperson of Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA has just commissioned the new snooker section. These are clear signs of growth and commitment,” he said.
According to him, since Odunuga assumption of office, the club has welcomed 1,750 new members, bringing the total to 6,750.
He attributed this increase to the administration’s dedication to improving the club’s services and creating a more engaging environment for public servants and associate members.
Source:thenationonlineng.net
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Angry Youths Loot Seyi Tinubu’s Ramadan Palliative To Northern State
24 March 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
Some angry youths have reportedly looted Ramadan palliative intended for distribution in Gombe State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
Naija News reports that Seyi has been travelling to northern states, where he participates in Iftar gatherings with local residents and political figures.
During these visits, the President’s son typically inaugurates a Ramadan feeding program aimed at assisting the underprivileged.
This initiative has faced significant backlash on social media, with users expressing a range of opinions and comments.
While some have embraced the initiative, others have criticized it, arguing that the northern region deserves more substantial support than mere palliative measures.
Although Seyi has not yet travelled to other key northern states, reports indicate that his palliative aid has arrived in Gombe State.
In a publication on Monday, Daily Trust claimed to have obtained a video clip showing a group of frustrated youths taking cartons of food items from a truck parked on the roadside.
The youths were seen tossing the items to individuals on the ground, who eagerly gathered and took them away.
The cartons contained various items, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta.
It was reported that two trucks carrying a total of 3,500 cartons of these items were designated for Gombe.
While the contents of one truck have reportedly been distributed, the other truck was intercepted, and the agitated youths took its contents.
Naija News reports that Seyi’s visits to the northern region have been characterized as part of a Ramadan outreach and the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative. However, many observers perceive these actions as a strategic political manoeuvre aimed at bolstering his father’s influence in the area, where there is growing resistance to his re-election campaign.
There are allegations that individuals who were excluded from the earlier distribution at the state Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) sabotaged the subsequent phase of the program.
The APC, however, has not responded to this situation.
Reacting to the recent development via his Facebook account, the son of the Governor of Bauchi State, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, condemned Seyi’s initiative, calling for implementing sustainable empowerment programs.
He wrote, “Please when coming to Bauchi for the #RHYE, empower our youths with employment, Keke NAPEP, monies to start a business, ICT infrastructure and training for crypto trading, and so on.
“Please, we, the youths of Bauchi, don’t need rice and food in nylon bags during Ramadan.
“Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day. They are not beggars.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/03/24/angry-youths-loot-seyi-tinubus-ramadan-palliative-to-northern-state/
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Abiru hosts Lagos East CAN for lent sermon, prayers
Seyi John Salau
March 24, 2025
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru, has hosted Christians in the Senatorial District, under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos East for lent sermons and prayers.
The hosting was in an effort to promote religious harmony and inclusivity,
Recall that Senator Abiru hosted thousands of Muslims across Lagos East Senatorial for Ramadan lectures. The grand finale that attracted prominent Islamic leaders and scholars on Thursday at the Ikorodu Eid Prayer Ground, Ota-Ona, Ikorodu.
In his exhortation, Rev. Omotoso Johnson, urged Christians to show kindness and mercy to fellow human beings during the lent period and after. He admonished them to learn from Senator Abiru, who according to him has been doing good to all and sundry in the Lagos East Senatorial District.
Referencing Act 10 verse 38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him,” Reverend Johnson, tagged the Senator Tokunbo Abiru Lent Sermon and Prayer session as celebration of doing good.
The Executive Director, Customer Centricity and Marketing, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Olusegun Olulade, who represented Senator Abiru at the event held at the Ikorodu Constituency office of the senator, called on Christians to be steadfast in their prayers for the restoration of the nation.
“The Christian community must continue to be a refuge for the weak, and a pillar of hope for our society. Through active participation in civic responsibilities, community service, and intercessory prayers for our leaders and nation, we can help transform Nigeria into a land of prosperity and peace.
“The Bible reminds us in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
“Now more than ever, we must come together in unity and fervent prayers for our nation. Let us pray for peace, progress, and prosperity in Lagos East, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole. Let us also pray for wisdom and divine guidance for our leaders at all levels so that they may govern with righteousness and fairness,” Olulade said.
The leader of CAN in the district, Rev Joshua Ojo commended the Senator for his fairness and equity in dealing with all constituents irrespective of their religious persuasions.
Adebimpe Akinsola, in her vote of thanks, appreciated the Christian community in Lagos East for their support and co-operation.
Other eminent members of the Senator’s team in attendance include Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Sherifat Abiodun Ogunniyi, Musiliu Sulaiman (Ola 4), among others.
Source:businessday.ng
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https://businessday.ng/news/article/abiru-hosts-lagos-east-can-for-lent-sermon-prayers/
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Southeast Asia
Malaysia Hindu Sangam calls for regulatory body to oversee temple land, legal status
By Dhesegaan Bala Krishnan
24 Mar 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — A dedicated regulatory body should be created to oversee the registration, land status, and dispute resolution of Hindu temples, the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) said today.
The Hindu advisory group stated that it is prepared to lead the initiative, in collaboration with the government, to safeguard the rights and heritage of the Hindu community.
“This body should also initiate discussions with relevant authorities on legalising the status of Hindu temple lands to provide long-term security and protection for places of worship,” it said in a statement today.
The proposal comes after plans to demolish and relocate the 132-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple along Jalan Munshi Abdullah near Masjid India to make way for a mosque came to light recently.
Lawyers representing the temple said that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had ordered the temple, along with its original artefacts and relics, to move to its current site in 2008.
Meanwhile, Batu MP P. Prabakaran said that the temple’s application to convert the title to land reserved for a non-Muslim house of worship in 2012 was also rejected.
The land was reportedly bought by Jakel Trading from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in 2014, with plans to construct a mosque there.
However, the temple’s lawyers claimed that the temple was only informed it was residing on privately owned land in 2016 — two years after the land sale.
