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Islamic World News ( 22 Feb 2024, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Darul Uloom Deoband Issues Fatwa Giving 'Validity to Idea of Ghazwa-e-Hind'

New Age Islam News Bureau

22 February 2024

 

Photo: Panchjanya

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·         Darul Uloom Deoband Issues Fatwa Giving 'Validity to Idea of Ghazwa-e-Hind'

·         UK Hate Crime Monitor Records Over 2,000 Anti-Muslim Cases Since Oct. 7

·         Pakistan Religious Leaders Urge Political Parties to Forge 25-Year Accord for Peace

·         Saudi Arabia Calls for Unconditional and Immediate End to Israeli Occupation of Palestine

·         Israel to Indict Preacher of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque

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India

·         BJP Begins Drive to Reach Out to Muslims with Urdu Posters, “Na Doori Hai Na Khayi Hai, Modi Hamara Bhai Hai”

·         108 Mazars Demolished in Gujarat: Gujarat Home Minister in Assembly

·         Protests In Tamil Nadu Over Portrayal of Muslims in Teaser of Sivakarthikeyan Film ‘Amaran’

·         Mamata Banerjee Reacts To ‘Khalistani’ Row: Would You Call Muslim Cop Pakistani?

·         Delhi High Court refuses to entertain PIL against proposed demolition of Sunehri Bagh Mosque

·         8-year-old who went to mosque and never returned: CBI takes up probe

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Europe

·         UK may halt arms exports to Israel if IDF goes through with Rafah operation - report

·         10 countries present legal arguments at ICJ against Israel’s occupation of Palestine

·         UK parliament descends into chaos as MPs vote to back Gaza humanitarian ceasefire

·         Brazil condemns ‘paralysis’ on Gaza, Ukraine at tense G20 meeting

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Pakistan

·         PTI-Backed Independentsof National and Provincial Assemblies Join Sunni Ittehad Council

·         '200 Days in Jail, But Imran Khan Still Sticking to Ideology'

·         Contempt case: IHC rejects Islamabad DC’s unconditional apology

·         Some religious leaders oppose SC ruling in ‘proscribed literature’ case

·         Notices to Centre, ECP on plea against withdrawing PTI symbol

·         MQM-P wants four ministries as JUI-F also seeks role in Centre

·         Toshakhana case: Hearing against Nawaz, Zardari, Gilani and others adjourned till Mar 6

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Arab World

·         Arab League, OIC, And Egypt Condemn US Veto of Gaza Ceasefire

·         Fresh aggression: US, UK launch five strikes on Yemen’s Hudaydah

·         KSrelief, UN officials meet to discuss aid cooperation

·         KSrelief to provide equipment to Sudan children’s hospitals

·         Saudi and Egyptian foreign ministers discuss bilateral ties

·         Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss Gaza situation

·         Saudi FM urges G20 to act to end Gaza disaster

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Mideast

·         Al-Aqsa Storm Stopped US Plan in Region, Marked End of Netanyahu’s Dream: Hamas Official

·         Zionist enemy launches campaign of raids, arrests in occupied W Bank

·         Resistance attackers kill Zionist soldier, injure eight others in occupied al-Quds

·         Hezbollah strikes Israeli settlements near Lebanon's border

·         Sheikh Qassem says ceiling will be higher than any ceiling exceeded by enemy

·         Turkiye calls for Gaza ceasefire, two-state solution at G20 meeting

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North America

·         US: ‘Taliban Not Only Afghans Who Have Stake in Future of Afghanistan’

·         Over 18,000 SIVs approved for Afghan allies last year: US State Department

·         US State Department Reacts to Taliban’s Durand Line Statement

·         Blinken To Brazil's Lula: US Disagrees with Remarks Comparing Israel to Nazis

·         US military says it destroyed Houthi missiles in pre-emptive strikes

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South Asia

·         Doha Summit Urged Continued Talks with Afghan Rulers: Envoy

·         Mujahid: Islamic Emirate Committed to Rights of People

·         Nearly 2,000 Afghan migrants return home from Iran and Pakistan

·         UNSG: Half of Afghanistan Population Will Require Aid in 2024

·         Dialogue is the Key to Resolution, Asserts Deputy PM

·         Significant Decrease in Criminal Offenses in Panjshir Province

·         Our dream is to make Bangla an official UN language: FM

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Southeast Asia

·         Malay Religious Affairs Minister Advises Muslims to Reject Fanaticism

·         US Veto Pushed Gaza to More Dangerous Situation: China

·         Sultan of Brunei joins funeral prayers for Taib

·         Malaysian MPs delegation visits Egypt to reiterate support for Palestinian cause

·         Cultivator of harmony: S'wak politicians credit Taib for pivotal role in nurturing ethnic, religious unity in state

·         Yunnan mosque gets pagodas and party slogans in Chinese makeover

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Africa

·         Kano Govt Inaugurates Ramadan Feeding Committee

·         ‘Pray, fast for Naira, you will see miracle’ – Shehu Sani tells Muslims, Christians

·         Somalia approves defence deal with Turkey

·         Lift Mali, B’Faso, Niger sanctions, Gowon writes ECOWAS

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:     https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/darul-uloom-deoband-fatwa-ghazwa-hind/d/131776

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Darul Uloom Deoband Issues Fatwa Giving 'Validity to Idea of Ghazwa-e-Hind

 

Photo: Panchjanya

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FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the largest Islamic seminaries in the country, has reportedly issued a fatwa giving validity to the idea of Ghazwa-e-Hind. The seminary has written on its website that ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ (holy raid of India) is “valid from the Islamic point of view”. It further stated that those martyred in Ghazwa-e-Hind will be great supreme martyrs.

Terming the fatwa ‘anti-national’, the National Commission for Child Protection (NCPCR) has asked Saharanpur DM and SSP to lodge an FIR.

According to News18 Hindi, a netizen had sought information from Darul Uloom online regarding Ghazwa-e-Hind. This person had asked the seminary whether there is any mention of it in the Hadith.

In response, Darul Uloom Deoband cited ‘Sunan an-Nasai’, one of the ‘Kutub al-Sittah’ (six major hadith collections). It said that there is an entire chapter in it regarding Ghazwa-e-Hind.

It’s mentioned in the fatwa that a hadith has been narrated quoting Hazrat Abu Huraira, who was close to Prophet Mohammad. In this he spoke of Ghazwa-e-Hind and said, “I will fight for it and will sacrifice all my wealth for it. If I die, I will be a great sacrifice. If I remain alive, I will be called ‘Ghazi’ (a Muslim warrior).”

Taking cognizance of the complaint by NCPCR chairman Priyank Kanungo, Saharanpur district officer Dinesh Chandra directed SDM and CO Deoband to take action after investigation.

Expressing concern over the matter, Kanungo said, “At Darul Uloom Deoband, children are being taught how to perform ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’, Whoever gives his life for Ghazwa-e-Hind will be called the supreme martyr. This organisation operates madrassas throughout South Asia. It is very dangerous to incite children to attack India in this way. We have asked the district administration to register a case under sections of treason.”

Darul Uloom Deoband is the largest Islamic institution running several madrassas in the country. Madrasas linked to this seminary are running in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where lakhs of students are enrolled.

A local publication of Uttar Pradesh quoted Muslim cleric Maulana Sajid Rashidi as defending the fatwa, and saying “it is a hypothetical situation”.

“It has been said that only ‘if’ there was a fight between Hindus and Muslims, then the person killed would be called martyred,” Rozana Spokesman quoted him as saying.

Source: news18.com

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https://www.news18.com/india/darul-uloom-deoband-issues-fatwa-giving-validity-to-idea-of-ghazwa-e-hind-8788618.html

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UK Hate Crime Monitor Records Over 2,000 Anti-Muslim Cases Since Oct. 7

 

File Photo/ aa.com

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Nur Asena Erturk

22.02.2024

A hate crime monitoring group in the UK recorded over 2,000 anti-Muslim cases since Oct. 7, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

"Tell MAMA recorded over 2,000 anti-Muslim cases in the four months that followed Hamas’s deadly terror attacks on October 7. This is the largest recorded number of cases in four months, since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011," it said in a statement.

The number of cases increased by 335% in a year, it added.

"In stark contrast, between 7 October 2022 and 7 February 2023, Tell MAMA recorded 310 offline cases and 290 online cases, respectively," the statement said.

The types of cases were abusive behaviour, threats, assaults, acts of vandalism, discrimination, and acts of hate speech, and women were the main target in 65% of the cases.

"We are deeply concerned about the impacts that the Israel and Gaza war are having on hate crimes and on social cohesion in the U.K.," Tell MAMA director Iman Atta said.

She expressed the hope that "political leaders will speak out to send a clear message that anti-Muslim hate, like antisemitism, is unacceptable in our country."

Israel launched a deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border incursion by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7. The ensuing Israeli bombardment has killed at least 29,313 people and injured nearly 70,000 with mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/uk-hate-crime-monitor-records-over-2-000-anti-muslim-cases-since-oct-7/3144619

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Pakistan Religious Leaders Urge Political Parties to Forge 25-Year Accord for Peace

 

Special Representative to the Prime Minister for Religious Harmony & Islamic Countries and chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi addresses at The Pact Pakistan Convention (Meesaq-e-Pakistan convention) on February 21, 2024.— NNI   

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February 22, 2024

 Asim Yasin

ISLAMABAD: The religious scholars and leaders at the “Convention for Pakistan Accord” organised by the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) under the leadership of Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi urged political parties to forge ‘Pakistan Accord’ for 25 years to avoid any crisis in future.

“The religious scholars and leaders from different schools of thought emphasize the necessity for all stakeholders, including the Pakistan Armed Forces, judiciary, and all political and religious factions, to come together and formulate a covenant for the betterment of the nation. This covenant, named the ‘Pakistan Accord’, should outline the trajectory for the country’s next 25 years,” they added.

In a joint declaration, they highlighted that political parties must accept each other’s mandate and resort to the Constitution and law to resolve electoral disputes.

They urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the judiciary to play impartial roles in the matter. Ulema and Mashaykh emphasized that economic stability was linked with political stability, and without the latter, the former could not be achieved. They pointed out that Pakistan faces several challenges, and addressing them requires cooperation from all democratic societies.

They stressed all parties should accept the results of general elections and work together to resolve the national issues. However, they raised concerns regarding the dissatisfaction expressed by certain political parties over the results of the elections held on February 8.

Regarding electoral results, they reiterated that parties with doubts and suspicions should adhere to the Constitution and law, and the ECP should promptly address their concerns. It was deemed unacceptable to push the country towards unrest under any circumstances, they said, adding that the ECP and judiciary should play impartial roles in resolving electoral disputes. The religious scholars and leaders emphasized the importance of fostering an environment of tolerance and mutual respect among all political parties. They stated that the Pakistan Armed forces, judiciary, and all political and religious groups should unite under a comprehensive Pakistan Accord. They said a unified strategy for steering the beloved country out of crisis be devised to address internal and external challenges.

Furthermore, they proposed that Pakistan’s foreign policy, along with improving relations with friendly countries, should also focus on alleviating poverty and unemployment through a plan for youth rehabilitation to eliminate extremism and terrorism.

They concluded by asserting that all stakeholders must come together to formulate a consensus policy, which should be declared a national policy, and any government, irrespective of its origin, should accept it coherently. “The path we stand on today is the right path, and any experimentation with the situation will only lead to serious consequences,” they opined. They commended the services of the Pakistan Army and security agencies for maintaining peace during elections.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1160272-religious-leaders-urge-political-parties-to-forge-25-year-accord-for-peace

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Saudi Arabia Calls for Unconditional and Immediate End to Israeli Occupation of Palestine

 

Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands Ziad Al-Attiyah takes part in the Public hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague

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February 21, 2024

THE HAGUE— Saudi Arabia called for an unconditional and immediate end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Denouncing roundly Israel’s aggression on the Gaza Strip, Saudi Arabia told before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, that Israel’s behaviour since 1967 has made the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible.

Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands Ziad Al-Attiyah said this while making the statement of Saudi Arabia during the Public hearings at ICJ, requesting an advisory opinion regarding the legal effects resulting from Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem.

Al-Attiyah condemned the Israeli military aggression on the Gaza Strip, and the increasing acts of violence against the Palestinians. He voiced the Kingdom’s rejection and strong condemnation of the horrific killing, destruction and displacement of Palestinian civilians as a result of the brutal and illegal war in the Gaza Strip. He reiterated the Kingdom’s strong rejection of Israel’s twisted logic for practicing this brutality, destroying Gaza Strip and killing tens of thousands of innocent civilians, in addition to the displacement of the entire population of 2.3 million Palestinians.

“There are no reasons to prevent the court from exercising its jurisdiction to express an advisory opinion regarding the practices and policies of the Israeli occupation, and that the issue before it represents great importance to all countries and the United Nations,” he said.

Al-Attiyah said that the Kingdom has shown that Israel’s behavior since 1967 has made the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible, by annexing more than two million dunams of land, building more than 279 illegal settlements in the West Bank, illegally annexing East Jerusalem, and declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel. The confiscation of natural resources and the destruction of Palestinian homes and others, and these actions are fully documented in many United Nations reports.

