“Irregular (Fasid) Marriage”:Union Of Hindu Woman, Muslim Man Invalid Under Muslim Personal Law Even If Registered Under Special Marriage Act: Madhya Pradesh HC
New Age Islam News Bureau
31May 2024
A representative image (Source: OpIndia)
------
·
“Irregular (Fasid) Marriage”:Union Of Hindu
Woman, Muslim Man Invalid Under Muslim Personal Law Even If Registered Under
Special Marriage Act: Madhya Pradesh HC
·
14 Catholics Killed In Democratic Republic Of
Congo After Refusing To Convert To Islam
·
Western Opposition On Recognition Of Palestine
Symbolizes Hostility Against Islam
·
Islamic Economy, Guided By The “Higher Goals”
Of Shariah, Has Strong Universal Appeal: Expert
·
Imraan Siddiqi, A Muslim First-Time Candidate
For US Congress, Gets Endorsements
India
·
Amid Quota Cacophony, Muslim Youth In Telangana
& Andhra Pradesh Turn The Corner
·
In Delhi’s Khajuri Khas, Muslims Say Their
Names Were Intentionally Deleted From Electoral Rolls
·
Should Respect Humanitarian Law: Indian Govt On
Rafah Strike That Killed 45
·
Former PM Manmohan Singh Denies Making 'First
Claim Of Muslims' Remark
-----
North America
·
Muslims and Catholics gathered nationwide: A
pact of unity renewed
·
RobinsonTownship Planning Commission Says No To
Proposed Islamic-Themed School, Citing Traffic
·
50+ Muslim and Arab-American Groups Condemn
Greenberg Traurig’s ‘Hateful, Frivolous’ Lawsuit Against Muslim and Palestinian
Orgs
----
South Asia
·
Conditions Met; Islamic Emirate Has Recognition
Right
·
Changes In Emirati Institutions Leadership
Bring Reforms, Transparency
·
Probe Into Alleged British War Crimes In
Afghanistan Delayed Post-UK Elections
·
Islamic Emirate Emphasize Need for Peaceful
Living Environment and National Unity
·
UN Spokesperson: Human And Women’s Rights In
Afghanistan Top Priority At Doha Meeting
--------
Southeast Asia
·
PM Anwar: Madani govt committed to nurture
Malaysia-China relationship
·
Anwar Says Democracy Has Limits; Can Criticise
But Cannot Touch On Race, Religion
·
Stand together to preserve security, unity of
all Malaysians - PM Anwar
·
Public urged not to panic over military
exercise in Seberang Takir, Setiu
-----
Europe
·
First Muslim International Film Festival begins
in London
·
‘We will NEVER forget it’: Detroit imam fires
warning shot to political class over Gaza conflict: ‘They will lose their
power!’
·
Nigel Farage refuses to back down over British
Muslim comments in clash with Robert Peston
·
Mines constitute grave danger to humanity -
Chairman of Islamic Forum
-----
Pakistan
·
Khyber Police Claim Militant Outfits, Drug
Smugglers Closely Linked
·
PTI Legal Team Booked On Terror Charge For
Slapping Khawar Maneka, Rioting
·
US To Continue Working With Pakistan On
Counterterrorism Issues
·
Imran Khan Refuses To Join FIA Probe Over
Controversial Tweet
·
PML-N leader Irfan Siddiqui slams Imran for
drawing parallels with fall of Dhaka
·
Another journalist shot at, wounded in attack
near Rohri
·
Peshawar High Court asks ECP about its plans to
hold Senate polls in KP
·
FIA to investigate Imran Khan's X post on
Mujibur Rahman
-----
Arab World
·
How A Saudi Artist Combines AI With Conventional
Artistic Techniques To Create Nostalgia-Infused Images
·
Saudi Arabia Participates In GCC Finance,
Municipal Affairs Meetings In Qatar
·
Misk Art Institute Unveils Inaugural Solo Shows
For Visual Art Pioneers
·
KSrelief provides food, health aid to Jordan
and Yemen
·
Saudi Arabia and Qatar sign tax rules agreement
--------
Mideast
·
Saudi Arabia: These Are The Categories Of
People Exempted From Mecca Entry Ban
·
Iraq Hangs 8 Convicted Of ‘Terrorism’:
Security, Health Sources
·
Aggression Against Gaza Represents A Turning
Point In History Of Region: Arab League Chief
·
US-British Strikes Leave 16 Dead In Yemen, Houthi
TV Says
·
Israeli airstrike on Rafah kills 12
Palestinians, Gaza medics say
·
Israel yet to respond to French Lebanon
proposals, French ministry says
·
Islamic Resistance Targets Enemy’s Al-Baghdadi
Site
·
Islamic Jihad praises heroic vehicular attack
in Nablus
-----
Africa
·
Emirate Tussle: Tension As Reinstated Emir Of
Kano Plan Friday Prayer At Palace’s Mosque
·
Mosque Bombing Death Toll Hits 21 In Kano
·
Another body found at collapsed mosque site
·
Hajj 2024: First 400 intending pilgrims
airlifted from Niger to Mecca
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
------
“Irregular
(Fasid) Marriage”:Union Of Hindu Woman, Muslim Man Invalid Under Muslim Personal
Law Even If Registered Under Special Marriage Act: Madhya Pradesh HC
A representative image (Source: OpIndia)
------
Written
by Anand Mohan J
May 31,
2024
The
Madhya Pradesh High Court has observed that a marriage between a Muslim man and
a Hindu woman is not valid under Muslim personal law. The court made the
observation as it turned down a plea by a couple seeking police protection to
register an inter-faith marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Justice
Gurpal Singh Ahluwalia said that a marriage between a Muslim man and a Hindu
woman would be treated as an “irregular (fasid) marriage” under Muslim personal
law even if they married under the Special Marriage Act.
“As per
Muhammedan law, the marriage of a Muslim boy with a girl who is an idolatress,
or a fire-worshipper, is not a valid marriage. Even if the marriage is
registered under the Special Marriage Act, the marriage would be no more a
valid marriage, and it would be an irregular (Fasid) marriage.” the court said
in its May 27 order.
A Hindu
woman and a Muslim man had approached the High Court, through their counsel
Dinesh Kumar Upadhyay, seeking police protection to appear before a marriage
officer under the Special Marriage Act to get their marriage registered.
They did
this after the woman’s family opposed their relationship and claimed that the
woman had taken jewellery from the family house when leaving to marry her
partner.
Upadhayay
told the court that neither the woman nor the man wished to convert. He
contended that even though a marriage between them would be prohibited under
personal law, it would be valid under the Special Marriage Act. The Special
Marriage Act would override the personal law, he argued.
However,
the court said “marriage under Special Marriage Act would not legalise the
marriage which otherwise is prohibited under personal law”. “Section 4 of the
Special Marriage Act provides that if the parties are not in a prohibited
relationship, then only marriage can be performed,” the court said.
The
court proceeded to dismiss the couple’s petition after noting that they were
neither willing to be in a live-in relationship without being married, nor was
the woman willing to convert to the man’s religion.
“Under
these circumstances, this court is of the considered opinion that no case is
made out warranting interference,” the High Court said.
Hassan
MP Prajwal Revanna, facing sexual assault charges, was arrested by Karnataka
Police at Bengaluru's airport after Interpol alerted them of his arrival. He
had fled the country after voting in his constituency and was taken into
custody by the SIT. The MP had said he would surrender on Friday and had filed
an anticipatory bail plea.
Source:indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/hindu-woman-muslim-man-muslim-personal-law-madhya-pradesh-hc-9362303/
--------
14
Catholics Killed In Democratic Republic Of Congo After Refusing To Convert To
Islam
On his second day in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, Feb. 1, 2023,
Pope Francis listened to the stories of victims of violence from the Democratic
Republic of Congo’s conflict-ridden eastern region. | Credit: Vatican Media
------
May 31,
2024
Pope
Francis condemned the recent killing of 14 Catholics in the African Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) who reportedly were killed after they refused to
convert to Islam.
The
Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported that the 14 Catholics, several
of them very young, were killed in North Kivu by members of the ISIS-affiliated
militia called the “Allied Democratic Forces.”
Diverging
from his prepared statements on May 25, the pope said: “I would like to stop
and thank God for the testimony of martyrdom that a group of Catholics from
Congo, from North Kivu, have given in recent days.”
Francis
added that “their throats were slit simply because they were Christians and
didn’t want to convert to Islam.”
According
to a report by International Christian Concern (ICC), the Allied Democratic
Forces also carried out an attack on the Christian village of Ndimo in Ituri
state. ICC said that 11 Christians were executed with machetes and rifles on
May 13 while several others were kidnapped, and some houses were set on fire.
Butembo-Beni
Bishop Melchisedec Paluku condemned the killings and praised the Christians’
resilience, ICC reported.
“The
resilience and courage displayed by the villagers in the face of such adversity
are a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination to rebuild their
lives amidst unimaginable tragedy,” Paluku said.
The
bishop called on the DRC government to increase its counterterrorism efforts,
saying: “The brazen disregard for human life and dignity exhibited by these
extremists underscores the urgent need for heightened security measures and robust
counterterrorism efforts to safeguard innocent civilians from such brutal acts
of violence.”
The
Butembo-Beni Diocese has been facing rising Islamist terrorism for several
years. Following a bombing of Emmanuel-Butsili Catholic Church in Beni in 2021,
CNA reported Paluku saying that “a large-scale project is underway to Islamize
or expel the Indigenous populations” of the region.
“Anyone
who has been kidnapped by these terrorist groups and managed to escape from
them alive has told the same story. They were given the choice between death
and converting to Islam,” he said, adding that “not a day goes by without
people being killed.”
Source:eurasiareview.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.eurasiareview.com/31052024-14-catholics-killed-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-after-refusing-to-convert-to-islam/
--------
Western Opposition
On Recognition Of Palestine Symbolizes Hostility Against Islam
Photo:
The Kabul Times
-----
May 30,
2024
The
Republic of Ireland and the monarchies of Norway and Spain decided to recognize
Palestine as a country. Prior to this, 8 European Union countries had
recognized Palestine. Malta and Slovenia have also announced that they may
recognize in the near future. So far, 140 out of 193 UN member states have
recognized Palestine as an independent state. The new wave of recognition is
recorded in the pages of history. In 1947, when the British along with America,
France, and other European countries established the Zionist regime in the land
of the Palestinian people based on the Balfour Declaration, the first war
between Palestinians and Zionists broke out. As a result of this tragedy, tens
of thousands of Palestinians were driven from their land. In 1949, according to
a UN agreement, the Zionist regime was recognized as a country, but the
Palestinians also demanded an independent country. After several wars between
Palestinian Muslims and the Zionist regime, in 1988, Algeria held a conference
to recognize the country of Palestine, attended by Yasser Arafat as the
representative of Palestine. After this conference, in the same year, the
United Nations Congress was formed, where most countries recognized Palestine
as an independent country, but America, Britain, and France prevented the
recognition of Palestine in the Security Council. In this first wave, 5
European countries recognized Palestine as a country. At that time,
Afghanistan, along with other countries, recognized Palestine as an independent
country. Based on this, the Secretary-General of the United Nations decided
that Palestine should participate as an observer in these meetings. That is why
the representative of Palestine in the United Nations cannot vote on
international decisions. The position of most countries in the world regarding
Palestine is that they believe in a two-state solution, but in practice,
Western countries strongly oppose this claim. For Palestine to be recognized as
a country by the international community, it must be approved by the United
Nations Security Council. Three out of five permanent members of the Security
Council (France, Britain, and America) always prevent the establishment of a
permanent Palestinian state. The other two permanent members of the same
council, Russia and China, recognized Palestine as a country in 1988. The most
prominent example of this was two months ago when 12 countries, including
permanent and temporary members, recognized Palestine as a country. This
decision of the Security Council, like in the past, was vetoed by the U.S.
Americans always try to deceive the public that they see the fundamental
solution to the Palestinian issue as a two-state solution, but in practice,
they prevent the solution of a two-state solution. The discussion of a twostate
solution arose when the Fatah government in Ramallah recognized the occupation
of the Zionist regime in the presence of the international community and put an
end to military resistance against them. The Oslo Agreement on Palestine was a
major mistake made by the Fatah party under the leadership of Yasser Arafat,
but it is said that Arafat himself was very sorry for this political mistake in
his later years. Although the government in Ramallah has embassies in most
countries of the world, it has not been able to achieve clear achievements in
the political field in the past decades. The main reason for this failure is
that they have lost the power tools against the Zionist regime. Politics is
based on power, and when there is no power behind a movement, group, or
government, it cannot play in the field of politics. Hamas’s two-state solution
and strategy do not recognize the Oslo Agreement. They believe that the Zionist
regime has no right to exist because accepting their political sovereignty over
the occupied land of Palestine is a major violation of the Palestinian ideal.
Hamas knew from the first day that military resistance against Zionist
occupiers was the only power tool and foundation that should never be lost. In
2001, when America started the war under the pretext of combating terrorism,
large Islamic movements, including Hamas, faced major challenges. The United
States and the West were able to suppress religious movements in this wave
called the War on Terrorism. America intervened in Afghanistan and Iraq under
the name of fighting against terrorism. Sayed Asef Fekrat
Source:thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/western-opposition-on-recognition-of-palestine-symbolizes-hostility-against-islam/
--------
Islamic
Economy, Guided By The “Higher Goals” Of Shariah, Has Strong Universal
Appeal: Expert
Malay Mail spoke to Jasser Auda, president of the Maqasid Institute, who
was the lead panellist at the Global Forum on Islamic Economics and Finance
recently held in Kuala Lumpur May 29, 2024. ― Picture by Hari Anggara
------
31 May
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR, May 31 ― Shared prosperity. Inclusiveness. Anti-profiteering. Fair,
ethical and sustainable trade.
These
are what advocates of the Islamic economy say are the core tenets of an
egalitarian economic system that is guided by the “higher goals” of Shariah
(MaqasidShariah) which puts preservation of life, social well-being and
environmental protection above profits.
Maqasid
is Arabic for objective or purpose and Islamic economists say the overarching
aims of the shariah is achieving public good and preventing harm to individuals
and society.
So why
is Islamic economics still ancillary to conventional free-market theories that
are centralised on the belief that only profits can provide prosperity?
