Goa Governor Seeks Probe Into 'Falling' Christian Population & 'Rising' Muslim Population
New Age Islam News Bureau
09 Sep 2024
Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai.Credit: X/@psspillaigov
-----
· Goa Governor Seeks Probe Into 'Falling' Christian Population & 'Rising' Muslim Population
· 'Non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims Prohibited' Signboards Put Up In Uttarakhand
· In View Of Anant Chaturdashi Muslims Put Off Eid-E-Milad-Un-Nabi Processions To Sept 18
· Taboo Of Arabs In The IDF Is Slowly Crumbling, Says First Muslim Non-Bedouin Officer
· Won’t Tolerate Imran’s Military Trial, PTI Warns
-------
India
· Muslim School Principal Held For Deleting Ganesh Chaturthi Post From Kota School's Whatsapp Group
· Action On Student For Non-Veg Food: SY Quraishi-Led AEEDU Writes To UP CM, Calls For Probe
· PM Modi Holds Talks With Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Discusses India-UAE Strategic Ties
· Waqf is religious issue of Muslims, no changes can be made: Shahi Imam of Ahmedabad's Jama Masjid
· MP: 37.5% madrasas closed in 3 yrs due to irregularities, fake enrolments
· J&K: Two terrorists killed as Army foils infiltration bid along Line of Control in Rajouri
· Slugfest Over Afzal Guru Hanging: Omar Abdullah’s ‘Purposeless’ Jab Gets Rajnath Singh's ‘Garland’ Rap
· In first political show of strength since 1987, Jamaat-backed candidates take out election rally in J&K
-------
Mideast
· National &Islamic Forces In Gaza Call For "Fedayee Son Of Jordan" As Example For Free People
· Ansar Allah's political office blesses heroic operation at Karama crossing
· Key Highlights from the Speech of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Sunday,
· Iraq, US agree on phased pullout of coalition troops
· Algeria’s president joins opponents in claiming election irregularities after being named the winner
--------
Pakistan
· At Islamabad Rally, PTI Demands Imran's Release Within Two Weeks
· Eight Afghan troops killed in border clash
· Lakki shootings claim lives of two cops, one civilian
· 3,500 Balochistan schools shut due to teachers’ shortage
· GB sees plot behind attacks in Balochistan
· 13 policemen injured in mob attack in Badin
-------
North America
· Two Auckland Islamic Schools In Lockdown After Suspicious Threat, Closed Today
· Georgia shooting suspect's mother warned school of 'emergency', US media reports
· 'Stick to policy': Voters want less drama in Harris-Trump debate
-------
Africa
· Algeria President Joins Challengers In Criticising Poll Irregularities
· Death Toll In Kenya School Fire Rises To At Least 21
· Emir Of Potiskum Visits Sanusi, Seeks Help In Mosque Completion
· Senate Postpones Public Hearing For Dangote, NNPC, Others
· Niger Tanker Explosion: 48 Bodies Burnt Beyond Recognition Given Mass Burial
· Yobe Emir Pays Solidarity Visit To Emir Sanusi
-------
South Asia
· Islamic Emirate Forms High Commission to Intensify Fight Against Narcotics and Intoxicants.
· ‘Protest victims may face hurdles to justice’
· Houthis Claim to Down U.S. MQ-9 Drone Amid Escalating Tensions in Yemen
· Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Gear Up for Launch of Strategic Economic Projects
· WHO donates 20 tons of medicine and medical equipment to Afghanistan
· Islamic Emirate Spokesman Calls for Enhanced Media Coverage of Key National Initiatives
-------
Southeast Asia
· Muhyiddin: Govt Labelling Bersatu's Fight For Bumiputera, Islam As 3R Offence
· Suhakam and police told to scrutinise and stop custodial deaths, says PM Anwar
· Perikatan’s Mahkota by-election candidate reveal set for tomorrow in Kluang
· Education Ministry unveils three-month intervention for over 122,000 Year One pupils struggling with basics
-------
Europe
· The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Completes Pilot Implementation of Islamic Finance Strategic Mapping Framework in Kazakhstan
· Maduro rival leaves Venezuela for Spain
· Zelensky wants Italy to pressure US on arms deliveries – media
-------
Arab World
· Medident signs MoU with Web Arabia for Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia
· New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities
· Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026
· 13 Ethiopians arrested for suspected illegal entry, drug smuggling in southern Saudi borders
· Saudi FM receives International Organization for Migration chief in Riyadh
· Saudi Arabia's Hilwah Al-Jouf: A timeless bond between people and dates across generations
· Saudi interior minister received by Egyptian president
· Bahraini, Kuwaiti FMs arrive in Riyadh ahead of GCC meeting
· Hajj 2025 planning meeting eyes new level of standards
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/goa-governor-christian-muslim-population/d/133160
------
Goa Governor Seeks Probe Into 'Falling' Christian Population & 'Rising' Muslim Population
Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai.Credit: X/@psspillaigov
-----
08 September 2024
Thiruvananthapuram: Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Sunday expressed concern that the Christian population in Goa is "falling" while the Muslim population is "rising".
Speaking at a church function in Kochi, Pillai suggested that the bishops may look into the "dwindling Christian population".
"The Christian population of Goa came down from 36% to 25% while the Muslim population increased from 3% to 12%. The bishops may positively probe into this," said Pillai, who was a former BJP state president of Kerala. Later, speaking at another fun...
Source:deccanherald.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/goa/goa-governor-seeks-probe-into-falling-christian-population-rising-muslim-population-3181864
--------
'Non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims prohibited' signboards put up in Uttarakhand
For representational purposes. (Photo | File, EPS)
-----
Ankit Sharma
Sep 8, 2024
Signboards banning the entry of non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims and hawkers were put up in several villages of Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district.
Such posters were sighted after a sexual assault case in Chamoli last week, which led to protests from locals demanding action against a specific community. Although the accused was arrested, the tension spread to Rudraprayag.
Posters warning against Muslim traders and their entry into villages have gone viral on social media. Following this, the police have launched an investigation into the matter.
Uttarakhand Police spokesperson Dinesh Bharne confirmed that such posters had been put up in Rudraprayag. He said the police were engaging with locals to defuse the situation.
He added that any attempt to disrupt communal harmony would be met with strict action under relevant legal provisions.
The spokesperson said that as per orders from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the police were conducting thorough verification of outsiders. He assured that if additional complaints arose, they would also be investigated promptly.
WHY THESE POSTERS CAME UP?
In Rudraprayag district, a signboard was put up in Sonprayag village stating, "non-Hindus and Rohingyas will face action if they enter the village." This came after the sexual assault case in Chamoli last week created tensions.
Ashok Semwal, a resident of Sirsi village in Rudraprayag, explained that many villagers leave for work, leaving women alone in houses, which they believe increases the risk of incidents. He added that posters were put up to prevent outsiders from entering without verification or identification, citing past incidents of temple thefts.
MUSLIM LEADERS REGISTER PROTEST
AIMIM’s state president, Dr Nayyar Kazmi, met with Uttarakhand’s Director General of Police (DGP), demanding legal action against those who put up the signboards.
Kazmi alleged that after a recent dispute, Muslim homes were attacked and looted, forcing many to flee. The DGP assured swift action against the accused.
Kazmi warned that AIMIM leaders, under the guidance of Asaduddin Owaisi, would launch protests if no concrete steps are taken within a week.
CONGRESS CALLS FOR BALANCED APPROACH
Senior Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal stressed that individuals committing crimes should be treated as criminals and that an entire community should not be punished. He emphasised the need for action against offenders without generalising the blame.
The Congress leader also alleged that law and order was deteriorating in the state, citing incidents of large-scale thefts on the same days when President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had recently visited Uttarakhand. He also noted the rise in cases of violence against women.
Source:indiatoday.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/non-hindus-rohingya-muslims-hawkers-prohibited-signboards-put-up-uttarakhand-rudraprayag-2595983-2024-09-08
---------
In View Of Anant Chaturdashi Muslims Put Off Eid-E-Milad-Un-Nabi Processions To Sept 18
Navi Mumbai Muslim organisations postpone Eid-Milad procession by a day for Visarjan - Navi Mumbai police welcomes decision to promote peace and harmony in Navi Mumbai, India, on Thursday, September 7, 2023. (HT PHOTO)
------
Sep 8, 2024,
Mumbai: In view of Anant Chaturdashi on Sept 17, Muslim groups have moved Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi processions to the following day. Eid-e-Milad—the Prophet's birthday —falls on Sept 16. The groups have asked the state govt to declare a holiday on Sept 18.
"On Sept 17, many visarjan (immersion) processions will be taken out. To maintain peace and harmony, Muslims have shifted Eid-e-Milad juloos (processions) to Sept 18. I have written a letter to CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar requesting them to declare Sept 18 a holiday," said former minister Arif Naseem Khan, who was among the leaders who decided at a meeting on Saturday to shift the annual processions to Sept 18. The Prophet's birthday is a central govt holiday.
"Barring processions, activities like prayers or keeping fast and help to the poor will be held on Sept 16. I request govt to declare Sept 18 a holiday and make it a dry day in respect of the community's sentiments," said former AIMIM legislator Waris Pathan.
However, some do not favour taking out processions to mark the Prophet's birthday. "Taking out processions unnecessarily creates traffic jams and many even create nuisance. This is not what the Prophet taught. Celebrate the day by helping needy students, people in debt, and poor patients and their relatives," said businessman Pervez Lakdawala.
Source:indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/muslim-grps-put-off-eid-rallies-to-sept-18/articleshow/113172060.cms
--------
Taboo Of Arabs In The IDF Is Slowly Crumbling, Says First Muslim Non-Bedouin Officer
Hisham Abu Raya was the first from his community to climb the IDF ranks.
------
By GIANLUCA PACCHIANI
SEPTEMBER 09, 2024
Lt. Col. (res.) Hisham Abu Raya is a trailblazer. In 2008, at age 24, he became the first non-Bedouin Muslim officer in the Israeli army. Today, at age 40, he aims to be a role model for youths in his community and prove that service of the country is the key to success in Israeli society.
While military service in Israel is compulsory for Jewish young men and women, and for young men from the Druze and Circassian minorities, it is optional for all other communities. Hundreds of Bedouin enlist voluntarily each year, but other Arab Israelis — Muslim and Christian — have historically shunned the army, primarily out of solidarity with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
“Up until 10 years ago, you could count the number of non-Bedouin Muslim recruits in the IDF on the fingers of one hand,” Abu Raya said in a recent phone interview with The Times of Israel from his hometown of Sakhnin, in northern Israel. But today, he claims his personal story, while still exceptional, is no longer unique.
Abu Raya was discharged from the army with the rank of major in 2018, and was promoted to reserve lieutenant colonel in 2022. Today, he works as a liaison between the Home Front Command and the northern Bedouin municipality of Tuba al-Zangariya.
Immediately after his discharge in 2018, he founded “Ma’an” (meaning “together” in Arabic), a project to strengthen ties between the State of Israel and young Arab citizens and reinforce their sense of belonging.
Within that framework, he launched a project that now runs in 20 schools in Muslim areas on behalf of the Defense Ministry to improve the students’ knowledge of Israeli history and civics and promote recruitment into the IDF.
“Some young Arabs I meet don’t even know who [assassinated prime minister] Yitzhak Rabin was,” he said. “Even if I don’t manage to convince them to enlist, at least at the end of the program they know more about Israeli society.”
The program also runs in Arab Christian schools, where organizers encounter “more openness,” Abu Raya said. And while not all schools in Muslim areas decide to participate in the course, things are beginning to change in his community too, he claims. Some pupils he meets show up to the course after having watched countless hours of combat videos on the IDF website and YouTube, and know exactly where they want to serve, he said.
According to the reserve officer, many aim to join combat units, including the legendary Golani Brigade. Many are also interested in joining the Border Police or the Desert Reconnaissance Battalion, once a Bedouin-only unit that today accommodates other minorities.
In June 2022, Abu Raya was involved in the organization of the first Gadna, a one-week preparatory program for incoming recruits, for Muslim youth.
Abu Raya estimated today that there are “a few hundred” soldiers from the community enlisted in the IDF, adding that the ranks are growing. The IDF could not provide The Times of Israel with exact figures.
“If you want to advance in Israeli society and feel equal, army service is your entry ticket. That’s how it was for me. The army embraced me,” Abu Raya said. “All the Arabs I know who went to the army — today own a house and have a steady job. They have gone ahead in life.”
Financial stability, however, is not the only reason Arab young men should serve their country, in Abu Raya’s opinion.
“We have a huge problem with gang crime in Arab society. Conscription in the IDF, or service in any other way, whether in the police, Magen David Adom, or national service, can help our young people become good citizens.”
Crime in the Arab community has skyrocketed in recent years, with more Arabs killed in homicides in 2023 than in any previous year, amid an unprecedented proliferation of illegal firearms.
Abu Raya claims that interest in enlistment among his target community has been on the rise for years, but has spiked after the October 7 massacre by Hamas, in which invading terrorists killed 1,200 people amid acts of brutality and took 251 hostages to Gaza.
“On October 7, the penny dropped among Arab Israelis. They saw that Hamas opened fire on everyone, and did not distinguish between Jewish and Muslim citizens,” Abu Raya said. “And there are still Muslim hostages in the hands of Hamas. It was the same during the 2006 Second Lebanon War — nearly half of the civilian victims in Israel were Arabs. Rockets don’t distinguish between Moshe and Ali.”
In the 2006 war, 18 out of the 43 civilians killed by Hezbollah rockets were Arabs.
Abu Raya related anecdotal evidence that led him to the conclusion that October 7 generated a seismic change.
“A father from Kafr Qara called me after October 7 saying he was appalled by what he saw happening near Gaza, and said he wanted his three sons to be conscripted. He vowed he would soon take them to an induction center in a Bedouin area.”
Speaking about their intentions openly in their communities, however, remains taboo. Opposition to the IDF remains entrenched in Arab society, especially among Muslims, and those who show up in their towns in a uniform are often marked as traitors, Abu Raya said. But he is adamant that below the surface, change is palpable.
The reserve officer himself had to suffer the painful consequences of his career choice on his personal life.
Aby Raya’s decision to enlist came at age 23, while he was pursuing a bachelors degree in Hebrew at Ben-Gurion University in the southern city of Beersheba. On the occasion of Israel’s Independence Day in 2006, the IDF organized an enlistment fair in the nearby Bedouin town of Rahat.
Abu Raya attended the event with some Jewish friends from university, who had finished their compulsory military service and were familiar with the contents of the exhibit. He felt left out for having missed on what he saw as a formative experience and decided to bridge the gap with his peers.
The decision, however, was a fraught one. In the weeks leading up to his enlistment, Abu Raya said his stomach was churning with anxiety, as he expected a strong backlash from his religious, conservative family and his community back home in Sakhnin, an area that he describes as fiercely supportive of Palestinian nationalism.
On the day of his conscription, he was a bundle of nerves as he walked into the induction center. He went in and out six or seven times in hesitation, catching the eye of a security officer, who called the police on him.
Eventually, after he explained his circumstances, army officers decided that his profile made him suitable to join the Education and Youth Corps. After his basic training, he was put in charge of a group of Bedouin recruits.