Given the circumstances, MHS said maintaining the temple at its current location, alongside the proposed mosque, would be the best arrangement for all parties.
“Such an arrangement would demonstrate to the world Malaysia’s commitment to coexistence amidst diversity,” it added.
MHS also refuted allegations that many Hindu temples in the country were operating illegally, which have been circulating on social media following the incident.
It said that many Hindu temples were established with proper approval during the British colonial era, but land sales and urban development after independence had rendered the status of some temples ambiguous.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/24/malaysia-hindu-sangam-calls-for-regulatory-body-to-oversee-temple-land-legal-status/170716
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Official: Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple to relocate within Jalan Masjid India
By Malay Mail
25 Mar 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple committee has come to an agreement with City Hall (DBKL) to relocate to new location nearby, said an official.
Acccording to Malaysiakini, temple committee secretary Karthik Gunaseelan said this was agreed after a meeting yesterday.
“We thank the minister, elected representatives and other authorities who helped achieve this resolution.
“The new site is nearby and within the area of Jalan Masjid India and suitable as an alternative site,” Karthik was quoted as saying.
The temple official said a meeting will be held today to decide the technical aspects of the relocation, with an official announced to be made after.
The century-old temple is at the centre of a controversy stemming from an announcement that it would be relocated from its present site to make way for a mosque.
The land it is occupying was sold by DBKL to Jakel Trading SdnBhd in 2014, reportedly without the knowledge of the temple committee.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque on March 27 and that the new mosque was needed in the area.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/25/official-dewi-sri-pathrakaliamman-temple-to-relocate-within-jalan-masjid-india/170792
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‘Only a matter of time’: Sultan tells Pahang govt to act urgently on worsening coastal erosion
25 Mar 2025
KUANTAN, March 25 — The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa has urged the state government to take immediate and serious action to address coastal erosion in Pahang to safeguard the well-being and interests of the people.
His Highness expressed deep concern over the worsening erosion, particularly in the Padang Api-Api area along the Pekan-Nenasi road, where the situation has become increasingly critical.
“Based on my observation during a helicopter ride to Rompin, I captured images showing that about 300 acres of land have already been lost to sea erosion.
“The main road is now dangerously close to the coastline—it’s only a matter of time. If urgent action is not taken, there is a significant risk that the road could be swallowed by the sea within the next three to five years,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah when opening the new Kampung Marhum Mosque in Pekan which has been named the Saidina Uthman Ibnu Affan Mosque.
The speech had been uploaded on the Sultanate of Pahang’s official Facebook page.
Earlier in January, media reports highlighted severe coastal erosion at Sungai Lumpur in Kampung Jawa, Rompin, where high tides had exacerbated the problem, affecting over 50 nearby residents.
The affected community has urged the government to upgrade existing breakwaters, as they are no longer sufficient to prevent erosion during the Northeast Monsoon season and periods of high tides. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Anwar: Jakel groundbreaking ceremony to proceed on temple site, new mosque needed as nearby ones crowded
By Muhammad Yusry
25 Mar 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today confirmed that Jakel Trading SdnBhd’s mosque groundbreaking ceremony to proceed as scheduled despite opposition from some.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said a new mosque is needed for the Masjid India area other as other nearby mosques are already crowded.
“The prayer areas and mosques there are overcrowded, so a new place is needed. That is why I will proceed with laying the foundation stone for the mosque on the 27th,” he said in his speech at the 218th Police Day Celebrations here.
Anwar said the government is supporting the relocation, with Jakel Trading providing compensation for the move.
He also said that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is also offering the new site as a goodwill gesture.
The prime minister stressed that Malaysians must abide by the law that governs the country.
“In order to maintain harmony between communities, we sometimes do things that are not necessarily required, such as negotiating in good faith.
“Because for them, that place is one of faith and religious practice, it must be relocated properly. There was never any thought or discussion about demolishing it, but that has become the narrative,” he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled this Thursday, amid public debate over the relocation of Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple which is accused of squatting on the land.
DBKL previously confirmed that the temple will be relocated to another site agreeable to parties involved, following a proposal by landowner Jakel Trading SdnBhd to build a mosque on its land.
Jakel Trading bought the plot in question from DBKL in 2014, allegedly without the temple management being informed of the matter.
Lawyers Datuk AmbigaSreneevasan, and N. Surendran and Zaid Malek from Lawyers for Liberty — who are backing the temple — have previously questioned the hastiness of the groundbreaking ceremony and demanded that sales and purchase agreement of the land be made public.
Source:malaymail.com
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Selangor Sultan receives RM2.33m in business ‘zakat’, presents RM229,000 to Klang recipients
25 Mar 2025
KLANG, March 25 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, graced a ceremony at Masjid Bandar Bukit Raja yesterday to receive business tithe contributions totalling RM2.33 million from two companies — Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (RM1.33 million) and Bawal Eksklusif (RM1 million).
His Royal Highness also accepted corporate cash waqf contributions of RM50,000 each from the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
During the event, Sultan Sharafuddin officiated Masjid Bandar Bukit Raja, a mosque constructed at a cost of RM11.9 million.
The mosque, featuring an open and eco-friendly design, can accommodate up to 1,850 worshippers and has been in operation since April 4, 2022.
The Ruler, accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku PermaisuriNorashikin, and the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, arrived at the mosque at 6.20pm. They were welcomed by Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and State Secretary, Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin.
Sultan Sharafuddin also presented Hari Raya contributions totalling RM229,000 to 458 asnaf in the Klang district, comprising the poor, needy, and reverts, with each recipient receiving RM500.
In his speech, Klang district officer Amri Ismail shared that as of February 28, the Klang District and Land Office (PDT) had collected RM119.7 million in land premiums and permit fees, representing 41 per cent of the state’s target for the district.
He added that RM1.8 million has been allocated this year for various community programmes to assist eligible groups and entrepreneurs in increasing their income and eradicating poverty.
