Day after Demolition Drive In Thane District, BMC Bulldozes 40 Structures in Muslim-Dominated Area in Mumbai, some of These Date Back To The 1930s

New Age Islam News Bureau

25 January 2024

 

Municipal authorities demolished in the morning portions of alleged unauthorized structures and additional shades of the many shops inside the Galli next to Minara Masjid on Mohammad Ali Road. (Express photo by Amit chakravarty)

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·         Day after Demolition Drive In Thane District, BMC Bulldozes 40 Structures in Muslim-Dominated Area in Mumbai, some of These Date Back To The 1930s

·         Saudi Arabia Announces Historic Shift: Approval for Alcohol Sales and Consumption In The Islamic Kingdom

·         Pakistan: Islamic Studies No Longer Compulsory For Non-Muslims

·         Nearly All US Senate Democrats Back Two-State Solution for Israel and Palestinians

·         Activists Unveil Giant Banner in Madrid to Demand Ceasefire in Gaza

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India

·         Shahi Idgah Mosque Dispute: Fresh Plea In Mathura Court Seeking DirectionsTo Put Up A Notice Board At The Temple SayingThat It Is "Not The Real Birthplace" Of Lord Krishna

·         AMU case: How can you not accept Parliament amendment, SC asks Centre

·         Gyanvapi Mosque Case: ASI Survey Report To Be Made Available To Both Sides, Rules Varanasi Court

·         11 Held In Agra For ‘Hoisting Saffron Flag Atop Mosque’

·         Telangana Muslim Man Insults Saffron Flag In Reel, Thrashed, Paraded Naked

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Arab World

·         Ansarullah orders US, British UN staff to leave Yemen

·         Saudi Arabia warns of escalating crisis in Middle East at UN debate

·         Makkah deputy emir receives heads of Islamic chambers

·         Qatar fumes at Netanyahu’s criticism, says he undermines talks for political reasons

·         Saudi deputy minister meets UN envoy for Syria

·         Saudi, Georgian FMs discuss cooperation in Riyadh

·         Jeddah hosts first Saudi-India festival

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Pakistan

·         Pakistan Calls For Concrete Steps By UN To Stop Israeli Slaughter Of People In Gaza

·         Armed Forces fully prepared against any threat: COAS

·         PM urges youth to collectively fight enemies’ propaganda

·         Jail trial notification: IHC reserves verdict on IK’s pleas

·         Section 144 imposed in Punjab to hamper PTI show: Imran

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North America

·         Local Islamic Civil Liberties Group Accuses Emory Of Violating Civil Rights Act

·         CAIR-Colorado Welcomes Sentencing in Hate Crime Arson Targeting Church

·         CAIR Calls on Biden Admin to Demand End to Israeli Attacks on Gaza Hospitals

·         NY state voters split on aid to Israel, in shift from November: poll

·         US Special Envoy Calls for Sustainable Development in Afghanistan

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Europe

·         UK Foreign Secretary Meets With Netanyahu, Calls For Immediate Humanitarian Pause

·         Taliban not recognized due to human rights violations: Russian FM

·         Family rejects apology of man who mowed down Muslim family with a truck

·         Islamic Group Calling For Shariah Law Cancels Canadian Event After U.K. Declares It A Terrorist Entity

·         Italy to treat 100 wounded Palestinian children

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South Asia

·         Afghanistan Committed to Strengthening Religious, Modern Sciences: Kabir

·         Afghanistan’s Collapse blamed on US ‘Deep State’: Amrullah Saleh

·         Inequality rising for lack of democracy: BNP leader Nazrul

·         Govt to do everything possible to implement verdict against Tarique: FM

·         PM hopes for more help from China to implement dev initiatives

·         India sends 40,000 litres of Malathion to help Afghanistan combat locusts

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Mideast

·         Hamas Getting $12 Million A Month In Donations, Israel Claims: 'Financial Jihad’

·         Zionist enemy forces storm Jenin city in W Bank

·         Islamic Resistance in Iraq targets port of Ashdod

·         US-UK aggression against Yemen risks expansion of war: Iran

·         New US envoy to Egypt lauds Cairo’s role in fighting for Middle East peace

·         President Raeisi calls for UN reform, says body unable to end Gaza genocide

·         Iraq’s Kata'ib Hezbollah vows more attacks until US forces expulsion from region

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Southeast Asia

·         Indonesian FM Walks Out During Israel's Ambassador's Speech At UNSC

·         Peace Foundation introduces Global Madani Awards to honour transformation efforts

·         110 Rohingyas arrested in Myanmar

·         Yayasan Sultan Kelantan channels RM1 million to flood victims

·         Japan’s Chargé d'Affaires Vows to Help Afghans

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Africa

·         Churches And Mosques Burnt In Nigeria As Curfew Imposed In Mangu

·         South Africa expects ICJ judgment on Israeli genocide in Gaza on Friday: Report

·         Human remains recovered near Al-Sahaba Mosque in Derna

·         Libya’s September flood requires $1.8 billion in recovery funds, report says

·         What I Like Most In Prof Pantami Is His Commitment To Islam – FaniKayode

·         Bandits: Gov Abdulrazaq visits released Nabeeha family members in Abuja'

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:     https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/demolition-thane-mumbai-muslim/d/131585

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Day after Demolition Drive In Thane District, BMC Bulldozes 40 Structures In Muslim-Dominated Area In Mumbai, some of These Date Back To The 1930s

 

Municipal authorities demolished in the morning portions of alleged unauthorized structures and additional shades of the many shops inside the Galli next to Minara Masjid on Mohammad Ali Road. (Express photo by Amit chakravarty)

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Nayonika Bose , Pratip Acharya

 January 25, 2024

A day after the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) razed encroachments from around 15 structures at Haidary Chowk on Mira Road in Thane district, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in a similar exercise, on Wednesday razed encroachments from around 40 shops on Mohammed Ali Road in Mumbai.

The MBMC carried out the demolition on Tuesday in the same area where clashes had broken out between two munities on Sunday night.

When contacted, BMC officials said all the structures that were brought down on Mohammed Ali Road were illegal encroachments and were pulled down to free up space on the footpaths.

A visit to the area showed that almost all the structures that were demolished were awnings of existing commercial establishments, including shops, located on Ibrahim Mohamed Merchant Road and stalls of hawkers. Some of the key commercial entities affected by Wednesday’s drive include Noorani Milk Centre and Suleman Usman Mithaiwala, whose origins date back to the 1930s.

mumbai demolitions Municipal authorities demolished in the morning portions of alleged unauthorized structures and additional shades of the many shops inside the Galli next to Minara Masjid on Mohammad Ali Road. (Express photo by Amit chakravarty)

While the BMC carried out the drive on Mohammed Ali Road, there were no reports of any such drive by the civic body in any other ward. At least 10 ward offices that The Indian Express contacted confirmed that no anti-encroachment drive was carried out in their wards. Mumbai has a total of 24 administrative ward offices. A couple of ward offices said they have been working on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s ‘deep cleaning’ initiative that mostly entails removal of illegal vendors.

When contacted, an official from BMC’s removal of encroachment department said, “At present there are local drives being taken up in all municipal wards as part of CM’s ‘deep cleaning’ drive. For which, we are removing small roadside eateries and vendors to ensure the pavements stay clean. This drive has been operational since first week of December.”

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday demolished nearly 40 structures on the Ibrahim Merchant Road including the extension of the well-known Sulaiman Usman Bakery. pic.twitter.com/bZGg4QnUhr

The opposition parties, including the Congress, questioned the action against a “particular community”.

Congress spokesperson AtulLondhe said the “bulldozer culture” should be opposed as it is not constitutional. “Use of bulldozers is not the constitutional way to act against unauthorised constructions. A proper legal procedure of hearing and notices being served should be followed. One also wonders why such actions are always targeted at particular communities. It should be stopped,” he said.

Samajwadi Party MLA from Bhiwandi, Rais Shaikh said, “The government is doing all this because elections are coming. They single out one particular community and they think that by doing so they would be able to please the other one. But they are mistaken. This would in fact go against them. Maharashtra has been a land of saints,” said.

Speaking to The Indian Express, shopowners maintained that the move came as a surprise as there was no prior warning or notice issued by the civic authority on the demolition drive.

The civic authorities also maintained that no notice was issued ahead of Wednesday’s drive. “These stalls are temporary structures and not legal. Therefore, they don’t have a proper recipient address, as a result we didn’t issue them any notice and took direct action on Wednesday,” a BMC official said.

A senior official from BMC’s B ward, where Mohammed Ali Road falls, said, “Last week we carried out an anti-encroachment drive to identify illegal structures that were blocking pedestrian space. Following this, we took action on Wednesday morning and demolished nearly 40 structures on Ibrahim Merchant Road that were creating obstruction on footpaths.”

Operating since 1936, Noorani Milk Centre and Suleman Usman Mithaiwala are among the oldest shops of the area. Jilani Noorani of Noorani Milk Centre, which was among the shops whose awnings were razed on Wednesday, told The Indian Express, “The last time such a drive was carried out was nearly five years back.”

A fifth-generation owner of the shop, Noorani added, “My father was at the shop when they arrived around 8.30 am. All the shops have put up awnings outside as protection from the sun and rain. When the BMC arrived today, our shed was rolled up. First, they tried to move the glass cases displaying sweets. As they were heavy, they started removing the awning instead. We did not say anything, neither the BMC said anything to us.”

Following the demolition, Noorani has been receiving frantic calls from his relatives. “All TV channels are airing the news, family members have been calling us,” he said.

“When the drive happened in the morning, there were not many hawkers as most hawkers set up shops in the evening. The BMC keeps removing hawkers regularly but drives against shopowners is highly unusual,” he added.

Meanwhile, the 88-year-old establishment, Suleman Usman Mithaiwala — the biggest shop of the lane comprising four shopping windows — incurred the maximum losses. According to a staffer at the shop, the civic body razed their awning resulting in losses of nearly Rs 2 lakh.

“This shop has been there since 1936. But the BMC has never carried out such drives at our shop. This has happened for the first time. When they started breaking the shops, we did not raise our voice as everyone was afraid and confused,” said a worker at Suleman Usman Mithaiwala, requesting anonymity.

Abdul Hasim, the third-generation owner of the Janata multi-cuisine restaurant, whose awning was also demolished, said, “The BMC just came in the morning and razed the shed without any warnings and notices. We had put up the awning as it offers protection from the sun and rain. If the civic body has an issue with these structures, then they should have told us about this. We would have removed it ourselves. We have now incurred a loss of nearly Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000.”

On January 21, a clash had broken out between members of two communities in Mira Bhayander. A group passing by in vehicles with saffron flags and chanting slogans was stopped by some local people from another community. An argument broke out, leading to violence.

Officials of the MBMC on Tuesday took bulldozers to Haidary Chowk, which is close to the place where the violence erupted Sunday night, and removed encroachments from about 15 structures.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mbmc-demolition-drive-mira-bhayander-bmc-muslim-dominated-mohammed-ali-road-9126074/

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Saudi Arabia Announces Historic Shift: Approval For Alcohol Sales And Consumption In The Islamic Kingdom

 

Igor Golovniov—SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images/Jack Daniels bourbon whisky seen at Rewe supermarket.

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January 25, 2024

Saudi Arabia is set to inaugurate its inaugural alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, marking a significant departure from its conservative traditions. The establishment, located in the Diplomatic Quarter, is designed exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats, aligning with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to open the nation to tourism and business. As a key facet of Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious post-oil economic diversification plan, this move reflects a broader agenda to modernize and attract international investment.

To access the alcohol store, customers must register through a mobile app, secure a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase quotas. The stringent regulations underscore the delicate balance between embracing economic reforms and respecting Islamic principles, where alcohol consumption is traditionally forbidden.

The store’s exclusive access for non-Muslims aims to cater to the expatriate community residing in the Diplomatic Quarter. However, it remains unclear whether other non-Muslim expatriates will have access. The store’s impending opening, expected in the coming weeks, symbolizes a significant shift from Saudi Arabia’s strict alcohol-related prohibitions, which have historically led to severe penalties, including lashes, fines, and deportation.

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing societal transformations include the relaxation of strict social codes, such as gender segregation and mandatory abaya-wearing for women. While these reforms, accompanied by initiatives like allowing non-religious tourism and women driving, contribute to a more open society, there is a parallel tightening of political control, evidenced by crackdowns on dissent and rivals.

As the government introduces new restrictions on alcohol imports within diplomatic consignments, the emergence of the alcohol store could see increased demand. Vision 2030’s broader goals include boosting local industries, creating logistics hubs, and generating employment opportunities for Saudi nationals. The delicate balance between modernization and religious adherence continues to shape the trajectory of Saudi Arabia’s evolving socio-economic landscape.

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/saudi-arabia-announces-historic-shift-approval-for-alcohol-sales-and-consumption-in-the-islamic-kingdom/

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Pakistan: Islamic Studies No Longer Compulsory For Non-Muslims

 

Students arrive at a school in Lahore in Punjab province on Nov. 2, 2023. (Photo: AFP)

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January 25, 2024

Kamran Chaudhry

(UCA News) — The Pakistani government has decided that the study of Islam is no longer compulsory for non-Muslim students in Pakistan.

In a notification on Jan. 22, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training approved a new curriculum, which makes studying Islam non-compulsory for Christian, Bahai, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian students in the Islamic nation.

The Religious Education Curriculum 2023 for Grades 1 to Grade 12 will be introduced from the next academic year in 2024-2025.

The Catholic Church has been urging the government to make provision for non-Muslim students to receive religious education in their faith instead of Islamiat, which comprises courses on Islamic beliefs and practices.

Naeem Yousaf Gill, director of the National Commission of Justice and Peace, the rights body of the Pakistani bishops’ council, welcomed the development.

“We appreciate the government for involving Catholic bishops in developing the syllabus of Christianity. However, its monitoring and implementation is another challenge. Policies for minorities often flop in our country,” he told UCA News. 

Pakistan has one of the lowest budgetary allocations for education in South Asia. The nation allotted 1.7 percent of its GDP for education in the fiscal year 2022-23 against 1.4 percent earlier.

“The long-term process will require training of teachers and a salary structure,” Gill observed.

In 2020, the provincial Punjab government made it compulsory for Muslim students to study the Quran, and non-Muslim students were asked to study ethics in lieu of Islamiat from Grade 3.

JaipalChhabria, president of the Pakistan Hindu Forum, rejected teaching religious studies in educational institutes.