Malay
Mail spoke to Jasser Auda, president of the Maqasid Institute, who was the lead
panellist at the Global Forum on Islamic Economics and Finance recently held
here.
Jasser,
a professor, is considered an authority on the subject of maqasid shariah and
its application in various fields, including economics.
The
Islamic economy cannot be described in a singular way that's (rigidly) applied
at all times.
As the
time changes, we need to do ijtihad or new thinking so that we define Islamic
economy according to the time.
The
current philosophy of the economy that we live with is the capitalist economy.
It is similar to an Islamic approach in some aspects but it also contradicts
the Islamic approach in other aspects.
So what
we need to do is fortify and support the good aspects of the capitalist economy
and reduce the negative aspects.
(An
example) of the negative aspects are the interest rates, or interest-based
investments and economy. And in order for us to move towards an Islamic
economy, we need to decrease as much as we can interest rate transactions into
interest-free transactions.
The
capitalist economy also has a problem of harming the environment, therefore to
move towards an Islamic economy we need to consider the environment and the way
we approach growth economically because sometimes growth goes against the
interest of the environment so it's about how we achieve both ― that is to grow
while protecting the environment.
How is
it different from a more regulated capitalist economy?
The
capitalist system also has positive sides that have to do with the technology
that it develops and the markets and so on.
From an
Islamic point of view we need to capitalise on that and make sure that we grow
these positive aspects.
So the
question of defining the Islamic economy does not have one answer. It is to
increase what is good from the status quo and decrease what is harmful.
So what
is preventing us from adopting the Islamic system as opposed to a capitalist
economy?
One reason
I believe is the way we approach Islamic education. Sometimes we educate our
children very well for ibadat or the acts of rituals like how to do prayers,
pay zakat or do umrah but we don't educate them on the economic side of Islam.
So
basically I talked about wakaf or endowment. Our children grow up mostly not
knowing what is wakaf even if it is an integral part of Islamic law.
It's
when you have extra and you want to donate something, you donate to
institutions like a farm that is going to feed everyone every year, or you
donate to schools that are going to educate without charging or something of
that sort. This idea is not an integral part of Islamic education and this is a
problem.
Another
big problem is greed. We have a culture of greed and individualism that can be
found anywhere in the world, not just in Western societies.
... the
Islamic world as well?
Yes, the
Islamic world as well. I'm Canadian and I'm from the West and I see it also in
Islamic countries and this greed makes us sometimes not rely on the concept of
rizq of Allah (not only material possessions such as food, wealth, and shelter
but also intangible blessings like knowledge, good health, opportunities, and
guidance).
Allah is
telling us that Earth is full of good, we don't have the concept of scarcity of
resources on Earth... we have enough. Sometimes the haves are greedy over the
have nots so we have to find a way to be more equitable as well as utilising
Earth's resources in a more just and balanced way.
As we
pursue growth we have to stop relying on a purely capitalist system to one that
Islam can have an impact on.
Do you
see Islamophobia as a hurdle in getting more people to support the tenets of
Islamic economics because a lot of what you described actually has universal
appeal.
I think
that is also one of the problems. We present Islam as if it is only for
Muslims. Fair trade for example, we talk a lot about fair trade in this
conference, fair trade is for everybody. Interest-free economy is actually good
for everybody and it's not just an Islamic thing.
When
someone wants to leave a legacy and donate an endowment for charity it is for
everyone not just for Muslims, similar to when a non-Muslim wants to open a
university. I think the problem is we are not universalising Islam as much as
we should.
From
your assessment, do you think Malaysia applies the Maqasid in its economy?
I'm
actually quite impressed at how Malaysian society, Muslims and scholars, are
open to new ideas at least from what I have seen.
The Maqasid
(Shariah) are not new, they are from the old times but the study and focus in
this way (economics) is new.
I am
seeing more discourse on the Maqasid in Malaysia when many other countries in
the world, including the Arab world, do not know the meaning of Maqasid. In
Malaysia, there is more discourse.
I
believe Malaysia should take the lead in education and research of the maqasid
and that is why I'm here visiting the universities, spending some time,
promoting these ideas and supervising research.
Source:malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/31/islamic-economy-has-strong-universal-appeal-yet-it-remains-on-the-fringe-a-maqasid-expert-explains-why/137412
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Imraan Siddiqi, A Muslim First-Time Candidate For US Congress, Gets Endorsements
A Muslim US House candidate challenging a Democratic incumbent has
started getting endorsements and grassroots donations. [Brooke Anderson/TNA]
------
30 May,
2024
Imraan
Siddiqi, a Muslim resident in the Seattle area of Washington state, who has
entered his district's US congressional race to unseat a Democratic incumbent
over her position on Gaza, has received several prominent endorsements, giving
his campaign a boost.
This
week, his campaign announced that he has been endorsed by multiple Democratic
elected officials, including Washington State Senator Yasmin Trudeau, Bothell
City Council Member Rami Al-Kabra, Northshore School Board Member Han Tran, and
Redmond City Council Member Osman Salahuddin.
In
addition to these endorsements, his campaign has also announced that around a
week after their launch, they have raised around US$223,000 in grassroots
donations, a significant amount for a newcomer.
"People
are clearly dissatisfied with the current leadership and are clamouring for
moral clarity in this pivotal moment in time," Siddiqi said in a statement
issued from his campaign on Wednesday. "Those who have endorsed my
campaign are embracing change forthcoming. There is no wrong time to do the
right thing."
Washington
state's 8th congressional district, currently represented by Kim Schrier, is
solidly Democratic, meaning that whoever wins the primary on 6 August is
expected to win the general election in November. Within solidly blue districts,
however, progressive candidates have been making gains over the last several
election cycles, particularly with younger voters and immigrant communities.
In the
2024 election season, Israel and its war in Gaza has emerged as a key issue for
many voters as the bombing and death toll, now at more than 36,000 for
Palestinians, continues with no end in sight. Multiple polls and surveys have
shown that the majority of Americans and the vast majority of Democrats support
a ceasefire in Gaza.
So far,
nearly 100 members of Congress have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, including
at least three from the state of Washington. Shrier is not among them. In fact,
she voted to defund UNRWA, the Palestinian relief agency, motivations for
Siddiqi to challenge her in the Democratic primary.
If
elected, Siddiqi would be the first Muslim of Indian descent to serve in the US
Congress. He is currently taking a sabbatical from his position as executive
director of the Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations while he runs for office.
Source:newarab.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.newarab.com/news/muslim-first-time-candidate-us-congress-gets-endorsements
--------
India
Amid
Quota Cacophony, Muslim Youth In Telangana &Andhra Pradesh Turn The Corner
May 31,
2024
HYDERABAD:
Some journeys are planned and a few happen, paved with opportunities that drive
transformation. Munsif's* began in 2009, and it wasn't just about travelling
the 300-odd km between the fields of Asifabad and the classrooms of Osmania
University in Hyderabad.
Born to
farmer parents, he is the first from his family to go where he has, with three
higher-education degrees and a job that pays him more a month than his kin
combined would have ever hoped to earn.
This
first-generation learner acknowledges that he might have been tilling a patch
of land with his siblings had the seed of change not been sown through an
administrative decision .
Amid
quota cacophony, Muslim youth in T
& AP turn the corner
In 2007,
after debate and deliberation, the then Y S Rajasekhar Reddy-led govt of
undivided Andhra Pradesh declared a 4% quota for 14 economically backward
sections of Muslim community in educational institutions and jobs.
Depending
on which side one is in, the decision remains a hot-button topic. But Munsif
and scores of others like him who grabbed that opportunity can't help but
wonder where they would have been without the benefit of reservation.
"It
worries me that the current political discourse centres on reservation. I have
no qualms about admitting to being a beneficiary of the quota system, but I
don't want to become a target of any political group," says the
34-year-old with a PhD in economics. A decade after the reservation tweak , the
K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS govt in Telangana proposed to raise the quota to
12%. The Centre refused.
It is
estimated that over 20 lakh Muslim students have benefited from the BC-E quota
in the state to date, earning degrees in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and
business administration, among other fields.
Amer* is
one among them. Just over a decade ago, his autorickshaw driver father would
struggle to put food on the table. Life changed for the better after Amer
completed his master's in pharmaceutical sciences. "I have a job in a
pharmaceutical company that pays me well," says the 30-year-old, who lives
and works in Secunderabad.
When the
going was tough, he would take up odd jobs-even drive an auto, like his
father-to supplement the family income. His engineer brother, who is employed
with a large tech company in Hyderabad's IT corridor, would do the same.
"Yes, I am a beneficiary of the quota system. But I am scared to admit it
these days," says Amer.
He had
initially invited TOI to his house for a chat, only to change the plan at the
last minute.
IT
analyst Shabbir*, too, was reluctant to speak, agreeing to a conversation only
when he was assured that his real identity wouldn't be divulged. "Growing
up in AP's Anantapur, I thought - like most people from my background - that I
would maybe open a cybercafe or run a cable dealership. But then, I got a BTech
seat at a college in Kurnool through the BC-E quota, and my life changed,
recounts the young man, the oldest of three siblings.
Shabbir,
whose father was a cement dealer before an accident left him unemployed, bought
a house in the city to give his parents the life they never dreamt of.
"The
other benefit of reservation has been that I have got married. Otherwise, who
would give their daughter to a man without a decent degree or job?"
Shabbir quips.
Similar
success stories resonate across AP and Telangana. Mohammed Shabbir Ali's book,
The Struggle, narrates dozens of accounts of Muslim girls and boys who embraced
transformative change.
*Names
changed to protect identities
Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/amid-quota-cacophony-muslim-youth-in-telangana-andhra-pradesh-turn-the-corner/articleshow/110578079.cms
--------
In
Delhi’s Khajuri Khas, Muslims say their names were intentionally deleted from
electoral rolls
Farha
Khan, a resident of Shri Ram Colony in Delhi’s Khajuri Khas area was furious
when Scroll spoke to her on Tuesday afternoon. Three days before, on May 25,
when Khan went to vote at a polling booth in the North East Delhi constituency,
the 25-year-old found that the word “deleted” had been printed across her name
on the electoral rolls.
Farha’s
sister, 28-year-old Rubeena Khan, had also met the same fate. The two sisters
could not vote and the polling officers at the booth could not explain the
reason why their names had been deleted.
“I have
voted in every election since 2019, how can my name be suddenly deleted?” Farha
Khan wondered. “My parents and my brother could vote. How is it possible that
three people in the same home are on the [voters’] list and two are not?”
The Khan
sisters were not the only ones in Khajuri Khas, a Muslim-dominated locality,
who found on the day of polling that their names had been deleted from the
electoral rolls. The matter was first flagged by volunteers of the
Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India who had set up help desks outside polling
booths of the North East Delhi seat.
“This
time, we found an unusually high number of voters whose names had been
deleted,” Yogesh Swamy of the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India told
Scroll. “These people had no clue about this. They came to know only at the
polling booth.”
Swamy
contested the North East Delhi constituency as an independent candidate, since
the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India is not a registered party.
Scroll
met voters from seven households in Khajuri Khas whose names have been deleted
from the electoral rolls. Four of these families have shifted homes in the last
few years, while three of them – like in Farha Khan’s case – have been living
in the same home.
The
voters alleged that deleting their names was a conspiracy targetted at keeping
Muslims away as they would have voted against the ruling Bharatiya Janata
Party. However, poll officials denied this claim. The electoral registration
officer of the locality told Scroll that due process had been followed in all
cases of deleting voters from the electoral rolls.
‘BJP did
not want us to vote’
On May
25, Himanshu Thakur, a Revolutionary Workers’ Party volunteer was stationed at
a voters’ help desk outside polling booth number 249 in Road No 18 of C block
in Shri Ram Colony of Khajuri Khas.
“Many
voters complained to us that their names had been deleted,” Thakur told Scroll.
“I checked the voter list and saw that was indeed the case and most of these
voters were Muslims. I felt something was fishy about so many voters’ names
being deleted.”
Thakur
then tweeted a video showing that several names on the voter list of road
numbers 17,18 and 19 of C Block had been deleted. A copy of the list, which
Scroll accessed, shows that the names of 92 voters had been deleted in these
three roads alone. Ninety of these voters have Muslim names.
Thakur
also cited a news report aired on the Dilli Tak news channel in which voters
complained on the polling day that their names had been deleted from the list
even as they had voted as recently as in the 2022 civic body elections in
Delhi.
Voters whom
Scroll met on the ground also made similar complaints. Farha Khan’s neighbour,
Firdaus Alam is a case in point. Alam found her name had been deleted from the
list, even as her brother Aftab Alam could vote. The Alams have been living in
their Khajuri Khas home for more than two decades.
“We live
in the same house and our polling booths are also the same,” said Firdaus. “If
there was something wrong with our address or other details, his name should
also have been deleted.”
Ayyub
Khan, whose family lives in an alley adjoining the Alam household, made the
same argument. The names of Khan, one of his sons and two of his
daughters-in-law were found to be deleted from the voters’ list. However, three
other members of the family could vote.
When asked what could be the reason for the
names being deleted, Khan accused the BJP of foul play. “I have been voting for
years in the same booth and now I cannot,” he said. “The BJP knows that nobody
in Khajuri Khas will vote for it, so it wants to stop Muslims from voting. They
must have done something to delete my name from the list.”
The
theory offered by Khan was echoed by all deleted voters Scroll spoke to.
Allegations of voter suppression in Muslim-majority areas in other parts of the
country have also been reported by Scroll.
If
voting data of the polling booth number 249 in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is
taken as reference, the BJP indeed performed poorly in the area. Election
Commission records show that in 2019, only 20 of the 746 votes cast in the
booth were in favour of BJP candidate Manoj Tiwari. Congress’ Sheila Dikshit
got 660 votes while Dilip Pandey of the Aam Aadmi Party received 46 votes. The
numbers are in stark contrast to the overall result in the North East Delhi
constituency as Tiwari defeated Dikshit by a margin of over 3.66 lakh votes.
In this
election, Tiwari is in a direct contest with Kanhaiya Kumar, the candidate
nominated by the Congress-AAP alliance.
What did
the Election Commission say?