Amri also reported that the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) project in Zone 6 (Kampung Sungai Kandis to Alam Impian) and Zone 8 (Kota Kemuning to Kampung Lombong) had reached 37.58 per cent completion as of January 31.
The project is expected to be completed next year and aims to enhance the capacity, quality, and quantity of Sungai Klang’s water as a sustainable water source.
The event concluded with Sultan Sharafuddin and the royal family breaking fast and performing Maghrib, Isyak, and Tarawih prayers with the public before departing. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Facing Ramadan blues away from home
Harith Kamal
25-03- 2025
PETALING JAYA: For many Malaysian students abroad, Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, tradition and togetherness.
Yet, thousands of kilometres from home, the experience can be bittersweet. Rather than let distance dull the spirit of the holy month, these students have found ways to recreate a sense of home in foreign lands.
Wan Insyirah Aisyah, 20, a sophomore majoring in Economics at Penn State University in the United States, recounts her first Ramadan away as a challenging experience.
“As a freshman, I missed my family terribly. The Ramadan atmosphere I grew up with was gone, and it felt lonely,” she said.
To cope, she and her friends broke fast together and performed tarawih prayers in a group, finding comfort in shared experiences.
Now, as president of the Penn State University Malaysian Students Club (MSC), she is determined to ensure no Malaysian student feels alone during the holy month.
“One of the reasons I ran for president was to strengthen the Malaysian community here. I wanted to create a sense of belonging, especially during Ramadan.”
MSC has turned Ramadan into a shared celebration, organising a bazaar reminiscent of those back home and hosting iftar sessions at which students cook traditional meals, pray together and recreate the essence of home.
Food such as roti john, nasi kandar and kek batik evoke cherished memories of Malaysian Ramadan bazaars, making every bite a reminder of home.
“It may not be Malaysia, but through every shared meal and tradition, we keep the spirit alive.
“Cooking, sharing and even selling food together makes it all the more meaningful,” she said.
For Zara YuhanaRazlan, 22, who is studying Data Science at BI Norwegian Business School in Norway, Ramadan presents a different set of challenges.
“There aren’t many Muslims in Norway, and the nearest mosque is quite far. Because of that, I don’t attend tarawih prayers at the mosque often,” she said.
Instead, she and fellow Malaysians have built a tight-knit support system, gathering in one another’s homes to pray and share meals.
She also has to navigate a fasting schedule that shifts dramatically with the seasons.
“This year, fasting lasts around 12 hours, which is manageable. However in summer, it stretches beyond 20 hours and in winter, it can be as short as six,” she said, adding that the toughest challenge remains the absence of family.
“Watching my family gather for iftar while I’m miles away makes me miss them even more.
“But this experience has taught me resilience and the importance of creating my own sense of home, no matter where I am.”
University of Queensland first year Chemical Engineering student Safea Hannah, 22, who is experiencing her first Ramadan away from home in Australia, said: “It’s tough, but having good friends makes it easier. We support one another and share moments that help ease the homesickness.”
One of her biggest adjustments has been preparation of meals.
“With dining out in Australia being costly, my housemates and I have taken to cooking our own meals.
“We try new recipes, call our mums for cooking tips, and share meals together,” she said.
Safea is also grateful for support from her university, which includes nightly tarawih prayers that are open to all.
“It’s amazing for a foreign university, and I’ve met friends from Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei,” she said, adding that being away from home has taught her independence and adaptability.
“Ramadan abroad makes me appreciate family gatherings even more, but it also shows that meaningful experiences can be created anywhere.”
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/facing-ramadan-blues-away-from-home-KO13847049
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Of pineapple tarts and second chances: Inmates’ Raya cookies go viral to become this Ramadan’s sweetest hit
24 Mar 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — Thanks to the power of social media, Raya cookies made by inmates and sold at the My Pride Product Gallery, Kajang Prison Complex, have gained overwhelming surge in demand since the start of Ramadan.
The buzz began when a lawyer and social media influencer, Tun Laila, shared a video showcasing various types of Raya cookies and frozen foods sold at the gallery. Her endorsement highlighted the cookies’ premium quality at prices much lower than those in the market.
As a result, eager customers have flocked to the gallery, causing a temporary pause in sales to replenish stock.
Commissioner-General of Prisons, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, shared that as of March 21, over 60,000 jars of Raya cookies made by more than 300 inmates from prisons like Pokok Sena, Seberang Perai, Tapah, Batu Gajah, Kajang Women’s Prison, Sungai Udang, Kluang, SimpangRenggam, Bentong, and Pengkalan Chepa have been sold.
“Every year, we sell these Raya cookies, but this year’s response has been extraordinary. Congratulations to the prison inmates and institutions nationwide involved in this year’s production,” Abdul Aziz told Bernama recently.
Preparations for this year’s sales began early, with participating prisons submitting over 80 product samples for evaluation. Following taste tests, more than 40 varieties of cookies and snacks, including rempeyek, muruku, and fried tempe, were selected for sale at prices ranging from RM12 to RM30 per jar.
Among the bestsellers this year are ‘Tart NenasGeboo’ from Pengkalan Chepa, ‘Cinta Hati Dahlia’ from Seberang Perai, and ‘Swiss Tart’ from Bentong. Other favourites include Tart Nenas Cheese, Butang Baju Abang Jamil, Almond Chocolate, Black Button Cookies, Rainbow Delight, Mazola, Makmur, Bangkit, BiskutSemperit, Popia Manis, Kuih Rotan, and Peanut Crunchy Cookies.
The overwhelming response not only reflects the quality of these inmate-made products but also highlights the success of rehabilitation programmes by the Malaysian Prisons Department.
These initiatives aim to equip inmates with valuable skills to help them rebuild their lives after their release.
The cookies are available daily at the My Pride Product Gallery from 9am to 4.30pm. Additionally, they can be purchased at a sales booth set up at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya from March 24 to 26, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Proceeds from the sales go to the Inmates’ Welfare and Rehabilitation Trust Fund, with participating inmates receiving incentives based on their skill levels.