“There is much evidence available to the court regarding Israel’s illegal policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the court must clearly define the legal consequences resulting from Israel’s prolonged occupation, and illegal policies and practices in the Palestinian territories, and how these practices and policies affect the situation,” Al-Attiyah said while drawing attention to the legal implications of the occupation, as well as the legal implications for all states and the United Nations. He emphasized that the court’s opinion will not harm the negotiation process aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as some people claim.

The ambassador asked the court to consider the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories as illegal, and that all countries must cooperate to put an end to Israel’s violations of international law. Public hearings have begun at the ICJ regarding the advisory opinion pertaining to the legal consequences resulting from Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, which started on Feb. 19 and will conclude on Feb. 26

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/640609/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-calls-for-unconditional-and-immediate-end-to-Israeli-occupation-of-Palestine

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Israel To Indict Preacher of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque

 

Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the preacher of East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque,

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Abdelraouf Arnaout 

21.02.2024

Israel said Wednesday it will file an indictment against Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the preacher of East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, for "incitement to terrorism."

A statement by the Israeli Justice Ministry said Sabri, 85, will be accused of inciting “terrorism” after offering condolences to families of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces.

The ministry said the decision was approved by Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

Khaled Zabarqa, a defense lawyer for the Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher, blamed pressure from right-wing Israeli groups for Tel Aviv’s move to file charges against him.

“The Israeli decision amounts to a subversion of the law for political goals,” he told Anadolu.

“This is a political, religious and intellectual persecution carried out by extreme right-wing groups to spread chaos,” he added.

Sabri was detained multiple times by the Israeli forces in the past and was banned from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem for several months.

Sabri is a staunch critic of the decades-long Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. He had previously held the position of mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories from 1994 to 2006.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the Temple Mount, saying it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980, a move never recognized by the international community.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-to-indict-preacher-of-jerusalem-s-al-aqsa-mosque/3144037

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India

BJP Begins Drive to Reach Out to Muslims with Urdu Posters, “Na Doori Hai Na Khayi Hai, Modi Hamara Bhai Hai”

 Feb 22, 2024

Lucknow: BJP on Wednesday launched the campaign of pasting posters and banners with messages in Urdu in and around mosques, dargahs and madrassas as part of its minority outreach ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The posters have two messages: “Na Doori Hai Na Khayi Hai, Modi Hamara Bhai Hai” and “Ek bar phir, Modi sarkar”.

The idea, sources said, stemmed from BJP’s micro-management strategy, specially for Muslim dominated seats in UP where the party faces stiff challenge from the opposition, mainly the Samajwadi Party.

Muslims account for 19% of the total electorate in UP and have been traditionally loyal to the SP. Coincidentally, BJP launched its outreach drive on the day SP and Congress announced their tie-up for Lok Sabha elections in the state.

Sources said the posters will also be pasted outside the homes of BJP’s Muslim booth presidents in minority dominated pockets. Muslims are in sizable numbers in 40,000 polling booths of UP, with nearly 10,000 of them supervised by party’s Muslim booth presidents.

“A good number of Muslims have an affinity towards Urdu. In fact, they read only Urdu text. We need to tap such people and convey the party’s message to them,” UP BJP minority morcha chief Basit Ali told TOI.

Ali said a large number of Muslims have benefitted from various welfare schemes of govt and it’s time they reciprocate the favour to BJP in the Lok Sabha elections.

Political experts said BJP campaign is another attempt to blunt an aggressive opposition, mainly the SP.

BJP has identified at least 23 Lok Sabha seats for the Urdu poster campaign. Eleven of these 23 seats were won by the SP-BSP combine in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, though BJP won Azamgarh and Rampur in the subsequent byelections.

Earlier this month, BJP had kicked off ‘Qaumi Chaupal’ campaign in nearly 4,100 Muslim dominated villages.

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Will defeat BJP from Budaun in Lok Sabha polls: SP leader ShivpalYadavSamajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav accepts party's order to contest from Budaun, expresses confidence in defeating BJP candidate. Dharmendra Yadav to contest from Azamgarh. Yadav comments on Swami Prasad Maurya's resignation, speaks to reporters at Kedareshwar temple about his nomination.107873762

BJP prepares for Modis grand welcome; eyes Lok Sabha pushBJP prepares for PM Modi's Varanasi visit ahead of Lok Sabha elections. Efforts to ensure turnout at public gatherings for Ravidas Jayanti. Extensive outreach, social media campaigns, door-to-door engagement underway. Preparations in final stages with dedicated teams. Warm welcome planned at various points along PM Modi's route.107869511

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/bjp-launches-urdu-poster-campaign-for-muslim-outreach-ahead-of-lok-sabha-elections/articleshow/107899552.cms

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108 Mazars Demolished in Gujarat: Gujarat Home Minister in Assembly

22.02.24

Gujarat’s Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, addressed the Assembly on Wednesday, informing members that the Bhupendra Patel-led government has demolished 108 Mazars as part of a crackdown on encroachments believed to be “part of a conspiracy.” Sanghavi reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding temples from any malicious intent.

Quoting an earlier statement by a BJP MLA from Ellisbridge, Sanghavi remarked, “Today, the point mentioned by Amitbhai… He said that a derasar was removed in Jamalpur. Now, Dada’s (Bhupendra Patel) bulldozer is moving around in every nook and corner of the state so that no temple or devsthan can be removed while hatching a conspiracy. Nobody knows where will it (bulldozer) go.”

Sanghavi addressed the Assembly while seeking approval for the budgetary allocation for the home department. He raised concerns about the sudden appearance of multiple mazars within the Uparkot Fort premises in Junagadh, recently redeveloped. “In Uparkot, it was not known where (and when) all mazars were built. How can it be built suddenly?” he questioned.

Sanghavi continued, stating, “In all, 108 mazars have been demolished (in the state) and the state’s properties have been opened… The encroachment around Somnath has been removed. This bulldozer of Dada can enter a 20-ft wide street and an 80-m wide road.”

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/108-mazars-demolished-by-bulldozer-dada-gujarat-home-minister-harsh-sanghavi/

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Protests in Tamil Nadu over portrayal of Muslims in teaser of Sivakarthikeyan film ‘Amaran’

February 22, 2024

Members of the Tamilaga Makkal Jananayaga Katchi (TMJK), a political outfit, staged protests in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday against the yet-to-be-released film Amaran, alleging that the teaser of the film portrayed Muslims in a bad light.

The protests were held in Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli, Tiruppur, Vellore, Cuddalore etc over the demand that the film’s release be stalled. The release date is yet to be announced.

The teaser of the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Amaran, bankrolled by actor Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International and Sony Pictures Films India, was released a few days ago. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the film will see Sivakarthikeyan portraying the role of Major Mukund Varadarajan and also features Sai Pallavi, Bhuvan Arora and Rahul Bose, among others.

Major Varadarajan of the 44th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (22 Rajput) was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, posthumously. He was leading an anti-terrorist operation in a village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian in April 2014 when he lost his life.

On Wednesday, TMJK members raised slogans against Sivakarthikeyan and Kamal Haasan, urged the police to invoke the Goondas Act against the two actors, and tried to burn effigies of the actors. The police took measures to disperse the gathering and later detained some of the members to bring the situation under control.

“The teaser of the film has scenes portraying the Muslims and the people of Kashmir as terrorists. The government of Tamil Nadu should immediately intervene and ban the film,” Rayal Siddique, Tiruchirapalli district secretary of the TMJK, told reporters in Palakarai. The Tamil film industry, he alleged, continues to portray Muslims who have been living in harmony with people of all religions in the state in a bad light.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-amaran-teaser-protests-9174627/

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Mamata Banerjee reacts to ‘Khalistani’ row: Would you call Muslim cop Pakistani?

Feb 21, 2024

The state police on Tuesday claimed Adhikari hurled a 'Khalistani' slur at a Sikh police officer.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday extended her support of a Sikh IPS officer who was allegedly called "Khalistani" by some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists, saying that the official was only doing his duty and should not have been called a 'Khalistani' just for wearing a turban.

While addressing an event on Language Day on Wednesday, Banerjee said, “What was the fault of the officer doing his duty? Is there no Sikh regiment in the force? We respect all religions. If an officer wears a turban, how can you call him Khalistani? There are Muslim IAS, IPS, and WBCS officers; how can you call them Pakistani just because someone is a Muslim officer? I have been mocked using so many names, but I never reacted to it.”

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"A few people are now engaging in this. They are the biggest blot in Bengal, those who are maligning Bengal's reputation," she added.

Earlier, the chief minister shared a video of the verbal spat of the confrontation between the BJP activists and police where the police personnel was seen protesting against the BJP workers for labelling him "Khalistani" for wearing a turban.

A Sikh police official, who was deployed at Dhamakhali in a bid to prevent BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari from visiting North 24 Parganas district's Sandeshkhali town, was confronted by protesting BJP workers who allegedly called the official 'Khalistani'.

Meanwhile, the state police on Tuesday claimed Adhikari hurled a 'Khalistani' slur at a Sikh police officer. The police condemned the unprovoked, unacceptable attack on an individual's religious identity and added that stern legal action is being initiated.

Responding to the allegations, Adhikari challenged the ADG (South Bengal) to prove his charge that a slur was hurled at a Sikh police officer, within 24 hours or face consequences.

He was accompanied by BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul on his way to Sandeshkhali, which has been witnessing unrest for over 10 days as women protestors are seeking justice for allegedly land-grabbing and sexually assaulting" them under coercion by Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides.

The police so far have arrested 18 people for their alleged involvement in violent protests

Shajahan has been absconding after a mob, allegedly affiliated with him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials who had gone to search his premises in connection with a ration scam in January this year.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-reacts-to-khalistani-row-would-you-call-muslim-cop-pakistani-101708531714562.html

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Delhi High Court refuses to entertain PIL against proposed demolition of Sunehri Bagh mosque

21.02.24

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a PIL against the proposed demolition of Sunehri Bagh Mosque due to alleged traffic congestion in the area.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora noted that a similar petition is already pending before a single judge of the high court and said no orders are required to be passed.

“Since appropriate measures have already been taken by the Delhi Waqf Board in discharge of its legal and executive duties to protect waqf properties, this court is of the view that no order is required in the present writ petition. Accordingly, the petition is closed,” the bench said.

The bench also questioned the petitioner for filing the PIL with similar prayers even when one petition on the issue was already pending before the single judge.

The PIL filed by Waqf Welfare Forum was vehemently opposed by the counsel for the Centre, Delhi Police, Delhi Waqf Board and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) who contended that the petition was nothing more than a cut and paste work of the contentions and submissions advanced in the plea pending before the single judge filed by the Imam of Sunehri Bagh Masjid.

One of the prayers in the petition sought direction the Delhi Waqf Board to discharge its legal and executive duty to protect waqf properties as per the Waqf Act, 1995 and Waqf (amendment) Act, 2013.

Senior advocate Sanjoy Ghose, representing the Board, said appropriate steps have been taken to protect waqf properties and the Board is supporting the plea pending before the single judge.

He said due to the pendency of this fresh petition, today’s hearing before the single judge has been adjourned till February 28.

The fresh petition sought quashing of the public notice published in newspapers on December 24, 2023 issued by the chief architect of the NDMC calling upon the general public to submit objections/ suggestions regarding removal of Sunehri Bagh Masjid due to alleged traffic congestion in the area.

The plea also sought direction to the authorities not to cause any harm to the mosque situated near Udyog Bhawan in Lutyens Delhi.

The petitioner sought declaring as unconstitutional vesting the respondents with powers to demolish, alter, alienate, convert the structure or religious character of the mosque or its removal or to disturb its heritage existence.

Before the single judge, petitioner Abdul Aziz, the Imam of Sunehri Bagh Masjid, has challenged the December 24, 2023 public notice by NDMC asking the general public to tender objections/ suggestions regarding removal of the mosque.

On December 18, the high court had closed the proceedings in a separate petition by the Delhi Waqf Board anticipating demolition of the mosque at the Sunehri Bagh Road roundabout while recording that the parties would act as per law.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/delhi-high-court-refuses-to-entertain-public-interest-litigation-against-proposed-demolition-of-sunehri-bagh-mosque/cid/2002033

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8-year old who went to mosque and never returned: CBI takes up probe

February 22, 2024

Saurabh Parashar

Around two years after the mysterious disappearance and killing of an eight-year-old boy, Rizwan, who had gone to his village mosque in Haryana’s Palwal district, CBI registered an FIR and launched a manhunt to nab the culprits.

Days after Rizwan went missing on December 23, 2021, his mutilated body was reportedly found in the fields of Nagla Ahsanpur village in Palwal district after one week on December 30.

Rizwan, a resident of Khatela Sarai village (Palwal), had gone to a mosque in his village around 5.30 pm on December 23, 2021, but he never returned home after that, disappearing without a trace. A week later his body, with a disfigured face, was found in the fields of Nagla Ahsanpur village on December 30, 2021.

Despite an FIR registered by Haryana Police based on a complaint filed by Rizwan’s father Mustaq, there was no progress in the investigation. Subsequently, Mustaq approached the high court, seeking a CBI investigation into the matter and the court directed the central investigating agency to file an FIR on January 4, 2024.