Asha
Chaudhry Malhotra, the electoral registration officer of the Karawal Nagar
Assembly constituency, under which the Khajuri Khas locality falls, told Scroll
that she would have to look into individual cases to be able to explain why
voters’ names were deleted even as their addresses did not change.
“It is
possible that when the survey was conducted, the voters were not present at
their homes or the homes were locked out,” Malhotra said.
Electoral
registration officers are the officials in charge of updating electoral rolls
based on inputs from booth level officers who conduct door-to-door surveys to
incorporate addition and deletion of names from the voters’ list.
For
cases where the voters found their names deleted after having shifted homes,
Malhotra said that the due process had been followed in each case. The Election
Commission manual for its officials prescribes a standard operating procedure
for deletion of voters who have shifted homes.
The
manual says that the electoral registration officer needs to issue a seven-day
notice to the voter that is to be sent to the voter’s old address via speed
post as well as e-mail or SMS. The notice must also be put up on the electoral
registration officer's notice board and the website of the chief electoral
officer, according to the manual. If the voter fails to respond to the notice
within seven days, the name will be deleted and an intimation of the deletion
is to be sent via speed post to the voter's previous address, the manual says.
Malhotra
told Scroll that while notices had been sent through registered post to the old
address of each voter whom the booth-level officers found to have shifted
homes, the notice had not been sent on SMS or through any other digital means.
When asked if there was any process to send the notice to the new address of
voters, Malhotra said there was none.
“The
voters too have some responsibility to inform the officials about change of
address,” she said. “The window to get names added to the voters’ list was open
till the day election was notified in Delhi. We have added names till the last
day.”
The
Election Commission manual says that voters need to fill up Form 8 in order to
inform it about change of address and other particulars.
However,
in Khajuri Khas, voters were unaware of any such provision. Shabana, 34, who found
her name deleted from the list, said that after she got married three years
ago, she had shifted from Block A in Shri Ram Colony of Khajuri Khas to Block
C. “I received no information about my name being deleted,” she said.
Similar
is the case of 87-year-old Jamila Begum. Two years ago, she shifted from her
elder son’s home in road number 6 of Block C to live with her younger son in
road number 4. “My name was not on the list when I went to vote,” Begum said.
“I have been voting for more than 40 years, this has never happened. I do not
know if I will live till the next elections.”
Begum’s
family members said they had not received any notice at either of their homes.
Former
Indian Administrative Services officer Kannan Gopinathan, who has conducted
elections as returning officer, told Scroll that it was essential to send voter
deletion notices digitally. “If they have not done that yet, it should be done
immediately,” Gopinathan said. “It is not a very efficient process to send
notices via post.”
Yogesh Swamy
of the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India agreed. “It is the responsibility
of the Election Commission to inform voters that their names have been
deleted,” he said. “I believe that Muslim voters were removed from the list
unfairly, but even if that was not the case, there needs to be transparency. I
will take up this issue with the Election Commission.”
Source:scroll.in
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://scroll.in/article/1068582/in-delhis-khajuri-khas-muslims-say-their-names-were-intentionally-deleted-from-electoral-rolls
--------
Should
Respect Humanitarian Law: Indian Govt On Rafah Strike That Killed 45
By:
Express News Service
New
Delhi: May 31, 2024
Days
after an Israeli strike killed 45 civilians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah,
India termed it “heart-breaking” and called for respecting international
humanitarian law in the ongoing war.
Most of
the 45 people killed in the May 26 air strike were sheltering in tents. The
strike triggered massive global outrage including criticism from some of
Israel’s closest allies.
Ministry
of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “The heart-breaking loss
of civilian lives in the displacement camp in Rafah is a matter of deep concern
for us. We have consistently called for protection of the civilian population
and respect for international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict.”
“We also
note that the Israeli side has already accepted responsibility for it as a
tragic incident and announced an investigation into the incident,” he said.
On
Spain, Ireland and Norway recognising Palestine in the midst of the conflict,
Jaiswal said India had done that way back in the 1980s.
“India
recognised Palestine way back in the 1980s. It has been our long-standing
position that we support a two-state solution which entails the establishment
of a sovereign, viable, and independent state of Palestine within recognised
and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace,” he
said.
Israel
has been continuing its military offensive in Gaza as part of its retaliation
to the October 7 attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people. Over 36,000 people
have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to Gaza officials.
Source:indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/should-respect-humanitarian-law-govt-on-rafah-strike-that-killed-45-9362619/
------
Former
PM Manmohan Singh denies making 'first claim of Muslims' remark
May 31,
2024
CHANDIGARH:
Former PM Manmohan Singh on Thursday broke his silence on his successor
Narendra Modi's claims that he had said that "Muslims had the first claim
on the country's resources". Singh accused Modi of lying, saying that the
PM has "attributed some false statements to me".
In a
three-page letter issued on Thursday, in which Singh also appealed to the
electorate of Punjab to vote for Congress to "safeguard the
Constitution", the former Prime Minister said: "I have never in my
life singled out one community from the other. That is the sole copyright of
BJP."
Singh,
who accused BJP of targeting "Punjab, Punjabis, and Punjabiyat", said
Modi was indulging in the most "vicious" form of hate speeches.
"No Prime Minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary,
and coarse terms, meant to target either a specific section of society or the
opposition."
Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/former-pm-manmohan-singh-denies-making-first-claim-of-muslims-remark/articleshow/110577152.cms
--------
North America
Muslims
and Catholics gathered nationwide: A pact of unity renewed
May 30,
2024
Qur’an,
chapter 5: verse 69; “Surely those who believe and those who are Jews and the
Sabians and the Christians whoever believes in Allah and the last day and does
good — they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve.”
Since
May 18, 1997, when Chiara Lubich, the leader of the Catholic-based Focolare
Movement visited the historical Malcolm X Shabazz Mosque in Harlem, NY, there
has been a dynamic and productive interfaith relationship with the nationwide
Muslim community that adheres to the Islamic teachings of Imam W. Deen
Mohammed, the son of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
Twenty-seven
years later, on May 5, 2024, Focolare Catholics and African American Muslims
honored the wisdom of the pact that these two world leaders envisioned,
developed and left with their respective communities.
Front
and center of this nationwide, 25 city zoom was the launch of the book by
Roberto Catalano titled, “The Pact: The Spiritual Friendship between Chiara
Lubich and W.D. Mohammed.” Around the USA from New York to Oakland, from
Detroit to Houston, Catholics and Muslims gathered to rekindle their
relationships over good food in observation of the commonalities that
Christians and Muslims enjoy. More than 500 people were gathered in cities that
included Rome and Florence, in Italy, and Dublin Ireland.
When
Chiara Lubich spoke at the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem, New York a large
gathering of African American Muslims heard listened intently (via translators)
to an Italian Christian woman speak about her spiritual path toward unity,
particularly in dialogue with people of other faiths.
After
she spoke Chiara asked, “Imam Mohammed, let’s make a pact, in the name of the
one God, to work unceasingly for peace and for unity.” Without hesitation Imam
Mohamed responded, “This pact is made forever. May God be my witness that you
are my sister. I am your friend, and I will help you always.”
Roberto
Catalano’s book captures the essence of the birth and continuation of two
distinct faiths coming together and sustaining the pact of unity. Roberto
shares with the reader how Imam W. Deen’s and Lady Chiara’s spiritual
friendship continues to build tangible results and relationships that
disassemble the many unnatural man-made barriers that hinder human progress.
While recognizing that early on, some viewed such a “spiritual friendship” as
“risky.”
Roberto
demonstrates how the two visionary leaders understood that our diversity is our
strength. Imam W. Deen speaking in Harlem at the famous Malcolm Shabazz Mosque
in May of 2000, shared, “And God has made things different, and human beings
too, different, because he wants that unity to progress. The diversity is to
provide the unity with legs, with wheels, with movement, so that we can have
more movement and more progress.”
Lady
Chiara’s statement resonates with W. Deen’s words. Speaking in Washington D.C.
in November of 2000, she shared, “I am sure that Allah was pleased, seeing so
many of His children, although different in origin, nation, religion, so united
in Him. And who knows what blessings He has in store for all of us who have become
brothers and sisters!”
The May
5 nationwide event announced three unity activities designed to provide
environments for spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood. Annually, on May 18, or
on the Sunday closest to that date, the Focolare and Muslim communities will
celebrate “Pact Day,” a commemoration of the historic agreement between Chiara
Lubich and Imam W.D. Mohammed. And each year the communities will join in two
days of service — the weekend following Imam Mohammed’s birthday, October 30,
and January 22, Chiara Lubich’s birthday.
Source:indianapolisrecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianapolisrecorder.com/muslims-and-catholics-gathered-nationwide-a-pact-of-unity-renewed/
--------
RobinsonTownship
Planning CommissionSays No To Proposed Islamic-Themed School, Citing Traffic
May 30,
2024
The
Robinson Township Planning Commission last week declined a proposal to open a
nonprofit K-8 school with an Islamic-themed curriculum.
During a
May 22 meeting, the Al-Andalus Institute of Pittsburgh sought approval to
convert an old office building on Campbells Run Road into a school. The
building is located in an area zoned for office and industrial uses.
Representing the school, attorney John Butya argued the proposal met all
criteria for the conditional use of the property.
Concerns
about traffic and pedestrian safety arose during the meeting, with several
board members saying that the school representatives had not planned for
traffic generated by the school.
Township
officials did not respond to PublicSource’s queries about reasons for denying
the application. The Al-Andalus Institute has the right to appeal the decision
to the Court of Common Pleas. The institute’s representatives did not indicate
whether they are contemplating an appeal.
The
Institute registered with the state last month as a nonprofit based in Oakdale.
According
to the zoning ordinance for conditional use of a property, a school must
fulfill the following criteria:
It must
have direct access to a public street with sufficient capacity to handle any
generated traffic.
If the
number of parking spaces exceeds 10, parking areas must meet landscaping
requirements.
No
recreational facilities can be within 50 feet of the property.
If the
school is located in a residential district, the school’s course of instruction
or other activities on the property shall not create noise, dust, glare, dirt
or other nuisances affecting adjacent residences and all activities shall
comply with the environmental performance standards.
Township
engineer Brian Meyer said the school did not provide a circulation plan to show
bus drop-offs, saying that the school’s plan to have school buses and parent
drop-offs in the same place will create confusion and might not meet safety
criteria.
“My
concern becomes as, if there’s no dedicated plan here that shows how this is
going to be done,” he said. “To me, that is a safety issue that needs to be
addressed.”
Shorouq
Bader, an educator and the school’s intended principal, said they are planning
to hire traffic personnel to ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic. She added
the school plans on having different dismissal areas for pick-ups by parents
and buses. Keiners Lane would be the primary route for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Eyaz
Azzuni, an engineer and a parent supporting the school, said the school can
also use Campbells Run Road for limited purposes which would reduce traffic and
ease up student reception.
Township
solicitor John Cambest said Keiners Lane has multiple access points and the
school needed to consider the physical condition of the road.
Butya
argued many of the board’s concerns about traffic should have been discussed
and addressed as part of the permitting process after acceptance of the
proposal for conditional use.
Butya
added that the school might require more than 10 parking spaces and the school
would comply with additional landscaping.
The
Institute was expected to serve about 50 to 70 students across K-8 grades and
was to be operated by a recognized religious organization while meeting all
requirements of the state Department of Education.
For
parents like Azzuni, the school would be a welcome alternative in the community
that could teach their children about various religious and cultural aspects.
He said many Islamic parents’ only options are to send their kids to the
Universal Academy of Pittsburgh in Swissvale or homeschool.
“There’s
a big population of Muslims in this area that are interested in a faith-based
program in the area that will instill the values that we have and pass the
heritage we hold dear to us to our children,” he said.
Source:publicsource.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.publicsource.org/islamic-school-pittsburgh-robinson-al-andalus/
--------
50+
Muslim and Arab-American Groups Condemn Greenberg Traurig’s ‘Hateful,
Frivolous’ Lawsuit Against Muslim and Palestinian Orgs
May 30,
2024
More
than 50 national, state, and regional American Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and
other organizations today issued a joint statement denouncing the law firm
Greenberg Traurig for launching a “hateful, frivolous lawfare” attack against a
prominent American Muslim advocacy group and Palestinian-American student
organization.
Earlier
this month, Greenberg Traurig announced that it had filed a lawsuit on behalf
of Israeli-Americans and other plaintiffs against both organizations accusing
them of being “collaborators and propagandists” for Hamas. In response,
America’s most prominent Muslim, Arab and Palestinian organizations have issued
a joint statement condemning the law firm for indulging anti-Muslim conspiracy
theories in an apparent effort to silence critics of the Israeli government.
The
statement reads, in part:
“The
undersigned organizations strongly condemn the hateful, frivolous and unhinged
lawfare attack that the law firm Greenberg Traurig recently launched against a
prominent American Muslim advocacy group and a Palestinian-American student
organization.
“Greenberg
Traurig’s Islamophobic stunt disguised as a lawsuit appears to be a collection
of anti-Muslim conspiracy theories and guilt-by-association paranoia. It also
represents the latest escalation in an unprecedented and increasingly desperate
campaign to silence Americans who oppose the Israeli government’s ongoing
genocide in Gaza.
“What’s
happening across America resembles some of the worst moments of our nation’s
past, from the McCarthy-era witch hunt for communists to systemic attempts to
destroy the Black leaders and organizations of the Civil Rights Movement to the
crackdown on Vietnam War opponents to the government abuses and systemic
discrimination in the years after 9/11.
“In
recent months, college students have been doxxed, attacked, and arrested.
Teachers, doctors, and other workers have faced discrimination and termination.
Protesters have been defamed and brutalized. Dozens of Muslim and Palestinian
Americans have been violently attacked for wearing visible signs of their
religion or culture.
“This
must end, starting with Greenberg Traurig’s ludicrous and offensive lawsuit.”