His commander took note of his skills, and a few months later encouraged him to take an officer’s course. He became the first-ever Muslim non-Bedouin in the IDF to take the step.
During the course, he was put in charge of Bental, a military company made up exclusively of religious Jews. On his first day, his self-introduction as “Hisham from Sakhnin” caused a commotion among his recruits, followed by a myriad of questions. But over time, a bond was created among comrades.
“I soon find myself inside a new family that I never imagined I would have,” he recalled.
Meanwhile, Abu Raya’s real family in the north was still in the dark about the new phase in his life, and believed he was still a student at Ben-Gurion University. He would return at home on weekends in civilian clothes, leaving his uniform with a Jewish comrade who would take it to his mother for washing and ironing.
At the end of the officers’ course, a ceremony was held to honor the new officers, and Abu Raya proudly took on his new rank. During the event, he was approached by someone holding a camera asking for a short interview. He agreed, believing he was shooting a commemorative video for his unit.
Little did he know that the cameraman was filming a live report for Channel 10, and as coincidence would have it, his family was sitting at home watching the news and saw him on screen, in an army uniform.
The following weekend, Abu Raya returned home as usual, holding his university textbooks under his arm. But his family did not greet him with its usual warm welcome. His father received him with a grave face “that I will never forget,” called him a traitor, and chastised him for bringing dishonor upon the family.
His parents and siblings severed all contact with him for nearly three years. It was a time filled with sorrow, but not regret.
“It’s hard to lose your family, to not be able to say good morning to your mother every day, hug your father, sit with your brothers,” Abu Raya recalled.
“I knew how my father felt, but on the other hand, I kept asking myself, what did I do wrong? I had nothing to be ashamed of. I did not steal, rob or rape. I did not fail at anything. I became an officer, which should be a source of honor for the family,” he continued.
Thanks to the intercession of a sister who also lived in Beersheba, Abu Raya eventually managed to mend ties with his parents and persuade them that he was pursuing a career like any other. When he was promoted to major, his father even came to the ceremony.
“I finally felt that I made him proud,” Abu Raya said. Sadly, his father died a week after the promotion, and his mother shortly after.
Conflicts with his community, meanwhile, were far from over. In 2010, Abu Raya was again interviewed for a TV report and went on air to encourage young Arab Israelis to join the Israeli security forces and contribute to their country. The report was picked up by an Arabic-language news outlet, and within hours, Abu Raya received dozens of threats.
“I was repeatedly insulted on the street and more. Unfortunately, some of the threats materialized. I got stones thrown at my property, and for a while could only move around with a police escort. It’s not a nice feeling,” he said.
“Someone once threw a glass bottle inside my car and hit my oldest son on the head, because I had an Israeli flag on my rearview mirror,” Abu Raya recounted. “But the perpetrators were arrested and sentenced, and justice was done.”
The verbal and physical violence did not deter him. He still lives in Sakhnin. He worked in the Education Corps and later in the Home Front Command.
“I had a choice to move to Karmiel” — a nearby Jewish town — “or stay in my village, go against the stream, fight and serve as an example for all the young people here,” he said. “And I chose the latter. I know the IDF is on my side. It has never abandoned me.”
Source:timesofisrael.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/taboo-of-arabs-in-the-idf-is-slowly-crumbling-says-first-muslim-non-bedouin-officer/
--------
Won’t Tolerate Imran’s Military Trial, PTI Warns
(CLOCKWISE from top left) PTI supporters gathered in front of the stage at Sangjani wave party flags; KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur gestures during his speech on Sunday night; and, a screengrab shows police firing tear gas during clashes with party workers.—Mohammad Asim / White Star
----
Syed Irfan Raza
September 9, 2024
• KP CM Gandapur says if Imran not released within two weeks, they will ‘set him free’ themselves
• Warns opponents of ‘cases in KP’; says party will respond in kind if attacked
• Tarar terms Sangjani rally ‘a failed show’
ISLAMABAD: At a long-awaited public rally on Sunday, the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) demanded the immediate release of jailed party founder, vowing it would not stand for a military trial of Imran Khan.
“If Imran Khan is not released in two weeks, we will go to get him released,” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur told participants of the PTI public meeting in Sangjani, on the outskirts of the capital.
If Mr Khan is not released, he warned the PTI’s ‘verbal struggle’ could turn into a ‘bloody struggle’.
He also threatened their opponents, saying if Mr Khan was not released, he would institute cases against them in his province. “Now the KP government is completely in our control and I will make cases against you,” he said.
“Imran’s lawyers have said that all cases against him have been decided in his favour and now he must be released immediately, otherwise we will go to the jail to get him released,” he said.
Addressing the military establishment, the KP CM said that even they could not prevent him from securing Imran Khan’s freedom.
Beset by postponements and the absence of official permission from the Islamabad administration, the show of strength had been in the making for several weeks now.
But considering the hurdles placed by the administration, and the long-winded routes many had to take to make it to the venue, the turnout at the public meeting was quite impressive by the time darkness fell.
Responding to a statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif that Imran Khan could face a military trial because of his involvement in the May 9 mayhem, Mr Gandapur said: “Even your father, or those you consider your father, cannot stop us from getting Imran Khan released.”
He claimed the PTI had not received former ISI chief retired Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed “in their dowry” and said those who made him head of the spy agency were responsible for his deeds.
“Keep your house in order, otherwise we will keep the military in order. It is our institutions where our brothers are serving on the borders,” he added.
The KP CM said PTI founder was targeted under the garb of May 9 cases, adding that he would reveal at the next public meeting at Lahore. “I will tell all that May 9 was an excuse to target Imran Khan,” he added.
He said the PTI had decided not to tolerate any injustice and excesses, and will respond accordingly.
“If anyone hits us, we will hit them,” he added.
Mr Gandapur also told the participants of the public meeting that they would soon receive a call to make a ‘bloody sacrifice’ to secure what he called ‘real freedom’.
No ‘minus Imran’ formula
Speaking on the occasion, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said his party would not tolerate any new cases instituted against Mr Khan, and was hopeful that the party founder would soon be released from jail.
He said that Imran Khan was a reality and everyone would have to accept that reality. “This is not the 1990s that you can ‘minus’ someone,” he said, adding that Imran Khan was, is and would remain their leader.
He lamented that even though permission was granted to hold a public meeting, the local administration had fully barricaded the federal capital so that PTI workers could not reach the venue. “All the routes leading to the public meeting were blocked with containers,” he added.
Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party Chief Mahmood Achakzai and other PTI leaders, such as Omar Ayub, Hammad Azhar also spoke on the occasion.
‘Failed show’
For its part, the government termed PTI’s public meeting “a failed show”, saying that the opposition party had not managed to mobilise people or bring them out of their homes.
“Millions of people who were supposed to bring a revolution today, nobody knows where they have gone. Have they gone to some other country or another place,” Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Sunday.
Speaking to the media, he claimed that the PTI had to resort to fake videos to give the impression of huge rally and uploaded false and fake posts on social media to cover up thin attendance.
He made it clear that the PTI leadership could not escape accountability by such tactics, adding that the PTI founder will have to face trial for corrupt practices.
He remarked that the PTI’s leadership both in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had completely failed to bring convoys to the public rally.
Separately, he blamed the PTI for the clashes with police at Chungi No 26, saying that PTI did not believe in peaceful protest.
He remarked that the PTI’s leadership both in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had completely failed to bring convoys to the public rally.
“PTI has a track record that it always adopted a path of violence. PTI workers clashed with police after the failure of its public meeting,” the minister said.
Mr Tarar said CM Gandapur, who was leading a rally from Peshawar, intentionally reached the venue of the public meeting late after he got to know about the “failure” of the event.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1857770/wont-tolerate-imrans-military-trial-pti-warns
--------
India
Muslim school principal held for deleting Ganesh Chaturthi post from Kota school's WhatsApp group
08 September 2024
Kota (Rajasthan): A government school principal was arrested here after he allegedly deleted Ganesh Chaturthi greetings posted on the school WhatsApp group, which triggered protests by people of the village, officials said on Sunday.
Villagers held demonstrations outside the school, demanding the removal of Shafi Mohammed Ansari, principal of government senior higher secondary school at Laturi village, they said.
The principal allegedly removed posts that had a picture of Lord Ganesh from a school WhatsApp group. Parents and teachers are part of the group, DSP Narendra Nadar said. SHO at Bapawar Police Station Uttam Singh said Ansari was arrested for disturb...
Source:deccanherald.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajasthan/muslim-school-principal-held-for-deleting-ganesh-chaturthi-post-from-kota-schools-whatsapp-group-3181746
--------
Action on student for non-veg food: SY Quraishi-led AEEDU writes to UP CM, calls for probe
08.09.24
A civil society group headed by former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the suspension of a nursery student of an Amroha-based private school for allegedly bringing non-vegetarian food for tiffin, urging the CM to get the matter probed and take corrective action.
In its letter to Adityanath on Saturday, the Alliance for Economic and Educational Development of the Underprivileged (AEEDU) said that at a time when the entire nation, regardless of religion and language, wants the underprivileged to secure education, a shocking news has come purportedly from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, wherein a school principal has apparently given detention to a Class 5 student on the grounds of carrying non-vegetarian food.
"The news claims that the principal has already expelled the child, and the video that is circulating has disturbed us all as it shows the principal making inappropriate comments, unbecoming of a man holding the post. In our minds, this violates the basic principle of equality for all enshrined in the Constitution, besides violating the ethical framework of providing education to the needy," the civil society group said.
"We, therefore, request you to please get the matter investigated and take appropriate corrective action as per the law," it said.
The letter, dated September 7, is signed by AEEDU president Quraishi, patron AEEDU and former Union minister K Rahman Khan, AEEDU vice president and former Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, AEEDU former president Zamir Uddin Shah, secretary AEEDU and former MP Shahid Siddiqui and AEEDU treasurer Saeed Mustafa Shervani.
The AEEDU has been striving for the promotion of modern education and reforms among India's marginalised communities, especially minorities, the letter said.
"Our members have been travelling across the nation to spread social awareness for the cause of education. We appreciate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, and yourself have, on multiple occasions, encouraged the minority communities to make education their priority agenda," the letter said.
In Amroha, police have said the incident took place on Thursday in Hilton Convent School. Though no formal police complaint has been lodged, District Inspector of Schools Vishnu Pratap Singh has formed a three-member committee to look into the matter.
School principal Avnish Kumar Sharma claimed that the boy, who hails from the Muslim community, used to make religious comments in school and brought non-veg food every day.
A purported video of a heated argument between the principal and the boy's mother is doing the rounds on social media platforms.
In the video, filmed by the mother, the principal claimed the boy tells his friends that he will "convert them to Islam" and offers them non-vegetarian food.
The principal also said that the boy's name was struck off the rolls as parents of some of his classmates complained about him.
Though the woman denies packing non-vegetarian food for her son's lunch, the principal is heard telling her that the boy has confirmed he brought non-vegetarian food to school.
Talking to reporters on Friday, Singh said action will be taken on the basis of findings of the report of the committee.
"The committee comprises principals of two inter colleges and a headmaster of a government high school of the district. It has been asked to submit its report within three days after hearing both sides," Singh had said.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/action-on-student-for-non-veg-food-sy-quraishi-led-alliance-for-economic-and-educational-development-of-the-underprivileged-aeedu-writes-to-uttar-pradesh-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath-calls-for/cid/2046667
---------
PM Modi holds talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, discusses India-UAE strategic ties
09.09.24
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held wide-ranging talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan focusing on boosting overall strategic ties between the two countries.
The Crown Prince arrived here on Sunday.
"A warm welcome for a close friend.PM @narendramodi received HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at Hyderabad House," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X'.
"Discussions on entire spectrum of India-the United Arab Emirates bilateral relations and future areas of cooperation lie ahead.," he said.
Following the landmark visit of Modi to the UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 and a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023 to promote the use of Indian Rupee and AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) for cross-border transactions.
The two countries are among each other's top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about USD 85 billion in 2022-23, according to official data.
The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.
About 3.5 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE.
The UAE was invited as special invitee for G20 during India's Presidency of the grouping.
In Feb 2023, the India-UAE-France (UFI) trilateral was formally launched. With India's active support, the UAE joined SCO as dialogue partner in May 2023. The UAE also joined BRICS as a member on January 1 with India's support. The India-UAE defence cooperation has also witnessed a renewed momentum in the last few years.
In January 2024, the first India-UAE bilateral army exercise 'Desert Cyclone' was held in Rajasthan.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/prime-minister-narendra-modi-holds-talks-with-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-sheikh-khaled-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-al-nahyan/cid/2046819
--------
Waqf is religious issue of Muslims, no changes can be made: Shahi Imam of Ahmedabad's Jama Masjid
Sep 08, 2024
India], September 8 (ANI): The
Muslim institutions and leaders, during the meeting in Ahmedabad (/topic/ahmedabad), collectively said that the Waqf Amendment Bill should be opposed and withdrawn by all means, as it is a religious issue for the Muslim community. A meeting was held at the Jama Masjid (/topic/jama-masjid) in Ahmedabad (/topic/ahmedabad) on Sunday to discuss the suggestions to be given to the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee (/topic/jointparliamentary-committee)) on September 13 concerning the Waqf Board Amendment Bill (/topic/waqf-board-amendment-bill) 2024. Several Muslim organisations, such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Jamaat-eIslami, and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, along with many individuals, gathered in the meeting. Notably, suggestions on the issue have been invited by the JPC through email or personally in any way. Mufti Shabbir Ahmed Siddiqui (/topic/mufti-shabbir-ahmed-siddiqui),Imam of the Shahi Jama Masjid (/topic/jama-masjid) Mosque, said that no changes can be made to Waqf properties, according to Islam ic principles. Speaking to ANI, Siddiqui said, "The Waqf properties belong solely to Allah, not to the Muslim community. According to Islamic principles, no changes can be made to it. Waqf is a religious issue of Muslims (/topic/muslims); hence, there can be no change in its use. It is said that aqf lands are sometimes sold or illegally occupied, and if government brings a strict law to prevent this, we will support that." 9/9/24, 10:47 AM Waqf is religious issue of Muslims, no changes can be made: Shahi Imam of Ahmedabad's Jama Masjid https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/waqf-is-religious-issue-of-muslims-no-changes-can-be-made-shahi-imam-of-ahmedabads-jama-masjid2… 3/7 "However, if there are provisions in the bill that allow any changes to Waqf properties, we reject the bill. Since we have been asked for our opinion, we are providing it. We also urge the public to send their opinions to the authorities through email," he added. Meanwhile, the fourth meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee ( topic/joint-parliamentary-committee) (JPC) to examine the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, was held on Friday. During the meeting, senior officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made a presentation before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (/topic/joint-parliamentary-committee). Several stakeholders, including the Zakat Foundation of India and the Telangana Waqf Board, put forth their views, suggestions, and oral evidence on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. According to sources, the Archaeological Survey of India gave a detailed presentation in the JPC-led meeting on issues related to Waqf in protected monuments and sites and explained the problems they are facing. They also discussed why the Waqf Board Amendment Bill (/topic/waqf-board-amendment-bill) is necessary. Opposition parties have been continuously opposing the Waqf Board Amendment Bill (/topic/waqf-board-amendment-bill) in JPC meetings, leading to uproar and heated debates. The Waqf Act 1995 empowers the Waqf Board to declare any property or uilding as Waqf property in the name of charity. According to sources, using this authority, the Waqf Board has issued notifications to declare protected monuments as Waqf properties, resulting in conflicts with the rights granted under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. (ANI)
Source:aninews.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/waqf-is-religious-issue-of-muslims-no-changes-can-be-made-shahi-imam-of-ahmedabads-jama-masjid20240908224910/
--------
MP: 37.5% madrasas closed in 3 yrs due to irregularities, fake enrolments
By Shruti Tomar
Sep 08, 2024
A 12-year-old girl was among four students enrolled in Barkatullah Madrasa, an educational institution in her neighbourhood in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha city, which now faces closure for enrolling Hindu students and showing higher enrolment to get government benefits.