The funds also support the procurement of raw materials, facility upgrades, TVET skill training, and rehabilitation activities, including religious events, sports, arts, and cultural programmes.
A long-time customer, Nuraisha Rusli, 41, from Hulu Langat, shared, “This is my fourth year buying these Raya cookies because of their quality and delicious taste, especially the pineapple tarts from Pengkalan Chepa. The price is very reasonable for such premium quality, much lower than outside.” — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/24/of-pineapple-tarts-and-second-chances-inmates-raya-cookies-go-viral-to-become-this-ramadans-sweetest-hit/170651
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Bank Islam Issues Seventh Tranche Of RM250 Mln Sukuk Murabahah
24/03/2025
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has issued its seventh tranche of RM250 million Subordinated Sukuk Murabahah under its RM10 billion Sukuk Murabahah Programme. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, it said the Sukuk Murabahah shall qualify as Tier 2 regulatory capital of Bank Islam in compliance with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Capital Adequacy Framework for Islamic Banks (Capital Components). Hence, the 10-year tenure sukuk will enhance the capital adequacy of Bank Islam in line with the Basel III requirements.“The Sukuk Murabahah, which will be redeemed at its full nominal value upon maturity, comes with a call option on its fifth anniversary and is rated ‘A1/stable’ by RAM Rating Services Bhd. “Bank Islam is the principal adviser, lead arranger, lead manager and shariah adviser for the Sukuk Murabahah Programme,” it said.-- BERNAMA
Source:bernama.com
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https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=2405781
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The Herbal Soup Shop in George Town offers customers halal Chinese herbal soups and more
By Opalyn Mok
25 Mar 2025
GEORGE TOWN, March 25 — A bowl of soup is the ultimate comfort food and for Muslim-convert Gimi Lim Burge, that is the reason he created halal versions of the herbal soups he grew up drinking as a child.
The 50-year-old and his wife Lina Hassan, 43, started a small home-cooked food delivery business during the pandemic in 2020 but soon — craving the flavours from his childhood — he thought about making Chinese herbal soup using halal ingredients.
“A friend recommended a Chinese herbal soup master to us and after meeting with him, he agreed to train my wife on how to make herbal soups,” he said.
After learning the recipes and how to make herbal soups using halal ingredients, they experimented and came up with their own version of herbal soups using local herbs and spices such as tongkat Ali, cinnamon, cloves and ginseng.
“We use 15 quality herbs and spices in the soups,” he said. They offer two herbal soups: chicken herbal soup and mushroom herbal soup.
Lina said Malays mostly do not like the taste of herbal soups because of the strong smell and flavours so she tweaked the recipes.
“I personally find Chinese herbal soups too strong... we are not used to the herbal aroma... so I adjusted the recipe to make it milder so those who don’t really like herbal soups will still be able to take it,” she said.
Gimi said Chinese herbal soups are known for their health benefits.
“I wanted to offer a soup that’s warm and also good for health,” he said.
The couple opened their restaurant The Herbal Soup Shop in August last year, offering the halal herbal soups as part of the set meal in their menu.
“In the beginning, most of our customers would order the other items such as chicken rendang or mutton curry,” Gimi said.
So, they would offer complimentary small bowls of the herbal soups for their customers to try.
“Most of them were pleasantly surprised that it was not as strong tasting as they thought it would be,” he said.
He said now there are regular customers from as far away as Kedah who would travel to Penang to order packets of their herbal soups to bring back.
Aside from the herbal soups, the restaurant also offers fried dumplings and steamed dumplings sets and Nyonya laksa.
A few months after opening the restaurant on Carnarvon Street, the couple quickly made friends with the other businesses nearby including the famous Tiger Char Koay Teow.
Gimi said the Tiger Char Koay Teow owner even taught Lina how to make his iconic char koay teow.
“He taught her how to fry the koay teow so now we have the halal version of it on our menu,” he said.
Gimi said they are always open to learning new recipes.
Though Lina used to work in a Chinese Muslim restaurant in Kuala Lumpur previously, both of them are relatively new to the business.
“We are still learning the ropes and doing what we can to keep going,” said Gimi, who was a musician in a band in KL before this.
The couple relocated to Penang in 2019 to take care of Gimi’s mother who was ill.
Their home food delivery business took off during the pandemic as they were getting repeat orders from offices and organisations.
Even during Ramadan while the restaurant is closed during the day and only opens at 7pm for bukapuasa, they still take lunch delivery orders from non-Muslims.
“We are also doing drive-thru deliveries for Muslims to pick up their orders for bukapuasa in the evenings,” he said.
He said this is to make it more convenient for customers as it is not easy to find parking near their restaurant.
The Herbal Soup Shop is at 79, Carnarvon Street and is open from 7pm to 2am during Ramadan.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/eat-drink/2025/03/25/the-herbal-soup-shop-in-george-town-offers-customers-halal-chinese-herbal-soups-and-more/170742
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IGP: Religious insults decline as PDRM and MCMC enhance enforcement and awareness
24 Mar 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — Firm action taken by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to bring individuals involved in cases of religious insults to justice has been one of the key factors in reducing such cases this year.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said in the first three months of this year, 17 investigation papers involving religious insult cases were opened nationwide representing a decrease of 12 cases compared to the same period last year.
He added that close collaboration with MCMC was vital to this effort, as the agency is responsible for monitoring online content and taking swift action against sensitive materials, including issuing orders for removal or blocking.
“When cases of religious insults are reported, PDRM and MCMC collaborate to investigate individuals or parties suspected of involvement. MCMC also assists in identifying the source of such content and provides technical evidence.
“This aids in tracking down the perpetrators. Other measures include imposing fines, account closures, or legal actions deemed appropriate under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and other relevant laws,” he told Bernama today.