Sources revealed that a CBI team visited the crime scene and Mustaq’s residence on Wednesday and collected relevant records. Inspector Gurtar Singh, under SP (CBI) Navdeep Singh Brar’s supervision, is leading the investigation.

Talking to The Indian Express, Mustaq said, “Police naikuchnahikiyathaa..unhonai to case bhi band kaardiyatha..Rizwan doosri class maipadtatha..sham ko masjid gayatha..uskilaash ek haftaibaadmili..police naimujah bata ki mere bete kai chareepaatezabdalahai..cbi wale aayeethaiaaj, mere bete ki photo layegayihai.(Police did nothing in the case. They even closed the investigation. My son Rizwan was studying in Class II. He had gone to a local mosque. His body was found after one week. A policeman had told me that assailants had poured acid on my son’s face. His tongue was cut off and one eye gouged out. Today (Wednesday) CBI officials visited my house and collected my son’s photograph along with relevant documents from me.”

Mustaq had named three persons in his plea to the high court, suggesting their involvement in the case due to a property dispute. The affidavit from DSP Sajjan Singh submitted in the high court mentioned negative brain-mapping test results of the three suspects. The medical board that studied the postmortem report couldn’t provide a definite cause of death, though circumstantial evidence was considered.

In his high court plea, Mustaq, a daily wager, had also stated that Haryana Police’s investigation failed to find the culprits and the postmortem report did not indicate natural causes of Rizwan’s death.

The CBI registered an FIR under Section 302 (murder), 365 (kidnapping) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the IPC.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/8-year-old-missing-mosque-cbi-probe-9174666/

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Europe

 

UK may halt arms exports to Israel if IDF goes through with Rafah operation - report

YUVAL BARNEA

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

The UK could suspend arms exports to Israel if it enters Rafah, although no decision has been made yet, according to a report by the Guardian on Wednesday.

Ministerial sources told the Guardian that no decision had been made regarding the suspension of arms exports to Israel, but that should the government receive legal advice that Israel was in breach of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) they would be able to respond quickly.

However, any decision to suspend arms exports looks unlikely as the UK's High Court of Justice dismissed a case urging the suspension of arms sales to Israel on Tuesday, according to British media.

The court ruled against Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq and its UK-based partner Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), who argued the government had ignored its own rules on arms exports which could be used to violate IHL.

The decision is likely to be appealed to the UK Supreme Court, the case is only one of several cases being brought against the UK government over arms exports to Israel.

UK government response

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron sent two letters to the Foreign Affairs Committee, one regarding the planned Israel invasion of Rafah, and the other regarding arms exports to Israel.

In the first letter, he reiterated that the UK is against an Israeli invasion of Rafah due to the potential to harm civilians.

"We want Israel to stop and think seriously about the repercussions of a military offensive before it takes any further action. Too many civilians have been killed in this conflict already," read the letter.

In the second letter, he cautioned he could not say too much due to the ongoing court cases. He did say that on December 12 Cameron decided that there was not a clear risk that the exports would be used to violate IHL.

He confirmed that reviews of the situation would continue saying, "The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to assess Israel's commitment and capability to comply with IHL and its past record of compliance. Those assessments are supported by a detailed evidence base."

This comes less than a month after a Dutch court suspended the export of F-35 parts to Israel over concerns they were being used in violations of international law.

Source: jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-788192

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10 countries present legal arguments at ICJ against Israel’s occupation of Palestine

Ahmet Gençtürk

21.02.2024

Ten countries presented legal arguments Tuesday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in relation to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, underscoring its unlawful occupation of Gaza.

Belgium’s legal expert Vaios Koutroulis condemned the use of violence against Palestinians and urged Israel to fulfil its legal obligations to put an end to it and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Israel’s settlement policy aims to transform the demographic composition of the Palestinian territory, he added.

Belize’s representative Assad Shoman pointed out that Palestinians have an inalienable right to self-determination and complete independence, which Israel has systematically denied to them.

Bolivia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, said Israel’s occupation of Palestine is in violation of international law.

Brazilian diplomat Maria Clara Paula de Tusco maintained that the country expects the court to reaffirm that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and violates international obligations.

Chile’s representative Ximena Fuentes Torrijo said the situation that affects the occupied Palestinian territory may only find a satisfactory solution on the basis of compliance with the charter of the United Nations, international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Israel’s policies run counter to the possibility of reaching a two-state solution and a sustainable peace in the region, she added.

South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands and Bangladesh also made presentations at the ICJ.

The public hearings started Monday in The Hague following the UN General Assembly's request for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

South Africa brought a genocide case against Israel to the ICJ in late December and asked it for emergency measures to end the bloodshed in Gaza, where more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7.

The court in January ordered Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza but fell short of ordering a cease-fire.

It also ordered Israel to take "immediate and effective" measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.

A cross-border incursion by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 killed an estimated 1,200 people, but the ensuing Israeli offensive into Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Despite international outcry, Israel now plans a ground invasion of Rafah, which houses around 1.4 million refugees.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/10-countries-present-legal-arguments-at-icj-against-israel-s-occupation-of-palestine/3143374

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UK parliament descends into chaos as MPs vote to back Gaza humanitarian ceasefire

21 February 2024

UK lawmakers called Wednesday for a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, but only after dozens walked out of the House of Commons in protest at how the vote was handled.

Lawmakers had been debating three separate resolutions related to the war. All were largely symbolic and not binding on the government.

But Parliament descended into chaos as legislators from the governing Conservatives and an opposition party accused Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle of upending parliamentary procedure.

The mayhem broke out during debate on a motion from the opposition Scottish National Party, or SNP, urging an immediate ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas and “an end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

The main opposition Labour Party, which is divided over how strongly to criticize Israel, submitted a tweaked version of the motion calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” and without the mention of collective punishment.

Rishi Sunak’s governing Conservatives put forward their own amendment, which backed an “immediate humanitarian pause,” followed by “moves towards a permanent sustainable” ceasefire. The government says a ceasefire can only happen if Hamas frees all Israeli hostages and relinquishes control of Gaza.

When Hoyle allowed votes on all three, Conservative lawmakers were furious, saying it went against House of Commons conventions. Some accused Hoyle — who was elected as a Labour lawmaker before taking up the neutral post of speaker — of favoring the opposition.

The move helped Labour leader Keir Starmer, who avoided another major rebellion among his lawmakers on the war thanks to his proposal getting a vote. This meant Labour members of parliament could vote on their party’s plan and would not have to defy their leadership by voting in support of the SNP’s amendment.

The political mayhem is a sign of how the conflict has divided Britain’s politicians and public, sending tensions soaring.

“His decision has raised temperatures in this House on an issue where feelings are already running high,” said Penny Mordaunt, Conservative leader of the House of Commons.

The SNP, meanwhile, accused Labour of hijacking their motion, and said Hoyle had enabled them to do it.

The speaker said in a statement his decision gave the “widest possible range of options” for a vote on a “highly sensitive subject.”

Many Conservatives and SNP members walked out, and in their absence the Labour version of the ceasefire call passed on a voice vote — by calls of “Aye” — without a full formal vote.

Afterwards, Hoyle apologized for the chaos.

“I regret how it’s ended up,” Hoyle said. “I wanted all to ensure they could express their views and all sides of the House could vote.”

The Labour Party, tipped to win a national election expected later this year, has been engulfed by an internal battle over its policy towards the Middle East conflict since the devastating October 7 onslaught by Hamas that led to Israel’s offensive against the terror group.

While the outcome of the vote was not binding on the British government or closely watched in Israel or by Hamas, it had the potential to cause problems for Starmer, who is keen to present his party as united, disciplined, and ready for power.

A similar motion tabled by the SNP in November saw Starmer suffer the biggest revolt of his leadership when 56 Labour members of parliament voted to back it.

The Labour leadership was reluctant to back the SNP amendment that calls for an immediate ceasefire because it condemned the “collective punishment” of the Palestinian people.

The Labour leader initially gave full backing to Israel as it embarked on its military retaliation. But Labour members of parliament and party members have put increasing pressure on the leadership to back an immediate ceasefire.

The war erupted after the Palestinian terror group carried out a massacre of southern communities that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The thousands of terrorists who invaded also abducted 253 people of all ages to the Palestinian enclave.

Both Israel and Hamas have deflected rising international pressure to halt a war, now in its fifth month, that has demolished much of the Gaza Strip and caused a humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel has said the war will only end when over 130 hostages still in Gaza are returned and Hamas is dismantled. It has agreed in principle to a temporary truce as part of a hostage release deal, but Hamas has said it will only free hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal leading to an end to the war, amid other demands Israel has said are non-starters.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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Brazil condemns ‘paralysis’ on Gaza, Ukraine at tense G20 meeting

February 22, 2024

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil criticized the “paralysis” of the UN Security Council on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine as it opened a G20 meeting Wednesday where the international community’s deep divisions were on display.

The outlook is bleak for progress on the thorny agenda of conflicts and crises gripping the planet as foreign ministers from the world’s biggest economies gather in Rio de Janeiro for the Group of 20’s first high-level meeting of the year.

Opening the two-day meeting, which featured US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Brazil’s top diplomat, Mauro Vieira, said the explosion of global conflicts shows international institutions like the United Nations are not working.

“Multilateral institutions are not properly equipped to deal with the current challenges, as has been demonstrated by the Security Council’s unacceptable paralysis on the ongoing conflicts” in Gaza and Ukraine, Vieira said, adding the situation was costing “innocent lives.”

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell for his part warned multilateralism “is in crisis.”

The Security Council has failed to act on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, held in check by Russian veto power, and has struggled to find a response to the war in Gaza, with Israel’s ally the United States using its veto to block calls for a ceasefire, most recently Tuesday.

Brazil, which took over the rotating G20 presidency from India in December, has voiced hopes the group could be a forum to make progress on such questions.

But that likely took a hit when Lula ignited a diplomatic firestorm Sunday by accusing Israel of “genocide,” comparing its military campaign in the Gaza Strip to the Holocaust.

The comments drew outrage in Israel, which declared him persona non grata, and could overshadow any bid to de-escalate the conflict via the G20.

Blinken, who met Lula Wednesday in Brasilia before heading to the G20, “made clear we disagree with (his) comments,” a senior State Department official told journalists.

The secretary of state and Brazilian leader had a “frank exchange” in their more than 90-minute meeting at the presidential palace, the official said.

More than four months after the Gaza war started with Hamas fighters’ unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, which has vowed to wipe out the Islamist group in retaliation, there is little sign of progress toward peace.

The outlook is similarly grim on Russia’s war in Ukraine, which also has G20 members divided as the second anniversary of President Vladimir Putin’s invasion approaches.

Despite a push by Western countries to condemn the invasion, the G20’s last summit ended with a watered-down statement denouncing the use of force but not explicitly naming Russia, which maintains friendly ties with India and Brazil, among other members.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he planned to use the Rio meeting to “call out Russia’s aggression” directly to Lavrov, as Britain announced sanctions on six Russian officials over opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death in prison last week.

Lavrov — who will meet Lula in Brasilia Thursday, according to a Brazilian official — meanwhile lashed out at the West for “pumping Ukraine full of arms.”

“Neither Kiev nor the West have shown the political will to resolve the conflict,” he told Brazilian newspaper O Globo.

Blinken voiced pessimism on the current chances for diplomacy on Ukraine in his meeting with Lula. “We don’t see the conditions for it right now,” a US official said.

Brazil also wants to use its G20 presidency to push the fights against poverty and climate change.

There will also be space for bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the gathering — though a Blinken-Lavrov encounter looks unlikely, given soaring tensions.

The pair last met in person at a G20 gathering in India in March 2023.

Founded in 1999, the G20 brings together most of the world’s biggest economies.

Originally an economic forum, it has grown increasingly involved in international politics.

A Brazilian government source said that after recent G20 struggles for consensus, the hosts axed the requirement that every meeting produce a joint statement — with the exception of the annual leaders’ summit, scheduled for November in Rio.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464411/world

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Pakistan

 

PTI-Backed IndependentsOf National And Provincial Assemblies Join Sunni Ittehad Council

 February 22, 2024

Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD: Almost all PTI-backed winning independent candidates of national and provincial assemblies submitted affidavits to the Election Commission on Wednesday, officially joining the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

As many as 89 MNAs, 85 members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, 106 members of the Punjab Assembly and nine members of the Sindh Assembly have submitted their affidavits.

The submission of affidavits proves the PTI’s claim that it had managed to win 93 NA seats, as three party leaders did not submit affidavits, including Omar Ayub Khan, Barrister Gohar Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur, while the notification of one candidate, Dawar Kundi, was yet to be issued by the ECP.

Mr Ayub and Mr Gohar deliberately did not file affidavits to become SIC members because they plan to contest PTI’s intra-party elections. Mr Gandapur also did not file the affidavit, as he has been nominated as the PTI’s candidate for the slot of KP chief minister.

Barrister Gohar, three others yet to sign up as they will oversee PTI intra-party polls; party says nation won’t accept ‘govt with stolen mandate’

PTI sources said that all the notified MNAs, apart from Mr Ayub and Mr Gohar, and MPAs have joined the SIC.