“Civilized nations don’t do it. It was never the vision of our founding father [Mohammed Ali Jinnah],” he said.

“You are free, you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan,” Jinnah had said in a speech to the nation after independence from Britain.

“In an environment where the majority thinks its religion is superior, it is impossible for a Muslim teacher to teach Christianity or Hinduism,” said Chhabria.

In the last national census of 2017, Pakistan had 2.6 million Christians who made up 1.27 percent of a population of 207 million. Hindus were at 1.73 percent.

Source: eurasiareview.com

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https://www.eurasiareview.com/25012024-pakistan-islamic-studies-no-longer-compulsory-for-non-muslims/

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Nearly all US Senate Democrats back two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians

 

Jewish Americans and supporters of Israel gather in solidarity with Israel and protest against antisemitism, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, during a rally on the National Mall in Washington, U.S, November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis Acquire Licensing Rights

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January 25, 2024

WASHINGTON: An overwhelming majority of President Joe Biden’s fellow Democrats in the Senate on Wednesday backed a statement reiterating US support of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Forty-nine of the 51 members of the Senate Democratic caucus backed an amendment supporting a negotiated solution to the conflict that results in Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side, ensuring Israel’s survival as a secure, democratic, Jewish state and fulfilling the Palestinians’ “legitimate aspirations” for a state of their own.

Senator Brian Schatz introduced the measure as an amendment to an upcoming bill that would provide national security aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

“What will determine the future of Israel and Palestine is whether or not there’s hope. And the two-state solution has to be that hope,” Schatz told a news conference.

With war raging in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference this month that he objected to any Palestinian statehood that did not guarantee Israel’s security.

The statement provoked international concern, including from Israel’s biggest backer the United States. Washington maintains that the two-state solution is the only feasible way to bring lasting peace to the region.

The only two Democratic senators who did not sign onto the amendment were John Fetterman and Joe Manchin.

Fetterman has long supported a two-state solution, but he believed the measure should include language stipulating the destruction of Hamas as a precondition to peace, an aide said.

Manchin issued a statement, in which he said: “Once a Palestinian government with its peoples’ best interests at heart agrees that Israel should be a state, I will be the first one to sign on to a bipartisan amendment supporting that Israel recognize a Palestinian state.”

Many of Biden’s fellow Democrats in Congress have been pushing the administration to do more to address the steep toll on Palestinian civilians of Israel’s campaign against Hamas since the militant group’s deadly assault on Oct. 7.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2447726/world

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Activists Unveil Giant Banner In Madrid To Demand Ceasefire In Gaza

 

Greenpeace activists unveil the illustration "Obey" by U.S artist Shepard Fairey, which depicts a photograph by Gazan photojournalist Belal Khaled of a Palestinian child crying for help, next to a banner reading: "Ceasefire now", outside Reina Sofia museum, home of Picasso’s "Guernica", in Madrid, Spain January 24, 2024. REUTERS/Susana Vera Acquire Licensing Rights

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 24 January 2024

Rights and environmental activists demanding ceasefire in Gaza unfurled a giant picture of a Palestinian child crying for help above the entrance to Madrid's Reina Sofia museum, home to Pablo Picasso's painting "Guernica" that depicts the horrors of war.

In Wednesday's action, global campaigning group Greenpeace and Unmute Gaza movement that supports photojournalists reporting from the war zone, used a banner with an illustration by US artist Shepard Fairey based on an image taken by Gazan photographer Belal Khaled.

"Can you hear us?" read the caption, with "Ceasefire now" emblazoned below. Police and firefighters watched on without intervening.

Picasso's mural-sized masterpiece kept inside the modern art museum was inspired by a Nazi air raid on the northern Spanish town of Guernica in 1937 that killed as many as 1,600.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/24/718844/Activists-unveil-giant-banner-in-Madrid-to-demand-Gaza-ceasefire

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India

 

Shahi Idgah Mosque Dispute: Fresh Plea In Mathura Court Seeking DirectionsTo Put Up A Notice Board At The Temple SayingThat It Is "Not The Real Birthplace" Of Lord Krishna

25 Jan 2024

MATHURA: A new plea has been filed in a court here seeking directions to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust to put up a notice board at the temple here saying that the present sanctum sanctorum is "not the real birthplace" of Lord Krishna.

The suit has been filed by Delhi-based advocate PV Raghunandan in the court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Anupama Singh.

Plaintiff's advocate Pankaj Joshi told the media that the case has been accepted for hearing, but no date fixed in this regard.

In the plea, the plaintiff has claimed that the "original" sanctum sanctorum of the ancient Keshavdev temple was demolished by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and Shahi Idgah mosque was constructed at that place.

Therefore, it should be clearly told the devotees visiting the present sanctum sanctorum of the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple that the place is not the "actual" sanctum sanctorum by erecting a notice board, the petition said.

Joshi said that the plea has sought from the court to pass an order to put up a notice board in this regard.

The Uttar Pradesh government, Mathura municipal corporation, and State Archaeology Department, among others, have been made defendants in the case, Joshi said.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Jan/25/home-ministry-names-1132-personnel-for-gallantry-service-medals-on-republic-day

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AMU case: How can you not accept Parliament amendment, SC asks Centre

24 January, 2024

The Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud, on Wednesday expressed surprise over the Centre’s stand that it does not accept the 1981 amendment inserted by the Parliament to confer minority status on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Presiding over a seven-judge Constitution Bench hearing a clutch of pleas concerning the minority status of the AMU, the CJI stressed that the “Parliament is an eternal and indestructible body under the Indian Union.”

“How can you not accept an amendment by the Parliament?” the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second-highest law officer of the Centre.

“Parliament is an eternal and indestructible body under the Indian Union – irrespective of which government represents the cause of the Union of India. I cannot hear the government of India saying that it does not stand with the amendment made by Parliament. You will have to stand by this (1981) amendment,” the CJI observed.

He said that the Union Government has always an “option to go through the amending route and change the amending Act again.”

During the hearing, Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked Mehta, who was arguing for the Centre: “This is an amendment by Parliament. Is the government accepting the amendment?” “I am not,” Mehta replied.

The law officer said that he was answering “constitutional questions” before a seven-judge Constitution Bench.

Further he said, “As a law officer, it is my right as well as my duty to say that the view taken by the Allahabad High Court declaring the amendment in question as unconstitutional is correct.”

It may be recalled that the 1981 amendment conferring minority status on the institution was struck down by the Allahabad High Court in 2006.

To this, CJI Chandrachud said, “This will be radical because a law officer would be then telling us that he does not abide by what the Parliament has done. You ought to stand by what the Parliament has done.”

“Parliament is undoubtedly supreme in its law making function and can always amend a statute. Can we hear any organ of the Union Government to say that it does not accept the amendment brought in by Parliament? Parliament is an eternal, indivisible and indestructible entity under democracy,” the CJI said.

Mehta submitted that he was supporting the 2006 view taken by the High Court. “How can you say that I do not accept the validity of an amendment?” the CJI asked him.

Responding to the query, Mehta said, “It is not my stand. There is an affidavit filed by the government.”

He added, “Would a law officer be expected to say that all amendments made in the Constitution during the Emergency were true only because they were made by the Parliament.”

The CJI said, “The 44th amendment came to redress the evils which were perpetrated in the name of constitutional amendments. Parliament – the elected body of the people – can always say that what we did during the Emergency was wrong and we are rectifying it with the 44th amendment.”

The matter will be heard next on January 30.

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/eng/amu-case-how-can-you-not-accept-parliament-amendment-sc-asks-centre/

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Gyanvapi mosque case: ASI survey report to be made available to both sides, rules Varanasi court

Asad Rehman

January 25, 2024

The Varanasi District Court on Wednesday allowed copies of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report in the Gyanvapi mosque complex to be made available to both parties in the matter, said advocates representing the Muslim and Hindu sides.

In December 2023, the ASI had submitted its report on a scientific survey it had undertaken at the Gyanvapi mosque complex to the District Court, which had ordered it to ascertain whether the mosque was “constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple”.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Wednesday, Advocate Mumtaz Ahmad, representing the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee, said, “The District judge has ordered that parties can submit applications, and that they will be provided a copy of the ASI report”.

The order was passed by District and Sessions Judge A K Vishvesha, said Ahmad.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represents the Hindu petitioners in the court, said, “A hearing happened today. An understanding was reached between the parties that a hard copy which is certified be made available to parties in the case. The court will pass an order in this regard soon. We will have to see what the court writes in its order. The court has agreed on issuing certified copies to parties”.

“The ASI said that soft copies can’t be issued because of the threat of cyber crimes… Once the court order comes, we will apply for a copy of the report,” he added.

On May 16, 2022, a videographic survey of the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque was completed by a Commission appointed by the local court. During the survey proceedings, a structure which the Hindu side claimed was a “shivling”, and the Muslim side claimed was a “fountain”, was found to be inside the mosque premises.

On July 21, 2023, a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex was ordered by the Varanasi district court. This time, the District and Sessions Judge A K Vishvesha had directed the ASI to “undertake scientific investigation/survey/excavation at the property in question i.e. settlement plot number 9130 (Gyanvapi mosque)”.

On August 4, 2023, the survey by the ASI amid tight security arrangements was resumed after the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court allowed it, dismissing pleas filed jointly by the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee and the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board. The ASI teams have been surveying the campus since then.

On December 11, 2023, the Varanasi District Court granted another week to the ASI to submit the findings of the court-ordered scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises. The ASI on December 18 submitted its report on a scientific survey it had undertaken at the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/asi-survey-report-gyanvapi-varanasi-court-9125737/

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11 held in Agra for ‘hoisting saffron flag atop mosque’

 January 25, 2024

Agra police on Wednesday arrested 11 persons for allegedly hoisting saffron flags atop a mosque in the Tajganj area of the district during a shobhayatra. The incident took place on January 22 which marked the opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

A purported video of the alleged incident also went viral on social media where a group of men can be seen climbing over the mosque and recording a video while hoisting the saffron flags.

“Some anti-social elements forcefully tried to enter the Shahi Masjid in Tajganj while hoisting saffron flags on January 22. Around 3.30 pm, about 1,000-1,500 people with sticks forcefully entered the mosque and raised objectionable slogans,” reads the FIR, which was registered after a complaint by the mosque’s caretaker  Zahir Uddin. “They created chaos in the mosque and hoisted saffron flags on the mosque’s minarets, walls and inner premises,” the complainant alleged.

“The 11 accused included Sunny (24), Himanshu (19) and Sunny (25),” said a police official. An FIR under IPC sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 452 (house-trespass) and 505 (2) [statements creating or promoting enmity] has been lodged at Tajganj police station.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/11-held-in-agra-for-hoisting-saffron-flag-atop-mosque-9126488/

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Telangana Muslim Man Insults Saffron Flag In Reel, Thrashed, Paraded Naked

Jan 25, 2024

Rishabh Sharma

A Muslim man in Telangana's Sangareddy was beaten and paraded naked by a mob after he uploaded a reel insulting the bhagwa or saffron flag.

In the reel, the Muslim youngster is seen inserting the saffron flag, with the Hindu religious symbol 'Om' marked on it, inside his pants in an insulting manner.

Enraged by the reel, people in a village in Medak district found him and beat him. Some videos showed the mob chanting Jai Shri Ram and beating the Muslim youngster, parading him naked and trying to put his private parts on fire.

A complaint was filed by the villagers against the man for hurting the sentiments of Hindus. He was booked by police under IPC sections 153(a), 295-A, 505(2).

The Muslim youngster also lodged a complaint against the villagers for assaulting him. On this, the police have booked locals under IPC sections 341, 323, 505(2), and 506.

Source: indiatoday.in

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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/telangana-muslim-man-beaten-paraded-naked-for-insulting-reel-on-saffron-flag-with-om-2493258-2024-01-25

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Arab World

 

Ansarullah orders US, British UN staff to leave Yemen

25 January 2024

Yemen’s Ansarullah officials have ordered US and British nationals working for the United Nations and humanitarian organizations in the capital Sana'a to leave the country within a month.

Yemen's Foreign Ministry gave the order in a letter to Peter Hawkins, the UN's acting humanitarian coordinator in Yemen on Wednesday, after US and UK carried out a new round of military strikes across the country in response to attacks by Yemeni armed forces on Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea.

"The ministry ... would like to stress that you must inform officials and workers with US and British citizenships to prepare to leave the country within 30 days," the letter said.

The letter also instructed foreign organizations to not hire American and British citizens for Yemen's operations.

Mohammed Abdulsalam, the Ansarullah spokesman, confirmed the letter's authenticity to Reuters.

In a statement, the US embassy said it was aware of reports about the letter but "cannot speak on behalf of the UN or humanitarian organizations in Yemen” as to what they may have received from Ansarullah authorities.

The British embassy also noted that its staff had not yet been told to leave and the mission was in close contact with the UN on the issue.

On Monday, US and British forces launched strikes at eight different locations in Yemen, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, according to a joint statement signed by the six countries.

The strikes came as the Yemeni armed forces have been staging many such strikes against Israeli vessels or those bound for the occupied Palestinian territories' ports over the past month.

The operations have been described as a response to the Israeli regime’s war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

So far, eight rounds of strikes over the past month have failed to stop attacks by Yemeni armed forces against shipping linked to the Israeli regime.

The Israeli regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime’s atrocities against Palestinians.

Since the start of the aggression, Israel has killed more than 25,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The Israeli regime has also imposed a “complete siege” on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/25/718856/Yemen-Ansurallah-order-US-UK-UN-staff-leave-strikes-Red-Sea-Palestine-Israel-Gaza-war-support

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Saudi Arabia warns of escalating crisis in Middle East at UN debate

January 24, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji participated in the UN Security Council’s open debate, “The Situation in the Middle East,” in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In his speech, Elkhereiji said that the situation in Gaza is worsening due to indiscriminate bombing by the Israeli army, leading to an increasing number of casualties.

He called for immediate, concrete action to halt the killing of unarmed civilians in Gaza, emphasizing the international community’s shared responsibility in taking measures to bring the conflict to an end.

He also highlighted that Saudi Arabia had warned about the danger of the conflict expanding, affecting regional and international security, and said that alleviating human suffering and ending military operations in Palestine are the Kingdom’s top priorities.

Elkhereiji also expressed concern about the military operations in the Red Sea region and Yemen.

