Gyanvapi Mosque Case: Hindu Side Urges Court to Allow ASI for Deeper Excavation of Masjid Premises for Survey
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 Sep 2024
Mathura Gyanvapi Mosque
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· Gyanvapi Mosque Case: Hindu Side Urges Court to Allow ASI for Deeper Excavation of Masjid Premises for Survey
· Video Showing ‘Muslim Immigrants’ Assault On Young Women in France Miscaptioned
· Lessons About 9/11 Often Provoke Harassment Of Muslim Students
· Jordan's Islamist Party, Islamic Action Front, Win Big in Parliamentary Elections
· Quetta Police Station Attacked Amid Protest Against ‘Blasphemy’, Mob Demanded to Hand Over a Blasphemy Suspect to Them
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India
· “Rahul Gandhi Standing with Forces That Conspire to Divide the Country”, Say the BJP Union Ministers
· Uttarkashi District Mosque Built On Registered Land, Not Illegal, We Will Not Allow Anybody to Take Law into Their Hands: Official
· 'Will Be Demolished If It Is Found to Be Illegal': Himachal Minister's Assurance Amid Shimla Mosque Row
· Mehbooba Mufti sees proxies in Jamaat-e-Islami 'rebels'
· Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces kill two militants in Kathua after weeks-long manhunt
· House panel defers meet with officials over delay in framing 2013 Waqf Act rules
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Europe
· Muslim Brotherhood welcomes rapprochement between Turkey and Egypt, says spokesman
· Hamburg Islamic center head appeals Germany deportation
· UK approves Ukrainian missile strikes deep inside Russia – Guardian
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North America
· Green Party Candidate Jill Stein, Of Lexington, Leads Among Muslim Voters In Key Swing States, Survey Finds
· UGA hit with lawsuit over alleged anti-Muslim discrimination
· After Lincoln Square Gym, Nearby Mosque Shot at, Muslim Chicagoans Fear ‘Targeted’ Attacks
· US sanctions Lebanese network over alleged oil, LPG smuggling for Hezbollah
· Muslim advocacy group files civil rights complaint against US university
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Arab World
· Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility
· Saudi AI Company Implements 4-Day Working Week
· Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
· Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM
· What you should know about photo rules in Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mosque
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Pakistan
· Polio Worker Among Six Slain In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur And South Waziristan Districts Attacks
· 5 injured in blast near bank in Turbat, probe launched to identify cause: police
· Mashreq Pakistan’s new Shariah Board to transform Islamic banking
· Opposition won't support any legislation against Constitution: Fazl
· IHC Fixes Hearing of Imran Khan's Plea Against Possible Military Trial
· NA speaker sets up body to address house-related issues
· Balochistan, Sindh unite against Irsa Act tweaks
· Special team to probe ‘violence’ at PTI’s Sept 8 rally
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Mideast
· Egypt Urges Robust Efforts to Bolster Palestinian Hopes for Self-Determination
· Hamas Meets with Mediators in Doha Over Gaza Truce
· Iran’s president calls for creation of Islamic coalition to root out Israeli terrorism
· Key Highlights from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's Remarks During the Joint Press Conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on His Visit to Iraq
· UN Guterres says 6 colleagues killed in Israel strike on Gaza school
· Turkish-American activist’s family awaits body for burial
· US military says it destroyed 5 Houthi drones and 2 missile systems
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Africa
· Flights Grounded at Kenya's Main Airport as Workers Protest Against Adani Deal
· Algeria Election Results Are Being Questioned By The Opposition Candidates And The President Himself
· IGP Issues Fresh Order Ahead Of Edo Governorship Election
· You Claimed Nigeria Is Broke Yet Spend Lavishly – Afenifere Chieftain Knocks Tinubu Gov’t
· House Of Representatives Postpones Resumption Of Annual Recess
· The UN Security Council extends sanctions on Sudan until September 2025
· Libya’s factions progress in central bank crisis talks, says UN Libya mission
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South Asia
· Kabul University Hosts Inaugural Seminar on AI Applications in Medicine and Research
· Ministry of Education Reports Enrolling Over 1.4 Million Students and Establishing 210 New Schools
· UN appeals for $603 million in winter aid for Afghanistan
· Pezeshkian urges Islamic Union, border removal during Iraq visit amid Afghanistan wall construction
· Mullah Hassan, Turkmen leader emphasize enhancing bilateral cooperation
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Southeast Asia
· Malaysian Police Resuce 400 Minors from Islamic Charity Over Abuse Allegations
· 11 Indonesian Workers Abducted in Myanmar: Union
· PAS orders Youth wing to engage non-Muslims, win back trust
· ‘We decide what is best for our nation’, says PM Anwar as Malaysia maintains Russia ties and good relations globally
· Zahid: Umno-Pakatan cooperation key to preserving unity govt in Sabah state polls
· Avoid firing at non-Muslims when aiming at DAP, says PAS Youth leader
· Selangor Islamic body probes GISBH links to Al-Arqam after police raids on 18 premises
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/gyanvapi-mosque-hindu-asi-masjid/d/133184
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Gyanvapi Mosque Case: Hindu Side Urges Court To Allow ASI For Deeper Excavation Of Masjid Premises For Survey
Mathura Gyanvapi Mosque
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September 11, 2024
The Hindu side in the ongoing Gyanvapi mosque case petitioned a court in Varanasi on Wednesday to allow the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a deeper excavation of the premises. The request, submitted by lawyer Madan Mohan Yadav, seeks to survey the remaining parts of the Gyanvapi complex to investigate historical claims surrounding the site.
According to Yadav, the Hindu side argues that the original Jyotirlinga resides beneath the dome of the mosque. They also cited a belief that water once flowed from the ‘Argha’ into the Gyanvapi Kund, historically regarded as sacred and known as ‘Gyanoday Tirth’, or the “Pilgrimage of Knowledge”.
Civil Judge Senior Division Jugal Shambhu, presiding over the fast-track court, heard the Hindu side’s arguments and set the next hearing date for September 18, when the Muslim side is expected to present their counterarguments.
The lawyers of the Hindu side in the previous hearings have demanded that this water be explored by water engineering, geologists and archeologists.
Also, the ‘Shivling’ found from Gyanoday Tirth, which the Muslim side is calling a ‘wuzukhana’, should also be examined to see whether it is a ‘Shivling’ or a fountain, Yadav added.
Source:financialexpress.com
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https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-case-hindu-side-urges-court-to-allow-asi-for-excavation-of-masjid-premises-for-survey/3608413/
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Video Showing ‘Muslim Immigrants’ Assault On Young Women in France Miscaptioned
This video does not show Muslim migrants assaulting women in Paris metro
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11 SEPTEMBER 2024
A video is circulating on social media with misleading claims it shows an attempted assault by “Muslim immigrants” on young women in France.
In the footage, a group of young men in a pedestrian underpass appear to try to accost some women as they attempt to walk through, before a fight breaks out and the men are left lying on the ground after being hit by the women.
It has been shared over 2,100 times on X, formerly Twitter, and a screenshot of the video also appears on Facebook with the caption: “In France, a gang of Muslim immigrants tried to assault a group of young women.
“Little did they know what awaited them. Don’t mess with the French women!”
But the video does not show what is claimed. The original video was posted on Instagram in November 2023 in much higher quality by Campus Univers Cascades, a stunt team and stunt school in France.
It had the caption “Street fight” but also included the hashtags “stuntteam” “choregraphy” [sic] and “stuntlife”.
The account has also posted similar staged videos of fights breaking out involving men and women.
This is not the first time Full Fact has seen staged content being shared as if it’s genuine, including a video supposedly showing hunters being attacked by a lion, as well as staged CCTV footage showing a woman’s drink being spiked and a baby being separated from its mother on a metro platform.
It’s important to consider whether a video on social media shows what it claims to be before sharing it. Our guide to identifying misleading videos may help you to do so.
Source:fullfact.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://fullfact.org/online/subway-immigrant-attack-video-claim-false/
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Lessons About 9/11 Often Provoke Harassment Of Muslim Students
Muslim students report being teased and harassed when schools focus on 9/11.
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Sep 11, 2024
Near the start of each school year, many U.S. schools wrestle with how to teach about 9/11 – the deadliest foreign attack ever on American soil.
In interviews I conducted recently in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area – one of three places where hijacked planes crashed on Sept. 11, 2001 – I found that Muslim students are often subjected to ridicule and blame for the 9/11 attacks.
“Even if they’re joking around, they’ll say ‘terrorist’ and stuff like that,” one student told me. “That used to trigger me a lot.”
Another student told me: “9/11, every single year, is so awkward. The administrators would be like ‘On this fateful day, this happened’… then the Muslim jokes would come up, like ‘Don’t blow us up.’ When I was younger it bothered me, but now I’m just desensitized to it.”
“There’s so much tension, just being even this color and then being a Muslim, period,” yet another student told me. “It’s really strange, like, you feel it, they’re not saying it … ’You don’t understand this question because you’re Muslim,‘ which is the strangest thing, but it’s definitely the tension that these teachers give off sometimes.”
These students are among the 55 Muslim students, ages 12 to 21, whom I interviewed in the Greater Washington, D.C., area from 2019 through 2021 about their experiences in school during classroom lessons about 9/11. Their experience is part of a larger pattern of Muslim students being targeted and bullied in U.S. schools.
Increase in harassment
A 2020 poll found that 51% of American Muslim families reported that their children experienced religious-based bullying – insults or physical assaults – in school. That’s nearly twice the rate reported by parents among the general public, the same poll found. Perhaps more disturbingly, 30% of those incidents reportedly involved a teacher or school official – the same people whom students ought to be able to turn to for support.
Effects on learning
When Muslim students experience these kinds of challenges at school, it is associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Students can learn better when educators foster a sense of emotional safety and belonging.
Observers might conclude that it’s no big deal when students merely subject their Muslim classmates to jokes – that the teasing is all in good humor and a normal part of high school.
My research – which is ongoing and unpublished – suggests that this sort of cavalier attitude can be found among teachers and administrators. A few students in my study noticed their teachers would dismiss their concerns or make excuses for students who teased Muslim students about 9/11 by suggesting the other student “didn’t mean it” or “was misunderstood.”
But calling Muslim students “terrorists” or telling them “don’t blow us up” repeats deeply ingrained stereotypes that vilify Muslims as prone to extremist violence and should be considered anti-Muslim racism, I believe.
Opposition from the top
Beyond having their concerns about harassment dismissed, Muslim students sometimes must deal with school administrators who block their efforts to form identity groups. For instance, a 2018 study found that at a high school where the principal suspended meetings for a Muslim Student Association, Muslim students felt as if their school was “characterized by exclusion and racialized surveillance.” Muslim students also report that their commitment to democratic values is often called into question.
Despite the animosity that Muslim students face, scholars who specialize in Muslim student issues, such as Suhad Tabahi and Layla Khayr, argue that schools can do more to combat anti-Muslim racism.
Much of that work can be done in the classroom – and school-based 9/11 observances and lessons represent a prime opportunity.
As a teacher trainer who partly works in developing culturally responsive 9/11 teaching resources, I offer three strategies educators can use to reenvision how they deal with the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath.
1. Teach culturally diverse stories
Although it’s common for people to recall how “Islamic extremists” carried out the 9/11 attacks, it’s also true that Muslim immigrants, such as Mohammed Salman Hamdani, lost their lives serving as first responders. Those stories can help counterbalance the negative sentiments that arise from Muslim-blaming narratives that sometimes accompany lessons about 9/11.
2. Examine the social and political effects of 9/11
Teach students how immigration policies became linked to national security. Introduce students to how 9/11 gave rise to the USA Patriot Act, which authorized the broad use of federal surveillance to counter violent extremism, led to the formation of the Department of Homeland Security and informed the so-called “Muslim ban.”
Discuss how 9/11 led to “no-fly” lists and disproportionately affected the surveillance of Muslim Americans. Recount how the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were linked to 9/11.
Show students how Muslims, and people assumed to be Muslim, feared for their personal safety because of all the backlash that followed 9/11.
This can help students better understand contemporary events, such as why Afghan refugees are coming to America, or why airport security increases around Sept. 11 each year.
3. Keep students safe
As the United States prepares for potential terror threats on the anniversary of 9/11, educators bear a responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment. Teachers should pay attention to the conversations between students to ensure that they are not repeating harmful words and actions that target Muslims.
Respond to students who express fear for their personal safety. Educators should consult their state’s anti-bullying policies to get up to speed on how to handle harassment.
But by offering a broader perspective of 9/11 and its aftermath, educators can create a safer learning experience for students as they reflect on 9/11 and how it forever changed Americans’ lives.The Conversation
Source:tucsonsentinel.com
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https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/opinion/report/091124_911_muslim_students_op/lessons-9-11-often-provoke-harassment-muslim-students/
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Jordan's Islamist Party, Islamic Action Front,Win Big in Parliamentary Elections
A Jordanian woman votes in parliamentary elections at a polling station in al-Salt near the capital Amman on September 10, 2024. (Khalil MAZRAAWI / AFP)
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September 11, 2024
Jordan's main Islamist opposition party made significant gains and won 31 out of 138 seats in parliament, according to official results.
The election outcome is the best yet for the Islamic Action Front (IAF) — who were able to capitalize on people's anger over Israel's war against Hamas.
The IAF is the political arm of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood.
Jordan is home to a large Palestinian population.
Although the kingdom is a strong US ally and maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, the general public is widely sympathetic to the Palestinians.
The IAF has organized some of the largest protests in the region including pro-Hamas demonstrations.
Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the EU and the US.
1st election under revamped law to allow more representation for parties
The parliamentary election was the first after a 2022 electoral law — which for the first time allocated 41 seats for political parties.
The revamped law is meant to moderate the tribal hold on power and bolster parties.
In Jordan, the king is the ultimate decision-maker and holds near absolute authority.
But parliament serves an important function in both introducing and passing laws and also legitimizing Jordan's political system, especially during times of regional tension.
Jordanian people have placed 'trust' in Islamists, says head of party
"The Jordanian people have given us their trust by voting for us. This new phase will increase the burden of responsibility for the party towards the nation and our citizens," Wael al-Saqqa, head of the IAF, told Reuters news agency.
This is their best result since 1989, when they won 22 out of 80 seats in parliament.
But turnout for the election was just 32%, according to official state-run media.
Some 27 women won seats — thanks to Jordan’s new electoral system that aim to increase women's participation in political life.
How has Israel-Hamas war in Gaza influenced elections?
The IAF has tried to capitalize on voter anger over the Gaza conflict.
"Jordanians will provide financial and be their lungs in the path of liberation and achieving their right to a free state," al-Saqqa told AFP news agency.
Murad Adailah, the head of the Muslim Brotherhood, told Reuters that their victory was a “popular referendum” endorsing their support for Hamas, their allies, and their desire to nullify the 1994 peace treaty with Israel.
Why is the vote important?
King Abdullah II, who succeeded his father in 1999, has the power to appoint governments and dissolve parliament. The assembly can force a cabinet’s resignation through a vote of no confidence.
Abdullah expects governments formed by parliamentary majorities to help protect Jordan from conflicts on its borders and accelerate political reforms.