Two MNAs-elect, Chaudhry Ilyas and Brig (retired) Muhammad Aslam Ghumman, were missing, but their affidavits have also been submitted to the ECP. “We hope that we will get our due share from the reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies,” a party source said.

Meanwhile, the PTI has alleged that the PML-N and PPP are going to form the government with a stolen mandate and the nation would not accept the “PDM 2.0”.

It alleged the “regime change conspiracy” was backed by the chief election commissioner by making a mockery of the Constitution and law in the country.

A party spokesperson said a group “rejected by the nation” had gathered once again to stage a “drama” of PDM 2.0 in the country, which was unacceptable and intolerable.

He claimed that the nation had given a clear mandate to the PTI to form its government in Centre, Punjab and KP despite the incarceration of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, the snatching of the party’s election symbol “bat”, and obstacles to carry out poll campaigns.

He claimed that as per Form-45s, the citizens had given the PTI an overwhelming majority of 180 seats in the National Assembly.

“It is high time we learned a lesson from history and respected the public mandate, as Pakistan had to go through a tragedy like the fall of Dhaka as a result of daylight poll fraud,” the party’s spokesperson said.

He alleged that the heirs of those who “dismembered Pakistan” were again active in facilitating the state’s efforts to trample on the public mandate.

However, he made it clear that people of Pakistan would not tolerate any attempt to make a mockery of the Constitution and democracy and the robbery of their votes. He vowed that PTI would resist all attempts to steal public mandate.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1816169/pti-backed-independents-join-sunni-ittehad-council

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'200 days in jail, but Imran Khan still sticking to ideology'

 22 Feb 2024

PTI leader Musarrat Cheema has said that it has been 200 days since ex-premier Imran Khan was jailed.

In a message posted on platform X, she said it has been 200 days since Imran Khan was unjustly imprisoned, but despite enduring the hardships of the prison, he is still sticking to his ideology. "Every possible effort is being made to break Imran Khan, but he neither made any deal nor is he ready to back down from his goal," she added.

Meanwhile, in a message from jail a couple of days ago, Imran Khan said that the recent elections on February 8 were marred by the "mother of all riggings," both before and after the polls, Dawn reported.

Imran's sister, Aleema Khan, conveyed his message after meeting him at Adiala Jail, where he labelled the electoral process as the epicentre of widespread rigging.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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Contempt case: IHC rejects Islamabad DC’s unconditional apology

February 22, 2024

Awais Yousafzai

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Irfan Nawaz Memon’s plea seeking unconditional pardon on Wednesday after he failed to appear for a hearing in the contempt of court case against him.

In the hearing conducted by IHC’s Justice Babar Sattar, the court asked Memon to submit his response to a show-cause notice issued regarding the matter by Monday, while he was also barred from travelling abroad. Justice Sattar also turned down his request to transfer the contempt of court case to another bench.

The court had also issued a show-cause notice to DC Islamabad for non-attendance, despite the rejection of his request for exemption from attendance. Justice Sattar said he will issue a judgment on the case next week.

The IHC will issue a verdict in the contempt of court case on March 1, announcing to adjourn the hearing till then.

A day earlier, the IHC had ordered Memon’s arrest and asked authorities to place his name on the no-fly list for skipping proceedings of a contempt case over the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shehryar Afridi under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance.

The ordinance provides the government with vast powers of detention and has been used by authorities to round up and detain PTI leaders following the May 9 riots.

Justice Sattar was hearing the case against Islamabad DC and Islamabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Malik Jamil Zafar for exceeding their authority by issuing orders under Section 3 of the MPO.

During the hearing, SSP Operations Zafar and Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Buttar appeared upon being summoned by the court. At the same time, the lawyer representing Islamabad DC submitted a plea for Memon’s exemption from the court.

Meanwhile, Memon, who was present at the hearing today, said he has not missed any of the 18 hearings in the case and that he leaves himself at the court’s mercy.

Justice Sattar, who was upset at the DC for his previous absence, remarked: “Do you think this is a joke, you are being held in contempt of court [case]. You issued 69 MPO orders for 970 days.”

Memon’s lawyer, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, requested the court to hear the case after a while, as he was angry during the hearing.

“This case was supposed to be completed yesterday, it could not be done because of you,” the IHC judge remarked, questioning DC Islamabad whether he knew the court’s order.

“I cannot even think of disobeying the court order,” Memon replied.

Justice Sattar asked DC Islamabad if benches would now be formed as per his choice when he urged the transfer of the contempt case to another bench.

DC Islamabad’s non-appearance here was not an obstacle to justice, his lawyer said, adding that Memon had no intention of undermining the court’s authority.

“The court is requested to dismiss the contempt of court case,” he pleaded.

During his argument, Memon’s counsel read the text of DC Islamabad’s indictment.

“There are three types of contempt of court, civil, criminal and judicial. This court action was initiated due to obstruction of justice,” he said, arguing that the case does not meet section 6 of contempt of court.

Abbasi said that the order of 3MPOs were quashed on a court directive and a new MPO order was issued later, while the second one was issued by district magistrate Rawalpindi.

“If there was contempt of court, it was not by DC Islamabad, but by DC Rawalpindi,” the lawyer said, adding he doesn’t want to throw anyone under the bus.

He urged the court to look at the whole situation.

“On August 5, Shehryar Afridi’s party leader was arrested. The situation of May 9 is also in front of everyone,” he said, adding that the Intelligence Bureau informed the capital’s administration about the worsening law and order situation and agitation.

The district intelligence committee, he added, included representatives of all sensitive agencies and expressed fear of attacks on government buildings, GHQ Chowk near F-9 Park in Islamabad.

Abbasi added that there was no malice in issuing the MPO order by the district magistrate.

“On May 16, the first MPO order was quashed. MPO orders were issued even after show cause notices were issued in the case,” Justice Sattar remarked, adding that the most the court can say is that the order is not correct.

It stopped when “we removed their power” to issue MPO orders, the IHC judge added.

The lawyer argued that the law and order situation may have cost someone’s life if the order wasn’t issued.

“In this situation, the court should have asked why action was not taken in the light of intelligence reports,” added the counsel.

Meanwhile, Abbasi also presented the transcript of Shehryar Afridi’s inflammatory speeches ahead of his arrest. He argued that the politician used threatening language and tried to provoke people with his words.

During the hearing, the Senior Superintendent of Police Operations Jameel Zafar’s lawyer Shah Khawar also presented his arguments in the case.

“The police might have evidence that Shehryar Afridi provoked the mob while sitting in jail?” Justice Sattar asked the SSP.

“Did you recommend issuing MPO against these people also?” the judge questioned him.

“Our focus was on leadership,” replied the SSP.

“If a guy is already in jail, what will you do with him? Put him back in jail again?” Justice Sattar remarked, directing him to submit the composition of the district intelligence committee and terms of reference.

After the completion of his lawyer’s arguments, the SSP submitted an unconditional apology from the court.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1160248-contempt-case-ihc-rejects-islamabad-dc-s-unconditional-apology

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Some religious leaders oppose SC ruling in ‘proscribed literature’ case

February 22, 2024

ISLAMABAD: A number of leaders belonging to religio-political parties have taken exception to a Supreme Court decision, which ordered the release of a person accused of distributing supposedly proscribed religious literature.

The reaction came almost two weeks after the apex court’s order on an appeal against a verdict of the Lahore High Court.

In their inflammatory remarks against the chief justice of Pakistan, some leaders from the JUI-F and Jamaat-i-Islami condemned the decision and called for “action” against the chief justice for hurting the sentiments of their followers.

Insisting that the “controversial” order be withdrawn, JUI-F Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri called on its followers to become active in this regard.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Jamaat deputy emir Fareed Paracha called the Supreme Court’s decision “contrary to the laws and Constitution of Pakistan”, alleging that it was a premeditated decision by the court.

Separately, the banned militant group, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has issued a statement in the matter, expressing similar sentiments.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1816145/some-religious-leaders-oppose-sc-ruling-in-proscribed-literature-case

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Notices to Centre, ECP on plea against withdrawing PTI symbol

February 22, 2024

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on a petition challenging the latter’s power to withdraw the electoral symbol of a political party.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi heard the petition as Advocate Azhar Siddique appeared on behalf of the petitioner, a lawyer, Munir Ahmed.

The lawyer argued that section 215 of the Elections Act 2017, which provides for eligibility of a political party to obtain election symbol, is against the Constitution.

He pleaded that the right to contest the election under a common symbol cannot be taken away from the candidates of a political party. He said the ECP being a constitutional body is not a court or a tribunal, therefore, any power wrongly assumed by it for denying fundamental rights is illegal in terms of Article 8 of the Constitution.

Referring to the ECP decision on the intra-party polls of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), the counsel argued that by denying the symbol, the party was eliminated. He said the common symbol cannot be denied to the candidates of a political party.

He said the ECP action of interpreting section 215 of the Act that it has the right to set aside the intra-party election and deny a party its symbol is a sheer violation of the Constitution.

Advocate Siddique asserted that the ECP had even no role in dissolution of the political parties as only the federal government had the power to declare that a party is formed or is operating in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan.

It may be recalled that the PTI contested the Feb 8 elections without an electoral symbol which it lost after a legal battle over its failure to hold intra-party elections. The bench sought replies from the respondents by next week.

Court seeks copies of past verdicts on jail trial

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed the provincial government’s lawyer to present copies of the past judgements on the question of jail trial in terrorism cases.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Aalia Neelum was hearing a petition of incarcerated PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry challenging his jail trial in two cases of May 9 riots.

At the outset, the judge asked an additional advocate general whether the high court already passed judgements on the points similar to the petition in hand.

The law officer said he had knowledge about one such decision.

The judge directed him to submit details of all decisions on the issue raised by the petitioner. The bench would resume further hearing on Feb 27.

Earlier, Advocate Ali Ashfaq, the counsel for the senator, pleaded that the provincial government with ulterior motives approved jail trials in the FIRs relating to the May 9 protests only to harass the suspects.

He argued that the jail trial cannot be termed open and fair as the concept of jail trial is against the fundamentals of due process of law.

He said a jail trial is a violation of Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair trial and due process of law.

The counsel stated that the trial court also approved the decision of the government and started the jail trial against the petitioner in two cases of attacks on the Jinnah House and Shadman police station.

He asked the court to set aside the decision of the provincial government and the trial court for being unconstitutional.

The PTI senator is on judicial remand in several cases of the May 9 riots registered against the leaders and workers of the party.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1816112

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MQM-P wants four ministries as JUI-F also seeks role in Centre

February 22, 2024

ISLAMABAD: A day after the PML-N and the PPP evolved a consensus on a power-sharing deal to run the country for the next five years, a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) called on PML-N representatives and demanded three to four ministries in the federal cabinet.

Sources said the MQM wanted the slot of the deputy speaker in the National Assembly, but the PML-N had already given it to the PPP. Now, the MQM is insisting on four portfolios in the federal cabinet since the party cannot have its deputy speaker.

In addition to its share in the cabinet, the MQM demanded legislation to empower the local government bodies, a demand long held by the Karachi-based party for devolution of powers.

MQM Punjab leader Muhammad Zahid told Dawn that the PML-N agreed to retain incumbent Kamran Tessori as the Sindh governor. “It has been agreed that Mr Tessori will remain the governor,” Mr Zahid said.

The MQM delegation was led by Mr Tessori and included Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal, whereas the PML-N side included Ishaq Dar and Ayaz Sadiq.

JUI-F meets PML-N

On the other hand, a meeting was held between the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and the PML-N, in which the plan to form the provincial government, probably led by PPP’s Sarfaraz Bugti, was discussed.

Media reports claimed that Ishaq Dar had told JUI-F leader Abdul Ghafoor Haideri that the JUI-F was too late to come to the PML-N for a power-sharing deal in Balochistan. Mr Dar told the JUI-F leader that the PML-N had already made plans with the PPP for the government formation in Balochistan.

These reports, however, were denied by PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb. In a statement, the PML-N information secretary said that a meeting between the two parties was held on Wednesday and an official statement was also issued on it.

The participants of the meeting decided that the challenges faced by Balochistan demanded a “strong democratic government” in the province, she said. The meeting decided that it was in the country’s interest for various political forces to sit together in Balochistan. Marriyum Aurangzeb said the political ties between the two parties were based on mutual understanding.

Outlook for coalition

Insiders told Dawn the PPP would not join the federal cabinet and that the NA speaker slot would go to the PML-N as per the deal reached between the two parties.

They claimed that the Senate chairmanship would go to the PPP, with Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani being tipped as the next chairman. The governorships in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab will also go to the PPP, and the Sindh governorship will go to the MQM.

Sources said that the PML-N and the PPP would jointly form a government in Balochistan, and Sarfaraz Bugti “is so far” the most likely contender for the CMship. In the Senate, the PML-N will get the slot of the deputy chairman whereas in the lower house, the deputy speaker will be from the PPP.

According to Article 91(2) of the Constitution, the first session of the National Assembly has to be summoned by Feb 29. On the first day of the NA session, after taking oath, members will elect the speaker and deputy speaker through a secret ballot. Following this, the new speaker will announce the schedule for the election of the PM. In the 336-strong house, 169 votes are required for the PM’s election.