He underscored the need to take measures to contain the repercussions of the crisis on neighboring countries, protect international peace and security, and achieve a just and lasting solution.

Rejecting Israel’s self-defense excuse, Elkhereiji said that the forced displacement of the population of Gaza is unacceptable and condemned the disregard for Palestinian lives and the recurring violence against them with no prospect of positive change in the near future.

He reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting peace in the region.

Saudi Arabia, he said, strongly condemns violations of international humanitarian law by any party and asks the council to take a firm stance and compel Israeli occupation forces to respect international law and end the suffering of the Palestinians, as well as to establish an independent Palestinian state that safeguards the rights and dignity of its people.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also briefed the council on the latest developments in Gaza, including the destruction wreaked on the strip by Israeli bombardment, calling for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. He also called for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Guterres asserted that a two-state solution meets the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians and is the only way to achieve a lasting end to the conflict.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2447286/saudi-arabia

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Makkah deputy emir receives heads of Islamic chambers

January 25, 2024

MAKKAH — Prince Saud bin Mishal, deputy emir of the Makkah region, received the heads of the boards of directors of Islamic chambers participating in the Makkah Halal Forum, at the emirate’s headquarters in Jeddah on Wednesday.

Prince Saud listened to a briefing on the activities of the forum, which discusses, through more than 10 discussion sessions and 250 meetings, a number of issues and topics related to the halal industry sector in the world.

The three-day forum under the slogan “Creativity in the Halal Industry,” is hosted by the Makkah Chamber of Exhibitions and Events Center. It is noteworthy that the forum is organized by Manafea Agreement and the Islamic Chamber for Halal Services (ICHS).

The strategic partners of the event are the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, along with the participation of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/639913/SAUDI-ARABIA/Makkah-deputy-emir-receives-heads-of-Islamic-chambers

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Qatar fumes at Netanyahu’s criticism, says he undermines talks for political reasons

24 January 2024

Qatar’s foreign ministry on Wednesday chastised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for saying that it was “problematic” that Doha was acting as the mediator between Israel and the Hamas terror group.

In a recording aired Tuesday by Israeli television, Netanyahu could be heard criticizing Qatar over its role as mediator in hostage negotiations with the terror group and appearing to express disappointment with the United States for not applying more pressure on the Gulf state, which is a leading patron of Hamas and hosts its leaders.

Majed Al Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, said that Doha was “appalled” by the remarks, adding that if confirmed, they “are irresponsible and destructive to the efforts to save innocent lives, but are not surprising.”

“If the reported remarks are found to be true, the Israeli PM would only be obstructing and undermining the mediation process, for reasons that appear to serve his political career instead of prioritizing saving innocent lives, including Israeli hostages,” he wrote.

“Instead of concerning himself with Qatar’s strategic relations with the United States, we hope Netanyahu decides to operate in good faith and concentrate on the release of the hostages.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shot back, calling the Gulf state “a terror-supporting and terror-funding state.”

Smotrich said on X that Doha was “Hamas’s patron and is largely responsible for the massacre of Israeli citizens Hamas committed [on October 7].

“The West’s treatment of it is hypocritical and based on improper financial interests. The West can and should employ far stronger leverage and bring about the release of the hostages immediately,” he said.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/qatar-fumes-at-netanyahus-criticism-says-he-undermines-talks-for-political-reasons/

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Saudi deputy minister meets UN envoy for Syria

January 24, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji on Wednesday met UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen in New York on the sidelines of the UN Security Council meeting.

The pair discussed the work of the Kingdom and the UN in helping to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

In separate meetings Elkhereiji met his Kuwaiti counterpart Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Spain’s State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martinez.

The parties discussed ways to improve relations to serve their shared interests.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2447591/saudi-arabia

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Saudi, Georgian FMs discuss cooperation in Riyadh

January 24, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili on Wednesday in Riyadh.

The meeting discussed strengthening ties in various fields as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The officials also signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Saudi-Georgian Coordination Council.

Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati and the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Georgia Salman Al-Sheikh were also present.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2447466/saudi-arabia

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Jeddah hosts first Saudi-India festival

January 24, 2024

JEDDAH: The first Saudi-India Festival was recently held in Jeddah as part of an agreement between the Consulate General of India and Goodwill Global Initiative.

Almost 5,000 people, including prominent Saudis, turned out to celebrate the friendship between the Kingdom and India.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1947, and the two sides celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2022.

A cultural fiesta, featuring performances by Saudi and Indian artists, enthralled audiences at the International Indian School’s Jeddah auditorium.

Indian Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam, in his keynote address, said that the new generation of Saudi and Indian youth should learn about the shared history and culture of the two countries.

“As an Indian, I feel proud of these special relationships and bonds that serve as the foundation for all our relationships. Today, India and Saudi Arabia are strategic partners, and are taking great strides in the economic relationship, manifested in the exchange of frequent high-level visits,” said Alam.

He hailed the achievements of Saudis of Indian origin who settled in the Kingdom more than 100 years ago and have become part of modern Saudi Arabia.

“We have decided to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these Saudis together with the talent of the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom,” Alam added.

Special guests at the festival included Adil Hamza Malaibari, supervisor of Madrasa Malaibariya in Makkah; Tarek Mishkhas, editor-in-chief of Malayalam News; Dr. AkilaSarirete, dean of the college of engineering at Effat University; and Dr. Ghadeer Talal Melibari, assistant professor, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah.

The guests of the evening also included Consuls Mohammed Abdul Jaleel and Mohammed Hashim, and Abeer Medical Group President Mohammed Alungal.

Goodwill Global Initiative President Hassan Cheruppa presided over the inaugural session while General Secretary IshaquePoondoli proposed a vote of thanks.

A documentary highlighting the centuries-old economic and cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia was shown at the festival. It covered the Indian trade routes — the ancient spice route, Silk Road and incense route.

The theme of the event, “camaraderie,” reflected the mutual trust and friendship that binds Arabs and Indians.

At the festival, mesmerizing performances by the 16-member SautulMamlaka Folk Arts Troupe, led by Fadi Saad Al-Hawsavi, stole the show. The group enthralled audiences with performances of traditional Saudi folk art forms.

Audiences also enjoyed Indian dances such as bharatanatyam as well as Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani and Kashmiri varieties.

Source: arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2447211/saudi-arabia

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Pakistan

 

Pakistan calls for concrete steps by UN to stop Israeli slaughter of people in Gaza

January 24, 2024

Pakistan has called for concrete steps by the United Nations to stop the Israeli slaughter of people in Gaza saying a lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only come through a two-state solution. 

Taking part in the debate on Middle East crisis at Security Council in New York, Pakistan permanent representative to the United Nations Munir Akram said Pakistan hopes the Security Council will be able to adopt a resolution demanding a complete cessation of hostilities, full access to humanitarian assistance for the besieged population of Gaza, and international protection for the Palestinian people.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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

https://www.radio.gov.pk/24-01-2024/pakistan-calls-for-concrete-steps-by-un-to-stop-israeli-slaughter-of-palestinian-in-gaza

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Armed Forces fully prepared against any threat: COAS

January 24, 2024

Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir has said the armed forces of Pakistan are fully prepared against any threat and conspiracy.

Addressing the participants of Pakistan National Youth Conference in Islamabad today, he said Pakistan will never compromise its sovereignty.

Expressing full confidence in the bright future of Pakistan and upholding the past glory of forefathers, the Army Chief said the Allah Almighty has bestowed Pakistan with numerous mineral resources, agriculture and young human capital.

Syed Asim Munir said he is feeling immense pleasure while interacting with the future leaders of Pakistan and eagles of Iqbal. He said the sole objective behind the creation of Pakistan was that our religion, civilization and culture were totally different from that of Hindus but it does not mean that we should adopt western culture. He said the youth should trust their country, nation, culture and civilization.  

The Army Chief said the youth of Pakistan should believe that they belong to a great country and nation. He said our youngsters are the torchbearers of bright traditions of the country and the nation as well as the true outcome of the dreams of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-i-Azam.

Syed Asim Munir said the armed forces can fight terrorists but they too need cooperation and support of the entire nation. He said the negative propaganda, being spread on social media, is aimed at creating uncertainty and hopelessness in the country. He stressed the need for double checking the news on social media. He said without proper research and positive thinking, there will be a chaos in the society.

The youth, on the occasion, chanted slogans ‘Long Live Pakistan, Pakistan Army and Quaid-i-Azam Zindabad’.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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

https://www.radio.gov.pk/24-01-2024/pakistan-armed-forces-fully-prepared-against-any-threat-conspiracy-coas

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PM urges youth to collectively fight enemies’ propaganda

January 24, 2024

ISLAMABAD:Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday affirmed that as responsible citizens, the people of Pakistan must reject and collectively fight the vicious propaganda onslaught unleashed by the enemies against Pakistan in the recent past.

The prime minister, addressing the Pakistan National Youth Convention 2024 as the chief guest, said the youth could play a constructive role in dealing with this emerging national security challenge provided they remained focused, and fact-check all details through authentic information from the state institutions rather than falling prey to the propaganda.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, who also addressed the participants, was the guest of honour.

“We, as a nation, have fought the menace of terrorism most valiantly, offering unparalleled sacrifices,” he said.

PM Kakar appreciated the role of the armed forces in the fight against the menace of terrorism with full commitment and professional excellence. “Pakistan’s successes in the war against terrorism would not have been possible without the participation and support of the youth who make up 65% of our population,” he added.

Addressing the conference, the army chief cautioned the youth against content on social media, saying one of the objectives of "propaganda" on it was to "spread negativity and chaos in society".

He urged the attendees to corroborate and confirm content on social media as he expressed confidence in the upcoming generation. COAS assured the attendees that the armed forces of Pakistan were always ready to face any threat and conspiracy against the country and emphasised that if we, as the people, exist as Pakistan is our identity and we would be 'nothing' without the country.

The army chief added that the country will never compromise on its sovereignty and he has full faith in Pakistan's bright future.

Referring to the youth as guardians of the country's bright traditions, the army chief said maintained that though the army can fight against terrorists, the cooperation of the entire nation is necessary in the fight.

General Munir also urged the youth to have confidence in the country, its culture, civilization and in themselves, adding that they should be confident that they are the offspring of a great homeland and nation.

The army chief also said the country is blessed with abundant mineral resources, agriculture and a demographic youth bulge.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454273/pm-urges-youth-to-collectively-fight-enemies-propaganda

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Jail trial notification: IHC reserves verdict on IK’s pleas

2024-01-25

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC), Wednesday, reserved its verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s petitions against his jail trial notification in Toshkhana and Al-Qadir cases.

A division bench of Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri heard Imran’s petitions against his jail trial notification in Toshkhana and Al-Qadir cases. Imran filed the petitions through his counsel Sardar Latif Khosa advocate and cited the chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and others as respondents in the case.

During the hearing, Imran’s counsel Advocate Shoaib Shaheen argued that they did not say that the jail trial could not be conducted but certain parameters [for it] were necessary.

He said the jail trial was held in extraordinary circumstances, which required a judicial order in which the relevant judge stated those extraordinary circumstances.

The attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) contended that the trial of NAB cases was being conducted in an open court at the Adiala prison, where the former prime minister remained incarcerated.

Shaheen contended that the NAB had no authority to write to the federal government seeking a jail trial. He added that if the NAB had any reason, it should have placed them before the relevant court and then the court would have decided after looking at these circumstances.

He continued that a two-member bench of the IHC had given a decision on the same legal point in the cypher case, which had not been overruled by the Supreme Court and was binding on this court

as well.

AGP Mansoor Usman Awan informed the court that there were Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube screenshots that proved the media was being given access to the trial. Shoaib argued that there was no court order related to the jail trial. He said a notification was issued when the references had not even been filed, arguing that the malice was clear.

At this, the IHC CJ said there was no doubt that the jail trial was conducted in extraordinary circumstances. Later, the court reserved its verdict on the petitions.

Imran’s petition stated that the notifications of jail trials in the cases, issued on November 14 and 28, respectively, were unlawful and malicious. He prayed to the court that the jail trial notifications be nullified and urged the court to issue a stay order to halt the proceedings.

In his petition, the petitioner, Imran, impugned the notification dated 28.11.2023 issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, according to which, the federal government had accorded approval that the “Accountability Court concerned” shall sit and conduct trial of the petitioner and others in Central Prison, Adiala Rawalpindi with reference to the case regarding misuse of authority and misappropriation/illegal sale of gifted State assets, etc. under Section 16(b) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40285596/jail-trial-notification-ihc-reserves-verdict-on-iks-pleas

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Section 144 imposed in Punjab to hamper PTI show: Imran

January 25, 2024

Malik Asad

RAWALPINDI: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the Punjab government had imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to hamper the upcoming show of power by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s candidates.

He was speaking to media persons after attending proceedings of GBP190 million, Toshakhana, and cipher cases.

Accountability judge Mohammad Bashir deferred the indictment of Mr Khan in the £190m reference as the defence counsel was absent.

Judge of Special Court (Official Secrets Act) AbualHasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain, on the other hand, concluded the cross-examination of four prosecution witnesses in the cipher case.

Indictment of former PM deferred in £190m case; cross-examination concluded in cipher case; ECP to proceed against Imran, Fawad after polls

There are 25 prosecution witnesses to be cross-examined by the counsel for Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

The witnesses cross-examined on Wednesday included Deputy Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Iqra Ashraf, Imran Sajid, ShamoonQaiser and cipher assistant Mohammad Nauman.

Later, Mr Khan told media persons that the caretaker government, a few individuals in the establishment and the Election Commission of Pakistan are united against his party.

He claimed that PTI had an overwhelming vote bank within the armed forces and the party would not be deterred whatever coercive measure were adopted to suppress its voice.

Mr Khan said he never witnessed such a pre-poll rigging in the country’s history and they planned to rig Feb 8 elections, but they would see the public rage on the election day.

In reply to a question about the possibility of a deal with stakeholders, Mr Khan said that the only deal in which he is now interested is holding of free and transparent elections.

He said the prevailing mindset of the power corridors is harmful for the country and the election is for “real freedom”.

The former prime minister said he has applied to cast the vote through the postal ballot.

He said Section 144 has been imposed after he had asked the PTI candidates to hold large-scale public meetings.

He expressed apprehensions that the government would not allow PTI candidates to hold their show of power.

The former prime minister claimed that the PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif is behind the imposition of Section 144, as he has failed to bring out people in his public meetings.