Razarudin stressed that openly insulting religions verbally, in writing, or through social media constitutes a serious offence under the Sedition Act 1948, the Penal Code, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Among the applicable legal provisions is Section 298A of the Penal Code, which imposes a maximum imprisonment of five years on individuals who intentionally disturb public order by insulting or demeaning any religion.
“In addition to enforcement, awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate the public on the importance of respecting religious sensitivities and the negative impact of spreading content that offends religions on social media,” he said.
To ensure more effective enforcement, he pointed out that state religious authorities are also involved in investigations, especially in cases involving in cases of insults against Islam and this includes taking action under the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactments enforced at the state level.
Razarudin also advised the public not to share statements or materials that insult or demean other cultures or religious beliefs, as such actions may violate the law.
“Do not be easily influenced or believe in unverified content, especially concerning sensitive religious issues. Verify its authenticity first to prevent the spread of slander or content that could offend others.
“Malaysia is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, and it is therefore crucial for people to respect the religious sensitivities of others and avoid any actions or remarks that could incite hatred or tension among communities,” he said.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities or religiously offensive content to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken to safeguard the harmony of Malaysia’s multi-religious society. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/24/igp-religious-insults-decline-as-pdrm-and-mcmc-enhance-enforcement-and-awareness/170715
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South Asia
Eid congregations to be held in four regions across GMR
24 Mar 2025
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed that Eid-Al-Fitr mass congregations will be held across four regions in the Greater Malé Region this year as well.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Islamic Ministry publicized the venues and mosques where the mass congregational Eid prayer will be held across the Greater Malé Region comprising of Malé, Hulhumalé and Villimalé just like previous years.
Among the venues designated for congregational Eid prayers are the Maafannu Stadium in Malé City and the Villimalé football ground.
In addition to this, it has been decided to hold mass congregational Eid prayers at the synthetic track area in Hulhumalé Phase I and at the Cricket Stadium in Hulhumalé Phase II. Similar to 2024, mass congregational Eid prayers will commence at 7am this year as well.
Although Eid congregations had commenced at 7:30am across different parts of the Maldives for years, it has now been amended due to a number of reasons.
The change was made as 7:30am is a time the heat from the rising sun intensifies, and as Eid congregations are being held across vacant areas and fields without shade in the Maldives and as several members of the public including the elderly, those with special needs, the less-abled as well as children take part in the congregations would have to bear the brunt of the morning sun.
As such, the ministry has set 7am as the time Eid congregations will begin from 2024 onwards.
Venues designated for Eid al-Fitr prayers this year include:
Masjid al-Furqan in Malé City
Masjid al-Noor in Malé City
Maafannu Stadium (mass congregation) - Malé City
Masjid al-Sultan Hassan Izzuddin (Thaiba Mosque) - Malé City
Masjid al-Sultan Muhammad Fareed al-Awwal (Dhuburi Mosque) - Malé City
Masjid Shaheed Abdul Rahman (Fandiyaaru Mosque) - Malé City
Masjid Iskandar - Malé City
Boduge (temporary mosque) - Malé City
Masjid al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A'zam (Islamic Center) - Malé City
Masjid al-Malik Salman - Malé City
Masjid al-Shaheed Ali - Malé City
Masjid al-Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin (Bandaara Mosque) - Malé City
Masjid Salahuddin - Malé City
Masjid Jalaluddin - Malé City
Masjid Ibrahim - Malé City
Masjid al-Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin (Ran Mosque) - Malé City
Masjid al-Sheikh Muhammad Jameel Didi (Faifuhey Mosque) - Malé City
Maafannu New Mosque - Malé City
Villimalé mass congregation (Villimalé Football Ground) - Villimalé
Masjid al-Salaam - Villimalé
Hulhumalé mass congregation (Cricket Stadium) (Hulhumalé Phase II) - Hulhumalé
Masjid Hassan Adam (Hulhumalé Phase II) - Hulhumalé
Masjid Abu Bakr Siddiq (Hulhumalé Phase II) - Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé mass congregation (Synthetic Track) - Hulhumalé
Masjid al-Sheikh Qasim bin Muhammad Al Thani (Hulhumalé Phase I) - Hulhumalé
Masjid Rasheed (Hulhumalé Phase I) - Hulhumalé
Masjid Azeeza Moosa (Hulhumalé Phase I) - Hulhumalé
According to the Islamic Ministry, Eid prayers in Malé City will be held at all mosques where Friday prayers are held, if the mass congregations require to be cancelled due to unwelcoming weather conditions.
The people are urged to perform their ablution at home and carry their own water bottles, prayer mats and a non-plastic bag to carry their slippers, when they attend the congregation or the mosque.
The government has been holding mass congregations at stadiums for many years now, with the first one held in 2012.
Eid prayers are performed in congregation twice a year during Eid-Al-Adha and Eid-Al-Fitr, the latter marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan which is celebrated by Muslim communities globally.
Source:raajje.mv
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Performing the Eid prayer in congregation is a holy practice among the Muslim communities.
https://raajje.mv/164544
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3 to die for killing teenager after rape in Keraniganj
Mar 25, 2025
A Dhaka tribunal today sentenced three people to death for killing a teenager after rape in Dhaka's Keraniganj in 2022.
The convicts are Md Sajib, 25, of Keraniganj, Md Rakib, 23, of Faridpur, and Shaon alias Valka Shaon, 26, of Shariatpur.
Of them, Sajib is absconding while Rakib and Shaon are now in jail.
Judge Munshi Md Moshiar Rahman of Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-4 of Dhaka pronounced the sentence in presence of the two convicts at the courtroom.
In addition, the tribunal sentenced the three persons to seven years in prison for disappearing the victim's body.
The punishment of fugitive convict Sajib will be effective from the day of his surrender or arrest, said the judge in his judgement.
The tribunal also acquitted Ali Akbar and Md Riaz as the charges brought against them were not proven.
Earlier the prosecution and the defence completed their arguments, and the tribunal recorded statements of 19 prosecution witnesses, including complainant of the case.