Public debt in Jordan has reached nearly $50 billion, and unemployment hit 21% in the first quarter of this year.
Source:dw.com
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https://www.dw.com/en/jordan-islamists-win-big-in-parliamentary-elections/a-70193770?maca=en-dp_newsnow_en_txt_all-35701-xml-mrss
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Quetta Police Station Attacked Amid Protest Against ‘Blasphemy’, Mob Demanded to Hand Over A Blasphemy Suspect To Them
The Kharotabad police station came under a grenade attack during a violent protest on Wednesday as an enraged mob demanded that the police hand over a blasphemy suspect to them. (File Photo)
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Saleem Shahid
September 12, 2024
QUETTA: The Kharotabad police station came under a grenade attack during a violent protest on Wednesday as an enraged mob demanded that the police hand over a blasphemy suspect to them.
Police arrested the suspect after registering a case against him on blasphemy charges.
The protesters belonging to TLP and other religious parties blocked traffic on the western bypass by placing burning tyres on the road and staged rallies in several parts of the provincial capital.
They later hurled a hand grenade at the Kharotabad police station, demanding the custody of the blasphemy suspect. The grenade, however, exploded outside the police station.
No human loss was reported in the attack.
“We have registered an FIR against the blasphemy suspect and arrested him soon after receiving information about the incident,” a senior police officer said.
According to the complaint, a resident of Kharotabad, used objectionable words against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). His alleged phone conversation was viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism and protests.
Some enraged people gathered on the western bypass and put barricades and bounders on the road to suspend traffic. They also protested in front of Kharotabad police station and chanted slogans against the incident. They demanded that the suspect arrested by police on the charges of blasphemy be handed over to them as they would decide his fate.
The police informed the protesters that FIR was registered against him under Sections 295C and 34 of the penal code and investigation was underway.
Officials of the district administration and senior police officers after negotiations with the TLP leaders later managed to disperse the crowd and the western bypass was reopened.
The TLP later took out protest rallies in other parts of Quetta and marched on different roads carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1858440/quetta-police-station-attacked-amid-protest-against-blasphemy
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India
“Rahul Gandhi Standing with Forces That Conspire to Divide the Country”, Say the BJP Union Ministers
September 12, 2024
As leaders of the BJP slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the US on the issue of reservation in India and his meeting with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Wednesday that Gandhi has “once again brought the Congress’s anti-reservation face to the forefront” and is “standing with forces that conspire to divide the country” while “making anti-national statements”.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attacked Gandhi for suggesting that Sikhs as a community felt insecure in India, and that China was occupying Indian territory. “The kind of claims he has made on the soil of America regarding the India-China border dispute are misleading and beyond facts,” Singh said.
In a post on X, Shah said, “By speaking about abolishing reservation in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress’s anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that as long as the BJP is there, neither can anyone abolish reservation nor can anyone mess with the nation’s security.”
Referring to Gandhi’s meeting with Ilhan Omar – India had protested her visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in April 2022 and said her “narrow-minded politics” violated India’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty” — Shah said, “Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.” “Whether it is supporting the JKNC’s anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on foreign platforms, Rahul Gandhi has always threatened the nation’s security and hurt sentiments,” he said, adding, “Rahul Gandhi’s statement lays bare the Congress’s politics of causing rifts on the lines of regionalism, religion, and linguistic differences.”
Gandhi addressed two events in the US Monday, including an interaction with students of Georgetown University where, while responding to a question on caste-based reservation, he said, “If you look at the Indian government, there are 70 bureaucrats who run the government… Of the 70 people, there is no tribal, three Dalits and three OBCs, a minority… the fact is they aren’t getting participation. We will think of ending reservation when India is a fair place. And India is not a fair place.”
He also spoke about the absence of a level-playing field in the recent Lok Sabha elections – alleging that Opposition leaders and parties were harassed — but added that Indian democracy was fighting back and the election results did offer some hope, although it was not good enough yet.
Accusing Gandhi of making statements on foreign soil that hurt Indians and also meeting “anti-India” persons, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, “Mr Rahul Gandhi should apologise not only to Bharat, but he should apologise to every single citizen of India who has felt hurt.”
Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters, “It is for everyone to see who are the political leaders in our country who are often seen to be moving around with known anti-India elements across the globe, spew venom and speak against India.”
Hitting back at the BJP, the Congress said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has only talked about upholding the Constitution and asked why the ruling party has a “problem” whenever there is such talk.
It also dismissed the criticism over Gandhi meeting Ilhan Omar. Responding to Shah’s remarks about Gandhi “standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements”, Congress’s media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, “Ask him to take action, then we will expose the Prime Minister and the Home Minister both. The PM goes abroad and makes horrible comments against India and Indians, that is not anti-national? We are talking about upholding the Constitution of India and that is anti-national? Why is it that BJP has a problem whenever we talk about upholding the Constitution?”.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore said those preaching about national interest and reservation should first look at the RSS’s own track record on social justice.
Tagore said Gandhi has always stood for unity and equality, while the BJP and its ideological mentors have done the opposite. The country, he said, knows who is really messing with India’s progress.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-on-quota-meeting-ilhan-omar-his-true-face-with-anti-india-forces-9563017/
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Uttarkashi District Mosque Built On Registered Land, Not Illegal, We Will Not Allow Anybody to Take Law into Their Hands: Official
By Amit Bathla
Sep 11, 2024
A mosque in Uttarkashi town is built on registered land and is not illegal, an official in the Uttarakhand police, citing district administration records, said.
Amit Srivastava, superintendent of police (SP), Uttarkashi, said, “Some right-wing organisations had given a memorandum to the administration, in which they stated that it is an illegal mosque. According to the district administration, it is built on registered land, and it is not illegal. It is registered in the names of four people. The administration has conveyed them the same to the right-wing organisations.”
“We will not allow anybody to take law into their hands”, he said.
An umbrella group of right-wing organisations -- Sanyukt Sanatan Dharam Rakshak Sangh -- submitted a memorandum to Uttarkashi district magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht on September 9 demanding for the demolition as it was not registered in the official revenue records.
The organisation members held a public demonstration outside the DM office pressing for their demands with a three-day deadline.
Meanwhile, Uttarkashi DM Bisht said they have constituted a committee under sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Bhatwari for inspection of the land records pertaining to the mosque.
“We will take the required action as the law once the report of the committee is received,” he said.
“The committee will probe the land records of places, including the mosque, mentioned in the memorandum given to them (by right wing organisations). Once the probe report comes, we will take action as per the law and will remove illegal encroachments, if any,” he said.
The DM urged everyone to cooperate with the district administration to maintain law and order and peace in the district.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/dehradun-news/uttarkashi-district-mosque-built-on-registered-land-not-illegal-official-101726058497548.html
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'Will Be Demolished If It Is Found To Be Illegal': Himachal Minister's Assurance Amid Shimla Mosque Row
Sep 11, 2024,
NEW DELHI: Tension prevailed in Himachal Pradesh's Sanjauli as protestors hit the roads on Wednesday against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque.
Hindu groups, who had called for a bandh, came out on streets along with the people in the hill state as they were irked by the Shimla Municipal Corporation's slow pace in deciding the legality of the mosque's construction -- which has been pending since 2010.
The case has been heard nearly 45 times, but the final decision on the matter is yet to come.
The protest turned ugly when the agitators clashed with the police and removed barricades to enter the Dhalli tunnel that leads to the Sanjauli area, where the mosque stands. The cops pushed against the protesting crowds by resorting to lathi-charge and also used water cannons to disperse the gatherings.
'It will be demolished if... '
Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh, to persuade the enraged protestors, assured action once the decision on the matter comes and said the mosque "will be demolished if it is found to be illegal"
"This matter has been pending for a long period. As far as the construction of illegal buildings is concerned, the government has taken cognisance of it. I have also strongly said in the assembly that as soon as the decision comes on this within the ambit of law action will be taken, it will be demolished if it is found to be illegal," Singh said.
The minister said the government will "move ahead with the process of law" and that an "atmosphere of peace should prevail in Himachal Pradesh".
Protestors demand to seal mosque
Several protesters complained that the government first denied them permission to hold a peaceful demonstration and now was arresting them.
Vijay Sharma, one of the demonstration's leaders told news agency PTI that the police lathi-charge on the protesters led to the volatile atmosphere in the area.
"We demand that the structure be sealed till the hearing is concluded, all outsiders coming to the state be registered and a vendor's policy formulated on a population basis with 95 per cent licence to Hindus," Sharma said.
Many women also joined the protest and recited Hanuman Chalisa at Dhalli before breaking the barricades.
Sunita, who was among the protesters, claimed police lathi-charged children as well.
"We are neither from the Congress nor from the BJP, we are Hindus and want these street vendors out," she told PTI.
Janvi, a student of Class 6 of SPM Public School in Sanjauli, the students were scared as they were stuck in the school due to the protest.
"We were allowed to leave when our parents came to collect us," she added.
CM Sukhu to set up panel
Amid the protests against the illegal construction of the mosque, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on September 9, assured that his government will constitute a committee to frame a street vendors' policy and to issue licences only after their verification.
The CM, on the concluding day of the 11-day monsoon session of the Himachal assembly, said either a cabinet sub-committee or a vidhan sabha committee will be constituted to address this issue since Congress and BJP were equally responsible for maintaining communal harmony in the state.
He said the state had a history of various communities co-existing peacefully, but action will be taken as per law in case of any illegal activity.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/will-be-demolished-if-himachal-ministers-assurance-amid-shimla-mosque-row/articleshow/113260966.cms
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Mehbooba Mufti sees proxies in Jamaat-e-Islami 'rebels'
Muzaffar Raina
12.09.24
Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday trained her guns on Independent candidates backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami, suggesting they were fielded by government agencies to cut her votes and asking Jamaat to clarify their stand on the nominees.
Mehbooba’s outburst came a day after she claimed Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, was a PDP proxy. Engineer Rashid’s release was ordered by a court on Tuesday.
The PDP president’s tirade against Jamaat candidates sounded bizarre to many as the party has enjoyed the clandestine support of its ranks since it was floated in 1999. Their support, though not the only reason, has helped the party emerge as a rival to the National Conference.
Kashmir’s largest militant group Hizbul Mujahideen is the creation of Jamaat. It was banned in 2018 along with the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).
Mehbooba had also fiercely defended Engineer during the recent Lok Sabha polls and was among the first to seek his release.
The two entities seem to have emerged as a major threat to the PDP, prompting Mehbooba to come out openly against them.
The PDP president told reporters on the sidelines of an election rally in Shopian’s Wachi that she did not know whether Jamaat was “really contesting or the agency’s men were contesting elections wearing its attire”.
“Somebody is wearing Jamaat clothes and says he is a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate. Check whether he is a member of the Shura (advisory body) of the Jamaat-e-Islami. If it is banned, whose candidates are they? They (government) have confined Jamaat leaders to their homes. Why are they told to shut their mouths and not talk?” she said.
The former chief minister said she favoured giving five seats to Jamaat once its ban was lifted to contest elections.
“But let the government lift the Jamaat ban. Jamaat should clarify that those coming forward and contesting Assembly elections are their representatives or agents of agencies,” she said.
Top Jamaat leaders including Dr Fayaz Hameed and Faheem Mohammad Ramzan were released from jail in July and they supported the idea of contesting elections. In their absence, Jamaat leaders had floated a panel headed by Ghulam Qadir Wani to take a call on elections. Both Hameed and Ramzan said they backed the panel’s decisions.
Wani has been seen campaigning for candidates backed by the party.
Mehbooba, however, suggested they do not enjoy Jamaat support.
She claimed that several Independents had joined the poll fray at gunpoint to reduce the PDP’s votes.
Mehbooba on Wednesday also stepped up her opposition to Engineer Rashid, asking if he was released, why “thousands of innocents are rotting in jails”.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/mehbooba-mufti-sees-proxies-in-jamaat-e-islami-rebels/cid/2047400
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Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces kill two militants in Kathua after weeks-long manhunt
Muzaffar Raina
12.09.24
Security forces on Wednesday gunned down two militants in an operation in Khandara of Jammu’s Kathua, a rare success coming after a weeks-long manhunt spread over several districts in the region.
“Two Terrorists Neutralised in the Ongoing Operation at Khandara #Kathua by Troops of Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress,” the army’s Himachal-based Rising Star Corps said in a post on X.
According to a PTI report, the bodies of the two militants — believed to be from Pakistan and affiliated to the Jaish-e-Mohammad — had been recovered. An M-4 carbine, an AK assault rifle, a pistol and a large quantity of ammunition and eatables had also been seized.
Parts of Kathua are areas of responsibility for the Himachal-based Corps.
Although two infiltrating militants were killed in Jammu on Tuesday, success has been eluding forces in the interiors of the district where militants have carried out a spate of attacks.
This was the first successful operation against the militants in the dense forest which witnessed over half a dozen encounters in the past six months, claiming the lives of a village defence guard on April 28 and a CRPF inspector on August 19.
Officials said Wednesday’s operation was meticulously planned and commandos were involved from the outset after pinpointing the location of militants hiding in upper reaches.
The operation was jointly launched by the army and the police in the early hours of
the day and the first contact with the terrorists was established around 12.50pm, leading to a fierce gunfight, the officials said.
The PTI report said one more terrorist is believed to be trapped in the Khandara top area and efforts are on to neutralise him.
Dozens of battle-hardened militants are believed to be active in different Jammu districts, taking advantage of its dangerous topography to hide from forces.
Militants had carried out one of the deadliest attacks on forces in Kathua on July 8 in which five soldiers were killed and five injured. It is not clear whether the same group of militants was involved in the attack.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-security-forces-kill-two-militants-in-kathua-after-weeks-long-manhunt/cid/2047387
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House panel defers meet with officials over delay in framing 2013 Waqf Act rules
Lalmani Verma
September 12, 2024
t rules, Wakf (Amendment) Act, Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2013 Waqf Act rules, Indian express news, current affairsBoth Houses of Parliament have their own committees on subordinate legislation which examine whether rules and by-laws related to a law are framed in time and are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
The Rajya Sabha Committee on Subordinate Legislation (COSL) has decided to summon Minority Affairs Ministry officials to explain the delay in completing the process for framing subordinate legislation under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is at present before a Joint Committee of Parliament.
Initially, the COSL had listed the meeting on September 18 and Ministry officials were directed to be present. However, the meeting was postponed as several members of the committee have retired and are yet to be replaced. At present, there are six vacant seats on the panel.
Of the nine existing members, BJP has three, Congress has two and one each from AAP, AIADMK, YSRCP and TRS.
On the same day, the committee had also summoned Defence Ministry officials on the reasons for delay in completing the process for framing of subordinate legislation under the Cantonment Act, 2006.
Laxmikant Bajpayee, COSL chairperson, told The Indian Express: “Meeting of the committee has been postponed because the number of members in the committee has come down to nine following retirement of several members. Meeting will be called when the committee has all the numbers.”