He said the PTI has devised a contingency plan and in case any candidate is arrested or barred from contesting elections, his replacement would do so.

IHC bench reserves judgement

In a related development, a division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri reserved its decision on two petitions of Imran Khan against his trial at Adiala Jail in Toshakhana and 190m pound corruption cases.

Mr Khan’s counsel Shoaib Shaheen said the notification had been issued in violation of relevant laws.

He pointed out that earlier another division bench of the IHC had scrapped court proceedings while observing flaws in the issuance of the notification for the jail trial.

Attorney General Awan told the court that the matter before the other bench was not identical.

He said the government has completed all codal formalities for the former prime minister’s trial in jail.

Contempt proceedings puts off

In another development, the Election Commission of Pakistan agreed not to proceed with contempt of the ECP and the chief election commissioner against Imran Khan until the Feb 8 general elections.

A four-member ECP bench, headed by its Sindh member Nisar Ahmed Durrani, heard the case. Advocate Shoaib Shaheen appeared before the bench on behalf of the former prime minister, while Faisal Fareed represented former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry.

“Statements of witnesses were to be recorded today,” reminded Mr Durrani when PTI founder’s lawyer said he had applied for adjournment of the case due to elections.

Mr Shaheen, who is also the party’s independent candidate from an NA seat of Islamabad, urged the bench to adjourn the case hearing till after elections.

“This hearing is giving an impression that the Election Commission of Pakistan is facilitating one political party while targeting another,” Shoaib Shaheen said. To this, Justice retired Ikramullah Khan, who is the commission’s member from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, made it clear that the ECP has no inclination towards any political party.

Replying to him, the PTI founder’s lawyer pointed out that Section 144 has been imposed in Punjab, but the ECP member emphasised that such matters pertained to the administration and they have nothing to do with the Commission. “What could the Election Commission do if a terrorist enters the rally?” he asked.

The lawyer then referred to a recent ECP order about PTI intra-party polls, adding that the commission took away PTI’s poll symbol ahead of the general polls.

“People know PTI founding member. What is the importance of ‘bat’,” retired Justice Ikramullah asked.

“Posters in every constituency of Islamabad have big pictures of the PTI founder,” he remarked.

The lawyer expressed the party’s readiness to hold intra-party elections afresh and remarked: “We are ready to hold intra-party elections again under the supervision of the Election Commission of Pakistan. The party has been dissolved for five years by denying the poll symbol to it.”

The ECP member retorted that the case has been in limbo for more than a year, when the lawyer urged that statements of witnesses should be recorded after Feb 15. The hearing was then adjourned till Feb 20.

Regarding the contempt case against Fawad Chaudhry, his lawyer Faisal Chaudhry requested for adjournment of the hearing, to which, ECP member from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pointed out that no reply has been submitted by Fawad Chaudhry on the show-cause notice till date.

The lawyer still insisted for more time to submit reply to the show-cause notice and was given time till Feb 21 to do the needful. The lawyer submitted written request for the issuance of the production order of Fawad Chaudhry, saying that the trial should be conducted in his presence and maintained that trial is not conducted in the absence of an accused.

Mr Durrani of the ECP said that the production order would be issued only if needed, and that an order would be issued in this context.

Source: dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1808406/section-144-imposed-in-punjab-to-hamper-pti-show-imran

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North America

 

Local Islamic civil liberties group accuses Emory of violating Civil Rights Act

Jan 25, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relation’s Georgia chapter (CAIR-Georgia) and other civil rights organizations sent Emory University President Gregory Fenves a letter today demanding that the University protect Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students from anti-Palestinian, racist, xenophobic and Islamophobic harassment and doxxing on campus and reaffirm students’ right to advocate for Palestine.

The group claimed that Emory violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by holding a “biased” stance against these students and failing to respond when they reported mistreatment, opening the door to “active harm, intimidation of students, and a hostile campus environment.”

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits institutions that receive federal funding from discriminating against individuals on the basis of race, color or national origin.

“As a university obligated to provide an educational environment welcoming to all regardless of race, color, or national origin, Emory cannot justify its failure to address the hostile anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic environment students have been subjected to on campus and by its own administration,” CAIR-Georgia wrote in the letter.

Emory community members gather in Cannon Chapel Sanctuary for a vigil in honor of Palestinians killed in the Israel-Hamas war on Oct .14, 2023. (AlyaKhoury/Contributing Photographer)

CAIR-Georgia Legal Director Javeria Jamil said that University leadership was aware of students’ concerns since Oct. 9 or 10.

“The students have filed numerous bias reports, the students have talked to numerous faculty and administrators and the University has not done anything to date that we are aware of or the students are aware of, to fix the Islamophobic harassment and doxxing that’s been happening against the students,” Jamil said.

Assistant Vice President of University Communications Laura Diamond told The Emory Wheel that the University is still “reviewing the letter” and did not provide a response to the specific allegations in the letter.

“Emory does not tolerate any action that discriminates against groups or individuals because of their nationality, identity or beliefs,” Diamond wrote.

An executive member of Emory Students for Justice in Palestine (ESJP), who requested to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, said that the University has not followed up on any of the bias reports filed.

“We’ve submitted … at least 10 or more [bias reports] at this point,” the student said. “We hear back saying the bias reports are being processed, as it says, … but as of now, we still have not gotten any sort of concrete feedback from these various reports.”

CAIR-Georgia outlined several alleged incidents of harassment that members of ESJP, as well as Arab and Muslim students, have faced. They include accusations of derogatory remarks on LinkedIn, doxxing, violations of the University’s Respect for Open Expression Policy and in-person harassment. The letter claimed the perpetrators ranged from current students, faculty and alumni to outside parties on campus.

“The discrimination, harassment, stereotyping, disparate treatment and racial profiling … are not isolated instances, but rather they are the product of deep-rooted, dehumanizing bigotry against Palestinians and their allies in an attempt to suppress speech supporting Palestinian rights on college campuses, which the University not only did nothing to address, but further contributed to by committing discriminatory acts of its own,” CAIR-Georgia wrote in the letter.

As a result, the group alleged in the letter that Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students, as well as students who are “perceived” as Palestinian or Muslim or who are “associated with Palestinians,” are afraid to leave their rooms to participate in campus life and go to class or unable to focus on school work.

“Palestinian students have especially suffered as a result of this open hostility and fear,” CAIR-Georgia wrote. “Many are experiencing trauma and are afraid of seeking help from the University because of the fear that their names and information will be released to external parties, or that identifying as Palestinians who believe in their own equality and right to life could lead to criminal consequences.”

Several other organizations, including the Asian American Advocacy Fund, Democratic Socialists of America Atlanta chapter, Jewish Voice for Peace Atlanta chapter and Kennesaw State University’s (Ga.) Muslim Student Association signed the letter.

Another executive member of ESJP said that students’ academic performance are suffering due to the time it takes to file bias reports and reach out to university officials.

“Just being able to be a student to the full extent that you want to be, has been limited because of the aggressions, because of feeling unsafe on campus and having to do the heavy lifting that the University should be doing on its own if it was doing its job correctly,” the student said.

Source: emorywheel.com

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

https://emorywheel.com/local-islamic-civil-liberties-group-accuses-emory-of-violating-civil-rights-act/

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CAIR-Colorado Welcomes Sentencing in Hate Crime Arson Targeting Church

Ismail Allison

January 24, 2024

The Colorado chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CO), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the sentencing of a man convicted of burning a church in Loveland, Colorado. 

A Colorado man has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted on a federal hate crime charge for setting fire to a church in Loveland in January of last year. The man said he was motivated to start the fire because of the “religious character of the church.”

“We welcome the sentencing in this case and stand in solidarity with the congregation impacted by this hateful crime,” said CAIR-CO Board Chair Krista Cole. “No faith community should have its house of worship targeted by bigotry.”

Cole urged religious institutions of all faiths to make use of CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide and implement security measures. 

CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide can be accessed here. 

She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry. 

Source: cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-colorado-welcomes-sentencing-in-hate-crime-arson-targeting-church/

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CAIR Calls on Biden Admin to Demand End to Israeli Attacks on Gaza Hospitals

Ismail Allison

January 24, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Biden administration to demand that Israel’s far-right government end its attack on hospitals in Gaza housing hundreds of patients and displaced civilians.

Israel is attacking near Khan Younis’s three main hospitals – al-Aqsa, Nasser and al-Amal – making it difficult for civilians to flee and targeted a UN building in which some 800 people sought shelter. 

Doctors Without Borders said its staff was trapped inside Nasser Hospital, along with some 850 patients and thousands of displaced people.

Israel has now killed almost 26,000 Gazans, mostly women and children, while Israeli media  “mostly keep Gaza’s human toll out of sight.” Israeli strikes on Khan Younis city killed at least 210 people killed over the past 24 hours.

In a statement, CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said: 

“When will the Biden administration acknowledge the daily slaughter of civilians and attacks on medical and United Nations facilities that we are all witnessing in real time? President Biden must immediately demand that Israel’s far-right government stop its campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, secure a ceasefire, and pursue a just and lasting peace by ending the occupation.” 

Mitchell added that yesterday, CAIR condemned the latest of what it calls the “Israeli war crime of the day,” the murder of a Gaza civilian in a group holding a white flag and holding their hands up in a so-called Israeli “safe zone.”

CAIR recently condemned other “Israeli war crimes of the day” in Gaza, including eyewitness reports of the execution of civilians by Israeli forces, looting of archeological artifacts, reports of the “torture” of detainees and the ongoing desecration of cemeteries.

He noted that Israel’s far-right government has systematically destroyed religious (1,000 mosques destroyed), historical, educational, institutional, and cultural sites in Gaza.

CAIR condemned the killing of a Palestinian-American teen by the forces of the far-right Israeli government in the occupied West Bank.

CAIR previously called on the Biden administration to condemn the far-right Israeli government’s targeted murder of journalists in Gaza. 

An investigation by the Committee to Protect Journalists reports at least 83 journalists and media workers were among the almost 25,000 people killed by Israel in Gaza since the war began. 

CAIR also called on President Biden to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and take action after he admitted to being opposed to the existence of a Palestinian state in any scenario. 

CAIR condemned what it called the latest “Israeli war crimes of the day,” including a new call for ethnic cleansing of Gaza by a top Israeli government official, the demolition of a Gaza university, attacks near a Gaza hospital, video of Israeli troops mocking Palestinian suffering, and Israeli actions forcing women to give birth in the streets. 

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-call-on-biden-admin-to-demand-end-to-israeli-attacks-on-gaza-hospitals/

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NY state voters split on aid to Israel, in shift from November: poll

Jan 25, 2024

New York Jewish Week via JTA — Voters in New York state are split on whether the United States should provide aid to Israel, according to a recent poll, a shift from the weeks following Hamas’ October 7 attack.

A Siena College survey published on Monday found that 45 percent of the state’s voters are opposed to providing further military or economic aid to Israel, while 43% support it, with the remainder either on the fence or declining to answer.

That’s a shift from a November survey of New York state voters by Siena, taken roughly a month after Palestinian terror group Hamas’s October 7 invasion of Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and launched the current war. That survey found that 51% were in favor of aid to Israel while 37% were against it.

Israel responded to the attack with a military campaign to destroy Hamas, remove it from power in Gaza, and free 253 hostages who were abducted by the attackers and taken captive in the Palestinian enclave. Most are still being held.

In this week’s poll, few subgroups supported aid to Israel. A slim majority of suburban respondents and those 55 and older backed the aid, along with 75% of Jewish respondents. Among Jews, 18% oppose aid to Israel.

Positions on aid did not diverge sharply along party lines, though Republicans were slightly more supportive. Among Democrats, 47% were against aid to Israel and 43% were in favor, while 43% of independents opposed aid and 38% supported it. Among Republicans, 46% supported aid and 44% opposed it.

The poll queried 807 New York state voters between January 14-17 and had a margin of error of 4.5%. Margins of error for the subgroups were slightly higher.

The poll also appeared to show a drop in support for aid to Israel among denizens of New York City in particular. A poll by Quinnipiac University last month found that residents of the five boroughs were split, with 46% opposed to sending military aid to Israel, and 45% in favor.

But in this week’s Siena poll, 53% of the city’s residents opposed aid to Israel and 35% supported it.

Subgroups of younger voters, and those with lower incomes, were also less supportive of aid to Israel. In addition, half of white voters supported aid to Israel, while 40% opposed it. Thirty percent of both Black and Latino voters supported the aid, with 56% and 46% of those groups, respectively, in opposition.

The survey also asked about aid to Ukraine, which proved slightly more popular, with half of voters in favor and 40% against. On that issue, there were wider partisan gaps: 63% of Democrats supported more military and economic aid to Ukraine, compared to 26% of Republicans.

Ukraine aid was more popular than aid to Israel among all racial and age groups except Jews, who were still largely supportive of it at 70%.

Source: timesofisrael.com

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/ny-state-voters-split-on-aid-to-israel-in-shift-from-november-poll/

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US Special Envoy Calls for Sustainable Development in Afghanistan

Fidel Rahmati

January 25, 2024

The Special Representative of the United States for Afghanistan Affairs stated on Wednesday that the majority of the Afghan people need humanitarian aid.

Thomas West emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan cannot be solved with aid such as flour and oil, and Afghanistan requires “sustainable livelihood and private sector development.”

In an online meeting with representatives of several Afghan media outlets, Tom West mentioned that humanitarian aid to Afghanistan will continue because over 70 per cent of the people need such assistance.

He dismissed the criticism that the Taliban are benefiting from international aid. According to him, American cooperating organizations have directly distributed humanitarian aid to the people. West added that these organizations have halted their activities to prevent aid from falling into the hands of the Taliban when necessary.

However, John F. Sopko, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction in the U.S. Congress Foreign Relations Committee, stated that there is a possibility of the Taliban misusing this aid.

He pointed out the Taliban’s interference in aid distribution and the establishment of fake aid organizations, which divert some of this aid into the Taliban’s pockets.

The U.S. representative mentioned that major donor countries are discussing stability and economic growth in Afghanistan due to the reduction in Afghan people’s emergency food aid needs.

West said, “We need to find a way for sustainable assistance. We want to move away from the current approach of distributing flour and oil. We want to move towards creating sustainable livelihoods that strengthen the private sector.”