“We found that non-Muslim students were enrolled fraudulently for receiving funds for mid-day meals, not for conversion,” said an official of a school education department aware of the findings of the inquiry conducted at the Madrasa after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) claimed that the Muslim educational institution had non-Muslim students.
The girl, whose maternal grandmother is a domestic help, said that joining another school would be difficult for her grand-daughter who is a dropout. “I don’t know how will she continue her studies as the government school didn’t take her earlier,” said the grandmother, asking not to be named.
Manjeet Kapoor, who runs Barkatullah Madrasa said: “I was just helping non-Muslim students. The madrasa was opened for Muslim students only to provide them modern education but later it became a place for students of all religion.”
Barkatullah Madrasa is one of the 1,012 madrasas in the state, which has a total of 2,689 in 2021, that has faced closure in the past three years. Renewal of registration of another 577 is on hold because of enrolment of non-Muslim students, poor infrastructure and fake enrolment to get government benefits, officials said, adding that registration is being put on hold on case-to-case basis.
“As of now, only 1,100 madrasas, are being run in Madhya Pradesh for providing religious knowledge with modern education,” said administrative officer of the MP Madrasa Board, who requested anonymity as he is not authorised to talk to media.
State school education minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh said a fresh inspection is going on of all 1,677 madrasas and their registration will be done on the basis of facilities available and number of registered students.
In October 2023, Manoj Kaushal, a child rights activist from Vidisha, wrote to NCPCR claiming that non-Muslim students have been enrolled at madrasas in a tribal area in the state. A team from NCPCR led by chairperson Priyank Kanoongo visited two madrasas, Barkatullah and Mariam Deeniyat, and found 48 non-Muslim students.
Kanoongo wrote to the state government in December 2022 and aired his suspicion that these students might be converted. NCPCR wrote to the state government two more times, on February 2023 and April 2024, seeking an inspection of madrasas and action against those enrolling non-Muslim students.
Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan instructed inspection of all madrasas receiving ₹25,000 grant per year for maintenance by state government.
“More than 9,500 non-Muslim students were found studying in over half of the total Madrasas inspected in 2023. However, no action was taken in this matter due to Model Code of Conduct imposed for assembly election,” said a Madrasa Board official who asked not to be named.
A new government was sworn in December 2023, but the national elections followed soon after.
Finally, on August 16, the state government decided to crack down on the madrasas and state school education department commissioner Shilpa Gupta issued an order seeking verification of non-Muslim students at the madrasas.
In another order, on August 28, school education department asked district collectors to ensure that all madrasas affiliated to the Madrasa Board were following the laid down guidelines.
A school education department official said on condition of anonymity that the madrasas were closed for financial irregularities.
Kaushal, who raised the matter first admits that the enrolment of non-Muslim students was likely to boost numbers. “We didn’t find any students who can say he/she was forced to study. Only a few (of these non-Muslim) students visited madrasas while most of them were enrolled on papers only. The numbers were inflated to get benefits of the mid-day meal.”
Under mid-day meal, the Madrasa get ₹6-8 per day per student.
The Madrasa board and association of Madrasas said they were already facing financial crises due to non-realisation of central government’s aid provided under the Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas/Minorities (SPEMM) to give salary to teachers, books and uniform since 2016.
MP Madrasa Board secretary, who is not authorised to talk to media, said, “The central government didn’t release fund for the past three years. We are writing to them.”
Professor Syed Imad-Uddin, former chairperson of MP Madrasa Board said madrasa is for imparting Islamic education. “The central government launched SPEMM for providing modern scientific education to students with Islamic education. The decision was for the upliftment of Muslims and non-Muslim students could not be enrolled at madrasas,” he said.
School education minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh said, “We will not allow religious education at madrasas to non-Muslim students. We will break this nexsus and close down such institutions.”
“The report of verification of students and reason behind enrolment will clear all the things,” he added.
As of now, the government is concentrating on registered madrasas only but they hardly have any data and mapping related to non-registered one, which are providing only religious education at mosques and other places, said Omakar Singh, member of State Child Rights Commission adding that the mapping should be done of such madrasas also.
Amid all this controversy, the grandmother of the Class 6th student said, “I don’t know about anything but my granddaughter was left by my daughter, who remarried another man. She was not studying anywhere when a teacher came to our house to take her to Madrasa. She enrolled her there and helped her in clearing Class 5 exam.”
Source:hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bhopal-news/mp-37-5-madrasas-closed-in-3-years-for-admitting-non-muslims-fake-enrolments-101725804365560.html
--------
J&K: Two terrorists killed as Army foils infiltration bid along Line of Control in Rajouri
09.09.24
Two heavily armed terrorists were killed in a gunfight as alert Army troops thwarted an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.
The gunfight broke out late Sunday night in the Laam sector of Nowshera after the troops picked up the movement of a group of terrorists trying to infiltrate from across the border, they said.
In a post on X, the Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps said that based on inputs from intelligence agencies and police regarding a likely infiltration bid, an anti-infiltration operation was launched on the intervening night of September 8 and 9 in the general area of Laam.
"Two terrorists have been neutralised and a large quantity of war-like stores including two AK-47s and one pistol (have) thus far (been) recovered. Search operation is in progress," it said.
The officials said the Army troops illuminated the area and kept it under strict surveillance throughout the night following the encounter and the search operation was launched at first light.
The search operation was still on when the last reports were received, they said.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-two-terrorists-killed-as-army-foils-infiltration-bid-along-line-of-control-in-rajouri/cid/2046759
--------
Slugfest over Afzal Guru hanging: Omar Abdullah’s ‘purposeless’ jab gets Rajnath Singh's ‘garland’ rap
Muzaffar Raina
09.09.24
Politics over the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru over a decade ago is heating up after former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s claim that his execution had served no purpose and defence minister Rajnath Singh shooting back whether he should have been garlanded.
Omar, in an interview to a news agency, said his government had no involvement in Guru’s execution and it would not have granted permission if such punishment was ever sought.
Guru was executed in 2013 by the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre when Omar was chief minister. The two parties were part of the coalition government here.
Omar said the unfortunate thing about Guru’s execution was that the opinion of the Jammu and Kashmir government was not required.
“Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn’t have done it. I don’t believe that any purpose was served by executing him,” Omar said.
Rajnath hit out at Omar during an election gathering in Jammu’s Ramban.
“There used to be sympathy for terrorists. I just heard that National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has said Afzal Guru should not have been hanged. I want to ask Omar Abdullah, if he should not have been hanged, should he have been publicly garlanded? I want an answer to this,” the defence minister and BJP leader said.
Omar is accused in Kashmir of doing little to prevent the execution of Guru.
Many in Kashmir believe Guru was framed in the attack and he had also in a letter to his lawyer claimed that deputy superintendent of police Davinder Singh, who was arrested in 2020 for alleged involvement in militancy, had directed him to take Pakistani militant Mohammad from the Valley to Delhi to arrange his stay there.
Mohammad was one of the five militants who later carried out the Parliament attack. Guru’s claim was not investigated by the CBI and he was subsequently hanged in 2013.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/afzal-guru-hanging-omar-abdullah-purposeless-jab-gets-rajnath-singh-garland-rap/cid/2046704
--------
In first political show of strength since 1987, Jamaat-backed candidates take out election rally in J&K
Written by Bashaarat Masood
September 9, 2024
In Jamaat-e-Islami’s first show of political strength since 1987, when it last contested elections under the banner of the Muslim United Front (MUF), Jamaat-backed independent candidates Sunday held their first rally to campaign for the Assembly polls in J&K.
The organisation Jamaat-e-Islami, which remains banned under the UAPA until 2029, has decided to field three of its former members Dr Talat Majeed, Sayar Ahmad Reshi, and Nazir Ahmad as independents for the first phase of J&K elections. The Jamaat is also backing another independent candidate Ajaz Ahmad Mir — PDP had denied him a ticket — for Zainapora constituency of Shopian.
“There is a vacuum, a vacuum created by the regional political parties, which needs to be filled,” said Reshi, a Jamaat-backed independent candidate from Kulgam, during the rally at Bogam village of South Kashmir’s Kulgam. He is up against M Y Tarigami, a Communist leader and a consensus candidate of NC-Congress combine, and the PDP’s Mohammad Amin Dar.
While the Jamaat-backed candidates have been holding low-key door-to-door campaigns for the last several weeks, Sunday’s event was their first public rally ever since they announced their decision to contest polls.
The Jamaat’s decision has earned it the criticism of its arch-rival NC and also from within the organisation, especially its grassroot workers.
“Fingers will be pointed at us, we will be criticised. But what we see (today) is the reality. Our strength is the sea of people,” Reshi said.
With an eight-member panel of Jamaat engaging with the Centre to seek lifting the ban on the socio-religious political party, Reshi reiterated that the party’s doors are open for a pre-poll or post-poll alliance. “We will support any party that would work to restore the dignity of the people.”
Jamaat’s biggest criticism has been that the outfit spearheaded the militancy in J&K. At the outset of militancy, the Valley’s largest indigenous militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen called itself the armed wing of Jamaat. Jamaat’s panel, however, says while they were never officially into militancy, they announced their dissociation from any kind of violence in 1997 when its chief Ghulam Mohammad Bhat said the outfit does not have any military wing.
“We will support the Constitution of India. But if there is suppression, we will call it suppression. We will also plead for peace and tranquillity,” Reshi said.
During his address at the rally, Mir said, “We will not promote corruption and work transparently. We will talk about Kashmir and Kashmiris. We will represent the aspirations of the people in the Assembly.”
Source:indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jamaat-backed-candidates-take-out-election-rally-in-jk-9557491/
---------
Mideast
National & Islamic forces in Gaza call for "Fedayee son of Jordan" as example for free people
08 Sep 2024
The Follow-up Committee of National and Islamic Forces in Gaza Strip welcomed on Sunday the heroic operation at Karama crossing between Jordan and occupied Palestine.
The committee said in a press release: "The operation came as a message of pride and dignity from our people in Jordan to our dear people in Palestine."
The committee called on "all free people in our nation to follow the path of resistance, and to consider this fedayeen, a native son of Jordan, as an example for the free people in our nation and a source of pride for them."
In its statement, the committee emphasized that "the Zionist enemy will not rest on the land of Palestine, nor will it have a stable position as long as there are free people and revolutionaries in our nation who reject oppression , aggression, and face challenges to fulfill the duty of brotherhood and blood."
The Zionist enemy media quoted a security official in the occupation police, confirming that "the perpetrator is a Jordanian truck driver, who hid the weapon inside his truck, and started shooting at people at the crossing."
"Karama" operation on Sunday, which was carried out by former Jordanian soldier Maher al-Jazi, in which three members of the occupation police were killed, came as an extension of the operations that preceded it, which Jordan always emphasized that they were "individual incidents."
Source:saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3369061.htm
---------
Ansar Allah's political office blesses heroic operation at Karama crossing
08 Sep 2024
SANA'A September 08. 2024 (Saba)- Ansar Allah Political Office blessed the heroic operation carried out at Karama crossing between Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories, which resulted in the killing of three Zionists and the martyrdom of its perpetrator.
In a statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), Ansarullah politician emphasized that the jihadist operation expressed the courage and faith of its owner in the Palestinian cause, and the popular sentiment towards the genocidal crimes committed by the Israeli enemy.
It pointed out that the operation confirms that the Zionist enemy will face difficult days as long as it continues its aggression and crimes against the Palestinians.
It also pointed out that this blessed martyrdom operation is only a small and deserved response to the Zionist killing and criminal machine backed by the United States.
Ansar Allah Political Office praised the courage and faith of the perpetrator of the attack, emphasizing that this heroic act expresses the popular sentiment towards the enemy's crimes.
The statement warned the Zionist enemy against continuing its aggression, noting that it will face difficult days as a result of its continued massacres against the Palestinians.
Source:saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3368976.htm
--------
Key Highlights from the Speech of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Sunday,
Baghdad-INA
September 8, 2024
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed today, Sunday, that the government was formed in circumstances that are still evident in the memory of the recent past and our permanent approach to building trust with the people as its age approaches two years, indicating that the concept of a service government and its priorities in addressing unemployment, poverty and services and meeting the imperatives of economic reform, calling on political forces to assume responsibility and support the government to complete its service program. According to what was received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
We are committed to direct communication with the public, providing facts as a consistent approach to building trust with the people.
The challenges that led to the formation of the government, such as political conflicts and the absence of a comprehensive vision for state management, remain evident, alongside widespread corruption, which has resulted in poor services.
Our government has based its work on a realistic assessment of the key demands and needs governing the relationship between citizens and their government.
We have formulated the concept of a “services government,” prioritizing addressing unemployment, poverty, public services, economic reform, and fighting corruption.
Our government has relied on political support from the State Administration Coalition and all national political forces, working to restore citizens' trust in the political system.
We addressed the needs of those included in the Social Protection Network by adding 961,000 new families, distributing over 7.5 million food baskets monthly as part of the ration card system.
More than two million students have received student grants, and over 372,000 caregivers for people with disabilities have received salaries.
We launched a campaign to provide new school buildings while also renovating and maintaining thousands of existing schools.
We resolved the issues of contractors, higher education graduates, top-ranked graduates, and daily wage employment workers, with nearly one million job positions.
We supported the private sector by launching projects under the "Iraq Development Fund," which will generate thousands of job opportunities, with tangible results already emerging.
Local power production has reached 27,000 MW for the first time, new stations have been completed, and production facilities have been upgraded, along with strengthening transmission and distribution networks.
We have begun utilizing associated gas, reaching 67% usage, up from previous levels where it was being flared, wasting billions IQDs.
We became diesel fuel self-sufficient and began exporting. Gasoline production increased to 28 million liters per day, and imports have decreased to their lowest levels, with plans to stop imports entirely by early 2025.
Major strategic projects have been launched, including the Development Road and Al-Faw Grand Port.
The government has undertaken a broad initiative to address the housing crisis, with plans to build modern cities.
We have advanced agricultural development to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat and started working on reviving the national industrial sector and developing major industrial cities.
Projects for addressing traffic congestion have progressed to near completion in record time, with some projects already opened, and citizens have noticed improvements within just a few months.