Both Houses of Parliament have their own committees on subordinate legislation which examine whether rules and by-laws related to a law are framed in time and are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/house-panel-defers-meet-with-officials-delay-2013-waqf-act-rules-9563020/
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Europe
Muslim Brotherhood welcomes rapprochement between Turkey and Egypt, says spokesman
By Turkish Minute
September 11, 2024
The Muslim Brotherhood welcomes the recent rapprochement between Turkey and Egypt, the group’s spokesperson told BBC’s Turkish service.
Talat Fehmi, the group’s spokesperson, based in Turkey, said they support the process of normalization between Ankara and Cairo, noting that cooperation serves the interests of both peoples. However, Fehmi differentiated between relations with the Egyptian state and those with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, whom the Brotherhood views as a “coup leader” due to his role in the ouster of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
The Brotherhood, an Islamist movement that has been outlawed in Egypt since the 2013 coup, has maintained a presence in Turkey, which initially supported the group and its members who fled Egypt.
Despite the recent warming of ties between Turkey and Egypt, Fehmi said there has been no pressure on the group to curb its activities in Turkey. He emphasized that the Turkish government continues to respect the Brotherhood’s presence, stating, “We operate in accordance with Turkish law, and all our activities comply with official and legal standards.”
Fehmi also said regional factors, including the situation in Gaza and other mutual interests such as Mediterranean gas and the Libyan crisis, played a significant role in driving the rapprochement between the two countries. He expressed the view that improved relations between Turkey and Egypt are crucial for the region and the world at large.
Egypt and Turkey have taken major steps toward restoring diplomatic relations, with both countries exchanging ambassadors and Egyptian President Sisi visiting Turkey in August for the first time at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s invitation. During the visit, 17 agreements were signed, signaling a new phase of cooperation between the two nations.
Despite speculation in the Arab media about possible reconciliation between the Muslim Brotherhood and the Egyptian regime, Fehmi dismissed such claims, saying the Brotherhood’s stance toward the Sisi government remains unchanged. He reiterated that the group holds the Egyptian regime accountable for what they describe as crimes, including the execution of Brotherhood members, and said, “It is not logical for the Muslim Brotherhood to reconcile with a regime that has committed crimes.”
Despite Fehmi’s denial of any restrictions by Ankara on the group, Turkey’s rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE, countries that regard the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, has occurred in parallel with restrictions on the Islamist group’s freedom of movement and ability to operate in the country. Turkey called on Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated TV stations to limit their critical coverage of el-Sisi and shut down at least one of the stations during Erdoğan’s visit to Jeddah last year.
Turkey refused to renew the residence permits of members or people linked to the group to persuade them to leave the country, reportedly arrested some of the leaders and is considering deporting many others at the request of the Egyptian president, perhaps to a third country.
Following Erdoğan’s visit, there was a noticeable exodus of Brotherhood members from Turkey, including media workers, members of the Hasm movement — an armed wing of the Brotherhood — and academics who previously worked at Turkish universities.
Ankara has been trying to repair its broken relations with el-Sisi since 2020.
Source:turkishminute.com
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https://www.turkishminute.com/2024/09/11/brotherhood-welcome-rapprochement-between-turkey-egypt-says-spokesman/
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Hamburg Islamic center head appeals Germany deportation
12 SEPTEMBER 2024
Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, the head of the banned Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), filed court action on Wednesday to challenge a deportation order — hours before a deadline for him to leave the country.
The IZH, which Mottafeh headed from 2018 until its forced closure, was considered by German domestic intelligence authorities to be controlled by Iran.
What we know about the case
It is understood the appeal itself does not necessarily suspend the deportation order, and the Hamburg Interior Ministry said Mofatteh left Germany on Tuesday evening.
Authorities in Hamburg had issued the deportation order at the end of August.
It meant the 57-year-old Shiite Muslim cleric had to leave Germany within 14 days or be deported to his homeland — Iran — at his own cost.
Mofatteh is also forbidden to reenter Germany or spend any time in the country for 20 years. If he were to disobey, he would face a prison sentence of up to three years.
The cleric's exit comes with the threat posed by Islamist extremists high on Germany's political agenda after a deadly knife attack in the western city of Solingen in August.
What did officials say about links to Iran?
Germany's domestic intelligence agency said Mofatteh was until recently considered the official representative in Germany of the Islamic Republic of Iran's hard-line Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
"Mofatteh is an accomplished representative of the current regime in Tehran. His family is firmly integrated into Iran's state-religious elite," according to the latest report by the agency.
The interior minister for the state of Hamburg, Andy Grote, described Mofatteh as "one of Germany's most prominent Islamists."
"We will continue to take a tough line against Islamists with all legal means at our disposal," he said in a statement.
The IZH was outlawed in July after it was classified as an extremist group by German authorities. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described it at the time as "Iran's most important propaganda center in Europe."
In addition, the center promoted "an Islamist-extremist, totalitarian ideology in Germany," Faeser said in a statement issued to justify the move to close it down, confiscating its assets and facilities.
Faeser also took the same action in July against five other IFZ-linked Shiite associations as extremist Islamist organizations. Police also closed and confiscated assets and facilities of Hamburg's "Blue Mosque," which is supported by the IZH, and three other places of worship nationwide.
Source:dw.com
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https://www.dw.com/en/hamburg-islamic-center-head-appeals-germany-deportation/a-70194133
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UK approves Ukrainian missile strikes deep inside Russia – Guardian
11 Sep, 2024
Washington and London may have already decided to let Kiev use long-range missiles for strikes deep inside Russia and are now seeding the narrative through the media, Russian Senator Aleksey Pushkov has said.
Britain has already given the green light for the use of Storm Shadow missiles, The Guardian reported on Wednesday, citing anonymous government sources. London, however, is not expected to announce the move publicly, the sources claimed.
“The decision to strike Russian territory is clearly being prepared,” Pushkov wrote on Telegram on Wednesday. “There are too many conversations and hints about it for it to be reversed. Even if it has not been made yet, it looks like it will be a matter of days. The leak via The Guardian is not accidental. Public opinion is being prepared.”
Limitations on the use of Western-supplied weapons were originally put in place to allow the US and its allies to claim they were not directly involved in the conflict with Russia, while arming Ukraine to the tune of $200 billion. Kiev has been clamoring for the restrictions to be lifted since May, however.
According to The Guardian, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken “gave the strongest hint yet” about permitting Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against Russia during his visit to Kiev on Wednesday. The decision is “understood to have already been made in private,” the British outlet claimed.
Blinken “signaled” the potential shift from Washington on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg, by bringing up Iran’s alleged delivery of missiles to Moscow.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who tagged along with Blinken to Kiev, has said the Iranian missile delivery was a “significant and dangerous escalation” that influenced the thinking in London and Washington.
“The escalator here is [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. Putin has escalated with the shipment of missiles from Iran. We see a new axis of Russia, Iran and North Korea,” The Guardian quoted Lammy as saying.
Iran has denied sending any missiles to Russia, calling the accusations “psychological warfare” and particularly rich coming from countries heavily involved in arming Ukraine.
An open letter from 27 US congressmen and senators sent to President Joe Biden on Wednesday did not mention Iranian missiles at all. Instead, it claimed that Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region “changed the very nature of the war” and argued that “Ukraine is not intimidated by Putin’s tyranny, and in the defense of liberty, we should not be either.”
The US “continues to test the limits of our tolerance for hostile steps,” and is “paving the way to World War III,” the Russian ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, told reporters on Wednesday.
“It is impossible to negotiate with terrorists. They must be destroyed,” Antonov added. “As in the years of the Great Patriotic War, fascism must be eradicated. And the goals and objectives of the special military operation must be fully achieved. No one should doubt that it will be so.”
Putin has previously warned NATO members to be aware of “what they are playing with” when discussing plans to allow Kiev to strike deep inside Russian territory using weapons provided by the West. The Russian military is “taking appropriate countermeasures,” according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the use of Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory “playing with fire.”
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/603878-ukraine-storm-shadow-missiles/
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North America
Green Party candidate Jill Stein, of Lexington, leads among Muslim voters in key swing states, survey finds
By Ross Cristantiello
September 11, 2024
Jill Stein, the Green Party presidential candidate and a Lexington resident, is finding some momentum among Muslim voters in key swing states, according to a new report.
Stein leads Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump among Muslim voters in Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin, according to polling from the Council on American-Islamic Relations. She has the support of 35% of Muslim voters in Arizona, 40% in Michigan, and 44% in Wisconsin.
Harris is leading among Muslim voters in Georgia and Pennsylvania, with 43% and 37%, respectively. Trump leads in Muslim voter support in Nevada with 27%, according to the report.
Overall, most Muslim voters appear evenly split between Harris and Stein. The polling found that 29.4% of Muslim voters overall support Harris, while 29.1% support Stein. Trump garnered 11.2%, and 16.5% said they were undecided.
By gender, Harris leads among Muslim male voters with 29%. Stein leads among female Muslim voters with 34%.
“Candidates running for office cannot afford to overlook the issues that matter most to Muslim Americans. Ignoring this community or taking their votes for granted could be a costly mistake, particularly in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin, where elections are often won by narrow margins. It’s time for candidates at every level of government to invest more time and resources in understanding the concerns of Muslim voters,” CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said in a statement.
As the Israeli military continues to devastate Gaza with powerful munitions dropped in humanitarian zones, Stein has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and harsh critic of America’s continued sale of weapons to Israel.
During the debate Tuesday between Harris and Trump, Stein took to social media to criticize both candidates on a variety of issues. On the topic of Gaza, Stein blamed the Biden-Harris administration for enabling Israel to commit war crimes.
When asked about the war in Gaza during the debate, Harris said that, while Israel has a right to defend itself, the number of innocent lives lost in Gaza is unacceptable. She called for the war to end immediately with a ceasefire deal that would free the remaining Israeli hostages and pushed for a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians have equal access to security and stability.
Stein publicly clashed with another high-profile Democrat recently. While filming a video on Instagram, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Stein for mounting quixotic Presidential campaigns over the years without working to grow the Green Party’s prominence through down-ballot electoral gains. Ocasio-Cortez called Stein’s actions “predatory.” Stein responded by saying the Democrats are “running scared” because voters do not want to support a genocide.
Source:boston.com
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https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2024/09/11/green-party-candidate-jill-stein-of-lexington-leads-among-muslim-voters-in-key-swing-states-survey-finds/
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UGA hit with lawsuit over alleged anti-Muslim discrimination
Sep. 11, 2024
ATHENS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The University of Georgia is facing a federal lawsuit over alleged anti-Muslim discrimination on its campus following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
The lawsuit was filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights by the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and attorneys Sarah Gerwig and Samantha Hamilton on behalf of individual UGA students and the organization Georgia Students for Justice in Palestine.
The lawsuit alleges UGA violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin by institutions receiving federal financial assistance – “through discriminatory enforcement of its policies.”
The plaintiffs are “demanding an immediate investigation into UGA’s extreme differential treatment of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students, students perceived to be Palestinian, and students associated with or advocating for Palestinians,” according to CAIR.
CAIR said the lawsuit details how SJP, “a student organization that advocates for Palestinian human rights and equality,” and students associated with the group “have been the target of anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic harassment on campus that has escalated since October 7, 2023,” the date of Hamas’ attack on Israel.
The lawsuit claims the university “did not take meaningful steps to end the harassment, prevent it from occurring, or remedy its effects,” but instead “reinforced the hostile anti-Palestinian environment,” according to CAIR.
CAIR said the lawsuit claims UGA police arrested nine students who were “peacefully protesting Israel’s genocide of Palestinians,” who were then “summarily suspended” without “proper notice,” locked out of their on-campus housing, and fired from their on-campus jobs.
The lawsuit also claims professors were told to call 911 on the students if they were seen on campus, that the students were prohibited from taking exams or submitting papers online, and that several students were also barred from attending their graduations.
Source:wrdw.com
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https://www.wrdw.com/2024/09/11/uga-hit-with-lawsuit-over-alleged-anti-muslim-discrimination/
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After Lincoln Square Gym, Nearby Mosque Shot At, Muslim Chicagoans Fear ‘Targeted’ Attacks
By Alex V. Hernandez
Sep. 11, 2024
LINCOLN SQUARE — Members of Chicago’s Muslim community are asking police to investigate whether multiple incidents where someone damaged windows and doors at an Irving Park mosque and a Muslim-owned martial arts gym in Lincoln Square in the past three months were targeted attacks.
The most recent incident happened around 9 p.m. Saturday, when the front window was damaged at Redzovic Jiu-Jitsu, 4900 N. Lincoln Ave., a martial arts gym in Lincoln Square.
It was not immediately clear what caused the damage, but police said investigators discovered what appeared to be at least three bullet holes. The incident was first reported by the Sun-Times.
No one was injured, and detectives are still investigating, police said.
Gym owner Eddie Redzovic is a Muslim-American YouTube personality behind TheDeenShowTV, which attracts a large following. The channel has sometimes featured the Lincoln Square gym in its content. He wasn’t immediately available for comment.
Idriz Redzovic, Eddie Redzovic’s brother, said the gym’s security footage captured a dark car going by the building around the time the windows were damaged.
“Someone was driving around shooting,” Idriz Redzovic said.
This is the second time someone has vandalized the business in recent months, Idriz Redzovic and a gym employee said.
In the previous incident, around 9 p.m. July 8, someone appeared to shoot at the windows, police and Idriz Redzovic said. That is still under investigation, police said.
Footage from Saturday’s shooting appears to show the same dark vehicle pass by the gym as the July 8 incident, Idriz Redzovic said.
“I don’t understand. This is the second time we have camera footage of someone driving by and someone from the passenger side shoots at the gym. We made a police report and gave police footage back then,” Idriz Redzovic said.
“The crazy part is that a mosque in Irving Park was hit like a week earlier.”
The Muslim Community Center, 4380 N. Elston Ave., also had its windows damaged by apparent gunfire around 6 a.m. Sept. 3, according the Chicago branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and police.
The front doors and windows of the mosque were damaged, police said. No one was hurt, and detectives are investigating, police said.
Something had damaged the mosque’s windows Aug. 26, as well, but mosque leaders didn’t think to call police and report the damage until after the second incident, said CAIR spokeswoman Maggie Slavin.
“Only one report was filed because [the mosque] only made a big deal out of it the second time, because it was clear then that it was targeted,” she said.
A dark-colored vehicle was also seen driving by before the building was damaged last week, Slavin said.
CAIR has been in communication with the mosque and gym owners to compare the description of the vehicle in the separate incidents and provide information to police, Slavin said.
Eddie Redzovic’s YouTube channel bills itself as an “Islamic talk show” and his gym is a place where some members of Chicago’s Muslim community hang out, Slavin and Redzovic said.
The four incidents might be possible hate crimes because of the nature of the buildings that were damaged, Slavin said.
“It’s creepy as hell. And we can’t just walk away from this and say, ‘Well at least no one was hurt.’ Yes, it was only property that was damaged. But people live in that neighborhood, go to that mosque, go to that gym,” she said. “That’s why we’re pressuring CPD about this.”
Police did not answer questions about whether the property damage is related or is being investigated as potential hate crimes.
“The cops have to actually investigate this. They have to do something,” Idriz Redzovic said.