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/us-special-envoy-calls-for-sustainable-development-in-afghanistan/

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Europe

 

UK foreign secretary meets with Netanyahu, calls for immediate humanitarian pause

AysuBicer

25.01.2024

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron held crucial talks on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

According to a statement by the government, Cameron "explained that he wants to see an immediate humanitarian pause to get hostages out and aid in, leading to a sustainable cease-fire without a return to hostilities."

"To enable this, Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages, they could no longer be in charge in Gaza firing rockets at Israel, and an agreement must be in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza to provide governance, services and security," it said.

Underlining the imperative for a long-term political strategy, he called for a credible and irreversible pathway leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Cameron emphasized the urgency of increasing aid to the region.

He called on Israel to open more crossing points into Gaza, extend the operation of the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom crossings, and support the United Nations in effectively distributing aid across the entirety of Gaza.

Cameron "also underlined the need for Israel to ensure effective deconfliction in Gaza and to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities."

He also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, underscoring the importance of engaging all stakeholders for a comprehensive resolution.

More than 25,500 Palestinians have been confirmed killed since Israel began its war, with thousands more feared dead under the rubble amid widespread devastation. The vast majority of those who have been killed, roughly two-thirds, have been women and children.

About 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are food insecure, and the health system is collapsing. Hundreds of thousands are living without shelter and ⁠less than half of the number of aid trucks are entering the territory compared to before the conflict.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/uk-foreign-secretary-meets-with-netanyahu-calls-for-immediate-humanitarian-pause/3118007

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Taliban not recognized due to human rights violations: Russian FM

Fidel Rahmati

January 25, 2024

The Russian Foreign Minister says that Moscow does not recognize the Taliban due to their violation of commitments, especially regarding human rights, particularly women’s rights and the formation of an inclusive government.

The Russian Foreign Minister, in a press conference at the United Nations headquarters, said that the Taliban government consists of “all Taliban” and does not include other ethnic and religious groups such as Hazaras, Tajiks, and Uzbeks.

He emphasized that in the Taliban government, it’s not only about ethnic inclusivity but also political and religious inclusivity that needs to be implemented.

Sergei Lavrov also urged anti-Taliban factions to strengthen the “peaceful” approach.

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that the resistance factions in northern Afghanistan may not be inclined to negotiate with the Taliban, but he urged influential figures among them to pursue peaceful dialogue.

The Russian Foreign Minister reiterated the presence of Hamed Karzai, the former president, and Abdullah Abdullah, the former head of the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation, in Kabul, expressing their desire to assist in steering the country back to its original course.

Last week, the Russian Foreign Minister acknowledged the National Resistance Front led by Ahmad Massoud in northern Afghanistan and called for building a bridge with them. He also suggested the Taliban include other political forces in the governance structure.

Following the Taliban’s takeover, countries in the international community have refrained from officially recognizing their government, with a few exceptions like Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and China, which maintain unofficial relations.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/taliban-not-recognized-due-to-human-rights-violations-russian-fm/

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Family rejects apology of man who mowed down Muslim family with a truck

Jan 24, 2024

A man who killed four members of a Muslim family in London, Ont., told a sentencing hearing on Tuesday that he was sorry for the pain he caused, an apology dismissed by the victims’ family as the “strategic words” of a “killer.”

Nathaniel Veltman, 23, was found guilty in November of four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder for hitting the Afzaal family with his truck while they were out for a walk on June 6, 2021.

Before Veltman addressed Tuesday’s hearing, the court heard arguments on whether his attack amounted to terrorism, with the Crown arguing he was a white supremacist with a plan to commit violence while the defence claimed he kept his beliefs to himself.

“I want to take this opportunity to express my regret for the loss of the Afzaal family,” Veltman told the court.

“I’m sorry for this pain and suffering that I caused. I cannot turn back time,” he said.

Veltman has been convicted of killing 46-year-old Salman Afzaal; his 44-year-old wife, Madiha Salman; their 15-year-old daughter, Yumna; and her 74-year-old grandmother, Talat Afzaal, while the couple’s nine-year-old son was seriously hurt but survived.

Speaking outside the court after the hearing, Madiha Salman’s uncle Ali Islam rejected Veltman’s comments on behalf of the family.

“This is not an apology. These are strategic words coming from a killer after he is convicted. He could have chosen any time to apologize, but to do it just before sentencing, so it can be entered in the record as an apology is a checkbox … for the parole board. This is not an apology. This is strategy,” Islam told reporters.

Veltman’s trial was the first where Canada’s terrorism laws were put before a jury in a first-degree murder trial.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Crown lawyer Sarah Shaikh argued that evidence in the case showed Veltman is a “right-wing white nationalist, and a white supremacist.”

“He has a vision about a new society and a plan to achieve that new society … his plan involves sending a message through a violent act,” she said.

Shaikh argued Veltman’s attack should be considered terrorism because he was motivated by white nationalist ideology at the time and had stated in a manifesto found in his apartment and to police that he wanted to send a message to Muslims that they are not welcome in Canada.

“His desire for revenge against so-called Muslim-on-white or Black-on-white crimes fuelled his racist beliefs that the white race is the superior race,” she said.

Veltman had a plan to inspire others to commit similar attacks, Shaikh said, noting Veltman said he was inspired by Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people in a pair of New Zealand mosque shootings in 2019.

“The offender’s larger plan is the development of an all-white society,” Shaikh said. “To achieve this plan, he decided to commit brutal violence towards Muslims, killing who he can in an effort to convince the rest to leave.”

Defence lawyer Christopher Hicks argued Veltman’s attack should not be considered terrorism because he didn’t publish his manifesto, which the lawyer noted also contained antisemitic views.

“You have a 20-year-old young man sitting in his studio apartment … just making notes to himself,” Hicks said. “He has no plans to disseminate it, it’s never propagated anywhere. It’s on his computer, and he is virtually the only one to see it.”

Justice Renee Pomerance, who has been presiding over the case, asked Hicks whether Veltman had told police he kept his ideology private so “his plan would not be foiled.” Hicks said Veltman had obsessive compulsive fears he would be detected by police or federal government intelligence agencies.

Veltman, wearing a wrinkled black suit and shirt, sat in the courtroom listening to the proceedings. He had been greeted earlier in the day by one of his defence lawyers with a fist bump.

Jurors at Veltman’s trial had been instructed by Pomerance that they could convict Veltman of first-degree murder if they unanimously agreed prosecutors had established he intended to kill the victims, and planned and deliberated his attack. She also told jurors they could reach that same verdict if they found that the killings were terrorist activity.

The terror component wasn’t a separate charge, and juries don’t explain how they reach their verdict, so it’s unclear what role – if any – the terror allegations played in their decision.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse before the hearing began, defence lawyer Peter Ketcheson said Veltman faces a sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years on his first-degree murder convictions. The issue of a terrorism designation could become significant if and when Veltman applies for parole, he said.

A decision on the terrorism issue will also be significant for future cases, he said.

“There’s not much case law in the area,” he said. “This is going to be precedent-setting and cases in the future when they’re determining whether or not it is terrorist activity, they will look back on Justice Pomerance’s decision for some guidance.”

Pomerance is expected to sentence Veltman on Feb. 22.

During the trial, Veltman testified he had been considering using his pickup truck, which he bought a month earlier, to carry out an attack and looked up information online about what happens when pedestrians get struck by cars at various speeds.

He told the jury that he felt an “urge” to hit the Afzaal family after seeing them walking on a sidewalk, adding that he knew they were Muslims from the clothes they were wearing and he noticed the man in the group had a beard.

Jurors had also seen video of Veltman telling a detective his attack had been motivated by white nationalist beliefs. Court also heard that he wrote a manifesto in the weeks before the attack, describing himself as a white nationalist and peddling unfounded conspiracy theories about Muslims.

Veltman’s trial was heard in Windsor, Ont., but the sentencing proceedings, including victim impact statements, are taking place in London.

Source: sookenewsmirror.com

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https://www.sookenewsmirror.com/national-news/family-rejects-apology-of-man-who-mowed-down-muslim-family-with-a-truck-7300681

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Islamic group calling for Shariah law cancels Canadian event after U.K. declares it a terrorist entity

Jan 24, 2024

The day after an Islamic organization was declared a terrorist group in Britain, the group’s Canadian branch cancelled a conference it was hosting this weekend that was calling for the resurrection of the Muslim caliphate and the imposition of Shariah law.

Hizb ut Tahrir Canada was convening its conference on Saturday in Mississauga, just outside Toronto, called the Khilafah Conference 2024. Khilafah is the Arabic word for caliphate, referring to a Muslim community governed under Islamic law.

The conference materials — posters, a website, and a polished promotional video — said the group urges the rejection of a Jewish state and the involvement of the United Nations, international law, or other “compromises” in the Middle East, instead encouraging military forces in the Muslim world to defeat “occupiers” in the region.

Hizb ut Tahrir Canada’s conference materials, along with its entire online presence — a website active since 2012, a YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts — has now been deleted or deactivated, apparently internally.

A former leader with the Hizb ut-Tahrir, who now works in extremist deradicalization, said the British declaration has spooked the group’s Canadian supporters.

“Until they can provide the right guidelines for the organization’s English-language speaking areas they will avoid, as much as possible, their membership and activists making statements in the public arena,” said Rashad Ali, a resident senior fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a counter-extremism think tank based in London, England.

“Unless they can control what their membership is saying in English, then they can’t be sure that they aren’t going to say something they will regret.”

The members will also fear that Canada might follow Britain’s lead, Ali said.

“Australia and Canada tend to, in counter-terrorism matters, follow where Britain goes. It will be quite likely that if the ban and proscription in Britain is upheld by the British courts, they will apply the same thing in Australia and Canada.”

Before it was cancelled, the conference was causing concern over the group’s statements, seen as starkly antisemitic, hawkish on eradicating Israel, and supporting elements of militant jihadi violence.

“As a listed terrorist entity in the United Kingdom, the Hizb ut-Tahrir organization should not be given an opportunity to promote and indoctrinate Canadians with their extreme and radical viewpoints through their Khilafah Conference,” said Shimon KofflerFogel, president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a Canadian Jewish advocacy organization.

“If it had not been pre-emptively cancelled, we would have expected the authorities to step in to identify it as a potential security risk and prevent the conference from moving forward.”

When introducing Britain’s proscription order against Hizb ut-Tahrir under the Terrorism Act, U.K.’s Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “Hizb ut-Tahrir is an antisemitic organization that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks.

“Proscribing this terrorist group will ensure that anyone who belongs to and invites support for them will face consequences. It will curb Hizb ut-Tahrir’s ability to operate as it currently does.”

The terrorist designation went into effect on Jan. 19.

Registered attendees for the Khilafah Conference in Canada were notified the event was cancelled on Jan. 20, with a note saying: “It is with a heavy heart that Hizb ut Tahrir Canada has decided to cancel the Khilafah Conference 2024 because of unforeseen circumstances.”

The notification apologized for the inconvenience but offered no explanation. Tickets for the event were formally cancelled Monday, with instructions on obtaining a refund. Ticket holders had not yet been told where in Mississauga the conference was being held.

Conference organizers did not respond to requests for information and comment by National Post prior to deadline.

The theme for the conference was “Khilafah: Eliminating the obstacles that are delaying its return.” Its materials refer to Israel only as “the Zionist Entity.”

There were four keynote speakers advertised: Muhammad Malkawi, Mazin Abdul-Adhim, Bilal Khan, and Malik Abu Luqman.

Malkawi was considered the headliner.

In a speech last month, he was quoted as saying that if Muslims came together “you don’t even need to fight for Palestine because there will not be a Jewish state there.” His online accounts say he is based in Jordan, where Hizb ut-Tahrir’s central headquarters are located.

“He is very well known, very public, a popular speaker within the party and has been active for decades,” Ali said.

Malkawi did not respond to a request for comment prior to deadline.

Mazin Abdul-Adhim is based in Canada, in London, Ont., and is active on social media. He describes himself as a Hizb ut Tahrir member on X, where his avatar is the logo for the cancelled conference.

He did not respond to a request for comment. On social media he reacted to Britain’s ban of the group, saying: “by banning HT, they make us a much stronger force, impenetrable and absolutely bulletproof from their false allegations and lies.”

A conference with a similar title is scheduled to be held in Chicago in March, organized by Hizb ut-Tahrir America.

Hizb ut-Tahrir, Arabic for “Party of Liberation,” was founded in 1953 by a cleric as a revolutionary party, meant as a springboard to power in countries with large Muslim populations to spur their unification to restore the medieval Muslim empire, said Ali. (The Canadian branch does not use the more common hyphenated version of the party’s name.)

Although it calls itself a political party, it is not a democratic institution.

“The Hizb ut-Tahrir rejects democracy, it rejects participating in governance with other parties, it rejects the electoral process as a method of gaining power — the only way is by the overthrow of government by revolution,” said Ali.

He said Hizb ut-Tahrir is perhaps unique in the Islamist extremist space, and quite different from groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda.

“The Hizb ut-Tahrir don’t engage in material action, does not undertake violent acts,” he said. They can, however, be accused of “sanitizing terror ideology and calling for revolutionary change.

For example, they have the view that Israel is an occupied country and therefore violent action is acceptable there, he said.

“They don’t do it as a group, so their members don’t engage in it,” Ali said of terror attacks. “Neither do they call for their members to do so. However, they do believe that military action to liberate these countries is acceptable. There is an ambiguity there.”

The organization has been banned in several countries, including Russia, China, Germany, Indonesia, and in most Arab countries.

Hizb ut-Tahri’s message of overthrowing Muslim governments standing in the way of unification makes it an enemy in many Muslim states. It is not banned in Israel, Ali said.

“It is not a particularly popular movement.”

In Britain, Hizb ut-Tahrir is the 36th international organization to be declared a terrorist group. The list includes Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, best known as ISIL or ISIS, which also pushes for an Islamic caliphate.

Prior to Hizb ut-Tahrir, the most recently proscribed terror organization by Britain was the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, added last year. In 2021, Hamas’s political wing was added, as were The Base, Atomwaffen Division, and National Socialist Order, U.S. white supremacist militant groups.

The British government said Hizb ut-Tahrir “has a footprint in at least 32 countries,” with its headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon.

“The U.K. government assess that Hizb ut-Tahrir, including its national branches, is currently concerned in terrorism, and meets the ‘promotes and encourages’ limb of the statutory test,” the British government said.