Endorsing
National Organizations Include: American Center for Justice; American Muslim
Bar Association; American Muslim Voice Foundation; Association of Muslim
American Lawyers (AMAL); CAIR Action 501(c)4; Center for Protest Law &
Litigation @ Partnership for Civil Justice Fund; Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR); Defending Rights & Dissent; Friends of Sabeel North
America (FOSNA); Human Dignity Project (THDP); ICNA Council for Social Justice
(ICNA CSJ); Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC); International Islamophobia
Studies and Research Association; Islamic Association of North America (IANA);
Islamophobia Studies Center; Libyan American Alliance; Muslim American Society
(MAS); Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC); Muslim Public Affairs
Council (MPAC); Muslim Students Association of the US & Canada (MSA
National); Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA); Muslims for Just Futures;
Palestinian American Community Center; Qandeel Law Firm, PLLC; The People’s
Forum; US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR); US Council of Muslim
Organizations; Veterans For Peace; Voices for Justice in Palestine; Young
Muslims
Endorsing
Regional, State, and Local Organizations Include: Ahlulbayt Society of
Columbus; Ansaar Academy of Inland Empire; Arizona Muslim Alliance; AZ Muslim
Police Advisory Board; Greenview Madani Center; Hamzah Islamic Center; Husaynia
Islamic Society of Seattle; Islamic Center of Detroit; Islamic Center of
Reseda; Islamic Center of San Diego; Islamic Center of Wheaton ICW; MAS Center
of New Jersey; MAS DC; MAS Maryland; Masjid al Wadud; Masjid Al-Furqan – West
Cobb Islamic Center; Muslim American Public Affairs Council (MAPAC); Muslim
American Society (MAS) Central Florida; Muslim Community Center of Greater
Pittsburgh; Noor Islamic Cultural Center; PAMM- Philadelphia Alliance of Muslim
Mothers; SABA Islamic Center, San Jose, CA; Shura of New York: Islamic
Leadership Council of NY; Tawhid Center; The Retreat; Tri-City Islamic Center
Source:cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/50-muslim-and-arab-american-groups-condemn-greenberg-traurigs-hateful-frivolous-lawsuit-against-muslim-and-palestinian-orgs/
--------
South Asia
Conditions
met; Islamic Emirate has recognition right
May 30,
2024
A rough
number of world nations, including regional and neighboring countries resumed,
even widened relations with Afghanistan after the restoration of power by the
Islamic Emirate. The Islamic Republic of Iran, India, the Republic of Pakistan,
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, as well
as other regional and world countries kept continue their relations with the
Islamic Emirate since its power resumption in 2021. The Russian Federation has
recently made a decision requiring the Islamic Emirate’s members to be taken
off its sanctions list, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that it was
nearing to the recognition of the Islamic system while other world leaders are
waiting for an appropriate opportunity to further soften relations with
Afghanistan and consequently recognize the Islamic Emirate. Russia described
the Islamic Emirate as a real system ruling the country and a power fighting
terrorism of all its kinds in Afghanistan, where they fear to pose a threat to
Russia or other regional and neighboring countries. Also, the Deputy Ambassador
of the Islamic Republic of Iran has remarked about Tehran’s initiative to
recognize the Islamic Emirate and said that his country had close relations
with the Islamic Emirate and that Kabul expects the Islamic Republic to be the
first country to recognize the Islamic Emirate. Actually, recognition is the
right of the Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan and the country is
seeking close diplomatic relations with the international community and desires
recognition from all world countries as recognition helps Afghanistan achieve
further progress. Some issues including restoration of an inclusive government,
fighting terrorism, combating drugs and the like, which are the main mission of
an Islamic system and in the meantime the conditions set by the international
community, are now secured with all ethnic groups of the country having a share
in the system. So, no excuse has remained for the world to think long and waste
more time about recognition of the incumbent Islamic system. Afghanistan under
the Islamic Emirate leadership, wants to develop further than ever and it is
impossible unless more progress to come in its relations with the international
community.
Source:thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/conditions-met-islamic-emirate-has-recognition-right/
--------
Changes
in Emirati institutions leadership bring reforms, transparency
May 30,
2024
In a
series of decisions, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate issued new
decrees requiring some changes and appointments at various levels across some
governmental institutions. The appointments included ministry, deputy
ministries, provincial government and other institutions, as Zabihullah
Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate confirmed. He announced that
the appointments included the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of
Interior, and Faryab, Samangan, Kandahar and Helmand provinces. According to
reports, in the appointments, Noor Jalal Jalali, former deputy Minister of
Interior, has been appointed as acting Minister of Public Health, Rahmatullah
Najib, former deputy for the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), has
been appointed as deputy for the Ministry of Interior, Abdul Ahad Fazli, former
governor of Samangan province, has been appointed as governor of Faryab
province, Mohammad Shoaib Rasalat, former governor of Faryab, has been
appointed as governor of Samangan province. According to the decree, Mohammad
Sadiq Inqilabi, former district governor of Gereshk of the Helmand province,
has been appointed as deputy governor of Kandahar and Hayatullah Mubarak, the
former deputy governor of Kandahar, has been appointed as district governor of
Gereshk of Helmand province. The changes within the Islamic Emirate’s
institutions could be effective and fundamental and a move towards good
governance and believe that these appointments will contribute to the
improvement of the country’s situation. The appointments are expected to
benefit the people of Afghanistan and any move by the country’s leadership to
bring change in the ministries or any other government institutions, would
bring transparency in the related affairs and bring reforms in the administrative
works. On the other hand, those who have committed incompetence in the field of
their work and responsibility or are accused of graft, bribery and other kinds
of official and administrative corruption, should not only be dismissed but in
addition, should be brought to the law, not only be fired off their posts or
replaced without interrogation like before. In the meantime, if they have
enough competency, eligibility and hardworking capacity, then they should
remain in their posts and no need to be changed without reason, as previously,
based on the decree of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate, new
appointments had been made in Herat, Balkh, Faryab, Farah, Kandahar, and Nimroz
provinces, a certain number of individuals had been appointed as governors,
police chiefs and mayors. The people of Afghanistan welcome such an
administrative attitude and laud the Islamic Emirate’s leadership for keeping
continue as it can bridge gaps between the people and the system. Working for
the people, in an Islamic system, requires the implementation of justice,
transparency, reforms and fighting corruption which cannot be accessed unless
changes are brought to the leadership of the required institutions. Inam
Hashemi
Source:thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/changes-in-emirati-institutions-leadership-bring-reforms-transparency/
--------
Probe
into alleged British war crimes in Afghanistan delayed post-UK elections
May 30,
2024
British
media have reported that the investigation into potential war crimes by UK
forces in Afghanistan, including the examination of evidence presented by the
former British Defense Secretary, has been delayed until after the country’s
general elections.
The UK’s
Standard newspaper published a report on Wednesday, May 28, citing a
spokesperson for this investigative case as writing that Sir Charles
Haddon-Cave, the head of the investigation, has concluded that his decision
should be postponed until the pre-election period.
He also
decided to postpone the review of documents by Ben Wallace, the former British
Defense Secretary, which was scheduled to be examined by the inquiry’s lawyer
on Monday.
This
investigative case at the UK Ministry of Defense was progressing on several
fronts, including hearings with officials involved in Afghanistan affairs and
efforts to identify those who had previously confirmed war crimes in
Afghanistan.
According
to reports, investigations on both sides have been halted. The Standard reported
that the decision on whether Johnny Mercer (a former soldier who had confirmed
war crimes in Afghanistan based on testimonies from British soldiers) can
continue to keep secret the names of those who spoke to him about alleged
killings by British special forces in Afghanistan has been postponed until
after the general elections.
It is
worth mentioning that earlier, British media reported that the process of
addressing potential war crimes committed by British soldiers in Afghanistan
may be delayed until 2025, while a former top military official in the British
government during a Ministry of Defense hearing confirmed war crimes by British
soldiers in Afghanistan.
The
Guardian newspaper, in a report published last month, had mentioned the
possibility of delaying the investigation into the commission of war crimes by
British soldiers in Afghanistan and highlighted the difficulties encountered in
the Ministry of Defense’s hearings, which were responsible for investigating
this case.
Investigations
by a British legal organization called “Leigh Day” indicate that British
special forces (SAS) may have killed at least 80 Afghan civilians between 2010
and 2014. A letter from “Phil Shiner,” a public inquiry lawyer about these
killings, which The Guardian has seen, indicates that these killings were
carried out with “cold-bloodedness.”
The
Guardian reported based on this letter that even if the British Ministry of
Defense hires additional legal staff and purchases specialized software during
the investigation, document submission may not be possible until October or
November of this year; Therefore, Ministry hearings may be delayed until March
2025.
This is
while Johnny Mercer, a former top military official in the British government,
confirmed war crimes by British soldiers in Afghanistan in late March of this
year and received an order from the Ministry of Defense to provide documents to
prove this claim.
The
issue of the “killing of Afghan civilians by British special forces in
Afghanistan” has been a hot topic in the media of both countries for the past
two years. Since then, separate investigations have been conducted to prove or
refute this claim, but the British government has not officially confirmed it.
Source:khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/probe-into-alleged-british-war-crimes-in-afghanistan-delayed-post-uk-elections/
--------
Islamic
Emirate Emphasize Need for Peaceful Living Environment and National Unity
2024-05-30
KABUL
(BNA): In a meeting between Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister for
Political Affairs, and Hassan Mubarak Azizi, the Minister of Transport of
Ex-administration, a positive outlook was presented regarding the current
situation in the country.
During the
meeting, both officials expressed gratitude for the opportunities being
provided to former officials and personalities residing abroad, highlighting a
shifting mindset among Afghans living abroad who are increasingly willing to
return to their homeland.
The
liaisons Commission with Afghan Personalities acknowledged and appreciated the
favorable environment created for the return of former officials and
personalities.
Mawlavi
Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister, expressed aspirations to Hassan Mubarak
Azizi and underscored that a peaceful living environment is available for all
Afghans within the nation.
The
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers every Afghan citizen, regardless of
their background or beliefs, as an integral part of the nation.
Furthermore,
Deputy Prime Minister Mawlavi Abdul Kabir outlined the Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan’s goals, which focus on establishing lasting security and stability
in the country while promoting its overall development and progress.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-emphasize-need-for-peaceful-living-environment-and-national-unity/
--------
UN
Spokesperson: Human and women’s rights in Afghanistan top priority at Doha
meeting
May 30,
2024
The
spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said that special representatives of
countries have been invited to attend the Doha meeting to create “greater
clarity and coordination” in the global response to the situation in
Afghanistan.
Stephane
Dujarric stated that human rights and women’s rights are important priorities
for this meeting.
On
Tuesday, May 28, in a press conference, the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson
said that the UN will continue to engage with the Taliban. He said, “We
continue our current engagement with the current rulers of Afghanistan because
they are the rulers of Afghanistan.”
Dujarric
added that the UN consistently and continuously raises the issue of women’s and
girls’ rights with the Taliban, rights which, according to him, women and girls
in Afghanistan have been deprived of.
Meanwhile,
recently The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a review
meeting for the third Doha meeting’s agenda and has approved participation.
Meanwhile,
most of the country especially regional states have urged the Taliban to form
an inclusive government, and respect diversity and ethnic rights, human rights
and women’s rights including education and employment however, the Taliban
claim that it’s an internal matter of the country and their government is
inclusive.
The
third Doha meeting is scheduled to be held on June 30 and July 1.
Source:khaama.com
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--------
Southeast Asia
PM
Anwar: Madani govt committed to nurture Malaysia-China relationship
31 May
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR, May 31 ― The Madani government is committed to fostering the
relationship between Malaysia and China, which celebrate their 50th anniversary
of diplomatic ties today.
Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on May 31, 1974, Malaysia and China
reshaped the landscape of Asian geopolitics where the two nations embarked on a
groundbreaking journey by establishing diplomatic relations.
“Malaysia
stood as the first non-socialist country in Southeast Asia to bridge this
divide.
“Despite
the apparent reasons for refrain — our ideological chasm, our seemingly
irreconcilable differences — our leaders dared to think beyond convention and
took a bold leap of faith. This audacious move has blossomed into a rich and
fruitful partnership.
“The
Madani government is committed to nurturing this vital relationship for the
prosperity of our peoples and the entire region,” he said in a Facebook
posting.
Anwar
said he eagerly anticipate the official visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to
Malaysia to celebrate this historic milestone. ― Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Anwar
says democracy has limits; can criticise but cannot touch on race, religion
31 May
2024
PENAMPANG,
May 31 — The Madani government is strongly against racial and religious
sentiments being played up by any party in Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim said today.
In Sabah
for the state harvest celebration, he said that there were still certain people
in the peninsula who held on to a narrow view of nationalism and played down
the rights of other races for their own political agenda.
“As long
as the Madani government is in power in the country, we will continue to demand
and ensure that every Malaysian will be protected and preserved,” he said in
his speech at the closing of the state-level Kaamatan festival here.
“We have
seen some extreme views. Although it’s been six decades, you can still hear
these voices. People say you must give space to express views in democracy but
I say there must be limits,” he added.
He said
that the government is open to any criticism even on difficult matters, but
critics should not insult those of other races or religions.
Anwar
said he is aware that some parties are trying to use such narrow sentiments to
disrupt Malaysia’s societal harmony.
He
commended east Malaysians for celebrating diversity and their spirit of unity,
but added that even here, there are people who sow division.
“We must
be vigilant because there are still elements that bring racial and ethnic
sentiments, as seen in political clashes in the peninsula, where some drag in
narrow racial attitudes rejecting the presence of other ethnic rights. Some
play religious sentiments to the extent of considering others of little
significance.
“The
government guarantees that every right of the people of this country must be
protected. I continue to emphasise this because such movements still exist even
after six decades and this cannot be tolerated,” Anwar said.
Source:malaymail.com
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--------
Stand
together to preserve security, unity of all Malaysians - PM Anwar
31-05-
2024
PENAMPANG:
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he will not compromise on the
need to preserve the security and unity of all Malaysians, emphasising the
importance of standing together.
Anwar
stressed that the people must not underestimate the forces that threaten the
nation’s security and unity with narrow views of specific race or religion,
which are damaging to the fabric of the country.
“That is
why I made it very clear that as long as this government persist with the
cooperation of the state government in Sabah we will continue to fight, demand
and ensure the right of every single citizen and community in Malaysia must be
protected and preserved.
“I have
to continue to reiterate this point because there are forces and you have seen
some extreme views that had been expressed. After 60 years, six decades of
independence you can still hear and this should not be tolerated,” he said at
closing ceremony of the Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the
Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here today.