Source:blockclubchicago.org
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https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/09/11/after-lincoln-square-gym-nearby-mosque-shot-at-muslim-chicagoans-fear-targeted-attacks/
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US sanctions Lebanese network over alleged oil, LPG smuggling for Hezbollah
REUTERS
September 11, 2024
WASHINGTON: The Biden administration on Wednesday issued sanctions on a Lebanese network it accused of smuggling oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to help fund the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
The sanctions target three people, five companies and two vessels that the US Treasury Department said were overseen by a senior leader of Hezbollah’s finance team and used profits from illicit LPG shipments to Syria to aid generate revenue for the group.
Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith, in a statement, said Hezbollah “continues to launch rockets into Israel and fuel regional instability, choosing to prioritize funding violence over taking care of the people it claims to care about, including the tens of thousands displaced in southern Lebanon.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2571013/middle-east
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Muslim advocacy group files civil rights complaint against US university
September 11, 2024
The Council on American Islamic Relations advocacy group said yesterday it filed a civil rights complaint on behalf of some students at the University of Georgia alleging differential treatment of people of Palestinian, Arab and Muslim descent, Reuters reports.
The complaint alleges the University of Georgia’s actions violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funds recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, religion and national origin. It was filed with the US Education Department and urges a federal probe into the university.
The council said pro-Palestinian students have been the target of anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and Islamophobic harassment since Israel’s war on Gaza began last year, adding the university did not do enough to prevent the harassment or remedy its effects.
The university said it supports free speech and does not discriminate based on race or religion while also enforcing its rules and holding accountable those who violate policies.
There have been numerous protests in the United States, including on college campuses, against US support for Israel’s war on Gaza, which has been described as a genocide by experts including at the UN.
There has also been Islamophobic rhetoric in some counter protests. Human rights advocates have warned about rising anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate.
Source:middleeastmonitor.com
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https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240911-muslim-advocacy-group-files-civil-rights-complaint-against-us-university/
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Arab World
Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility
NADA HAMEED
September 11, 2024
JEDDAH: Riyadh will host the Global CSR Forum on Oct. 28-29, promoting social responsibility and sustainability worldwide.
The forum aims to share global experiences, encourage discussions, and identify solutions to enhance innovation and competitiveness in the social responsibility sector.
The two-day event will feature more than 100 speakers and experts from across the world. It seeks to deepen understanding of corporate social responsibility and empower sectors to excel locally and internationally.
Mubarak Al-Bogami, director general of the social responsibility department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, said: “The forum is poised to deliver a powerful impact both locally and globally.”
He said: “On the home front, it promises to enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, while on the global stage, it will serve as a vibrant hub for showcasing and sharing best practices in CSR.”
Al-Boqami added: “The core message is clear: The Global CSR Forum is a catalyst for change. It is a space where companies from around the world can connect, share insights, and collaborate to advance social responsibility on a global scale. This collaborative approach not only benefits the environment and communities but also empowers businesses to thrive and achieve their goals.”
The forum’s diverse program will highlight key CSR themes, including the public sector’s role in supporting CSR initiatives, responsible business models, capacity building, and using technology to enhance social and environmental impact. It will also cover principles, standards, best practices for CSR compliance, and share experiences from various sectors.
Al-Boqami said that the forum would contribute to the knowledge economy in social responsibility by sharing the latest advancements and improving best practices.
“It aims to embed a culture of social responsibility across global sectors, share successful experiences, build strategic partnerships, and support individuals in developing specific social responsibility skills.”
He added that the forum would facilitate the exchange of global best practices for Saudi companies.
“Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in global indicators, securing leading positions in many areas. The 2024 Competitiveness Report from the IMD World Competitiveness Center highlights this progress, particularly in social responsibility, where the Kingdom now ranks 16th globally,” Al-Boqami said.
Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives to promote social responsibility, including designating March 23 as Social Responsibility Day, which has gained international recognition for its impact on global efforts.
Al-Boqami said that the forum presented a valuable opportunity to align these efforts by fostering communication and sharing successes and best practices.
He added that with participation from experts across all sectors, the forum would support precise knowledge transfer and the refinement of experiences.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570957/saudi-arabia
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Saudi AI company implements 4-day working week
TAREQ AL-THAQAFI
September 11, 2024
MAKKAH: Lucidya, a Riyadh-based artificial intelligence and customer experience company, has become the first private entity in the Kingdom to implement a four-day working week.
The approach maintains full salaries and does not increase daily working hours. It aims to boost employee well-being, productivity and job satisfaction.
Abdullah Asiri, Lucidya’s CEO, told Arab News that the decision reflected the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and cultivating an exemplary workplace environment.
He said: “At Lucidya we have been embracing unconventional work methods since our inception in 2016.
“We were early adopters of remote working and eliminated traditional time-tracking systems. Our philosophy centers on achievement rather than hours logged. We believe productivity is not constrained by working hours but by individual achievements.”
The decision to transition to a four-day week has led to notable results, he added.
Asiri said: “We have noticed increased enthusiasm and task completion since implementing this system, with no decline in performance.
“We believe a flexible working environment fosters innovation and creativity. Our team deserves full trust and support to achieve even greater successes.”
Asiri stressed that the new work model would not affect client services, adding: “This shift will enhance our commitment to service standards and continuous support.”
The CEO revealed that the decision was facilitated by the company’s existing work culture.
“Our employees already demonstrate a high commitment to achievement, unrestricted by time or location,” he said.
He added that Lucidya’s automated productivity measurement system and focus on output-based performance created a conducive environment for the bold move.
Elaborating on Lucidya’s work philosophy, Asiri said: “We have moved beyond the need for physical presence in the office or adherence to fixed daily hours.
“What matters is the quality and quantity of work delivered, regardless of where it is done.”
Asiri looks to a workplace in which employees are self-aware, aligned with the company’s methodology, and possess a strong sense of belonging.
He said: “In such an environment, everyone becomes proactive, takes initiative, and goes the extra mile for organizational success.”
Asiri said that those who underperformed while working would do so regardless of hours or strict attendance monitoring.
Lucidya, which employs about 150 people and operates in the AI, customer experience, and marketing technology sectors, serves major corporations and government entities across 11 countries.
Asiri shared insights on the company’s transition to a four-day working week and its initial impact, saying: “We began psychological preparation early.”
This transition, initiated in August, started with two departments, following careful observation of team stability and performance metrics.
The new schedule, which gives employees Thursday through to Saturday off, aims to provide extended weekends, especially benefiting those commuting from different cities.
Asiri said employee response had been overwhelmingly positive, and added: “Beyond the obvious elation, we have seen a surge in employee pride. They appreciate the company’s tangible efforts to create an exceptional work environment, not just empty promises.”
Addressing potential performance concerns, Asiri said that while it was too early for definitive conclusions, initial observations were promising.
He added: “We have seen no indicators of performance decline. In fact, we are noticing increased productivity in some employees.”
He attributed this to improved mental well-being, heightened morale, and employees’ appreciation of the trust placed in them.
Transparency remains a priority for Lucidya, and Asiri said: “We commit to publishing a comprehensive public report on this decision’s impact once we have sufficient data.
“When employees feel genuinely comfortable in their workplace, their dedication and output naturally increase.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2571007/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
September 11, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emphasized the need for regional and international cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, particularly in rehabilitating degraded lands and boosting resilience to drought.
Deputy Minister of Environment Mansour Al-Mushaiti highlighted these points at the 26th GCC meeting on environmental affairs in Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Mushaiti urged GCC countries to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation.
He also called for increased support from GCC national development funds for vegetation projects.
Al-Mushaiti said that GCC meetings had advanced environmental efforts and sustainable development in the region.
He stressed the importance of addressing environmental protection, climate change, and balancing development with resource preservation.
Al-Mushaiti expressed the hope that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 in December would significantly impact global efforts to combat land degradation and drought.
He called for active participation from all GCC countries, international and regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570966/saudi-arabia
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Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM
September 11, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday.
A welcoming ceremony was held in the premier’s honor and the two leaders held an official session of talks shortly after.
The leaders chaired a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee, where aspects of joint cooperation between the two nations were reviewed, especially political and security coordination. Opportunities in the fields of trade, energy, investment, culture, and technology were also discussed as well as regional and international developments.
Events such as the Saudi-Chinese Media Entrepreneurs forum, and the Saudi Chinese Media forum have nudged cooperation between the countries even closer.
Initiatives in the field of radio and television, and news exchange were launched, including the joint media business accelerator.
On the cultural front, Prince Mohammed bin Salman award for cultural cooperation between the two countries was launched, in addition to translating over 100 books from Arabic to Chinese and vice versa.
Saudi Arabia will be the guest of honor at the Beijing International Book Fair 2024, while China will be the guest for the Riyadh International Book Fair in 2025.
As the Kingdom seeks to attract over five million Chinese tourists, Saudi Arabia was accredited as an official tourism destination for Chinese citizens. Chinese payment processing companies were also listed as accepted payment methods in the Kingdom.
As Chinese-language instruction begins in the country, the Kingdom received 171 Chinese teachers at Saudi schools in August. Around 100 Saudi teachers were sent to learn Chinese at China’s universities.
While China ranks first among the Kingdom’s business partners since 2014, trade exchange between the two countries reached $97 billion in 2023, where Saudi exports were valued at $54 billion and its imports from China reached $43 billion.
China is one of the biggest investing countries in the Kingdom, where its investments reached $16.8 billion in 2023 compared to $1.5 billion in 2022. Saudi investments in China is at $75 billion.
Saudi Arabia and China are keen on integration between Saudi Vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative, in addition to enhancing bilateral cooperation in all fields.
The Crown Prince’s visit to Beijing in 2019 contributed to solidifying bilateral relations, where 12 agreements and MoUs were signed during that visit.
Saudi-Chinese relations witnessed a leap after establishing a high-level committee, where the two countries take turns in hosting its works.
The committee focuses on cooperation in the fields of politics, security, trade, investment, energy, culture, and technology.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570962/saudi-arabia
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What you should know about photo rules in Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mosque
September 11, 2024
Cairo: As more Muslims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia are flocking to the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, to perform the Umrah or minor pilgrimage, Saudi authorities have emphasised rules for taking photos there.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged worshippers to take photos quickly and without causing inconvenience to others in the place.
Pilgrims are keen to capture their presence in the sacred site, home to the Holy Kaaba, by taking photos or filming via their mobile phones and cherish them as fond memories.
Setting guidelines for the act, the ministry exhorted worshippers, “Take care not to take photos of those performing prayers and pilgrims without their permission.”
They are, moreover, advised against standing for too long while taking the photos and thus hampering the flow of worshippers.
The current season of Umrah, which can be undertaken around the year, got underway in late June after the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage that around 1.8 million Muslims from across the globe attended.
Around 13.5 million performed Umrah last year, according to Saudi figures. The kingdom plans to welcome 15 million Muslims to perform Umrah next year.
Saudi Arabia, Islam’s birthplace, has in recent months introduced a host of facilities for Muslims wishing to come to the country for Umrah.
Authorities have extended the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 and allowed holders to enter the kingdom via all land, air and sea outlets and leave from any airport. Women pilgrims are no longer required to be escorted by male guardians.
Muslims holding different types of entry visas such as the personal, visit and tourism visas are allowed to undertake Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, where the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is located at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina after booking an e-appointment.
Saudi citizens can also apply to invite their friends abroad to visit the kingdom and undertake Umrah.
Source:gulfnews.com
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https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/smart-gates-to-be-installed-in-neom-bay-airport-1.1726062351115
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Pakistan
Polio Worker Among Six Slain InKhyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur And South Waziristan Districts Attacks
Anwarullah Khan | Adam Khan Wazir
September 12, 2024
• Police officers in Bajaur announce boycott of polio campaign in protest
• Three security men martyred in separate attacks in Bajaur and South Waziristan
BAJAUR / SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Six people, including three security personnel, a polio worker and two labourers, lost their lives and 12 others were injured in three separate incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur and South Waziristan districts on Wednesday.
In Bajaur’s Salarzai tehsil, a police officer and a polio worker were shot dead when unknown assailants attacked a polio vaccination team. A second incident in Bajaur’s Mamund tehsil claimed the life of a security official in a roadside blast.
In Lower South Waziristan, gunfire in the Angoor Adda area left a paramilitary soldier and two labourers dead.
The attack on the polio team occurred around midday in the mountainous Mala Said Banda area of Salarzai tehsil on the third day of an ongoing anti-polio campaign. Police and Rescue 1122 officials told Dawn that the team was on foot, administering vaccines to children, when gunmen opened fire, killing a police constable escorting the team and a polio worker on the spot.
Riaz Ahmad Khan, a spokesman for Rescue1122, told Dawn that the victims were identified as Constable Luqman Khan, 33, from Haji Lawang area of Khar tehsil, and polio worker Abu Huraira, 25, from Tali village in Salarzai.
He said their bodies were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar for formalities, and both were laid to rest in their native areas following funeral prayers on Wednesday evening.
In response to the killing of their colleague, police officers in Bajaur announced a boycott of the ongoing anti-polio campaign. The announcement was made in a video clip by scores of policemen late on Wednesday evening.
The 50-second clip, seen by Dawn, shows several policemen gathered at the police line in Khar, announcing their decision to boycott the vaccination drive in protest.
The officers also declared their intention to hold a protest meeting at the police line in Khar on Thursday (today) morning at 9am, urging all personnel to attend. They demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Luqman Khan’s death.
District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafique told reporters that police teams had been dispatched to search for the attackers, who reportedly fled the scene on motorcycles. An investigation was underway, but no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, paying tribute to the martyred officer and polio worker. He described the incident as a cowardly attack on those safeguarding the future of the country’s children and stressed that such assailants deserved no leniency.
Roadside bomb in Bajaur
In a Bajaur incident, a security official was martyred and four others were injured when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Official sources said the explosion occurred in Nimat Khan Kallay at around 11am. The injured soldiers were identified as Naik Waheed, Lance Naik Khan Zeb, Sepoy Gul Jan and Sepoy Mustaqim.
The ISPR did not immediately issue a statement.
Gunfire in South Waziristan
In Lower South Waziristan, an exchange of fire at an FC checkpoint in the Zayooba forest area near the Angoor Adda border left a paramilitary soldier and two labourers dead and eight others injured.
Security sources said crossfire between security forces and unidentified gunmen continued for hours. The incident, which occurred in the Birmal tehsil, marked the third attack in Lower South Waziristan in four days, following a remote-controlled bomb blast near Kari Kot Bazaar and an attack on a police van in Rustam Bazaar, Wana.
The injured were taken to District Headquarters Hospital, Wana.
Deputy Commissioner Nasir Khan and District Health Officer Inayatur Rehman visited the hospital.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1858464/polio-worker-among-six-slain-in-kp-attacks
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5 injured in blast near bank in Turbat, probe launched to identify cause: police
Abdullah Zehri
September 11, 2024
Five people were injured in an explosion near a bank located in the main market of Turbat, Balochistan, according to police.
SHO City Turbat Yasin Baloch told Dawn.com that the injured were taken to Civil Hospital Turbat, adding that all of them “sustained [only] minor injuries and were in stable condition”.