The number of stalled projects has decreased significantly, with work resuming on 471 government projects and 354 provincial projects and contracts, down from the original 2,611 stalled projects and contracts.
We have fully completed 400 projects and contracts, some of which had been stalled for over a decade.
The government successfully organized provincial council elections and supported youth, sports, women, culture, and arts sectors.
We resolved the confusion caused by multiple personal identification documents, issuing over 40 million national identification cards, launching the electronic passport system, and streamlining the bureaucratic processes that burdened citizens.
We achieved security stability thanks to the capabilities of our armed forces, in addition to enhancing Iraq’s foreign relations.
We made significant progress in resolving the issue of the international coalition’s presence in Iraq and ending the UNAMI mission, demonstrating the government’s belief in the capabilities of our security forces, which defeated ISIS remnants.
The government made significant efforts in international relations, successfully shielding Iraq from regional escalations while maintaining unwavering support for Palestine.
We worked to uphold the constitutional duties of the judiciary, aiming to complete the efforts for enhancing stability and progress.
The government is committed to fighting financial and administrative corruption, which is a public demand and a moral and legal responsibility through the enforcement of law.
We continue to face misinformation campaigns, mixing facts with falsehoods, and accusations that the government is turning a blind eye to corruption.
The government initiated the most extensive formal and legal efforts to recover stolen funds and target corrupt individuals, prioritizing this issue in our international relations.
The government stands at the forefront of all constitutional authorities in addressing and holding accountable any abuse of public office for blackmail or violating the law.
We call on national political forces and constitutional authorities to assume their responsibilities concerning major national challenges and to stand united with the government to complete its service-oriented program.
We must reject attempts to hinder progress, especially given the rapid challenges and developments in the region.
For those concerned about the government's success, we assure you that meeting the people's demands remains our top priority.
The project to build and revive Iraq is a project for all Iraqis, regardless of their backgrounds and national affiliations.
We stress the need to resolve the selection of a Parliament Speaker, enabling us to move forward with the proposed ministerial reshuffle, which is based on evaluating ministers' performance to improve government effectiveness.
We maintain an impartial stance toward all political forces and commend the ministries' recent efforts, as their achievements reflect the spirit and objectives of the government's program.
Source:ina.iq
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://ina.iq/eng/34565-key-highlights-from-the-speech-of-prime-minister-mohammed-shia-al-sudani-on-sunday-september-8-2024.html
--------
Iraq, US agree on phased pullout of coalition troops
September 09, 2024
BAGHDAD: Iraq and the United States have agreed on a phased pullout of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition but have yet to sign a final agreement, the Iraqi defense minister said Sunday.
The US has some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Daesh group.
They have been engaged in months of talks with Baghdad on a withdrawal of forces, but fell short of announcing any timeline so far.
On Sunday, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbassi told pan-Arab television channel Al-Hadath that the coalition would pull out from bases in Baghdad and other parts of federal Iraq by September 2025 and from the autonomous northern Kurdistan region by September 2026.
The pullout is “two-phased” and “maybe we will sign the agreement within the next few days,” Abbassi said.
He added that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had said in a meeting that “two years were not enough” to carry out the withdrawal.
“We refused his proposal regarding an (extra) third year,” Abbassi said.
Coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria, as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza since early October has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.
US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against these groups in both countries.
The Daesh group seized parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014, and was defeated by Baghdad three years later and in Syria in 2019.
But jihadist fighters continue to operate in remote desert areas although they no longer control any territory.
Iraqi security forces say they are capable of tackling Daesh remnants unassisted, as the group poses no significant threat.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570628/middle-east
--------
Algeria’s president joins opponents in claiming election irregularities after being named the winner
September 09, 2024
ALGIERS, Algeria: After being declared the winner of Algeria’s election, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune joined his two challengers in criticizing the country’s election authority for announcing results that contradicted earlier turnout figures and local tallies.
The claims of irregularities mar what had earlier appeared to be a landslide victory for the 78-year-old head of state.
The country’s independent election authority on Sunday announced that Tebboune had won 94.7 percent of Saturday’s vote, far outpacing his challengers Islamist Abdelali Hassani Cherif, who received only 3.2 percent and socialist Youcef Aouchiche, who got just 2.2 percent.
Hours later, Tebboune joined his opponents in questioning the reported results with the three campaigns jointly issuing a statement accusing the country’s election chairman of announcing contradictory results.
In a country where elections have historically been carefully choreographed affairs, such astonishing questions about irregularities shocked Algerians who expected Tebboune to win in a relatively uneventful fashion.
It’s unclear what will follow all three candidates casting doubt on irregularities and whether they will prompt legal challenges or delay the final certification of the result.
The tally reported on Sunday gave Tebboune a total vote share that was far more than the 87 percent that Vladimir Putin won in Russia’s March elections and the 92 percent that Ilham Aliyev got in Azerbaijan’s February contest.
But efforts from Tebboune and members of his government to encourage voter turnout to project legitimacy appeared to have fallen short, with less than one out of every four voters participating.
Election officials on Sunday reported 5.6 million of the country’s roughly 24 million voters had turned out to vote. Such high abstention rates, which remain unofficial, would surpass the 2019 presidential election when 39.9 percent of the electorate participated.
Officials did not explain why they had earlier announced 48 percent voter turnout at the time of polls closing. Before the three candidates joined in questioning the discrepancy, both of Tebboune’s challengers raised questions about it, citing their own tallies.
Aouchiche called it “strange.” Ahmed Sadok, Cherif’s campaign manager, blasted delays and the way the figure was calculated.
“It’s a shame. It’s an attack on the image of Algeria, which will become the laughing stock of nations,” Sadok said earlier in the day.
He also said there had been a failure to deliver vote-sorting records to the candidates’ representatives and that said the party had recorded instances of proxy group voting and pressure put on poll workers to inflate certain figures.
Claims of irregularities cap off an election season that outraged activists and civil society groups. Human rights advocates railed against the campaign season’s repressive atmosphere and the harassment and prosecutions of those involved in opposition parties, media organizations and civil society groups.
Some denounced this election as a rubber stamp exercise that can only entrench the status quo. Amnesty International last week condemned Algeria’s “brutal crackdown on human rights including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in the run up to the country’s presidential elections.”
Before the candidates questioned the results, Tebboune’s supporters and detractors each had drawn conclusions from the results.
Pro-Tebboune university professor Abdellaoui Djazouli said on public television that the result was a resounding endorsement of Tebboune’s program.
“The president has more legitimacy to continue his action to better establish his project for the new Algeria,” he said on public television.
But his runaway victory fueled criticism from pro-democracy activists who have long seen elections as tools that the country’s political elites have used to give off an appearance of popular support.
Many said the loudest message to come out of the election came from those who chose to abstain out of fear that the election would only entrench and legitimize “le pouvoir” — a term used to describe the military-backed elites who run the country.
“The vast majority of the Algerian people have just given ‘le pouvoir’ a lesson in democracy,” said Nassira Amour, a teacher and leading figure from Algeria’s pro-democracy movement.
“The majority did not vote ... This electoral masquerade is a victory for the Hirak,” Amour added, referencing the pro-democracy movement that swept the country in 2019.
That year, after Hirak protesters flooded the streets of Algerian cities, the military ousted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika after two decades in power. The interim government that replaced him heeded calls from military leaders to hold elections later that year, angering protesters who saw expediting elections as a way to calm discontent and sidestep demands for civilian-led, non-military rule.
Tebboune, considered the military’s candidate, won his first-term in a widely boycotted election during which crowds sacked voting stations and police broke up demonstrations. Despite his early overtures and pledges to listen and usher in a “New Algeria,” Hirak protesters continued weekly demonstrations demanding deeper reforms.
Algeria is Africa’s largest country by area and, with almost 45 million people, it’s the continent’s second most populous after South Africa to hold presidential elections in 2024 — a year in which more than 50 elections are being held worldwide, encompassing more than half the world’s population.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570624/middle-east
--------
Pakistan
At Islamabad rally, PTI demands Imran's release within two weeks
By Arfa Feroz Zake & Awais Yusafzai & Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai
September 08, 2024
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday gave a two-week ultimatum to government for the release of its jailed party founder, Imran Khan, during its ‘much-hyped’ public gathering in the federal capital, exceeding the timeframe granted as per the no-objection certificate (NOC).
Addressing the charged participants of the rally— held at Sangjani locality, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur gave the deadline and said all cases of former prime minister were ‘practically over’.
“If the founder of PTI is not legally released within one to two weeks, we will have him freed ourselves," the chief minister said, declaring that he would take the lead and the first bullet.
The rally aimed at demanding the release of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan — who remains behind the bars due to his latest arrest in a new Toshakhana case, despite relief in various cases — was held amid tight security in the federal capital.
The event faced multiple delays in the wake of permit revocation by the government, once in July and then in August, drawing scathing criticism of the senior party leadership from other leaders and workers for not being able to hold the public gathering.
The authorities issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) only earlier this week allowing the PTI to hold the rally today (September 8).
However, the Islamabad district administration put the security on high alert this morning and blocked off multiple arteries leading to the capital city, in the light of the "Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024" aimed at regulating public gatherings, which was signed into a law by President Asif Ali Zardari just a day ahead of the rally.
PTI seeks immediate release of Imran Khan
The public rally began with PTI leader Hammad Azhar addressing the crowd, stating that the hindrance created by the incumbent rulers evinced that they were afraid of incarcerated Imran Khan and his supporters.
He also signalled launching of a movement in Punjab — headed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz — and urged party workers to “be ready”.
Azhar, the former federal minister, pointed out that most of PTI’s Punjab leadership is imprisoned, paying tribute to incarcerated leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Umar Sarfraz Cheema.
Firebrand politician Sher Afzal Marwat also reiterated the same and said they will soon hold rallies in Punjab for the release of jailed Imran and the supremacy of law and the Constitution.
“We will enter Punjab with 50,000 people from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within a week,” he said, adding that they will even set off on foot and face the tear gas.
Meanwhile, party leader Muhammad Ali Khan said they had never thought that Imran Khan would be jailed, lamenting that many other PTI leaders, including Qasim Suri, Shehryar Afridi, and Murad Saeed, had been forced to leave the country.
Listing the former ruling party’s demands, Ali Khan demanded that those who came to power on the back of Form 47 release the PTI founder, warning that otherwise, "you will be swept away by the sea of people."
He also called for the restoration of the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.
"When an attempt was made to subvert the Supreme Court and judiciary under the guise of legislation, Imran Khan urged people to take to the streets," Ali Khan said, adding that, as all institutions have been destroyed, hopes are now pinned on the apex court.
Deadline for rally conclusion ends
As the PTI leaders addressed the gathering, Islamabad district administration issued a notification of the deadline for rally conclusion, according to which, the party is supposed to wrap up the event by 7pm.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that PTI has been officially notified about the time limit and an action will be taken on the violation of the NOC.
"Not concluding the gathering within the deadline will be considered a violation of NOC," he added.
The official further stated that the loudspeakers and microphones will be turned off and entry points into the city will be closed after the deadline's end to prevent any further incoming participants.
As soon as the deadline ended, the district administration directed the police to take action against the rally-goers for not complying to the NOC.
The authorities stated that the organisers violated the rules and regulations by not concluding the gathering before the 7pm deadline.
In response to the crackdown, PTI workers began pelting stones at Islamabad police, injuring many security personnel, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shoaib Khan.
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi called the injured police personnel to inquire about their well-being and directed authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the wounded officers.
Meanwhile, additional forces have been summoned to Chungi No 26, the location where the clash between the police and party workers originally started.
Talking to Geo News, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Information, said the PTI workers were being subjected to the worst teargas shelling by the administration and police.
Saif remarked that if the administration were truly concerned with timing, they would not have obstructed the roads.
Accusing that PTI was once again being targeted, he stated that this oppression by the phoney government will be remembered by history. "PTI workers have been kept away from the rally," Saif noted, deploring that thousands of workers had to suffer because of the government's action.
The crowd was later dispersed and the teargas shelling was also stopped but the public gathering continued for hours at Sangjani, despite the conclusion of the timeframe as per NOC.
The district administration ordered the rally organisers to wrap up the event immediately, while issuing directives for action against the rule violations.
Meanwhile, some of the PTI supporters pouring into the city turned back from Sangjani toll plaza after the end of the deadline.
Police said that first information reports (FIR) will be registered against the violators of "code-of-conduct" and miscreants.
Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi warned of action wherever necessary after the conclusion of rally.
Achackzai calls for 15-day deadline for Khan's release
The rally continued for hours after the end of time limit defined by the authorities, with top leadership of the former ruling party, including KP CM Gandapur present at the stage.
Addressing the charged crowd, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai criticised the participants for lacking 'organisational discipline.'
“The first condition for a revolution is organisational discipline,” he said, adding that when people climb onto the stage, clothes get torn, and pockets are picked. “Such a gathering cannot bring about a revolution.”
Calling PTI’s founder a ‘lucky individual,’ Achakzai claimed that no leader in Pakistan has gained such widespread support to date. “Pakistan is at the crossroads of revolution or destruction,” he said, adding that the current government came into power through “rigged” elections.
He urged the PTI leadership to give the sitting rulers a 10-15 day timeframe and demanded the release of Imran Khan and other incarcerated leaders.
Speaking to the rally’s participants, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said that party founder Imran Khan was a reality that, according to him, stakeholders should accept.
“Our mandate was stolen in the February 8 general elections,” he said, adding that the former prime minister was fighting for people’s rights.
He also stated that they would not accept the registration of further “fabricated cases” against the party founder. “We will not accept courts and judges of their [the government's] choice,” Gohar said, in an apparent reference to legislation regarding the increase in the number of Supreme Court judges.
Firebrand KP CM, Ali Amin Gandapur, said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not allow their mandate to be stolen through the use of force.
“Imran Khan has always spoken up for Pakistanis and Muslims,” he said, adding, "We are conveying a clear message that we stand by the former premier."
He asserted that raising a voice against oppressive rulers was jihad, which the party would continue until the end of oppression.
"If the oppression does not stop, we will continue the jihad with our lives."
Without naming anyone, the KP chief minister said that the elements who handed the NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance] to the incumbents were also “part of this corruption.”
"Those who granted the NRO have lost. The founder of PTI has won while sitting in jail," said Gandapur.
Speaking at Geo News programme, Advisor to Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah rejected the allegations of “creating hurdles” in roads leading to venue of the event, saying that the masses — especially from Rawalpindi and Islamabad — have rejected PTI.
He also castigated the speeches delivered by the PTI leaders, noting that they wanted to spread anarchy in the country. “If institutions should remain within the limits, then why not political parties.”
In response to a question regarding PTI’s plan to hold jalsa in Lahore, Sanaullah challenged the Imran Khan-founded party to “even cross Attock bridge”.
Masses reject PTI’s rally: Atta Tarar
In a video message, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that, contrary to the PTI leadership's tall claims, the people of Pakistan had rejected its rally.
“Millions of people who were supposed to bring a revolution today —nobody knows where they have gone. Have they gone to some other country or another place?” he asked.
He stated that the former ruling party had to resort to fake videos to give the impression of a huge rally and uploaded false and misleading posts on social media to cover up thin attendance.