The election of the president will take place soon after the completion of the process of the government formation in the Centre and provinces as well as the Senate elections due in the first week of March. Incumbent president Arif Alvi’s five-year term expired in September last year but he is serving an extended period till the election of his successor.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1816168/mqm-p-wants-four-ministries-as-jui-f-also-seeks-role-in-centre

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Toshakhana case: Hearing against Nawaz, Zardari, Gilani and others adjourned till Mar 6

 2024-02-22

ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of Toshakhana case against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo Nawaz Sharif, former president Asif Ali Zardari, former premier Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, and others without proceedings till March 6.

The Accountability Court adjourned the hearing of the Toshakhana case without proceedings as the newly-appointed judge Nasir Javed Rana did not take charge till March 13, but following the request of Sharif’s counsel Qazi Misbah, court adjourned the hearing of the case till March 6.

The NAB had filed the Toshakhana reference against Zardari, Sharif, Gilani, and others for allegedly acquiring three vehicles including BMW 750 Li model 2004, Toyota Lexus Jeep 472 model 2007 gifted by the embassy of United Arab Emirates (UAE), and BMW 760 LI model 2008 gifted by embassy of Libya and gifts from Toshakhana -an official treasury where gifts from foreign dignitaries or heads of state are deposited- in violation of rules and regulations.

Source: brecorder.com

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Arab World

 

Arab League, OIC, and Egypt condemn US veto of Gaza ceasefire

 21 February 2024

The Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Egypt have censured the third veto by the United States of a draft resolution proposed at the United Nations Security Council demanding an immediate end to Israel’s brutal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

The US used its veto power at the UNSC on Tuesday to block the Algeria-drafted resolution, which rejected the “forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population” and urged “all parties to comply with international law.”

Representatives of 13 countries at the 15-member Security Council voted in favor. Britain abstained.

Washington vetoed similar draft resolutions in October and December.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, said vetoing a resolution “calling for a ceasefire in an armed conflict that has claimed the lives of more than 29,000 civilians, most of them children and women, is a shameful precedent” in the history of the Security Council.

The ministry said the international community has a moral and human obligation to work for an end to the daily suffering of the Palestinians.

“Egypt strongly denounces … selectivity and double standards in dealing with wars and armed conflicts in various regions of the world, which has come to question the credibility of the rules and working mechanisms of the current international architecture, especially the UN Security Council, which is entrusted with the responsibility of preventing and settling conflicts and halting wars,” the statement read.

The ministry said Cairo would continue to demand a safe passage for humanitarian aid in the tightly-blockaded territory. It also said Egypt would be against any attempts aimed at displacing the Palestinians outside their homeland.

Separately, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said in a statement that the veto “clearly indicates its political and moral responsibility for the continuation of the war.”

He also warned that the veto “undermines the credibility of the UN system and reinforces the state of paralysis witnessed by the UN.”

“(It) provides political cover for Israel to continue the aggression in light of the international community’s inability to stop the heinous crimes committed every day against Palestinian civilians,” Aboul Gheit said.

The veto also drew condemnation by the OIC, which expressed its “deep regret” over the failure of the UNSC to adopt the draft resolution.

“The OIC also regrets deeply the United States’ use of veto against the draft resolution, describing it as a negative reflection of the Security Council’s role in the maintenance of international peace and security, protection of civilians and ensuring delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip,” it said in a statement.

Condemnations have poured in from across the world. Countries such as China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and even Washington’s close allies, including France and Slovenia, have denounced the veto.

Washington has supplied the Israeli regime with more than 10,000 tons of military equipment over the past months of hostilities in Gaza.

Israel has killed more than 29,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 69,000 others in Gaza since early October. The regime ignited the brutal war machine on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/21/720534/Arab-League-OIC-Egypt-US-veto-Gaza

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Fresh aggression: US, UK launch five strikes on Yemen’s Hudaydah

22 February 2024

The United States and Britain have conducted fresh aerial assaults on Yemen's strategic western province of Hudaydah.

The al-Masirah television network reported three airstrikes on Ras Issa area in Hudaydah’s a-Salif district late on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, it added, four similar air raids also targeted al-Jabana and al-Arj areas in Hudaydah.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that its forces had carried out four strikes on areas in Yemen, targeting “seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile launcher” in the act of aggression.

It claimed that the targets “presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the US Navy ships in the region.”

CENTCOM also said that its forces had shot down a “one-way attack unmanned aircraft system.”

In recent months, the US and its allies have launched illegal attacks on Yemen amid their frustration in the face of an anti-Israel maritime campaign by the Yemeni armed forces.

Israel waged a US-backed genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip on October 7 following a historic operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group against the occupying regime.

In support of Gaza, Yemeni armed forces have targeted ships going to and from ports in the occupied territories, or whose owners are linked to Israel, in the southern Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and even in the Arabian Sea.

The US-led attacks on Yemen prompted the country’s military to declare American and British vessels to be legitimate targets.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/22/720551/US-UK-strikes-Yemen-Hudaydah

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KSrelief, UN officials meet to discuss aid cooperation

February 22, 2024

RIYADH: Officials from Saudi Arabia’s aid agency and the UN met in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss ways to improve aid delivery across the world.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, royal court advisor and supervisor-general of KSrelief, met with Mohamed El-Zarkani, the UN’s resident coordinator in Saudi Arabia.

El-Zarkani praised Saudi Arabia for assisting the UN’s various humanitarian and aid agencies.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464571/saudi-arabia

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KSrelief to provide equipment to Sudan children’s hospitals

February 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement on Wednesday with the Patients Helping Fund Organization in Sudan to provide essential medical equipment to the country’s children’s hospitals.

Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor-general of operations and programs, and Kamal Yaqoub Mohamed, director-general of the fund, signed the agreement in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The aim is to reduce mortality rates in the Kassala and El-Obeid hospitals.

The new equipment will directly benefit 100,000 individuals and another 100,000 indirect beneficiaries.

The agreement is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts, led by KSrelief, to support Sudan’s health sector.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464536/saudi-arabia

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Saudi and Egyptian foreign ministers discuss bilateral ties

February 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, held talks on Wednesday on the sidelines of a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Rio de Janeiro.

They discussed the relationship between their countries and ways in which it might be enhanced in various fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported. They also reviewed the latest regional and international developments, particularly those relating to Israel’s war on Gaza.

The Saudi ambassador to Brazil, Faisal Ghulam, and the assistant director general of the foreign minister’s office, Walid Al-Smail, were also present at the meeting.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464416/saudi-arabia

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Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss Gaza situation

February 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Wednesday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The pair discussed developments in Gaza and efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.

Earlier, Prince Faisal said in his remarks during Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that the G20 countries bear the responsibility to act decisively to end the disaster in the Gaza Strip, which poses urgent threats to regional peace and prosperity as well as global economic stability.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464386/saudi-arabia

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Saudi FM urges G20 to act to end Gaza disaster

February 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the G20 countries bear the responsibility to act decisively to end the disaster in the Gaza Strip, which poses urgent threats to regional peace and prosperity as well as global economic stability.

In his remarks at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Prince Faisal reiterated the importance of condemning the atrocities committed in the Gaza Strip.

He called on the G20 countries to press for meaningful measures to end the war in Gaza, and to support a reliable and irreversible path towards a two-state solution.

Prince Faisal stressed the importance of international institutions’ commitment to fulfill their obligations at the global level, and to be clearer in their positions than they are currently, especially in dealing with the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464376/saudi-arabia

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Mideast

 

Al-Aqsa Storm stopped US plan in region, marked end of Netanyahu’s dream: Hamas official

22 February 2024

A senior Hamas official says the Operation al-Aqsa Storm launched by Gaza-based resistance groups against Israel has stopped the US plan to shape the region and its future.

Osama Hamdan, who is Hamas representative in Lebanon and also a member of the group’s politburo, made the remarks during an interview with Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network on Wednesday.

“The American administration has never been a mediator or neutral, but has always been a partner of Israel, and one of the most important outcomes of the al-Aqsa flood (operation) is that it stopped the US administration’s plans to shape the region and its future according to the interests of Washington and the occupation,” he said.

The Hamas official went on to say that “the resistance has shattered the dreams of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who remains delusional about implementing the ideological Zionist project."

He also noted that if the Israeli regime persists in continuing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the resistance group has no option but to continue its defense.

Hamdan further stated that the occupying regime is still hesitant about attacking the southern city of Rafah due to the fact that it failed to achieve any tangible results from its aggression against Gaza.

He also emphasized that resistance is the only path that will lead to the liberation of Palestine, adding that the enemy's black propaganda cannot damage the relations between resistance groups.

Hamdan’s remarks came after the US vetoed a UN resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza for the third time, drawing widespread condemnation.

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, penetrating deep into the territories occupied by the Israeli regime, by carrying out large-scale air, land, and sea strikes.

The group said the operation was a reaction to the recurring desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds as well as intensified Israeli atrocities against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Since the start of Israel’s latest brutal aggression, more than 29,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed and about 70,000 others have been injured.

The regime has also intensified the siege of Gaza, leaving the city, home to more than 2.3 million Palestinians, without water, electricity, fuel and internet.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/02/22/720552/Palestine-Israel-Gaza-war-Hamas-Osama-Hamdan-Operation-al-Aqsa-Strom-stopped-US-plan-Netanyahu-Zionist-project-resistance

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Zionist enemy launches campaign of raids, arrests in occupied W Bank

[22/February/2024]

RAMALLAH February 22. 2024 (Saba) - The Zionist enemy forces have launched a campaign of raids and arrests in various parts of the occupied West Bank, targeting freed prisoners and a political activist from Ramallah during which confrontations and clashes broke out in several areas.

In Ramallah, enemy forces stormed the village of Beit Rima and Deir Ghassana, northwestern Ramallah and launched an arrest campaign among citizens, including political activist Fadia Barghouti, who was arrested after storming the home of her imprisoned husband, Mahmoud Barghouti.

Enemy forces stormed the center of the city of Ramallah and the Umm al-Sharayetneighborhood in the city of al-Bireh, which led to the outbreak of confrontations during which enemy soldiers fired poison gas bombs at young men who threw stones and Molotov cocktails at those forces.

In Nablus, the Nazi enemy forces stormed the village of Deir al-Hatab, and arrested the young man Yaqoub al-Ashqar, son of the martyr Abdul Aziz al-Ashqar, from his home. The Enemy forces also stormed the village of Beit Dajan, east of Nablus.

The enemy forces also stormed the city of Nablus from the direction of al-Quds Street, and stormed Balata camp, east of the city, amid the outbreak of clashes and confrontations, during which two citizens were injured.

The resisting youth were able to detonate explosive devices with enemy forces, amid gunfire and clashes in Balata camp, coinciding with an enemy bulldozer storming Market Street.

The Red Crescent Society announced that its crews dealt with two casualties from enemy bullets during the storming of Balata camp in Nablus.

In Tulkarm, the enemy forces stormed the city of Tulkarm and the suburb of Dhanaba to the east, and raided a number of residential buildings in the suburb, specifically adjacent to the camp, and conducted searches and combing operations in it and in the neighboring lands, deployed its snipers in the area, and fired heavy bullets.

Resistance fighters opened fire on enemy forces near Tulkarm camp, while many explosions were heard.

In Jenin, resistance fighters targeted enemy forces storming the town of Faqoua with high-explosive devices, amid clashes erupting in the town. The Nazi forces stormed the village of al-Jalama, northeast of Jenin, and drove their vehicles into the village.

In Jericho, the enemy forces stormed Aqabat Jabr camp in the city of Jericho, and arrested Mohammad Suleiman Jahalin and Raafat Mohammad Dahbour after storming Aqabat Jabr camp.

The enemy forces destroyed the Martyrs' Roundabout in the middle of Aqabat Jabr camp, while a group of journalists were targeted with live bullets and poisonous tear gas while they were covering the storming.

In Hebron, the enemy forces stormed al-Fawwar camp, southern Hebron and raided several homes. They also stormed the city of Yatta, south of Hebron.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3307016.htm

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Resistance attackers kill Zionist soldier, injure eight others in occupied al-Quds

[22/February/2024]

OCCUPIED AL-QUDS February 22. 2024 (Saba) - A Zionist soldier was killed and eight others were injured, including three in serious condition, on Thursday morning in a shooting attack at a crossroads near the town of al-Zayyim, eastern occupied al-Quds.

The Zionist enemy police said that the shooting operation was carried out by three young men. They were shot and wounded by the enemy, and the resistance attackers were later declared martyred.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3307010.htm

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Hezbollah strikes Israeli settlements near Lebanon's border

Feb 21, 2024

TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (MNA) – In light of the Israeli aggression on the various South Lebanon villages, the Islamic Resistance continued striking the Zionist occupation sites near the Lebanon border.

Hezbollah military media issued consecutive statements to illustrate the attacks and their outcomes, Al Manar reported.

The first statement mentioned that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 07:30 am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, a military position of “Israeli” enemy soldiers in Even Menachem settlement with appropriate weapons, inflicting direct hits.