He said that police and a bomb disposal squad had reached the blast site and collected the evidence.
“The initial investigation indicates that the explosion was a caused by a hand grenade,” he said. “However, a probe has been launched [to ascertain facts].”
Balochistan government, in a statement, condemned the incident, with its spokesperson Shahid Rind confirming that the Ministry of Interior has been asked to launch an investigation.
The spokesperson said that medical treatment was being provided to the victims.
The country has lately witnessed a sharp uptick in the number of attacks targeting security forces, other law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and KP.
In August, Balochistan saw 28 terrorist incidents, which resulted in 57 deaths and injuries to another 84 people.
Source:dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1858303/5-injured-in-blast-near-bank-in-turbat-probe-launched-to-identify-cause-police
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Mashreq Pakistan’s new Shariah Board to transform Islamic banking
September 12, 2024
KARACHI - Mashreq Pakistan, a part of Mashreq which is the leading financial institution in the MENA region, has announced the formation of the Shariah Board for its operations in Pakistan. Dr Ahcene Lahsasna has been appointed as chairman Shariah Board, Mufti Muhammad Abdullah as Resident Shariah Board Member and Mufti Imtiaz Alam as Shariah Board Member.
Mashreq’s recent in-principle approval from the State Bank of Pakistan to launch Islamic banking operations, coupled with the appointment of a distinguished Shariah Board mark a significant milestone in its Pakistani market expansion. This move highlights Mashreq Pakistan’s commitment to bringing innovative, agile and tailored financial solutions that are Shariah compliant, addressing Pakistani consumers’ unique needs.
Commenting on these pivotal appointments, Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad, CEO, Mashreq Pakistan, said: “Mashreq’s presence as a progressive international bank and its role as a catalyst for Pakistan’s future growth is steadily gaining momentum. We are poised to offer Islamic banking in the country, aspiring to deliver the best Islamic Banking solutions with an ambition to exceed customers’ expectations. I am delighted to welcome our distinguished Shariah Board members as they join Mashreq Pakistan. They have joined us at a pivotal moment and will play an important role in driving launch, followed by expansion of Mashreq’s Islamic banking services in country. Their expertise in Shariah compliance and Islamic finance will be instrumental in our mission to deliver Shariah-compliant financial solutions.”
Source:nation.com.pk
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https://www.nation.com.pk/12-Sep-2024/mashreq-pakistan-s-new-shariah-board-to-transform-islamic-banking
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Opposition won't support any legislation against Constitution: Fazl
By Nausheen Yusuf
September 11, 2024
As the government continues to woo allied and disgruntled partners before tabling potential judiciary-centric legislation, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has asserted that the incumbent rulers would not be able to gain opposition’s support on law that “contradicts the Constitution of Pakistan”.
During a meeting with former Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani — who called on him at his residence, the veteran politician insisted on remaining part of the opposition. “I am and will remain part of the opposition.”
His remarks came days after the veteran politician apparently lowered his rhetoric against the coalition government led by the PML-N after months after accusing it of coming to power via rigging in the February 8 elections.
Addressing the National Assembly session last week, Fazl had said that they had to accept the present "Form 45 or 47" parliament — reference to the alleged manipulation in the election results — and use it to address all the national issues.
Fazl's statement received scathing criticism from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who termed it an act of legitimising the current regime amid parliamentary cooperation agreement among the two parties.
Sources told Geo News that Muhammad Ali Durrani held a lengthy meeting with him at the former's residence on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.
During the meeting, both politicians discussed ongoing political issues and future course of action, the insiders added. Durrani also took Fazl into confidence over his political interactions.
Speaking on the occasion, the JUI-F chief claimed that the incumbent rulers would not be able to gain support for a legislation “that contradicts the Constitution of Pakistan and democracy.”
Furthermore, he said, the government’s existence and its actions were contradictory to the interests of the people. “Supporting such a government is tantamount to make the people angry.”
“We want to come into power only with the votes of the people of Pakistan,” Fazl said, reiterating that they will not allow anyone to steal their mandate once again.
Durrani, while responding to JUI-F chief’s remarks, said that he was “standing on the right side of history”, adding that Maulana has always remained "faithful" to political traditions and democratic values.
The development came after the incumbent government stepped up its efforts to woo disgruntled ally Fazl as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with him and sought to assuage his concerns earlier this month.
Before the 2024 general elections, Fazl was one of the closest allies of the PML-N and the PPP and headed the multi-party opposition alliance — Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — which successfully ousted the former premier Imran Khan from office via a no-confidence motion in 2022.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1229351-opposition-wont-support-any-legislation-against-constitution-fazl
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IHC fixes hearing of Imran Khan's plea against possible military trial
By Awais Yousafzai
September 11, 2024
ISLAMABAD: The petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has been fixed for hearing on Thursday (today) in which he sought a court order to prevent his potential transfer to military custody for a trial in the May 9 violent protests' cases.
IHC's Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb will hear the incarcerated ex-premier's plea.
The high court fixed the hearing of the PTI founder's despite the IHC's registrar's office raising multiple objections to it.
The PTI founder had filed the plea under Article 199 of the Constitution on September 3 amid speculations about a military trial of the deposed prime minister trial in a military court.
Multiple statements by government high-ups including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also fuelled the speculations.
As ex-PM Khan remains embroiled in various legal cases, Asif had told a private news channel earlier this week that it was becoming clearer day by day that the former prime minister will face a military trial based on "evidence against him".
Speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath in August, the defence czar had also claimed that Khan's trial will be open if it is held in a military court.
However, Asif had ruled out possibility of an "open trial" of military personnel after the former premier called for an open trial of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid who was taken into custody by the military over alleged abuse of power and the Army Act violation last month.
Prior to filing of the PTI chief petition in the IHC, Federal Law Minister Tarar had also signalled that the Punjab government would decide to refer the PTI founder's case to a military court if it found it necessary, The News quoted him as saying in an informal talk with media persons on August 29.
However, Khan's plea was met with objections raised by the IHC registrar's office saying that neither did it mentioned any specific first information report (FIR) nor any documentation or order was attached to the petition and how a petition be filed in a high court while the matter of military trials is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
It is pertinent to note that the apex court in December 2023, in a 5:1 majority verdict suspended its October 23, 2023, order wherein it declared civilians' trials in military courts null and void in connection with the May 9 riots.
The verdict was announced on intra-court appeals filed by the federal and provincial governments and the defence ministry against the top court's verdict announced by then Justice Ijazul Ahsan-led bench earlier that year.
The December 13 order stated that military court trials would be conditioned on the Supreme Court's final verdict on the intra-court pleas.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1229393-ihc-fixes-hearing-of-imran-khans-plea-against-possible-military-trial
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NA speaker sets up body to address house-related issues
By Asif Bashir Chaudhary
September 12, 2024
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, in pursuance of the motion adopted by the lower house of parliament earlier in the day, constituted an 18-member special committee to resolve house-related issues on Wednesday night.
The development came hours after the government and the opposition, in the aftermath of the arrests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers from within the Parliament House premises, unanimously adopted a resolution agreeing to constitute a committee for resolving issues related to the house.
Among others, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Naveed Qamar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Sahibzada Muhammad Hamid Raza, Gohar Ali Khan, Muhammad Akhtar Mengal are part of the special committee.
Equal number of lawmakers from the treasury and the opposition benches has been included in the committee.
According to a circular issued by NA Secretariat, “In pursuance of motion adopted by the National Assembly on 11thh September 2024, under Rule 244(B) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, the honourable speaker, National Assembly has been pleased to constitute a special committee with the following composition and TOR:
The terms of reference of the committee include discussing, analyzing and “firm up recommendations regarding issues related to the parliament, parliamentarians, Constitution, the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the National Assembly, 2007 and smooth functioning of the parliament.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the resolution, tabled by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, called for the constitution of a parliamentary committee comprising members of the National Assembly (MNAs) from both treasury and opposition benches to discuss, analyse and propose recommendations regarding issues related to parliament and its smooth functioning.
The development came as the speaker presided over the lower house's session against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following the arrest of several PTI lawmakers for allegedly violating the newly enacted Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024 about the party's public rally held in Islamabad on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the speaker had also suspended the House's Sergeant at Arms and four other security officials for the security lapse which saw lawmakers being allegedly arrested by the Islamabad police and masked men from within the NA's premises.
Two wrongs do not make a right
Speaking today during the NA session, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq recalled PTI founder Imran Khan's premiership and lamented the denial of production orders by the then-speaker Asad Qaiser.
The PTI government didn't issue production orders for our members during its tenure, Sadiq said.
However, he maintained that "two wrongs did not make a right" and remarked: "I do not agree what your [PTI] government's actions. Not issuing production orders was not the right thing to do then [and] it is not the right thing to do now".
"I will do what is appropriate, what is required and what is necessary for [upholding] the parliament's respect," he added.
The speaker further said that he would try to get to the bottom of what happened.
A committee shall be constituted today so that the work commences from the same day, Sadiq remarked while inviting PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to meet him after the assembly's session is adjourned.
Masked men, police in parliament 'shameful'
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed the arrival of masked persons and the entry of the police into the Parliament House shameful and "a violation of the sanctity of the House".
Speaking on the floor of the lower house today about the issuance of production orders against the arrest of PTI lawmakers, he said: “I have no objection if the speaker issues the production order of the arrested MNAs.”
Asif, while condemning the “lines crossed” by the PTI during its Sunday rally, added that the arrival of the police is a loss of parliament as an institution.
PTI for finding way out for country, democracy's sake
Senior PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan, speaking in the National Assembly, said that a meeting was held with the leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other parties wherein the issuing of the production order was discussed.
He said that the speaker verbally told the inspector general of police that there would be a production order and that he should produce the lawmakers. However, he added that the Islamabad police have not implemented the speaker's order.
"The masked people came inside the Parliament House and this issue was raised yesterday [Tuesday]. The PPP and other parties also agreed with us," the PTI leader said.
He added that the Islamabad IG, upon asking, said that the masked people were not theirs.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that the production orders do not require a written application, hoping they would be issued soon.
"A written request is not required after the speaker's ruling and a production order is our right," the party chief added.
Gohar further told the speaker that they want the Parliament and the political forces to be strong.
Speaking about the rally, Barrister Gohar said that the rally was an excuse and the target was the party members. "We have always stressed negotiations and finding a way out for the sake of the country and democracy.
Parliament attack 'unjustified, highly condemnable'
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai told Speaker Ayaz that he stands with him about the need for ensuring the Parliament’s supremacy and keeping the institutions with their constitutional ambits.
“We are with you in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution, strengthening parliament and keeping every institution within the purview of the Constitution,” he said, during his speech in the NA.
Achakzai added that the developments that unfolded during PTI’s political event do not mandate an attack on the Parliament House.
“It is unacceptable to use Ali Amin Gandapur's words as an excuse to attack parliament,” he said, adding that the attack was unjustified and highly condemnable.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1229510-na-speaker-sets-up-body-to-address-house-related-issues
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Balochistan, Sindh unite against Irsa Act tweaks
Saleem Shahid
September 12, 2024
QUETTA: In a joint stance, the irrigation ministers of Balochistan and Sindh on Wednesday rejected the federal government’s proposed amendments to the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) Act, asserting that any such move would violate 18th constitutional amendment.
The amendments to the law governing inter-provincial water distribution, yet to be tabled by the government in parliament, have created a rift between two key allies — the PML-N and PPP — for the second time since the Feb 8 general elections. Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, Minister for Water Resources Musadik Malik assured the PPP lawmakers that the government “would not push” any legislation if it did not suit a province.
Addressing a joint press conference after an inter-provincial meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Balochistan Irrigation Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani and his Sindh counterpart Jam Khan Shoro said the Sindh Assembly had already rejected the proposed amendments to the Irsa Act through a unanimous resolution and a similar one would also be moved in the Balochistan Assembly.
“The Balochistan Assembly will fully support the stance adopted by the Sindh government on the Irsa amendments issue as it is harmful for both provinces,” Mr Umrani said.
Provincial ministers Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Mir Asim Kurd Gello, Dr Rubaba Buledi and Abdul Majeed Badini were also present at the presser.
They emphasised the need to resolve the water-sharing issue through mutual consultation.
“Under the guidance of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the meeting was convened to discuss the water issues of Sindh and Balochistan,” Mr Umrani said, adding that both provinces share the same position on the Irsa Act.
Jam Khan Shoro said the federal government seeks to impose a new law that violates the 18th Amendment, which is rejected by both Sindh and Balochistan.
He said the Irsa Act was established to ensure fair and equitable water distribution. The law clearly states the provinces have ownership rights over their water resources, but the proposed changes to the law negates the 18th Amendment, erodes provincial autonomy, and violates the Constitution, he added.
Mr Shoro said the Irsa Act stipulated that the chairperson is appointed on a rotational basis from the provinces, but the federal government’s proposal recommends a grade 21-22 officer as chairperson, effectively terminating the Irsa agreement and transferring authority to bureaucrats.
In response to a question, he explained that the Irsa Act establishes a water allocation mechanism for all provinces. He noted that 10 per cent of the water was allocated to the sea to mitigate the effects of seawater intrusion, which has already claimed approximately 2.2 million acres of Sindh’s land.
Committee formed
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti set up a committee to resolve water issues relating to distribution of water between Sindh and Balochistan, as well as payment of outstanding dues pending against the former.
The committee will comprise irrigation secretaries from both provinces and Irsa members. It will draft actionable recommendations based on its final review report in consultation with the irrigation ministers. Irrigation Minister Sadiq Umrani said the water issues between Sindh and Balochistan are joint concerns, and the committee was formed to address them, as well as the matter of dues pending against the Sindh government.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1858449/balochistan-sindh-unite-against-irsa-act-tweaks
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Special team to probe ‘violence’ at PTI’s Sept 8 rally
Munawer Azeem
September 12, 2024
• Two more cases against PTI leaders surface at Sangjani, Ramna police stations
• NA Secretariat asks interior ministry to probe ‘breach’ of parliament
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police have constituted a five-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe a terrorism case registered against the PTI leaders and supporters at the Sangjani police station in light of the Sept 8 public gathering, which was used to ratchet up the crackdown on the former ruling party.
Following the public gathering, the police rounded up several PTI leaders, including its chief Gohar Ali Khan who was released the next day.
However, in a widely denounced move, the plainclothesmen ‘breached’ the Parliament House to round up some PTI men taking shelter inside.
In response to this episode, the National Assembly Secretariat ordered the interior ministry to investigate the arrest of MNAs from the precincts of the Parliament House in violation of the rules and sanctity of the house.
The terrorism case to be probed by the SIT includes the violation of the newly promulgated ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024’ besides other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIR implicated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Amir Mughal, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Khalid Khurshid, Sher Afzal Marwat, Zartaj Gul, Faisal Chaudhry, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Omar Ayub, Naeem Haider Panjutha, Alamgir, Zain Qureshi, Hamid Raza, PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and others.