According to the case statement, it was alleged that on June 11, 2022 police recovered the body of a teenager floating on a pond in front of the West Bamansur Jame Mosque in Keraniganj area. Later, police filed the case in this connection.
The victim's friend Brishti Akhter identified the body. Later, police arrested Shaon, and he confessed to a magistrate that he along with the other accused gang-raped, strangled the victim and dumped in a pond.
After investigating the case, police submitted a charge sheet accusing the five people on September 30, 2023.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/3-die-killing-teenager-after-rape-keraniganj-3857021
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Medical Faculty Approved at Ghazni University
2025-03-24
GHAZNI(BNA): The Ministry of Higher Education has announced the approval of a new medical faculty at Ghazni University. Hafiz Ziaullah Hashemi, the spokesman for the Ministry, confirmed this milestone, emphasizing its importance for both local and national educational opportunities.
The establishment of the medical faculty is expected to open doors for students not only from Ghazni province but also from various parts of Afghanistan. This initiative aims to enhance the medical education landscape in the country, ultimately contributing to the improvement of health services.
Hashemi highlighted that the new faculty will play a crucial role in training future healthcare professionals, addressing the pressing need for qualified medical personnel in Afghanistan. The move is seen as a step towards strengthening the healthcare system and providing essential services to the community.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/medical-faculty-approved-at-ghazni-university/
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Needy families in Nangarhar receive Ramadan aid from Bayat Foundation
March 24, 2025
On the occasion of Ramadan, Bayat Foundation delivered food aid to dozens of needy families in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Nangarhar this week.
The organization’s officials said that the aid packages include flour, rice, and cooking oil, which was distributed to the needy after a transparent assessment.
“Bayat Foundation helps thousands of families across Afghanistan every year. Fortunately, today this Ramadan aid was distributed to hundreds of families in Jalalabad. This aid includes flour, rice, and cooking oil,” Attaullah Sahil, a representative of Bayat Foundation in Nangarhar, said.
Appreciating Bayat Foundation’s assistance, officials of the Nangarhar Department of Economy called on other charities to help the needy during the holy month of Ramadan.
“These families are very deserving families who were selected after conducting a survey in the presence of representatives of the Department of Economy and Bayat Foundation. All families are deserving, and they include widows, the disabled and the poor,” Mohammad Asif Rahmani, a representative of the Nangarhar Department of Economy, said.
Recipients welcomed the Ramadan aid from Bayat Foundation, saying that those in need require more help.
Haider, an aid recipient, said: “We are very poor people. There are no job opportunities. Thank you very much to Bayat Foundation for helping us.”
Mohammad Zaman, another aid recipient, said: “During this Ramadan, I was facing difficulties. I could not find sustenance. Bayat Foundation helped us. May God help it.”
Bayat Foundation has helped the needy not only during the holy month of Ramadan, but also during natural disasters, and has continued to cooperate with government institutions in various sectors, especially health and education.
Source:ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/needy-families-in-nangarhar-receive-ramadan-aid-from-bayat-foundation/
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Imam-Muazzins to get profitless small loans
24 Mar 2025
DHAKA, March 24, 2025 (BSS) – The Ministry of Religious Affairs will provide profitless small loans to the Imam and Muazzins of the mosques from now on.
Economically insolvent Imams and the Muazzins who received trainings from the Islamic foundation previously will get this loan from the foundation’s Imam-Muazzin Welfare Trust Fund. Aside from this, the fund provides economical aid to the Imams and Muazzins by donation money.
This year a total of 1 crore 80 lakh taka has been given as small loan to 600 Imam and Muazzins under this project and total 2 crore 31 lakh taka has been given as donation money to 4620 Imam and Muazzins.
A total of 4 crore 11 lakh taka will be spent from the Trust Fund behind these two, Donation and Profitless Small Loan, project this year.
Source:bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/news/257868
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IEA controls power in Afghanistan, security prevails: Araqchi
March 24, 2025
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, has said that the Islamic Emirate controls power in Afghanistan and security prevails across the country.
Speaking in an interview with Khabar Online, Araqchi said that before the Islamic Emirate took over, different parts of Afghanistan would be governed by different groups.
“The reality is that now there is a power in Afghanistan that has consolidated its rule over the past three and a half years, and unlike in the past, when every corner of Afghanistan was in the hands of different people, this is not the case now. Security and rule prevail. We must address the issues and resolve them for our national interests,” Araqchi said.
The Islamic Emirate welcomed the remarks saying that it indicates an understanding of the realities in Afghanistan.
“This actually means a correct understanding of the realities in Afghanistan. It is a fact that there is a single political governance in Afghanistan that has complete control over Afghanistan,” Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, said.
Araqchi also added in his interview that there are issues in Afghanistan that are related to Iran’s national interests, so he traveled to Kabul to discuss them with the officials of the Islamic Emirate.
He mentioned water rights, presence of Afghan refugees in Iran and Daesh as issues that need to be discussed between the officials of the two countries.
The Iranian diplomat said that Tehran, like other countries, has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, but despite sanctions, trade is taking place between the two countries in high volumes.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, Abdulsalam Hanafi, said in a meeting with the acting ambassador of Afghanistan to Iran recently that Afghanistan and Iran have long-standing religious, historical, cultural and economic relations, and the embassy officials should make every effort to strengthen them.
Source:ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/iea-controls-power-in-afghanistan-security-prevails-araqchi/
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ICAB holds webinar on ‘Evolving Role of Accountants in AML Compliance’
24 Mar 2025
DHAKA, March 24, 2025 (BSS) - The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) organized a webinar on ‘Evolving Role of Accountants in AML Compliance’ today through zoom platform.
A. F. M. Shahinul Islam, Head of Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), Bangladesh Bank joined the webinar as the chief guest while Nasir Uddin Ahmed, council member and former president, ICAB moderated the program as the session chairman. ICAB President Maria Howlader delivered the address of welcome.