Also
present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister I
Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzli, Domestic
Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and KDCA president Tan
Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Anwar
emphasised that in a democratic country, there should be space to express views,
but it is essential to have limits.
Prime
Minister said it is not his priority to be recognised and highly regarded by
international community for protecting the right of the citizens to the point
of allowing them to issue opinions that are damning, racist or based on extreme
religious views.
“That is
not my priority, I even consider it less important. But I will not compromise
on the need to preserve the security and unity of all Malaysians, and that we
must stand together,” he said.
Anwar
said he was open to criticism, disagreement with government’s policies, or
making reasonable demands, and proposing something involving difficult issues
but he would not tolerate acts of insulting race, religion and rejecting their
rights.
He said
the country has been independent for a long time, but there are still those who
carry hard racial sentiments such as political battles in the peninsula
rejecting the presence and rights of representatives of other races, while
playing religious sentiments to the point that those who do not agree are
worthless.
“The
MADANI government together with GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) are firm in our
stance on holding the clear principles of the (Malaysian) Constitution about
religion, culture, language, we will not deny or go back on the statement that
we must honour every race, culture, every right of Malaysians,“ he said.
Anwar
said in an effort to defend the fate of the people, the federal government is
committed to continue working with the Sabah government to solve the problems faced
by the people of the state, especially involving schools and poverty.
Therefore,
he called on the Sabah government led by Hajiji not to pay attention to the
negative words issued by outsiders and to continue working to defend the fate
of Sabahans with the federal government.
“It is
important for us to solve the problems of the people, this is the duty of the
federal government to defend the people of Sabah... I am here to defend the
people of Sabah, not because I want timber or other interests,“ he said.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local_news/stand-together-to-preserve-security-unity-of-all-malaysians-pm-anwar-FH12518049
--------
Public
urged not to panic over military exercise in Seberang Takir, Setiu
31-05-
2024
KUALA
TERENGGANU: The public is advised not to panic upon hearing the sounds of
gunfire or witnessing military activities around Seberang Takir, Kuala Nerus
and the Setiu district from May 28 to June 6.
The Malaysian
Army Public Relations Division, in a statement today, said the Malaysian Army,
in collaboration with the United States Forces (USF), is conducting the Tiger
Strike 2024 Exercise in the area to enhance cooperation and efficiency between
the two forces.
The
exercise involves the 10th Parachute Brigade and the 15th Marine Expeditionary
Unit, US Marine Corps (15 MEU USMC), with support from the Royal Malaysian
Navy, the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the US Navy.
“The
exercise will involve significant movement of military vehicles and assets,
explosions, and military aircraft flights in the training areas.
“In
addition to improving military efficiency, this exercise aims to strengthen
bilateral relations, competency and professionalism between the two participating
forces,” the statement said.
In this
regard, the public, especially local residents, are advised not to enter the
training areas marked with clear signage to ensure their safety.
They are
also urged to give way to military vehicles on the roads to avoid any
disruption or accidents.
“This
activity is part of a planned and strictly supervised exercise. Residents are
advised to cooperate and adhere to instructions given by local authorities or
the military,” it added.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local_news/public-urged-not-to-panic-over-military-exercise-in-seberang-takir-setiu-NH12516469
--------
Europe
First
Muslim International Film Festival begins in London
30 May,
2024
Actor-producer
Sajid Varda, who launched the festival, said that it will “showcase stories we
don’t usually see”.
Varda
told BBC News that too often there is a “negative portrayal” of Muslims in the
mainstream media, “so this festival is largely to reclaim the words Muslim and
Islam”.
The
festival will screen films from countries including the UK, Iran, Jordan,
Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Sudan.
Taking
place at the Odeon Luxe West End in Leicester Square, the festival’s programme
includes eight feature films, two sets of short films, plus panels and
networking opportunities.
It will
open with the London premiere of Hounds, a crime film by Kamal Lazraq set in
Casablanca.
A
screening of In Camera, a feature by Naqqash Khalid, is also scheduled.
Dammi, a
short film by French-Algerian director Yann Demange, is also a part of the
line-up. It stars Riz Ahmed as a man who travels back to Paris to reconnect
with his estranged father.
Filmmaker
Warda Mohamed’s short film Muna is also screening at the festival.
Other
programme highlights include the London premiere of Hesitation Wound, which won
an award at the Zurich Film Festival.
There
will also be a screening of the British Pakistani filmmaker Moin Hussain’s
offbeat sci-fi film, Sky Pearls, which tells the story of a directionless,
alienated, and lonely man who works nightshifts in a fast-food restaurant.
Varda,
who founded the charity UK Muslim Film to champion underrepresented talent and
voices, hopes the festival will help reclaim Muslim artistic identity in a
world where words and phrases such as “Islam” and “Allahu Akbar” are often
demonised.
“The
media loves to use Islam and Muslim as part of the headline, because again,
it’s just the way of stoking up fear, dividing communities, so this really is
about how we reclaim our identity, which really has been taken away from us,”
he told another publication.
Source:easterneye.biz
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--------
‘We will
NEVER forget it’: Detroit imam fires warning shot to political class over Gaza
conflict: ‘They will lose their power!’
30/05/2024
A
Detroit-based imam has fired a warning shot to the US political class over its
stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Imran
Salha from the Islamic Centre of Detroit joined Steven Edginton on GBNA
documentary America’s Muslim City to discuss this year’s election and how he
will be voting.
Both Joe
Biden and Donald Trump have adopted pro-Israel stances with latter even
promising to deport pro-Palestinian protesters if he’s elected.
Salha
warned they will “lose their power” for not acting on the bloody Middle East
conflict and siding with long term US ally Benjamin Netanyahu.
Asked
what he thinks about the two leading candidates for the US election, he said:
“I don’t care.”
“I voted
for Joe Biden. I have a relative that was murdered in the West Bank,
37-years-old and leaves eight children behind.
“If I
were to sign the ballot to put Biden into power, the ink that I would use to
sign that ballot would be through the blood of my relative.
“I will
not accept that for myself. My goal with my vote is to tie the crime to the
criminal. Joe Biden is a criminal and I don’t care who wins. Even if Trump
wins, I don’t care, let him win.
“I want
Joe Biden to know when he suffers on that night, he will know that he lost the
election like the bloodthirsty, maniacal murderer that he is.
“People
are limiting it by saying, ‘what will you do come November?’, What happened in
this genocide against Palestinians is going to be the centre focus of our
political engagement for the rest of our lives.
“We will
never forget it, and we will make sure anybody who did not sign onto ceasefire
resolutions will pay the price.”
Asked to
clarify what he means by the price to be paid, Salha said “they will lose their
power”.
“We will
get them out of office”, he added.
Biden
has outraged many Americans as a result of his perceived inaction when it comes
to the war in Gaza.
The
Biden administration last week approved $1bn in military aid to Israel and the
United Nations reports around 800,000 people have fled Rafah since Israel
launched a military operation in the area.
The
White House says Israel is yet to cross the Biden administration’s “red line”.
Source:gbnews.com
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https://www.gbnews.com/news/us/detroit-imam-america-muslim-city-gaza-conflict
--------
Nigel
Farage refuses to back down over British Muslim comments in clash with Robert
Peston
30 May
2024
Nigel
Farage defended his comments claiming young Muslims “do not subscribe to
British values” in a heated clash during a live interview with Robert Peston.
The
former Ukip leader, who claimed there are British Muslims who “loathe” much of
what the country stands for, was accused of alienating them by the ITV
political journalist on Wednesday (29 May).
Mr
Peston suggested during the clash: “What we should be doing is building bridges
between communities, not alienating them.”
“So
ignoring it - brush it under the carpet,” Mr Farage replied.
Source:independent.co.uk
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https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/nigel-farage-robert-peston-muslim-clash-b2553851.html
--------
Mines
constitute grave danger to humanity - Chairman of Islamic Forum
30 May
2024
ZANGILAN,
Azerbaijan, May 30. Mines pose a serious humanitarian threat, Chairman of the
Islamic Forum of International Humanitarian Law (IFIHL) of the Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) humanitarian law professor Oussedik Fawzi said on the
sidelines of the 3rd International Conference on Mine Action, themed
"Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for a
Safe and Green Future" in Zangilan, Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
"Mines
are a serious humanitarian threat. Today, we arrived in Zangilan, and I can
clearly see that a lot of professional work is ongoing and still needed in the
region. A new life awaits this area. This conference is crucial because
spreading awareness about the mine threat and countering it is very
important," he emphasized.
The 3rd
International Conference on Mine Action began its work in Zangilan, jointly
organized by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) and the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The
conference is attracting significant international attention, with over 300
delegates from 75 countries participating. Among the attendees are high-ranking
officials from various nations, senior UN staff, representatives from prominent
international organizations, officials from demining centers worldwide, and
diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan.
Source:en.trend.az
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https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/3905944.html
--------
Pakistan
Khyber
police claim militant outfits, drug smugglers closely linked
Ibrahim
Shinwari
May 31,
2024
KHYBER:
The police have unearthed close links and coordination between outlawed
militant outfits and drug smugglers here during a crackdown, say officials.
Officials
of the Shah Kas police centre and Jamrud and Bara police told Dawn on condition
of anonymity that the banned militant organisations Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP) and Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) began “taxing” drug smugglers in parts of Tirah
valley after putting up checkpoints to monitor their movement, besides
extorting money from drug dealers in Wazir Dhand and Shah Kas markets in Jamrud
area for their activities.
They
said some police officials, who patronised illegal drug business in Wazir Dhand
markets, were also on the extortion list of militant groups and that they would
regularly receive calls from militants to claim their share of the ill-gotten
money.
Officials
said the police had terminated the services of 26 officials, while another
15-20 were being probed for their alleged connections with drug smugglers and
dealers.
Say 26
officials sacked, 15-20 facing probe over connections with drug dealers
They
claimed that a marked reduction was witnessed in the illegal trade of heroin,
opium, ice drug, and ecstasy pills during the last 10 months.
Officials
said the TTP targetted both drug dealers and police officials besides carrying
out suicide attacks against the personnel of other law-enforcement agencies
after the “denial” of share in drug trade proceeds or were obstructed by
law-enforcement agencies.
They
added that militants direly needed large sums of cash for their organisational
setup as well as attacks.
Officials
said the militant groups would even fight against each other to get a lion’s
share of the extorted money, while a number of police officials who either
refused to pay money or reneged on their promise of full payment were also
targeted.
They
said the police found a clue to the nexus among TTP, LI, and drug smugglers
during the interrogation of a rickshaw driver, who was held in Bara on Sept 20,
2023, while trying to smuggle 350kg explosives hidden under heaps of straw.
“That
was a vital catch for us. The rickshaw driver provided us with information
about targeted killings in Bara and the culprits. The police didn’t have a clue
until then,” district police officer Salim Abbas Kulachi told Dawn.
He said
the rickshaw driver told police investigators that the TTP and LI had joined
hands during a meeting in Tirah Valley a few months ago to “regulate and
streamline” charas smuggling from Afghanistan through a network to generate
funds for their activities.
The DPO
said the TTP’s 313 Brigade had “employed” around 250 youth, mostly aged 17–28,
in Bara for drug distribution and trained them in how to eliminate those
obstructing their illegal business or not meeting extortion demands.
He said
charas was brought in from Tirah before being dumped at a “secret” place in the
Akkakhel area of Upper Bara.
“We
successfully busted the dumping place and seized a large quantity of Afghan
charas. The locals protested against us for depriving them of their only source
of livelihood, with charas business being part of their tribal tradition,” he
said.
Mr
Kulachi said the targeted killing of police intensified in Bara only after they
successfully raided charas “warehouses” in Akkakhel.
He added
that the examination of records revealed that almost all 250 youngsters
employed for drug smuggling and targeted killing were previously involved in
drug trade before becoming integral part of the TTP’s 313 Brigade.
The DPO
said ostensibly that those young and smart men would supply drugs to interested
parties in Bara, but at the same time, they would establish contacts with the
police officials for uninterrupted drug trade and the collection of information
about drug smugglers operating in Tirah Valley. He added that those men later
shared that information with their leaders.
Mr
Kulachi said the police’s effective and coordinated strikes against drug
dealers in the recent past led to a considerable reduction in extortion
demands.
He said
militant activities in Khyber had also been reduced to a “satisfactory level”
due to a drastic reduction in drug financing for militants.
“Our
[Khyber police’s] fight against militants and drug smugglers will continue
after the recent successes,” he said.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1836718/khyber-police-claim-militant-outfits-drug-smugglers-closely-linked
--------
PTI
Legal Team Booked On Terror Charge For Slapping Khawar Maneka, Rioting
May 31,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
The police on Thursday registered a case under the anti-terrorism law and other
charges against a group of lawyers accused of “attacking and manhandling”
Khawar Maneka on the court premises, as he was leaving the judicial complex
after his appearance in the Iddat case a day earlier.
The case
was registered at the Ramna police station under Section 7 of the
Anti-Terrorism Act along with sections 324, 504, 186, 506ii, 147, 149, 341,
353, and 382 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Interestingly,
the FIR was not lodged by the aggrieved, but an inspector of the capital
police, Imtiaz Ahmed. It nominated six lawyers and 20 to 25 unknown people,
including some women.
The FIR
said that lawyers and some other people gathered outside the courtroom of the
judge at the District and Session Courts in G-11/4 shortly after the hearing of
two cases against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, and started chanting slogans in
favour of Mr Khan. They had started gathering outside the court as Khawar
Maneka attended proceedings in the Iddat case heard by Judge Shahrukh Arjumand.
As per
the FIR, a lawyer threatened and attacked Mr Maneka when he came outside the
courtroom and punched him in the neck. Other lawyers also attacked and punched
him and as a result he fell to the ground, it added.
The FIR
said that the lawyers and private persons, including women, intercepted Khawar
Maneka to beat him up and also rioted and provoked others to do the same. They
also attempted to snatch weapons from two constables, the FIR said, adding that
the suspects also tortured the witnesses who came to the court. According to
the FIR, the suspects nominated in the case also tore the uniform of the police
officials.
Due to
their acts, fear, panic and terror spread among the officials, witnesses,
complainants, and people present at the court, it said, adding that the reason
behind the act was to influence the court’s order through spreading fear.