Hezbollah's Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 07:30 am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, a military positioning of “Israeli” enemy soldiers in the Shomera settlement with appropriate weapons, inflicting direct hits, the second statement pointed out.

“In response to the Israeli attacks on southern villages and civilian homes, including the recent ones in Hula, Blida, Aita, Kfar Kila, and Khiam villages, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, two buildings where Israeli enemy soldiers were stationed in Avivim settlement with appropriate weapons, causing direct hits on both buildings,” the third statement maintained.

The Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 12:05 PM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, a gathering of Zionist soldiers in the vicinity of the Al-Marj occupation site with missiles, achieving direct hits, according to the fourth statement.

The fifth statement noted that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 12:20 PM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the Ruweisat Al-Alam site in Lebanon’s occupied Shebaa Farms with appropriate weapons, hitting it directly.

The sixth statement mentioned that the Islamic Resistance fighters were targeted, at 1:35 pm on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Zibdeen site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with appropriate weapons, inflicting direct hits.

The seventh statement indicated that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 1:45 pm on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Zar’it barracks with appropriate weapons, inflicting direct hits.

On Tuesday night, Israeli enemy aircraft raided the towns of Marwahin, al-Dhahira, Aita al-Shaab, and Yaroun, and shelled with artillery the villages of Ramya, al-Naqoura, and Alma al-Shaab, causing severe damage to crops, olive trees, and houses.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212238/Hezbollah-strikes-Israeli-settlements-near-Lebanon-s-border

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Sheikh Qassem says ceiling will be higher than any ceiling exceeded by enemy

[22/February/2024]

BEIRUT February 22. 2024 (Saba) - Deputy Secretary-General of the Lebanese Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem has said “When the enemy exceeds the highest ceiling, our ceiling will be higher than it.”

Sheikh Qassem added “You may have seen, four days after October 7, a long call that took place between American Biden and Netanyahu, the prime minister of the Zionist enemy, the focus of which was that “Israel” wanted to suddenly go to war against Lebanon, so it objected. America is doing this for the sake of Israel.

Qassem said the resistance initiative came to support Gaza, adding "we are not surprised by any aggression that the enemy may carry out," according to the Lebanese media

He continued saying the resistance goal is to deters the enemy and the any enemy aggression for supporting the oppressed people.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3306999.htm

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Turkiye calls for Gaza ceasefire, two-state solution at G20 meeting

February 22, 2024

ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on the international community to take a more active role toward an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution to the conflict during talks at the G20 meeting in Brazil, a Turkish diplomatic source said.

Turkiye, which has harshly criticized Israel for its attacks on Gaza and backed measures to have it tried for genocide at the World Court, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire.

Unlike its Western allies and some Gulf nations, NATO member Turkiye does not view Hamas, the Palestinian militant group which runs Gaza and on Oct. 7 carried out an attack inside Israel that prompted the Israeli campaign, as a terrorist organization.

Fidan told a G20 foreign ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday that the “savagery” in Gaza must be stopped, and discussed steps to achieve an urgent ceasefire and get more aid into the enclave during talks with counterparts from the United States, Germany, and Egypt, the source said.

“Steps that can be taken to achieve a full ceasefire as soon as possible were discussed,” during talks between Fidan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the source said, adding Fidan also discussed “concrete steps” to stop the fighting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

“The fact that a decision on a ceasefire did not come out of the UN Security Council once again, has shown that reform is a must,” Fidan told a session at the G20 meeting, according to one of his aides, referring to a third US veto on a ceasefire call at the 15-member body.

Ankara says the UN Security Council must be reformed to be more inclusive and representative of the world.

“The stance shown by Brazilian President Lula (Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva) is admirable,” the aide cited Fidan as saying, in reference to comments by Lula in which he likened the war in Gaza to the Nazi genocide during World War Two and which caused a diplomatic spat.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464516/middle-east

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North America

 

US: ‘Taliban Not Only Afghans Who Have Stake in Future of Afghanistan’

February 21, 2024

The US Department of State’s spokesman, Mathew Miller said that he is "not surprised" that the Islamic Emirate did not participate at the second Doha meeting.

Speaking at a press briefing, Miller said the “Taliban are not the only Afghans who have a stake in the future of Afghanistan.”

“I can’t say I’m incredibly surprised that the Taliban declined the invitation to participate in a meeting with a broad representation from the international community. But I will say, as you’ve heard us say before, that the Taliban are not the only Afghans who have a stake in the future of Afghanistan. We will continue to support giving all Afghans, including, of course, women and girls, a voice in shaping their country’s future,” Miller said.

The US Department of State’s spokesman said that what the US was trying to achieve by attending the Doha meeting was to “make clear that Afghanistan should not be a hotbed for terrorist activities that impact other countries; two, a vision for Afghanistan with inclusive institutions in which its diverse groups all feel represented in a state that is truly inclusive; and number three, a concern about the respect of human rights, and in particular the rights of women and girls.”

In response to a question about the refusal of Chinese, Russian, and Iranian envoys to meet with the Afghan civil society, Miller said “we always find engagement with civil society to be productive. We try to take actions through our diplomacy to empower civil society, and we would certainly encourage every country in the world to pursue that path.”

However, the Islamic Emirate called the remarks of the US Department spokesman "prejudiced."

"We know America's intentions. The main reason is not the one they mentioned; they are actually the big violators of human rights in the world. The Islamic Emirate is committed to the rights given to individuals by Islamic Sharia. America's problem is America's failure,” said the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid.

"Afghanistan, with its balanced, neutral and positive policy, wants to have a positive interaction with all parties,” said Mohammad Mateen Mohammadkhail, a political analyst.

The second Doha meeting on Afghanistan was held on the 18 and 19 of February without the presence of the Islamic Emirate.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187517

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Over 18,000 SIVs approved for Afghan allies last year: US State Department

Fidel Rahmati

February 22, 2024

The spokesperson for the US State Department told media outlets that last year the US government approved more than 18,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghans who worked with the US.

He said that this figure represents the highest number of SIVs issued in a year.

The spokesperson for the State Department once again asked the US Congress to approve the residency plan for Afghans who worked with the United States in that country.

CNN reported earlier this month, that nearly 80,000 former local employees of the United States in Afghanistan, eligible for Special Immigrant Visas, are awaiting evacuation in Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

Among these individuals, tens of thousands have recently initiated the process of requesting their visas, as highlighted in the CNN report.

As of the eighth month of the year, only 10,800 applicants for Special Immigrant Visas have received leadership approval for evacuation, while the cases of 67,000 others are still pending approval, according to CNN’s Wednesday report.

Additionally, tens of thousands of former American colleagues and employees in Afghanistan have begun the visa request process, amplifying the urgency of the situation following the Taliban’s takeover.

One Afghan engineer, who worked with Americans, shared his experience of fleeing to Pakistan with his family after the fall of Afghanistan, waiting for over a year for approval of their Special Immigrant Visa application, citing the slow and time-consuming process.

He outlined the six essential documents required for the application, emphasizing the increasing delay in visa approval, which now exceeds a year compared to the earlier three-month timeline.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/over-18000-sivs-approved-for-afghan-allies-last-year-us-state-department/

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US State Department Reacts to Taliban’s Durand Line Statement

Fidel Rahmati

February 22, 2024

The US State Department spokesperson responded to statements made by Shir Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban’s Deputy Foreign Minister, concerning the Durand Line.

Mathew Miller said, “We support the territorial integrity of Pakistan and Afghanistan within the framework of internationally recognized borders between the two countries.”

Abbas Stanekzai, a Taliban-appointed official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Taliban, like previous governments, does not recognize the Durand Line as the official border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

During an event in Logar marking the 35th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, Abbas Stanikzai, boldly declared that Afghanistan will never acknowledge the Durand Line as its official border with Pakistan. This statement highlights the enduring dispute between the two nations, significantly impacting Afghan-Pakistani relations.

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Abbas Stanekzai’s remarks as ”  “self-serving and fanciful claims.”.”

However, the high-ranking Taliban official’s statements were welcomed by the Afghan government’s Foreign Minister, Ashraf Ghani. Hanif Atmar wrote on his Twitter page that despite differences with the Taliban, he agrees with the statements of this Taliban official, and Abbas Stanekzai is not alone in his national stance.

However, Mr. Atmar raised the question of whether the Taliban’s official policy towards the Durand Line is the same or not.

The Durand Line, stretching over 2,400 kilometres, was created in 1893 by an agreement between British India and Afghanistan’s Amir Abdur Rahman Khan. It divides Pashtun and Baloch tribal areas between Afghanistan and present-day Pakistan. Originally serving as a buffer between British India and the Russian Empire, it has long been disputed by Afghanistan, which questions its legitimacy as a true border.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/us-state-department-reacts-to-talibans-durand-line-statement/

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Blinken to Brazil's Lula: US disagrees with remarks comparing Israel to Nazis

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

US top diplomat Antony Blinken and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had a "frank exchange" on Wednesday in which the secretary of state made it clear to Brazil's leader that the US did not agree with his recent remarks about Israel's war in Gaza.

Lula is in the middle of a diplomatic spat with Israel over comments in which he likened the war in Gaza to the Nazi genocide during World War II, leading Israel to say he was not welcome there until he takes back the comments.

"I would say that it was a frank exchange, with the secretary making clear that we don't agree with those comments," said a senior State Department official, who briefed reporters after the meeting in Brasilia.

US officials had previously said they expected Lula and Blinken to have a robust conversation on issues of global security, including the conflict in Gaza that was sparked by attacks in Israel by Hamas militants on October 7.

Blinken, whose stepfather was a Holocaust survivor, highlighted US efforts to free hostages still being held by Hamas and get a temporary pause in the conflict, as well as to increase humanitarian aid, according to US officials.

In a separate statement, Brazil's presidential office said the meeting, which lasted almost two hours, involved discussions on topics ranging from the G20 summit to peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine.

"President Lula reaffirmed his wish for peace and an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip," the Brazilian government said. "Both agreed on the need for the creation of a Palestinian state."

Brazil this week is hosting a meeting of foreign ministers in Rio de Janeiro as part of its presidency of the G20 group of advanced economies.

Washington, which provides Israel with military and diplomatic support, has urged Israel to protect civilians but defended Israel's right to target Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

Ahead of Blinken's travel to South America, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols told reporters that sharing ideas on the conflict in Gaza would be "crucial to the conversation" between Lula and Blinken.

Source: jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-788120

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US military says it destroyed Houthi missiles in pre-emptive strikes

February 22, 2024

RIYADH: American forces operating in the Red Sea have destroyed seven anti-ship missiles, one missile launcher and a drone originating from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the US military said early Thursday.

In a statement on the X platform, the Central Command said its forces conducted four self-defense strikes against the Houthi missiles between 12 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), on Feb. 21, as they were prepared to launch towards targets in the Red Sea.

"A one-way attack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) was also shot in self-defense by CENTCOM forces," the statement said.

It  added that the missiles, launchers and UAS were identified to originate from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they "presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and to the US Navy ships in the region."

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464466/middle-east

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South Asia

 

Doha summit urged continued talks with Afghan rulers: Envoy

Feb 21, 2024

TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (MNA) – Iran's special envoy for Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Qomi says a recent UN-led international conference on Afghanistan called on the international community to keep communicating with the ruling authorities in that country.

The Doha conference, which ended on Monday, outlined two primary objectives, first, the establishment of an international contact group for engaging with Kabul's ruling authorities, and second, the appointment of a UN special envoy to Afghanistan, Kazemi Qomi told IRNA.

He said that a regional contact group has already been established within the Moscow format and as recommended by Iran.

The Moscow format is a diplomatic platform established in 2017 to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between regional countries on the conflict in Afghanistan. The format takes its name from the Russian capital, Moscow, where the first meeting of the group was held.

Given that regional countries play the most critical role in ensuring the stability and security of the region, Kazemi Qomi said, “The key point at the Doha summit was that the international community supports the regional initiative of the United Nations.”

He continued, “The new (UN) representative should be appointed from a place where he has the most familiarity and cooperation with Afghanistan.”

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212249/Doha-summit-urged-continued-talks-with-Afghan-rulers-Envoy

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Mujahid: Islamic Emirate Committed to Rights of People

February 21, 2024

The Islamic Emirate rejected UN expert reports regarding the violation of women's rights in the country, saying that women's rights are protected more than ever before.

The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that the issue of women’s rights is an internal issue of Afghanistan and that other countries should not interfere in it.

“We should not believe their false slogans. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan recognizes and is committed to the rights of all people. The government is obliged to honor the rights that Islam has given to the people,” Mujahid said.

Earlier, UN experts, who were drawing attention to the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, said in a news release that "gender apartheid" must be recognized as a crime against humanity due to growing worldwide issues.

Experts stressed that the designation of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity would be a long overdue recognition by the international community.

“The Taliban’s rule makes codifying gender apartheid in international law particularly urgent, as it would allow the international community to better identify and address the regime’s attacks on Afghan women and girls for what they are,” the experts said.

“If we want Allah, the world and the Afghan people to be satisfied with us as a government, we must give the citizens all their basic rights,” said Zakiullah Mohammadi, a university lecturer.