Scott Hanson, Director, Policy & Global Engagement, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) presented the keynote paper while the panel discussants were Md Manirul Islam, Deputy Director, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), Bangladesh Bank and Md. Shahadat Hossain, council member and former president ICAB, said a press release.
I CAB CEO Shubhashish Bose made the opening remarks while Md. Johirul Islam, vice president, ICAB delivered the closing remarks.
In his keynote paper, Scott Hanson, discussed anti money laundering (AML) and the accountancy profession in country context, the global AML framework and current scenario in Bangladesh and globally.
The keynote presenter opined that the professional accountancy organizations like ICAB, and the individual professional accountants, are the key stakeholders in the fight against corruption and money laundering.
IFAC’s Anti-Corruption Action Plan is harnessing the full potential of education and professional development, supporting global standards, contributing to evidence-based policymaking, strengthening impact through engagement & partnership and contributing expertise through thought leadership and advocacy.
As a founding member of IFAC, ICAB is always maintaining all these standards in rendering its services.
The keynote presenter also thinks that a strong accountancy profession plays an important role in the fight against corruption.
Source:bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/business/257800
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Northerners may hit snags on roads this Eid holiday
Mar 25, 2025
People have started leaving Dhaka to celebrate Eid with their loved ones and their journeys have mostly been hassle-free.
However, as the rush of homebound travellers gains momentum, particularly on March 27 and 29, northbound passengers may experience traffic congestion unless proper traffic management measures are ensured.
Ongoing construction work on the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, and the expansion of the Dhaka-Rangpur and Dhaka-Sylhet highways may lead to further congestion if adequate police presence is not ensured.
Additionally, any potential road blockades by groups, particularly garment workers, could worsen the situation during the Eid rush, said transport leaders.
The nine-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr will start from Friday. More than 1 crore people are likely to leave the capital and surrounding areas to celebrate the festival at their homes.
After the opening of the Padma Bridge and the widening of three major bridges on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, people did not face major traffic congestion in the last few Eids.
But lengthy expansion of the Dhaka-Rangapur highway from Elenga of Tangail and pressure of passengers at Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur industrial belts often cause traffic congestion, resulting in suffering to the home-goers.
The work of the Dhaka-Rangpur highway saw 82 precent progress and the project authority said they managed to open four lanes on the entire corridor with service lanes and bridges.
But, two points remain vulnerable to road congestion: one on the Jamuna Bridge and Gobindaganj in Gaibandha, said the project's Director Waliur Rahman.
The Jamuna Bridge is a narrow four-lane bridge and if a vehicle breaks down there, it creates huge congestion until the vehicle is salvaged.
Besides, the construction of a flyover is going on at Gobindaganj, which may create congestion, he said.
On the other hand, the construction of the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway is now going on and that may create congestion on Abdullahpur-Ashulia-Baipail road.
Besides, the construction of a flyover at Baipail under the project may cause traffic congestion on the Savar-Chandra highway, which often witnesses congestion during the Eid rush.
Because of the construction work of the expressway, most of the vehicles will not use Abdullahpur-Ashulia-Baipail road, Ashok Kumar Pal, Gazipur Metropolitan Police's additional deputy police commissioner (Traffic), told our Gazipur Correspondent.
They will use the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to the northern region via Gazipur, which may create a huge pressure on the highway, he said.
"However, we will have 500 more traffic policemen to ensure that there is no traffic jam on the Gazipur territory on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway," he said.
Meanwhile, an official of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway expansion project said that currently they were working on the main road at two points: Hatkhola and Velanagar in Narsingdi.
But, the roads in these areas are four-lane ones, so there is unlikely to be congestion if traffic management can be ensured, he said, wishing not to be named.
Meanwhile, many people left Dhaka by bus yesterday, but their number was not big.
Many of them, including those who collected advance tickets, complained of overcharging.
One such passenger is Abu Talha, a private service holder. When he went to buy a ticket from SI Paribahan to travel to Sirajganj on March 26, he was charged Tk 150 more than the actual fare of Tk 350.
"They did not even mention the fare on the ticket -- the bus operator charged Tk 350 on March 21 when I sent my family home."
When he inquired about the overcharging, the counterman did not provide any explanation.
The number of passengers leaving Dhaka was very thin yesterday, said Mosharraf Hossain, general manager of Hanif Paribahan, adding that he expects the passenger flow to pick up from Thursday.
Suvankar Ghosh, general secretary of the Bangladesh Bus Truck Owners Association, said they expected passenger pressure on March 25, 27 and 29.
The closure of garment factories on March 29 may cause huge traffic pressure in Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur areas, he said.
The construction of a flyover at the Baipail area may cause traffic congestion on the Savar-Chandra highway, which often witnesses congestion during the Eid rush.
Replying to a question, Suvankar said they had sought security from the police to ensure passenger safety.
They also asked the bus owners to keep the bus doors closed at night to avoid any untoward incidents, he said.
Asked about overcharging by some bus operators, he said they have noting to do regarding AC buses as there is no fixed fare for such services.
But they will take action against other buses if they receive allegations of overcharging, he said.
Meanwhile, thousands of people started to leave Dhaka by train as the Bangladesh Railway started a special Eid service yesterday.
Most trains left Kamalapur Railway Station on time amid tight security and ticket checking.
As of 1:00pm, 18 intercity trains left the station and two of them were late.
Burimari Express left the station one and a half hours late while Egaro Sindhur Express left one hour late, said Station Master Anwar Hossain.
A total of 68 trains, including 43 intercity trains, were supposed to leave Dhaka yesterday.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/northerners-may-hit-snags-roads-eid-holiday-3856701
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July uprising in CTG: Helmeted and masked, AL men gunned down scores
Mar 25, 202
In Dhaka, it was the law enforcers who turned on the people they were supposed to protect. It was the law enforcers who preyed upon protesters during the July uprising. But in Chattogram, it was different. The killers were not in uniform. They came clad in helmets and masks, guns ablaze. And now investigators say they have the names of the suspects.