“The PTI has been spreading lies and propaganda on social media by sharing old videos of rallies from Kashmir and even Indian Punjab farmers’ [rallies] footage,” he remarked.
The minister made it clear that the PTI leadership could not escape accountability through such tactics. He said the PTI founder and chairman would have to face trial for corrupt practices.
Speaking to Geo News, Tarar said that the rally participants pelted stones at the police near the venue, reiterating that "the Imran Khan-founded party never believes in peaceful protests.”
'Explosives discovered'
Earlier, the police found a suspicious bag near the PTI gathering venue in Sangjani. A hand grenade, detonator, electric wires and other explosive material have been recovered from the bag, said police.
Police said the bomb disposal squad was sent to the site and an investigation was underway.
The authority concerned has directed the police officers to remain within their jurisdiction, equip the personnel deployed on duty with full kit and ensure that mobile phone is not used during duty hours.
To bolster security, a heavy contingent of law-enforcement personnel, including police, Rangers, and paramilitary forces, were be stationed at the rally venue and across the capital.
Source:thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1228278-crackdown-kicks-off-as-deadline-for-pti-much-hyped-islamabad-rally-ends
---------
Eight Afghan troops killed in border clash
September 9, 2024
PESHAWAR: A clash between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban on the border near the Kurram district resulted in the death of eight Afghan soldiers, including two ‘key’ commanders, and injuries to at least 16, Dawn has learnt.
Sources said the Afghan side attacked a Pakistani check post with heavy weapons in the Palosin area on the Pak-Afghan border on Saturday morning.
“We have reports about heavy losses on the other [Afghan] side. So far, eight Afghan Taliban have been killed and 16 others have sustained injuries in retaliatory firing by the Pakistani forces,” sources said, adding two ‘key’ commanders, Khalil and Jan Muhammad, were also killed.
There was no official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on this incident until going to press.
This is not the first time Afghan troops have opened fire on Pakistani security forces posted at the border, sources said, adding that in the past Pakistan had shared its concerns with Kabul over such incidents. They claimed that the Afghan Taliban, apart from facilitating militant activities inside Pakistan, were now openly attacking the forces along the international border.
Due to the tense security situation, trade between the two countries remained suspended over the weekend. A Dawn correspondent said there was intermittent firing on the border on Sunday as well, but no casualties were reported.
In May this year, the Foreign Office conveyed its concerns to Kabul after a large number of locals were displaced in Kharlachi and sought shelter in safer places in the wake of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
At the time, tribal elders from Kurram and the Afghan side played a role in defusing the tensions. However, clashes on the border had prompted large-scale displacement from villages and settlements near the Kharlachi border crossing.
FC man martyred
Meanwhile, an FC official was martyred and three personnel sustained injuries in an attack carried out in the Marghan area of the central Kurram on Sunday.
Police sources said militants attacked an FC check post of the Tall Scouts and managed to escape after the ambush. The dead body and injured personnel had been shifted to the hospital.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1857769/eight-afghan-troops-killed-in-border-clash
--------
Lakki shootings claim lives of two cops, one civilian
Ghulam Mursalin Marwat
September 9, 2024
LAKKI MARWAT: Two police personnel embraced martyrdom while two civilians suffered injuries in two separate militant attacks in Lakki Marwat district on Sunday.
The targeted attack was carried out in Mangatra Gandi Khankhel area near Serai Naurang town, a police official said, adding that unidentified armed motorcyclists opened fire on Sub-inspector Motabar Khan and his cousin Asfand Yar Khan in the village, injuring them seriously.
“Both received critical injuries and were shifted to tehsil headquarters hospital where the police official, Motabar Khan, was pronounced dead,” the official said.
He said the martyred sub-inspector was investigation officer at the Serai Gambila police station.
Police reached the area and launched a search for the attackers who fled after the shooting.
In a late night attack, a cop along with his brother was martyred.
“Head Constable Safiullah and his brother Naveedullah were targeted by armed assailants,” said a police official. He said that the cop and his brother lost their lives when gunmen sprayed them with bullets near their house in Abbakhel area.
The martyred official belonged to a police family, as one of their brothers Shafqatullah is a sub-inspector and served as an SHO in different areas.
Gul Janan, father of the deceased, also served in various positions, including assistant group officer, of the special branch police.
The bodies were shifted to the Government City Hospital to complete medico-legal formalities.
Several police officers, area elders, social and political leaders, religious scholars and a large number of people from all walks of life attended the funeral of the martyred policeman and his brother in the Abbakhel area. Later, they were buried at a local graveyard with full official honour.
‘Proud of martyred sons’
After the funeral, Gul Janan, the father of the deceased, said that he felt proud of his martyred sons who offered supreme sacrifice for their soil.
“Today, I buried my two sons,” he said, recalling that one of his sons, Sifatullah, also a police official, had embraced martyrdom while fighting proclaimed offenders in the Takhtikhel area in 2015.
He said that he was the father of three martyrs entrusted with looking after and rearing the children of two martyred sons. He said that though burying two sons at the same time was heart-rending he was in high spirits.
Earlier, on Sept 4, police constable Waqar Ahmad was martyred when armed miscreants had opened fire on him in Nawerkhel area of Lakki Marwat. Also, Head Constable Allahyar embraced martyrdom in a gun attack in the Sabukhel area of Bannu on Sept 2.
While condemning the terror incidents, several political and social activists asked the Pakhtuns, especially Marwat and Bitanni tribesmen, to forge unity in their ranks to bring peace to their land.
Meanwhile, leaders of Marwat Bitanni Tehreek (MBT) visited the residence of SHO Shafqatullah Khan and shared condolences with him on the demise of his brothers.
BT chairman Inamullah Khan said the local tribesmen had become fed up with the terrorism and they would not tolerate militant activities on their soil at any cost.
He said that the targeted killing of head constable Safiullah and his brother Naveedullah was a great tragedy and there was need to devise a strategy to stop the occurrence of such incidents in future.
“The blood of Pakhtuns is spilled everywhere”, he maintained, asking the government to tell the people who was their enemy, where did they come from and where did they disappear after carrying out the subversive acts.
Panjgur attack
A police officer was martyred in a gun attack on a police patrol in Cheetkan Bazaar area of Panjgur, on Sunday night, officials said.
Sub-inspector Shakeel Ahmed of Panjgur police sustained gunshot wounds and embraced martyrdom, a senior officer said, adding that the driver and a gunman remained unhurt in the attack.
Police termed the incident a targeted attack. The body was later shifted to hospital.
Behram Baloch in Gwadar also contributed to this report
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1857827/lakki-shootings-claim-lives-of-two-cops-one-civilian
---------
3,500 Balochistan schools shut due to teachers’ shortage
Saleem Shahid
September 9, 2024
QUETTA: More than 3,500 schools in Balochistan are non-functional due to a shortage of teachers, the provincial education department has disclosed.
In a written reply to a query posed by a Balochistan Assembly member, the department revealed that 542 schools have been closed since the new government took power in February, taking the total number of non-functional girls and boys schools to 3,694 in all 35 districts.
However, the reply could not be presented in the house as the questioner was absent from the session, and the query was deferred till the next meeting.
Currently, there are 15,096 government schools in the province, with 48,841 teachers.
According to the breakdown, the districts with the highest number of non-functional schools are Pishin (254), Khuzdar (251), Kalat (179), Qila Saifullah (179), Barkhan (174), Awaran (161) and Quetta (152).
In Dera Bugti, the hometown of Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, 13 schools are closed due to the shortage of academic staff.
The documents showed that the province is currently facing a shortage of around 16,000 teachers.
Recently, the government has made efforts to fill the vacant posts and started the recruitment of 9,496 teachers.
In Pishin, 168 boys’ and 86 girls’ schools are closed, while the number in Quetta is 88 and 64, respectively.
Governor hails AIOU
Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has said the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is playing an important role in promoting modern education in Pakistan and praised the institution for its role in making higher education accessible.
While addressing the convocation of AIOU’s Quetta chapter on Sunday, the governor said students from urban and rural areas of the country are benefitting from the institution.
Governor Mandokhail said AIOU is considered to be one of the most prominent universities in the world due to its distance education system.
He said the university is “unique” in the sense that it provides education to students of all ages and classes.
Mr Mandokhail said AIOU is paving the way for the country’s bright future by using information technology to produce a skilled workforce that meets modern market demands.
During the convocation, 27 female graduates were conferred with degrees and gold medals.
AIOU Professor Dr Nasir Mahmood, teachers, graduates and their parents attended the convocation.
The governor congratulated the new graduates and their parents and said the convocation is a “testament to your success, dedication and perseverance”.
He also appreciated the vice chancellor and his team and said he has high expectations from the institution to continue imparting education and skills.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1857825/3500-balochistan-schools-shut-due-to-teachers-shortage
--------
GB sees plot behind attacks in Balochistan
Jamil Nagri
September 9, 2024
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government and opposition leaders have condemned recent militant attacks on civilians and security personnel in Balochistan and termed them a conspiracy to destabilise the country and undermine the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
They demanded strict action to eliminate increasing militancy in Balochistan in order to ensure safety of CPEC as Gilgit-Baltistan is its gateway.
GB home minister Shams Lone talking to journalists condemned the attacks in Balochistan. He said such attacks are aimed at destabilising the country and they are a plot against CPEC project.
“These horrific attacks indicate that Baloch militants have intensified their violent campaign against security forces, public installations, Chinese interests and civilians to create anarchy and uncertainty in the country, he said.
Opposition leader Kazim Mesum said international powers have plans to sabotage CPEC project through militants. “As gateway to CPEC, the GB people are more concerned about the increasing violent acts in Balochistan,” he said.
The opposition leader regretted militant groups, particularly BLA, had involved women and children in acts of terror in Balochistan.
Earlier, GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan condemned the terrorist attacks in Balochistan and said that the GB government shares the grief of the bereaved families.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1857828/gb-sees-plot-behind-attacks-in-balochistan
--------
13 policemen injured in mob attack in Badin
Our Correspondent
September 9, 2024
BADIN: Thirteen policemen were injured in a clash with a mob of Magsi tribesmen in Allan Khan Magsi village of Matli taluka in Badin district on late Saturday evening.
The enraged Magsis were protesting over “disappearance” of a youth, Jan Mohammad Magsi, from the lock-up of Matli police. They claimed that Jan Mohammad was picked up by the police in connection with a motorcycle theft.
The police tried to convince the protesters that the suspect was freed by a group of angry people, who took away the youth with them. However, the protesters disbelieved the police claim and a little later several hundred members of the Magsi tribe gathered at the police station. When they did not find Jan Mohammad in the lock-up, they became furious and started attacking police with bricks and clubs. They also smashed window panes of a police mobile van. The police said 13 of their colleagues and two protesters were injured in the mob attack.
The police lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to aerial firing to disperse the mob. Later, they launched a crackdown on protesters and started demolishing houses of some suspects with the help of bulldozers and torching some of them. However, they were restrained by an influential political figure of the area.
The Matli police registered two separate FIRs against around 50 suspects, some of them were named, and conducted raids at different places to arrest them.
Three suspects were held and being interrogated, the police said.
Allan Khan Magsi and adjacent Wali Mohammad Magsi villages remained cordoned off by the police till the last reports came in late Sunday evening.\
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1857774/13-policemen-injured-in-mob-attack-in-badin
--------
North America
Two Auckland Islamic schools in lockdown after suspicious threat, closed today
9 Sep 2024
Two South Auckland Islamic schools are currently in lockdown after receiving a suspicious call.
Al-Madinah School and Zayed College for Girls on Westney Rd, Māngere, have confirmed the lockdown.
Police say they are investigating after an “email of a concerning nature” was sent to staff at Al-Madinah School in Māngere.
A third Islamic school, Iqra primary school in New Lynn, is on restricted access today after the threat.
Al-Madinah assistant principal Amjad Ali told RNZ a video was sent to the school’s principal at 11pm last night.
It wasn’t filmed at the school, but police recommended going into lockdown.
The assistant principal told the Herald “everyone is safe” and urged people not to panic.
Police were notified of the incident at around 7.15am this morning.
Police were at the school and inquiries were under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the email.
The schools have said there are no students onsite and police are currently present.
Both schools have closed for the day following the threat.
Al-Madinah has written on its website “Al-Madinah school is in lockdown”.
Zayed College said on its website that it was closed today following a suspicious call to Al-Madinah.
“As a matter of caution, following a suspicious call to Al-Madinah, Zayed College will be closed today.
“If your daughter or family member is currently at school, we are in full lockdown and will communicate with you as soon as we can,” Commissioner Linley Myers said.
NZ Fiji Times reported that students had received threatening emails today.
Al-Madinah School assistant principal Rizwan Hussein confirmed the situation.
The school’s principal Asin Ali told NZ Fiji Times that students had received threatening emails and were advised to stay home.
Iqra School principal Leanne Chartrand said, “we are on alert currently in the event of an emergency due to another school in South Auckland receiving threats”.
“We have very good practices in place and the staff will be on alert to ensure our children stay safe.”
‘Wake-up’: Concern for Muslim community amid Govt decision
The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) say they are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in Auckland.
They are concerned about the welfare, wellbeing, and the trauma experienced by these students.
The national Muslim umbrella organisation says “the Government has defunded, deprioritised and dismantled many of the key national security framework components”.
Police are investigating after an email of a concerning nature was sent to staff at Al Madinah School in Māngere. Photo / Dean Purcell
The “decision to withdraw these funds is a retrograde step, taken without consideration for the safety and security of New Zealanders and without any consultation with vulnerable communities.”
FIANZ says talk about the reintroduction of military-style semi-automatic firearms implemented after the March 15 terror attack has “emboldened would-be terrorists to discuss shooting Muslim children at schools in New Zealand.”
“This should serve as a wake-up call for the Rt Hon Prime Minister that his Associate Minister for Justice is jeopardising the safety of all New Zealanders, disregarding national security.”
They say these threats could well have been a threat to a synagogue, church, community centre, women’s refuge, or even a shopping centre.
The Arms Act is being rewritten and will be put before Parliament
Ministry of Education hautū (leader) Te Tai Raro (North) Isabel Evans said “we are in contact with the two schools that went into lockdown and have offered our support if needed”.
Al-Madinah School offers students courses in Islamic subjects as well as complete coverage of the New Zealand Curriculum.
Zayed College for Girls is a state-integrated special character Islamic secondary school for girls Year 7 – 13.
Source:newstalkzb.co.nz
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/school-lockdown-al-madinah-school-and-zayed-college-for-girls-in-lockdown-closed-for-the-day/
--------
Georgia shooting suspect's mother warned school of 'emergency', US media reports
Kayla Epstein
9 Sep 2024
The mother of the suspect in last week’s Georgia shooting contacted his school to warn of an "extreme emergency" and asked them to check on her son the day of the attack, US media reports.
Both the suspect's mother and grandmother were in contact with the school prior to the shooting, according to reports.
Colt Gray, 14, is accused of carrying out a shooting at Apalachee High School that left four people dead and nine injured. He faces four counts of first-degree murder.
The revelations come after authorities also charged the suspect’s father, Colin Gray, with second degree murder, manslaughter, and child cruelty.