In a
statement, PTI leader Amir Masood Mughal said the registration of a “false
terrorism case” against the legal team of Imran Khan was a conspiracy hatched
by the ‘illegitimate’ government. “Lawyers and activists cannot be intimidated
by such conspiracies,” he added.
“Mohsin
Naqvi as the [caretaker] chief minister of Punjab registered false cases
against lawyers and workers and now he has brought the same team into the
capital which is highly condemnable,” Mr Mughal said.
On
Wednesday, Khawar Manika used extremely vulgar language against Imran Khan
during his court appearance and an unknown person slapped him on his return
from the court, he said, adding that for this slap the police registered a
terrorism case against the legal team of Imran Khan at the “behest of the prime
minister and interior minister”. The legal team has obtained a pre-arrest bail
from the anti-terrorism court through their counsel, he added.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1836680/pti-legal-team-booked-on-terror-charge-for-slapping-maneka-rioting
--------
US to
continue working with Pakistan on counterterrorism issues
May 31,
2024
Owing to
the prevalent security situation in Pakistan and the fight against terrorism in
the country, the United States has restated its policy to continue working on
counterterrorism issues.
State
Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, while addressing a press
briefing in Washington, said that the American government is in regular
communication with Pakistani leaders on issues related to countering terrorism.
Patel's statement was in response to a
question posed regarding the Pakistani military's ongoing operations along the
Afghan border and the martyrdom of its soldiers in the wake of these
anti-terror actions.
"We’re
going to continue to discuss regional security in detail including through high
level engagements, working level engagements and other extensive bilateral
consultations," he said, responding to the query.
The
question was asked in the wake of the Pakistan Army's intelligence-based
operations (IBOs) conducted against terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during
which five brave soldiers were martyred.
At least
92% of all fatalities and 86% of attacks, including those related to terrorism
and security forces operations, were recorded in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
Balochistan provinces in the first quarter of 2024.
These
key findings were revealed in the Q1 2024 Security Report issued by Centre for
Research and Security Studies (CRSS), detailing that the country witnessed at
least 432 violence-linked fatalities and 370 injuries among civilians, security
personnel and outlaws resulting from as many as 245 incidents of terror attacks
and counter-terror operations.
Patel
also reiterated Washington's "deep relationship" with Islamabad over
a number of key areas with regards to the country's economy and security.
"We’ll
look for ways in which we can continue to deepen cooperation, particularly in
the areas of the economy and security as well."
The
spokesperson's statement came after he was questioned about the Dubai property
leaks and Pakistan's dwindling economy in the wake of Islamabad's ongoing
programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other avenues of
acquiring funds for keeping financial risks at bay.
The
question to Patel was posed in the wake of the Dubai property leaks that saw
the names of several Pakistani businessmen and politicians on the list of
people who own properties in the United Arab Emirates' posh metropolitan.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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--------
Imran
Khan refuses to join FIA probe over controversial tweet
May 31,
2024
RAWALPINDI:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan refused to answer any
questions asked by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Adiala jail
related to his controversial social media post on X, formerly Twitter, sources
told Geo News.
An FIA
cyber crime team reached Adiala jail late Thursday night to interrogate the
former prime minister over his tweet, however, Khan refused to meet the team
and become part of the investigation, said the sources.
Khan
refused to answer any questions from the FIA team, said the sources. He added
that he would answer any question in the presence of his lawyers.
The
sources added that the FIA's probe team took the PTI founder's response in
writing.
The
development comes after FIA's cyber crime wing on Thursday decided to initiate
action against Khan over his controversial tweet on social media.
A post
on X was attributed to the former premier, which read: "Every Pakistani
should study the Hamood ur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the
true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."
However,
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said that the post had nothing to do with Khan as
he did not see the text of the posts that were uploaded to his account.
Gohar
also defended the tweet and said it was taken out of context.
"The
context and comparison that we drew with 1971 was in a political context and
not otherwise — nothing about the army," the PTI chairman said.
On the
other hand, the former ruling party also defended the post, saying that the
events of 1971 were referred to only as a reminder so people can learn from
history as it slammed the criticism.
The post
on PTI supremo's account drew severe criticism from all quarters, including
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said Imran's true face was finally in front
of the nation.
In
response, sources in the FIA told Geo News that the decision to take action was
made as a "propaganda video" which included Mujeeb was uploaded from
the PTI founder's account on May 26.
"The
PTI founder is in Adiala Jail, but his account is being used to upload
propaganda videos. FIA's cyber wing will speak to four people from the PTI on
this issue," the sources had said.
Those
four people, the sources added, include Khan, Gohar, PTI Information Secretary
Raoof Hasan, and Secretary-General Omar Ayub.
The
agency's team will determine whether the post was uploaded by the PTI founder
himself or with his consent. It will also probe who made the
"anti-Pakistan propaganda" video.
"If
this act is done by the account holder, legal action will be taken against him.
In case the account holder did not post, then he would have to apply for the
closure of his X account."
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1195325-imran-khan-refuses-to-join-fia-probe-over-controversial-tweet
--------
PML-N
leader Irfan Siddiqui slams Imran for drawing parallels with fall of Dhaka
May 31,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
The PML-N on Thursday slammed PTI founder Imran Khan for equating the
country’s situation with the 1971 East Pakistan crisis.
The
PML-N’s Parliamentary Leader in Senate, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, while talking
to reporters said that portrayal of the country’s current situation by the
jailed former prime minister as akin to the 1971 East Pakistan crisis was
deplorable.
Mr
Siddiqui expressed concern over the ‘controversial’ message posted from Mr
Khan’s verified official X account, which he said, gave a misleading impression
that Pakistan was heading towards another fall of Dhaka-like situation.
“Such
claims are alarming, unacceptable and deplorable,” the PML-N senator said. He
said that Mr Khan’s post was not merely a tweet, but a “meticulously
scripted short film with a clear anti-army agenda”.
He said
Mr Khan’s tweet echoed a “hostile mentality” against military personnel.
The
PML-N leader said that Mr Khan’s rhetoric might be setting a stage for another
May 9 like incident.
“Those
who are making hollow and empty arguments to justify the pictorial tweet must
tell the people how they will cover the press talk of PTI Secretary General
Omar Ayub… who just after meeting Imran Khan in jail, reiterated the same
thoughts as conveyed in Mr Khan’s contentious tweet,” Mr Siddiqui said.
He said
the PTI founder’s likening himself to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was highly
condemnable.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
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--------
Another
journalist shot at, wounded in attack near Rohri
May 31,
2024
SUKKUR:
Armed men shot at and wounded a journalist and subjected his friend to severe
beating in Rohri late on Wednesday night, police said.
Journalist
Haider Mastoi, who works as a reporter for the Sindh News TV channel in
Khairpur district, and his friend Khan Mohammad Pitafi, were passing through
the Achhiyoon Qubbiyoon area on a motorcycle, when three armed motorcyclists
forced them to stop and opened fire at the journalist.
Four
bullets hit him in the right leg and arm, said the journalist’s friend who,
with the help of area people, took the wounded first to the Sukkur Civil
Hospital and then brought him to a private hospital.
The area
police said that they cordoned off the area where the incident was reported to
have taken place and went after the assailants. Rohri DSP Faraz Metlo visited
the journalist in the hospital and recorded his statement.
Mastoi
told his colleagues at the hospital that the attackers were not interested in
robbing him or his friend. They just targeted him and fled away. They fired
straight at him and hit his friend with the pistol’s butt before fleeing, he
said.
On
Thursday, the Sukkur Union of Journalists staged a protest against police’s
failure to arrest assailants of journalist Mastoi and the killers of slain
journalists Jan Mohammad Mahar and Nasrullah Gadani.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
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--------
Peshawar
High Court asks ECP about its plans to hold Senate polls in KP
May 31,
2024
PESHAWAR:
The Peshawar High Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission of Pakistan
about when it intended to hold the Senate’s elections in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
province.
A bench
consisting of Justice Syed Mohammad Attique Shah and Justice Wiqar Ahmad
directed the ECP to respond within three days to a petition against its move to
link the Senate polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the swearing-in of opposition
members elected to seats reserved for women and non-Muslims.
It fixed
June 6 for the next hearing into the petition of former senator and Pakistan
Tehreek-i-Insaf central leader Azam Swati, who challenged the ECP’s March 28
orders about the possible postponement of Senate polls in the province.
The petitioner
had requested the court to order the ECP to hold Senate polls in the province
on April 2 as scheduled.
PTI
leader Swati insists election postponement is unconstitutional
The
petition was filed on March 30 before the ECP’s April 2 orders for the postponement
of the Senate polls to the extent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until the
administration of oaths to MPAs elected to reserved seats.
On March
28, the ECP, in response to the applications of the opposition’s five women
MPAs-elect, declared that if the speaker of the provincial assembly failed to
comply with the high court’s orders to administer oaths to the lawmakers
elected to reserved seats, it would postpone the Senate’s elections in the
province until the swearing-in of the applicants.
The ECP
put up the polls afterwards.
Counsel
for the petitioner Ali Zaman and Ali Azim Afridi argued that the Senate’s polls
were conducted across the country, but the ECP postponed the same in KP in
light of the high court’s orders for the provincial assembly’s speaker to
administer oaths to the members elected to reserved seats.
They
added that the orders of the ECP were illegal and unconstitutional.
The
lawyers said the petitioner was a contesting candidate, but he was neither
heard by the ECP nor was he issued any notice for it.
They
argued that the ECP didn’t have the power to postpone the Senate’s elections in
the province when they’re held in other parts of the country.
Lawyer
for the ECP Mohsin Kamran Siddique informed the bench that presently, two cases
about the high court’s orders were pending with the Supreme Court.
He said
one of those cases was about the PHC’s decision to dismiss the plea of the
Sunni Ittehad Council against the ECP’s March 1 orders to deny that party the
national and provincial assembly seats reserved for women and non-Muslims.
Mr
Siddique said the apex court had issued a stay order in that case.
He said
the second case pertained to the PHC’s orders for the KP Assembly’s speaker to
administer oaths to those opposition members and to allow and facilitate their
voting in the Senate elections.
The
counsel added that in that case, the apex court had not issued any stay orders.
Justice
Wiqar Ahmad asked the ECP whether it didn’t intend to hold the Senate’s polls
in the province until those cases were decided.
He added
that any further delay in polls would affect the rights of the people of the
province as they wouldn’t have representation in the Senate.
The
bench directed the ECP’s lawyer to consult the relevant officers at the
commission about plans to hold those polls and update the bench after the
break.
The
ECP’s lawyer later informed the court that he had contacted the ECP
director-general (law), who insisted that a meeting of the commission would
decide about the matter and the court would be informed about it.
The
bench adjourned the hearing, asking the ECP to inform it about its intention to
hold the Senate’s polls in the province.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
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--------
FIA to
investigate Imran Khan's X post on Mujibur Rahman
By
Zarmeen Zehra
May 30,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing (CCW), sources told
Geo News on Thursday, is all set to take action against PTI founder Imran Khan
due to his controversial social media post on X, formerly Twitter.
A post
on X, formerly Twitter, was attributed to the former prime minister, which
read: "Every Pakistani should study the Hamood ur Rahman Commission Report
and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman."
However,
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar told a local media outlet later that the post had
nothing to do with Imran as he did not see the text of the posts that were
uploaded to his account.
"Imran
Khan has nothing to do with this [post] because he did not see its content or
other things. [The PTI founder] does not approve each and every video or
context."
Gohar
also defended the tweet and said it was taken out of context.
"The
context and comparison that we drew with 1971 was in a political context and
not otherwise — nothing about the army," the PTI leader said.
The post
on PTI supremo's account drew severe criticism from all quarters, including
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said Imran's true face was finally in front
of the nation.
But
defending the post, PTI — the former ruling party — in a post on the same
platform said that the events of 1971 were referred to only as a reminder so
people can learn from history as it slammed the criticism.
In
response, sources in the FIA told Geo News that the decision to take action was
made as a "propaganda video" which included Mujeeb was uploaded from
the PTI founder's account on May 26.
"The
PTI founder is in Adiala Jail, but his account is being used to upload
propaganda videos. FIA's cyber wing will speak to four people from the PTI on
this issue," the sources said.
Those
four people, the sources added, include Imran, Gohar, PTI Information Secretary
Raoof Hasan, and Secretary-General Omar Ayub.
The
agency's team will determine whether the post was uploaded by the PTI founder
himself or with his consent. It will also probe who made the "anti-Pakistan
propaganda" video.
"If
this act is done by the account holder, legal action will be taken against him.
In case the account holder did not post, then he would have to apply for the
closure of his X account."
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1195057-1971-war-fia-to-investigate-imran-khans-x-post-on-mujibur-rahman
--------
Arab World
How a
Saudi artist combines AI with conventional artistic techniques to create
nostalgia-infused images
May 30,
2024
RIYADH:
Artificial intelligence technologies have already found new and exciting
applications in the workplace, health, education and business. Now, creative
industries are finding novel ways to employ these mold-breaking tools.
Hadeel
Mohammed, a Saudi AI artist, has used the technology to create
nostalgia-infused images that depict various aspects of daily life in Saudi
Arabia during the 1990s.
About a
year ago, Mohammed took an interest in how technology and creativity can
combine to make something entirely new, and began experimenting with AI to
create bold visuals plucked from her imagination.
After
earning a certificate in AI art, she was able to blend various digital editing
methods with more conventional artistic techniques.
Saudi AI
artist Hadeel Mohammed begins with a nostalgic memory or an old song and then
uses AI algorithms to generate artworks that reflect the ideas and emotions
that these evoke. (Supplied)
“Every
artwork I create is quite personal and reflects my vision and personal growth
to visualize ways to express myself,” she told Arab News.
Mohammed
begins with a nostalgic memory or an old song. She then uses AI algorithms to
generate artworks that reflect the ideas and emotions that these evoke.
“This is
only the beginning of what you see in my work,” she said. “I then spend time
refining, editing, changing details and improving compositions using different
art software to reach the final photo, while also adding my personal touch to
it.
“The end
photo is a piece that tells a story and connects with viewers on a deeper
level.”
Mohammed
says she draws her inspiration from “how life was as a child living in the
‘90s.