Meanwhile, some women’s rights activists asked the Islamic Emirate to guarantee their future by providing their fundamental rights, including the right to work and education.

"We ask the government to open schools and universities and allow women to work. Don't let the countries call out our pain,” said Fazela Sorush, a women’s rights activist.

This comes as the acting Minister of Higher Education, Neda Mohammad Nadim, on Tuesday in a seminar in Kabul criticized the holding of meetings on Afghanistan abroad, saying that what is raised about women's rights in these meetings is untrue.

Speaking during the seminar, Nadim said that now more than ever, women's rights are protected in the country.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187518

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Nearly 2,000 Afghan migrants return home from Iran and Pakistan

Fidel Rahmati

February 22, 2024

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations of Afghanistan has announced that nearly two thousand Afghan migrants have returned to the country after being expelled from Pakistan and Iran.

The ministry stated on Wednesday, February 21st, in a statement that around one thousand six hundred and sixty-six Afghan migrants entered the country on Tuesday.

The statement said that these migrants returned to the country via the Islam Qala border in Herat province.

At the same time, the ministry clarified that the returning migrants entered the country voluntarily and involuntarily.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations also announced that two hundred and twenty-four Afghan migrants returned to the country after being expelled from Pakistan on Tuesday.

It should be noted that the newly returned migrants from this country returned via the Spin Boldak border in Kandahar province and the Torghundi border in Nangarhar province.

This comes as Iran and Pakistan have recently been deporting individuals without legal documents from their countries.

Amid a severe winter and a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, many returning Afghans face an uncertain future with no jobs, inadequate shelter, food, water, or medical care.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/nearly-2000-afghan-migrants-return-home-from-iran-and-pakistan/

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UNSG: Half of Afghanistan Population Will Require Aid in 2024

February 21, 2024

The UN has said that more than half of Afghanistan’s population will require aid this year.

The UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said that the UN humanitarian response plan for Afghanistan has received less than 3% of the funds needed.

“Many Afghans are destitute, struggling to feed themselves, living without access to education, healthcare or employment,” the UN chief wrote on X.

“We want that this aid that is being spent to be used appropriately in a way to benefit Afghanistan and become an economic source for the families and people of Afghanistan,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.

The Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate said the imposed sanctions on the government, the stopping of foreign aid and years of drought have led to an increase in poverty in the country.

“Focusing on job creation programs and supporting the home-based economy in different sectors can be economically effective for the gradual reduction of poverty and the fight against food insecurity,” said Abdul Rahman Habib, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate.

The poverty in Afghanistan has not only hit those with no jobs but also the disabled who have not been paid their salaries.

“They gave us our six month salary but another six months, which is 18,000 Afs, remains upaid. We want the Islamic Emirate to pay our salaries because we don’t have anything for our life,” said Abdul Wodod, a needy person.

Other Afghans are calling on the Islamic Emirate and other donors to provide employment opportunities for them.

“I was collecting bags from the shops to burn because we have nothing to heat our houses. I burned my jumpers last night to heat the house for our kids,” said Sayed Agha, a Kabul resident.

“We want them to provide employment opportunities so that we can pay for our families' expenses,” said Abdul Manan, a Kabul resident.

Earlier, Reuters reported that the World Bank had decided to deploy $300 million from the bank’s International Development Association.

According to the report, the funds would remain outside the control of the “Taliban” leadership in Afghanistan and would complement Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund (ARTF) donor financing in supporting critical basic services such as food, water, health, education and jobs.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187520

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Dialogue is the Key to Resolution, Asserts Deputy PM

2024-02-21

KABUL (BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, emphasized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s commitment to dialogue as the preferred method for resolving issues. This sentiment was expressed during a meeting with Takayoshi Kuromiya, the Ambassador of Japan in Kabul, according to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, Ambassador Kuromiya highlighted the longstanding historical ties between Japan and Afghanistan, expressing Japan’s interest in strengthening these relations. He also conveyed Japan’s desire to play a pivotal role in fostering and enhancing Afghanistan’s global relationships.

Kuromiya reassured that Japan would continue to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and expressed readiness to participate in reconstruction, development projects, health, and capacity enhancement initiatives.

The Ambassador acknowledged that not only Japan but the entire international community recognizes the significant progress Afghanistan has made over the past two years. He noted the establishment of a unified governance system and the assurance of national security.

Deputy Prime Minister Mawlawi Abdul Kabir acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan. He stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation in infrastructure development and the initiation of development projects in Afghanistan.

He further stated that the Islamic Emirate is committed to serving all Afghans without discrimination. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all Afghans benefit from government aid and services and are included in the governance process.

According to him, the Islamic Emirate’s policy is that Afghanistan should not pose a threat to anyone, nor should anyone be allowed to use Afghanistan against others. He reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s belief in dialogue as the means to resolve every issue.

Mawlavi Abdul Kabir concluded by stating that the Islamic Emirate is prepared to address the concerns of others through dialogue.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/dialogue-is-the-key-to-resolution-asserts-deputy-pm/

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Significant Decrease in Criminal Offenses in Panjshir Province

2024-02-22

KABUL (BNA): Abadullah Aqa Farooqi, the spokesperson for the Panjshir police, reported a significant decrease in criminal offenses in the province since the return of the Islamic Emirate.

He informed BNA that forty criminal incidents have been registered in the capital and seven districts of this province since the beginning of the month of Hamal (March 21), leading to several arrests.

Farooqi attributed this unprecedented decrease in crime to the diligent efforts of the police personnel and leadership in ensuring the safety of the residents of Panjshir.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/significant-decrease-in-criminal-offenses-in-panjshir-province/

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Our dream is to make Bangla an official UN language: FM

Feb 21, 2024

In a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of the 1952 Language Movement, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today articulated Bangladesh's aspiration to accord Bangla the status of an official language of the United Nations.

Speaking at a commemorative event for National Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day at the Foreign Service Academy, Hasan acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasised the national dream.

"Our dream is to make Bangla the official language of UN. This is our dream. I know there are many hurdles, but this is our dream today."

On February 21 in 1952, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was in jail.

"Many people don't know that when he was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (from jail) for treatment, he organised a meeting. In that meeting, it was decided that a protest rally would be brought out on the 21st February, 1952. The decision was given by Bangabandhu with his jail mates," Minister Hasan said.

The ceremony saw participation from Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, alongside various foreign missions in Dhaka. Among the attendees were Mashfee Binte Shams, Rector of the Foreign Service Academy, diplomats, senior ministry officials, and their families.

Hasan paid homage to Bangabandhu and the martyrs of the 1971 War of Liberation, highlighting his pivotal role in the 1952 Language Movement as a young leader.

He also praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's efforts in propelling Bangladesh towards new developmental heights, citing accolades received at the Munich Security Conference 2024 for her leadership.

The observance of International Mother Language Day, endorsed by Unesco and the UN General Assembly, celebrates linguistic diversity and promotes inclusion towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2024 theme, "Multilingual education -- a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning," advocates for education that begins in one's mother tongue, easing the transition to multilingual learning and preserving indigenous languages.

Bangladesh's solemn commemoration of "Amar Ekushey" pays respect to the Language Movement martyrs, asserting the nation's commitment to cultural and linguistic preservation.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's participation in laying wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar signifies a national moment of unity and remembrance, echoing the timeless anthem "Amar Bhai-er RakteRanganoEkushey February".

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/our-dream-make-bangla-official-un-language-fm-3549346

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Southeast Asia

 

Malay Religious Affairs Minister Advises Muslims to Reject Fanaticism

22 Feb 2024

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 22 ― Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has advised the community, especially Muslims, to avoid fanaticism towards any individual, instead they should always adhere to the balance of knowledge and facts.

He also urged all parties to refer to the State Islamic Religious Departments (Jain) regarding any matters concerning the qualification of preachers, ensuring that everything conveyed is in line with Islamic teachings.

“Fanaticism in any matter is dangerous to both oneself and society.

“It will cause someone to be easily influenced by claims made by certain individuals or groups,” he said in a statement today.

Mohd Na’im added that the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) is following the developments reported by a local newspaper on the lineage of the Prophet.

Mohd Na’im said that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) would closely cooperate with Islamic religious authorities, especially Jain, and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to investigate the revelations by the newspaper.

“The Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) will not compromise with any party attempting to exploit religion for personal or group interests,” he said.

Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the authorities would continue monitoring an Algerian man claiming to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad and who has given religious talks in the country.

He said the Home Ministry would cooperate with state authorities to take action against the man, identified as Mawla Muhammad Amin al-Idrisi, if he breaches any laws. ― Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/22/religious-affairs-minister-advises-muslims-to-reject-fanaticism/119408

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US veto pushed Gaza to more dangerous situation: China

Feb 21, 2024

TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (MNA) – The US veto at the UN Security Council against a cease-fire has pushed the besieged enclave of Gaza to a “more dangerous situation,” China warned on Wednesday.

“China voted in favor of a UN Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza,” said Mao Ning, spokeswoman of China’s Foreign Ministry, Anadolu reported.

The US vetoed “it alone, pushing the situation in Gaza to a more dangerous situation,” he said.

“All relevant parties, including China, expressed strong disappointment,” said Mao.

The US Tuesday vetoed the latest attempt at the Council to demand an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the besieged Gaza Strip, where the official death toll is rapidly approaching 30,000.

The draft resolution put forward by Algeria received widespread support in the council, with 13 of its 15 member states voting in favor.

The US was the sole nation to vote against it, and as a permanent council member, its opposition killed the resolution. The UK, another permanent member, abstained.

China’s top envoy at the UN Zhang Jun said: “The outcome of today's vote clearly shows that on the issue of a cease-fire to halt the fight in Gaza, it is not that the Security Council does not have an overwhelming consensus, but rather it is the exercise of veto by the United States that stifles the Council consensus.”

“The US veto sends a wrong message, pushing the situation in Gaza into a more dangerous one,” he added.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212237/US-veto-pushed-Gaza-to-more-dangerous-situation-China

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Sultan of Brunei joins funeral prayers for Taib

 22 Feb 2024 #

KUCHING, Feb 22 — Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, joined the funeral prayers for former Governor of Sarawak, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, at Masjid Demak here today.

Also joining the funeral prayers was Sultan Hassanal’s son, Pengiran Muda Abdul Mateen Bolkiah.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also attended the prayers, led by Imam Besar Negeri Sarawak Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.

Subsequently, Sultan Hassanal also attended the burial ceremony of Abdul Taib at the family cemetery near the mosque.

Earlier, the casket bearing the body of the Abdul Taib was brought from the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex after the conclusion of the public paying of respects ceremony held there.

The journey from the complex to the Demak Mosque was accompanied by an 87-gun salute by the 8th Royal Artillery Regiment as a final tribute to Abdul Taib.

The body arrived at the mosque grounds at 11.56am.

The casket was then carried into the mosque by military and police personnel, accompanied by Abdul Taib’s wife, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib, and other family members.

The body of Abdul Taib was then taken to the cemetery at around 1.20p.m. amidst rainy weather.

Abdul Taib, 87, died at 4.40am at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The Sarawak Government declared a two-day mourning period until today.

Born on May 21, 1936, Abdul Taib was the man who shaped Sarawak’s development when he led the state as Chief Minister for 33 years. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/22/sultan-of-brunei-joins-funeral-prayers-for-taib/119422

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Malaysian MPs delegation visits Egypt to reiterate support for Palestinian cause

22-02- 2024

PUTRAJAYA: A five-member delegation comprising Malaysian parliamentarians, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, is on a special visit to Egypt from Feb 21 to 24 to reiterate Malaysia’s staunch support for the Palestinian cause.

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement Thursday, said the delegation includes Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang-PKR), Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (Sik-PAS), Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (Kalabakan-UMNO) and Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hattta Md Ramli (AMANAH).

The delegation will visit the Rafah-Gaza border checkpoints, through which the emergency and humanitarian relief supplies from Malaysia are channelled to Gaza, it said.

“This arrangement is undertaken in close collaboration with the Egyptian government and Ops Ihsan,“ the statement read.

According to Wisma Putra, other programmes include a courtesy call on Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdi Loza, a meeting with the chief executive officer of the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), Dr Rami Al Nazer, and a visit to a hospital managed by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

“Discussions will also be held on the cooperation with Ops Ihsan in assisting Palestinians affected, including those who are seeking medical treatment in Egypt,“ it said.

The ministry noted that there will be a symbolic ceremony to hand over donations from Malaysia to the ERC and PRCS amounting to US$250,000 (RM1.2 million) and US$500,000 (RM2.4 million), respectively.

Wisma Putra said a total of 100 tonnes of humanitarian assistance (worth RM5.6 million or US$1.2 million) was successfully flown to the El-Arish Airport in November and December last year.

The delivered items included medicine, medical equipment, food and winter supplies such as blankets, tents and clothing.

The humanitarian aid was made possible following contributions by the Malaysian public, agencies, and companies to Akaun Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestine, said Wisma Putra. –Bernama

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/malaysian-mps-delegation-visits-egypt-to-reiterate-support-for-palestinian-cause-AA12128091

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Cultivator of harmony: S'wak politicians credit Taib for pivotal role in nurturing ethnic, religious unity in state

22 Feb 2024

POLITICIANS across the spectrum in Sarawak have hailed the important role that the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud had played in nurturing multi-racialism and multi-religious harmony in the state.