Officials accuse him of allowing his son to possess an AR-15 style rifle.
Both father and son appeared in court on Friday but neither entered a plea.
The Washington Post obtained text messages sent by the boy's mother, Marcee Gray, to her sister, explaining that she had asked school officials to check on her son the morning of the shooting.
“I was the one that notified the school counsellor at the high school,” Ms Gray wrote.
“I told them it was an extreme emergency and for them to go immediately and find [my son] to check on him.”
The suspect’s aunt, Annie Brown, provided the text messages and call logs to the Post. The suspect’s mother later confirmed the records to the newspaper.
Ms Brown also confirmed the text exchanges to other US media outlets.
It is not clear what caused the mother to contact the school, though CNN reported on Sunday that she did so after her son sent her a text saying: "I'm sorry".
The phone records show Ms Gray called the school about a half an hour before the shooting began.
According to the Post, there appears to have been some confusion when a school administrator went to look for the boy, as another child had a similar name.
Separately, Charlie Polhamus, Colt Gray’s grandfather, told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that the boy's grandmother had spoken with school officials that week.
"My wife had gone up there… the day before and met with the teachers to get him some, they were having some problems with him not going to school, and this kind of thing," he said.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is handling the case, did not immediately return a request for comment.
The Barrow County School System has also not commented to media on the reports.
Colt Gray is accused of shooting and killing two 14-year-olds, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.
In the months leading up to the shooting, he had faced mental health struggles and difficulties at home, Ms Brown told the Washington Post.
The FBI also said that police interviewed the boy in May 2023 about anonymous online threats to commit a school shooting. He denied to police he was behind them.
Vigils have been held to commemorate the victims and mourners have created a memorial of flowers, candles, and balloons outside Apalachee High School.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwywqwzzz8lo
--------
'Stick to policy': Voters want less drama in Harris-Trump debate
Rachel Looker
9 Sep 2024
The last time US presidential candidates met on stage, they traded barbs and personal takedowns in a debate that upended the 2024 campaign.
President Joe Biden's performance forced him to drop out of the race. So now Kamala Harris, his replacement as the Democratic nominee, will face off against former President Donald Trump in the second debate on 10 September.
The event represents an opportunity for a do-over for both parties and the consensus among voters is clear: they want more policy and less political sparring.
The BBC spoke to voters from across the political spectrum. Here's what seven of them are hoping to see unfold.
I'm curious to see what they're both going to do. Kamala Harris has been knocked recently for not doing a lot of interviews and for being underground versus Donald Trump, who usually gets knocked for his style in terms of how he conducts himself during debates and just his loudness.
I've decided I'm going to vote for Trump this time, but I would like to see what the vice-president has to say. I'd like to see how she performs more off the cuff and without an ability to read from the prompter. I want to see how she does with those fast questions interacting with Trump.
Even though I'm voting for him, it's not because I'm comfortable with it necessarily. It's really just a style thing. I hope Trump can just stand there and not go all crazy and whatever - just minimise the attacks and focus on policies.
This Colorado resident voted for Biden in the last presidential election. He's eager to to watch the debate.
I feel like I know what's going to happen. I know that Kamala Harris is an extremely competent debater. I still remember her and Mike Pence's debate from four years ago and I'm really excited to see her go toe-to-toe with Trump. I'm happy to have somebody on stage who will be able to directly counter, really be an opposing force, to him on stage.
The biggest trap is that Donald Trump says so many things so quickly. It's easy to get wrapped up in what he's saying. I hope that Harris doesn't sink to his level. I'd love to see her maintain her optimistic, upbeat message even in the face of Trump.
I honestly haven't been planning on watching the debate, at least not live. I'm not excited about either candidate at all.
From what I've seen from our debates in the last few elections, they're just platforms for who can yell the loudest and who's got the best one liner that will catch a headline. I haven't heard anything of substance.
If someone got up on stage and they were realistic about what they could achieve or could not achieve, then maybe that would change my mind. But I don't think either of them are going to say anything like that.
I’m looking at it like it’s a job interview, it’s who I’m choosing for president.
Everyday, I talk to people at the poverty level and it seems like it’s getting worse. I personally think the economy was better under Trump. I want to hear what Kamala Harris is going to do.
What I’ve been hearing is mostly her vibes and you can’t run the United States of America on vibes only.
I am hoping for a great debate where both parties actually lay their policies out on the table.
I think it will be informative and entertaining at the very least.
I‘d like to know how our economy is going to get back on track. I’d also like to know about the candidates’ plans for reducing illegal immigration.
I believe Trump’s strengths are an actual laid out policy. I think Kamala Harris has kind of hidden her views or switched her views. He does a better job laying out his plans. But I think his biggest weakness is his demeanour.
I do plan on voting for Trump again and I hope he wins the debate, but I think there’s not a lot either of them can do or say to change people’s minds.
I am much happier that we'll be having Kamala up there and I'm really happy that they're going to be doing it muted [so they can't interrupt each other].
[The candidates are] getting so personal about each other. Even in the last debate, I'm like: 'Did you guys even answer the question? Or are you guys just defending yourself about what he said about you?' They're just personally attacking each other instead of answering any of the things that we want to hear.
I do plan on watching. I think Biden's debate performance was pretty disappointing and so I'm way more excited to see what Harris is able to do and how she carries herself and presents herself.
A big issue for me is climate change and environmental policy and so I'd be curious to hear what she says on that.
However, the sad thing, at least for me, is that I would vote for anyone [over Trump]. I almost don't care what your policy positions are. I just know what your policy positions aren't and so therefore, I'm stuck with you come hell or high water.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2nrrnzg1yo
---------
Africa
Algeria president joins challengers in criticising poll irregularities
By Rédaction Africanews with AP
9 September 2024
Just hours after he was declared winner of Algeria’s presidential election with 94.7 per cent of the vote, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune joined his two challengers in criticising the results.
This far outpacing his two opponents, Islamist Abdelali Hassani Cherif, who received only 3.2 per cent, and socialist Youcef Aouchiche, who got just 2.2 per cent.
On Sunday, the three campaigns jointly issued a statement accusing the country's election chairman of announcing contradictory figures.
When the polls closed on Saturday, the election authority had said there was a 48 per cent voter turnout.
However, it later revised this down to just 5.6 million of the country’s roughly 24 million voters, equivalent to less than one in four.
Before the three candidates joined in questioning the discrepancy, both of Tebboune’s challengers had raised concerns about it.
There have also been queries about local tallies.
The claims of irregularities mar what had earlier appeared to be a landslide victory for the 78-year-old head of state.
Elections in Algeria have historically been carefully choreographed affairs and the news has shocked Algerians.
It remains unclear what will happen next, whether this will prompt legal challenges or delay the final certification of the result.
The claims of irregularities cap off an election period that outraged activists and civil society groups.
Human rights advocates railed against the repressive atmosphere and the harassment and prosecutions of those involved in opposition parties, media organisations, and civil society groups.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/09/09/algeria-president-joins-challengers-in-criticising-poll-irregularities/
--------
Death toll in Kenya school fire rises to at least 21
By Rédaction Africanews with AP
9 September 2024
The death toll in a devastating fire at a school in Nyeri in central Kenya has risen to at least 21 after more bodies were found on the weekend.
Nineteen of them were recovered at the scene at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, while two children died of their injuries in hospital.
"We were able to get 19 bodies. These bodies are burnt greatly, to a great extent, to such an extent that it would be very impossible for their parents to be able to identify them," said government pathologist, Johansen Oduor.
It is being reported that DNA testing will begin on Monday to identify the children, but officials warn this will take days.
The fire on Thursday night razed a dormitory that was housing 156 boys aged between 10 and 14.
More than 100 of them have been accounted while at least 17 children remain missing.
The government has urged those who rescued students in Thursday night’s blaze to bring them back to the school to help with tracing.
The site has been sealed off for analysis but the cause of the fire still remains unknown.
President William Ruto has declared a three-day national mourning period to start on Monday.
The updated death toll comes as the Red Cross reported another fire at a school, this time a girls’ boarding school in Isiolo town in central Kenya.
Local media is reporting that at least three students were injured in the blaze which destroyed dormitories before being contained.
There have been numerous fires at Kenyan boarding schools in recent years, prompting concerns about safety standards.
The government has urged school administrators to enforce boarding guidelines that require dormitories to be spacious, with three doors and no grills on the windows for easy escape in case of fires.
Many students board because parents believe it gives them more time to study without long commutes.
Source:africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/09/09/death-toll-in-kenya-school-fire-rises-to-at-least-21/
--------
Emir Of Potiskum Visits Sanusi, Seeks Help In Mosque Completion
By: Abdullahi Yusuf, THEWILL
September 8, 2024
September 08, (THEWILL) – The Emir of Potiskum, Alhaji Umar Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, has sought the assistance of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for the completion of the Mosque at his palace.
Bauya made the request when he paid a solidarity visit to Sanusi at his Gidan Rumfa Palace, Kano, on Sunday.
“We are seeking your usual support for the completion of a Juma’at Mosque at my palace which we started about three years ago but the project has been stalled by some financial difficulties. We hope that you will help us, as usual, to complete it”, he said.
Bauya, who is the first Northern Emir to pay Sanusi a solidarity visit, said they were at Gidan Rumfa Palace to extend their support to Sanusi, who doubles as the Nigerian Spiritual Leader of the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect.
He reminded Sanusi that history is repeating itself with his second coming as the Emir of Kano.
“This kind of historic development happened to me some 26 years ago and with the help of Allah I was returned as Emir and I am living peacefully with my people.
“The return of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is a significant milestone that justified that he is a good leader, who thinks and acts for his people. As such, he should count on my support and that of my people”, the emir said.
Responding, Sanusi thanked his Potiskum counterpart for being the first Emir to visit his palace and show his solidarity.
He said this is a vindication of the fact that there is unity and togetherness among them which would impact positively on their respective lives and the security of their people.
Source:thewillnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thewillnews.com/emir-of-potiskum-visits-sanusi-seeks-help-in-mosque-completion/
---------
Senate Postpones Public Hearing For Dangote, NNPC, Others
9 September 2024
By Richard Ogunsile
The Senate has reportedly decided to delay the public hearing regarding the purported sabotage within the Nigerian petroleum sector.
The Senate clarified that this postponement is intended to facilitate broader consultations with stakeholders, whose contributions and involvement are deemed essential for enhancing the outcomes of the investigative hearing.
Among the key stakeholders summoned to participate in the public hearing, now set for September 10 to 12, 2024, are the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, representatives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Ports Authority.
Additional entities called to appear include the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Navy, International Oil Companies, Dangote Group, Capital Oil, and various modular refineries.
Naija News reports that the upper chamber cited legislative necessities to ensure thorough due diligence in the investigative process as another rationale for the postponement.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), the Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee tasked with investigating the alleged economic sabotage in the Nigerian petroleum sector, provided these explanations in a statement released on Sunday.
The Senate established the ad hoc committee to scrutinize the substantial expenditures associated with maintaining the nation’s refineries, to examine the overpayments made by regulatory agencies to transporters, and to investigate the alleged importation of hazardous petroleum products and the dumping of substandard diesel in the country.
Following comprehensive pre-investigation activities, the ad-hoc committee engaged in discussions with the heads of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as certain private stakeholders in the downstream and midstream petroleum sectors.
After this extensive engagement with selected MDAs and private oil companies, the ad-hoc committee subsequently arranged its investigative hearing for Tuesday, September 10, to Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Main Reason Why The Public Hearing Was Postponed
In his statement on Sunday, Bamidele elaborated on the ad-hoc committee’s decision to delay the investigative hearing, emphasizing that this choice was made following thorough consultations with all committee members and significant figures in the petroleum sector.
He also indicated that the committee would inform all stakeholders of a new date for the hearing in a timely manner.
Bamidele articulated the essential reasons for the postponement, asserting that the decision was made with the best interests of the federation and its large population in mind.
He further clarified that the delay was necessary due to the urgent need to engage a broader range of stakeholders both within and outside the petroleum industry, as well as to address legislative requirements that would enhance the thoroughness of the investigative process.
Additionally, he pointed out that the current circumstances in the country, which require immediate attention from nearly all stakeholders in both the public and private sectors across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, were pivotal in the decision to postpone the hearing.
“While we deeply regret all inconveniences it may have caused all the stakeholders collectively or individually, this decision was taken purely and solely in the national interest,” the lawmaker stated.
Bamidele articulated that each of these decisions was made to provide the ad-hoc committee with a comprehensive perspective on the public hearing, aiming to identify sustainable solutions to the issues facing the petroleum sector of the economy.
He subsequently assured all stakeholders that a new date for the public hearing would be communicated to them promptly.
Naija News reports that this development followed the appeal from the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the Federal Government, urging a reversal of the recent increase in petrol prices.
In a statement released on Sunday by the State Chairman of the NLC, Muritala Olayinka, the union characterized the price hike as an “assault on workers’ wellbeing and a breach of contract.”
The union called on the Federal Government to retract “economic policies that are not labour-friendly and detrimental to the populace.”
Following the increase in petrol prices by NNPC last week, independent fuel stations adjusted their prices, dispensing fuel between ₦1000 and ₦1200 per litre.
For example, in certain fuel stations in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, a litre of fuel is sold at ₦1000.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/09/senate-postpones-public-hearing-for-dangote-nnpc-others/
--------
Niger Tanker Explosion: 48 Bodies Burnt Beyond Recognition Given Mass Burial
8 September 2024
By Oladipo Abiola
Victims of the petrol tanker explosion, which occurred on Sunday in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, have been given a mass burial.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arab, who gave the update on Sunday, said 48 persons whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition had been given mass burial in the local government.
According to him, during rescue operations, emergency responders discovered 18 more bodies after the initial 30 earlier reported.
“Following further search and rescue operations, my agency discovered 18 more bodies which were also burnt to death and all the dead have been given mass burial,” he said.
It would be recalled that no fewer than thirty (30) people died in a tragic explosion involving a fuel tanker on the Agaie-Bida Road in Niger State on Sunday morning.
The tanker collided with a trailer transporting cattle en route to Lagos State from Wudil, Kano State.
According to Baba-Arab who made the accident known, the incident happened on Sunday at about 12.30 am along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LG.
He also disclosed that over 50 cattle were also burnt alive and two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van were caught in the inferno.
The NSEMA statements read, “NSEMA has received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday, the 8th of September, 2024, at about 12.30 am along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA.
“The incident occurred when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State heading to Lagos, two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van were also caught in the incident.
“Over 30 people are already confirmed dead, with over 50 cattle burnt alive. NSEMA’s Rapid Respond Team (RRT), in conjunction with LGEMCs, is still on the scene of the incident conducting search and rescue operations as more corpses are still trapped inside the trucks.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/08/niger-tanker-explosion-48-bodies-burnt-beyond-recognition-given-mass-burial/
---------
Yobe Emir Pays Solidarity Visit To Emir Sanusi
8 September 2024
By Ikenna Ngere
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, received a notable visit from the Emir of Potiskum, Umar Bauya, marking the first time a Northern emir has paid a solidarity visit to Sanusi’s palace since his reinstatement by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Bauya was warmly welcomed at the palace by other traditional rulers from the Kano emirate. During the visit, he expressed his support for Sanusi, who also serves as the spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya sect in Nigeria.