“A number of articles were posted online on Hizb ut-Tahrir’s central media website (and third-party websites), attributed to several of Hizb ut-Tahrir’s branches, which celebrated and praised the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas and associated events. The content of these articles, many of which refer to Hamas as ‘heroes’ and encourage further terrorist activity, constitute the promotion and encouragement of terrorism.”

Hizb ut-Tahrir’s central media office in Beirut did not respond to requests by the Post for comment prior to deadline.

Hizb ut-Tahrir in Pakistan issued a statement Monday about Britain’s declaration.

“This decision came as a shock to Western intellectuals and political observers. Hizb ut-Tahrir has been known for its non-militant, intellectual and political struggle for over seventy years,” it said.

It added: “Hizb ut-Tahrir has been working day and night to mobilize Muslim armed forces, including those of Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt, in support of the Gaza and Palestine.”

Source: vancouversun.com/

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https://vancouversun.com/news/canada/hizb-ut-tahrir-canada

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Italy to treat 100 wounded Palestinian children

 Jan 25, 2024

One hundred Palestinian children wounded in war-torn Gaza are to receive medical treatment in Italian hospitals, the defence ministry in Rome said Wednesday.

The healthcare system has almost entirely collapsed in Gaza after more than three months of devastating Israeli bombardment and fighting in the besieged Palestinian territory.

The ministry announced "the start of the operation for the transport of 100 Palestinian children and their families from the Gaza Strip to Italian hospital facilities."

The first 30 children are set to be transferred in the next few days "with an air force airlift between Italy and Egypt", the ministry said in a communique.

Another 30 children will arrive at the end of the month on board an Italian military ship, the "Nave Vulcano", which will soon leave Egypt's port of El Arish, it added.

The children will be hospitalised in several Italian cities, including Rome, Bologna, Florence and Genoa.

Separately, the ministry said it is in talks with countries in the region to set up an army field hospital.

Earlier Wednesday, seven wounded Palestinian children arrived in France for medical treatment, the second such evacuation to the European country after two other Palestinian children arrived late December.

The war in Gaza erupted when Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

At least 25,700 Palestinians, the majority civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip in Israeli bombardments and ground offensive, according to the Hamas government running the territory.

The United Nations on Tuesday warned of a "looming threat of famine" in the territory.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/israels-attack-on-palestine/news/italy-treat-100-wounded-palestinian-children-3527886

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South Asia

 

Afghanistan Committed to Strengthening Religious, Modern Sciences: Kabir

 Nazir Shinwari

January 24, 2024

The Deputy PM for Political Affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, at the opening of “National Conference on the Improvement of Educational and Higher Educational Institutions of Afghanistan” said that along with religious sciences, the Islamic Emirate is also committed to strengthening modern sciences in the country.

The Deputy PM for Political Affairs added that the educational system of the country has faced stagnation in the past and there is a need for an educational system with international standards in the country.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said: "Besides learning Islamic sciences, in schools and universities, we must also teach medicine, engineering, economics, or literature to students."

The acting Minister of Education, Habibullah Agha, also at the opening of the conference said that contemporary and religious education in the country is currently weak in terms of quality and the Islamic Emirate is working on strengthening religious and modern educational centers to standardize these institutions.

Habibullah Agha, said: “Based on our information, if it is religious or worldly sciences, it is faced with very low quality."

The acting minister of higher education, Neda Mohammad Nadim, was also one of the speakers at the opening ceremony of this conference. He said that the Ministry of Education forms the infrastructure of all departments, and the Ministries of Education and Higher Education should be strengthened.

According to Neda Mohammad Nadim, coordination between educational institutions and having a strong will can solve the problems in educational and higher educational institutions of the country.

Neda Mohammad Nadim, said: "We have academic cadres, we have good scholars and shaikhs, we have professors with Afghan and Islamic mindsets, we just need to have the will so that God can easily remove these shortcomings that we have in the educational and higher educational sector, along with our strong will and yours."

Officials at the Kabul Education University of Rabbani stated that the purpose of this conference is to identify and find solutions for the challenges in the educational and higher educational centers of the country.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-187114

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Afghanistan’s Collapse blamed on US ‘Deep State’: Amrullah Saleh

Fidel Rahmati

January 24, 2024

Amrullah Saleh, former Vice President of Afghanistan, revealed information in an interview with the Russian newspaper “Nizavisimaya” published on Monday, January 22nd, regarding the views of American officials on Afghanistan and the meetings they had with senior American officials before the collapse of the Ghani government.

Amrullah Saleh stated that the republican system in Afghanistan did not collapse overnight but rather began to unravel in the spring of 2011, following the death of Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda in Pakistan.

This gradual process was initiated through an agreement between the United States and the Taliban in February 2020 in Doha, lasting for ten years.

Mr. Saleh believes that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in Ukraine had a significant impact on American policy in Afghanistan. After this event, American meetings with the Taliban accelerated, ultimately leading to the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021, as sustaining the Afghan government required substantial resources.

Saleh is of the opinion that, similar to the Cold War era, Islamist extremist forces are more advantageous for the United States in the region compared to democratic and pluralistic forces.

The former Deputy Head of the Afghan Presidency provided details about meetings he, Ashraf Ghani, and Abdullah Abdullah had with the President, Defense Minister, and the Director of U.S. Intelligence two months before the fall of the republic in June 2021.

Saleh mentioned that before meeting with Joe Biden on June 23, 2021, during a dinner with American generals, ambassadors, and influential figures, General David Petraeus, the former CIA chief, told Ashraf Ghani that American political and military forces were planning to “deal with criminals in your country and financially support them. If you dare to act in such circumstances, I congratulate you, but our actions will resemble those of criminals.”

He said that the next day during his meeting with President Biden, he asked three critical questions: “Is the Doha negotiation process between the U.S. and the Taliban a peace process or preparation for a regime change in Afghanistan?

Will your logistical, financial, and military support continue after the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan?

If the Taliban besieges Kabul, do you have a backup plan in emergency conditions, and how can we prevent the collapse of the republic?”

According to Saleh, Biden had said that these fundamental questions should be answered by General Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

He stated that during the meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Austin also evaded giving a clear answer. Lloyd Austin mentioned that the U.S. would continue its military assistance after leaving Afghanistan and conduct airstrikes if Kabul were besieged by the Taliban. Details of this assistance will be clarified later in Kabul.

Amrullah Saleh said that he, along with Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, met with William Burns, the head of the U.S. Intelligence Agency. Burns assured that the U.S. would maintain its reputation and credibility as a reliable partner and would stop the Taliban militarily if they besieged Kabul.

However, he also emphasized to these three Afghan officials that the next Afghan government must be established through a peace agreement with the Taliban, as the U.S. would oppose any other option.

Mr. Saleh told the Russian newspaper that at the end of this trip, they did not receive any specific answers to their questions from the Americans, and in practice, no military support or airstrikes were carried out.

During the Munich Security Conference in 2020, Mr. Saleh revealed a meeting involving President Ghani, Mike Pompeo, Heiko Maas, and Jens Stoltenberg. Pompeo directly requested Ghani’s support for the Doha agreement with the Taliban, a request that Ghani declined. Saleh believes that the Afghan government’s biggest mistake was trusting the United States and not prioritizing the peace process, leading to the exploitation of government weaknesses and a lack of regional allies.

Saleh pointed out that the collapse of the Afghan republican system wasn’t driven by either the Republican or Democratic parties but rather by undisclosed power entities within the U.S., often referred to as the “deep state.” He emphasized that the betrayal of Afghanistan is attributed to this deep state, composed of influential individuals shaping the country’s strategies. They decided that Afghanistan was no longer worth the previous support, regardless of the consequences.”

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/afghanistans-collapse-blamed-on-us-deep-state-amrullah-saleh/

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Inequality rising for lack of democracy: BNP leader Nazrul

Jan 24, 2024

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan today said the lack of democracy in the country has caused a rise in inequality between the rich and poor.

"Due to the absence of democracy, the majority of people are affected by rising prices while a handful of wealthy people are buying crore-taka houses every day," said Nazrul Islam at a discussion programme at BNP's Nayapaltan central party office in the capital.

"Five percent of the country's people are looting the country's wealth, and this is happening because the government does not need the support of the majority anymore," said Nazrul Islam.

The BNP leader claimed the current government has discarded the democracy that was earned through the Liberation War.

"There is no democracy in Bangladesh today. The democracy we earned with the blood of people does not exist today," he added.

The BNP leader's remarks came ahead of the 9th death anniversary of Arafat Rahman Koko, the youngest son of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

A prayer ceremony was also held at the party central office yesterday.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/inequality-rising-lack-democracy-bnp-leader-nazrul-3527416

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Govt to do everything possible to implement verdict against Tarique: FM

Jan 24, 2024

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today said the government would do everything possible at an appropriate time to implement the court verdict against convicted BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, now living in the UK.

"Our government wants to make sure that every convicted person's verdict is implemented. The government will do everything possible at an appropriate time regarding Tarique Rahman's issue," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign minister made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know about the efforts to bring back Tarique for implementation of the court verdict.

He spoke with the reporters after a meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at his office where they discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The government has been trying to bring back Tarique to implement the court verdict, but it all depends on the UK government.

In an interview with Voice of America in Washington last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "He is there [in UK]. Whoever the criminal is, they should be brought back and their sentence should be carried out. We are making efforts in this regard. But now it totally depends on the British government. Will they keep him there or allow the punishment to be executed? It totally depends on them.

There are a number of cases including money laundering, arms smuggling, corruption and also the August 21 grenade attack against him.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/govt-do-everything-possible-implement-verdict-against-tarique-fm-3527126

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PM hopes for more help from China to implement dev initiatives

 Jan 25, 2024

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today hoped that China would come forward in a bigger way during the tenure of her new government to implement development programmes.

"China is one of the most important development and strategic partners of Bangladesh. We hope that during the new government's tenure China will help us more than previous times to continue the development journey of Bangladesh," she said.

The prime minister said this while Chinese Communist Party's Vice Minister of the International Department Sun Haiyan called on her at the GonoBhaban.

PM's speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters after the call on.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/accidents-fires/news/6-family-burnt-narayanganj-fire-3527961

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India sends 40,000 litres of Malathion to help Afghanistan combat locusts

Fidel Rahmati

January 24, 2024

India has sent 40,000 litres of Malathion pesticide to Afghanistan via the Chabahar port to combat the locust menace.

Malathion, recognized for its effectiveness in arid regions and low water requirements, plays a vital role in locust control. This assistance not only tackles the immediate threat in Afghanistan but also acts as a preventive measure against locusts spreading to neighboring Central Asian nations.

The Agriculture Ministry under Taliban control thanked India for the aid, stressing its role in safeguarding crops and ensuring food security in Afghanistan

 “Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is grateful to the Government of the Republic of India and its people for supplying 40,000 litres of chemical material (Malathion) in the agriculture sector, to prevent the locusts menace, that the mentioned assistance arrived today through Chabahar port,” the Ministry said.

India delivered 40,000 litres of malathion pesticide in two trucks to the Taliban-controlled Agriculture Ministry in Afghanistan.

The ministry statement said, “Agriculture and livestock are inclusive sectors of humanity, which their benefits and harms are same for everyone, Afghanistan is a war-torn and backward country, and any country that assists us in the field of disease prevention, research, promotion of mechanization and marketing of agriculture and livestock sectors, is considered as cooperation with humanity.”

Locusts are highly destructive pests with the potential to threaten food security due to their voracious appetite and ability to destroy vegetation. Pakistan faced a severe locust infestation in early 2020, prompting a national emergency declaration.

Meanwhile, In support of food security in Afghanistan, India has sent 50,000 MTs of wheat in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP). Additionally, baby food kits were supplied to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for internal distribution within Afghanistan.

India has also continued its collaboration with the Afghanistan National Agricultural Science and Technical University (ANASTU) in Kandahar, offering online courses to Afghan students studying agriculture-related subjects since 2021.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/india-sends-40000-litres-of-malathion-to-help-afghanistan-combat-locusts/

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Mideast

 

Hamas getting $12 million a month in donations, Israel claims: 'Financial jihad’

Jan 24, 2024

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli financial-intelligence officials said that US also believes that Hamas receives significant funding from online-donation sites.

Israeli officials claimed that Hamas is getting $8 million to $12 million a month through online donations through organizations posing as charities to help civilians in Gaza. This implies that there is a multi-fold increase for online funding for the group compared to what it was receiving before its attack on Israel on October 7. Israeli financial-intelligence officials told Bloomberg that US also believes that Hamas receives significant funding from online-donation sites.

But tracking Hamas' fund raising is difficult because the organization has years of experience of getting around sanctions. Matthew Levitt, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said, “There is no question that there is a sharp increase in legitimate and illegitimate charitable giving to Palestinians in wake of the Gaza hostilities."

He added, “An uptick in the interest to donate gives increased cover for Hamas. I’ve seen charities that were previously designated by the US popping up, some under new names, but there are also lots of new ones.”

Earlier, Hamas officials have also publicly called for cash gifts for their fight against Israel as Ismail Haniyeh said, “This is not just a humanitarian issue, despite its immense importance and Gaza’s need for any aid it can get. This is financial jihad.”

Before the war, donations were made to charities after which money reached Hamas in different ways, including aid convoys, Israeli officials said. Hamas also uses Trade-Based Terror Funding- donations by asking local Gazan business owners to transfer money to Hamas. However, it is challenging to determine whether a charity is legitimate or assisting Hamas, they said.

Hamas is also raising money through organizations in other countries and which aren’t clearly linked to the group, Israeli and US officials said as per the report.

This comes as Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after it swarmed southern Israel from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people. More than 25,000 people have been killed since Israel retaliated by attacking Gaza.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/hamas-getting-12-million-a-month-in-donations-israel-claims-financial-jihad-101706104982644.html

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Zionist enemy forces storm Jenin city in W Bank

[25/January/2024]

RAMALLAH January 25. 2024 (Saba) - The Zionist enemy forces on Thursday morning stormed the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian News Agency reported that the enemy forces reinforced with two bulldozers stationed in al-Marah neighborhood and in the eastern region of the city of Jenin, and also sent large reinforcements of their military vehicles from the direction of the Dothan and al-Jalama checkpoints to the city, amid storming various neighborhoods.

The agency added the enemy forces clashed with the Palestinians.

The enemy forces stormed El-Irsal and Ain Misbah neighborhoods in the city of Ramallah.