The PTI leaders are accused of taking the magistrate and the police officials hostage, assaulting them, and also threatening them at gunpoint. The FIR claimed the state officials had arrived on the stage to tell the PTI organisers that the requisite time for the gathering had ended and the continuation of the gathering was in violation of the NOC and the newly promulgated law that regulated gatherings in the federal capital.
The five-member special team includes SSP Investigation Arsalan Shahzaib, also holding the office of SSP Operations, and SP Sadar Khan Zaib, who conducted the operation in which the MNAs were arrested from the Parliament House.
Other members include the Organised Crimes Unit SP, Sangjani SHO, and the investigating officer of the case. The SIT has been directed to investigate the case and arrest the suspects named in the FIR. The head of the special team will submit an updated report every two days to the Islamabad police chief.
In addition to the five already registered cases, two more cases against the PTI leadership at the Sangjani and Ramna police stations surfaced. A case was registered with the Sangjani police on Sept 8, under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with 324, 341, 186, 353, 148, 149 and 506(ii) of the PPC, and Section 8 of Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024. Amir Dogar, Owais, Syed Shah Ahmed, Naseem Ali Shah, and Yousaf Khan were nominated in the FIR along with 60 unidentified persons. According to the FIR, they beat up the police personnel and shot at them, the officials added.
The case at the Ramna police station was registered on September 10 and invoked sections 341, 147, 149, 353, 186, 109 and 506(ii) against 25 people. According to the FIR, the PTI supporters armed with batons, iron rods and stones blocked a road in Sector G-11 when the police produced Sheikh Waqas Akram, Sher Afzal Marwat, Shoaib Shaheen and others in the court in connection with the case registered at the Noon police station. The police arrested at least nine persons while the rest managed to escape, it claimed.
NA seeks probe
Separately, a letter addressed to Interior Secretary retired Capt Mohammad Khurram Agha, written from the office of the secretary general of the National Assembly Secretariat said it had been brought to the notice of the NA speaker purportedly in a serious violation of National Assembly Rules, the precincts of parliament were allegedly breached to arrest certain members of the National Assembly on the night between September 9 and 10, 2024.
“As custodian of the house, the speaker has expressed his grave concern over the alleged violation of the sanctity of the august house,” it added.
In view of the gravity of the matter attached to the above-alleged violation, it has been directed to probe the veracity of the incident and a report in this regard be furnished to the speaker within seven days, positively, it said, adding that moreover, if laxity is found, and appropriate disciplinary action against the delinquents may also be initiated under intimation to this office.
Sources in the police said though the operation to round up the lawmakers from the NA was headed by the senior officials, including the SSP Operations, it was likely that junior officials, such as the DSP and SHOs, would be made scapegoats for the unprecedented action. They said the capital police did not inform the speaker about the hours-long operation or the arrest of the lawmakers on the premises of the house.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1858445/special-team-to-probe-violence-at-ptis-sept-8-rally
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Mideast
Egypt urges robust efforts to bolster Palestinian hopes for self-determination
GOBRAN MOHAMED
September 11, 2024
CAIRO: An Israeli strike on a crowded tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza prompted condemnations on Wednesday from across the region and beyond.
The strike hit Al-Mawasi in the southern Gaza Strip, which Israel had designated as a humanitarian zone early in the war.
Egypt condemned the bombardment in the strongest terms.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates also called for “intensifying efforts to restore hope to the Palestinian people in achieving self-determination and regaining their freedom.”
Al-Mawasi has been turned into the main displacement and refuge area for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who have been ordered by the Israeli military to leave their homes.
The Egyptian statement denounced the “continued Israeli massacres against civilians in the Gaza Strip in the absence of any effective international action to put an end to such human suffering.”
It said Israeli actions “challenge the credibility of all humanitarian standards and values and constitute a violation of the most basic rules of international humanitarian law and human rights.”
It also said Egypt “considers that the continuation of these crimes and the disregard for the lives of innocents and civilians has become a threat to regional and international peace and security and calls on all global stakeholders to shun the policy of double standards and assume their humanitarian and moral responsibilities to halt this human tragedy immediately.”
The statement said Egypt “reminds all parties that putting an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people in a just manner and restoring regional security and stability will not only be achieved by reaching a full ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but also by achieving a just and lasting settlement to this conflict — the sole foundation of which is the two-state solution based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Tor Wennesland, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process since 2021, also condemned the strike, saying international humanitarian law “must be upheld at all times.”
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Hamas meets with mediators in Doha over Gaza truce
AFP
September 11, 2024
DOHA: A Hamas delegation met Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Doha on Wednesday to discuss a truce in Gaza and a potential hostage and prisoner exchange, the militant group said in a statement.
Hamas said its lead negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya met with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
The Palestinian group said they had discussed “developments concerning the Palestinian cause and the aggression on the Gaza Strip” without indicating that talks had resulted in a breakthrough.
Months of behind-the-scenes negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have failed to secure a halt to the fighting between Hamas and Israel, with the exception of a one-week truce beginning in late November.
During the sole pause in the now 11-month war, 105 hostages were released to Israel in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners under the deal struck by mediators.
Recent rounds of mediation held in Doha and Cairo have been based on a framework laid out in May by US President Joe Biden and a “bridging proposal” presented to the parties in August.
The Hamas statement reiterated its “readiness for the immediate implementation of the ceasefire agreement based on President Biden’s declaration.”
Pressure for a deal has intensified after Israeli authorities announced the deaths of six hostages at the start of September when their bodies were recovered from a Gaza tunnel.
But in the face of the external calls for an agreement, both Israel and Hamas have publicly signalled deeper entrenchment in their negotiating positions.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down in his calls for Israeli control of the so-called Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border — a key sticking point in negotiations — saying it was necessary to stop Hamas from rearming
Last week, Egypt and then Qatar rejected the charge that the border was being used to arm Hamas, accusing Netanyahu of trying to distract Israeli public opinion and obstruct a ceasefire deal.
In the statement on Wednesday, Hamas also restated its demand for Israel’s withdrawal from “all Gaza territories.”
The militant group also claimed it had not placed any further demands on negotiators and at the same time was “rejecting any new conditions to this agreement from any party.”
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Iran’s president calls for creation of Islamic coalition to root out Israeli terrorism
By IFP Media Wire
September 11, 2024
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged the formation of a joint union among the world’s Muslim states, describing their unity as crucial to confronting “Zionist terrorism".
The Iranian president made the remarks during a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Abdul Latif Rashid in the Arab country’s capital Baghdad on Wednesday.
Pezeshkian urged investment of endeavor towards elimination of borders among Muslim countries in a move comparable to the one that led to formation of the European Union.
“Unity among Muslim countries serves as the key and secret to rooting out Zionist terrorism” besides helping neutralize sanctions against the countries, Pezeshkian said.
He also pointed to the historic and time-honored nature of Iran-Iraq relations, hoping for further expansion of the standing financial and economic agreements between the countries and their cooperation on development of regional security and stability.
The president laid emphasis on the need for further attention towards additional enrichment of the countries’ bilateral and regional cooperation.
In the same context, he called for establishment of expert committees that could work on enhancement of the states’ political, economic, cultural, and social ties.
Pezeshkian is in Iraq on his first state visit since inauguration as the Islamic Republic’s chief executive in late July.
For his part, Rashid welcomed Pezeshkian to the Arab country and honored the memory of Iran’s former President Ebrahim Raisi and former foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died in a helicopter crash in the northwestern part of the Islamic Republic in May.
He also welcomed conclusion of more agreements and cooperation documents between the countries, and stressed the need for investment of efforts towards de-dollarization in financial exchanges.
He condemned violation of the Islamic Republic’s territorial sovereignty during the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, former Political Bureau chief of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. Haniyeh, who was in Tehran to attend the inaugurating of President Pezeshkian, was martyred in the Iranian capital in late July during a targeted killing operation.
Rashid also denounced the Israeli regime’s ongoing massacre of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank.
Pezeshkian also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and is slated to partake in a joint meeting of the Iranian delegation accompanying him with ranking Iraqi officials.
Source:ifpnews.com
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Key Highlights from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's Remarks During the Joint Press Conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on His Visit to Iraq
Baghdad-INA
September 11, 2024
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Wednesday, that progress has been made in the railway connection with Iran, while pointing to the success in controlling the situation on the border.
The Prime Minister said in a speech during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during his visit to Iraq, which was attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency (INA):that “The Islamic Republic of Iran has faced a significant turning point with the tragic loss of the martyr President Ebrahim Raisi and his colleagues. We reaffirm our support for President Pezeshkian as he assumes his responsibilities.
Iraqi-Iranian relations are distinguished by their deep historical, religious, cultural, and mutual interests, reflecting a long-standing and strong bond between the two neighboring Muslim peoples.
This historical relationship can translate into the highest levels of cooperation and partnership, working together to face current challenges and support regional stability.
The shared economic file is a crucial gateway to fulfilling the aspirations of both our peoples. In two meetings, we discussed mechanisms to advance this vital file.
Our discussions focused on the strategic bilateral partnership across multiple fields, which serves as a key pillar in supporting the plans of both governments and is essential for economic integration.
We confirmed our efforts to enhance transportation links and logistical connectivity between the two countries. We have made progress on the Basra-Shalamcheh railway connection, which will facilitate the movement of citizens, especially during religious pilgrimages.
We also explored the importance of activating freight transport links, particularly with our major project, the "Iraq Development Road."
Discussions covered the Khanaqin-Munthiriya-Baghdad road project, and we are working on preparing the border crossing for this important strategic route.
We focused on the border industrial zones, which are being developed in three provinces: Wasit, near the city of Gassan, Maysan, and Basra. Additionally, we allocated 2,000 dunams in Zurbatiyah for an economic city.
We discussed the role of Iranian companies, particularly those with expertise in executing major infrastructure projects.
Iraq's government supports expanding Iranian economic cooperation with regional countries, as expanded partnerships will positively impact regional stability.
Today, we signed 14 memorandums of understanding in various fields. Along with previously signed agreements, they form a promising roadmap for strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries.
We thank our brothers in the Islamic Republic for their role in facilitating the gas purchase agreement with Turkmenistan.
We also appreciate their support in providing gas to power Iraq's electricity plants, despite the challenges caused by unjust sanctions on payments.
We discussed the threat to regional stability posed by the Zionist aggression in Gaza, which has surpassed legal and ethical boundaries amidst the international community's failure to act, and the continued genocide against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories.
Our joint stance on this aggression remains clear and firm, and we have consistently opposed the expansion of the conflict and the violation of national sovereignty. The international community must fulfill its legal and ethical obligations.
We addressed security cooperation, reiterating our principled and constitutional stance that strictly prohibits any group from carrying out acts of aggression, armed operations, or cross-border threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
We agreed on managing security, especially in the border areas, and the bilateral security committee continues its work.
There is ongoing communication between security agencies to secure the borders and prevent all forms of smuggling that harm internal security in both countries.
This official visit is significant and represents a driving force for the growing bilateral relationship, supported by the strong and sincere will of both leaderships to further cooperation and integration.
Source:ina.iq
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UN Guterres says 6 colleagues killed in Israel strike on Gaza school
September 12, 2024
Gaza: An Israeli air strike hit a school in central Gaza on Wednesday, with the Hamas-run territory’s civil defense agency reporting that 18 people were killed, including UN staffers, and the military saying it had targeted militants.
The Al-Jawni school in Nuseirat, already hit several times during the war, was struck again on Wednesday, killing 18 people, including two members of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said Gaza’s civil defense agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal.
UNRWA gave the higher figure of six staffers killed at the Nuseirat school-turned-shelter, calling it the highest death toll among its team in a single incident.
“This school has been hit five times since the war began. It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children,” the UN agency separately posted on X. “No one is safe in Gaza.”
UN chief Antonio Guterres deplored the killings, which he also said included six UNRWA colleagues.
“What’s happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable,” he wrote on social media platform X.
“These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now.”
Gaza’s civil defense agency said at least 18 other people were wounded in the school bombing.
AFP could not independently verify the toll, which the agency said included several women and children.
Israel’s military said its air force had “conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command-and-control center” on the grounds of Al-Jawni, without elaborating on the outcome or the identities of those targeted.
“Most of the people took refuge in schools and the schools were bombed,” said Basil Amarneh from Gaza’s Al-Aqsa hospital, where children were arriving in the arms of medics.
“Where will people go?“
The vast majority of the Gaza Strip’s 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, with many seeking safety in schools.
Israeli forces have struck several such schools in recent months, saying Palestinian militants were operating there and hiding among displaced civilians — charges denied by Hamas.
In July, at least 16 people were killed in an air strike on the Al-Jawni facility that Israel said had targeted “terrorists.”
Israel’s military offensive since the war began on October 7 has killed at least 41,084 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. The UN rights office says most of the dead are women and children.
The October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which also includes hostages killed in captivity.
Israel’s military meanwhile reported the deaths of two soldiers late Tuesday when an army helicopter crashed in the area of Gaza’s southern city of Rafah.
The military announced on Wednesday that the helicopter had crashed while landing and that another eight soldiers were injured.
The aircraft had been on a “life-saving operation” to evacuate a wounded soldier when it crashed, Major General Tomer Bar said in a statement.
“An investigative committee has been appointed to investigate the details of the crash,” he said, and called it an “operational accident.”
The latest deaths bring the Israeli military’s losses in the Gaza campaign to 344 since its ground offensive began on October 27.
Source:arabnews.com
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Turkish-American activist’s family awaits body for burial
September 12, 2024
AFP
DIDIM, Turkiye: The family of a Turkish-American activist killed during a protest in the occupied West Bank is expecting to bury her in Turkiye, her uncle told AFP on Wednesday.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot dead last week while demonstrating against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank town of Beita.
The United Nations rights office has accused Israeli forces of having shot Eygi, 26, in the head.
The Israeli army has acknowledged opening fire in the area and said it was looking into the case.
Her family is still waiting for Eygi’s body to arrive and is hoping to bury her in the southwestern town of Didim on Friday.
“It’s sad but it’s also a source of pride for Didim,” Eygi’s uncle Ali Tikkim, 67, told AFP.
“It’s important that a young girl, martyred and sensitive to the world is buried here.”
Eygi was a frequent visitor to the Aegean seaside resort.
“It’s likely that the funeral will take place on Friday but nothing is certain,” said Tikkim, who said he believed her body was still in Israel.
“Israel asked for an autopsy” but Eygi’s parents refused and have “hired a lawyer” to inform Israeli authorities, Tikkim said.
The US embassy in Turkiye’s capital Ankara said it was “following the case” but refused to comment.
Tikkim said that Eygi’s mother, who lives in Seattle on the US west coast, arrived in Didim on Wednesday and that her father was on his way.
The family wanted Eygi to be buried in Didim, where her grandfather lives and her grandmother has been laid to rest, said Tikkim.
“Aysenur was here about two weeks ago. She came here twice a year when she could, to swim and visit her family,” he said.
“Then she told us she was going to Jordan. She went to Palestine for humanitarian reasons.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to ensure “that Aysenur Ezgi’s death does not go unpunished.”
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday called for Israel to provide “full accountability” for Eygi’s death.