He praised Sanusi’s leadership, emphasizing that his return as Emir is a testament to his dedication and commitment to his people.
Bauya assured Sanusi of both his personal support and the backing of the people of Potiskum.
Reflecting on his own experience, Bauya noted, “It happened to me some 26 years ago and with the help of Allah, I was returned and living peacefully with my people.
“The return of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is a significant milestone that justified that he is a good leader who thinks and acts for his people; as such, he should count on my personal support and that of my people.”
Bauya also took the opportunity to request Sanusi’s assistance in completing the construction of a Jumaat Mosque at his palace, a project that had been stalled due to financial constraints.
“We are seeking your usual support on the construction of a Jumaat Mosque at my palace, which we started about three years ago, but it has been stalled due to some financial difficulties. We hope that you will help us as usual to complete the project,” Bauya said.
In response, Sanusi expressed his gratitude for Bauya’s visit, acknowledging the importance of the gesture.
He remarked that this visit highlights the unity and solidarity among Northern traditional rulers, which will ultimately benefit the well-being and security of their people.
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/08/yobe-emir-pays-solidarity-visit-to-emir-sanusi/
---------
South Asia
Islamic Emirate Forms High Commission to Intensify Fight Against Narcotics and Intoxicants.
2024-09-08
KABUL(BNA): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, officially launched the High Commission for Combating Narcotics and Intoxicants at Spidar Palace today.
He stated that the commission aims to enhance coordination and targeted actions against narcotics, noting that the cultivation, production, and trafficking of drugs have nearly been eliminated since the Emirate’s establishment.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir called for international support to address the impact of recent droughts, floods, and natural disasters on Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, urging assistance in providing alternative crops for Afghan farmers.
Meanwhile, Acting Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani highlighted significant achievements in drug control over the past three years, while also requesting international help to overcome resource constraints.
Additionally, Acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid welcomed the commission’s formation, affirming the readiness of Afghan forces to combat narcotics. Meanwhile, Acting Public Health Minister Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali called for support, citing the treatment of 14,000 addicts but highlighting the need for more resources.
General Mullah Abdul Haq Hemkar, Deputy Minister for Counter-Narcotics, reported that 78,000 anti-narcotics operations over three years have resulted in 20,000 arrests, the dismantling of 1,450 drug factories, treatment of 122,000 addicts, and the clearance of 37,000 hectares of land.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-forms-high-commission-to-intensify-fight-against-narcotics-and-intoxicants/
--------
‘Protest victims may face hurdles to justice’
Sep 9, 2024
When protesters arrived at Dhaka Medical College Hospital with gunshot wounds, the doctors were asked by the hospital authorities to conceal any mention of the nature of the injury on the official documentation.
Dr Mostak Ahmed, a trauma surgeon at the hospital's casualty ward, said this at a discussion on custodial torture while sharing his experience treating victims of gunshot injuries during July and August.
"We could not write that a victim had gunshot wounds. We had to write some other cause," he said. "Autopsies were not always possible because of the sheer volume of bodies coming in."
The discussion titled "Custodial Torture and Accountability: Challenges and Remediation" was organised by Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Trust at Bishwa Sahitya Kendra in Dhaka.
Speakers talked about the challenges that victims of the July revolution will face when seeking justice for the atrocities perpetrated upon them.
"Given that so many of the victims who have suffered at the hands of the law enforcers do not have adequate medical documentation recording the cause of their death or injury, we are dependent on circumstantial evidence," said Dr Qazi Zahed Iqbal, a legal expert and Supreme Court lawyer.
Aneek R Haque, the additional attorney general, said the compensation specified under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act is not sufficient for victims.
Law enforcers found guilty of custodial torture have to give Tk 25,000 if the victim survives and Tk 2 lakh if the victim dies.
"What will victims gain from getting these paltry sums?" said Haque.
In many cases, victim families do not receive even this minimal amount.
Imtiaz Hossain Rocky, brother of Ishtiaque Hossain Jonny who died from torture in Pallabi police custody in 2014, shared that he is still struggling to claim the compensation.
Rocky had obtained a lower court verdict in their favour in 2020, but the Pallabi police have since then appealed at a higher court.
He also mentioned that after August 5, one of the accused in the case attacked and vandalised his auto repair garage, robbing him of his sole source of income.
Speakers said students, protesters, and ordinary citizens continue to face false charges filed by the previous regime, with many still not released from jail.
Lawyers and paralegals who had provided legal services in July and August spoke about the torture inflicted upon students when they were being arbitrarily detained during block raids.
The days preceding August 5 witnessed unprecedented custodial violence, they said.
"I met students whose limbs were broken, who were badly bruised and beaten," said Shah Md Babar, a Supreme Court advocate.
"A lot of students are afraid of taking legal steps against the police because they don't know what the future will hold," he said.
Speakers also said the country's rights situation has not improved post-August 5.
"We are not yet at a stage when custodial torture has been abolished. Why is it that even after August 5, the rights situation has not improved? The violations have simply taken a different form. Democracy is still broken," said Nur Khan Liton, human rights expert currently serving on the commission investigating enforced disappearances.
"We need to focus on fixing the law and order situation. The lawyers are still abusing the law. Those who were victims of custodial torture remain silent and refrain from seeking justice," said Sara Hossain, honorary executive director at BLAST.
Advocate ZI Khan Panna, senior human rights lawyer, said, "The Political Prisoners Act should be reinstated to safeguard the rights of political detainees. We don't want another repressive environment. Democratic rights must be upheld."
Source:thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/protest-victims-may-face-hurdles-justice-3698041
---------
Houthis Claim to Down U.S. MQ-9 Drone Amid Escalating Tensions in Yemen
2024-09-08
KABUL(BNA): Yemeni Houthi militants have claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, valued at millions of dollars, while it was operating in airspace controlled by the Houthis on Sunday.
While the United States has not yet officially responded to the Houthis’ claim, it recently announced joint military operations with the United Kingdom targeting Houthi forces in Yemen. The recent spike in hostilities comes in the wake of U.S. and Western nations’ support for Israel’s actions against Palestinian civilians, which has fueled tensions in the region.
Since the outbreak of the current conflict in Gaza, exchanges of missile strikes, drone attacks, and aerial bombardments between the warring sides have become more frequent, causing substantial destruction and losses.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/houthis-claim-to-down-u-s-mq-9-drone-amid-escalating-tensions-in-yemen/
--------
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Gear Up for Launch of Strategic Economic Projects
2024-09-08
KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the convening of the first preparatory meeting for the inauguration of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline), Fiber Optic, TAP (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power transmission), and railway projects between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. The meeting aims to finalize arrangements for these significant regional initiatives.
According to the ministry’s press release, the meeting was held under the directive of the Prime Minister’s Office and chaired by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Attended by representatives from various security agencies and the Ministries of Mines and Petroleum, Public Works, Information and Culture, and Telecommunications and Information Technology, as well as the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and a representative from Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat.
During the session, the chairman of the commission and officials from participating entities presented comprehensive reports on the readiness of various sub-committees and made strategic decisions to ensure the successful execution of the inauguration ceremonies.
The projects are expected to be launched in a formal ceremony in the coming days, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of economic ties between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-and-turkmenistan-gear-up-for-launch-of-strategic-economic-projects/
--------
WHO donates 20 tons of medicine and medical equipment to Afghanistan
ByFidel Rahmati
September 9, 2024
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the delivery of approximately 20 metric tons of medicines and medical equipment to health centers in five northern provinces of Afghanistan.
In a statement released on Sunday, September 8, the WHO reported on its X page that the medical supplies include pneumonia, measles, and cholera virus kits and surgical and dressing sets.
According to the WHO, these supplies will be distributed to 11 health centers and 12 hospitals in the northern provinces of Afghanistan. The organization estimates that around 4,000 patients will benefit from these medical supplies and medicines.
Previously, the WHO had also reported sending eight tons of medicine to a hospital in Badakhshan province. With these latest aid shipments, the WHO aims to provide medical services to over 30,000 people over the next three months.
The WHO’s continued support highlights the urgent need for medical aid in Afghanistan. The healthcare system has faced significant challenges due to reduced funding and disruptions in aid over the past three years.
These efforts are crucial in addressing the ongoing shortages of medicine and medical equipment and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
Source:khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/who-donates-20-tons-of-medicine-and-medical-equipment-to-afghanistan/
---------
Islamic Emirate Spokesman Calls for Enhanced Media Coverage of Key National Initiatives
2024-09-08
KABUL(BNA): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s central spokesman, Mawlawi Zabihullah Mujahid, held a pivotal meeting today with key representatives of internal and international media at the Government Media and Information Center to discuss enhanced media engagement on major national projects.
During the meeting, Mawlawi Mujahid provided detailed insights into several critical infrastructure projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, fiber optic network expansion, railway construction, and other significant national initiatives.
He underscored the vital role of the media in ensuring these projects receive proper visibility and public awareness, and called for their active collaboration in disseminating accurate and comprehensive information.
Mawlawi Mujahid also encouraged media outlets to go beyond routine reporting by organizing analytical discussions with experts on the economic and social impacts of these projects, thereby fostering a deeper understanding among the public regarding their long-term benefits.
At the conclusion of the meeting, media representatives shared their suggestions and outlined strategies to improve the effectiveness of coverage for these crucial national undertakings with the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-spokesman-calls-for-enhanced-media-coverage-of-key-national-initiatives/
---------
Southeast Asia
Muhyiddin: Govt labelling Bersatu's fight for bumiputera, Islam as 3R offence
Sep 9, 2024
Bersatu’s fight to defend the rights of the bumiputera and Islam’s position as the religion of the federation has been labelled as a 3R (race, religion, and royalty) offence by the government, said party president Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.
Despite it being done without disrupting the rights of other ethnicities and religions, the former prime minister lamented that the fight has extended to Bersatu members being accused of incitement and getting taken to court.
Source:malaysiakini.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/718539
--------
Suhakam and police told to scrutinise and stop custodial deaths, says PM Anwar
09 Sep 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will conduct studies and investigations to prevent deaths in custody, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
According to Sinar Harian, the prime minister also said that Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain is open to correcting perceptions and conditions to ensure more transparent methods to prevent abuse of power.
“The government, through the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), has taken appropriate measures to curb deaths in custody,” he was quoted as saying.
Anwar added that among these measures are the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the management of detainees in lock-ups.
Sinar Harian reported that the prime minister made these comments while speaking at the Suhakam 25th Silver Jubilee Celebration at KL Sentral here, today.
In 2022, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reported that 24 cases of deaths in custody were recorded compared to 46 in 2021.
Of these, 11 cases involved deaths occurring in police lock-ups.
Thirteen deaths occurred while detainees were receiving treatment at hospitals and clinics or en route to them.
Source:malaysiakini.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/09/suhakam-and-police-told-to-scrutinise-and-stop-custodial-deaths-says-pm-anwar/149841
--------
Perikatan’s Mahkota by-election candidate reveal set for tomorrow in Kluang
09 Sep 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — The announcement of Perikatan Nasional (PN)’s candidate for the Mahkota State Legislative Assembly by-election will take place tomorrow night.
According to Utusan Malaysia, the announcement will be held at PN’s main operations room in Kampung Melayu, Kluang, at 8.30 p.m.
The candidate’s name will be revealed by PN chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Yesterday, Utusan Malaysia reported that the announcement, originally planned for today, was postponed as PN leaders were busy with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s eighth anniversary celebrations and a PN leadership meeting.
Barisan Nasional (BN) announced its candidate, Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, to defend the seat last Saturday.
The Mahkota by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on August 2.
The Election Commission has set polling day for September 28, with nomination day and early voting scheduled for September 14 and 24, respectively.
Source:malaysiakini.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/09/perikatans-mahkota-by-election-candidate-reveal-set-for-tomorrow-in-kluang/149824
--------
Education Ministry unveils three-month intervention for over 122,000 Year One pupils struggling with basics
09 Sep 2024
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 9 — A total of 122,062 Year 1 students across the country were selected to go through a Literacy and Numeracy Intervention programme starting last month, to help them acquire reading, writing, and arithmetic skills (3R).
Education director-general Azman Adnan said the students were screened by their teachers after three months of teaching and learning (PdP) in Year 1 and were identified as having not reached TP1 (Proficiency Level 1) for the subjects of Malay and Mathematics.
“From a total of 448,113 pupils in the Year 1 cohort, we screened through assessment and Classroom Assessment (PBD),and the children who obtained at least one level in one field numbered 122,062 pupils
“Of the 122,062 screened, 62,928 students were found not to have met the literacy and numeracy level; 45,465 students did not literacy level; and 13,669 students have not yet acquire the numeracy level,” he said at the Special Media Conference on Curriculum Intervention, here today.
Azman said the three groups of students will be given intervention based on the minimum level of skills they have obtained, and the teachers will implement the intervention programme for three months starting last month.
“Students will be grouped according to those who are not competent and we will give interventions based on kit modules or suitable reading materials by the teachers.
“After three months, an assessment will be made and students who have acquired the required level of literacy and numeracy will return to mainstream classes, while those who have not reach the required level will continue to be given appropriate intervention until they acquired above the minimum for them to return to the classroom,” he said.
According to Azman, the Literacy and Numeracy Intervention Programme is one of the four initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to improve curriculum interventions in an effort to address the issue of dropouts, which is under the early literacy and numeracy detection initiative.
He said the other three initiatives are curriculum restructuring; parent-friendly PBD reporting; and training for teachers which has been implemented since March.
Azman said the Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that the curriculum interventions being implemented can have a positive impact on students’ learning experience as well as the quality of education as a whole.
“The restructured curriculum is expected to meet the needs and learning styles of students through the provision of relevant learning materials.
“The support of the community including parents and other stakeholders is expected to ensure the success of this initiative,” he said. — Bernama
Source:malaysiakini.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/09/education-ministry-unveils-three-month-intervention-for-over-122000-year-one-pupils-struggling-with-basics/149811
---------
Europe
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Completes Pilot Implementation of Islamic Finance Strategic Mapping Framework in Kazakhstan
9 Sep, 2024
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8, 2024/APO Group/ -- The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://ISDBInstitute.org/) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its flagship Islamic Finance Strategic Mapping Framework (IF-MAP, formerly IF-CAF) (https://apo-opa.co/4cXPwti) pilot exercise in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This comprehensive assessment, conducted in collaboration with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), aimed to identify key opportunities and challenges within the country's Islamic finance sector.
The pilot initiative of IF-MAP was launched (https://apo-opa.co/3MyooGO) in June 2023, and involved extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and industry experts. The resulting tailored policy recommendations report, which outlines the sector's progress and provides recommendations for future development, has been submitted to the AIFC.
As one of the key outcomes of the exercise, IsDBI and AIFC jointly developed the Kazakhstan Islamic Finance Country Report 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/3B4GwFv) which H.E. the Governor of AIFC, H.E. Mr. Renat Bekturov, launched on 6 September during the Astana Finance Days. The report highlights the immense potential of Islamic finance in supporting Kazakhstan's economic growth and development.