Local sources said that the Zionist enemy forces stormed the two neighborhoods with dozens of military vehicles and raided several homes.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3299220.htm

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Islamic Resistance in Iraq targets port of Ashdod

[25/January/2024]

BAGHDAD January 25. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Resistance in Iraq on Thursday morning carried out a drone bombardment on a target in the port of Ashdod in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Secretary-General of Sayyed al-Shuhada Brigades in Iraq Abu Alaa al-Walai announced the start of the second phase of the Islamic Resistance operations in Iraq, which includes enforcing the blockade on Zionist maritime navigation in the Mediterranean and putting the entity’s ports out of service.

On Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced that it had targeted the port of Ashdod in the occupied territories with drones, stressing that it would “continue to destroy enemy strongholds in support of our people in Gaza.”

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has been participating in “Al-Aqsa Flood” since October 17, in response to Washington’s support for the Zionist aggression on Gaza.

Since the start of the operations, American forces in Iraq and Syria have been subjected to about 151 attacks, injuring 70 of their soldiers, according to Reuters over the Pentagon.

Resistance operations in Iraq are not limited to American forces, but have also affected Zionist targets, after they expanded the targeting circle in light of the ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip for more than 100 days.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3299218.htm

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US-UK aggression against Yemen risks expansion of war: Iran

Jan 25, 2024

TEHRAN, Jan. 25 (MNA) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reiterated Tehran’s opposition to any foreign military aggression against Yemen and warned the US and the UK that their strikes on the Arab country could expand the war.

Amir-Abdollahian took to X social platform and referred to his speech at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday night, in which, he said that the US-UK airstrikes on Yemen are a strategic error.

“I clarified that the US and British military aggression against Yemen only leads to the expansion of the scope of the war”, he said in the post.

During a speech at the Security Council meeting focusing on Palestine and the developments in West Asia, the top Iranian diplomat issued harsh warnings about the catastrophic situation in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli genocide there.

“I emphasized the need to stop the crimes and genocide of the Zionists in Gaza and lift the blockade of this territory in order to send relief aid immediately”, Amir-Abdollahian added.

The top Iranian diplomat further stressed that Iran believes that Palestinians can decide their future without any foreign interference.

The top Iranian diplomat also criticized the US for its all-round support for the Zionist apartheid regime as the main obstacle to preventing genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/211282/US-UK-aggression-against-Yemen-risks-expansion-of-war-Iran

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New US envoy to Egypt lauds Cairo’s role in fighting for Middle East peace

January 24, 2024

GOBRAN MOHAMED

CAIRO: America’s new ambassador to Egypt has praised the decades of “courage” shown by Cairo in fighting for peace and stability in the Middle East.

And Iraq-born Herro Mustafa Garg pledged the US’ ongoing support for Egyptian efforts to bring about an end to regional conflict and broker a two-state solution for the people of Palestine and Israel.

In a video posted on the US Embassy’s social media page, the envoy highlighted “the courage and conviction shown by Egypt’s leaders 45 years ago (signing the Egypt-Israel peace treaty) in giving priority to peace over conflict, elevating common understanding over violence, and investing in prosperity over strife.”

She said: “It can and should serve as a source of inspiration for us and our shared mission of restoring peace and stability in the region.”

Garg noted that as the new US ambassador, she was looking forward to working in Cairo and building a partnership with the Egyptian government and people.

Born in Iraq, she moved to the US with her family at an early age and pointed out that she had recently become “the first American ambassador to Egypt from the region.”

She added that during her career at the US State Department and the White House, she had focused on joint work between the US, the Middle East, Europe, and India.

Garg said: “I can think of no place I would rather be right now than in Egypt, the beating heart of the Arab world.”

The American diplomat noted that the current conflict in the Gaza Strip once again demonstrated the extent of Egypt’s leadership capabilities and its key role in contributing to efforts to achieve stability, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East.

She added that her priorities were to strengthen the economic, security, and diplomatic partnership between the peoples of Egypt and the US.

“Expanding our strong partnership is essential to respond to the current regional conflict. It also will ensure that we, together, address our broader shared challenges, including the effects of climate change and the global food insecurity crisis, (while) holding ourselves up to the highest standards of human rights accountability and achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth for Egypt that harnesses the full potential of all segments of society, particularly women and youth.

“I look forward to discovering the rich culture, history, and traditions of Umm El-Dunya (mother of the world).

“I can’t wait to start working together to chart a prosperous and hopeful path forward for our two nations,” Garg said.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2447586/middle-east

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President Raeisi calls for UN reform, says body unable to end Gaza genocide

24 January 2024

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raeisi has called for the reform of the United Nations and other global bodies, lamenting that they have failed to prevent the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

He made the call in a joint presser with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which was held following a two-hour meeting between the two at the presidential palace in Ankara on Wednesday.

“Those who claim to defend human rights and whose mission is to defend global peace and security have been on the sidelines and are no longer effective," he said

The president called the Palestinian issue the top issue of humanity and said the entire world is shocked by the extent of death and destruction in Gaza.

Raeisi said it’s a tragedy that the US is officially supporting the Israeli genocide and is practically complicit in the war.

“It is a great tragedy that America officially backs the Zionist regime. In fact, it is the United States that commits these crimes, and it is more unfortunate that the unions, international organizations, and the United Nations have lost their effectiveness and are unable to prevent the crimes that have become clear to everyone.”

The Iranian president said international organizations have failed the test of Gaza and showed they’re no longer effective. He said the world should move toward forming new mechanisms to deal with threats to international peace and security.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip says the death toll from Israel’s brutal aggression against the besieged enclave has surpassed 25,000, as the occupying regime’s war rages on into a fourth month.

He also called on Arab and Muslim nations to immediately cut ties with the Israeli regime and disrupt its financial lifelines to force the regime to stop its indescribable violence in Gaza.

Raeisi said he and Erdogan agreed that more efforts must be made to support Palestinian resistance and to restore their rights.

He said the Israeli occupation must end and Israelis must compensate for 75 years of crimes against Palestinians.

The Iranian president said Palestinians are the victors of over 100 days of war in Gaza and the Israeli regime is the loser.

‘Iran, Turkey can settle intl. issues’

In his remarks, the Iranian president also thanked Erdogan for his warm welcome and efforts to expand bilateral relations.

The president said the two countries have had good relations for many years and now they want to elevate these ties to even higher levels in future.

Raeisi said Iran and Turkey are two regional heavyweights who can work to settle regional and even international issues.

Touching on economic cooperation, he said the two countries plan to engage in more efforts to boost bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars.

He said they also agreed to further boost their fight against the scourge of terrorism in the region. 

Erdogan, for his part, said he discussed with his Iranian counterpart the need for cessation of Israel's “inhumane” attacks on Gaza and the urgency of just and permanent peace.

He said they also agreed on the importance of avoiding steps that would further threaten security, and stability of our region, referring to the Israeli onslaught on Gaza.

Erdogan said he also discussed with his Iranian counterpart the importance of closer cooperation to fight the Kurdistan Workers' Party militant group and its affiliate terrorist groups.

The presser was held shortly following the eighth meeting of the Iran-Turkey high-level cooperation council.

The two presidents oversaw the signing of 10 memoranda of understanding to promote bilateral cooperation in various arenas including, security, education, energy, and natural resources.

Raeisi and Erdogan will also attend the joint meeting of business people and economic actors of Iran and Turkey. The Iranian president will also meet with Iranian nationals living in the neighboring country.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart HakanFidan, called for “maximum efforts” to end the Israeli regime’s genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, Raeisi left Tehran for Ankara on Wednesday at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart.

Raeisi’s visit to Turkey was twice canceled in recent months.

The Iranian president canceled his planned visit to Turkey early this month following a Daesh-claimed terrorist attack in the southeastern city of Kerman on January 3, during which 94 people lost their lives and 211 others sustained injuries.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/24/718835/Iranian-president-meets-with-Turkish-counterpart-in-Ankara

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Iraq’s Kata'ib Hezbollah vows more attacks until US forces expulsion from region

25 January 2024

A major Iraqi anti-terror group says it will continue its “painful” attacks on American forces as long as the occupation troops remain in the Arab country and the region.

Kata'ib Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday after the US military launched airstrikes on facilities used by the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), which is an umbrella group for resistance movements in Iraq.

It said the United States had committed another crime by bombing the PMU headquarters in Jurf al-Sakhr, in central Iraq, and the Western towns of al-Qa’im and Tarbil, which killed one and injured three people.

The continued US attacks require resistance fighters “to expand the scope of their retaliatory strikes from the military bases used by the US occupation forces to their interests in Iraq and the entire region,” it added.

“Iraq's resistance will keep supporting Gaza and the Israeli-occupied Palestine while conducting painful attacks on US occupation forces until they are driven out of Iraq and the region.”

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday’s unilateral strikes were a response to attacks on American bases, including the one carried out last week on Ain al-Asad in Iraq’s western province of Anbar.

The Iraqi government condemned the US air raids, saying, "This unacceptable act … blatantly violates Iraq's sovereignty and leads to an irresponsible escalation.”

“We will treat these operations as acts of aggression and take necessary actions to preserve the lives and dignity of Iraqis on their land,” read a statement released by the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

The spokesman for the commander-in-chief of Iraq’s Armed Forces denounces the recent US strikes against sites and facilities of the Iraqi army and anti-terror groups as “unacceptable” and a “blatant” violation of the Arab country’s sovereignty.

In the past few months, Iraqi resistance forces have conducted dozens of strikes on the US-run military installations in both Iraq and Syria amid growing anti-US sentiments in the region over Washington’s support for Israel’s genocidal aggression against the Gaza Strip.

Israel waged its brutal war following a historic operation by the Gaza-based Hamas resistance group against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

However, 111 days into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives in Gaza despite killing at least 25,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 63,740 others.

The US is a partner in the Gaza carnage as it has supplied Israel with weapons and intelligence support, and blocked UN resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/25/718855/Iraq-Katain-Hezbollah-attacks-US-forces

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Southeast Asia

 

Indonesian FM Walks Out During Israel's Ambassador's Speech At UNSC

 January 25, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister RetnoMarsudi walked out of the UN Security Council (UNSC) open debate regarding Palestine while Israel's Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan was delivering his speech at the meeting.

"Minister Marsudi and delegation chairs of several other countries walked out while Israel's permanent representative was delivering his statement," spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, stated through a text message on Thursday.

He noted that the minister walked out because Israel's ambassador was also not present in the room while delegates from Indonesia and several other member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were delivering their speeches at the meeting.

"Likewise, the delegations of Indonesia and a number of OIC countries were also not in the room when Israel's permanent representative delivered his statement," Iqbal remarked.

The UNSC open debate on "The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question" was held in New York on Tuesday (January 23) local time.

At the meeting, Marsudi conveyed Indonesia's strong rejection of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state after the war ends.

"Indonesia strongly rejects this statement. This statement is unacceptable. This confirms Israel's ultimate goal to wipe Palestine from the world map," she stressed.

To avoid a full-blown war in the Middle East, the minister called for a ceasefire that will provide space to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

She also urged relevant parties to begin post-conflict reconstruction as well as continue the two-state solution process.

Furthermore, she emphasized that Palestine must be granted full membership in the UN immediately.

"This is essential to start fair and balanced work on the two-state solution and to stop Israel's brutal aggression," she remarked.

At the meeting, Marsudi also urged the world to stop the flow of weapons to Israel that can be used to kill innocent civilians.

"Israel must be held accountable for its actions, including atrocities in Gaza. No nation is above the law," she highlighted.

Source: antaranews.com

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/303948/minister-marsudi-walks-out-during-israels-ambassadors-speech-at-

unsc?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_news

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Peace Foundation introduces Global Madani Awards to honour transformation efforts

25 Jan 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 ― The Policy and Economic Affairs Centre Malaysia Foundation (Peace) has introduced the first-ever Global Madani Awards to recognise transformation efforts based on the six pillars of Malaysia Madani.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri FadillahYusof said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim initiated it with the vision of becoming the leading global award to honour and celebrate the contribution of local and international communities.

He said he hoped the Global Madani Awards could trigger more efforts to nurture the Madani values among the Malaysian communities and expand globally.

He told reporters this after officiating at the soft launch of the awards at Zepp Kuala Lumpur last night, which was also attended by Senior Political Secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin.

Meanwhile, Shamsul Iskandar said the Global Madani Awards aspire to become a beacon of hope and inspiration, propelling forward values and shaping a better future.

“We are confident that the recognition rendered to those individuals and personalities will inject in them a sense of being valued and appreciated and more importantly, a sense of duty whereby their work to execute the six pillars of Malaysia Madani (sustainability, well-being, creativity, values of respect, confidence and courtesy and mercy) must continue relentlessly and continuously to inspire others,” he said.

He said that this way, the ideals of Malaysia Madani could be unearthed holistically and thus understood by people of all backgrounds.

“As a think tank, this is an excellent opportunity for Peace to assist the government to espouse the Malaysia Madani framework to Malaysians from all walks of life,” he said. ― Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/01/25/peace-foundation-introduces-global-madani-awards-to-honour-transformation-efforts/114449

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110 Rohingyas arrested in Myanmar

 Jan 25, 2024

More than 110 Rohingyas from war-torn western Myanmar were arrested as they tried to flee the country to Malaysia, a local security source told AFP yesterday.

Fifty-nine men and 58 women were arrested from two trucks in Thanbyuzayat township in eastern Mon state on Tuesday, according to the local security source, who declined to be named as he was not permitted to talk to the media.

The source said the group was headed for Malaysia via Thailand.

According to initial reports, the group travelled first by boat from Sittwe and Maungdaw in Rakhine state and were later picked up by traffickers in Thanbyuzayat for the onward journey to Thailand before being abandoned.

In recent weeks, fighting between the junta and ethnic armed group the Arakan Army (AA) has rocked swathes of Rakhine state, displacing tens of thousands.

The military has since closed highways and banned water travel in the riverine state.

In 2017, the military launched a crackdown on Rohingyas in Rakhine, sending hundreds of thousands of the persecuted minority fleeing into neighbouring Bangladesh.

The crackdown is now the subject of a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, while the Rohingyas who remain in Myanmar are subject to what rights groups describe as apartheid-like conditions.

Every year, thousands of Rohingya people undertake risky sea journeys from Myanmar trying to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.