“This is
my vision of the past, and I try to use my imagination to produce unique art,
particularly in the fashion, interiors, retro patterns, styles, colors used,
music and way of life during that time. This might not reflect everyone’s
lifestyle. I produce what evokes certain emotions.
“I
remember my mother would often bring me to gatherings and I was fascinated by
the lovely clothing worn by women at that time. To this day, I still enjoy
looking at old photos to relive the beauty of that time and through my
graphics, I hope to celebrate Saudi nostalgic fashion and lifestyle from the
1990s.”
Mohammed
says that artworks that reflect the Saudi or Arab ‘90s can be difficult to
produce “because AI’s knowledge of ‘female’ features is so limited,” resulting
in her having to edit the photos to depict accurate features.
When
curating an image, Mohammed focuses on the “mood and vibe” she is looking to
convey.
“I love
classic styles and use them a lot in my photos. They are timeless and full of
elegance and nostalgia. For the color palette, I use earthy tones to bring a
sense of coziness and warmth like shades of brown and beige. I remember them
being called ‘royalty colors’ back in the ‘90s, while in the ‘80s, pastel
colors and metallic accents were more used.”
She
draws particular inspiration from the style of Saudi American businesswoman and
editor Princess Deena Al-Juhani Abdulaziz for her fashion and her image as a
modern and elegant Saudi woman.
Despite
its game-changing applications, AI can be unpredictable. Mohammed says there
are occasionally issues with photo resolution challenges in post-processing.
“Most of
the time, I have to use editing software to change the composition and enhance
the photos, as AI’s results sometimes are unpredictable and inaccurate,” she
said.
“Photos
generated by AI might be good for the screen, but they are not suitable for
printing large-sized photos.
“AI is
still limited by the data it is trained on. It only reproduces the same
existing styles and techniques unless guided and edited by a human artist. This
is where creativity comes in.”
Despite
its game-changing applications, AI can be unpredictable, says Hadeel Mohammed.
(Shutterstock image)
Instead
of being restricted by the curbs that come with AI, Mohammed sees these
limitations as an opportunity to learn new methods for generating and refining
art.
“It is a
fun journey that I enjoy and embrace with all its constraints. However, in
order to produce beautiful work that represents my vision, I also combine AI
technologies with standard art design.
“For art
to be meaningful, it should reflect an emotional feeling and this cannot be
done by a machine alone. Only a human can add real purpose and cultural insight
to any type of art. Machines just make random pictures without understanding.”
Mohammed
says AI still requires “the right people to choose the best art and know good
art when they see it, as machines make many random photos. Not all of it is
appealing.
“In
summary, AI alone cannot substitute human vision, guidance, experience, and
emotions to make art with true meaning and impact.”
As with
all AI tools, advances are occurring rapidly.
“As
technology develops, Al will create a greater variety of creative mediums and
aesthetics and other fields like music and animation will be incorporated into
technology,” said Mohammed.
“Also,
algorithms will become more advanced and accessible and will not require much
effort to meet our standards or ideas.”
And as
AI tools become more widely used, their acceptance in the creative industries
among artists is likely to grow.
“I think
in the next few years, artists will be more accepting of AI-generated art, and
it will also change the way that artists create their own work. I see that AI
will probably become a common tool for artists, content creators and graphic
designers.”
Rather
than replace human creativity, Mohammed believes AI will augment and improve
artworks.
“AI-generated
art can become a major force in the art world and artists will experiment with
new techniques to reach broader audiences. As people become more comfortable
with AI’s capabilities, its influence in the art world will grow, leading to a
rich and diverse landscape of artistic expression.
“I see a
future where AI and human creativity work hand in hand.”
Evidence
of this growing acceptance of AI-generated art can be found on Mohammed’s
TikTok and Instagram accounts, where she has received positive feedback from
her followers.
“I
mostly receive a lot of positive feedback, both in comments and private
messages,” she said.
“People
regularly express their appreciation and thank me for bringing back old memories
and feelings. They say that they enjoy and love my content. It makes me happy
that, through visualizing memories through art, I can provide positivity and
happiness to others.”
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2520316/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Arabia participates in GCC finance, municipal affairs meetings in Qatar
May 30,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan headed the Kingdom’s delegation
at the 121st meeting of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee of the
Gulf Cooperation Council on Thursday, in Qatar’s capital Doha.
The
meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Qatari Minister of Finance Ali
bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, with the participation of other Gulf finance ministers and
the GCC’s Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the Saudi Press Agency
reported.
The
ministers reviewed a number of topics related to enhancing financial and
economic cooperation between the GCC countries.
The
committee also reviewed recommendations submitted to it by the Undersecretaries
of Ministries of Finance Committee, and the latest developments from the
Secretariat General.
The
ministers discussed the findings of the GCC Customs Union Authority in
activating its work and granting it the necessary powers to carry out its
tasks, in accordance with best practices that support completing the
authority’s requirements.
Al-Budaiwi
said the committee played “a major and important role in elevating cooperation
and joint integration among the GCC countries in the field of financial and
economic cooperation.”
He
added: “The GCC countries have expanded in the economic, industrial, innovation
and artificial intelligence aspects, which represents a qualitative shift that
carries many promising investment opportunities, given their great potential
represented in their ambitious people, young population and natural resources
such as oil and gas, and their orientation toward a sustainable and diversified
economy that supports the private sector and empowers the youth.”
He added
that this promise came from the implementation of the directives of the Gulf
leaders “to strengthen the foundations of the GCC economic structure on solid
foundations and principles.”
Al-Budaiwi
said that the World Bank had predicted the GCC countries’ economy would grow by
3.6 percent in 2024 and 3.7 percent in 2025, outperforming major global
markets, while the International Monetary Fund expected that the total general
government surplus would reach 3 percent of gross domestic product during this
year.
He
added: “Despite the weak global economic growth, high interest rates, and
geopolitical risks in our region and the entire world, the World Bank confirmed
that the non-oil sectors will lead economic growth in the GCC countries.”
Meanwhile,
Saudi Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail headed
the Kingdom’s delegation at the 27th meeting of the Committee of Ministers
concerned with municipal affairs among the GCC countries in Doha.
Al-Hogail
expressed his country’s pleasure at hosting the 12th annual Gulf Municipal Work
Conference in Riyadh from Oct. 6 to 8. He urged companies and institutions in
the private sector in the GCC countries to actively participate to enhance
cooperation.
Member
states and the General Secretariat were also encouraged to actively participate
and highlight the achievements of joint Gulf municipal work at international
forums, and to sign memorandums of understanding with various specialized
international organizations to better serve the municipal sector.
Source:arabnews.com
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--------
Misk Art
Institute unveils inaugural solo shows for visual art pioneers
May 30,
2024
The Misk
Art Institute, part of the Mohammed bin Salman foundation, Misk, has launched
its solo exhibition series spotlighting pioneers of Saudi visual arts, the
Saudi Press Agency reported.
The
initiative aims to celebrate the professional trajectories of artists and
introduce their works through specialized exhibitions.
The
series began this week at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall in Riyadh and
will run until Sept. 19, 2024.
According
to SPA, the series sheds light on the distinguished careers of a cohort of
Saudi art pioneers whose indelible impact has shaped the nation’s artistic
landscape over decades. Each meticulously curated exhibition offers an
opportunity to be immersed in the artistic journeys of these visionaries,
unveiling intricate details of their innovative practices, evocative visual
languages and sculptural expressions.
The
inaugural event features two exhibitions that pay homage to the artistic
legacies of renowned Saudi masters, Taha Al-Sabban and Youssef Jaha. These
exhibitions honor their groundbreaking roles, creative endeavors that explored
multifaceted social and cultural themes, and their unparalleled contributions
spanning 50 years. A total of more than 70 artworks, encapsulating the artists’
visionary concepts, will be on display.
Al-Sabban’s
showcase, titled “The Oasis of Imagination,” takes viewers on a transcendent
journey through his poetic depictions of women as a central motif within his
oeuvre.
Concurrently,
Jaha’s “Seeking Rain” exhibition reflects the rich architectural fabric of his
environment, eloquently highlighting the intrinsic relationship between humans,
place and the natural realm.
Through
these exhibitions, the Misk Art Institute reaffirms its mission to document and
preserve Saudi Arabia’s artistic heritage, ensuring the enduring legacy of
these masterworks for present and future generations, according to SPA. This
undertaking contributes to the exploration of art, fostering inspiration from
its creative ethos.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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--------
KSrelief
provides food, health aid to Jordan and Yemen
May 31,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to provide health and food
support to vulnerable people in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp and Yemen.
Health
workers at clinics operated by KSrelief in Zaatari refugee camp treated over
2,349 patients during May, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
There
were 335 procedures performed on patients suffering from various issues
including tonsillitis, as well as ear and sinus infections.
Meanwhile
in Yemen, KSrelief distributed food to 680 families in Aden and Lahj, which
benefitted 4,760 individuals.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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-------
Saudi
Arabia and Qatar sign tax rules agreement
May 30,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s minister of finance, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, and his Qatari
counterpart, Ali Al-Kuwari, signed an agreement on Thursday designed to avoid
the possibility of double taxation and prevent tax evasion.
During
the signing ceremony in Doha, Al-Jadaan said the agreement is part of efforts
to strengthen legislative coordination between the two countries, to encourage
bilateral trade and attract investment to the region, the Saudi Press Agency
reported.
Al-Kuwari
highlighted the important nature of the agreement and the effective role it will
play in these efforts, adding that it will help to ensure international
standards of transparency are in place, through the exchange of financial
information as the nations work together on taxation and economic relations.
Source:arabnews.com
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--------
Mideast
Saudi
Arabia: These Are The Categories Of People Exempted From Mecca Entry Ban
Cairo:
Three categories of people are exempted from a ban now in force on entering the
Saudi city of Mecca during the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage season.
As of
May 23, holders of all types of visit visas have not been allowed to enter or
reside in Mecca for one month.
Saudi
authorities have said the visit visa of all types does not serve as a Hajj
permit for the holder, and urged holders of such visas not to head to Mecca
during the period running until June 21.
The
Saudi Ministry of Hajj, however, noted that three categories of people can
still enter the city, home to Islam’s holiest place, during this period.
The
exempted categories can get the entry permits issued via the Interior
Ministry’s Absher platform as part of arrangements for the upcoming Hajj.
Saudi
Arabia has repeatedly cautioned Muslims planning to perform next month’s Hajj
of fake campaigns and websites, and defined legal channels.
The
Ministry of Hajj said reliance on official channels guarantees access to
pilgrimage and safeguards pilgrims’ rights during the holy journey.
The
ministry stressed that all pilgrims must obtain a permit for Hajj, an
obligatory Islamic duty.
The
announcement followed a recent statement by the Council of Senior Scholars,
Saudi Arabia’s highest Islamic body, who pointed out that performing Hajj
without an official permit is deemed sinful.
Starting
from June 2, Saudi Arabia will enforce penalties against Muslims caught trying
to illegally perform Hajj in and around Mecca.
Source:gulfnews.com
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https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-these-are-the-categories-of-people-exempted-from-mecca-entry-ban-1.102879326
--------
Iraq
hangs 8 convicted of ‘terrorism’: security, health sources
May 31,
2024
Nasiriyah:
Iraqi authorities have executed eight people convicted of “terrorism” over
links to the Daesh group, a security source in the country’s southern Dhi Qar
province said Friday.
The
source told AFP that eight Iraqis “convicted of terrorism and of being members
of the Daesh group were executed by hanging” Thursday at Al-Hut prison in the
city of Nasiriyah “under the supervision of a justice ministry team.”
A local
medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of
eight executed people.
Under
Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offenses are punishable by death, and execution
decrees must be signed by the president.
The
eight Iraqis were hanged “under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law,” the
security source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
On May
6, Iraqi authorities executed by hanging 11 people convicted of “terrorism,”
security and health sources told AFP. It was the second such group put to death
since late April.
The
execution on April 22 of 11 people sparked concern among rights groups, with
Amnesty International condemning an “alarming lack of transparency.”
Al-Hut
is a notorious prison in Nasiriyah whose Arabic name means “the whale,” because
Iraqis believe that those jailed there never walk out alive.
Iraqi
courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences in recent years
for people convicted of membership in a “terrorist group,” an offense that
carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an
active fighter.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2520636/middle-east
--------
Aggression
against Gaza represents a turning point in history of region: Arab League chief
May 30,
2024
CAIRO:
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that the aggression
against Gaza for more than eight months “marks a turning point in our region’s
history.”
He said
that there was “a deep sense of frustration over the international community’s
inability to halt this massacre.”
Aboul
Gheit was speaking at the opening session of the 10th ministerial meeting of
the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing.
The
forum — founded in 2004 in Cairo —
includes members of the Arab League.
Chinese
President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony.
Leaders
from Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia and the UAE were also present.
Aboul
Gheit said: We value China’s role and steadfast support for the just cause of
the Palestinian people, their right to self-determination and the establishment
of their independent state.”
He urged
China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to play a more
significant role in reinforcing the global consensus on the two-state solution,
leading to a reliable and irreversible path to establishing an independent
Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its
capital.
Aboul
Gheit said that the Arab League and its member states aimed to enhance regional
stability by working to contain existing crises, settle them peacefully, and
reduce escalation through balanced relations with neighboring countries based
on non-interference in internal affairs and mutual respect.
He
reaffirmed the league’s support for China’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity, maintaining a firm commitment to the one-China principle.
Aboul
Gheit said that the Arab League was committed to making all efforts to build a
promising future for both Arab and Chinese societies.
“We aim
to advance the strategic partnership between the Arab countries and China for a
better future, strengthening cooperation mechanisms and finding political
solutions to issues of mutual concern on regional and international fronts.”
Aboul
Gheit said that China had “an illustrious presence in world history that we
deeply respect and appreciate. Its profound influence on the world’s present
and future is evident and highly valued. Moreover, China’s experience achieving
renaissance and progress is greatly admired in our Arab world.”
The Arab
League chief said: “Today, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishing
the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
“This
forum marked a significant milestone in the history of relations between the
two sides, placing these relations within a comprehensive institutional
framework, thus ensuring their development and future potential.
“Since
its inception, the forum has become a success story in international
multilateral cooperation, evidenced by the various mechanisms, memorandums and
frameworks it has produced to facilitate collaboration across political,
economic, social and development fields.”