The port city had turned into a hub of protests at the height of the uprising. Its streets had become battlefields where scores were shot dead.
Investigators of the International Crimes Tribunal say they have found evidence that Awami League activists were responsible for many of these deaths.
Led by two prosecutors, a six-member probe team visited Chattogram and identified at least 11 leaders and activists of AL, its student or youth wings who brandished firearms and shot at protesters. Some of them were already known as armed cadres and loyal followers of AL leaders.
The investigators also gathered photographic evidence of the AL men in action -- wielding weapons and shooting them. Video clips of them shooting at demonstrators that went viral on social media show that they had helmets and face masks.
Those who were identified are AL leader Helal Akbar Chowdhury Babor, ex-councillor of ward 21 (Jamal Khan) Shaibal Das Sumon, Jubo league leader and former councillor of Chakbazar ward Nur Mostafa Tinu, former Halishahar-Nayabazar councillor Abdus Sabur Liton, and Chattogram city BCL former general secretary Nurul Azim Rony, Chandgaon thana Swechchhasebak League President Mohiuddin Farhad aka Mohiuddin, its member Jalal aka Drill Jalal, port city Swechchhasebak League activist Md Delwar, city Jubo League activists Md Farid aka Towhid and HM Mithu aka Nurul Huda Mithu and AL leader Md Firoz of Cumilla'sLangalkot.
The ICT probe team also identified at least 11 others who either personally carried firearms during the attacks on protests or patronised armed cadres.
They are AL leader and ex-mayor of Chattogram City Corporation AJM Nasir Uddin, ex-AL lawmaker from Chattogram-6 ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, AL leader Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Chattogram city AL President Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, AL leader Didarul Alam, city Jubo League Vice-president Debashish Paul Debu, Chattogram city BCL leaders Imran Ahmed Imu and Zakaria Dastagir.
Several cases, including for murder, have been filed against them in Chattogram following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
Of them, Firoz, Farid, Helal, and Fazle Karim have already been arrested. But none of the arms used in the attacks could be recovered. Photos show that the arms used include AK-22 rifle, pistols, and shotguns.
An investigator said they found that when AL cadres went on a shooting spree, police abetted them from behind to cover their actions.
He said that they recorded accounts of witnesses. "We visited the sites and found important evidence that will support the trial," he told The Daily Star, wishing anonymity.
This newspaper reported on July 16 that AL leader Helal led the armed cadres during a clash in the city's Muradpur area. On his instructions, at least five people started shooting on demonstrators, killing three people, including a Chhatra Dal leader. Chhatra League leader Nurulwas also seen alongside him.
On July 18, AL leaders and activists were also seen carrying firearms in the port city's Bahaddarhat area during clashes that killed four people, including a Chittagong University student.
During the violence, police used sound grenades, shotguns, and teargas canisters. As the violence escalated in the afternoon, BGB personnel joined.
In the evening, when a traffic police box in Bahaddarhat was set on fire, live ammunition was used on protesters, resulting in several more deaths. It could not be ascertained whether the casualties were from police firing or the BGB, said the ICT investigators.
Contacted, police claimed they only fired shots from shotguns at that time and denied responsibility for the killings.
On August 4, AL men carried out repeated armed attacks on protesters in the Chattogram's city New Market area.
Saibal Das Suman, then Jamal Khan ward councillor, was seen leading a group of cadres in a show of force at Kazir Dewri. The entire New Market area turned into a battleground that day. Another then councillor Abdus Sabur Liton was seen wielding a shotgun, according to the ICT investigators.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/july-uprising-ctg-helmeted-and-masked-al-men-gunned-down-scores-3856731
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All-out measures taken for safe Eid celebration: DMP chief
Mar 24, 2025
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken all possible security measures to ensure safe and festive celebration of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
"We've made all kinds of security preparations so that the city dwellers can celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr in a festive and safe environment," DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said while speaking in a coordination meeting held at the conference room of the DMP Headquarters today.
"Besides, a sense of security awareness must also be created at the individual or institutional level," he said.
The DMP chief, who chaired the meeting, mentioned that the overall law and order situation in Dhaka Metropolitan City was being thoroughly reviewed.
The meeting also addressed measures to ensure the safe and smooth travel of passengers, the successful execution of Eid congregations, and traffic management.
He further said that the law-and-order situation in the capital has significantly improved due to the strong efforts of the DMP.
"Crimes such as robbery and extortion have been greatly reduced thanks to police initiatives. We must continue to progress with everyone's cooperation," added the DMP chief.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/all-out-measures-taken-safe-eid-celebration-dmp-chief-3856401
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National Spring Sapling Planting Campaign Launched in Paktia
2025-03-24
PAKTIA(BNA): The Paktia Provincial Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock has officially launched a national spring sapling planting campaign named “Future Wellbeing.”
This initiative, which aims to enhance environmental protection and promote sustainability, is being conducted in collaboration with local municipalities and environmental protection departments.
At the launch ceremony, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlavi Sayed Azam Usmani, emphasized the significance of this campaign. He announced that, alongside the planting of new saplings, there will be efforts to care for and restore existing trees.
Usmani highlighted the achievements of the past three years, during which 20,000 hectares of forests have been restored after decades of destruction.
Deputy Governor of Paktia, Sheikh Inamullah Salahuddin, also spoke at the event, stressing that the responsibility of planting and protecting saplings lies with both the government and the citizens. He encouraged community participation, urging everyone to contribute by planting trees for the nation’s prosperity.
Furthermore, Maulvi Sayed Amin Hashimi, Director of the Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Department in Paktia, announced plans to plant 15,000 fruit and non-fruit trees in the Teri region over the next three years. He reassured attendees that efforts will also focus on the proper care of older trees in the province.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/national-spring-sapling-planting-campaign-launched-in-paktia/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/bulldozer-nagpur-violence-house-demolished/d/134975