Source:arabnews.com
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US military says it destroyed 5 Houthi drones and 2 missile systems
SAEED AL-BATATI
September 11, 2024
AL-MUKALLA: The US military said on Wednesday that it had destroyed several Houthi drones and missile systems that were threatening international shipping lanes off Yemen as the Houthis reported that US and UK warplanes had struck an area under their control in the southern province of Taiz.
The US Central Command said that over the last 24 hours, its forces destroyed five Houthi drones and two missile systems in Houthi-controlled Yemeni areas that “presented a clear and imminent” threat to international and US and allies’ ships in the region.
The Houthis reported on Wednesday new strikes on Taiz for the second day in a row, with two airstrikes by US and UK aircraft on unidentified targets in the province’s Al-Kamp region.
Since Sunday, Houthi media has reported daily airstrikes by the two nations on Hodeidah, Ibb, and other Yemeni locations.
The Houthis said on Tuesday that two students were killed and at least 10 were injured in a stampede at a school in Al-Janad, Taiz province, caused by large explosions from a location targeted by US and UK warplanes.
In response to the Houthi attacks on ships that began in November, the US formed a coalition of marine task forces to protect ships, designated the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization, and launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including military bases where drones and missiles were being assembled and coastal areas where drone boats were being prepared to attack ships.
The Houthis claim that their campaign, which has targeted over 100 commercial and naval ships over the last 10 months, is intended to force Israel to end its war in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
This comes as Yemen’s Minister of Information Muammar Al-Eryani has reiterated his calls for tougher international action to punish the Houthis for abducting dozens of Yemenis with international organizations as well as the militia’s violations of human rights.
During the last three months, the Houthis have abducted at least 70 Yemenis working for UN agencies, international aid and humanitarian organizations, and foreign missions in Yemen, accusing them of using their positions with those organizations to spy for the US and Israel.
In a lengthy post on X on Tuesday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Houthi abduction of workers, the Yemeni minister blamed the international community’s inaction for the escalating Houthi crackdown on civil and humanitarian society in Yemen, noting that the world had long “turned a blind eye” to the Houthis’ violations that preceded their latest crackdown.
“The terrorist Houthi militia considered the hesitant international positions a green light to escalate its repressive measures against international and humanitarian organizations operating in the areas under its control, and the local employees working there, without any regard for the disastrous effects of these practices on the difficult economic and humanitarian conditions in the areas under its control,” Al-Eryani said.
He also reiterated his government’s call for international organizations, including UN agencies, to relocate offices to Aden, the country’s interim capital, to protect workers from Houthi repression.
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Africa
Flights grounded at Kenya's main airport as workers protest against Adani deal
September 12, 2024
Passengers using Kenyan's main international Airport are stranded following a demonstration on Wednesday by workers against a planned deal between the government and a foreign investor.
Planes have remained grounded since the demonstration.
The government has said that the build-and-operate agreement with India's Adani Group would see the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport renovated, and an additional runway and terminal constructed, in exchange for the group running the airport for 30 years.
Kenya Airport Workers Union, in announcing the strike, said that the deal would lead to job losses and “inferior terms and conditions of service” for those who will remain.
Kenya Airways announced on Wednesday that there would be flight delays and possible cancellations because of the ongoing strike at the airport, which serves Nairobi.
Last week, airport workers had threatened to go on strike, but the plans were called off pending discussions with the government.
The spotting of unknown people moving around with airport officials taking notes and photographs raised concerns that the Indian firm officials were readying for the deal, local media outlets reported last week.
The High Court on Monday temporarily halted the implementation of the deal until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.
Source: africanews.com
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Algeria election results are being questioned by the opposition candidates and the president himself
September 12, 2024
Algerians expected an uneventful election that would bestow President Abdelmadjid Tebboune a second term. Instead, they got the president himself calling into question the vote count and legal challenges from his opponents alleging fraud.
Such a surprising turn of events marks a departure for Algeria, where elections have historically been carefully choreographed by the ruling elite and military apparatus that backs it.
The country’s constitutional court has until next week to rule on the appeals from Tebboune’s two opponents. But it’s anyone’s guess how questions about the election will be resolved, whether tallies will be re-tabulated and what it means for Tebboune’s efforts to project an image of legitimacy and popular support.
WHAT’S THE CONFUSION?
Algeria’s National Independent Election Authority, or ANIE, published figures throughout election day showing a low turnout. By 5 p.m. on Saturday, the reported turnout in Algeria was 26.5 percent — far fewer than had voted by that time in the election five years ago. After unexplained delays, it said “provisional average turnout” by 8 p.m. had spiked to 48 percent.
But the next day, it reported that only 5.6 million out of nearly 24 million voters had cast ballots — nowhere near 48 percent.
It said 94.7 percent voted to re-elect Tebboune. His two challengers — Abdelali Hassani Cherif of the Movement of Society for Peace and Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front — won a dismal 3.2 percent and 2.2 percent of the vote, respectively.
Cherif, Aouchiche and their campaigns subsequently questioned how results were reported and alleged foul play including pressure placed on poll workers and proxy voting.
None of that surprised observers.
But later, Tebboune’s campaign joined with his opponents in releasing a shared statement rebuking ANIE for “inaccuracies, contradictions, ambiguities and inconsistencies,” legitimizing questions about the president’s win and aligning him with popular anger that his challengers had drummed up.
Cherif and Aouchiche filed appeals at Algeria’s constitutional court on Tuesday after their campaigns further rebuked the election as “a masquerade.”
WHY IS VOTER TURNOUT CLOSELY WATCHED IN ALGERIA’S ELECTION?
Turnout is notoriously low in Algeria, where activists consider voting tantamount to endorsing a corrupt, military-led system rather than something that can usher in meaningful change.
Urging Algerians to participate in the election was a campaign theme for Tebboune as well as his challengers. That’s largely due to the legacy of the pro-democracy “Hirak” protests that led to the ouster of Tebboune’s predecessor.
After an interim government that year hurriedly scheduled elections in December 2019, protesters boycotted them, calling them rigged and saying they were a way for the ruling elite to handpick a leader and avoid the deeper changes demanded.
Tebboune, seen as the military’s preferred candidate, won with 58 percent of the vote. But more than 60 percent of the country’s 24 million voters abstained and his victory was greeted with fresh rounds of protests.
His supporters had hoped for a high turnout victory this year would project Tebboune’s popular support and put distance between Algeria and the political crisis that toppled his predecessor. It appears that gambit failed after only 5.6 million out of 24 million voters participated.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HIRAK PROTESTS?
In 2019, millions of Algerians flooded the streets for pro-democracy protests that became known as the “Hirak” (which means movement in Arabic).
Protesters were outraged after 81-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced plans to run for a fifth term. He had rarely been seen since a 2013 stroke left him paralyzed. The Hirak was jubilant but unsatisfied when Bouteflika resigned and top businessmen were charged with corruption. Protesters never coalesced around leaders or a new vision for Algeria, but called for deeper reforms to foster genuine democracy and remove from power members of what Algerians simply call “the power” — the elites from business, politics and the military thought to run the country.
Hirak protesters rejectedTebboune as a member of the old guard and interpreted most of his earlyovertures as empty gestures meant to placate them.
Before, during and after Tebboune’s election, protests continued. Then, COVID-19 hit and they were outlawed. Authorities continued to repress freedom of expression and imprison journalists and activists made famous by the pro-democracy movement, though protests restarted in 2021.
Figures from the Hirak denounced the 2024 election as a rubber stamp exercise to entrench Algeria’s status quo and called for another round of boycotts to express a deep lacking of faith in the system. Many said the high abstention rate in Saturday’s election proved Algerians were still aligned with their criticisms of the system.
“Algerians don’t give a damn about this bogus election,” said former Hirak leader Hakim Addad, who was banned from participating in politics three years ago. “The political crisis will persist as long as the regime remains in place. The Hirak has spoken.”
WHAT DOES TEBBOUNE QUESTIONING THE RESULTS MEAN?
Nobody knows. Few believe the challenges could lead to Tebboune’s victory being overturned.
Op-ed columnists and political analysts in Algeria have condemned ANIE, the independent election authority established in 2019, and its president Mohamed Charfi, for bungling elections that the government hoped would project its own legitimacy in the face of its detractors.
Hasni Abidi, an Algeria analyst at the Geneva-based Center for Studies and Research on the Arab World and Mediterranean, called it “a mess within the regime and the elite” and said it dealt a blow to both the credibility of institutions in Algeria and Tebboune’s victory.
Some argue his willingness to join opponents and criticize an election that he won suggest infighting among the elite thought to control Algeria.
“The reality is that this remains a more fragmented, less coherent political system than it ever has been or than people have ever assumed,” said Riccardo Fabiani, International Crisis Group’s North Africa director.
WHAT ARE THE STAKES?
Though Tebboune will likely emerge the winner, the election will reflect the depth of support for his political and economic policies five years after the pro-democracy movement toppled his predecessor.
Algeria is Africa’s largest country by area. 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.
Thanks to oil and gas revenue, the country is relatively wealthy compared to its neighbors, yet large segments of the population have in recent years decried increases in the cost of living and routine shortages of staples including cooking oil and, in some regions, water.
The country is a linchpin to regional stability, often acting as a power broker and counterterrorism ally to western nations as neighboring countries — including Libya, Niger and Mali — are convulsed by violence, coups and revolution.
It’s a major energy supplier, especially to European countries trying to wean themselves off Russian gas and maintains deep, albeit contentious, ties with France, the colonial power that ruled it for more than a century until 1962.
The country spends twice as much on defense as any other in Africa and is the world’s third largest importer of Russian weapons after India and China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s Arms Transfers Database.
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IGP Issues Fresh Order Ahead Of Edo Governorship Election
12 September 2024
By Richard Ogunsile
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has declared a ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) from engaging in the forthcoming governorship election.
Naija News reports that all eligible electorates are expected to troop out en mass on September 21 to exercise their civic rights by electing another leader to take on the affairs of the state.
During a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin on Wednesday, the IGP asserted that the duty of ensuring the safety of voters and election materials will be exclusively assigned to the police, with assistance from other national security agencies.
Egbetokun underscored that neither private nor state-affiliated security organizations could function during and after the election period.
The IGP announced that a total of 35,000 police officers would be deployed for the election, complemented by an additional 8,000 personnel from various national security agencies.
He also indicated that security aides assigned to VIPs would be withdrawn while outlining the different election-related offences and cautioning that individuals found in violation would face legal consequences.
“All local security groups in Edo State should refrain from participating in the election. The activities of the Edo State Security Network are suspended and will remain so,” Egbetokun said.
Egbetokun affirmed that the police would uphold the Electoral Act and other pertinent regulations to guarantee a tranquil electoral atmosphere.
The Inspector General of Police cautioned against any form of disorderly conduct or violence, asserting that individuals found in possession of weapons during the election would be subject to criminal prosecution.
During the event, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, declared that the commission would retrieve unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from all 18 local government areas in preparation for the upcoming election.
Prof. Yakubu clarified that these PVCs would be securely held at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) until the election’s conclusion, ensuring that Edo voters’ preferences are accurately reflected.
He reiterated that Edo State has a total of 2,629,025 registered voters and, to enhance transparency, INEC has made digital copies of the voter register available to all political parties participating in the election. Furthermore, he mentioned that INEC would soon publish a comprehensive report detailing the PVCs collected for each of the 4,519 polling units within the state.
Prof. Yakubu underscored the collaborative essence of the electoral process, emphasizing that while INEC has a vital role, the overall success of the election relies on the joint efforts of all stakeholders involved.
He noted the significant global attention on the 2024 Edo governorship election, revealing that 134 organizations (124 domestic and ten international) have been accredited to send 1,836 observers throughout the state.
Additionally, he announced that political parties would sign a Peace Accord on Thursday, urging them to uphold their commitments and adhere to the terms of the Accord to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Source:naijanews.com
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House Of Representatives Postpones Resumption Of Annual Recess
12 September 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The House of Representatives has postponed its annual recess, originally set to begin on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The new resumption date is now scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Hon. Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, announced the delay in a statement to Parliamentary Correspondents on Wednesday.
He explained that the postponement was made to accommodate the inauguration of the new board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and the formation of the Joint Senate/House Ad-hoc Committees on the Petroleum Industry investigation.
The decision to reschedule was communicated to members through an internal memo from the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., following directives from the House Leadership.
He said, “During the recess, Honourable Members engaged extensively in constituency outreach across the country, addressing critical issues of concern to constituents, and deepening oversight of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), in accordance with functions spelt out in the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and the House Standing Orders.
“Upon reconvening, the leadership of the House will inaugurate the new board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and the Joint Senate/House Ad-hoc Committees on the Petroleum Industry Investigation on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
“Further details regarding these activities will be announced during plenary on the day of resumption.
“As the 10th Assembly resumes, it will continue to drive its Legislative Agenda, focusing on impactful reforms aimed at national development and fulfilling its mandate to the Nigerian people.”
Source:naijanews.com
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The UN Security Council extends sanctions on Sudan until September 2025
September 12, 2024
The United Nations Security Council adopted a draft resolution on Wednesday that extends the sanctions on Sudan until September 2025.
"Renewing the sanctions measures will restrict the movement of arms into Darfur and sanction individuals and entities contributing to, or complicit in, destabilizing activities of Sudan. All of this is critical to helping end the escalating conflict, alleviate humanitarian catastrophe and put Sudan back on the path to stability and security. The United States remains committed to the Sudanese people and will continue to work closely with Sudan," said Robert A. Wood, Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, United States
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a draft resolution today (11 Sep), extending the Sudan sanctions regime, including targeted sanctions such as asset freezes, travel bans, and an arms embargo, until 12 September 2025. The resolution is a technical rollover of measures previously renewed by resolution 2676 in March 2023.
Sudan's representative, Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed said, “there's irrefutable evidence that this war that we are experiencing is a result of the support of the UAE for militias that are committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur."
To which the United Arab Emirates representative, Mohamed Abushahab answered, “I am compelled to participate in this meeting to respond to the baseless allegations made earlier this morning by the Sudanese representative," he added, "his claims are utterly false and are a cynical attempt to deflect attention from the failings of The Sudanese Armed Forces."
Source:africanews.com
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Libya’s factions progress in central bank crisis talks, says UN Libya mission
September 12, 2024
CAIRO: Libya’s rival factions made progress on talks over the central bank crisis and will continue discussions on Thursday to reach a final agreement, the UN Libya mission said on Wednesday, in a bid to defuse a crisis that has slashed oil output and exports.
“The participants of the two (legislative) chambers made progress in agreeing on the general principles governing the interim period leading to the appointment of a new governor and board of directors for the Central Bank,” the United Nations Libya mission (UNSMIL) said in a statement.
The meeting hosted by UNSMIL featured representatives from the Benghazi-based House of Representatives, the High Council of State and the Presidential Council, which are both based in Tripoli.
The standoff began last month when western Libyan factions moved to oust a veteran central bank governor, prompting eastern factions to declare a shutdown to all oil output.
Although Libya’s two legislative bodies said last week they agreed to jointly appoint a central bank governor within 30 days, the situation remains fluid and uncertain.