In his welcome address, H.E. Mr. Renat Bekturov noted: “This report not only provides a comprehensive overview of the Islamic finance industry but also highlights our shared vision for the future. AIFC's commitment to promoting Islamic finance is evident through favorable conditions offered to Islamic financial companies to operate in both the retail and corporate sectors. The report is an invaluable guide for investors, policymakers, and stakeholders.”
Commenting on the successful completion of the pilot exercise, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, stated, "We are delighted to have collaborated with the AIFC on this important initiative. The Kazakhstan Islamic Finance Country Report offers a valuable analysis of the sector's current state and future prospects. We believe that the report, together with the IF-MAP policy recommendations submitted to the AIFC, will be instrumental in guiding policymakers, investors, and financial institutions as they work to harness the full potential of Islamic finance in Kazakhstan."
The IsDB Institute remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the Islamic finance industry worldwide. Through its research, training, and capacity-building programs, the Institute seeks to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and sustainable financial system.
Source:apo-opa.co
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
The Kazakhstan Islamic Finance Country Report 2024 is accessible on IsDBI website here: https://apo-opa.co/4ge7jQ1
--------
Maduro rival leaves Venezuela for Spain
8 Sep, 2024
Venezuelan opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez, the main rival to President Nicolas Maduro in the recent presidential election, has left the country for Spain, where he is expected to be granted political asylum.
The 75-year-old politician was evacuated from the country by a Spanish Air Force plane on Sunday. Gonzalez had already requested political asylum in the country, and Madrid would “obviously” grant it, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has said. Caracas said it has agreed to let the politician have safe passage abroad, despite him being accused of several crimes, for the “sake of the tranquility and political peace of the country,” Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has said. Before his exit was agreed on, the politician had stayed for an unspecified amount of time at Spain’s embassy as a “voluntary refugee,” she noted in a statement.
Gonzalez went into hiding shortly after the July presidential election. According to official figures provided by the National Electoral Council, Maduro won with 52% of the vote. The opposition, however, has accused Caracas of rigging the polls, claiming Gonzalez was in fact the true winner, with some 67% of ballots.
The opposition candidate was backed by the US, along with the EU and several other countries that refused to recognize Maduro’s victory. Other nations, however, including China and Russia, backed the elected president and recognized the outcome of the vote.
Early in September, the Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant for the opposition figure, accusing Gonzalez of multiple crimes, including incitement to disobey laws, forgery of public documents, usurpation of public functions, conspiracy, criminal association, and sabotage.
The development comes as six Venezuelan opposition figures remain holed up at the Argentine embassy in Caracas, with the facility surrounded by local security forces. Venezuela and Argentina broke off diplomatic relations with each other immediately after the presidential election, as Buenos Aires was quick to question its outcome.
The embassy grounds have been managed by Brazil, which has been authorized to represent its interests in the country. On Saturday, however, Caracas revoked the authorization, citing evidence the embassy was being used as a staging point for an alleged plan to attempt “magnicide”: a hit on Maduro or Rodriguez. Caracas did not elaborate on the evidence it obtained, while Brazil said the decision took it by “surprise” and strengthened its intention to represent Argentina’s interests.
“The Brazilian government highlights in this context, under the terms of the Vienna Conventions, the inviolability of the facilities of the Argentine diplomatic mission, which currently houses six Venezuelan asylum seekers in addition to assets and archives,” the Brazilian authorities said in a statement.
Source:rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/603689-maduros-rival-venezuela-spain/
--------
Zelensky wants Italy to pressure US on arms deliveries – media
8 Sep, 2024
Ukraine wants Italy to use its presidency in the G7 to pressure the US to deliver more Patriot air defense missile batteries to Kiev, the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the newspaper, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky sees Rome as “a mediator” that could help to “push Washington to unblock the transfer of a significant number of Patriots” before the US presidential election in November.
Zelensky met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio on Saturday, where the leaders discussed further Western aid to Ukraine. Meloni reaffirmed her support and promised “not to abandon Ukraine.”
Officials in Kiev have been urging NATO countries to provide more advanced air defense systems as Russia has stepped up strikes on Ukrainian territory in recent weeks, hitting energy infrastructure and military targets. According to Italian media, Rome is expected to donate a second SAMP/T anti-air battery by the end of this month.
The Defense Post reported in June that Ukraine had a total of three operational Patriot batteries. US President Joe Biden promised a month later that Kiev would get five additional batteries provided by Washington and its allies. “We are laser-focused on Ukraine’s priority needs, including air defense, fires, and armor,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said this week.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated in the past that several Patriot launchers had already been destroyed in Ukraine. Moscow insists that no amount of Western weapons will deter its troops, with the Kremlin warning in June that “every new shipment constitutes another wave of escalation.”
Source:rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/603695-zelensky-meloni-patriot-missiles/
-------
Arab World
Medident signs MoU with Web Arabia for Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia
September 08, 2024
TOKYO: Tokyo-based Medident has entered a strategic partnership with Web Arabia, an IT company headquartered in Riyadh. The agreement, formalized through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to integrate Japanese healthcare standards with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.
The MoU, guided by CEO Dr. Tomita Daisuke, focuses on leveraging advanced medical technologies and improving healthcare management in Saudi hospitals. It particularly emphasizes digital training for healthcare professionals.
Areas such as preventive health measures, elderly care and public health initiatives will also be prioritized.
Web Arabia, an IT company, and part of the Al Sabhan conglomerate, is one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent companies. Based in Riyadh, Web Arabia specializes in smart city solutions and is a subsidiary of Metscco Heavy Steel Industries, a leading general engineering company responsible for major infrastructure construction projects in Saudi Arabia.
Through this partnership, Web Arabia will play a key role in promoting digital healthcare transformation. This transformation is not just a goal, but a means to achieve the ambitious healthcare goals set by Saudi Vision 2030.
The aim is to revolutionize the healthcare sector through innovations in telemedicine, electronic health records, health monitoring technologies, and other advanced medical technologies.
Dr. Mohamed Abdelhakim, Medident’s Tokyo-based Overseas Business Director, has been a key figure in facilitating this collaboration. His extensive experience and education from Nippon Medical School’s Plastic Surgery Department and Cairo University School of Medicine, combined with his role in promoting advanced healthcare solutions and patient-centered care globally, make him an invaluable asset to this partnership.
The agreement between Medident and Web Arabia is not just about driving healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes. It’s about contributing to the overall well-being of Saudi Arabia’s population, aligning with the nation’s ambitious healthcare goals. This partnership promises a healthier, more prosperous future for the people of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Tomita, President of the Japan Oral Health Association and Representative Director of Mirise Well Medical Group, is a highly respected figure in the healthcare industry. His extensive education and experience, including a Leading Digital Healthcare Transformation degree from Harvard Medical School and specialization in orthodontics, make him a trusted leader in this partnership.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570580/saudi-arabia
--------
New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities
September 08, 2024
RIYADH: The Museums Commission and the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities signed a memorandum of understanding at the National Museum in Riyadh on Sunday.
The memorandum, which was signed by Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the commission, and Hisham Al-Haidary, CEO of the authority, aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields.
The memorandum underscores the commitment of both entities to provide a safe, inclusive environment that upholds the rights of people with disabilities and enhances their participation in society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historic identity while addressing the physical and emotional needs of people with disabilities to ensure their full access to museums and cultural programs.
Al-Haidary explained that the partnership aimed to achieve key objectives for empowering people with disabilities. He said: “We seek to provide comprehensive accessibility in museums and train staff on interacting with this group, including training tour guides in sign language for visitors with hearing impairments.”
Regarding visitor experience evaluation, Al-Haidary spoke of a clear mechanism agreed with the commission, including tracking visitors with disabilities, collecting data via surveys, and analyzing feedback on social media. Periodic reports will be prepared and shared with relevant entities to ensure continuous improvement.
Al-Sanousi said that the commission was evaluating all its museums to meet the highest safety and comfort standards for people with disabilities.
He said: “Efforts will include modifying infrastructure, providing safe pathways, immediate support services, and designated areas within museums.”
He also highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and the nonprofit sector to increase participation in cultural activities. Policies would include organizing special visits and interactive educational programs to engage people with disabilities and promote access to cultural resources.
The initiative is part of the ongoing development of the museum environment in the Kingdom, ensuring accessibility for everyone and promoting the involvement of people with disabilities in cultural and heritage activities.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570558/saudi-arabia
--------
Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026
September 08, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh.
It was recently announced by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The decision followed a majority vote after a review of proposals from competing countries, highlighting their ability to host the global event.
Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid during the group’s meeting. His presentation outlined the authority’s advancements in statistical work, the Kingdom’s experience hosting international events and its capacity to provide logistical support for such gatherings.
The proposal also introduced a suggested theme for the forum: “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development.”
Al-Dossari said: “Hosting this event reflects the Kingdom’s prominent status, affirming King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to supporting the statistical sector, recognizing the crucial role of statistical data in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.”
He added: “Winning the bid to host the 2026 UN World Data Forum highlights the progress made in the statistical field, driven by initiatives from the General Authority for Statistics, which aim to produce accurate and updated data through improved data management and governance.”
The forum, targeting 193 UN member states, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting high-quality statistical data and indicators. It will invite participants from international organizations, UN member states’ statistical offices and data scientist groups.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570557/saudi-arabia
---------
13 Ethiopians arrested for suspected illegal entry, drug smuggling in southern Saudi borders
September 09, 2024
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s southern border forces have arrested 13 Ethiopians for suspected illegal entry and attempting to smuggle 917 kg of qat and other narcotic substances into the country, the Saudi Press Agency said in a series of reports on Sunday.
Two Yemenis and a Saudi Arabia citizen were arrested in separate operations for peddling drugs, the SPA reported.
Seven of the Ethiopian suspects were arrested by the Border Guard in Al-Ardah, Jazan, while allegedly trying to enter the Kingdom with 320 kg of qat, the SPA said in one of eight reports.
Another report said Border Guard land patrols in Al-Dayer, Jazan, arrested four Ethiopians for suspected illegal entry and possession of 39.5 kg of hashish and 19,960 tablets of amphetamine.
In Fifa, Jazan, security patrols arrested two Ethiopians for suspected illegal entry and possession of 59,998 tablets of illegal drugs.
Border Guard patrols reportedly seized, in separate operations, 432 kg of qat in Al-Raboah, Asir; 165 kg of qat in Al-Dayer, Jazan; and an undetermined amount of qat in Al-Farsha, Asir.
In Asir, security patrols of the General Directorate of Mujahideen arrested a Saudi Arabia citizen for the suspected peddling of hashish and methamphetamine, the SPA reported.
And in Jeddah, officers of the directorate arrested two Yemeni nationals for the suspected peddling of hashish and amphetamine.
The government has called on the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other parts of the Kingdom.
Reports to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control can be submitted by using the number 995 or email 995@gdnc.gov.sa.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570631/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi FM receives International Organization for Migration chief in Riyadh
September 08, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the reception, Prince Faisal and Amy Pope reviewed cooperation relations between the Kingdom and the IOM and ways to support and enhance them.
The two officials also discussed regional and international developments of common interest.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570601/saudi-arabia
---------
Saudi Arabia's Hilwah Al-Jouf: A timeless bond between people and dates across generations
September 08, 2024
RIYADH: Generations of Al-Jouf natives have been associated with palm trees, underlining the deep connection between them and their homeland.
Palm trees provided essential sustenance to community members in the past, but also served purposes beyond food. Palm trunks, fronds and branches provided the basis for building shelters, the skill and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Young people today maintain their connection to palm cultivation, learning from their fathers and grandfathers, and celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Hilwah Al-Jouf cultivation, in particular, is a source of pride for date farmers and an important element of the region’s economy. The Hilwah Al-Jouf date is known not only for its flavor, but also for its cultural significance in the Al-Jouf region.
When English traveler Lady Anne Blunt visited the region in 1879, she noted that these dates were of exceptional sweetness and quality.
Hilwah Al-Jouf is in great demand in local markets, particularly during the harvest season, which begins in September. With nearly one million palm trees, Al-Jouf region produces more than 43,000 tonnes of dates each year, including the popular Hilwah Al-Jouf.
Dates support the local economy by providing the produce sold at regional festivals and holding contests honoring the best dates every year.
Farmers using a careful harvesting and production process, transform the dates from their initial red appearance, known as basr, into fully ripened varieties. The dates are carefully stored and pressed, ready to be enjoyed during the winter months, when they are known as Al-Majrash, a local delicacy characterized by its sugary texture and molasses-like.
Hilwah Al-Jouf represents more than a simple food item, it is the center of the Al-Jouf region’s culture and economy, embodying traditional values that are central to the community’s identity.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570601/saudi-arabia
---------
Saudi interior minister received by Egyptian president
September 08, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on Sunday.
During the meeting, relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and security cooperation between the two countries were reviewed.
Prince Abdulaziz was also received by his Egyptian counterpart Major General Mahmoud Tawfiq.
The two ministers discussed security cooperation between their countries as well as ways to develop them in the areas of combating crime, tracking down criminals, and confronting international drug smuggling networks. Topics of common interest were also discussed.
Prince Abdulaziz arrived in Egypt on Saturday evening.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570585/saudi-arabia
--------
Bahraini, Kuwaiti FMs arrive in Riyadh ahead of GCC meeting
September 08, 2024
RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Bahrain and Kuwait arrived in Riyadh on Sunday to attend an upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council meeting.
Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani and Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya were both received on arrival at King Khalid International Airport by the Kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
The 161st Ministerial Council meeting of the GCC will be held on Monday and will be chaired by Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570584/saudi-arabia
--------
Hajj 2025 planning meeting eyes new level of standards
September 08, 2024
RIYADH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz attended the first planning meeting for the 2025 Hajj season in Jeddah on Sunday.
The meeting, held under the auspices of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah and head of the Central Hajj Committee, invited 60 organizations from the Hajj sector, along with various princes, ministers and officials.
Prince Saud announced the timeline for the 2025 Hajj season, adding that it will meet a new level of standards, including updated regulations, enhanced worker training and solutions to address challenges.
He conveyed the governor’s appreciation to organizations serving pilgrims and praised their efforts and the leadership’s support in providing high-quality services.
Prince Saud highlighted the need to build on the achievements of the 2024 Hajj season and ensure early preparation for this year’s pilgrimage. He urged the importance of increased cooperation to improve services and facilities.
He said that the meeting should result in clear, high-quality plans that positively impact the pilgrimage experience.
The meeting reviewed the 2024 Hajj season’s achievements, which included 300 plans for improved readiness. Notable accomplishments were the launch of the Nusuk card, experimental Hajj trips from Taif International Airport, expansion of the Makkah Route initiative, a 51-km extension of the Jeddah-Makkah highway, increased transportation from Mina to the Grand Mosque and the application of anti-heat paint near the Al-Namirah Mosque.
The meeting also covered the 2025 planning model, focusing on readiness, service quality standards and operational performance indicators.
A workshop titled “Harmonization of key services, roles and milestones” was held to review and initiate plans for this year’s Hajj season.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570580/saudi-arabia
---------
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/goa-governor-christian-muslim-population/d/133160