Aboul
Gheit said that the first Arab-Chinese summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2022
marked a qualitative shift in Arab-Chinese relations.
This
summit signaled the beginning of a pivotal phase in the history of relations
between the Arab world and China.
“The
outcomes and agreements from this summit laid a strong foundation for mutual
benefit, and we are committed to continuing efforts to implement them,” Aboul
Gheit said.
He
called for institutionalizing the Arab-China summit and holding regular
sessions to enhance progress and allow for continuous monitoring and
development of cooperation programs.
Source:arabnews.com
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US-British
strikes leave 16 dead in Yemen, Houthi TV says
May 31,
2024
WASHINGTON:
The Houthi’s Al-Masirah television said on Friday 16 people had been killed and
35 wounded in US and British strikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah province.
The
outlet reported that the strikes targeted a radio building in Hodeidah’s
Al-Hawk district and port of Salif.
The US
and Britain struck 13 Houthi targets in several locations in Yemen on Thursday
in response to a recent surge in attacks by the Iran-backed militia group on
ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, three US officials said.
According
to the officials, American and British fighter jets and US ships hit a wide
range of underground facilities, missile launchers, command and control sites,
a Houthi vessel and other facilities. The officials spoke on condition of
anonymity to provide early details of an ongoing military operation.
Also
struck by the US were eight uncrewed aerial vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas
of Yemen that were determined to be presenting a threat to American and
coalition forces.
The
strikes come a day after a US MQ-9 Reaper drone went down in Yemen, and the
Houthis released footage they said showed the aircraft being targeted with a
surface-to-air missile in a desert region of Yemen’s central Marib province. It
marked the third such downing this month alone.
Also
earlier this week, missile attacks twice damaged a Marshall Islands-flagged,
Greek-owned ship in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, with a private security
firm saying radio traffic suggested the vessel took on water after being
struck. While no group claimed responsibility, suspicion fell on the Houthis.
This is
the fifth time that the US and British militaries have conducted a combined operation
against the Houthis since Jan. 12. But the US also has been carrying out almost
daily strikes to take out Houthi targets, including incoming missiles and
drones aimed at ships, as well as weapons that were prepared to launch.
The US
F/A-18 fighter jets launched from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier
in the Red Sea, officials said. Other US warships in the region also
participated.
The
Houthis in recent months have stepped up attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and
the Gulf of Aden, demanding that Israel end the war in Gaza, which has killed
more than 36,000 Palestinians. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked
Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostage.
The
Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel and
sunk another since November, according to the US Maritime Administration.
Shipping
through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined because of the threat.
US
warships, meanwhile, took out a number of missile launchers and drones
targeting vessels in the region over the past week.
President
Joe Biden and other senior leaders have repeatedly warned that the US won’t
tolerate the Houthi attacks against commercial shipping. But the counterattacks
haven’t appeared to diminish the Houthis’ campaign against shipping in the
region.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israeli
airstrike on Rafah kills 12 Palestinians, Gaza medics say
May 30,
2024
JERUSALEM:
Israeli forces killed at least 12 Palestinians in a dawn airstrike on Rafah in
southern Gaza on Thursday and fighting raged in several other areas of the
coastal enclave, Gaza medics said.
Israel
pressed on with its offensive on Rafah a day after saying its forces had taken
control of a buffer zone along the nearby border between the Gaza Strip and
Egypt, giving it effective authority over Gaza’s entire land frontier.
It said
the buffer zone’s capture had cut off a route used by the Palestinian Islamist
militant group Hamas to smuggle arms into Gaza during more than seven months of
war, which has laid waste to much of the territory and raised fears of famine.
Gaza
medical sources said the 12 Palestinians, whom it said were civilians, had been
killed and an unspecified number of others wounded in an Israeli airstrike as
they tried to recover the body of a civilian in the center of Rafah.
Another
Palestinian civilian was killed in an airstrike on Al-Shati refugee camp west
of Gaza City in the north of the densely populated enclave, the medics said.
Israel
reported clashes in southern, central and northern Gaza but did not immediately
comment on the reported deaths in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of
displaced Palestinians took refuge earlier in the war.
Israel
has kept up raids on Rafah despite an order by the International Court of
Justice (ICJ), the top UN court, to halt its attacks. Israeli forces say they
are trying to root out Hamas fighters and rescue hostages being held there, and
the ICJ also called for the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.
More
than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s air and land war in Gaza,
with 53 of those killed in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run enclave’s health
ministry said.
Israel
launched its offensive after Hamas fighters crossed from Gaza into southern
Israel on Oct. 7 last year, killed 1,200 people and abducted more than 250,
according to Israeli tallies.
The
Israeli military said a soldier had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza,
bringing to 292 Israel’s combat losses since its first Gaza ground incursion on
Oct. 20.
TUNNELS,
ARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
In an
overnight call with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Israeli Defense
Minister Yoav Gallant underlined the continuing importance of Israeli
operations in the Rafah area “due to concrete information regarding hostages
held there.”
“Minister
Gallant detailed IDF activities in the Rafah area where 20 terror tunnels have
been identified,” the Israeli Defense Ministry said in a statement on the
overnight call.
The
Israeli military also said in a statement that tunnels used by Hamas for
smuggling and moving fighters underground had been discovered during the latest
raids, as well as large amounts of arms and explosives.
The
Israeli statements did not say where the smuggling tunnels ran from. An Israeli
official said on May 15 there were 50 tunnels connecting Rafah to the Sinai in
Egypt, and voiced concern that Hamas could use them to smuggle senior
operatives or hostages into Egyptian territory. Egypt on Wednesday denied the
existence of any such tunnels.
The
United States, Israel’s closest ally, reiterated its opposition to a major
ground offensive in Rafah on Tuesday but said it did not believe such an operation
was under way.
The US
has, with Egypt and Qatar, been involved in efforts to mediate indirect talks
between Israel and Hamas on arranging a ceasefire and the release of the
remaining hostages. Those talks have stalled, with both sides blaming the other
for the lack of progress.
As the
war drags on, malnutrition has become widespread in Gaza as aid deliveries have
slowed to a trickle, and the United Nations has warned of incipient famine.
Philippe
Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), also called
for an end to what he said were Israeli attacks on UNRWA staff and buildings in
Gaza.
In
article for the New York Times, he said Israeli officials were “delegitimizing
UNRWA by effectively characterizing it as a terrorist organization,” and he
described a “dangerous precedent of routine targeting of UN staff and
premises.”
His
comments followed allegations by Israel in January that 12 of UNRWA’s 13,000
staff in Gaza took part in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Israel did not
immediately respond to his remarks.
The Gaza
war has also stoked violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, another
territory where Palestinians seek statehood.
Israel
said two soldiers were killed in an overnight hit-and-run by a Palestinian
motorist in the West Bank city of Nablus. There was no immediate claim of
responsibility from Palestinian factions.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel
yet to respond to French Lebanon proposals, French ministry says
May 30,
2024
PARIS:
Israel has not given a response to France on Paris’ proposals to reduce
tensions between Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, France’s foreign
ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
Israel
and Hezbollah have been engaged in escalating daily cross-border strikes over
the past months — in parallel with the war in Gaza — and their increasing range
and sophistication has raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
France
has historical ties with Lebanon and has proposed written proposals to both
sides that would see Hezbollah’s elite unit pull back 10 km (6 miles) from the
Israeli border, while Israel would halt strikes in southern Lebanon.
Foreign
Minister Stephane Sejourne went to both Lebanon and Israel in April to push
France’s efforts, and Israel’s foreign minister was in Paris earlier this
month. Lebanon’s foreign minister was in Paris for talks on Wednesday.
“We have
had a relatively positive response from the Lebanese, but I think we have not
had any return from Israel at this point,” Christophe Lemoine told reporters in
a daily briefing.
The
written proposal also looks at long-term border issues and had been discussed
with partners including the United States, which has its own efforts to ease
tensions and exerts the most influence on Israel.
The
Shiite Muslim Hezbollah has amassed a formidable arsenal since a 2006 war with
Israel and since October thousands of people on both sides of the border have
been displaced by the clashes.
Source:arabnews.com
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Islamic
Resistance Targets Enemy’s Al-Baghdadi Site
NNA -
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon on Friday issued the following statement:
"In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and
backing their brave and honourable resistance, and in response to the Israeli
enemy's attacks on the resilient southern villages and safe homes, including
the recent attack on the town of Aitaroun, fighters of the Islamic Resistance
targeted the al-Baghdadi site with heavy Borkan rockets on Friday, May 31,
2024, hitting it directly."
Source:nna-leb.gov.lb
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https://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/justice-law/698303/islamic-resistance-targets-enemy-s-al-baghdadi-sit
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Islamic
Jihad praises heroic vehicular attack in Nablus
[30/May/2024]
GAZA May
30. 2024 (Saba) - The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) blessed the vehicular
attack carried out by a resistance fighter near one of the entrances to Nablus,
targeting a number of soldiers of the Zionist enemy, killing and wounding them.
The
movement said in a press statement on Thursday: This heroic operation comes
within the framework of responding to the open war of extermination waged by
the enemy against the Palestinian people in Gaza, and to the continuous attacks
by the occupation army gangs and herds of settlers against the Palestinian people
in the occupied West Bank.
In its
statement, the Movement stressed that while it blesses this heroic operation
and wishes the perpetrator safety, it is fully confident that the Palestinian
people will continue to inflict pain on the enemy in every possible way.
Source:saba.ye
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Africa
Emirate
Tussle: Tension As Reinstated Emir Of Kano Plan Friday Prayer At Palace’s
Mosque
31st May
2024
There is
palpable fear among the Kano residents as the reinstated Emir of Kano, Malam
Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to lead the two Rakat congregational Friday
prayers today at the Emir’s palace Friday mosque.
This was
announced in a statement signed by Danburan of Kano on Thursday evening.
The
statement issued by Danburan of Kano invites residents to come and listen to
the sermon to be delivered by Sanusi.
Similarly,
another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero
invites residents to join him at the emir’s palace Friday mosque to observe the
Jumu’at prayer.
It
stated that the movement to the emir’s palace mosque starts at 12.30 pm.
However,
the police authorities are yet to comment on the development to prevent a
breakdown of law and order.
Effort
to contact the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Police Command, SP
Abdullahi Haruna failed as his mobile phone number was not going through.
Source:punchng.com
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--------
Mosque
Bombing Death Toll Hits 21 In Kano
31 May
2024
The
tragic incident, which occurred on May 15, initially left 25 worshippers
injured and 17 dead.
The
additional casualties succumbed to their injuries at the Muhammad Specialists
Hospital in Kano, where they had been receiving medical treatment.
Alhaji
Bature AbdulAziz, Chairman of Friends of the Hospital, disclosed the grim
update during a visit to the four remaining victims at the hospital,
accompanied by members of the Kano Business Community.
AbdulAziz
expressed his deep sorrow over the losses and praised the hospital’s staff for
their diligent care of the victims.
The
attack, executed by 38-year-old Shafi’u Abubakar using a locally-fabricated
bomb, was reportedly motivated by a prolonged family dispute over inheritance.
According
to police reports, Abubakar targeted the mosque to retaliate against family
members who he believed had wronged him in the sharing of inheritance.
In
response to the bombing, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has taken firm
action, ordering the prosecution of Abubakar before the Shariah Court.
Governor
Yusuf stated his readiness to sign the death warrant should the suspect be
convicted and sentenced to death.
The
suspect, who was arraigned on May 21 at an Upper Shari’a Court in Rijiyar Zaki,
Kano, faces charges of grievous hurt and culpable homicide.
The Kano
State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, leading the
prosecution, detailed how Abubakar allegedly set the mosque ablaze during dawn
prayers.
The
community has rallied in support of the victims, with notable contributions
from Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
The Kano
Business Community also contributed financially, donating ₦80,000
to each of the victims and an additional ₦20,000 to other patients at the
hospital.
Source:naijanews.com
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Another
body found at collapsed mosque site
May 31,
2024
Residents
yesterday found another body at the Masjid Mutmoinah Mosque which collapsed on
Sunday in Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos.
It would
be recalled that the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) on
Sunday night declared an end to the rescue operation.
LASEMA
said the mosque has been levelled to ground zero.
However,
four days later, another body recognised as that of ‘Dongo’ was found in the
rubble.
The
community decided to keep digging after checking the hospitals where the
survivors were taken to and realised that the man was still missing.
They were sure that he was part of those who
prayed in the mosque before the building collapsed.
Chairman
of the mosque, Qazeem Keshinro, said they were not convinced about LASEMA’s
claim that no one was still under the rubble.
According
to him, the community were still in doubt and took it upon themselves to look
for the victim and after thorough digging the body was seen.
A
survivor, Tunde Kazeem, said the man was part of those that was helping people
to escape after the mosque collapsed
“He
thought he could escape it but he was unable to make it,” he said.
Source:thenationonlineng.net
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Hajj
2024: First 400 intending pilgrims airlifted from Niger to Mecca
May 30,
2024
The
Niger State Government has commenced the airlift of intending pilgrims from the
Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, for the 2024 pilgrimage to
Mecca.
Over 400
intending pilgrims in the first batch, including state officials, have been
airlifted from the airport.
A total
of 3,223 intending pilgrims are expected to be airlifted for the exercise, with
eight flights scheduled from Niger State.
The
state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, while addressing them before departure,
prayed fervently for the state in particular and the country in general for
peace and prosperity.
He
advised them to be good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the
holy land, saying the state government had already paid 200 dollars per pilgrim
for ram slaughtering (Hidiya).
The
governor also urged the intending pilgrims to desist from spending
extravagantly while encouraging them to channel any challenge they might
encounter to the State Amirul Hajj or the chairman of the Hajj Commission for
appropriate action.
In his
remarks, the State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kagara, Alh. Ahmed Attahiru Gunna II
appreciated the governor for his tireless efforts to ensure the safe airlifting
of intending pilgrims.
Also,
Salamau Farouk and Mallam Muhammad Muhammad, who are part of the intending
pilgrims to be airlifted in the first batch, thanked the governor for all his
support and promised to be of good conduct.
Source:dailypost.ng
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/fasid-hindu-woman-muslim-personal-hc/d/132420