Around 569 Rohingyas were reported to have died or gone missing at sea last year, the United Nations' refugee agency said on Tuesday, the highest number since 2014.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/asia/news/110-rohingyas-arrested-myanmar-3527621

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Yayasan Sultan Kelantan channels RM1 million to flood victims

24-01- 2024

PASIR MAS: Yayasan Sultan Kelantan (YSK) has channelled RM1 million in donations to flood victims in the state, said MenteriBesar Datuk NassuruddinMohd Daud.

He said that the first phase of the donation was channelled to the area most affected by the flood, namely Pasir Mas district.

“I hope that the donation channelled by YSK can ease the burden of the flood victims in the state,“ he said, after presenting the donation to 500 flood victims at Dewan Apam Putra, here today.

Nassuruddin added that the state government is always prepared to face any possibility of a fourth wave of flooding.

Meanwhile, commenting on the recent incident involving an individual jumping off the bridge in Tendong, Nassuruddin said that the state government will hold discussions with relevant parties, including proposals for the construction of nets.

“We will hold Solat Hajat (prayer of need) on Feb 5, at 10 am, with the hope there will be no more suicide attempts in the area.

“The act of committing suicide by jumping off a bridge is not a solution to a problem, it causes more trouble for many parties and families,” he said.

On Jan 15, a 43-year-old man is believed to have jumped off the Tendong Bridge, here. However, the state Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), together with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), ended the search operation yesterday after failing to find the man.

As of Jan 15, a total of 17 cases of jumping off bridges, believed to be suicide or attempted suicide, have been recorded in Kelantan since 2021.–Bernama

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/yayasan-sultan-kelantan-channels-rm1-million-to-flood-victims-KB12027692

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Japan’s Chargé d'Affaires Vows to Help Afghans

January 24, 2024

The chargé d'affaires of the Japan embassy, Takuya Tanimoto, said that considering the long historic relations between Afghanistan and Japan, Tokyo seeks to support and help the people of Afghanistan.

In an interview, Tanimoto said Tokyo wants to strengthen its ties with Kabul in a bid to have enduring relations with the people of Afghanistan.

“Japanese people are standing with Afghanistan people. We do ... enjoy the historical relation between Japan and Afghanistan. I hope that it’s going to be more sustainable and more productable,” he said

Tanimoto also stressed the importance of education, calling it the fundamental right of Afghan citizens and added that for the good progress of a country, its citizens need to be educated.

“Japan has committed to support Afghanistan especially in … women's activity, private sectors, and we are going to stand with Afghans,” he said.

This comes as the Islamic Emirate welcomed the prospect of the extension of relations with Japan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said: "We also want to have good relations with Japan. These relations are not only for the benefit of one country, but also for the benefit of others, and nations benefit from these relations."

In December, last year, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution co-penned by the UAE and Japan that focuses on a path for Afghanistan's reintegration into the international community referencing the recently completed independent assessment on Afghanistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-187106

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Africa

 

Churches and mosques burnt in Nigeria as curfew imposed in Mangu

January 24, 2024

Mosques and churches have become targets of destruction in Nigeria's central Plateau state amid escalating tensions over a fatal clash involving cattle.

The incident unfolded in Mangu, claiming the lives of eight individuals as cattle wandered onto a road, obstructing traffic and triggering a series of violent confrontations, local media reported.

The state governor has implemented a 24-hour curfew in Mangu to curb further violence. However, exceptions have been made for the solemn occasion of burials, allowing the community to bid farewell to those who lost their lives.

The central region of Plateau has unfortunately been a hotbed of inter-communal tension, frequently spilling over into religious and ethnic strife. This volatile environment is exacerbated by the unique geographical and cultural intersection where the predominantly Muslim north converges with the largely Christian south, resulting in a mosaic of diverse communities.

As the nation grapples with this challenging situation, efforts are underway to address the underlying issues contributing to such conflicts and promote a more harmonious coexistence among the various communities in Plateau state.

A BBC report states that six mosques and two churches were burnt down in the mayhem.

Cause of events

The violence started in Mangu, Plateau state, following an unsuccessful attempt by armed thieves to steal Fulani cattle, according to local media reports.

The chaos ensued after the cows escaped during the altercation, leading to deaths and destruction. Both Christian and Muslim communities targeted places of worship, causing further unrest. Despite a curfew, unconfirmed reports suggest clashes continue.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/01/24/churches-and-mosques-burnt-in-nigeria-as-curfew-imposed-in-mangu/

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South Africa expects ICJ judgment on Israeli genocide in Gaza on Friday: Report

24 January 2024

South Africa expects the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule this Friday on whether it will grant emergency measures to stop the Israeli genocidal campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip, a report says.

News website News24, citing two sources close to the matter, reported on Wednesday that a South African government delegation had touched down in The Hague in anticipation of the judgment.

South Africa's justice ministry spokesperson ChrispinPhiri, however, in a social media post on X said: "We do not have an official communication from the court as to when the judgment will be delivered."

South Africa filed the lawsuit against Israel at the end of December, after nearly three months of Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza.

The lawsuit said Israel’s actions are “genocidal in character because they are intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group.”

The application also said Israeli attacks breach the UN’s Genocide Convention, and urged the court to “order Israel to cease killing and causing serious mental and bodily harm to Palestinian people in Gaza.”

South Africa has formally lodged a case against the Israeli regime at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the genocide of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

South Africa has been one of the outspoken critics of Israel’s ongoing onslaught against Palestinians and has led some initiatives to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.

In November, the country referred Israel to the International Criminal Court, which is already investigating the occupied Palestinian territories.

In the same month, the country’s lawmakers voted in favor of closing down the Israeli embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic relations until the onslaught stops.

More countries have joined South Africa in a case filed against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the regime’s genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

A Belgian minister recently pledged her country’s backing for the case filed by South Africa with the ICJ seeking to halt Israel’s genocidal campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip. Caroline Gennez, Belgium’s minister of development cooperation, made the call in a series of social media posts over the weekend.

 Almost two months since the Israeli-American genocidal war on the Gaza Strip started, the besieged territory has seen widespread death, destruction, displacement and diseases.

One hundred and ten days into the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, the regime continues with its deadly carpet-bombing campaign across the besieged Palestinian territory.

Khan Younis, the largest city in the southern Gaza Strip, has become a flashpoint for Israel’s ongoing genocidal war where dozens of lives have been lost.

Pro-Palestinian protesters have interrupted US President Joe Biden’s speech several times during a campaign rally in Virginia state, chanting “Genocide Joe” amid Washington’s continued support for Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

The regime bombings have also targeted the vicinity of several hospitals in Khan Yunis. The Israeli military has issued an order for over 500,000 Gazans to evacuate the area.

More than 200 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza in a matter of 24 hours alone.

The total death toll from more than three months of Israeli onslaught is at around 25,700.

Source: presstv.ir/

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/24/718825/South-Africa-ICJ-Chrispin-Phiri-Gaza-Israel-

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Human remains recovered near Al-Sahaba Mosque in Derna

24/01/2024

The Libyan Red Crescent announced on Monday, the recovery of human remains near the Al-Sahaba Mosque in Derna city.

The Red Crescent said in a post on its Facebook page, that it had received a report from one of the companies working for the Libya Reconstruction Fund in Derna, regarding the presence of human remains near the Al-Sahaba Mosque.

The specialized team recovered a large group of remains dating back to an ancient period, which were transferred to the General Authority for Search and Identification of Missing Persons, to take the necessary measures.

Source: libyaobserver.ly

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https://libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/human-remains-recovered-near-al-sahaba-mosque-derna

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Libya’s September flood requires $1.8 billion in recovery funds, report says

January 25, 2024

Libya’s deadly flash flood in September constituted a climate and environmental catastrophe that requires $1.8 billion in reconstruction and recovery, an international report said on Wednesday.

Huge swathes of the city of Derna were destroyed in the flood, after heavy rainfall from Storm Daniel crashed through two aging dams, sweeping entire districts into the Mediterranean.

The report by the World Bank, United Nations and European Union said the disaster affected about 1.5 million people or 22 percent of Libya’s population, and cited figures from the UN humanitarian agency OCHA of 4,352 confirmed deaths with 8,000 still missing.

Libya has been split since 2014 between rival power centers ruling in east and west despite a ceasefire reached in 2020, and disputes between the Tripoli government and eastern authorities complicated the disaster response.

The report said the dams’ collapse was partly due to their design, based on outdated hydrological information, and partly a result of poor maintenance and governance problems during Libya’s conflict.

Population growth and development downstream, limited weather forecasting in the region and inadequate early warning systems to ensure evacuation accentuated the disaster, the report said.

Climate change had made the rainfall unleashed by Storm Daniel up to 50 times more likely and 50 percent more intense, according to the report.

Physical damages and losses from the flooding in Derna and other cities from Storm Daniel accounted for $1.65 billion — about 3.6 percent of oil-rich Libya’s gross domestic product in 2022, it estimated.

The flooding destroyed or damaged more than 18,500 houses, equivalent to 7 percent of Libya’s housing stock, initially displacing nearly 44,800 people including 16,000 children, the report said.

It said the “limited accountability and capacity” of Libyan institutions posed “a key challenge to recovery processes” while weak coordination between rival authorities was expected to hit the government’s ability to “channel, manage, disburse and monitor” recovery funds.

Despite calls by the UN for Libya’s ruling factions to put aside their differences to formulate a coordinated response to the Derna disaster, there has been little sign they are willing to do so.

Efforts to resolve Libya’s long-running conflict through holding an election have also been stymied by disputes over voting rules and control of the interim government.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2447691/middle-east

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What I Like Most In Prof Pantami Is His Commitment To Islam – FaniKayode

January 24, 2024

Former Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has listed the qualities he cherishes in the person of the immediate past minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, one of which is Pantami’s commitment to his islamic religion.

“…most important of all, and I have to say this, is his religious fervency, his commitment to Islam. “Because he is first and foremost, in my view, and this is probably why I admire him so much, a cleric, a sheikh, and a man that will stand for, and by his faith any day and any time. And that is something that ought to be admired.”

Fani-Kayode spoke today, January 24, at the public presentation in Abuja, of a 341-page book, written by, and chronicles the two decades of Professor Ali Pantami in academia, both full-time and part-time.

The book, titled: “A Scholar’s Journey: Navigating the Academia,” covers the former Minister’s academic life across four continents – Africa, Europe, Asia and North America – from January 2003 to January 2023.

Speaking as chairman of the public presentation, Fani-Kayode described Professor Pantami as a public figure of ‘indomitable courage’ who has a true passion for national service.

“Professor Pantami is courageous about his faith. He is courageous about his academic achievements. He has been courageous in his political career. He has been courageous when it comes to his friendships and his loyalty to so many people.

“He has been courageous in his support and standing by President Muhammadu Buhari through thick and thin, which is something that is a great honor because most people when somebody is out of power, they no longer stand with that person. He has been consistent and clear and that speaks for him.”

Reviewing the book, the former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Rasheed, said that anyone who knows Professor Pantami would not find it difficult to label him a scholar.

“Nobody will doubt his credentials as an influential Islamic scholar. Nobody in governance or in the academia will doubt the scholarly credentials of Professor Pantami in the broad discipline of computing, especially the area of cyber security.

“In his exemplary life in public service, first as the DG of NITDA, and later as Nigeria’s first Minister of Digital Economy, you will find an adequate basis for defining the basic constituents of the ideal academic in government or a multi-faceted scholar in national political space.”

Professor Rasheed said that the book is made up of 17 chapters, organically arranged in a linear chronological order, regarding its structural and thematic concerns.

“Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim’s academic autobiography is a remarkable book, crafted by a highly intelligent, resourceful, dynamic, charismatic, and culturally educated public servant and academician.

“The book itself is fairly well written, edited, and structured. It is reader-friendly and has a delightful technical finish. The language is simple but dignified, logical, coherent, authoritative, and thoroughly persuasive. ”

Also speaking, the Governor of Borno State, Professor BabaganaUmaraZulum described Professor Pantami as a multi-faceted expert that has greatly impacted the trajectory of Nigeria’s technological landscape. He said that the ex-Minister is a leader who has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in the fields of administration and leadership, together with the academic world.

“This book is a chronicle of a remarkable life, one that has left an indelible impact in the realms of computing, cyber security, oil and gas, and technological innovation. Prof. Pantami’s tenure as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy was marked by transformative policies that have catapulted our nation into the digital era.”

Responding, Professor Pantami said that the new book will serve as a mentorship guide for the younger Nigerians.

“The book was authored to also share the experience I got while serving the general public and Nigeria as a nation.

“The current public officers will learn greatly from my successes and challenges while holding a public office for them to succeed. Aside from this book, I will sooner or later be unveiling five other ones I am currently working on, at the moment.”

The public presentation of the book was chaired by the Governor of Borno State.

Present at the occasion were Governors Muhammadu InuwaYahaya of Gombe State and AbdullahiSule of Nasarawa State, together with former Governors of Lagos, Gombe and Ekiti States: BabatundeRajiFashola, Senator DanjumaGoje and Dr. KayodeFayemi and several Ministers (both serving and former).

Source: greenbreporters.com

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https://greenbreporters.com/news/what-i-like-most-in-prof-pantami-is-his-commitment-to-islam-fani-kayode.html

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Bandits: GovAbdulrazaq visits released Nabeeha family members in Abuja'

January 25, 2024

Governor AbdulrahmanAbdulrazaq of Kwara State, on Wednesday, visited the NabeehaAlkadiriyahs’ family in Abuja whose kidnapped children were released by their abductors after payment of ransom.

During the visit, the governor spent some time and interacted with the girls who recently regained their freedom from the captors.

In a personal statement released, governor Abdulrazaq said, “I am impressed to see them in high spirits and responding well to their therapies, clearly unbowed to whatever that had happened, and very positive about the future which I’m certain will be better and brighter for them.

“To their parents, whom I had earlier met when the girls were in captivity, I doff my hat for your calm and bold efforts to confront the situation with patriotism and hope in the Almighty. That has greatly paid off.”

He expressed his hearty condolences for the sad loss of Nabeeha and her uncle in the unfortunate circumstances.

“God will comfort the family now and always.

“I trust that the security agencies will hunt down whomever was involved in that incident and similar others; they will not go unpunished.

“We are too strong as a people to bow to the few cowards who target innocent citizens in their nefarious activities,” the governor added.

DAILY POST recalls that the children were abducted in Abuja recently and released after a huge ransom was paid, though two persons lost their lives in the process.

Source: dailypost.ng

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https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/25/bandits-gov-abdulrazaq-visits-released-nabeeha-family-members-in-abuja/

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