PKR deputy chairman Abun Sui Anyit said Taib, the longest serving state chief minister in Malaysia, cultivated a society that was united as far as ethnic and communal relations are concerned.

"Tun Taib had been at the forefront of building Sarawak as a state united in multiracial and multi-religious cohesiveness.

"We acknowledge that very important role he had performed,” said Sui, who is a senator, in a statement to express the party’s condolences on his passing.

Taib, 87, breathed his last at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.28am yesterday.

He had served as Sarawak's chief minister for over three decades starting from 1981, making him the longest-serving head of government in Malaysian state history.

He then served for three terms as Sarawak governor from March 1, 2014, until January 26 this year when Tun Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar succeeded him.

A senior state leader also credited Taib for having played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for a multiracial and multi-religious Sarawak.

The solid unity and harmony existing now among the many diverse communities of faiths and races was due to Taib to a large extent, said Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu’s (PBB) women’s wing.

Fatimah, who is minister in the state Women, Family and Community Well-being Ministry, said that the foundation of multiracialism and religious tolerance has seen Sarawak progress on the social, economic and political fronts.

"Tun Taib was the one who brought Sarawakians of all races, faiths and ethnic groups together.

"His policies of cultivating multi-religious and multiracial unity and harmony were reflected on the social and political fronts,” she said in a statement.

"These enabled Sarawak to prosper in the social sectors, business and industrial arenas and brought stability and peace.

"His passing left a huge void in Sarawak. We pray that Tun Taib will rest in peace," she added. "May Allah forgive him for his sins and grant him eternal rest."

Lifelong devotion to public service

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described Taib as a leader who had devoted his life to public service.

In fact, Abdul Karim, who is also the state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, said Taib had dedicated his life not only to Sarawak but also to the nation way before his tenure as the state chief minister.

“The day Malaysia was formed in 1963, Abdul Taib was a state minister; the youngest in Sarawak,” Karim told Bernama yesterday.

“While he was serving as a state minister, he was brought over to the federal to be a minister. He served about four or five ministries before returning to Sarawak in 1981.”

“After 33 years as Sarawak Chief Minister, he was appointed as Sarawak Governor until the end of January this year.

“So, from his young life to his tenure as governor and until his demise today, he has devoted his life to public service,” he said in a phone interview featured in Bernama TV’s The Brief yesterday.

At the same time, Abdul Karim said everything Sarawak has today such as political stability, racial harmony and tolerance towards each other were all led by Taib; hence his demise was felt by all, especially the people of Sarawak.

Following Taib’s death, prayers were conducted at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

His remains were brought back to Kuching at around 3pm yesterday.

The state government declared two days of official mourning, and all state and national flags are flown at half-mast. – The Vibes, February 22, 2024

Source: thevibes.com

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https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/101058/cultivator-of-harmony-swak-politicians-credit-taib-for-pivotal-role-in-nurturing-ethnic-religious-unity-in-state

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Yunnan mosque gets pagodas and party slogans in Chinese makeover

 Gu Ting for RFA Mandarin

2024.02.21

A mosque in a mostly-Muslim town in southwestern China whose dome and minarets were demolished last year has been refitted with Chinese-style pagodas and billboards praising the Communist Party, according to a local resident and an overseas Muslim with connections to the area.

Last May, dozens of residents were detained in the town of Nagu in Yunnan province after clashes with police, when a government demolition team toppled the minarets and dome roof of the historic Najiaying Mosque.

The destruction was part of the "sinicization" of religion under President Xi Jinping that ushered in a nationwide crackdown on Muslim, Christian and Tibetan Buddhist religious activities and venues in 2017.

The mosque, run by Hui Muslims, had recently expanded its minarets and dome, a move that was ruled illegal by a court in Yunnan's Tonghai county.

A Muslim who lives close by the Najiaying Mosque who gave only the surname Ma for fear of reprisals said the building is now open again after receiving a Chinese-style makeover.

"It's open now," Ma said. "It was renovated and the dome changed into a Chinese-style building following the demolition."

‘Follow the Party’

Residents shared photos of signage outside the Najiaying Mosque, which read: "Obey the Party. Be grateful to the Party. Follow the Party."

Ma said all mosques in the area, which is home to a large Hui Muslim population, are undergoing similar changes.

"They all have to be changed. Most of them already have," he said. "Around 90% of local [mosques] have been changed."

The Najiaying Mosque was first built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty and has been rebuilt many times over the centuries.

The Arabesque-style mosque building was completed in 2004, and boasted four minarets and a dome, with enough space for thousands of worshipers.

But according to Ma Ju, a Chinese Muslim scholar living in the United States who remains in contact with many Muslims in Nagu township, it wasn’t just the building that got an overhaul.

He said the mosque had also been forced to undergo organizational changes.

"The authorities also used the reconstruction process to reorganize the democratically elected management committee for the mosque," Ma Ju said. "Now, there are no longer democratic elections, but appointments made directly by the government's religious affairs bureau and the United Front Work Department."

Under the control of the Communist Party, the United Front has the task of getting minority groups and organizations outside of the party-state to toe the line.

"Several schools linked to the mosque have been banned, and children aren't allowed to enter the mosque," Ma Ju said.

Repeated calls to the Tonghai County Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau rang unanswered during office hours on Tuesday.

Conflict over supreme power

Current affairs commentator Guo Min said the signs remind Muslims that, in China, the Communist Party is the supreme power, a claim that Muslims in Hong Kong say goes against the core tenet of their religion.

"The party controls everything, and they insist that we love the party, and highlight their supreme leadership over any religion," Guo said. "Religious belief must be predicated on loving the party."

"The authorities will never allow anything to deviate from that."

China’s “sinicization of religion” policy, which has led churches in mainland China to display portraits of Xi and prompted local officials to forcibly demolish domes, minarets and other architectural features in mosques around the country.

The Communist Party now requires all religious believers to love their country as well as their religion, and claims that patriotism is a part of Islam.

In October 2023, some Muslims in Hong Kong spoke out against the raising of the Chinese national flag in formal ceremonies at Kowloon Mosque in honor of the anniversary of the 1997 handover to Chinese rule, seeing them as a challenge to the Islamic doctrine of the supremacy of God.

Source: rfa.org

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https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/china-yunnan-mosque-02212024144639.html

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Africa

 

Kano Govt Inaugurates Ramadan Feeding Committee

February 22, 2024

Abdullahi Yusuf

February 22, (THEWILL) – The Kano State Government has inaugurated a high-powered Committee for the forthcoming 2024 Ramadan Feeding Programme (RFP) in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesperson of the Kano State Deputy Governor.

Shuaibu said the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, while inaugurating the committee, stated that the programme was aimed at “assisting all residents of the state, transcending political affiliations.”

He said Gwarzo urged the committee to strategise the distribution of food across designated areas in the state during the Ramadan fast and gave the body five days to complete its assignment.

The committee’s terms of reference include “identifying key distribution spots within the 8 metropolitan Local Government Areas and 36 Local Government Areas of the state, recommending breakfast menus for the targeted Muslim ummah during Ramadan, and identifying individuals or groups deserving of government goodwill as a Ramadan gesture.”

The Deputy Governor thanked the people of the state for their continued support and reiterated the continued commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to their well-being.

The State Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Ahmad Tijjani Auwal, while responding on behalf of the committee, thanked the State Government for assigning them “this crucial task of Ramadan feeding,” assuring that the body would work diligently to discharge its mandate.

Auwal called on philanthropists in the state to support the programme to ensure its success by effecting its widespread benefits during the Holy period.

Other members of the committee include Aisha Lawan Saji, Commissioner for Women Affairs; Amina Abdullahi, Commissioner for Special Duties; Umar Haruna Doguwa, Commissioner for Education, and Baba Halilu Dantiye, Commissioner for Information.

Source: thewillnews.com

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https://thewillnews.com/kano-govt-inaugurates-ramadan-feeding-committee/

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‘Pray, fast for Naira, you will see miracle’ – Shehu Sani tells Muslims, Christians

February 21, 2024

Francis Ugwu

Amid the continuing depreciation of the value of the Naira, a former lawmaker and social critic, Shehu Sani, has asked Nigerian Muslims and Christians pray for a miracle.

In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Sani advised adherents of both religions to fast if the miracle didn’t happen in seven days.

He said, “Muslims should pray for Naira this coming Friday. Christians should pray for Naira on Sunday. You will see miracle on Monday. If you don’t see it, fast for 7 days. If you still don’t see miracle, it means even miracle hath left thee because of thy sins.”

DAILY POST reports that the Naira dropped to N1,740.00 per US Dollar on Tuesday, from N1,660 on Monday, at the parallel market.

However, the turnover of US Dollar supply at Tuesday’s official foreign exchange market surged by 76.61 per cent to $117.32 million as the Naira appreciated marginally.

FMDQ data indicated that FX Turnover increased to $117.32 million on Tuesday from $66 million on Monday.

The development led to the marginal appreciation of the Naira to N1,551.24 per US dollar on Tuesday from N1,574.62 on Monday.

DAILY POST reports that this is the first time the Naira has appreciated against the US dollar at the official foreign market since last Thursday.

Source: dailypost.ng

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original

https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/21/pray-fast-for-naira-you-will-see-miracle-shehu-sani-tells-muslims-christians/

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Somalia approves defence deal with Turkey

 2024-02-22

MOGADISHU: Somalia’s cabinet and lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a defence deal with Turkey, with Mogadishu locked in a dispute with Addis Ababa over a maritime agreement it says threatens its sovereignty.

Under the 10-year pact, close ally Turkey will help defend Somalia’s long coastline and also rebuild the naval forces of the fragile Horn of Africa nation, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told reporters after a joint session of parliament.

“The agreement submitted to parliament today is solely about cooperation between Somalia and Turkey on maritime defence and economy, it is not in any way aimed at creating hatred or feud with another country or government,” he said.

In January, Ethiopia infuriated Somalia when it signed a maritime deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland that would give the landlocked country long-desired sea access.

Source: brecorder.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40290073/somalia-approves-defence-deal-with-turkey

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Lift Mali, B’Faso, Niger sanctions, Gowon writes ECOWAS

22nd February 2024

Gift Habib

Former Nigerian head of state and one of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged the regional bloc to lift the sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.

Gowon gave the recommendation in an open letter to the Heads of State and the ECOWAS member states on Wednesday.

Widely seen as West Africa’s top political and regional authority, the 15-nation ECOWAS – formed in 1975 to promote economic integration in member states – has struggled with a wave of military takeovers in the region, including in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger last year.

In response to the military takeover of powers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, ECOWAS imposed various sanctions on the countries, while demanding a return to democratic rule.

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Such sanctions include border closure, suspension of financial transactions and freezing of the country’s assets in external banks.

In response to the sanctions, the adamant military juntas in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, on January 27, announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, saying the regional bloc had derailed “the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism.”

They claimed that ECOWAS had become a threat to its member states.

The three countries subsequently went on to announce the formation of a new alliance, tagged the Alliance of Sahel States.

ECOWAS had earlier invited Gowon to its headquarters in Abuja on Monday to speak on the crisis and advise on the way forward. The ex-Nigerian head of state, however, did not show up.

But Gowon, in a letter addressed to the  President ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, described the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic as sad, and made a three-prong recommendation to resolve the crisis.

In the letter seen by The PUNCH on Wednesday, Gowon wrote: I have noted with deep concern and sadness, the past and recent developments  unfolding in the West African sub-region, particularly the pronouncement by  Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of their intention to exit from the Economic Community of West African States.

“As one of the founders of our regional economic community, it is incumbent upon  me to speak on behalf of the 14 Heads of State and Government who joined me in  Lagos, on 27th May 1975, to establish ECOWAS.

“Since its inception, the regional  bloc has made a number of major accomplishments, including trade liberalisation,  right of West Africans to live legitimately in any country within the community, as  well as successful peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

“ECOWAS, despite its shortcomings, has become an example of regional integration for the

wider continent. Having achieved all of the above, it saddens me to learn that ECOWAS is

threatened with disunity following the announcement by Burkina Faso, Mali and

Niger, three important member states, of their intention to leave the community. The

impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for the ordinary

citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration.

“Therefore, on behalf of all the founding fathers of the community and myself, I  urge the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to put aside their differences and reunite for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region.”

On the way forward, Gowon urged “all West African leaders to immediately consider the lifting of all sanctions that have been imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger.”

He also appealed to  Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw their notice to dump ECOWAS.

He advised ECOWAS to convene a summit of  “all 15 ECOWAS Heads of State  to discuss the

future of the community, regional security, and stability, as well as the role of the international community given the current geopolitical context.”

Receiving the letter, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Touray, assured the Gowon that he would send the letter to all ECOWAS Heads of State.

He said, “Your message is a profound one. I take note of your appeal and recommendations.

“An extraordinary summit has been scheduled to take place in Abuja on Saturday. The heads of state will consider your message in their discussion.”

Source: punchng.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original

https://punchng.com/lift-mali-bfaso-niger-sanctions-gowon-writes-ecowas/

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