Libyan oil exports fell around 81 percent
last week, Kpler data showed on Wednesday, as the National Oil Corporation canceled cargoes amid a crisis over control of Libya’s central bank and oil revenue.
Source:arabnews.com
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South Asia
Kabul University Hosts Inaugural Seminar on AI Applications in Medicine and Research
2024-09-11
KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Higher Education has announced the successful conclusion of the first seminar on the application of artificial intelligence in medicine and research at Kabul University of Medical Sciences.
According to a report from the Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Erisan Qazaqistani conducted the seminar, titled “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Research,” aimed at enhancing students’ understanding and capacity in AI technologies. The seminar was held for students of the Faculty of Public Health at Kabul University of Medical Sciences.
During the seminar, Dr. Erisan provided insights on how artificial intelligence can be utilized at various stages of research and offered practical training on its applications.
Dr. Mufti Asadullah Najat, Acting President of Kabul University of Medical Sciences, also spoke about the significance of public health and emphasized the importance of AI training for students in advancing their educational and professional development.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Ministry of Education Reports Enrolling Over 1.4 Million Students and Establishing 210 New Schools
2024-09-11
KABUL(BNA) During a program outlining the annual achievements of the Emirati institutions, officials from the Ministry of Education presented their one-year progress report at a press conference today at the Government Media Center.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Islamic Education, Mawlawi Karamatullah Akhundzada, revealed that last year, approximately 1,445,840 new students were enrolled in both public and private schools across Afghanistan. Additionally, 210 new schools were established nationwide, of which 106 are public and 104 are private institutions.
Furthermore, he noted that a total of 16,188,939 textbooks, covering grades one to twelve, were printed and distributed to provinces and schools throughout the country.
Akhundzada also highlighted that, for the first time, a standardized examinations board was established within the Ministry of Education, which has commenced its activities. Moreover, a question bank for grades four, five, and six has been prepared, and efforts are currently underway to develop standardized questions for other grades.
The Deputy Minister added that, in total, 152 public and private primary and middle schools were upgraded to secondary school status, while 119 public and private middle schools were elevated to high schools.
Additionally, he stated that 123 schools and 159 community-based classes were dedicated to educating nomadic children last year, with 41,824 students currently enrolled.
Akhundzada further mentioned that over the past year, educational opportunities have been provided for 484 children with disabilities in 18 provinces through special education centers. In addition, in 19 provinces, educational materials and facilities have been made available to 3,844 disabled students.
In response to a question, Ministry of Education officials emphasized that efforts have also begun to improve the quality of education in community-based classes across the country. These efforts aim to enhance teaching standards and reduce unnecessary expenses.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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UN appeals for $603 million in winter aid for Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
September 11, 2024
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has called for $603 million to support critical winter preparations in Afghanistan.
The funds are needed to address urgent needs as winter approaches.
OCHA has highlighted 171 districts as high-priority and 277 as medium-priority areas for aid. They stressed that $104 million is needed immediately to stockpile supplies before winter arrives, ensuring that help can reach affected areas on time.
The UN reported that nearly 24 million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian aid. Despite the growing demands, the agency faces a major funding shortfall, with only about 25 percent of the required budget currently secured.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis, Afghanistan is grappling with a severe economic downturn marked by widespread poverty and high unemployment.
The forced deportation of Afghan refugees exacerbates these issues, compounding the country’s dire situation. The lack of sufficient aid and economic stability threatens to deepen the crisis, leaving millions more at risk as the harsh winter approaches.
Source:khaama.com
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Pezeshkian urges Islamic Union, border removal during Iraq visit amid Afghanistan wall construction
By Fidel Rahmati
September 12, 2024
Iranian President has called for the formation of an Islamic Union and the removal of borders between Islamic countries, similar to the European Union, during his visit to Iraq.
Masoud Pezeshkian had promised during his election campaign to close Iran’s borders with Afghanistan fully. However, in a meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, he proposed removing borders between Islamic countries, highlighting their historical ties.
The Iranian President emphasized the need for a joint Islamic Union to boost unity among Islamic countries and mitigate sanctions on Iran. He suggested that Islamic nations adopt the European Union’s model by removing borders for enhanced cooperation.
During his election campaign, Pezeshkian had asserted that he would close Iran’s border with Afghanistan entirely, citing the need to protect Iran from external influences and manage migration.
Pezeshkian criticized Western countries’ previous policies in Afghanistan, stating that Iranians should not bear the costs of others’ mistakes, referring to Western involvement in Afghanistan.
Pezeshkian outlined plans to organize Afghan migrants in Iran and negotiate with European countries for the resettlement of some Afghan refugees, ensuring a structured approach.
While acknowledging the significant role and sacrifices of Afghan migrants in Iran, Pezeshkian emphasized the need for effective management and organization of these migrant communities.
On Tuesday, the Chief Commander of Iran’s Police announced plans to expel nearly two million unauthorized foreign nationals from Iran by the end of the year.
The Iranian President’s proposals for an Islamic Union and border removal echo a vision for greater unity and cooperation among Islamic nations, aiming to reduce sanctions and foster regional integration.
Source:khaama.com
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Mullah Hassan, Turkmen leader emphasize enhancing bilateral cooperation
September 12, 2024
K ABUL: The Islamic Emir ate Prime Minister Mul lah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and his accompanying delegation, during their visit to Turkmenistan for the inauguration of the historic TAPI project, met with that country’s national leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Arg said in a statement Wednesday. In the meeting, both sides emphasized the expansion of bilateral relations, and the importance of implementing major developmental and regional projects between the two countries, the statement said. Addressing the inauguration and commencement ceremony of the TAPI and other developmental projects related to oil, gas, energy, and transportation, in Salim Cheshma, Mari region of Turkmenistan, the Prime Minister said: “Today is the day that we have been waiting for many years, and after passing through difficulties and hardships, the opening of the big projects was realized.” Referring to the inauguration of the significant economic projects, he said that the launching of the project represents the good intentions and wise policy of the national leader of Turkmenistan and other officials of that country. The projects will increase the friendship between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and will bring many benefits to the nations of the two countries. The Kabul Times
Source:thekabultimes.com
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Southeast Asia
Malaysian police resuce 400 minors from Islamic Charity over abuse allegations
By Fidel Rahmati
September 12, 2024
Malaysian police reported that over 400 children and teenagers, victims of sexual abuse, were rescued on Wednesday from the facilities of a charity operated by an Islamic commercial organization.
The police also announced the arrest of 171 individuals, including religious teachers associated with the children. The arrests were part of a coordinated operation across 20 buildings in two Malaysian cities.
Inspector General of Malaysian Police, Razarudin Hussein, stated that the operation took place on Wednesday, September 11. Among the rescued children were 201 boys and 201 girls, ranging in age from one to 17 years old.
These children were residing in charity facilities controlled by the Global Services and Trade Organization of Ikhwan, a Malaysian organization involved in various industries including shops and laundries across Indonesia, Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia, and Thailand.
According to Reuters, the organization is linked to the al-Qalam Islamic sect, which has been banned in Malaysia since 1994. The Global Services and Trade Organization of Ikhwan has confirmed its connection to the sect.
Malaysian police revealed that the rescued children were the offspring of the organization’s employees and were placed in the facilities shortly after birth. The police acted on reports of abuse and sexual exploitation in these facilities received earlier this month.
Initial investigations indicate that the children were first sexually abused by their caretakers and then coerced into abusing other children in the facilities. The police also reported that some children who disobeyed their caretakers were burned with hot spoons on their backs and arms.
The troubling revelations about Ikhwan’s Global Services and Trade Organization highlight serious ethical and legal concerns. The organization’s use of children for exploitation, combined with its controversial practices, underscores the need for continued scrutiny and reform.
Source:khaama.com
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11 Indonesian Workers Abducted in Myanmar: Union
September 12, 2024
Jakarta. At least 11 Indonesian migrant workers from Sukabumi, West Java, have been trafficked into Myanmar for forced labor after initially traveling to Thailand for jobs, according to the local workers’ union on Thursday.
The workers entered Thailand with entry visas but were later transferred to Myanmar against their will by their employers, said Jejen Nurjanah, chairwoman of the Sukabumi branch of the Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Union (SBMI).
"It’s clear they are victims of a human trafficking syndicate. They were promised administrative jobs with high salaries in a Thai company," Jejen said.
She added that the workers are being held in a conflict zone in Myanmar, making repatriation efforts difficult.
"The Indonesian embassy has no authority to intervene in the conflict-ridden region, and the situation is dangerous because rebel groups control the area," she explained, citing a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Videos showing the Indonesian workers being held at an undisclosed location in Myanmar have surfaced on social media in recent days.
Dania Ramadhan, 23, said his uncle is one of the victims, but little is known about his condition.
"He initially worked in Thailand but was later moved to Myanmar. We don’t have any details about his current job," Dania said. "We hope the government can help bring these workers home soon."
Source:jakartaglobe.id
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PAS orders Youth wing to engage non-Muslims, win back trust
Hariz Mohd & N Faizal Ghazali
Sep 11, 2024
PAS started beating the war drums tonight towards capturing Putrajaya by ordering its youth wing to get closer to non-Muslim voters and win back their trust.
Speaking at the launch of PAS Youth’s muktamar in Temerloh, Pahang, party deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told delegates to admit they cannot depend only on Malay votes to form the federal government.
According to him, non-Muslims shunned PAS due to...
Source:malaysiakini.com
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‘We decide what is best for our nation’, says PM Anwar as Malaysia maintains Russia ties and good relations globally
12 Sep 2024
LAHAD DATU, Sept 12 — As a sovereign and independent nation, Malaysia has the right to determine what is best for itself and its people, including how it establishes diplomatic ties with other countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
As such, he said that no party should attempt to put pressure on the country in that aspect as Malaysia aims to maintain good relations with all countries.
The Prime Minister, who recently returned from a working visit to Russia, also said that his meeting with President Vladimir Putin was aimed at strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s relationship with Moscow and encouraging Russia to increase its import of palm oil from Malaysia.
“On my meeting with President Putin, some people questioned why Malaysia would seek to improve relations with Russia, and what America or Europe might think.
“We are a free and independent country, we decide what is best for our nation.
“We should maintain good relations with all countries, but no country should try to pressure us,” he said while launching the ‘Segalanya Felda’ Carnival here today.
Anwar said that countries such as India, China, Egypt, and the Netherlands are among the major importers of Malaysia’s palm oil and that he is working to ensure these countries increase their imports of this commodity.
“We are now asking Russia to increase its imports, which is why we are establishing relations with them. China has agreed to increase its import of palm oil.
“When I met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he also said that India will increase palm oil imports (from Malaysia),” he said.
The Prime Minister said that his visits to these countries also aimed to boost trade and promote Malaysia’s tourism sector and popular destinations such as Sabah, Sarawak, Langkawi, and Penang, which are deemed to be among the places with the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
“This is also to attract tourists from Russia, as Malaysia currently records only about 100,000 Russian tourist arrivals compared to Turkiye which records between five to 10 million tourist arrivals annually,” he said. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Zahid: Umno-Pakatan cooperation key to preserving unity govt in Sabah state polls
12 Sep 2024
SHANGHAI, Sept 12 — Umno has decided to collaborate with Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the next Sabah state election, said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said this decision, jointly finalised by both central and Sabah Umno, is seen as the best approach to strengthen the administration of the unity government.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said both central and Sabah Umno have also agreed for Sabah BN to follow the cooperation formula practised at the federal level.
“Other parties are also welcome to collaborate with us, and we hope no party in Sabah will claim that this is a ‘party from Malaya’ or that national-level parties should not enter Sabah.
“We are a democratic country, and there should be no distinction between local parties and those from Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, no statements should be made that could cause offence, even if that party intends to once again assume the post of Sabah Chief Minister,” he told Malaysian media on the last day of his working visit to China here today.
Yesterday, it was reported that Sabah BN and Umno will hold discussions to refine the party’s cooperation with PH at the state level in preparation for the state election.
When asked about cooperation with Parti Warisan (Warisan), Ahmad Zahid explained that the party is part of the unity government, and there should not be any issue regarding a lack of collaboration with them.
“Warisan is indeed part of the unity government, but in Sabah, they are the opposition. We hope no party makes statements rejecting parties from the Peninsula,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Previously, Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal urged the people of Sabah to support multi-ethnic local parties in the next state election.
Commenting on cooperation for the 16th General Election (GE16), Ahmad Zahid said Umno would evaluate the matter, taking into account the results of the Sabah state election.
“We will resolve the situation in Sabah first, and if this template is successful, we will certainly consider implementing it at the GE16 level.
“The synergy between BN and PH has proven to be very good, including with the support of Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and independent Members of Parliament,” he added. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Avoid firing at non-Muslims when aiming at DAP, says PAS Youth leader
Sep 12, 2024
PAS MUKTAMAR | Kelantan PAS Youth vice-chief Mohd Firdaus Nawi warned delegates to be more careful when aiming at DAP.
He said spraying fire risks hurting non-Muslims whom PAS wants to preach to.
"Don't fire buckshot to the point that our non-Muslim targets...
Source:malaysiakini.com
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Selangor Islamic body probes GISBH links to Al-Arqam after police raids on 18 premises
12 Sep 2024
SHAH ALAM, Sept 12 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) is closely monitoring activities linked to Global Ikhwan Services & Business Holdings (GISBH) due to their association with the controversial Al-Arqam and Rufaqa’ groups, said JAIS director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad.
Shahzihan said the department remains vigilant in addressing any deviations from true Islamic teachings in Selangor.
“We have not revoked the 2013 fatwa regarding the beliefs and practices of Al-Arqam and Rufaqa’. Our stance remains firm,” he said in a statement today.
JAIS has also scrutinised 19 videos uploaded by the Pusat Kajian Ajaran Sesat (PUKAS) on social media, as part of efforts to strengthen their ongoing investigations. Shahzihan added that these reviews are aimed at gathering further evidence and statements from individuals involved to support their inquiry.
He also confirmed that recent raids by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) on 18 premises associated with GISBH in September were conducted with the involvement of JAIS.
“Following the raids, we have requested that all items seized relating to the beliefs and practices of GISBH be handed over to us for further investigation under the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (Selangor) 1995,” Shahzihan said.
Among the raided premises were two JAIS-registered Islamic schools: Sekolah Rendah Islam Integrasi Miftahul Hikmah, registered since January 2015, and Maahad Tahfiz Wal Ulum Al-Ghazaly, registered in November 2014.
Shahzihan assured that thorough inspections had been conducted at these schools over the past two years, and no evidence of deviation from JAIS’s syllabus was found.
“Our monitoring has shown no signs of deviation at these schools. However, we are continuing to ensure compliance with Islamic teachings,” he said.
JAIS is also overseeing eight other schools suspected of being affiliated with GISBH. Of these, two have voluntarily ceased operations, two have expired registrations, and one had its registration revoked.
Shahzihan emphasised that JAIS will take appropriate action against any schools found to be violating the Islamic Schools Control Enactment 1988.
“We will not hesitate to take necessary action where required, following the findings by PDRM,” he added.
Further developments on the investigation will be shared in due course, Shahzihan said.
Source:malaymail.com
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/gyanvapi-mosque-hindu-asi-masjid/d/133184